Abstract: An escapement mechanism including a dual-forked lever having a pivot suitable for movement of the lever between a first pivot limit and a second pivot limit, and at least two rounded follower elements spaced from the pivot and at a predetermined distance from each other. At least one of the follower elements is mounted on each fork of the lever and each follower element lacks a locking face. At least one escape wheel has an outer periphery defining at least a first plurality of cam elements suitable to slidably contact and drive the rounded follower elements, and each cam element lacks a locking surface where contact is made with the follower elements.

Abstract: An escapement mechanism including a dual-forked lever having a pivot suitable for movement of the lever between a first pivot limit and a second pivot limit, and at least two rounded follower elements spaced from the pivot and at a predetermined distance from each other. At least one of the follower elements is mounted on each fork of the lever and each follower element lacks a locking face. At least one escape wheel has an outer periphery defining at least a first plurality of cam elements suitable to slidably contact and drive the rounded follower elements, and each cam element lacks a locking surface where contact is made with the follower elements.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.

Abstract: A medical sponge and method of constructing and using thereof is provided. The medical sponge includes a first layer constructed from a biocompatible absorption material. A second layer is positioned abutting the first layer, the second layer constructed from a non-toxic, biocompatible deflection material. A bonding element is connected to the first layer and the second layer, wherein the bonding element adheres the first layer and the second layer together.

Abstract: A multilayer medical sponge resists damage from medical tools such as spinning drill bits and medical lasers while remaining compliant and producible in small sizes. The multilayer medical sponge includes an absorbent layer and a resistant layer. The resistant layer may include a drill-resistant material, a laser-reflective material, both types of materials, or a single material that provides both drill-resistant and laser-reflective characteristics.