Abstract: A chuck device includes a socket, a ball, a first ring, an elastic element, a sleeve, a second ring and a spindle. The socket includes a first chamber defined therein. The first chamber includes a number of slots for receiving the corners. The socket includes a hole defined therein in communication with one of the corner-receiving slots. The ball is received in the hole for engagement with the recess defined in one of the corners of the miniature tool bit. The first ring is formed around the socket. The elastic element is mounted on the socket so as to be compressed between the ring and the annular rib, thus biasing the sleeve. The sleeve includes an annular groove defined in and an annular rib formed on an internal surface thereof. The sleeve is mounted on the socket. The second ring is connected with the sleeve for engagement with the first ring, thus retaining the sleeve on the socket. The spindle is connected with the socket.

Abstract: A drill has a drive unit having a spindle rotatable about an axis and having an axially forwardly directed front end formed centered on the axis with an axially forwardly open polygonal-section socket dimensioned to fit with a standard-size bit shank, a chuck body mounted on the spindle, rotatable about the axis at the front end, and having an axially forwardly open tool recess, and a plurality of jaws displaceable in the body to grip a bit in the recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball-lock insert assembly adapted to be mounted axially in a mount opening formed in a holder plate having a desired thickness. The ball-lock insert assembly comprises an insert body having an axis and an elongated interior recess extending at an angle relative to this axis. The elongated interior recess is configured to house a resiliently-biased engagement member. The invention also provides retainer assemblies that include ball-lock assemblies, as well as methods of producing retainer assemblies, which methods include providing ball-lock assemblies.

Abstract: A tool-bit holder for receiving a tool-bit that automatically captures the tool-bit as it is inserted into the holder with a quick release mechanism to prevent axial withdrawal of the tool-bit from the holder. The tool-bit includes a shank portion with a circumferential groove. The tool-bit holder also includes a hub having a longitudinal bore for receiving the shank and a radial bore partially housing a detent ball used to capture the tool-bit shank at its circumferential groove within the tool-bit holder. A sleeve is axially slidably mounted relative to the hub and has a radial bore in communication with the radial bore of the hub for reception of the detent ball. The sleeve is axially biased by a spring and forces the detent ball against and along an inner ramp face fixed relative to the hub. The inner ramp face forces the detent ball radially inwardly and through the radial bore to seat in the circumferential groove of the tool-bit shank.

Abstract: A drill chuck has a body formed with an axially forwardly open tool recess and holding a plurality of tool-gripping jaws. A socket formed with an axially forwardly open polygonal-section seat is nonrotatable in a seat of the chuck body and axially displaceable in the chuck body into and out of a tool-releasing position. A latch is radially displaceable in the socket in the tool-releasing position of the socket between an inner retaining position projecting radially into the seat and an outer freeing position clear of the seat and projecting radially into the pocket. The latch is aligned radially with the pocket only in the tool-releasing position. The chuck body engages the latch and forces it into the inner retaining position.

Abstract: A two-way quick connector for connecting a power drill to a working tool having a working end and a shank end having a circumferential groove. The connector having a drive shaft with a polygonal-shaped chuck end to be received by the chuck of a power drill, and a cylindrically-shaped opposite end having an axial bore for receiving the shank end of the working tool. The connector further having a ball detent and a two-piece slidable sleeve mounted on the drive shaft, which sleeve may be manipulated in either of two directions to manipulate the ball detent into the circumferential groove of the working tool.

Abstract: A power drivable chuck 30 includes a body 72 which is formed with a shank-receiving opening 34 having a triangular cross section. A spring 104 is located about a forward section 78 of the body 72, and is captured within a chamber 102 between a base surface 98 of a sleeve 76 and a forward surface 100 of an intermediate section 80 of the body. A ball 90 is located in a passage 86 formed through the body 72 from an exterior surface 96 to the opening 34. A pair of slots 106 and 108 are also formed in the body in communication, and aligned, with the passage 86 on opposite sides of the passage. The ball 90 is formed with a through hole 112 and receives a pin 114 therein, with opposite ends of the pin extending from the ball and into respective ones of the slots 106 and 108. The spring 104 engages and normally urges the opposite ends of the pin 114 against the base surface 98 of the sleeve 76 normally to extend a portion 90a of the ball 90 into the opening 34 for locking a shank 42 within the opening.

Abstract: A wedging clamp assembly is provided for retaining a saw blade. A housing defining a vertical cavity therein is included in the assembly. The cavity includes a top end and a bottom end tapered with respect to the top end. Extending through a bottom end of the housing is a saw blade passageway included in the bottom end of the cavity. Disposed inside the cavity is a saw blade retention mechanism. A piston is further disposed within the cavity. The saw blade retention mechanism is configured for lockingly retaining a saw blade upon insertion into the passageway, thus, causing the piston to be biased against the bottom end of the cavity. At least one locking element is further included in the saw blade retention mechanism, and such locking element is disposed in the cavity for engaging the bottom tapered end. A wedging clamping force exerted by the at least one locking element is applied to the saw blade, and such force renders the saw blade immobile relative to the housing.

Abstract: A holder for holding a tool bit having an elongated connector means with a first end and a second end. The elongated connector means has a central longitudinal hole, of a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of a mounting portion of the tool bit, at the first end, and a tool mount at the second end, and where the elongated connector means has a first circumferential groove adjacent the second end and a second circumferential groove adjacent the first end. A first sleeve is arranged to reciprocally slide over the connector between a first end position and a second end position, where the first sleeve has a third end facing the tool bit and a fourth end facing the hand tool.

Abstract: A chuck 30,232 includes a pair of jaws 178,304,306 which are located within an axial opening 114,246 of a body 106,234 for receipt of a shank of a bit therein. A roller 186,238 is located in a slot 134,272 of the body 106,234 and can be pressed into the shank of the bit to clamp the shank between the jaws 178,304,306 and the roller. A sleeve 196,240 is biased and structured to normally urge the roller 186,238 into the shank-pressing position, and is movable relative to the body 106,234 to facilitate removal of the shank from the chuck 30,232.

Abstract: A power drivable chuck 30 includes a body 72 which is formed with a shank-receiving opening 34 having a triangular cross section. A spring 104 is located about a forward section 78 of the body 72, and is captured within a chamber 102 between a base surface 98 of a sleeve 76 and a forward surface 100 of an intermediate section 80 of the body. A ball 90 is located in a passage 86 formed through the body 72 from an exterior surface 96 to the opening 34. A pair of slots 106 and 108 are also formed in the body in communication, and aligned, with the passage 86 on opposite sides of the passage. The ball 90 is formed with a through hole 112 and receives a pin 114 therein, with opposite ends of the pin extending from the ball and into respective ones of the slots 106 and 108. The spring 104 engages and normally urges the opposite ends of the pin 114 against the base surface 98 of the sleeve 76 normally to extend a portion 90a of the ball 90 into the opening 34 for locking a shank 42 within the opening.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a chuck assembly of the type having a chuck hub with a longitudinally extending bore therein the longitudinally extending bore having a closed end, an open end, and a radially extending bit bore in communication with the longitudinally extending bore, and a bit ball movable in the ball bore between a first retracted position out of the longitudinally extending bore and a second engaged position partially in the longitudinally extending bore. The inventive improvement includes a shuttle slidably disposed in the longitudinally extending bore. The shuttle has a first longitudinally extending portion having a first lateral dimension and a second longitudinally extending portion having a second, smaller lateral dimension. The shuttle is movable longitudinally between a first release position and a second lock position.

Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws reciprocally disposed in the body in communication with a central bore in the body. A first detent extends radially into the central bore and is releasable in a radially outward direction. Upon insertion of an elongated tool shaft having a polygonal cross section into the bore so that a groove in the tool shaft is aligned with the first detent, the first detent engages the groove and axially retains the tool shaft. Upon movement of the jaws so that the jaw faces engage flat sides of the tool shaft, the jaws rotationally retain the tool shaft.

Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.

Abstract: A chuck device for a tool of the type having a bit on an end thereof and a drill on the other end thereof includes a spindle with a stub formed on an end thereof, a tube including a first section mounted around the stub of the spindle and a second section, a sliding sleeve slidably mounted around the tube, and a ball partially received in a transverse countersink in the second section of the tube. A first elastic member is mounted around the tube and attached between an outer shoulder of the tube and an inner shoulder of the sliding sleeve. A second elastic member includes a first end received in the stub and a second end in the tube. When the chuck device is in a condition not receiving the tool, the ball is moved out of the longitudinal hole of the tube and partially located in the annular groove of the sliding sleeve under the action of the second elastic member, and the first elastic member is in a compressed status.

Abstract: A chuck 30, 232 includes a pair of jaws 178, 304, 306 which are located within an axial opening 114, 246 of a body 106, 234 for receipt of a shank of a bit therein. A roller 186, 238 is located in a slot 134, 272 of the body 106, 234 and can be pressed into the shank of the bit to clamp the shank between the jaws 178, 304, 306 and the roller. A sleeve 196, 240 is biased and structured to normally urge the roller 186, 238 into the shank-pressing position, and is movable relative to the body 106, 234 to facilitate removal of the shank from the chuck 30, 232.

Abstract: A holder having a quick-connect mechanism actuated by inserting a single- or double-ended tool bit, the tool bit engaging means to force deflection of retaining means, where the retaining means actuate means for engaging the tool bit, and released by manual operation of the retaining means, whereby the tool bit is pushed out from the holder so that the user can operate the tool bit holder using one hand only.

Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.

Abstract: A holder for holding a tool, having an elongated housing, including a longitudinal hole having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of a mounting portion of the tool bit. The housing further has at least one radial hole running from an outside surface of the connector to the longitudinal hole. The radial hole contains a substantially spherical locking means movably arranged in the radial hole. The means cooperates with a circumferential groove in the tool bit to lock the tool bit in place when the tool bit is fully inserted into the holder. A sleeve is arranged to reciprocally slide over the first connector between two end positions. The sleeve is biased towards the tool by a first biasing means, and the sleeve has a step arranged on the inside of the sleeve, which step blocks the locking means when a tool is fully inserted into the longitudinal hole. A plunger is arranged to reciprocally slide inside the longitudinal hole, being pressed by a second biasing means towards the tool.

Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.

Abstract: A saw blade clamp (1) comprises a body (3) defining a channel (13) for a saw blade (11), a retaining member (17), biasing means (19) for continuously urging the retaining member (17) towards the channel (13) to abut a saw blade (11) in use in the channel (13), and a release device (30) separate from the retaining member (17) and the biasing means (19). When activated the release device (30) acts on the retaining member (17) to move the retaining member (17) away from the channel (13) to allow a saw blade (11) to be entered into or removed from the channel (13).

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a motor which rotates a tubular shaft about an axis. The shaft drives an implement and has an aperture which contains a ball. When the implement is installed, the ball extends through the aperture to engage the implement and lock it in. The tool has an actuation sleeve which is axially movable between locked and released positions for engaging and disengaging the ball to the implement. The actuation sleeve has an axial slot and a safety sleeve located radially outward from the actuation sleeve. The safety sleeve has a pin which extends radially inward and a cylinder extending radially outward. The cylinder contains a ball which is biased inward. The outer surface of the tool has a pair of detents for receiving the ball. The safety sleeve has locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, the pin is aligned with the slot and the ball engages the first detent to permit the actuation sleeve to move between the locked and released positions.

Abstract: A power tool with a quick release tool holder has a spindle with a central bore to receive a tool, a first aperture and second aperture extend into the central bore. A ball is in each of the first apertures. The ball locks the tool against axial movement. An elongated roller is in each of the second apertures. The roller prohibits rotation of the tool within the spindle. A first sleeve is fixed with the spindle. The first sleeve maintains the rollers in the apertures. A biasing member axially biases the rollers. A second sleeve is circumferentially positioned about the spindle and axially movable on the spindle. The second sleeve has a surface in contact with the balls. Also, a biasing member is provided to provide a force on the second sleeve such that the sleeve is moved against the force of the spring to enable insertion or removal of the tool.

Abstract: A quick release chuck device has a body member defining an axially extending bore for receipt of a tool shank. At least a portion of the bore is defined by a plurality of radially compressible and axially extending gripping segments. The gripping segments are equally spaced and defined by axial slots extending from a front face of the body member. At least two axially extending and aligned recesses are defined on each of the gripping segments. An operating member is coaxial with and surrounds at least the gripping segments of the body member. The operating member defines a varying radial width channel with the recesses formed on the outside of the gripping segments. The operating member is axially movable relative to the body member. Actuating elements, such as balls, are disposed within the varying radial width channels.

Abstract: In a saber saw machine having a device for chucking the saw blade a locking device is provided which firmly holds a chucking tube relative to a reciprocating rod in the release position for the saw blade, and which by the insertion of the saw blade into the device releases the chucking tube again.

Abstract: A quick-change chuck device has a body member having an internal recess defined therein. An inner sleeve member is fitted into this recess and is axially movable relative to the body member. The inner sleeve has an internal bore defined therethrough which is concentric with the recess. An axial spring mechanism biases the inner sleeve member axially away from the body member. An axial movement locking device is configured with the inner sleeve member to allow a tool shank to slide into the internal bore of the inner sleeve when the sleeve is moved axially towards the body member and to axially lock the tool shank within the internal bore when the inner sleeve member is biased by the spring mechanism away from the body member. A rotational movement locking device is configured within the recess of the body member. The rotational movement locking device defines a bore aligned with the internal bore of the inner sleeve member for receiving the tool shank passing through the inner sleeve member.

Abstract: A chuck device having a one-step lock and release mechanism for conveniently coupling a power bit to a drill having a Jacobs-style chuck. The chuck device includes a body having a centrally-positioned bore which is adapted to receive the power bit shank. The power bit shank includes a circumferentially-extending groove which is positioned inside the bore. The body has an inclined cam channel which includes an aperture for communicating with the bore. The body further includes a longitudinally-extending slot communicating with the inclined cam channel. A detent ball is disposed within the inclined cam channel for partial penetration through the aperture for engaging the circumferentially-extending groove of the power bit shank. A spring having an end encircles the body where the end is slidably positioned within the slot for biasing the detent ball rearwardly along the inclined cam channel during the unlocking and withdraw of a power bit from the chuck device.

Abstract: A keyless drill chuck apparatus includes a tubular body having a longitudinal bore that includes first and second bore sections. The first bore section is of a smaller diameter and is closer to the proximal end portion of the drill, that end portion that is connected to a tool driver, motor or the like. The second bore section is larger diameter portion that is opened ended. A pair of bearing supports are positioned at the two bore sections. Each of the bearing holders carriers a plurality of conically-shaped bearing members. During use, a drill bit can be placed in either of the bore sections and into engagement with one of the selected sets of bearing. During use, different diameter drill bits and thus be placed as desired in the smaller or larger bore section and into engagement with the first or second set of bearing. Scalloped portions of the tool body adjacent each of the bores are provided in a corresponding number to the number of bearings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a saw-blade provided with an opening to a carrier which is connected to a drive device to make a reciprocating movement, wherein the device comprises: a wall extending in the direction of movement which is suitable for contact with a side of the saw-blade; a mounting body which is rotatable opposite the wall around a shaft extending perpendicularly of the direction of movement and parallel to the wall and which is provided with a protrusion which is movable into the opening arranged in the saw-blade; and urging means for urging the mounting body to a mounting position wherein the protrusion extends into the opening arranged in the saw-blade. Mounting takes place because via the sphere the saw-blade generates a moment in clockwise direction relative to the shaft. This moment is counteracted by a moment that is generated by the friction between the actuating rod and the contact surface.

Abstract: An improved punch retainer is disclosed in which a backing plate extends over a relatively large surface area to dissipate force from a punch. A punch retainer body and the tacking plate are permanently connected to each other and include passages which are finally ground after the two have been permanently connected. With this arrangement, it is ensured that passages within the backing plate and retainer body are all properly aligned during formation of the punch retainer. Since the backing plate dissipates force over a relatively large surface area, the punch retainer may be used in heavier applications than prior art punch retainers. A spring passage may be closed off by a seal received in the backing plate, allowing the use of standard springs. In a method according to the present invention, a dowel passage in the backing plate is finally ground such that it is centered on the center line of the punch within the retainer.

Abstract: A fret-saw machine comprises a base unit having a table on which a workpiece to be cut is placed, a frame member disposed in the base unit and secured to the table, an arm member having one end portion secured to the frame member and another end portion disposed above the table, a blade holder assembly having first and second slide holder units and first and second blade holder units, the first slide holder unit and the first blade holder units being disposed in the base unit and secured to the frame member and the second slide holder unit and the second blade holder unit being secured to another end portion of the arm member, blade supported at its both ends by the first and second blade holder units and a drive unit supported in the base unit by the frame member and connected to the first slide holder unit to drive the blade. The blade holder unit has a blade nipping member for firmly nipping the blade.

Abstract: An improved punch retainer is disclosed in which a backing plate extends over a relatively large surface area to dissipate force from a punch. A punch retainer body and the backing plate are permanently connected to each other and include passages which are finally ground after the two have been permanently connected. With this arrangement, it is ensured that passages within the backing plate and retainer body are all properly aligned during formation of the punch retainer. Since the backing plate dissipates force over a relatively large surface area, the punch retainer may be used in heavier applications than prior art punch retainers. A spring passage may be closed off by a seal received in the backing plate, allowing the use of standard springs. In a method according to the present invention, a dowel passage in the backing plate is finally ground such that it is centered on the center line of the punch within the retainer.

Abstract: An improved punch retainer is disclosed in which a backing plate extends over a relatively large surface area to dissipate force from a punch. A punch retainer body and the backing plate are permanently connected to each other and include passages which are finally ground after the two have been permanently connected. With this arrangement, it is ensured that passages within the backing plate and retainer body are all properly aligned during formation of the punch retainer. Since the backing plate dissipates force over a relatively large surface area, the punch retainer may be used in heavier applications than prior art punch retainers. A spring passage is closed off by a seal received in the backing plate, allowing the use of standard springs.

Abstract: The invention provides a bolt or stud mounting and extracting tool having a tool body with a stud receiving recess therein that includes a longitudinal axis which is parallel during operation with the stud that is being removed. The recess has an oval interior which is smoothly contoured internally. The recess is free from multiple diverging pockets separated from one another by centrally projecting shoulders, making it easy to manufacture. The oval interior of the tool is elongated transversely on a lateral axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The recess has a concave stud-engaging contact surface at one end of the lateral axis that engages an extended portion of the stud and a second concave roller-engaging surface at the other end of the lateral axis to engage a gripping roll aligned with the stud in the recess. The roll-engaging surface is contoured to force the gripping roll against the stud when the tool is rotated about the stud. The recess is closed at one end.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement, especially for the clamping or gripping engagement of dental implements, consisting of a receiving sleeve which is rotatably supported in a handpiece and is connected with a rotary drive, which includes at least one rod-shaped elongated clamping element exerting a radially inwardly directed pressure against the shaft of the implement which is inserted into the receiving sleeve because of contact against an inclined track oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping arrangement. The handpiece can pertain to a straight handpiece or to an angled handpiece (elbow) with an angled headpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a punch removal system in which the punch is pulled free of the retainer block without the removal of the stripper plate. The punch end is larger than the punch shank and has an access hole in vertical alignment with an access hole in the retainer block.

Abstract: The power tool has a magnetic base with superposed permanent magnet assemblies. The upper assembly can be moved relative to the lower assembly to subtract from or reinforce the magnetic field. When the sensing probe is pushed into the base the electric motor can be switched on to rotate a spindle on which a rotary cutting tool is axially mounted. The tool feed is controlled by a handle which can be mounted on either side of the tool housing. A coolant reservoir on the base has a hose connected to a pump which is connected to a manifold supplying coolant to the center of the cutting tool. The cutting tool is biased upwardly and pinches off the coolant when the tool is raised from the work. The tubular tool shank is retained on the drive spindle by balls carried by a cage and moved into engagement with a groove in the tool shank by a cam surface on a release collar spring biased to move the balls to engage the tool.

Abstract: The device for guiding and locking the coupling of the connector includes a guidance column 3 having a locking notch 5 cooperating with a cylindrical roller 6 urged by a leaf spring 7 borne by a sliding member 8.

Abstract: A clamp for a reciprocatory tool blade is disclosed having a spring loaded roller constrained in an inclined blade accommodating cavity which so effectively forces the roller into clamping relation against a tool blade shank that no special blade shank configuration is required and manual shift of the roller against the spring load provides for ready removal of the tool blade.

Abstract: A mounting chuck for attachment to a drill having a rotatable collar on a main chuck portion. The main chuck portion includes a cavity receiving therein a tool mount having a tool removably secured therein at either or both ends thereof. The mount conforms to the cavity and the collar encircles both the cavity and the mount to selectively either retain the mount in fixed position on the chuck portion or allow the mount to be removed therefrom. The chuck portion includes a hollow axially extending chamber so that one of the tools on the mount may extend into the chamber while the other tool on the mount extends out from the chuck portion in an operative position. In this manner, the tools on the mount may differ and either tool may be quickly and easily selected.

Abstract: A handle for swivelling tools, aperture means within the handle for receiving the stock swivelling of the tool, and internal retaining means for retaining said tool within said handle. A preferred embodiment of the invention enables the insertion or removal of the tool only when the tool is rotated relative to the handle in a first direction. When the tool is used for its tool purposes it swivels or rotates in the second direction and accordingly is retained within the handle.

Abstract: A holder for a blade of a saber saw unit, wherein the blade is of the type provided with a pair of opposed side marginal edges and a notch in at least one side marginal edge near the rear end of the blade. The holder includes a support having a slot for receiving the blade and projecting means shiftably mounted on the support near one side margin of the slot for movement across the same and into the notch of the blade when the blade is in the slot to releasably hold the blade in the slot. Bias means holds the projection means in an operative position in the notch of the blade in the slot. A number of embodiments of the holder are disclosed.

Abstract: An axially movable sleeve is retained in a bore in the nose portion of a portable rotary tool housing. The sleeve is disposed around a spindle and holds captive a ball key disposed in the spindle which releasably retains a screw driver bit or the like in the spindle bore or socket. The sleeve is releasably retained in the housing bore by a spring retainer whereby the bit as well as the retainer sleeve may be quickly removed and replaced by axial displacement of the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick release drill chuck for surgical and dental instruments, particularly high speed drills powered by rotary air motors, is disclosed. The chuck engages the shafts of drills or burs and is actuated without the use of additional tools while providing a self-locking feature to insure against inadvertent loosening of the chuck.

Abstract: A punch and retainer assembly wherein the punch has a flattened surface at the upper end of the side wall thereof and a radially inwardly extending recess directly below the flattened side wall portion. The punch retainer includes a vertically movable latch adapted to engage within the recess on the shank of the punch and retain the punch within the retainer block. Means are provided for limiting vertical movement of the latch so that the punch can be inserted into the retainer only when the flattened surface thereof is aligned parallel with the pivot axis of the latch.

Abstract: Chuck for a gear reduction surgical rotary driver. There is provided for a controlled speed surgical driver an automatically releasable chuck for grasping tools of a very small diameter such as the wire used in bone pinning. In a driver having a conventional high-speed drive motor and speed reduction means, there is provided a frustro conical ramp, of generally circular cross section, and diverging outwardly toward the working end of the tool. A wire carrier is arranged for longitudinal sliding movement in the end of said tool and having a portion thereof projecting beyond said tool. Said wire carrier receives the wire centrally therethrough and carries three gripping devices which act between the wire and said ramp. Two of said gripping devices are preferably of ball shape and the third thereof is of generally disk shape with a rounded periphery whereby to project between said balls and engage a wire or other tool of small diameter.

Abstract: A wire driving assembly for use as a surgical instrument engages a wire in rotating driving relation through a retainer which includes a passageway therethrough for passage of the wire. Cooperating with the retainer is a body member, the latter including a bore in which the retainer is received. Driving connection between the retainer and the wire is achieved by a tapered interior bore of the body member and cooperating engaging elements received in sets of apertures located along the length of the retainer and radially thereof. Each set of apertures is of a different diameter, the diameter of the set at the forward end of the retainer being the largest. Spherical elements are positioned in the apertures and move radially inwardly to a wire engaging position and radially outwardly to a wire releasing position.