Abstract: A delivery system includes a first instrument having an outer sleeve defining a passageway. The first instrument includes an inner sleeve having a first end disposed in the passageway and a second end including a first mating element. The inner sleeve defines a channel. A second instrument includes a hollow shaft disposed in the channel and a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle includes a body and a second mating element extending from the body. The second mating element is configured to engage the first mating element to secure the second instrument to the first instrument. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic riveting gun and a method of operating same are disclosed, the automatic riveting gun includes a gun body including a rivet cavity, a front cavity, and a main cavity; a rivet clamping assembly is disposed on the gun body adjacent to the rivet cavity; a front-dynamic structure is movably disposed in the rivet cavity and the front cavity and a main-dynamic structure is movably disposed in the front cavity and the main cavity. The front-dynamic structure includes a claw sleeve. A claw mechanism is movably disposed in the main-dynamic structure. A front elastic element provides an elastic force to the claw mechanism and a main elastic element provides an elastic force to the main-dynamic structure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a first member engageable with a first end of a fastener having a second end configured to penetrate tissue. A second member includes an expandable member configured for engaging the first end. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer. The system is configured for implantation through a small percutaneous incision employing minimally invasive techniques.

Abstract: Spinal rod approximator for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant and inserting closure mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including a body with gripping branches, inserter shaft, threaded collar, and outer sleeve.

Abstract: A bone screw driving system includes a screw having a head and a shaft extending from the head. The screw includes a stepped opening extending in the shaft that includes a first portion and a second portion having a greater cross-sectional dimension than the first portion. The bone screw driving system further includes a screw driver having a driver shaft that defines a tip configured to engage the screw head. The driver further includes a pin extending from the tip and sized to fit within the opening. The pin includes an abutment movable to a locked configuration in the second portion of the opening, wherein the abutment defines a cross-sectional dimension greater than that of the first portion of the opening.

Abstract: A device for loosening and untying knots including a body having a first section and a second section having a plurality of channels, a pusher rod positioned slidably within the first section of the body, a shaft positioned slidably within the first and second sections of the body and being engaged with the rod, and a plurality of prongs, each including a base, a nose and a rail. The rails slidably fit into the channels of the body, and a head of the shaft is engaged with the bases of the prongs. The prongs move between a retracted position, in which the noses are juxtaposed with one another and inserted within a knot, and an expanded position, in which the noses are spaced apart from one another when the shaft is moved within the body, the noses loosen and untie the knot when the prongs are expanded.

Abstract: A removal tool includes a staking unit configured to deform a circlip located at a bore of an apparatus when the removal tool is pushed into the bore, and a spring fork unit configured to push a ferrule ring located at the bore when the removal tool is pushed into the bore.

Abstract: A wrenching device includes a driving member, a hole and at a slit defined therein, and defines an engaging portion. The slit communicates with the hole. The wrenching device further includes an actuating member moveably disposed in the hole of the driving member, and a control member including a connecting end pivotally joining to the actuating member and including first and second engaging sides selectively abutting against a wall defined on the driving member in response to first and second operating positions thereof, respectively.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a locking member, a positioning member, a retaining member, and a rotatable member. The locking member defines a locking member hole therein. The positioning member is received in the locking member hole, and defines first and second positioning member holes. An angled surface is located between the first and second positioning member holes. The retaining member secures the positioning member to the locking member, and defines a retaining member hole to receive the positioning member. The rotatable member is received in the first positioning member hole, and slidable to abut the angled surface to slide the positioning member from a first position where the rotatable member is positioned in the first positioning member hole, to a second position where the rotatable member is positioned in the second positioning member hole so as to splay the second positioning member hole.

Abstract: A tool for removing conventional one way fasteners that includes, generally, a member, a collar, and, a shaft that can be removably received by the collar, wherein in the shaft is configured to engage regions of the fastener head. The collar is adjustable to fit fastener heads of different sizes. The member can be configured to correspond to a threaded portion of the outer surface of the collar. The collar may also have a bottom portion that includes multiple splines.

Abstract: In a screwdriver for bone screws, having a handle and rotationally fixedly held thereon a shaft, the free end of which has a non-circular cross section and is insertable in a positively locked manner in a non-circular receiving opening in the head of a bone screw, at least one expander element being mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction in the shaft and so as to slide, when displaced in the longitudinal direction, along a slide surface in the area of the free end of the shaft in such a way that it projects laterally over the contour of the shaft, in order to simplify the actuation of the at least one expander element, it is proposed that the at least one expander element be pretensioned by an elastic spring element in the direction towards the free end of the shaft and be retractable against the action of the spring element in the shaft until it no longer projects laterally over the contour of the shaft.

Abstract: A bone screw driver (12) for inserting a bone screw (14) into a bone region (218A) includes a driver shaft (12B) that selectively engages the bone screw (14). The bone screw (14) includes a screw threaded region (14A) and a screw engagement region (14B). The screw engagement region (14B) includes a screw shaft (14D) and an engager ring (14E). The driver shaft (12B) includes a shaft aperture (322), a first resilient member (324A), and a first shaft projection (326A). The shaft aperture (322) receives at least a portion of the screw shaft (14D), the first resilient member (324A) engages the screw shaft (14D) to inhibit movement of the screw shaft (14D), and the first shaft projection (326A) engages the engager ring (14E) so that rotation of the driver shaft (12B) results in rotation of the bone screw (14).

Abstract: A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw. Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of the present system and method, according to various embodiments, include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of a screw.

Abstract: A tool for installing a threaded object includes a bit or inner implement that has a tip for engaging a head of the threaded object, and a sleeve surrounding the inner implement for securing the threaded object to the tool during the installation process. The sleeve includes plural arms at least some of which have inner lips that engage the head of the threaded object to hold the head against the tip. The inner lips are chamfered to facilitate engagement and disengagement between the sleeve and the head of the threaded object. The sleeve is able to translate to a limited extent relative to the inner implement, in order to pull back and disengage from the threaded object head as the threaded object is received into a threaded opening.

Abstract: A tool for removing conventional one way fasteners that includes, generally, a member, a collar, and, a shaft that can be removably received by the collar, wherein in the shaft is configured to engage regions of the fastener head. The collar is adjustable to fit fastener heads of different sizes. The member can be configured to correspond to a threaded portion of the outer surface of the collar. The collar may also have a bottom portion that includes multiple splines.

Abstract: A device for separating opposed ceramic elements from a metal base member, the device including a rigid body shaped complementarily to an inside surface of the base member and receivable therein. Opposed wedge members are mounted are in the body wall. The body includes a threaded interior surface. A bolt is included for threaded engagement with the interior surface and has a conically-shaped end. Each wedge member is engageable with one of the ceramic elements, such that upon inserting of the body in the base member and threaded movement of the bolt inward to the body, the end of the bolt engages the wedge members to urge the wedge members outward through a body wall to engage the ceramic elements to urge the ceramic elements apart and to separate from the base member.

Abstract: A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be used to dilate an incision made in a patient to form an opening. An insertion cannula may be attached to a screw and inserted into the opening. The screws may be polyaxial screws and may be inserted into the vertebrae using a screwdriver. An operator may then move the insertion cannula to manipulate a head portion of the screws such that the head portions may be aligned to receive a fixation rod. A rod inserter may be used to insert a fixation rod into the head portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (and corresponding method) for holding and inserting one or more components of a pedicle screw assembly. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the present invention may be used in connection with minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: An improved distraction bone screw and a method for its use are described. The distraction screw is comprised of an implantable distal segment and a detachably secured proximal segment. The distal segment includes a head portion and a threaded shank portion. The proximal segment is represented as an elongated body having an internal bore that extends through its length. A deployable member is disposed within the bore, which is extendible outside the internal bore to securely couple to the distal segment. As an assembly, the distraction screw is used to affix and realign bone during surgical reconstruction. Upon completion of the surgical work, the proximal segment is removed and the distal segment is left attached to the reconstructed bone. Securely affixed, the distal segment provides an additional point of fixation for the skeletal plates that are used to preserve the bony alignment while bone healing occurs.

Abstract: In a screwdriver for bone screws, having a handle and rotationally fixedly held thereon a shaft, the free end of which has a non-circular cross section and is insertable in a positively locked manner in a non-circular receiving opening in the head of a bone screw, at least one expander element being mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction in the shaft and so as to slide, when displaced in the longitudinal direction, along a slide surface in the area of the free end of the shaft in such a way that it projects laterally over the contour of the shaft, in order to simplify the actuation of the at least one expander element, it is proposed that the at least one expander element be pretensioned by an elastic spring element in the direction towards the free end of the shaft and be retractable against the action of the spring element in the shaft until it no longer projects laterally over the contour of the shaft.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for inserting and mounting a fastener into a patient during a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the device includes inner and outer sleeves. The inner sleeve may include a distal end that is configured to maintain the screw. In one embodiment, the outer sleeve may axially move along the inner sleeve to control an attachment force that is applied by the inner sleeve to maintain attachment of the fastener. In one method of use, the fastener is attached to the inner sleeve with the outer sleeve positioned to apply an attachment force. A handle of the device may be manipulated to position the fastener within the patient. Once positioned, the handle may be rotated to mount the fastener within a support member. As a head of the fastener is approaching the support member, the fastener disengages from the inner sleeve and remains within the patient.

Abstract: A slide stop device of a hexagonal spanner comprises a spanner body; one end of the spanner body having a driving portion. The driving portion has at least one axial slots. Each slot is extended from a center of one end surface of the driving portion to an edge of the driving portion. An axial screw hole is formed in the center of driving portion; an outer end of the screw hole being a tapered shape. In use, a screwing resisting element is inserted into the screw hole. When the screwing resisting element is not tightly adhered to an wall of the screw hole, the screwing resisting element can expand the driving portion outwards to prevent the screwing resisting element from sliding.

Abstract: A damaged light bulb base extractor has a generally cylindrical, resilient, expandable base-engaging member mounted on a handle member. With the base-engaging member sandwiched between compression plates, relative movement of the compression plates toward each other compresses and expands the base-engaging member diametrically to engage and grip the interior sidewall of a light bulb base for extraction from a socket. Relative movement of the compression plates away from each other permits the base-engaging member to return to its initial unexpanded state for removal from a light bulb base. Extendable ribs on the external sidewall surface of an expandable base-engaging member can be used as a sole means of expanding the diameter of a base-engaging member or in conjunction with the compression plates to expand the diameter of the base-engaging member.

Abstract: The present invention is a terminator tool used in combination with a cable security terminator for installing or removing the cable security terminator. The terminator tool includes a handle, a shaft, a retaining pin and a spring member. The shaft is hollow and extends from the handle. The shaft includes a pin hole to receive the retaining pin, a handle end and a terminator end. The handle end is the end inserted and secured into the handle. The terminator end includes two ear slots and receives the spring member. The terminator end is sized to fit into a tool end of the cable security terminator. Ears of the spring member extend from the ear slots of the shaft.

Abstract: An attachment means which attaches the device close to the front end of the bit of a power driver or an electric screwdriver, a screw capturing chuck means with several elastic holding fingers, the front end of said holding fingers being placed around the circumference of an opening in which the head of the screw is engaged, spring means when the front end of the said screw chuck receives a force in the opposite direction from the direction of a screw being screwed by the bit, the spring means allows retraction of the screwchuck, and a caliper adjustment means that is attached to the said screw capturing device and adjusts the inner diameter of the opening for receiving the screw by the resilient fingers.

Abstract: A device to retain screws during insertion into an object such as a bone by use of a screw-driver. The device comprises comprising a gripping sleeve the free end of which has a radially expandable portion for receiving the screw and the other end of which has at least one radial bore for movably receiving a locking ball. A safety sleeve is slidingly disposed on an outer surface of the gripping sleeve. The safety sleeve blocks an expansion of the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve and releases the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve. A handle is axially movable and hold the first locking ball in engagement with an annular groove of the gripping sleeve. A first spring acts between an inner shoulder at the end of the handle portion facing the expandable portion and a radial shoulder of the safety sleeve.

Abstract: A device to retain screws during insertion into an object such as a bone by use of a screw-driver. The device comprises comprising a gripping sleeve the free end of which has a radially expandable portion for receiving the screw and the other end of which has at least one radial bore for movably receiving a locking ball. A safety sleeve is slidingly disposed on an outer surface of the gripping sleeve. The safety sleeve blocks an expansion of the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve and releases the expandable portion when in a position which is toward the free end with respect to the gripping sleeve. A handle is axially movable and hold the first locking ball in engagement with an annular groove of the gripping sleeve. A first spring acts between an inner shoulder at the end of the handle portion facing the expandable portion and a radial shoulder of the safety sleeve.

Abstract: A screwdriver has a drive bit with a drive portion for engaging a socket within a socket-headed screw, with the drive portion being expanded by the distal end of an internal pushrod operating on the conical surface of a hold within the drive bit. The pushrod extends in a central hole within a housing. The housing may include a handle portion and a hollow shaft, with a threaded knob engaging the handle portion to move the pushrod. The drive bit may be a fixed portion of the screwdriver or an interchangeable part.

Abstract: A fastener holding device is designed for use with power or hand tools. The device securely engages a fastener, such as a screw, and automatically disengages the fastener when the device is pushed against a work surface. The device includes a driving bit assembly which has a socket on one end for holding a driving bit and has a polygonally shaped portion on the other end for mounting in a power drill. The device further includes a retaining member adapted to be placed on the driving bit assembly and a sleeve member adapted to be placed on the retaining member. The position of the sleeve member in relation to the retaining member allows the fastener to be either engaged or disengaged with respect to the driving bit.

Abstract: A screwdriver for introducing and screwing a screw into the human or animal body and/or for unscrewing and removing a screw from the human or animal body has a handle and a shaft whose front end has a blade that can be brought into engagement with a screw head of the screw for screwing the screw. The screwdriver furthermore has a retention device for retaining the screw on the blade. The retention device has an inner tubular shaft which surrounds the shaft and has at the distal end a clamping gripper preloaded into its open position, and an outer tubular shaft surrounding the inner tubular shaft.

Abstract: A fastener holding device is designed for use with power or hand tools. The device securely engages a fastener, such as a screw, and automatically disengages the fastener when the device is pushed against a work surface. The device includes a driving bit assembly which has a socket on one end for holding a driving bit and has a polygonally shaped portion on the other end for mounting in a power drill. The device further includes a retaining member adapted to be placed on the driving bit assembly and a sleeve member adapted to be placed on the retaining member. The retaining member can be equipped with various engaging assemblies, such as brackets, bearings and pins, to securely engage the fastener. The position of the sleeve member in relation to the retaining member allows the fastener to be either engaged or disengaged with respect to the driving bit.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the removal of a fastener of the type having a head on a shank, a tool for removing such a fastener is disclosed. The tool includes support for a collet which makes it possible to impart torque for removal of the fastener through rotational movement of the collet in relation to the head of the fastener. Further, the collet is adjustably positioned on the support and is dimensionaly adjustable for gripping the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener holding device is designed for use with power tools. The device securely engages a fastener, such as a screw, and automatically disengages the fastener when the device is pushed against a work material. The device includes a driving bit assembly which has a socket on one end for holding a driving bit and has a polygonally shaped portion on the other end for mounting in a power drill. The device further includes a retaining member adapted to be placed on the driving bit assembly and a sleeve member adapted to be placed on the retaining member. The retaining member can be equipped with various engaging assemblies, such as brackets, bearings and pins, to securely engage the fastener. The position of the sleeve member in relation to the retaining member allows the fastener to be either engaged or disengaged with respect to the driving bit.

Abstract: A soft tissue anchor delivery apparatus includes a gripping device having fingers at the distal end and configured such that they can hold a soft tissue anchor about the head portion of the anchor. An actuating tube slides over the gripper and the fingers, thus holding the fingers and the contained soft tissue anchor within the bore of the actuating tube. A pushrod is placed within the bore of the gripper. The pushrod has a countersunk head that is shaped such that it is a close fit for the head of the soft tissue anchor. The pushrod is connected to a tube having a bore so that the actuating pin of the soft tissue anchor can be pushed down into the head of the anchor. The pushrod is spring loaded so as to allow the pushrod to be driven distally upon retraction of the actuating tube, thus driving the anchor free of the deployed fingers and hence of the entire delivery system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic apparatus 10 for at least one of removing and driving an elongated fixation member 12 having an enlarged head 22. The orthopaedic apparatus 10 includes a hollow, elongated body 14 having an open end 26 for receiving the enlarged head 22 therein. The body 14 further has a deflectable portion 28 at the open end. A shaft 16 is disposed within the body, and has a distal end 34 disposed substantially adjacent to the body open end. The distal end 34 has an exterior configuration which is adapted to mate with the enlarged head. The deflectable portion is configured to impart a radially inward force around the enlarged head and the shaft is configured to impart an axial compression force on the enlarged head, thereby locking the elongated fixation member relative to the orthopaedic apparatus.

Abstract: A screwholder adapted to be mounted over a screwdriver shank that includes an outwardly flared blade section adjacent a screwdriver tip is disclosed. The screwholder includes a hollow extension tube that mounts over the screwdriver shank. One end of the hollow extension tube has an enlarged section for engagement and displacement along the screwdriver shank by the thumb of a user. The other end of the hollow extension tube includes screw gripping fingers for gripping a screw. The screw gripping fingers extend upwardly from the hollow extension tube and are captured between an inner retaining plate and an outer housing. The screw gripping fingers further have outer free ends for gripping opposed areas of a screw. A compressible spring is positioned within the outer housing between the inner retaining plate and the hollow extension tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool for the removal of locking collars of the frangible fasteners used in the aerospace industry, particularly for removal of fasteners installed in close quarters such in a deep channel where conventional tools cannot grip the collar. The tool has a collet-type chuck to grasp the collar of the fastener and has a lead screw to lock the collet chuck about the collar and permit removal of the collar. For this purpose, the collet chuck has a cylindrical neck which is received within a sleeve. The lead screw is received in the opposite end of the collet sleeve and is threadably engaged in the internally threaded bore of the collet chuck member, preferably with left hand threads, and has a head with wrenching flats. The lead screw has a central axial through bore which receives a key member which is used to immobilize the stud or bolt of the fastener system. A disk member is slidably received within the collet sleeve to eject removed collars from the collet chuck member.

Abstract: A fastener drive tool for applying a rotational torque to a threaded fastener for driving the fastener into or out of a workpiece. The drive tool has an elongated shaft portion with a free end which is selectively controllably engageable with a recess formed in the fastener. The free end is formed with a fastener engaging expansion portion. The expansion portion is operated by a draw shaft being selectively lockable in a bit retaining position. The expansion portion of the bit portion creates substantial fastener retaining forces on the opposing internal surfaces of the fastener recess in which it is inserted.

Abstract: A screwdriver is provided which engages the head of the screw, and also grips the screw. The screwdriving and gripping assemblage may be readily interchanged with another in the handle of the screwdriver. Opening and closing of gripping jaws is effective by the sliding of an outer sleeve which surrounds another sleeve of which the gripping jaws form a part, and which other sleeve is slidable on the shaft of the screwdriver. The handle comprises a front part and a rear part which are rotatably connected together for rotation of the forward part and of the screwdriver shaft, while the rear part is held fixed.

Abstract: In a screw driver with a turning tool placed at the front end of a shank which is torsionally connected with a handle, the turning tool can be reliably prevented from slipping off the head of the screw to be turned by the fact that the turning tool is embraced by a jaw chuck with at least two holding jaws in the form of spring arms of a shifter collar which can be moved in the axial direction on the shank, the spring arms being spreadable in the radial direction against their inherent elasticity by means of butting faces of the shank, and fixable against each other by means of a cooperating radial locking gear which can be released by butting faces of the shank. The shifter collar is fixable against the shank by means of a cooperating axial locking gear, and is connected with a control element which can be moved in the axial direction against the shank, has a limited relative movability against the shifter collar, and is provided with butting faces releasing the axial locking gear.

Abstract: A generally U-shaped attachment of resilient sheet metal is adapted to be axially captured relative to the drive shank and wrench socket of a socket wrench assembly so as to extend along opposite sides of the socket and then inwardly of the fastener receiving opening in the wrench socket to releaseably retain the head of the fastener therein during application or removal of the fastener from a mating part. The inwardly extending portions of the attachment provide cam surfaces which facilitate reception, retention and removal of a fastener head from the wrench socket opening.

Abstract: The invention is intended for use with threaded fasteners, screws, bolts and similar devices, in their almost limitless applications to assembling objects and structures. These fasteners exist in many types, each requiring a special tool bit.On many occasions screws or other fasteners must be installed or removed in locations difficult of access and of which clear view may not be obtained, also where use of two hands is not possible. This invention is particularly intended for these situations.The invention comprises basically a combination of a barrel (11 or 811) and collar (20 or 201), preferably made of stiff but flexible plastic, which fit over and enclose a tool for threaded fasteners, either with a fixed bit or one which can accept insertable bits. The barrel (11) provides at its working or tip end a set of flexible elements (31) which act to grip screw heads and hold them registered with the tool.

Abstract: A device for driving a screw, pin, rivet or the like into a threaded or drilled hole is disclosed which is adapted to operate a nozzle comprising a pair of nozzle halves to pinch it. When driving a screw by means of the device as a screw driver, a thrust sleeve is displaced forwards by operating an E-shaped control lever on a stationary cylinder and thereby the nozzle halves are depressed at their rear parts so that they are opened. Then the screw to be driven is located in position midst the nozzle halves kept open and thereafter the control lever is restored to the original position. A press block is displaced forwards by means of a spring in the thrust sleeve and expands the nozzle halves, causing the nozzle to be opened to firmly hold the screw.

Abstract: Screw driving apparatus in which a slide is movable back and forth on a support and is formed with a chute extending in the slide away from the support toward an open end of the chute, and with an access opening to the chute. A driver is mounted on the support for rotation in the chute and for movement in the chute toward and away from the open end in response to the back-and-forth movement of the slide. The slide carries a control plate capable of limited movement relative to the slide between two terminal positions spaced in the direction of slide movement. Two jaws are pivotally mounted on the slide and may jointly obstruct the open end of the chute. A jaw operating member on the control plate engages the jaws and moves them toward and away from the chute-obstructing position in response to movement of the control plate between its terminal positions which is caused by motion transmitting elements on the support when the slide moves back and forth.