US6062575A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tool shaft coupler
Assignee: Medtronic Sofamor Danek Inc
•
Filing: 1995-12-01
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Granted: 2000-05-16
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Expires: 2015-12-01
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods for coupling a driving shaft (60) and a mating tool shaft (50, 50') to transmit rotational forces and axial tension and compression between the shafts. The coupler (15) provides for axial tension transmission through tension transmission surfaces (80, 80') spaced-apart from torque (54, 54') and compression (55, 55') transmission surfaces of the mating tool shaft (50, 50'). A separate satefy lock release attachment (17) is preferably removed during tool shaft rotation and can automatically hold the driving shaft (60) stopped when used to release the shaft locking means for a tool change. An optional reversible mechanical interlock (91, 92) further ensures that the driving shaft (60) will remain stopped during a tool change. Malfunction (e.g., improper seating) of the shaft locking means with the attachment ring (70) in place results in a positive visual indication of the malfunction.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Mickel
- 👤 Stewart W. Willason
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/16; A61B17/1613; A61B17/162; B; B23; B23B; B23B31/00; B23B31/02; B23B31/10; B23B31/107; B23B31/1071; A61B2017/00477; A61C; A61C1/00; A61C1/08; A61C1/14; A61C1/142; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T279/00; Y10T279/17; Y10T279/17666; Y10T279/17692; Y10T279/17743; Y10T279/17752; Y10T408/00; Y10T408/89; Y10T408/907; Y10T408/94; Y10T408/95
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
358 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft which has proximal and distal ends and which is effectively engaged with the driving shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for axially slidingly mating with a mating tool shaft to transmit torque between the mating tool shaft and the driving shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one movable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly movable to a tension-resisting position to couple the driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to reversibly limit maximum axial movement of the mating tool shaft with respect to the driving shaft under an axial tension load; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for substantially limiting maximum axial movement of a mating tool shaft with respect to the driving shaft under an axial compression load; shaft locking means having an engagement surface and being slidably coupled to the driving shaft for reversibly locking said at least one tension-resisting member in a tension-resisting position; attachment means reversibly coupled to the driving shaft housing for guiding and supporting the mating tool shaft, said attachment means comprising at least one spindle cap access slot; and substantially toroidal safety lock release means slidably positionable over said attachment means and slidingly engagable through said at least one spindle cap access slot with said engagement surface of said shaft locking means to move said shaft locking means to a first unlocking position for allowing said at least one tension-resisting member to move from said tension-resisting position to allow reversible placement of a mating tool shaft within said shaft locking means, and to allow movement of said shaft locking means to a second locking position for moving said at least one tension-resisting member to said tension-resisting position and for locking said at least one tension-resisting member in said tension-resisting position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
358 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft which has proximal and distal ends and which is effectively engaged with the driving shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for axially slidingly mating with a mating tool shaft to transmit torque between the mating tool shaft and the driving shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one movable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly movable to a tension-resisting position to couple the driving shaft and a mating tool shaft to reversibly limit maximum axial movement of the mating tool shaft with respect to the driving shaft under an axial tension load; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for substantially limiting maximum axial movement of a mating tool shaft with respect to the driving shaft under an axial compression load; shaft locking means having an engagement surface and being slidably coupled to the driving shaft for reversibly locking said at least one tension-resisting member in a tension-resisting position; attachment means reversibly coupled to the driving shaft housing for guiding and supporting the mating tool shaft, said attachment means comprising at least one spindle cap access slot; and substantially toroidal safety lock release means slidably positionable over said attachment means and slidingly engagable through said at least one spindle cap access slot with said engagement surface of said shaft locking means to move said shaft locking means to a first unlocking position for allowing said at least one tension-resisting member to move from said tension-resisting position to allow reversible placement of a mating tool shaft within said shaft locking means, and to allow movement of said shaft locking means to a second locking position for moving said at least one tension-resisting member to said tension-resisting position and for locking said at least one tension-resisting member in said tension-resisting position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 1 additionally comprising warning means to visually indicate malfunction of said shaft locking means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 1 wherein said substantially toroidal safety lock release means comprises two radially directed pins.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 3 wherein said attachment means comprises two spindle cap access slots.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 4 wherein said warning means comprise at least a warning portion of said attachment means having a distinctive visual appearance, said warning portion being substantially visible with said toroidal safety lock release means contacting said shaft locking means in said first unlocking position, and said warning portion being substantially invisible with said toroidal safety lock release means contacting said shaft locking means in said second locking position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 5 wherein said shaft locking means engagement surface interacting with said safety lock release means results in a driving shaft break-away torque of at least one inch-ounce with said safety lock release means in said first unlocking position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 6 wherein said at least one torque transmission surface lies substantially in a single plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 7 wherein said at least one movable tension-resisting member comprises three balls.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 8 wherein said balls comprise chrome steel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 1 wherein said attachment means additionally comprises a distal tool shaft bearing spaced apart from said at least one tension-resisting member by a first spacing distance and from the distal end of a drivingly coupled tool shaft by a second spacing distance, said first spacing distance being greater than said second spacing distance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 10 wherein said attachment means additionally comprises a proximal tool shaft bearing spaced apart from said distal tool shaft bearing a bearing-spacing distance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 11 wherein said bearing-spacing distance approximately equals said second spacing distance.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 11 wherein said tension-resisting member, when not contacting a mating tool shaft tension transmission surface, can not simultaneously contact said shaft locking means and a mating tool shaft.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 11 wherein said tension-resisting member can not contact a mating tool shaft except at a tension transmission surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
167 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for axially slidingly mating with a mating tool shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one moveable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft; shaft locking means having an engagement surface and being slidably coupled to the driving shaft for reversibly locking said at least one tension-resisting member in a tension-resisting position; and attachment means reversibly coupled to the driving shaft housing for guiding said shaft locking means, said attachment means comprising at least one slot for accessing said shaft locking means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
167 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft for axially slidingly mating with a mating tool shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one moveable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft; shaft locking means having an engagement surface and being slidably coupled to the driving shaft for reversibly locking said at least one tension-resisting member in a tension-resisting position; and attachment means reversibly coupled to the driving shaft housing for guiding said shaft locking means, said attachment means comprising at least one slot for accessing said shaft locking means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 15 wherein said shaft locking means and the driving shaft housing comprise complementary pin engagement means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 15 additionally comprising safety lock release means slidingly engaged around said attachment means, said safety lock release means having at least one elongated member which engages said engagement surface of said shaft locking means through said access slot of said attachment means for moving said shaft locking means between a first locking position and a second unlocking position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 15 wherein said attachment means comprises at least one substantially cylindrical member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 15 additionally comprising warning means to visually indicate malfunction of said shaft locking means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
196 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft and axially slidingly matable with a mating tool shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one moveable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft; a first substantially cylindrical member slidably coupled to the driving shaft, said first substantially cylindrical member having an inner cam surface for moving said tension transmission means into the tension-resisting position and an outer surface configured for engagement; a tubular member connected to the housing, said tubular member comprising at least one longitudinal slot and substantially enclosing said first substantially cylindrical member; and a second substantially cylindrical member operatively connected to said outer surface of said first substantially cylindrical member through said at least one longitudinal slot.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
196 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, the coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft and axially slidingly matable with a mating tool shaft; tension transmission means spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface and comprising at least one tension transmission surface and at least one moveable tension-resisting member, said at least one tension-resisting member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position; at least one compression transmission surface fixedly coupled to the driving shaft; a first substantially cylindrical member slidably coupled to the driving shaft, said first substantially cylindrical member having an inner cam surface for moving said tension transmission means into the tension-resisting position and an outer surface configured for engagement; a tubular member connected to the housing, said tubular member comprising at least one longitudinal slot and substantially enclosing said first substantially cylindrical member; and a second substantially cylindrical member operatively connected to said outer surface of said first substantially cylindrical member through said at least one longitudinal slot.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 20, additionally comprising warning means to visually indicate malfunction of said coupler.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tool shaft coupler of claim 20 wherein said tubular member comprises at least two slots.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
208 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, said coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft and axially slidingly matable with the mating tool shaft; at least one tension transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft; at least one tension-resisting member, said member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position in which said at least one tension-resisting member is proximate to said at least one tension transmission surface; at least one compression transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft; a first substantially cylindrical member slidably coupled to the driving shaft, said first substantially cylindrical member having an inner cam surface for moving said at least one tension-resisting member into the tension resisting position and an outer surface configured for engagement; a tubular member connected to the housing, said tubular member comprising at least one longitudinal slot and substantially enclosing said first substantially cylindrical member; and a second substantially cylindrical member operatively connected to said outer surface of said first substantially cylindrical member through said at least one longitudinal slot.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
208 words
A tool shaft coupler for drivingly coupling a driving shaft with a mating tool shaft, the driving shaft being rotatable about a substantially longitudinal axis within a driving shaft housing, said coupler comprising: at least one torque transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft and axially slidingly matable with the mating tool shaft; at least one tension transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft; at least one tension-resisting member, said member being reversibly and slidingly moveable to a tension-resisting position in which said at least one tension-resisting member is proximate to said at least one tension transmission surface; at least one compression transmission surface coupled to or integral with the driving shaft; a first substantially cylindrical member slidably coupled to the driving shaft, said first substantially cylindrical member having an inner cam surface for moving said at least one tension-resisting member into the tension resisting position and an outer surface configured for engagement; a tubular member connected to the housing, said tubular member comprising at least one longitudinal slot and substantially enclosing said first substantially cylindrical member; and a second substantially cylindrical member operatively connected to said outer surface of said first substantially cylindrical member through said at least one longitudinal slot.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
104 words
A mating tool shaft comprising: at least one torque transmission surface configured to axially slidingly engage with substantially the entire torque transmission surface of the coupler of claim 15; at least one tension transmission surface, spaced apart from said at least one torque transmission surface of said shaft, wherein said at least one tension transmission surface is configured to abut the at least one tension-resisting member of the coupler of claim 15; and at least one compression transmission surface, wherein said at least one compression transmission surface is configured to abut the at least one compression transmission surface of the coupler of claim 15.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 24 wherein said shaft is substantially cylindrical.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 24, wherein said at least one tension transmission surface comprises a wall bounding an annular groove around said shaft.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 26 wherein said shaft, when operationally engaged, contacts said tension-resisting member, if at all, along said wall.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
112 words
A mating tool shaft for reducing tool shaft vibration, comprising: a sectioned proximal end having at least one surface corresponding to the at least one torque transmission surface of the coupler of claim 15, and at least one compression transmission surface corresponding to the at least one compression transmission surface of the coupler of claim 15; a medial portion having an annular groove spaced apart from said sectioned proximal end, said annular groove bounded by at least one tension transmission surface corresponding to the tension transmission means of the coupler of claim 15; and wherein said tool shaft contacts said tension transmission means, if at all, only on said tension transmission surface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 28 wherein said annular groove is spaced apart from said sectioned proximal end by about 0.223 inches.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 28 wherein at least one of said at least one tension transmission surfaces of said shaft is substantially frusto-conical.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 28, wherein said proximal end is substantially half-cylindrical.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
138 words
A mating tool shaft having a longitudinal axis for use with a tool shaft coupler having at least one torque transmission surface, at least one compression transmission surface, at least one tension transmission surface, at least one tension-resisting member, shaft locking means and attachment means, said mating tool shaft comprising: a proximal end having at least one surface configured to engage with the torque transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler and at least one surface configured to engage with the compression transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler under a compression load; and a medial portion having an annular groove spaced apart from said proximal end, said annular groove being bounded by at least one surface and being configured so that only said at least one surface bounding said groove contacts the at least one tension-resisting member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
138 words
A mating tool shaft having a longitudinal axis for use with a tool shaft coupler having at least one torque transmission surface, at least one compression transmission surface, at least one tension transmission surface, at least one tension-resisting member, shaft locking means and attachment means, said mating tool shaft comprising: a proximal end having at least one surface configured to engage with the torque transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler and at least one surface configured to engage with the compression transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler under a compression load; and a medial portion having an annular groove spaced apart from said proximal end, said annular groove being bounded by at least one surface and being configured so that only said at least one surface bounding said groove contacts the at least one tension-resisting member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 32 wherein said surfaces of said proximal end form a cross-section of said shaft.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
61 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 33 wherein said at least one surface of said proximal end configured to engage with the torque transmission surface is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft and said at least one surface of said proximal end configured to engage with the compression transmission surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
41 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 33 wherein said at least one surface bounding said groove is spaced apart from said at least one surface configured to engage with the compression transmission surface of said proximal end by about 0.223 inches.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 35 wherein one of said at least one compression transmission surfaces is substantially semicircular.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 32, wherein said proximal end has only one surface configured to engage with the torque transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 32, wherein said proximal end has only one secondary surface adjoining said at least one surface configured to engage with the torque transmission surface of the tool shaft coupler, said secondary surface forming a portion of a cylinder.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
54 words
The mating tool shaft of claim 32 additionally comprising a visually distinct proximal portion which is visible when said mating tool shaft is not drivingly coupled to said tool shaft coupler, but which is not visible outside of said attachment means when said mating tool shaft is drivingly coupled to said tool shaft coupler.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |