Torque-limiting screwdrivers

US10206731B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Pro-Dex, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Richard Kust · Lake Forest, US
• John J. Desrosiers · San Clemente, US
• Francis James Steinmetz · Whittier, US
• Dung Ma · Anaheim, US
• Siddharth Desai · Ladera Ranch, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 16, 2016
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Aug 15, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/031
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various torque-limiting screwdrivers, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body supporting a motor configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver. The screwdriver can include a controller configured to implement torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. Some embodiments include a threshold point, after which the torque-limiting functionality can be engaged. Some embodiments include a slowdown point, after which the rotational speed of the screw is reduced.