Drive shaft coupling
US7407440B2 · kind B2 · utility
13Cited by
6References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/557
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method is disclosed, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.