Methods and systems for adjusting an external fixation frame
US9987043B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0812
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tool for implementing a correction plan in an external fixation frame having a plurality of adjustment elements or screws, for example, generally includes a driver, a motor, a controller, and a processor. The driver is adapted to engage and rotate each of the screws. The motor is coupled the driver and adapted to rotate the driver. The controller is connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The controller may determine whether the tool is engaged with a strut and which strut is engaged, and may determine how much the strut has rotated, taking into account intentional or unintentional manual rotation of the tool. The tool may also include features to help ensure proper engagement between the drive and the strut. Variations may be provided in which similar functionality is provided with manual rotation of a motorless tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.