# US 10,245,094 B2 · Ultra high torque device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 10,245,094 B2
- Document ID: US10245094B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/246,310
- Filed: 2016-08-24
- Published: 2016-12-15
- Granted: 2019-04-02
- Earliest claimed: 2010-05-06
- Assignees: ECA Medical Instruments
- Applicants: ECA Medical Instruments
- Inventors: John Nino; David Ivinson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10245094B2

## CPC

- A61B 17/8883: {the driver bit acting on the periphery of the screw head}
- A61B 90/00: Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B 90/03: {Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety}
- B25B 13/06: of socket type
- B25B 15/00: Screwdrivers (hand-driven gear-operated B25B17/00; impact screwdrivers B25B19/00; portable power-driven B25B21/00 {; screwdrivers specially adapted for osteosynthesis A61B17/8875})
- B25B 23/0035: {Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool}
- B25B 23/142: specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
- B25B 23/1427: {by mechanical means}
- A61B 2090/031: {torque limiting}
- A61C 8/0089: {Implanting tools or instruments}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING
- A61C: DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE (non-driven toothbrushes A46B; {tongue scrapers A61B17/24;} preparations for dentistry A61K6/00; preparations for cleaning the teeth or mouth A61K8/00, A61Q11/00)

## Abstract

A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks and a spring to connect to a nut. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A torque-limiting driver comprising:
a body having a handle and a hollow cylindrical portion, the body further comprising a circumferential flange extending radially inward within the hollow cylindrical portion;
an upper cylindrical shank comprising a plastic material or a composite including plastic;
a lower cylindrical shank comprising a plastic material or a composite including plastic and having a socket;
a nut;
a spring between the upper cylindrical shank and the nut, wherein the spring is configured to apply a force across the upper cylindrical shank and the lower cylindrical shank;
a shaft having a workpiece-engaging tip and a square drive connection engaged within the square drive socket of the lower cylindrical shank, the shaft extending axially through the lower cylindrical shank, the upper cylindrical shank, and the spring and connected to the nut, and the square drive connection placed at a medial segment of the shaft; and,
wherein the upper cylindrical shank and the lower cylindrical shank engage for relative rotation, and wherein the upper cylindrical shank and the lower cylindrical shank disengage when a predetermined torque limit is exceeded; and,
wherein the lower cylindrical shank and the upper cylindrical shank each comprise a circumferential rim extending radially outward at the ends where the lower cylindrical shank and the upper cylindrical shank engage with each other, with the circumferential flange of the body disposed between the circumferential rims.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a threading that is threaded onto the nut.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, wherein a force provided by the spring securely maintains the drive connection of the shaft engaged within the drive socket of the lower cylindrical shank.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, wherein the nut includes a lower portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the spring and extending axially through at least a portion of the spring.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, further comprising at least two washers between the spring and the upper cylindrical shank.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, further comprising a washer between the lower cylindrical shank and the body.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The torque-limiting driver of claim 1, wherein the predetermined torque limit is between about 70 inch-pounds and about 150 inch-pounds.