Methods and devices for attaching and detaching transmission components

Abstract

One surgical device includes a transducer assembly adapted to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency in response to electrical energy. A first transmission component is adapted to receive and transmit the ultrasonic vibration from a first end to a second end. A second transmission component is adapted to receive and transmit the ultrasonic vibrations from a first end to a second end. A torque limiting device coupled to the second transmission component limits the torque when the second end of the first transmission rod is coupled to the first end and a method of attaching a transmission component is also provided. A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of providing a handpiece assembly having an integral torque limiting mechanism and a first transmission component and threading a second transmission component onto the first transmission component of the handpiece assembly. The method also includes the steps of rotating a sleeve of the handpiece assembly until the second transmission component has been tightened to a predetermined torque on the first transmission component of the handpiece assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.