Shaft alignment

Abstract: A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction.

Abstract: A mechanism comprises an input shaft ( 11 ) and an output shaft ( 32 ) which are co-planar. Between the input shaft and output shaft is an axis ( 20 ) orthogonal to both shafts about which mounting brackets ( 30 ) holding the input and output shafts may pivot. This permits an angular adjustment between the input and output shaft within the same plane.

Abstract: A jointed drive unit is provided having a power output shaft used for driving a socket or the like, and an input shaft which transmits power to the output shaft through a gearbox permitting any angular orientation between input and output shafts greater than about 20°. The mechanism is more than merely a gearbox for transmitting rotational motion at an acute angle because due to the gear arrangement and a ratchet mechanism incorporated in the preferred embodiment the output shaft can be made to rotate, not only by rotating the input shaft, but also by pumping the input shaft in a plane parallel to the output shaft, or alternatively, moving the input shaft back and forth in a plane perpendicular to the output shaft in conventional open end or box end ratchet wrench fashion.

Abstract: A tool drive system for transferring rotational power from a rotational tool, such as a drill or ratchet, to at least one input drive shaft which then transfers the power to at least one output drive shaft. The angle of at least one input drive shaft being adjustable relative to at least one output shaft. The tool drive system comprises a round housing with an angle adjuster attached to the input shaft that assists in adjusting and locking the angle of the input shaft relative to the output shaft in an almost circular span. The input and output shafts may be positioned in a user-selected gear ratio from the input to output shafts or vice versa.