阅读说明：本技术 用于一次性刮刀和小圆锯的力吸收系统 (Force absorbing system for disposable scrapers and small circular saws ) 是由 肯·亚当斯 麦可·巴比肯 菲利普·S·欧奎恩 班杰明·P·海吉斯 马汀·A·佛斯 于 2020-03-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种用于手持式旋转医疗装置的驱动系统,其包括并入驱动系统的驱动联接件中的力吸收系统。力吸收系统可以包括在驱动联接件中,由此力吸收系统吸收与驱动联接件的纵向轴线对准的线性力。因此,力吸收系统允许旋转手术器械相对于驱动轴和手持式壳体的有限线性移动,所述旋转手术器械可以是刮刀、小圆锯等。(A drive system for a handheld rotary medical device is disclosed that includes a force absorbing system incorporated into a drive coupling of the drive system. A force absorbing system may be included in the drive link whereby the force absorbing system absorbs linear forces aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drive link. Thus, the force absorbing system allows for limited linear movement of the rotary surgical instrument, which may be a spatula, a burr, or the like, relative to the drive shaft and the hand-held housing.)

1. A drive system for a handheld rotary medical device, the drive system comprising:

a drive coupling configured to be positioned between a drive motor and a rotary surgical instrument;

a force absorbing system incorporated into the drive link, whereby the force absorbing system absorbs linear forces aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drive link.

2. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, wherein the material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling comprises a plurality of relief slots and an engagement protrusion positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system.

3. The drive system of claim 2, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of relief slots are circumferentially offset from one another.

4. The drive system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of relief slots are organized in rows, wherein at least one row includes at least two relief slots that each span about one-quarter of a circumference of the drive coupling.

5. The drive system of claim 4, wherein each row of relief slots comprises at least two relief slots each spanning one-quarter of a circumference of the drive coupling, wherein a relief slot is circumferentially offset from an adjacent row of relief slots.

6. The drive system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of relief slots are non-orthogonal and non-parallel positioned to a longitudinal axis of the drive coupling.

7. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link and includes a plurality of force transmission projections extending proximally from the proximal end of the drive link, wherein the force transmission projections include angled proximal ends configured to engage an angled drive surface such that linear force applied to the force absorbing system toward the angled drive surface deflects the force transmission projections radially outward, and wherein an engagement protrusion is positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system.

8. The drive system of claim 7, wherein the force transmitting projections are positioned 180 degrees apart.

9. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed from: a cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, the drive coupling including an engagement protrusion extending proximally from the proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system; and at least one force absorber on each side of the engagement protrusion on the proximal end of the drive coupling configured to contact a drive shaft.

10. The drive system of claim 9, wherein the at least one force absorber is a leaf spring.

11. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link, wherein the material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link includes a plurality of relief slots forming wings and an engagement protrusion positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system.

12. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link and includes a plurality of staples extending proximally from the proximal end of the drive link and configured to contact a drive shaft of the drive system.

13. The drive system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the staples is formed by a base portion aligned with a proximal end of the drive coupling and a tip portion angled radially inward from the base portion.

14. The drive system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of staples comprises four staples, each staple formed by a base portion aligned with a proximal end of the drive coupling and a tip portion angled radially inward from the base portion.

15. The drive system of claim 14, wherein each of the staples is positioned circumferentially 90 degrees from an adjacent staple on a proximal end of the drive coupling.

16. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link, wherein a shock absorber is positioned within a hollow chamber of the proximal end and exposed to contact a drive shaft of the drive system, and the force absorbing system further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from an inner surface of the hollow chamber to engage a receiver in the drive shaft of the drive system.

17. The drive system of claim 16, wherein the shock absorber is a coil spring.

18. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the force absorbing system is formed by the cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, a flange extending radially outward from an outer surface of the cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, and a shock absorber coupled to the proximal end of the drive coupling.

19. The drive system of claim 18, wherein the shock absorber is a coil spring.

20. The drive system of claim 19, wherein the coil spring at least partially surrounds the drive coupling at the proximal end.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to handheld rotary medical devices, and more particularly to handheld rotary medical devices having a disposable shaver and a burr.

Background

Handheld rotating medical devices typically include a detachable working end, which is typically a spatula or a burr. The detachable working end is typically attached to the hand-held device via any of a number of releasable connection systems. The releasable connection system enables the removable working end to be quickly and easily removed and replaced or exchanged. The releasable connection system also enables the replacement of the disposable working end to be efficiently and easily performed.

Disclosure of Invention

A drive system for a handheld rotary medical device is disclosed that includes a force absorbing system incorporated into a drive coupling of the drive system. A force absorbing system may be included in the drive link whereby the force absorbing system absorbs linear forces aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drive link. Thus, the force absorbing system allows for limited linear movement of the rotary surgical instrument, which may be a spatula, a burr, or the like, relative to the drive shaft and the hand-held housing.

In at least one embodiment, a drive system for a handheld rotary medical device includes a drive coupling configured to be positioned between a drive motor and a rotary surgical instrument, and a force absorbing system incorporated into the drive coupling, whereby the force absorbing system absorbs linear forces aligned with a longitudinal axis of the drive coupling. The force absorbing system may be formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of a drive coupling, wherein the material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling comprises a plurality of relief slots (relief slots) and an engagement protrusion positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system. Adjacent ones of the plurality of relief slots may be circumferentially offset from one another. The plurality of relief slots may be organized in rows, wherein at least one row includes at least two relief slots that each span about one-quarter of the circumference of the drive coupling. Each row of relief slots may include at least two relief slots each spanning one-quarter of the circumference of the drive link, wherein a relief slot is circumferentially offset from a relief slot of an adjacent row.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system can be formed from a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link and can include a plurality of force transmitting projections extending proximally from the proximal end of the drive link. The force transmission tab may include an angled proximal end configured to engage an angled drive surface such that a linear force applied to the force absorbing system toward the angled drive surface deflects the force transmission tab radially outward. The force absorbing system may include an engagement protrusion positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system. The force transmitting projections may be positioned 180 degrees apart.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system may be formed from: a cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, the drive coupling including an engagement protrusion extending proximally from the proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system; and at least one force absorber on each side of the engagement protrusion on the proximal end of the drive coupling configured to contact a drive shaft. The force absorber may be, but is not limited to, a leaf spring.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system may be formed from a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, wherein the material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling comprises a plurality of relief slots forming wings and an engagement protrusion positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end for engaging a drive shaft of the drive system.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system can be formed from a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive link and can include a plurality of staples extending proximally from the proximal end of the drive link and configured to contact a drive shaft of the drive system. At least one of the staples may be formed by a base portion aligned with the proximal end of the drive coupling and a tip portion angled radially inward from the base portion. The plurality of staples can include four staples, each staple formed by a base portion aligned with a proximal end of the drive coupling and a tip portion angled radially inward from the base portion. Each of the staples may be positioned circumferentially 90 degrees from an adjacent staple on the proximal end of the drive link.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system may be formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling. A shock absorber may be positioned within the hollow chamber of the proximal end and exposed to contact a drive shaft of the drive system. The force absorbing system may include a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from an inner surface of the hollow chamber to engage a receiver in a drive shaft of the drive system. In at least one embodiment, the shock absorber may be a coil spring.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system can be formed from a cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, a flange extending radially outward from an outer surface of the cylindrical proximal end of the drive coupling, and a shock absorber coupled to the proximal end of the drive coupling. In at least one embodiment, the shock absorber may be a coil spring. The coil spring may at least partially surround the drive coupling at the proximal end.

One advantage of the force absorbing system is that the force absorbing system aligns the disposable instrument with the motor drive.

Another advantage of the force absorbing system is that the force absorbing system provides an axial force to the inner member of the disposable instrument to maintain the position of the distal cutting member.

Yet another advantage of the force absorbing system is that the force absorbing system reduces tolerance stack-up between the disposable instrument and the motor drive.

Another advantage of the force absorbing system is that the force absorbing system provides a way to minimize the effects of slippage between the inner hub and the motor drive.

Yet another advantage of the force absorbing system is that the force absorbing system is a low cost method that provides the benefits listed above while minimizing the number of components, for example, by eliminating the need for a spring retainer.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld rotary medical device configured to receive a drive coupling of a drive system including a force absorbing system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with yet another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 11.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 14.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with yet another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 2-2.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the drive coupling with force absorbing system of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is another partial perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 17.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handheld rotary medical device of FIG. 1 with yet another embodiment of a force absorbing system taken along section line 3-3.

Fig. 22 is a side view of the drive coupling of fig. 21 with a force absorbing system.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 21.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of another configuration of the proximal end of the drive link with force absorbing system of fig. 2.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1-24, a drive system 10 for a handheld rotary medical device 12 is disclosed that includes a force absorbing system 14 incorporated into a drive coupling 16 of the drive system 10. The force absorbing system 14 may be included in the drive link 16 whereby the force absorbing system 14 absorbs linear forces aligned with the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16. Accordingly, force absorbing system 14 allows for limited linear movement of rotary surgical instrument 20, which may be a spatula, a small circular saw, or the like, relative to drive shaft 22 and hand-held housing 24.

In at least one embodiment, the drive system 10 may be configured for use with a handheld rotary medical device 12. The drive system 10 may include a drive coupling 16 configured to be positioned between the drive motor 26 and the rotary surgical instrument 20. The drive system 10 may also include a force absorbing system 14 incorporated into the drive link 16, whereby the force absorbing system 14 absorbs linear forces aligned with the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2-4, the force absorbing system 14 can be formed by a hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16. The material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16 may include at least one relief slot 30 configured to deflect when placed under a linear force, thereby enabling the drive coupling 16 to move linearly relative to the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The relief slots 30 may be generally elongated in shape and may be rectangular, oval, elliptical, etc. The corners forming the relief notch 30 may be rounded. The relief slots may be positioned to extend generally circumferentially around the drive coupling 16, which in at least one embodiment may be generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive coupling 16. The circumferential length of the relief groove 30 may be any suitable length. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential length of the relief groove 30 can be between about one-eighth and three-quarters of the circumferential length of the drive coupling 16, and in at least one embodiment, between one-quarter and one-half of the total circumference of the drive coupling 16.

In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system 14 may include a plurality of relief slots 30, as shown in fig. 2 and 3. The plurality of relief slots 30 may be configured such that adjacent relief slots 30 of the plurality of relief slots 30 are circumferentially offset from one another. The plurality of relief slots 30 may be organized into one or more rows 34 of relief slots 30. The rows 34 may be linearly spaced apart, and the rows 34 may extend circumferentially around the drive links 16. In at least one embodiment, two or more relief slots 30 may be organized into rows 34. A plurality of relief slots 30 forming a single row 34 may extend circumferentially end-to-end around the drive link 16. The plurality of relief slots 30 forming the single row 34 may each be between about one-eighth and one-half of the circumferential length of the drive link 16, and in at least one embodiment, may be between one-eighth and one-half of the circumferential length of the drive link 16, such as, but not limited to, one-quarter of the circumference of the drive link 16. Adjacent relief slots 30 in adjacent rows 34 may be circumferentially offset from relief slots 30 in adjacent rows 34. In at least one embodiment, the relief slots 30 of adjacent rows 34 may be circumferentially offset between about 20 degrees and about 180 degrees, and in at least one embodiment, may be circumferentially offset about 90 degrees. The relief slots 30 in adjacent rows 34 on either side of a single row 34 may be aligned with one another, and the relief slots 34 forming the middle row 34 may be offset relative to the two adjacent rows 34. There may be any suitable number of rows 34 of relief slots 30 in the drive link 16. In at least one embodiment, the drive link 16 can include between one and six rows 34 of relief slots 30, and in particular, and not by way of limitation, can include three rows 34 of relief slots.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the force absorbing system 14 may include an engagement protrusion 32 positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 may have any suitable configuration for transmitting rotational motion from the drive shaft 22 to the drive coupling 16 through the engagement protrusion 32. In at least one embodiment, the drive shaft 22 may include a slot 36 for receiving the engagement protrusion 32. The engagement protrusion 32 may have rounded edges and may have rounded ends to promote smooth insertion into the slot 36 in the drive shaft 22.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 24, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 2-4, except that the relief slots may have another configuration. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 24 may include the elements listed above and shown in FIGS. 2-4 and discussed in detail herein. Rather, the above description is incorporated herein for the description of FIG. 24. Additionally, one or more of the relief slots 30 of the force absorbing system 14 of fig. 24 may be positioned non-orthogonal and non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16. The relief slots 30 may form a helical configuration such that when the relief slots 30 extend circumferentially around the drive coupling 16, the relief slots 30 are angled relative to the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive coupling 16. The relief slots 30 may be aligned parallel to each other. In other embodiments, one or more of the helical relief grooves 30 may be misaligned relative to one another.

In another embodiment of the drive link 16, as shown in fig. 5-7, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed from the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 and may include a plurality of force transmitting projections 38 extending proximally from the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16. The force transmission tab 38 can include an angled proximal end 28 configured to engage an angled drive surface 40 such that a linear force applied to the force absorbing system 14 toward the angled drive surface 40 deflects the force transmission tab 38 radially outward, thereby allowing limited linear movement of the drive link 16 along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16. The radially outward flexing of the force transmitting projections 38 generates a force stored within the projections 38, and when the force is removed from the drive link 16, thereby forcibly pushing the drive link in the proximal direction, the flexing projections 38 linearly move the drive link 16 in the distal direction along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16.

The force transmitting tab 38 may have any suitable configuration. In at least one embodiment, the force transmission tab 38 may have an angled contact surface 42 configured to contact the angled drive surface 40. The angled contact surface 42 of the force transmitting projection 38 may be configured such that the projection 38 includes a tip 44 on the projection 38, whereby the tip 44 is on a radially outermost portion of the projection 38. The angled contact surface 42 of the force transmitting protrusion 38 may extend radially inward from the tip 44. In at least one embodiment, the angled contact surface 42 of the force transmission protrusion 38 may also extend distally from the tip 44. The corresponding angled drive surface 40 may have an angled surface with a distal diameter that is less than the proximal diameter. The angled drive surface 40 may be positioned within the drive system 10 such that the force transmission projection 38 contacts the angled drive surface 40 as the drive coupling 16 moves linearly along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive coupling 16. The angled drive surface 40 may be a conical surface having a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive coupling 16.

The drive coupling 16 may include one or more force transmitting projections 38. In at least one embodiment, the drive coupling 16 may include two or more force transmitting projections 38. In one embodiment having two force transmitting tabs 38, the force transmitting tabs 38 may be positioned 180 degrees apart. In embodiments having more than two force transmission projections 38, the force transmission projections 38 may be spaced apart from each other equally or in an alternating configuration.

The drive coupling 16 may include one or more stops 46 configured to limit the amount of linear movement of the drive coupling 16 along the longitudinal axis 18. In at least one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the drive coupling 16 can include two stops 46. The stops 46 may be separated from one another, with each stop 46 positioned between the force transmitting projections 38. The stop 46 may be positioned adjacent a radially outer surface of the drive coupling 16, similar to the force transmitting tab 38. The stop 42 may be configured with a curved surface 48 that contacts a protrusion 50 from the angled drive surface 40. In at least one embodiment, the projections 50 may be positioned on the angled drive surface 40 about 180 degrees apart.

The drive coupling shown in fig. 6 and 7 may also include an engagement protrusion 32 positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 2 may be similar to the engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 3 and 4.

In another embodiment of the force absorbing system 14, as shown in fig. 8-10, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed by the cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 including an engagement protrusion 32 extending proximally from the proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 3 may be similar to the engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 3 and 4. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 3 may extend further proximally than any other portion of the drive link 16. The engagement projection 32 shown in fig. 3 may extend from the plate 52.

The force absorbing system 14 shown in fig. 8-10 may include at least one force absorber 54 on each side of the engagement protrusion 32 on the proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16 configured to contact the drive shaft 22. The force absorber 54 may be configured to enable the drive link 16 to move linearly along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16 while also providing resistance to such movement. As the drive link 16 moves further proximally against the force absorber 54, the amount of force applied to the force absorber 54 against the drive link 16 increases. In at least one embodiment, the force absorber 54 can project proximally from the plate 52, thereby forming the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16. In at least one embodiment, force absorbing system 14 may include two or more force absorbers 54. The force absorber 54 may extend proximally from the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 and may be positioned on opposite sides of the engagement protrusion 32. The force absorber 54 may be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, and a pliable material (e.g., rubber). In at least one embodiment, the plastic force absorber 54 can be configured as part of the drive link 16. In at least one embodiment, the force absorber 54 may be a leaf spring.

In another embodiment of the force absorbing system 14, as shown in fig. 11-13, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed from the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive coupler 16, wherein the material forming the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive coupler 16 includes at least one relief slot 30 forming a wing 56. The wings 56 may be shaped such that the width of the wings 56 in a proximal direction aligned with the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16 is greater than the width of an adjacent relief slot measured in the same direction. The wings 56 are movable in flexion circumferentially around the drive link 16. In particular, the wings 56 may extend circumferentially and proximally from the first attachment point 58 around a portion of the drive link 16 to an intermediate point 62 between the first and second attachment points 58, 60. From the intermediate point 62 to the second attachment point 60, the wings 56 extend circumferentially and distally around a portion of the drive link 16 to the second attachment point 60. In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system 14 may include two or more wings 56. In embodiments having two wings 56, the wings 56 may be of the same length or of different lengths. The wings 56 may extend less than three-quarters of the circumference of the drive coupling. In at least one embodiment, the length of the wings 56 may be equal to or less than half the circumferential length of the drive coupling. In such a configuration, as shown in fig. 11-13, the wings may be non-linear when viewed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16, and may form a groove 64 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16. When the drive coupling 16 is attached to the drive shaft 22, the protrusions 66 may extend radially outward from the drive shaft 22 and reside within the grooves 64 formed between the wings 56.

The drive coupling shown in fig. 11-13 may also include an engagement protrusion 32 positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 4 may be similar to the engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 1, and may be configured as set forth in the description above in connection with the engagement protrusion 32 in fig. 3 and 4.

In another embodiment of the force absorbing system 14, as shown in fig. 14-16, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed by the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 and may include a plurality of spikes 68 extending proximally from the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 and configured to contact the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. One or more of the staples 68 may be formed by a base portion 70 aligned with the proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16 and a tip portion 72 angled radially inward from the base portion 70. In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system 14 can include two staples 68, each formed by a base portion 70 aligned with the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive coupling 16 and extending from the proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16 and a tip portion 72 angled radially inward from the base portion 70. If the force absorbing system 14 includes a plurality of spikes 68, the spikes 68 may be positioned equidistant from one another or in another manner. In embodiments having four spikes 68, each of the spikes 68 may be positioned 180 degrees circumferentially from an adjacent spike 68 on the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16. In at least one embodiment, the base portion 70 of the staple 68 extends proximally from the proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 and extends from the perimeter 76 of the proximal end 28. The thickness of the staples 68 may be determined based on the material used to form the staples 68 and the expected linear force applied to the drive link 16. The staples 68 can be configured to flex radially outward to provide limited linear movement of the drive link 16 while generating a linear force stored within the staples 68, the flexed staples 68 causing the drive link 16 to move linearly in a distal direction along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16 when the force is removed from the drive link 16 forcing the drive link to be forced in a proximal direction.

The drive coupling shown in fig. 14-16 may also include an engagement protrusion 32 positioned in the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 6 may be similar to the engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 1, and may be configured as set forth in the description above in connection with the engagement protrusion 32 in fig. 3 and 4.

In another embodiment of the force absorbing system 14, as shown in fig. 17-20, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed from the hollow cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 with the shock absorber 78 positioned within the hollow chamber 80 of the proximal end 28 and exposed to contact the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The shock absorber 78 can be positioned to contact the drive shaft 22 to provide limited linear movement of the drive link 16 while generating a linear force stored within the shock absorber 78, the shock absorber 78 moving the drive link 16 linearly in a distal direction along the longitudinal axis 18 of the drive link 16 when the force is removed from the drive link 16, thereby forcing the drive link in a proximal direction. The shock absorber 78 may be formed of any suitable material and may be a coil spring. The force absorbing system 14 may also include a plurality of protrusions 82 extending radially inward from an inner surface 84 of the hollow chamber 80 to engage a receiver 88 in the drive shaft 22 of the drive system. (fig. 7) the projections 82 may be of any suitable size and number to transmit rotational motion from the drive shaft 22 to the drive coupling 16. In at least one embodiment, the force absorbing system 14 may include two protrusions 82.

In another embodiment of the force absorbing system 14, as shown in fig. 21-23, the force absorbing system 14 may be formed from the cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16, a flange 90 extending radially outward from an outer surface 92 of the cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16, and a shock absorber 94 coupled to the proximal end 28 of the drive coupling 16. The damper 94 may extend around an outer surface of the drive link 16. When the shock absorber 94 contacts the drive shaft 22, the shock absorber 94 may abut against the flange 90. The shock absorber 94 may be formed of any suitable material and may be a coil spring. In at least one embodiment, the coil spring 94 may at least partially surround the drive coupling 16 at the proximal end 28.

The force absorbing system 14 shown in fig. 5 may be formed by the cylindrical proximal end 28 of the drive link 16 including an engagement protrusion 32 extending proximally from the proximal end 28 for engaging the drive shaft 22 of the drive system 10. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 5 may be similar to the engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 1. The engagement protrusion 32 shown in fig. 5 may extend further proximally than any other portion of the drive link 16.

The foregoing is provided for the purpose of illustrating, explaining and describing embodiments of the present invention. Modifications and variations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.