Patent ID: 8864750
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: A61B,B25B

Abstract:
1. A programmable tool operable to adjust an external fixation strut having a rotatable adjustment mechanism for length adjustments and a strut identifier operable to provide a signal that identifies the external fixation strut, the programmable tool comprising: a housing; a power supply disposed in the housing; a data port disposed at least partially within the housing, the data port operable to receive instructions for adjusting the external fixation strut; a signal-sensor disposed at least partially within the housing, the signal-sensor operable to receive the signal from the strut identifier; a motor disposed within the housing, comprising a first output shaft; a gear box comprising one or more sets of gears driven by the first output shaft, wherein the one or more sets of gears drive a second output shaft; a rotational shaft coupled to the second output shaft, the rotational shaft comprising a strut fitting adapted to engage and rotate the rotatable adjustment mechanism of the external fixation strut; a controller in electrical communication with the data port, the signal-sensor, the power supply, and the motor; a memory unit in electrical communication with the controller, the memory unit operable to store data; and wherein the controller is configured to retrieve, from the memory unit, instructions for adjusting a length of the external fixation strut based on the signal received from the strut identifier by the signal-sensor, and activate the motor to adjust the length of the external fixation strut according to the retrieved instructions.