Patent ID: 6783361
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
An orthodontic mechanical force module, comprising:first and second housings; a spindle that extends within and is rotatable relative to each of said first and second housings, wherein said first housing is further threadably interconnected with said spindle to move said first housing along a length dimension of said spindle by a rotation of said spindle to change a spacing between said first and second housings in a dimension measured along said length dimension of said spindle; and a unidirectional ratchet associated with said spindle, wherein said unidirectional ratchet controls rotation of said spindle, wherein said unidirectional ratchet comprises a ratchet wheel and a pawl, wherein said spindle comprises said ratchet wheel such that said ratchet wheel rotates along with a remainder of said spindle, wherein said pawl is at least engageable with said ratchet wheel, wherein said spindle comprises a first through hole, and wherein said pawl is disposed in at least partially overlying and spaced relation to an adjacent end of said first through hole.