Patent ID: 8118814
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An implement for orientating a tool at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of a target surface to be engaged by the tool, said implement comprising: a rod having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end; and a head coupled to the distal end of said rod; said head being formed with three contact elements arranged in a circular array around the longitudinal axis of the rod; said head being formed with three contact elements arrayed in a circular array around said longitudinal axis and radially displaceable from inner positions to outer positions with respect to each other and to said longitudinal axis such that when in their outer positions either tips are in contact with the target surface at three contact points which define a plane on the target surface at said predetermined angle to said longitudinal axis of the rod; said contact elements being formed by three slits extending axially through the distal end of the head for a sufficient distance to enable the contact elements to be elastically deformed to said inner and outer positions; said rod being coupled to said head so as to be displaceable with respect thereto to radially displace said three contact elements to their outer positions.