Abstract:
A cartridge includes a body, a reservoir, a filter, and a tab. The body is configured to be held in a fixed relationship relative to a stem, wherein the body comprises an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to receive a fluid from a surgical instrument via the stem. The outlet is configured to output a first portion of the fluid from the cartridge. The reservoir is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. The filter is configured to filter the first portion of the fluid as the first portion of the fluid is directed from the inlet, through the filter, and to the outlet. The tab connected to the body and configured to engage with the stem. The tab is configured to, when the cartridge is moved to disengage from the stem, at least one of break away from the body and become functionally inoperable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/647,157 filed on Oct. 8, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/483,046 filed on Jun. 11, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,898 issued on Oct. 9, 2012. The entire disclosures of the applications referenced above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to surgical instruments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lubrication and exhaust system for use with powered surgical instruments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Doctors and other medical professionals often use powered surgical instruments for dissecting bones and tissues, and for a variety of other purposes. Frequently, it is important to lubricate the instruments for proper usages. For example, a pneumatically powered surgical instrument may include a pneumatic motor that is connected to a fluid supply source, and a lubrication system is typically placed inline between the fluid supply source and the pneumatic motor to provide lubrication to the surgical instrument. 
     Traditionally, the lubrication system must be manually calibrated and/or activated according to predetermined guidelines. For example, the lubrication system may be set at a specific dripping rate for providing oil to the surgical instrument. Therefore, to supply a certain amount of lubrication to the instrument, it is important to maintain a proper dripping rate. However, such manual operation is prone to mistakes and inaccuracy, and the amount of supplied oil may vary such that too much or too little oil may be provided to the surgical instrument. This can result in premature wear of the surgical instrument in the case of too little oil, and possible leaking and contamination of an operating room in the case of too much oil. 
     Therefore, it is desired to provide an improved lubrication system. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides an improved lubrication system for a surgical instrument. 
     In one embodiment, a cartridge is provided and includes a body, a reservoir, a filter, and a tab. The body is configured to be held in a fixed relationship relative to a stem, wherein the body includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to receive a fluid from a surgical instrument via the stem. The outlet is configured to output a first portion of the fluid from the cartridge. The reservoir is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. The filter is configured to filter the first portion of the fluid as the first portion of the fluid is directed from the inlet, through the filter, and to the outlet. The tab connected to the body and configured to engage with the stem. The tab is configured to, when the cartridge is moved to disengage from the stem, at least one of break away from the body and become functionally inoperable. 
     In another embodiment, a cartridge is provided and includes a body, a reservoir, and a filter. The body is configured to engage a stem and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a recessed portion. The inlet is configured to receive a first fluid from a surgical instrument via the stem. The outlet is configured to output a first portion of the first fluid from the cartridge. The recessed portion at least partially surrounds the stem when the cartridge is engaged to the stem. The reservoir is configured to receive the first fluid from the inlet. The filter is configured to filter the first portion of the first fluid as the first portion of the first fluid is directed from the inlet, through the filter, and to the outlet. 
     In yet another embodiment, a cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge coupling, a body, a reservoir, and a filter. The cartridge coupling is configured to engage with and be held in a fixed relationship relative to a stem. The body is attached to the cartridge coupling and includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to receive a fluid from a surgical instrument via the stem and the cartridge coupling. The outlet is configured to output at least a portion of the fluid from the cartridge. The body is configured to be rotated at least partially around the stem to engage the cartridge coupling to the stem. The reservoir is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. The filter configured to filter a least a portion of the fluid as the at least a portion of the fluid is directed from the inlet, through the filter, and to the outlet. 
     In one embodiment, a lubrication cartridge includes a cartridge body, a cartridge coupling located on the cartridge body and defining a first passage and a second passage, a lubricant reservoir housed in the cartridge body and comprising a pressurized fluid inlet coupled to the first passage and a lubricant outlet coupled to the second passage, and a metering insert located between the lubricant outlet and the second passage and comprising a density that controls lubricant flow between the lubricant reservoir and the second passage. 
     In another embodiment, a surgical instrument lubrication system includes a lubrication cartridge, a stem defining a primary fluid path, a quarter-turn coupling interface located on each of the lubrication cartridge stem that is operable to sealing mate the lubrication cartridge with the stem, wherein the lubrication cartridge and the stem comprising an initial coupling orientation and a final coupling orientation, and wherein the lubrication cartridge is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the stem between the initial coupling orientation and the final coupling orientation, a lubricant reservoir housed in the lubrication cartridge, a metering insert located between the lubricant reservoir and the primary fluid path and operable to meter lubricant flow from the lubricant reservoir to the primary flow path, and an exhaust portion housed in the lubrication cartridge and operable to filter exhaust fluid that passes through the lubrication cartridge. 
     In yet another embodiment, a surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a fluid supply system operable to supply a pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument to power the surgical instrument, a stem comprising: a quarter-turn stem coupling, a pressurized fluid entry port in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid exit port via a primary fluid path, wherein the pressurized fluid entry port is coupled to the fluid supply system and the pressurized fluid exit port is coupled to a tubing that is further coupled to the surgical instrument and operable to transmit pressurized fluid from the stem to the surgical instrument and transmit exhaust fluid from the surgical instrument to the stem, a Venturi neck located along the primary fluid path, a high pressure tap in fluid communication with the primary fluid path upstream from the Venturi neck; and a suction tap in fluid communication with the Venturi neck, a lubrication cartridge comprising: a quarter-turn lubrication coupling mateable with the quarter-turn stem coupling, a high pressure area annulus defined by the quarter-turn lubrication coupling, and a passage defined by the quarter-turn lubrication coupling and including an passage entrance located within the high pressure area annulus, a lubricant reservoir in fluid communication with the high pressure tap through the high pressure area annulus, a first delivery tube extending into the lubricant reservoir, a metering insert located between the suction tap and the first delivery tube, an exhaust passage operable to receive exhaust fluid transmitted from the from the surgical instrument, through the tubing, and to the stem; and an exhaust filter operable to remove lubricant located in the exhaust fluid. 
     It should be understood that the present summary and the following detailed description, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention beyond that described in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a surgical instrument being used on a patient. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1   a  coupled to a lubrication system that may be further coupled to a pneumatic supply system. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication system of  FIG. 1   b.    
         FIG. 2   b  is a top view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication system of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2   c  is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  taken along line  2   c - 2   c  of  FIG. 2   b.    
         FIG. 2   d  is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  taken along line  2   d - 2   d  of  FIG. 2   b.    
         FIG. 2   e  is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  taken along line  2   e - 2   e  of  FIG. 2   b.    
         FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   c  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   d  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of metering insert of  FIG. 3   c  taken along line  3   d - 3   d  in  FIG. 3   c.    
         FIG. 3   e  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   f  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of metering insert of  FIG. 3   e  taken along line  3   f - 3   f  in  FIG. 3   e.    
         FIG. 3   g  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   h  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 3   i  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a metering insert used with the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 4   a  is a front view illustrating an embodiment of a lubrication cartridge used in the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cartridge coupling on the lubrication cartridge of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 4   c  is a cut-away perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cartridge coupling on the lubrication cartridge of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 4   d  is an exploded view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 5   a  is a front view illustrating an embodiment of a stem used in the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the stem of  FIG. 5   a.    
         FIG. 6   a  is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d , and the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b.    
         FIG. 6   b  is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the lubrication system of  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e.    
         FIG. 6   c  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  being coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and in an initial coupling orientation. 
         FIG. 6   d  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  being coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and in an intermediate coupling orientation. 
         FIG. 6   e  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and in a final coupling orientation. 
         FIG. 6   f  is a perspective view illustrating the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  the final coupling orientation. 
         FIG. 6   g  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  being coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and in the intermediate coupling orientation. 
         FIG. 6   h  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the lubrication cartridge of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  4   d  coupled to the stem of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  and in the final coupling orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, references will now be made to the embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings and specific languages will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1   a , a surgical instrument for the dissection of bone and other tissue is illustrated and generally identified at reference numeral  10 . The embodiment of the surgical instrument  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is operatively associated with a patient X for performing a craniotomy. However, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject invention is not limited to any particular surgical application but has utility for various applications in which it is desired, including but not limited to:
         1. Arthroscopy—Orthopedic   2. Endoscopic—Gastroenterology, Urology, Soft Tissue   3. Neurosurgery—Cranial, Spine, and Otology   4. Small Bone—Orthopedic, Oral-Maxiofacial, Ortho-Spine, and Otology   5. Cardio Thoracic—Small Bone Sub-Segment   6. Large Bone—Total Joint and Trauma   7. Dental and other applications       

     Referring now to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the surgical instrument  10  is coupled to a tubing  20 , and the tubing  20  is coupled to a lubrication system  100 . In an embodiment, the lubrication system  100  may be directly coupled to a foot pedal switch  30  that includes a coupling  31  that may be coupled to pneumatic supply system such that a fluid (e.g., air) may be provided from the pneumatic supply system, through the foot pedal switch  30 , the lubrication system  100 , and the tubing  20 , and then to the surgical instrument  10 . In an embodiment, the lubrication system  100  may be coupled directly to the pneumatic supply system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , and  2   e , an exemplary embodiment of the lubrication system  100  is illustrated. The lubrication system  100  includes a lubrication cartridge  102  coupled to a stem  104 . As described above with reference to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the lubrication system  100  may be used inline between a pneumatic supply system and a pneumatically powered surgical instrument (e.g., the surgical instrument  10 ) to provide metered lubrication to the surgical instrument  10 . Exemplary surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,505,737 and 7,011,661, which are commonly owned and hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. However, it is contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure also apply to other powered instruments and fluid powered devices. 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates a top view of the lubrication system  100  of  FIG. 2   a . A plurality of internal passages and volumes included within the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  will be described below with reference to the various cross-section views illustrated in  FIG. 2   b.    
       FIG. 2   c  illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lubrication system  100  taken along line  2   c - 2   c  in  FIG. 2   b . The lubrication cartridge  102  may generally be a closed body or housing with a multi-ported cartridge coupling  106  (also illustrated in  FIGS. 2   d ,  4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d , and  6   a ) which couples to a multi-ported stem coupling  108  (also illustrated in  FIGS. 2   d ,  5   a , and  6   a ) on the stem  104 . The lubrication cartridge  102  includes a lubrication portion  110  and an exhaust portion  112  which are both in fluid communication with the cartridge coupling  106 . 
     In operation, pressurized fluid enters the lubrication system  100  through the stem  104 . The stem  104  may generally includes an elongate stem or pipe that may be removably coupled inline between a pneumatic supply system and a pneumatically powered surgical instrument (e.g., the surgical instrument  10 , as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ). The stem coupling  108  is in fluid communication with the lubrication portion  110  and the exhaust portion  112  of the lubrication cartridge  102  through a plurality of passages described below. 
     An upstream end of the stem  104  includes a coupling  114  with a central bore  116 . A downstream end of stem  104  comprises a coupling  118  that includes a face that is substantially parallel but offset with the coupling  114 . In an embodiment, the couplings  114  and  118  may be coaxial. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c , the coupling  118  generally comprises a central bore  120  for supplying high pressure fluid through the tubing  20  to the surgical instrument  10  and a coaxial outer bore  122  for receiving exhaust fluid returning from the surgical instrument  10  through the tubing  20 . In other embodiments, a downstream coupling may include non-coaxial high pressure fluid and exhaust fluid bores. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2   c , the stem  104  includes a primary fluid path  124  that extends generally along a longitudinal axis L between the central bores  116  and  120  of the couplings  114  and  118 . The primary fluid path  124  generally has a consistent first inner diameter D 1  and is defined by a first side wall  126 . The primary fluid path  124  may include a Venturi section  128  that includes a neck  130  that is defined by a second side wall  132  and includes a second inner diameter D 2  that is smaller than diameter D 1 . The second side wall  132  defines an entrance to a suction tap  134  that extends generally transverse to the primary fluid path  124 . Upstream from the Venturi section  128 , the first side wall  126  defines an entrance to a high pressure tap  136  that extends away from the primary fluid path  124  at an angle towards the stem coupling  108 . At the downstream end of the stem  104 , an exhaust passage  138  is in fluid communication with the coaxial outer bore  122  of the coupling  118 . 
     Accordingly, the high pressure tap  136 , the suction tap  134 , and the exhaust passage  138  all open into the stem coupling  108  (when not isolated from the stem coupling  108  by a gasket system, described in further detail below). When the lubrication cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem  104 , as described in further detail below, the stem coupling  108  is sealingly mated to the cartridge coupling  106 , resulting in the high pressure tap  136  and the suction tap  134  being in fluid communication with the lubrication portion  110  of the lubrication cartridge  102 , and the exhaust passage  138  being in fluid communication with the exhaust portion  112  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   d , the lubrication cartridge  102  will be described in further detail.  FIG. 2   d  illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lubrication system  100  taken along line  2   d - 2   d  in  FIG. 2   b . The lubrication portion  110  includes a first passage  140  which is in sealed fluid communication with the high pressure tap  136  when the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108  are mated. The lubrication portion  110  includes a second passage  142  which is in sealed fluid communication with the suction tap  134  when the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108  are mated. 
     In operation, as a volume of pressurized fluid is introduced to the stem  104  through the central bore  116  of the coupling  114 , it will travel directly through the stem  104  along the primary fluid path  124 . A portion of that volume of pressurized fluid will be diverted along a secondary fluid path  144  through the high pressure tap  136  and into the first passage  140 . The first passage  140  is in fluid communication with a lubricant reservoir  146  that is defined by the lubrication portion  110  of the lubrication cartridge  110 . The second passage  142  is also in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir  146 , preferably through a metering portion  148 . In operation, the Venturi section  128 , high pressure tap  136 , and the suction tap  134  create a fluid pressure differential that pulls lubricant from the lubricant reservoir  146  for deposit into the primary fluid path  124 . 
     The lubricant reservoir  146  may include a small container or containment area  147  (illustrated in  FIG. 6   a ) for a lubricant such as, for example, oil or other suitable lubricants known in the art. A first lubricant delivery tube  150  extends down into the lubricant reservoir  146  and may include a lower end  150   a  that is located near a bottom  146   a  of the lubricant reservoir  146 . An upper end  150   b  of the lubricant delivery tube  150  is in fluid communication with the second passage  142  through the metering portion  148 . In an embodiment, the lubricant reservoir  146  may contain a lubricant only. However, in other embodiments, the lubricant reservoir  146  may contain a porous media which is saturated with a lubricant. In addition, the lubricant reservoir  146  may include other features that will be described below. 
     The metering portion  148  preferably includes a porous metering insert  152  which, in operation, limits fluid flow and adds to the pressure differential across the Venturi section  128 . The metering insert  152  may provide a plurality of fluid flow paths through pores defined by the metering insert. In an embodiment, the metering insert  152  is fabricated from a sintered metal powder and includes a plurality of flow paths which are randomly created by the adjoining of open pore spaces during sintering. By including the plurality of flow paths in the metering insert, if a particular pore space along a flow path through which lubricant is traveling becomes blocked during usage, the lubricant may pass through other, alternate flow paths. Thus, a porous metering insert, such as metering insert  152 , includes numerous flow paths that provide redundancy against blockage of lubricant flow through the lubrication system  100 . 
     In operation, the pressure differential created by the Venturi section  128 , the high pressure tap  136 , and the suction tap  134  pulls lubricant from the lubricant reservoir  146  through the first delivery tube  150  and through the metering insert  152  at a predictable and repeatable rate. The lubricant may exit the metering insert  152  as small lubricant droplets that may be atomized into the volume of pressurized fluid that was diverted along the secondary fluid path  144  through the high pressure tap  136  and into the first passage  140 , and that diverted volume of pressurized air that includes the lubricant may then re-enter the primary fluid path  124  through the suction tap  134 . The pressurized air that includes the lubricant may then travel through the stem  104  and the tubing  20  such that it is supplied to the surgical instrument  10 . Thus, the metering insert  152  may provide metered delivery of lubricant to the surgical instrument  10  during operation. 
     In addition to sintering, the metering insert  152  may be fabricated from a variety of processes such as, for example, natural processes that are capable of producing a porous insert. In other embodiments, the fabrication of a porous metering insert yields a metering insert with a plurality of flow paths that are created from pores that are not randomly distributed. In an embodiment, the metering insert  152  may include a variety of materials such as, for example, ceramics, plastics, nano-materials, pumice, and/or a variety of other suitable materials known in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c ,  3   d ,  3   e ,  3   f ,  3   g ,  3   h , and  3   i , exemplary embodiments of metering inserts having various exemplary shapes, which may be the metering insert  152 , are illustrated. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , a metering insert  152   a  may be generally shaped as a solid cylinder. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , a metering insert  152   b  may be generally shaped as a circular disk. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d , a metering insert  152   c  may be generally shaped as a hollow half sphere. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3   e  and  3   f , a metering insert  152   d  may be generally shaped as a hollow cone. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   g , a metering insert  152   e  may be generally shaped as a hollow rectangular box. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   h , a metering insert  152   f  may be generally shaped as a hollow cylinder. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   i , a metering insert  152   g  may be generally shaped as a hollow rectangular box or cylinder that is open on one end and closed on an end that opposes the open end. While a variety of different shapes and configurations of metering inserts have been described above, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, and other embodiments or combinations of the disclosed embodiments, that provide other shapes and configurations are contemplated and may be selected for manufacturability, metering properties, durability, and/or other properties known in the art. Varying shapes may change the metering properties of metering insert  152 . For example, solid, cylinder-shaped insert  152   a  may provide a lower flow rate as compared to disk shaped insert  152   b . In another example, a first end of metering insert  152   d  may be open, providing more surface area for lubricant entering the first end as compared to an insert with a flat or solid first end. 
     The lubrication system  100  may also include a startup lubrication mechanism that is configured to rapidly provide an initial quantity of lubricant without metering to the pressurized fluid stream upon system startup. The provision of an initial quantity of lubricant, or bolus, to the pressurized fluid stream upon system startup provides immediate lubrication to the motor of the surgical instrument  10  and its adjacent supply line upon the installation of a new lubrication system  100  or upon the initial use of the surgical instrument  10 . Incorporation of a startup lubrication mechanism, or pre-oiler, may help prevent premature failure or excessive wear of the surgical instrument  10 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2   c , an embodiment of a startup lubrication mechanism  154  includes a second lubricant delivery tube  156  that includes a third passage  158 . The second delivery tube  156  includes a lower end that opens into the lubricant reservoir  146 . An upper end of the second lubricant delivery tube  156  is in fluid communication with the second passage  142  at a location on the second passage  142  that is between the suction tap  134  and the metering portion  148 . 
     Thus, the suction tap  134  is in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir  146  along two paths—a first path that runs through the metering insert  152  and the first delivery tube  150 , and a second path that runs through the third passage  158  of the second delivery tube  156 . 
     In an embodiment, in operation, upon start up of the surgical instrument  10 , a pressure differential is provided that pulls lubricant from the lubricant reservoir  146  through the third passage  158  of the second delivery tube  156 , as this path offers less resistance than the path through the first delivery tube  150  and the metering insert  152 . Thus, the second delivery tube  156  is operable upon startup of the system to provide a startup portion of lubricant. In the illustrated embodiment, the second delivery tube  156  opens into an upper portion of lubricant reservoir  146 , and the start up portion of lubricant may be portioned, for example, by a portion of the lubricant reservoir  146  that is located above the upper portion of the lubricant reservoir  146  into which the second delivery tube  156  opens, as described in further detail below. In another embodiment, the second deliver tube  156  may extend further into the lubricant reservoir  146  than illustrated in  FIG. 2   d , and the start up portion of lubricant may be portioned, for example, according to how far the lower end of second delivery tube  156  extends into lubricant reservoir  146 . 
     The lubricant reservoir  146  may include a main volume  160  that contains a to-be-metered portion of lubricant and an extended volume  162  that contains the startup portion of lubricant. The first and second delivery tubes  150  and  156  are both in fluid communication with main volume  160  of the lubricant reservoir  146 . The startup portion of lubricant contained in the extended volume  162  is located above the point in the lubricant reservoir  146  at which the lower end of second delivery tube  156  accesses the lubricant reservoir  146 . Thus, gravity and the pressure differential between the high pressure tap  136  and the upper end of second delivery tube  156  will quickly cause the startup portion of lubricant to enter the primary fluid path  124  through the suction tap  134  upon pressurized fluid flow through the primary fluid path  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   e , a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lubrication system  100  taken along line  2   e - 2   e  in  FIG. 2   b  is illustrated. The extended volume  162  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2   c  may include a plurality of volumes. For example, a first extended volume  164  may be located on a first side of the second passage  142  and a second extended volume  166  may be located on a second side of the second passage  142  that is opposite the first side. A third extended volume  168 , illustrated in  FIG. 2   d , may also contain a startup portion of lubricant, as described in further detail below. In an embodiment, approximately 0.25 grams of lubricant may be used as the startup portion of lubricant for pre-oiling the surgical instrument  10 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2   c , in operation, once the total amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir  146  drops below the point in the lubricant reservoir  146  at which the lower end of second delivery tube  156  accesses the lubricant reservoir  146 , lubricant will then be supplied from main area  160  of reservoir  146  though first delivery tube  150  and the metering insert  152 . 
     In an embodiment, a startup lubrication mechanism  170 , which may be used with or without the startup lubrication mechanism  154 , is illustrated in  FIG. 2   c . In the startup lubrication mechanism  170 , a startup portion of lubricant may be stored in a horizontal containment tube  172 . Referring briefly to  FIG. 4   a , the containment tube  172  may be in fluid communication with a high pressure area  197 , the first passage  140  (illustrated in  FIG. 2   d ), and the high pressure tap  136  (illustrated in  FIG. 2   c ) through an opening  174  defined on a surface on the cartridge coupling  106  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . From the opening  174 , the containment tube  172  extends into lubrication cartridge  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2   c . Thus, when the lubrication cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem  104 , the startup portion of lubricant located in the containment tube  172  may travel (e.g., by the force of gravity) from the containment tube  172  and into the primary fluid path  124  through the high pressure tap  136 , thereby supplying lubricant to the pressurized fluid, through the stem  104 , the tubing  20 , and to the surgical instrument  10  upon connection of the of the cartridge  102  to the stem  104 , or upon startup of the surgical instrument  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the containment tube  172  may be in fluid communication with the second passage  142 , but sealed with respect to fluid communication with the first passage  140 . Thus, gravity will quickly cause the startup lubricant located in the containment tube  172  to flow into the primary fluid path  124  through the second passage  142  and the suction tap  134 . 
     Returning back to  FIG. 2   d , and as briefly described above, the third extended volume  168  may offer an additional containment volume for the startup portion of the lubricant, which may flow into the first passage  140  or into main area  160  of the lubricant reservoir  146 . From the main area  160 , the startup portion of the lubricant from the third extended volume  168  may enter the second passage  142  from either the first or second delivery tubes  150  or  156 . 
     Various system properties may affect the lubricant flow rate such as, for example, the pressure differential between the first and second passages  140  and  142 , the lubricant viscosity, and the density of the metering insert  152 . In an embodiment, the pressure differential may be at least partially established through the selection of suitable diameters for the first, second, and third passages  140 ,  142 , and  158 . In embodiments which use the startup lubrication mechanism  154  with second delivery tube  156 , a short circuiting of the pressurized fluid after evacuation of the startup portion of the lubricant may be prevented, or mitigated, by sizing the third passage  158  correctly. For example, by sizing the third passage  158  with a diameter that is effectively smaller than the diameter of the first passage  140 , a pressure differential may be preserved across the metering insert  152 . In an embodiment, the first and third passages  140  and  158  have a diameter ratio designed to maintain a pressure differential in the range of about 1 psi to about 5 psi, which may provide a sufficient pressure differential to pull lubricant through the metering insert  152  after evacuation of the startup portion of the lubricant from the lubrication cartridge  102 . 
     The lubricant viscosity and the density of the metering insert  152  may also affect the pressure differential. The average pore size in the metering insert  152  may be adjusted to obtain a desired lubricant flow rate and may be limited by the viscosity of the lubricant. In an embodiment, flow through the metering insert  152  may be controlled by varying processing parameters during manufacture of the metering insert. Thus, by controlling the porosity, or density, and the average pore size, lubricant metering during use of the surgical instrument  10  can be reliably controlled. Repeatable accuracy may be significantly improved over conventional orifice-style metering mechanisms. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  5   a , and  6   a , the cartridge coupling  106  on the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem coupling  108  on the stem  104  are described in further detail.  FIGS. 5   a  and  6   a  illustrate the stem coupling  108  that includes a coaxial wall configuration with a center annulus wall  176 , an intermediate annulus wall  178 , and an outer annulus wall  180  that each extend from a surface of the stem coupling  108  and that are located in a generally concentric orientation about an axis A. The center annulus wall  176  includes a piercing cannula that extends along the axis A and may include a sharpened tip. The center annulus wall  176  defines a passage  176   a  that is in fluid communication with the suction tap  134  (described above with reference to  FIG. 2   c ). The intermediate annulus wall  178  and the center annulus wall  176  define a high pressure area  188  between them that is in fluid communication with the high pressure tap  136  (described above with reference to  FIG. 2   c ). A piercing pin  190  extends from the surface of the stem coupling  108  that is located in the high pressure area  188 . The outer annulus wall  180  and the intermediate annulus wall  178  define a reduced-pressure exhaust area  192  between them. 
     In operation, a greater volume of exhaust fluid may return from the surgical instrument  10  than was supplied as pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument  10  due to, for example, a volumetric increase that may be caused by the desired expansion of the pressurized fluid to power the surgical instrument  10 . In order to accommodate the greater volume of exhaust fluid, the stem coupling  108  may include one or more openings with a combined cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area included through primary fluid path  124 . For example, a crescent-shaped opening  194  may be provided on the surface of the stem coupling  108  in the reduced-pressure exhaust area  192  to provide fluid communication between the reduced-pressure exhaust area  192  and the exhaust passage  138 . 
       FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c , and  6   a  illustrate the cartridge coupling  106  that includes a coaxial wall configuration with a center annulus wall  196 , an intermediate annulus wall  198 , and an outer annulus wall  200  that each extend from a surface of the cartridge coupling  106  and that are located in a generally concentric orientation about an axis B. The center annulus wall  196  provides an entrance to the second passage  142 , described above with reference to  FIG. 2   c , when the lubrication cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem  104 . The intermediate annulus wall  198  and the center annulus wall  196  define a high pressure area  197  between them that is in fluid communication with the first passage  140  an immediately adjacent the high pressure area  188  on the stem coupling  108  when the lubrication cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem  104 . The outer annulus wall  200  and the intermediate annulus wall  198  define a reduced-pressure exhaust area  199  between them that is immediately adjacent the reduced-pressure area  197  on the stem coupling  108  when the lubrication cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem  104 . 
     In operation, in order to accommodate the greater volume of exhaust fluid that returns from the surgical instrument  10 , described above with reference to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the cartridge coupling  106  may include one or more openings with a combined cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area provided through primary fluid path  124 . For example, two large, semicircular openings  204   a  and  204   b  are defined on the surface of the cartridge coupling  106  in the reduced-pressure exhaust area  199  and provide fluid communication between the reduced-pressure exhaust area  192  and the exhaust portion  112  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   c ,  4   d , and  6   a , the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem assembly  104  will be described in further detail. A seal assembly  206  for a portion of the cartridge coupling  106  may include a frangible seal  208  and a sealing gasket  210 . The seal  208  may be sized to match the outer diameter of the intermediate annulus wall  198  so as to span the high pressure area  197  and the entrance to the second passage  142 . The seal  208  may function to seal lubricant such as, for example, the startup portion of lubricant described above, inside the lubrication cartridge  102 . The seal  208  and the sealing gasket  210  may cooperatively function to maintain and preserve separate pressure areas such as, for example, the second passage  142 , the high pressure area  197 , and/or the reduced-pressure exhaust area  199 . The sealing gasket  210  may define a centrally located aperture  212  and an intermediate opening  214  that correspond to features on both the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108 , as will be described in further detail below. 
     In an embodiment, the frangible seal  208  includes a metal foil that is sealed to the center and intermediate annulus walls  196  and  198  with an adhesive or other sealing mechanism known in the art. In an embodiment, the seal  208  may include an aluminum foil that is approximately 0.002″ thick. The sealing gasket  210  may include a thin material that is slightly compressible such as, for example, Teflon, rubber, closed cell foam, and/or a variety of other gasket materials known in the art, in order to provide a seal between the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  when lubrication system  100  is assembled. 
     In an embodiment, the seal  208  may include a plug (not illustrated) that may be fabricated from, for example, an elastomeric material. The plug may be designed to seal lubricant in the cartridge  102  during shipping and storage by blocking the first passage  140  such that lubricant cannot escape from the lubricant reservoir  146 . In such an embodiment, the seal  208  may sealingly cover the entrance to the second passage  142  only and the piercing pin  190  may be eliminated. In assembly operation, when the cartridge coupling  106  on the lubricant cartridge  102  is coupled to the stem coupling  108  on the stem  104 , the piercing cannula on the center annulus wall  176  pierces the seal  208  to provide access to the second passage  142 , and high pressure fluid entering the first passage  140  through the high pressure area  197  may dislodge the plug. In an embodiment, the plug may be dislodged into the lubricant reservoir  146 . In an embodiment, the plug or seal  208  may be replaced with a burst disk, check valve, flapper, and/or a variety of other sealing devices known in the art. In addition to the sealing function described above, the seal  208  may provide a tamper-proofing function. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d ,  5   a ,  5   b ,  6   a ,  6   b ,  6   c ,  6   d ,  6   e ,  6   f ,  6   g , and  6   h , various features of the cartridge  102  and the stem  104  will be described. The lubrication cartridge  102  includes an outer surface  216  that is located adjacent the cartridge coupling  106 . A locking tab  220  may be located between the cartridge coupling  106  and the outer surface  216  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . The locking tab  220  includes an outer surface  222  that extends along the length of the locking tab  220 . The locking tab  220  may include a consistent width along its length or may have a width that tapers from a narrower leading edge  220   a  to a wider trailing edge  220   b . The locking tab  220  may define a locking indention  224 . 
     The stem  104  includes a retaining member  226  that is located adjacent the stem coupling  108  and defines a groove  228  along its length. The groove  228  may be keyed to slidingly receive the locking tab  220  on the lubrication cartridge  102 . The groove  228  may have a width that is consistent along its length or may have a width that tapers from a wider width at a first end  228   a  of the groove  228  to a narrower width at a second end  228   b  of the groove  228 . An open section  230  may also be defined by the retaining member  226 . 
     The lubrication cartridge  102  may include a variety of features which aid in securing the cartridge  102  and to the stem  104 . In an embodiment, the lubrication cartridge  102  may define a longitudinal recess  232  that allows the lubrication cartridge  102  to partially wrap around the stem  104 , which helps to reduce the size profile of the lubrication system  100 . The lubrication cartridge  102  may also include a securing tab  234  and define a coupling support recess  236 . 
     The stem  104  similarly includes a variety of features which are complimentary with those of the lubrication cartridge  102  described above, along with some additional features. In an embodiment, the stem  104  defines a detent  238  that cooperates with the securing tab  234  on the lubrication cartridge  102 , as will be described in further detail below. The stem  104  may also include a coupling support projection  240  that cooperates with the coupling support recess  236 , as will be described in further detail below. 
     In order to protect the lubrication cartridge  102  from accidental bumps and disruptions which could cause its uncoupling from the stem  104 , the stem  104  may include a kick guard  242  and a lower support  244 . The kick guard  242  may include left and right contoured wings  242   a  and  242   b  that extend from the stem  104 . The lower support  244  may include left and right webs  244   a  and  244   b , each extending between portions of the stem  104  and the left and right contoured wings  242   a  and  242   b , respectively, of the kick guard  242 . In an embodiment, the lower support  244  may function solely as a protective shield. In an embodiment, the lower support  244  may function as a friction engagement device to help secure the lubrication cartridge  102 , and it may include other securing features such as, for example, tabs, detents, and/or a variety of other securing features known in the art. In an embodiment, the kick guard  242  and the lower support  244  may be integral to each other and removably attachable to the stem  104 . In an embodiment, the kick guard  242  and the lower support  244  may be separate from the stem  104  and separate from each other. In an embodiment, the kick guard  242  and the lower support  244  may be absent from the stem  104  and/or the lubrication system  100 . 
       FIGS. 6   c ,  6   d , and  6   e  illustrate a variety of coupling orientations of the lubrication cartridge  102  relative to the stem  104  in order to illustrate the assembly of the lubrication system  100 . Referring now to  FIG. 6   c , the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  are shown in an initial coupling orientation, with the stem  104  generally aligned along its axis L and the cartridge  102  generally aligned along an axis C that is generally perpendicular to the axis L when the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  are in the initial coupling orientation. In the initial coupling orientation, the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  are positioned such that the axis A of the stem coupling  108  and the axis B on the cartridge coupling  106  (illustrated in  FIG. 6   a ) are generally co-linear. The lubrication cartridge  102  may then be moved relative to the stem  104  in a direction P such that the cartridge coupling  106  engages the stem coupling  108 . When the cartridge coupling  106  engages the stem coupling  108 , the outer annulus wall  200  on the cartridge coupling  106  slidingly contacts the outer annulus wall  180  on the stem coupling  108 , the piercing cannula on the center annulus wall  176  passes through the centrally located aperture  212  defined by the sealing gasket  210  and punctures the seal  208 , and the piercing pin  190  passes through intermediate opening  214  defined by the sealing gasket  210  to puncture the seal  208 . Thus, the piercing cannula on the center annulus wall  176  opens the second passage  142  in the lubrication cartridge  102  to the suction tap  134  in the stem  104 , and the piercing pin  190  opens the high pressure areas  188  and  197  between the first passage  140  on the stem  104  and the high pressure tap  136  on the lubrication cartridge  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   d , the lubrication system  100  is illustrated with the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  in an intermediate coupling orientation. As illustrated, the lubrication cartridge  102  has been rotated relative to the stem  104  in a direction R after the engagement of the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108  discussed above. As the lubrication cartridge  102  is rotated relative to the stem  104  in the direction R, the locking tab  220  on the lubrication cartridge  102  enters the groove  228  defined on the stem  104  and prevents the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108  from becoming disengaged. In addition, as lubrication cartridge  102  is rotated relative to the stem  104  in the direction R, the piercing pin  190  travels through the intermediate opening  214  defined by the sealing gasket  210  and tears a semicircular opening in the seal  208 , thereby further providing fluid communication across the high pressure areas  188  and  197 . In an embodiment, a tapered width of either or both of the locking tab  220  and/or the groove  228  may facilitate the entry of the leading edge  220   a  of the locking tab  220  into the first end  228   a  of the groove  228 , and may be designed to increase the coupling forces that keep the cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108  engaged and/or provide a friction fit to resist disengaging rotation of cartridge  102  relative to the stem  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   e , the lubrication system  100  is illustrated with the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  in an final coupling orientation. As illustrated, the lubrication cartridge  102  has been fully rotated in the direction R, illustrated in  FIG. 6   d , such that it is installed on stem  104  and the lubrication system  100  is ready for use. In this final coupling orientation, the axis L and the axis C are generally parallel to each other. Thus, a quarter-turn coupling lubrication system  100  is provided in which the lubrication cartridge  102  is rotated relative to the stem  104  approximately 90 degrees in order to secure the lubrication cartridge  102  to the stem  104 . As the lubrication cartridge  102  is rotated into the final coupling orientation, various features described above may cooperate to further secure the lubrication cartridge  102  to the stem  104 . For example, the securing tab  234  on the lubrication cartridge  102  may elastically deform slightly during the coupling of the lubrication cartridge  102  and the stem  104  before becoming positioned in the detent  238  defined by the stem  104 . In an embodiment, the securing tab  234  may provide an audible and/or tactile feedback to a user that the lubrication cartridge  102  is fully engaged with, and secured to, the stem  104 . In order to further and more evenly compress the sealing gasket  210  between the intermediate annulus walls  178  and  198  and the center annulus walls  176  and  196 , the coupling support projection  240  on the stem  104  may engage the coupling support recess  236  defined by the lubrication cartridge  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6   h . In an embodiment, the locking indentation  224  in the locking tab  220  on the lubrication cartridge  102  may be viewable by a user through the open section  230  in the retainer member  226  to indicate that the lubrication cartridge  102  is fully secured to the stem  104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6   f . The positioning of the locking tab  220  in the retainer member  226  and the engagement of the coupling support projection  240  and the coupling support recess  236  may help to retain the lubrication cartridge to the stem  104  axially during internal pressurization. 
     In an embodiment, a clip or other protrusion may physically engage the locking indentation  224  through the open section  230 . Such a clip or protrusion may be adjustably coupled to stem  104  or may extend from a coaxial supply line coupling receivable by the coupling  118 . 
     In addition to other benefits described herein, the lubrication system  100  may also provide an ergonomic and safety advantage over conventional lubrication systems. Referring to  FIGS. 6   c ,  6   d , and  6   e , only a relatively small force in the direction P may be required to engage cartridge coupling  106  and the stem coupling  108 . Thereafter, a rotation force in the direction R may be supplied with only the palm of a user&#39;s hand. Thus, combined pressing and threading motions that require a relatively large gripping force and repetitive wrist rotation by a user may be minimized or avoided. The quarter-turn coupling lubrication system  100  may also be safer in situations where a gripping force by a user is not easily obtainable on a lubrication cartridge that is to be attached or removed because, for example, a gloved hand may be wet or slippery due to operating room conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   c ,  2   d ,  2   e ,  4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d ,  5   a ,  6   a , and  6   b , various features and operation of the exhaust portion  112  of the lubrication cartridge  102  will be further described below. The exhaust portion  112  may generally comprise a low velocity plenum  246  (illustrated in  FIGS. 2   e  and  6   a ) that is in fluid communication with the exhaust area  199  on the cartridge coupling  106  through the semicircular openings  204   a  and  204   b . In an embodiment, a filter  248  (illustrated in  FIGS. 2   c ,  2   d ,  4   d , and  6   b ) may be housed in the exhaust portion  112 . In an embodiment, the filter  248  may include a cellulose filter material or other suitable filter media such as, for example, foam, wool, felt, porous plastics, porous metals, and/or a variety of other filter materials known in the art. The plenum  246  generally occupies various volumes inside the cartridge  102  that are not occupied by the lubrication portion  110 . The exhaust portion  112  may include a baffle wall  250  and a plurality of vanes  252 , and may define a plurality of exhaust holes  254 . The baffle wall  250  extends vertically upwards into the plenum  246  from a bottom wall  255  of the lubrication cartridge  102 , and the vanes  252  extend vertically downward into the plenum  246  from an upper wall  257  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . The exhaust holes  254  are defined by the bottom wall  255  of lubrication cartridge  102  and located downstream of the baffle wall  250  in the exhaust fluid flow. 
     In operation, reduced-pressure exhaust fluid enters the stem  104  and travels through the outer bore  122 . The exhaust fluid then passes through the exhaust passage  138  and the crescent shaped void  194  to reach the reduced-pressure exhaust areas  192  and  199  located between the outer annulus walls  180  and  200  and intermediate annulus walls  178  and  198  on the stem  104  and the lubrication cartridge  102 , respectively. The exhaust fluid then enters the plenum  246  of the exhaust portion  112  in the lubrication cartridge  102  through the semicircular openings  204   a  and  204   b.    
     As illustrated by flow arrows in  FIG. 6   a , the exhaust fluid entering the plenum  246  through the semicircular openings  204   a  and  204   b  is deflected downwards by a back wall  256  of the lubrication cartridge  102 . Each abrupt change of direction of the exhaust fluid in the exhaust portion  112  causes lubrication carried by the exhaust fluid (e.g., oil mist and droplets) to fall out of the exhaust fluid, while relative increases in the flow area cause reductions in velocity of the exhaust fluid, further promoting the lubrication to fall out of the exhaust fluid. Reductions in the velocity of the exhaust fluid may also decrease exhaust noise and increase filtering efficiency. The exhaust fluid flows adjacent the back wall  256  until its flow direction is abruptly forced to change by the bottom wall  255  of the lubrication cartridge  102  and then again by the baffle wall  250 . As the exhaust fluid is forced to effectively reverse direction, more lubricant carried in the exhaust fluid may fall out of the exhaust fluid upstream from the baffle wall  250 . In addition, the exhaust filter  248  (described above with reference to  FIG. 4   b ) may straddle the baffle wall  250  at a slit  258  (illustrated in  FIG. 4   d ) such that the exhaust fluid directed by the baffle wall  250  passes through at least a portion of the exhaust filter  248 . 
     The exhaust fluid is then redirected along the vanes  252  into the filter  248  before exiting the lubrication cartridge  102  through the exhaust holes  254 . The movement of the exhaust fluid through the exhaust portion  112  of the lubrication cartridge  102  provides an efficient and comprehensive technique for separating lubricant from the exhaust fluid prior to releasing the exhaust fluid into an operating room environment. In an embodiment, the vanes  252  may be designed and positioned to direct and divide the exhaust fluid for more efficient filtering. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   d , a head space  260  that is defined between the vanes  252  and located above the filter  248  may function to provide a less resistive flow path for the exhaust fluid. By having the baffle wall  250  extend into the slit  258  on the filter  248 , the exhaust fluid may be directed to pass through filter  248  twice—once on the upstream side of the baffle wall  250  and once on the downstream side of the baffle wall  250 . 
     In an embodiment, some or all of the lubrication system  100  such as, for example, the lubrication cartridge  102 , may be designed as a single-use, disposable member. To the extent that lubrication cartridge  102  is designed to be used only once, the locking tab  220 , the flexible securing tab  234 , and/or other securing feature may be designed as frangible retainers such that upon decoupling of the lubrication cartridge  102  from the stem  104  after use, the frangible retainer is broken off or otherwise functionally impaired to render the lubrication cartridge  102  unusable. In an embodiment, the stem  104  may be designed as a reusable, capital component. 
     The lubrication cartridge  102  may include recycled materials and may itself be recyclable. In an embodiment, the stem  104  may also include a disposable design. Thus, the lubrication system  100  may comprise the stem  104 , the lubrication cartridge  102 , and/or other components which may be reusable or disposable. In an embodiment, the lubrication cartridge  102  is reusable, but the metering insert  152  is disposable, and may be user-replaceable. 
     In an embodiment, one of the stem coupling  108  and the cartridge coupling  106  may comprise a universal coupling capable of interfacing with stems or lubrication cartridges from different suppliers. In addition, an adapter may be provided separately, or as part of a system which may retrofit a non-compliant stem coupling for use with a lubrication cartridge having a coupling configured according to an embodiment disclosed herein. 
     An additional benefit is obtained by the teachings of the present disclosure by moving the lubricant metering from an expensive, reusable part of the assembly, as practiced in conventions systems, to a disposable part of the lubrication system  100 . A typical single- or multi-orifice metering device may require the orifices to be precisely machined within narrow tolerances to be effective. Such small and precise orifices may easily become plugged leading to costly tool damage or surgical delays. A sintered metal metering insert may offer significant savings over the cost to manufacture a single- or multi-orifice metering device along with greater reliability during usage. Thus, a single- or multi-orifice metering device, which is typically a costly component of a reusable capital-type stem or stem assembly, may be economically eliminated. And moving the metering function to a disposable cartridge using a metering insert, as described herein, may also reduce the maintenance required to obtain reliable lubricant metering. 
     Additional cost benefits may be provided through certain design-for-manufacturing aspects of the novel device described above. In an embodiment, the stem  104  is a single body component to which standard supply line fittings are coupled. The stem  104  may have a main body that is generally produced by casting and may or may not require additional machining. The piercing cannula on the center annulus wall  176  and the piercing pin  190  may be a part of the single-component stem body or may be inserts added during assembly. In addition, the piercing cannula on the center annulus wall  176  or the piercing pin  190  may represent wear components that may be replaceable separately from the main body of the stem  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   d , the lubrication cartridge  102  may include a body portion  262  and a cap portion  264 . During assembly, the first delivery tube  150 , the exhaust filter  248 , and the metering insert  152  may be pressed into their respective locations in the body portion  262 . The cap portion  264 , which may include a butt joint (not illustrated), may be, for example, sonically welded to the body portion  262 . 
     Lubricant may be added to the lubrication cartridge  102  before or after attachment of the cap portion  264 . In addition, the gasket  210  and the seal  208  may be added to the lubrication cartridge  102  before or after lubricant is added to the lubrication cartridge  102  to prevent the lubricant from leaking prior to installation on the stem  104 . In other embodiments, the lubrication cartridge  102  may be completely assembled without lubricant, and may be filled with lubricant (e.g., via a needle) before or after attachment of seal  208 , through a sealable port (not illustrated). 
     In an embodiment, the lubrication cartridge  102  may be injection molded to include some or all of the internal passages and features described above. Other manufacturing processes such as, for example, casting, stereolithography, and/or a variety of other manufacturing processes known in the art, may be used. The body portion  262  and the cap portion  264  may include polycarbonate selected for strength, weldability, and moldability. The first delivery tube  150  may include polypropylene. Other suitable materials such as, for example, stainless steel, titanium, shape memory alloys, polymers, carbon fiber, porous materials, and/or a variety of other materials known in the art, are contemplated for one or all of the parts and features included in this system. In addition, other suitable joining methods, manufacturing methods, and assembly sequences are contemplated for one or all of the parts and features included in the lubrication system  100 . 
     In order to limit accidental lubricant spills after the seal  208  has been punctured, the disclosed embodiments and their equivalents may include spill resistant design features. For example, a combination of horizontal and vertical passages may be arranged to reduce spillage when the lubrication cartridge  102  is either vertically or horizontally positioned. In an embodiment, the first, second, and third extended areas  164 ,  166 , and  168  in the lubrication cartridge  102  may be designed and arranged to contain the usage portion of lubricant if then lubrication cartridge  102  is turned on its side. The first and second passages  140  and  142  may be oriented such that they are substantially vertical if the lubrication cartridge  102  is tipped on its side or if the first and second delivery tubes  150  and  156  are inadvertently oriented horizontally. The containment tube  172  that is in fluid communication with the high pressure area  197 , and a containment area  266  (illustrated in  FIGS. 2   c  and  4   a ) that is in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure exhaust area  192 , may be designed and arranged to further contain lubricant and reduce spillage. In addition, check valves, flappers, pilot control valves, float valves, and other fluid control devices are contemplated to reduce or prevent lubricant spillage. 
     Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Also, features illustrated and discussed above with respect to some embodiments can be combined with features illustrated and discussed above with respect to other embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.