Patent Description:
During selected procedures, a motor may be provided to power a tool, such as a tool that has a tool tip or working end that is able to be powered in a selected manner. For example, the tool may be rotated at a selected velocity, such as about <NUM> rotations per minute (RPM) to about <NUM>,<NUM> RPMs. The tool interconnected with the motor may be connected to a drive shaft configured to be powered by the motor to rotate. A procedure may then be carried out with the tool tip while rotating when powered by the motor.

The motor may be selected to interconnect with a plurality of different types of tools. The various tools may be provided for different procedures, such as drilling a hole, inserting or fastening a fastener, milling a structure, or the like. Different tools may include different configurations, such as diameters, connection shapes, or the like. Accordingly, attachments may be provided to interconnect the drive shaft of the motor with different ones of the tools. The motor drive shaft, therefore, may not accommodate all tools that are selected to be driven by the motor assembly. <CIT> discloses a tensioning device for surgical elements. <CIT> discloses a dual size tool-bit holder for varying tool-bit shank profiles. <CIT> discloses a motorised surgical drill instrument. <CIT> discloses a multi-purpose surgical tool system with readily interchangeable components.

A drive shaft assembly is provided according to claim <NUM>. The drive shaft may be included with a collet assembly. The drive shaft includes a plurality of driving regions to drive different tools of different sizes, including different diameters by the single drive shaft. Further, the drive shaft includes an axial fixation engaging portion to engage all different tools to axially fix the tools within the drive shaft. The axial fixation portion includes moveable members. The moveable members are biased to an engaged configuration to engage the tools. The biasing mechanism may be moved to disengage the tool from the biased configuration. Therefore, a drive shaft assembly may be used to engage and drive different tools of different diameters without providing attachments or augments to engage differently sized tools.

<FIG> is an environmental view of a motorized assembly <NUM> being used to perform a procedure on a subject <NUM>. In various embodiments, the motorized assembly <NUM> may include a powered dissection tool for performing a select procedure, such as forming a burr hole in a cranium <NUM> of the patient <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the instrument assembly <NUM> may be used for performing other procedures such as a removal of material relative to a nasal cavity of the subject <NUM> or other appropriate procedure. Further, it is understood that the motorized assembly <NUM> may be used to perform a procedure on a non-living subject such as powering a tool to drill a hole in an airframe, an automotive frame, or the like. Accordingly, the motorized assembly <NUM> is not required to be used with a living subject, such as a human patient.

With additional reference to <FIG> the motorized assembly <NUM> may include various components which may include a motor assembly or component <NUM>. The motor component <NUM> may include an appropriate motor component such as the LEGEND EHS STYLUS® motors, sold by Medtronic, Inc. The motor component <NUM> may be electrically powered, such as the LEGEND EHS STYLUS® motors. The power may be provided to the motor assembly <NUM> via a tube <NUM> that is connected with a power source <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. The power source may be any appropriate power source such as the IPC® integrated power system, sold by Medtronic, Inc. It is understood, however, that the motor component <NUM> may be any appropriate motor assembly such as one powered by pneumatic power, or other appropriate power supply. Therefore, a pneumatic or electric power drill is not intended to limit the subject disclosure or the pending claims. Moreover, the motor component <NUM> may include those disclosed in <CIT> or<CIT>.

The motor component <NUM> may include a connector <NUM> that has a threaded portion <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> may threadably engage a collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>. The collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> may also be referred to as a drive shaft assembly <NUM> and may include both a collet portion and a drive shaft. The drive shaft, as discussed herein, may be formed of one unitary piece or formed of a plurality of pieces that are connected. The drive shaft may engage a tool to move the tool for performing a procedure.

The drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include a motor connector or engaging portion <NUM> having external threads <NUM> to engage the internal threads of the threaded portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> of the motor component <NUM>. Accordingly, the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be operably connected to the motor component <NUM> to power the drive shaft in the drive shaft assembly <NUM>. The drive shaft assembly <NUM> may further include a tool receiving end <NUM>. The tool receiving end <NUM>, as discussed further herein, can receive one or more tools or tool tips such as a first tool tip <NUM>, a second tool tip <NUM> and a third tool tip <NUM> from a kit of tools. An attachment <NUM> may also be received on the tool receiving end <NUM>. The tools <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may selectively be placed through the attachment <NUM>, if selected. Further, the kit may also include at least one additional of the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, the motor component <NUM>, and the attachment <NUM> along with the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the tool tips, including the first tool tip <NUM>, the second tool tip <NUM>, and the third tool tip <NUM> may include a tool or shaft retaining region <NUM> that may be substantially identical for each of the tool tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the tool tips may also include respective working ends such as a first working end <NUM>, a second working end <NUM>, and a third working end <NUM>. Each of the working ends may be a similar type of working end or a different type of working end. For example, the first working end <NUM> may include a burr, the second working end <NUM> may include a mill, and the third working end <NUM> may include a fluted drill tip. The working ends may also be distal or terminal ends of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Nevertheless, each of the tool tips <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be axially engaged within the drive shaft assembly <NUM> by moving the tool tip generally in the direction of the arrow <NUM>. Once engaged in the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, as discussed further herein, each of the tool tips <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be axially retained within the drive shaft assembly <NUM>. At least a portion of the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, however, may rotate by being powered by the motor component <NUM> to also rotate the respective tool tips <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> around an axis <NUM>.

The drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include an attachment connection portion <NUM>. The attachment connection portion <NUM> may allow a connection of the attachment <NUM>. The attachment <NUM> may include a surface and/or bearing portion that assists in supporting one or more of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The attachment <NUM> may not be required to be connected to the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, but may be selected for various tool portions. Further, the attachment <NUM> may include various additional features, such as allowing for an angled connection of the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the drive shaft assembly <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include a drive shaft <NUM> including a first drive shaft portion or member <NUM> and a second drive shaft portion or member <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM>, however, may be formed of more than two pieces. The drive shaft <NUM> may be fit within a collet housing <NUM>. The collet housing <NUM> may include the motor connector portion <NUM> including the external thread <NUM>. The collet housing <NUM>, therefore, may be attached to the motor component <NUM> via threading the external threads <NUM> to the internal threads <NUM>.

Once the collet housing <NUM> is threaded to the motor assembly <NUM> the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be powered with the motor assembly <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the collet housing <NUM> may be fixed to the motor assembly <NUM> with other appropriate connection mechanisms. For example, a bayonet connection, a quarter turn connection, or other appropriate connections may allow the drive shaft assembly <NUM> to be removably attached to the motor assembly <NUM> via the connector <NUM>. As discussed herein, the drive shaft <NUM> may then rotate relative to the collet housing <NUM> to rotate the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The drive shaft <NUM> may be press fit together. For example, the second drive shaft portion <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> that has an external diameter that forms an interference fit with a connection region <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The connection region <NUM> may be formed within at least a portion of a throughbore <NUM> formed in the first shaft portion <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> may, therefore, be assembled by press fitting the second drive shaft portion <NUM> into the portion of the bore <NUM> that forms the shaft connection portion <NUM>. It is also understood, however, that the second drive shaft portion <NUM> may be fixed to the first drive shaft portion <NUM> in any appropriate manner such as by threading, welding, adhesives, brazing, or the like.

The first drive shaft portion <NUM> further includes the throughbore <NUM> that extends from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The throughbore <NUM>, as discussed further herein, allows for passing of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> into the first drive shaft portion <NUM> and further for assembling the second drive shaft portion <NUM> into the drive shaft connection portion <NUM> to form the drive shaft <NUM>.

The second drive shaft portion <NUM> further includes a motor shaft receiving bore <NUM>. The motor shaft receiving bore <NUM> may receive a motor shaft <NUM> (illustrated in phantom). The motor shaft <NUM> may interfere with an internal wall of the second shaft portion <NUM> that defines the internal bore <NUM> to allow for rotation of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the motor shaft connection may include an external surface connection to the motor shaft <NUM>, as well or in the alternative. Due to the interference fit of the connection portions <NUM> and <NUM>, rotation of the second drive shaft portion <NUM> rotates the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. As discussed further herein the rotation of the second drive shaft portion <NUM> and/or the first drive shaft portion <NUM> causes rotation of one or more of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Further, the second drive shaft portion <NUM> includes two or more tangs or fingers including a first tang or finger <NUM> and a second tang or finger <NUM> that extend from a body portion <NUM>. Each of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may include spring or flex regions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The spring regions <NUM>, <NUM> allow tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to flex radially outward or inward to move relative to the body portion <NUM> to engage the tool retaining region <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>). The tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> may include a selected or keyed geometry, such as elongated surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to engage the tool retaining region <NUM>. It is understood, however, that appropriate shapes may include a split hex shape, split square shape, or other appropriate shapes to transfer rotational force from the second drive shaft portion <NUM> to the tool retaining region <NUM>. Further, the keyed shape of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may engage the tool retaining region <NUM> of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to axially hold the tools within the drive shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved towards the central axis <NUM> of the drive shaft assembly <NUM> to engage the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The tangs <NUM>, <NUM>, particularly the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> are biased towards the central axis <NUM> by a biasing assembly <NUM>. The biasing assembly <NUM> may include a carrier <NUM>, an outer sleeve <NUM>, an inner sleeve <NUM>, one or more biasing pins <NUM>, a first biasing spring <NUM> and a second biasing spring <NUM>. In combination, the biasing assembly <NUM> allows for engagement and disengagement of the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> with the tool retaining region <NUM>.

The inner sleeve <NUM> and the biasing spring <NUM> are positioned within the inner bore <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The assembly of the inner sleeve <NUM> and the first biasing spring <NUM> may occur prior to press fitting the second drive shaft portion <NUM> into the bore <NUM> to form the connection between the connection regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The inner sleeve <NUM> may, optionally, be retained within the bore <NUM> at least partially with a shoulder formed in the first shaft portion <NUM>.

The biasing pins <NUM> may be placed through one or more bores <NUM> formed through the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> is placed over the biasing pins <NUM> to capture the biasing pins <NUM> between the inner sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>. The pins <NUM> may be passed through the bores <NUM> that are formed as elongated slots in the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The elongated slots <NUM> allow movement of the inner sleeve <NUM>, the outer sleeve <NUM>, and the biasing pins <NUM> along the axis <NUM>. The first biasing spring <NUM>, however, generally provides a biasing force to bias the inner and outer sleeves, <NUM>, <NUM> and pins <NUM> generally towards the tool receiving end <NUM> of the drive shaft assembly <NUM>.

When the first biasing spring <NUM> biases the inner sleeve <NUM> towards the tool receiving end <NUM>, the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> are compressed towards the central axis <NUM> and may engage the tool retaining region <NUM>. Therefore, the tool is held axially relative to the drive shaft <NUM>. During operation, such as in inserting or removing a selected tool from the drive shaft <NUM>, the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be manipulated to unbias and/or rebias the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> to engage the tool retaining region <NUM>. In particular, the carrier <NUM> may be engaged by carrier pins <NUM>. It is understood that an appropriate number of carrier pins <NUM> may be provided, and two are illustrated merely for illustration. Each of the carrier pins <NUM> may extend through the collet housing <NUM> through slots or grooves, such as J-grooves <NUM>. The J-grooves <NUM> may extend from a first end <NUM> that is nearer to the tool receiving end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> that is further away from the tool receiving end <NUM> than the first end <NUM>.

A first ring <NUM> may rotate relative to the collet housing <NUM>. The carrier pins <NUM>, upon rotation of the ring <NUM>, may move towards to the motor connector portion <NUM> of the collet housing <NUM>, generally in the direction of arrow <NUM>. As the pins move in the J-groove <NUM>, the pins <NUM> move the carrier <NUM> also in the direction of arrow <NUM>. As the carrier <NUM> moves in the direction of arrow <NUM>, a shoulder <NUM> engages the outer sleeve <NUM> to also move the outer sleeve in the direction the arrow <NUM>. As discussed above, the outer sleeve captures the biasing pins <NUM> relative to the inner sleeve <NUM>. Therefore, movement of the outer sleeve <NUM> moves the biasing pins <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> also in the direction of arrow <NUM>. As the biasing pins <NUM> move in the direction of the arrow <NUM>, the biasing pins <NUM> move away from the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> to a narrowed region <NUM> and <NUM> of the respective tangs <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, as the biasing pins <NUM> move to the narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM> the spring portions <NUM>, <NUM> allow the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> to move away from the central axis <NUM>. In this way, the respective tool <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be disengaged from the tool retaining region <NUM> and may be moved axially out of the collet housing <NUM>. Once the tool is removed and either a new tool is inserted or the procedure may be completed, the ring <NUM> may be twisted to move the carrier pins <NUM> in the direction opposite the arrow <NUM>. Further, the second biasing spring <NUM> may assist in biasing the carrier <NUM> generally towards the tool receiving end <NUM> away from the motor engaging portion <NUM>. Therefore, the second biasing spring <NUM> may provide a biasing force, in addition to the biasing force provided by the first biasing spring <NUM>, to assist in biasing the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards an engagement or closed position relative to the tool retaining region <NUM> of the inserted tool to assist in holding the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the tool drive shaft <NUM>.

The second biasing spring <NUM> may be held between a first drive shaft bearing <NUM> and an end <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may allow rotation of the drive shaft <NUM> and bear on the second shaft portion <NUM> near the motor connector portion <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may be held within the collet housing <NUM> with a snap ring or fixation ring <NUM>. It is understood, however, any appropriate fixation or holding member may be used to hold the bearing <NUM> in the collet housing <NUM> and the snap ring <NUM> is merely exemplary. Further, compression of the motor component <NUM> on the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may assist or form a force to hold the bearing <NUM> in place.

Within the collet housing <NUM> may be placed a second drive shaft bearing <NUM> to bear or hold the first drive shaft member <NUM> axially and radially within the collet housing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may also bear on the first shaft portion <NUM> during rotation. The bearing <NUM> may be held within the collet housing <NUM> against a shoulder <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM> and a spacer <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be biased against the bearing <NUM> with a third biasing spring <NUM> that is held against a shoulder or wall surface <NUM> of the collet housing <NUM>.

The drive shaft assembly <NUM> may further include a second ring <NUM>, a wave spring <NUM>, and a C-clip <NUM>. The C-clip <NUM> may assist in holding the wave spring <NUM> onto the collet housing <NUM>. Further, one or more locking balls <NUM> may assist in fixing the second sleeve <NUM> rotationally relative to the collet housing <NUM> by being received within indents <NUM> in the collet housing <NUM>. The second ring <NUM> may be moved axially along the axis <NUM> to assist in engaging the attachment <NUM> onto the collet housing <NUM>. Further, the wave spring <NUM> may further assist in biasing and holding the attachment <NUM> relative to the collet housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include the drive shaft <NUM> that may be powered by the motor component <NUM> to rotate tools, such as the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the collet housing <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> may include a plurality of tool driving regions or portions to allow transfer of rotational force to the respective tools. Different tool driving regions may engage differently sized tools.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tool retaining region <NUM> of the tool <NUM> may be received and engaged substantially only at the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the keyed portion of the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> may form a first tool driving region <NUM>. The tool <NUM> may include a diameter <NUM> that is about <NUM> millimeters (mm) to about <NUM> in diameter. Therefore, an exterior surface of the tool <NUM> may not contact any other portion of the first drive portion <NUM> when inserted into the drive shaft <NUM> and engaged in the first tool driving region <NUM>. The tool retaining region <NUM> may be the only portion engaged within the drive shaft <NUM> to hold the tool <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM> and to transfer rotational forces to the tool <NUM>.

The first tool driving region <NUM> may be used to transfer rotational forces, including torque, to the tool <NUM> and/or the other tools <NUM> and <NUM>. The first tool driving region <NUM> may also operate, as discussed herein, to axially fix all of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM>. Therefore, the first tool driving region <NUM> may operate as both a rotational driver and an axial fixation mechanism. In operation with various tools, as discussed herein, the first tool driving region <NUM> may operate substantially or only as an axial fixation mechanism.

The first tool portion may include a second tool driving region <NUM>. The second tool driving region <NUM> may include a selected geometry, such as a hex shape. Other appropriate geometries, however, may also be provided such as square, triangular, or the like. The second tool driving region <NUM> may engage a tool drive region <NUM> on the tool <NUM>. The tool <NUM> may include a second diameter <NUM> that is greater than the diameter <NUM> and allows for the drive region <NUM> to engage the second tool driving region <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The tool <NUM> may also, as discussed further herein, include the retaining region to engage the first tool driving region <NUM>. The first tool driving region <NUM> may operate, however, to substantially or only axially fix the tool <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM>.

The first drive portion <NUM> may further include a third tool driving region <NUM>. The third tool driving region <NUM> may, for example, be hexagonal in shape or may include other appropriate shapes such as a square, triangle, or the like. The third tool <NUM> may further include the tool retaining region <NUM> that may be received in the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> and also a drive region <NUM> that may be complementary to and be received within the third tool driving region <NUM>. The third tool <NUM> may include a third diameter <NUM> that may be different, such as greater than, both the first diameter <NUM> and the second diameter <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Again, the first tool driving region <NUM> may operate to substantially or only axially retain the tool <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM>.

Accordingly, regardless of the diameter <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, each may be driven by the tool drive shaft <NUM>. Therefore, the tool drive shaft <NUM> including at least the first, second, and third tool driving regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may engage at least three different sizes of tools. As discussed above, each of the tools may have different sizes or different diameters, including the respective diameters <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and may be provided for varying and different purposes.

It is understood, however, that the tool drive shaft <NUM> may include various numbers of tool driving regions. In various embodiments, at least one of the tool driving regions may be variable or moveable, such as the tool driving region <NUM> formed by the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may move to engage or disengage one or more tools. Further, one or more of the tool driving regions may have fixed dimensions. For example, the tool driving region <NUM> may have a fixed geometry to engage a selected tool. Still further, a selected tool may engage more than one of the tool driving regions. Also, the driving regions, such as the driving regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be separate and spaced apart from one another. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the driving regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along the axis <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, during an operative procedure a user <NUM> may be provided with a kit or system, such as illustrated in <FIG>, which may include at least the three tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> either selected by a user, such as a predetermined selection, or provided as a kit of more than the three tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The kit may further include the attachment <NUM> and other appropriate portions selected by the user. During a procedure, such as an operative procedure, the user <NUM> may select to engage and disengage one or more of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (or other tools) at different times during the procedure. For example the user <NUM> may first form a burr hole in the subject <NUM> and further form a milled portion of bone on the subject <NUM>. The user <NUM> may first select to place the tool <NUM> in the tool drive shaft <NUM> for performing a first part of a procedure. The user <NUM> may then remove the first tool <NUM> and then place the second tool <NUM> in the tool drive shaft <NUM> for a further performance of the procedure. The tool drive shaft <NUM> including at least the three driving regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may allow for interconnection for all of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with the tool drive shaft <NUM> that is a single drive shaft within the drive shaft assembly <NUM> without requiring or using additional attachments or portions to be connected to the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, including the tool drive shaft <NUM>.

The tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may all be used to engage the tool retaining region <NUM> to axially hold, individually, all of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> within the tool drive shaft <NUM>. As discussed above, the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may be engaged to each of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Thus, the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may axially fix and retain each of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the tool drive shaft <NUM> may both axially retain and rotationally drive each and all of the respective tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Operation of the motorized assembly <NUM>, therefore, may be used during an operative procedure according to a selected purpose including selecting and engaging one or more of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, it is understood that even though only a single tool may be used during an operative procedure, the tool drive shaft <NUM> may allow for interconnection of a plurality of tools with the single tool drive shaft <NUM> at a selected time. Moreover, the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be cleaned and sterilized for a plurality of procedures such that the drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be used to engage different tools during different procedures without requiring additional attachments.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> is illustrated including a drive shaft <NUM>'. The collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include several portions similar or identical to the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>, discussed above. These portions will be referenced with the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail here. However, the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> may include portions that are augmented, replaced, or changed from the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> discussed above. The collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a drive shaft <NUM>' that includes a the first drive shaft portion <NUM>' and the second drive shaft portion <NUM> including portions as discussed above. The first drive shaft portion <NUM>' may be similar to the first drive shaft portion <NUM>, discussed above, but augmented as described below.

The drive shaft <NUM>' including the first portion <NUM>' and the second drive shaft portion <NUM> may further include the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> as discussed above. The tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may be biased towards the central axis <NUM> with a biasing assembly <NUM> similar to the biasing assembly <NUM> discussed above. The biasing assembly <NUM> may include various portions including those discussed above. Further, various portions as discussed above may be augmented as discussed further herein to provide a biasing and retention mechanism for the tool, including the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The biasing assembly <NUM> includes the carrier <NUM> and an outer sleeve <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> may include a proximal sleeve portion 356a similar to the outer sleeve <NUM> positionable over the drive shaft <NUM>, discussed above. The outer sleeve <NUM> may further include a distal sleeve portion 356b. The distal sleeve portion 356b may include an external wall 356b' that extends from the proximal sleeve portion 356a toward the tool receiving end <NUM>. The outer sleeve extension portion 356b may further include an internal surface <NUM>. The internal surface <NUM> may further include a ramp or inclined surface <NUM> that extends at an angle <NUM> from the internal surface <NUM>. The ramp surface <NUM> may extend from the internal surface <NUM> at the angle <NUM> such that a distal portion of the ramp surface <NUM> is closer to the internal surface <NUM> and a proximal portion of the ramp surface <NUM> is at or near a shoulder or protrusion <NUM>. Therefore, the ramp surface <NUM> is extending away from the internal surface <NUM>.

The surface <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> may act upon a biasing or locking member <NUM>. The biasing or locking member <NUM> may include a plurality of biasing or locking members, such as three biasing or locking members <NUM>. In various embodiments, each of the locking members <NUM> may be provided as a substantially spherical ball. Each of the plurality of locking members <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another around the axis <NUM>, such as <NUM> degrees apart.

Each locking member <NUM> may be positioned between the inner surface of the outer sleeve <NUM> and a respective pocket <NUM> formed through the first drive shaft portion <NUM>'. The pockets <NUM> may include a selected geometry where the locking member <NUM> may extend through an outer surface <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>', but are not able to pass entirely through and fall into the internal region, such as in the third tool driving region <NUM> of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>'. For example, the pocket <NUM> may include a taper geometry to taper from the exterior surface <NUM> to an interior surface <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the pocket <NUM> may include a concave internal geometry having an internal diameter great enough to receive the locking member <NUM>, but allows only a selected portion of the locking member <NUM> to extend into the inner surface or past the inner surface <NUM>. For example, the geometry of the pocket <NUM> may be formed to allow a maximum distance, such as about <NUM>, of the locking member <NUM> to extend past the inner surface <NUM>.

The locking members <NUM> may assist in locking or radially engaging an external surface of the tool positioned within the drive shaft <NUM>'. For example, a shaft of the tool, such as the tool <NUM>, may be engaged by an external surface of the locking member <NUM>. Therefore the locking member <NUM> may axially lock and/or radially stabilize the tool <NUM> during operation of the drive shaft <NUM>'. It is understood, however, that the locking members <NUM> may only radially stabilize (i.e., minimize radial movement or vibration) of the tool <NUM> during operation of the drive shaft <NUM>'. As discussed herein, the locking members <NUM> may operably engage a selected portion of a tool to assist in axial fixation. If the tool, however, does not include an axial holding feature the locking members <NUM> may operate only, or substantially only, to radially stabilize the tool.

In operation, to lock or engage the tool <NUM> in the drive shaft <NUM>', the outer sleeve <NUM> may be moved axially towards the tool receiving end <NUM> similar to movement of the outer sleeve <NUM>, as discussed above. Movement of the outer sleeve <NUM> towards the tool receiving end <NUM> generally in the direction of arrow <NUM> will move the sleeve extension portion 356b such that the locking members <NUM> move along the ramp surface <NUM> towards the protrusion <NUM>. As the locking members <NUM> move along the ramp surface <NUM>, the locking members <NUM> move towards the axis <NUM> generally in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> may be in contact with the external surface of the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

When disengaging the tool from the drive shaft <NUM>, the outer sleeve <NUM> may be generally moved in the direction of arrow <NUM> similar to moving the outer sleeve <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>, as discussed above. Movement of the outer sleeve <NUM> generally in direction of arrow <NUM> will move the sleeve extension portion <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> and allow the locking members <NUM> to move along the ramp surface <NUM> away from the central axis <NUM> generally in direction of arrow <NUM>. By allowing the locking members <NUM> to move in the direction of arrow <NUM>, the locking members <NUM> may disengage or be removed away from the external surface of the selected tool, such as the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Thus, the tool may be removed from the drive shaft <NUM> by also having the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> disengage from the selected tool along with the locking members <NUM>.

Accordingly, the drive shaft assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may allow for an additional or secondary axial fixation and/or stabilization of a selected tool. The selected tool may be inserted into the drive shaft assembly <NUM> and the external sleeve <NUM> may be moved to bias the locking members <NUM> against the selected tool. The selected tool may then be removed after moving the external sleeve <NUM> to unbias the locking members <NUM> from the selected tool. Nevertheless, as discussed above, the tangs <NUM> and <NUM> may be used to engage and disengage all selected tools positioned within the drive shaft assembly <NUM> and the locking members <NUM> may be supplementary and/or auxiliary to the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>.

The collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> may be operated by the drill motor <NUM>, as discussed above, to power one or more tools. As discussed above, the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be used to operate the tool <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which may be included in a kit, as discussed above and illustrated in <FIG>. Further, the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> may be used to power tools included in a kit <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The kit <NUM> may include various portions, such as the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> and the motor assembly <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the kit <NUM> may not include the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM> and/or the motor <NUM>, but may rather only include tools.

The kit <NUM> may include one or all of the tools including the first tool a fourth tool <NUM>, a fifth tool <NUM>, a sixth tool <NUM>, and a seventh tool <NUM>. Each of the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be interconnected with the drive shaft <NUM>' including the first driveshaft portion <NUM>' and the second drive shaft portion <NUM>. The various tools may include retaining features or regions. For example, the tool <NUM> may include the retaining region <NUM>, as discussed above. The tools <NUM> and <NUM> may also include a retaining region <NUM>'. The retaining region <NUM>' may be identical to the retaining region <NUM> or be augmented. Regardless, the retaining region <NUM> and <NUM>' may be engaged in the drive shaft <NUM>', as discussed herein. The tool <NUM> and the tool <NUM> may include a retaining region <NUM> that is retained by the or engaged by the locking members <NUM>. As discussed above, the locking members <NUM> may move in the direction of arrow <NUM> when urged and/or biased by the protrusion <NUM> by moving along the surface <NUM>. The locking members <NUM>, therefore, may engage the retaining region <NUM> of the tools <NUM> and <NUM>. The tools <NUM> and <NUM> may also include a retaining region <NUM> as an auxiliary and/or supplementary retaining region <NUM>'.

The retaining region <NUM> may be formed as one or more depressions. For example, the retaining region <NUM> may include an annular depression or groove formed around the respective tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. It is also understood that the retaining region <NUM> may be formed as a plurality of discrete depressions that are selected based upon the number of the locking members <NUM>. For example, three or more depressions may be formed in an exterior surface of the respective tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to receive or be engaged by one or more of the locking members <NUM> when the respective tools are positioned within the drive shaft collet assembly <NUM>. Regardless, the retaining portion <NUM> may be engaged by the locking members <NUM> when the respective tool is positioned in the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>.

With initial reference to the fourth tool <NUM>, the fourth tool <NUM> may include a working end <NUM> that may be formed as a selected working end or tool portion such as a burr, drill point, reamer, or the like. The working end <NUM> may extend from a shaft <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM> may be formed as a depression into the shaft <NUM> near to a driving portion <NUM>. The retaining portion <NUM> may be formed between the driving portion <NUM> and the working end <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> may be formed with one or more flats <NUM> on an external surface of the shaft <NUM>. The flats <NUM> of the driving portion <NUM> may be received and engage the drive shaft <NUM>' at a selected drive region or portion including a second tool driving region <NUM>', as illustrated in <FIG>.

The second tool driving region <NUM>' may be substantially identical to the second tool driving region <NUM> discussed above and illustrated in <FIG>. The driving portion <NUM> may engage the second driving portion <NUM>' in a manner similar to that discussed above. The second tool driving region <NUM>' may include a female receiving region that is complementary to the shape of the driving portion <NUM> of the tool <NUM>. For example, the driving portion <NUM> of the tool <NUM> may include a hexagonal or pentagon cross-section and the second tool driving region <NUM>' may include a complementary internal hexagonal or pentagon cross-section. Therefore, once the tool <NUM> is engaged in the second tool driving region <NUM>', the drive shaft <NUM>' may transfer force to the tool <NUM> via the tool driving portion <NUM>.

As discussed above, the locking member <NUM> may be moved to engage the retaining region <NUM> of the tool <NUM> once positioned within the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>. Due to the locking member <NUM>, no other axial retaining mechanism may be necessary to retain the tool <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM>'. The drive shaft <NUM>', therefore, may be powered by the drill motor <NUM> to rotate the tool <NUM> for a selected operation, as discussed above. The retaining region <NUM>, however, may not be necessary to retain the tool <NUM> in the drive shaft <NUM>'. It is understood, however, that the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may be included in the second drive shaft portion <NUM> to retain a selected tool, such as the tool <NUM>, if the first tool <NUM> is selected to be engaged in the drive shaft <NUM>'.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the fifth tool <NUM> may include a selected geometry that is different from the fourth tool <NUM>. For example, the tool <NUM> may include a shaft diameter <NUM> that is less than a shaft diameter <NUM> of the tool <NUM>. The tool <NUM>, however, may also include a working end <NUM>. The working end <NUM> may be different than the working end <NUM>, such as including a different size, a different geometry, or a different type. The tool <NUM> further includes a shaft <NUM> that may include or have formed therein the retaining region <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM> may be identical to the retaining region <NUM> of the tool <NUM>, discussed above. Therefore, the retaining region <NUM> may be formed as an annular groove or plurality of depressions formed in the shaft <NUM>. Further, the retaining region <NUM> may be formed on a portion of the shaft <NUM> that has a diameter <NUM>' similar to the diameter <NUM> to be positioned at the placement of the locking members <NUM>.

The tool <NUM> may also include a driving portion <NUM>. The driving portion <NUM> may include one or more flats <NUM> that may be engaged in a third tool driving region <NUM>' of the drive shaft <NUM>'. The driving portion <NUM> may include a selected geometry that is complementary to the geometry of the third driving region <NUM>'. For example, the driving portion <NUM> may include a hexagonal and pentagon cross-section and the third tool driving region <NUM>' includes a complementary internal hexagon or pentagon.

The tool <NUM> may also include an alignment portion <NUM>. The alignment portion <NUM> may also include one or more flats <NUM>. The alignment portion <NUM> may be received in the second tool driving region <NUM>'. Although a rotational force may be applied to the tool <NUM> via the alignment portion <NUM>, the tool <NUM> may be substantially driven via the third tool driving region <NUM>'. Therefore, the alignment region <NUM> may assist with simply initially aligning (e.g., axially or radially) the tool <NUM> in the second drive shaft portion <NUM>'. As noted above, the various tool driving regions, including the driving regions <NUM>', <NUM>' and that formed by the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed within the drive shaft <NUM>'.

Again, the retaining region <NUM> may be engaged by the locking member <NUM>, as discussed above, when the locking member <NUM> generally moves in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> may provide the only axial retention mechanism for the tool <NUM> within the second drive shaft portion <NUM>'. Therefore, the retaining region <NUM>, <NUM>' may not be necessary or provided on the tool <NUM>. Nevertheless, the retaining region <NUM> when engaged by the locking member <NUM> may be axially retained within the drive shaft collet assembly <NUM> for operation of the tool <NUM> when powered by the motor assembly <NUM>.

With continuing reference to <FIG>, the sixth tool <NUM> and the seventh tool <NUM> may include both the retaining portion <NUM> and the retaining portion <NUM>'. The multiple retaining portions may be engaged by the collet and drive shaft assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, discussed below to assist in ensuring axial retention of the tool. It is understood, however, in various embodiments, such as with the fourth tool <NUM> and the fifth tool <NUM> that the retaining region <NUM> engaged with the locking members <NUM> may be the substantially the only axially retaining or fixing system. The driving portion may provide slight axial fixation due to frictional engagement, but generally will only provide rotational force. Further, the tools <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include substantially only the retaining mechanism <NUM> as an axial fixation and retaining system when engaged via the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>.

With initial reference to the sixth tool <NUM>, the tool may be similar to the fourth tool <NUM>, discussed above. Therefore, the tool <NUM> may include the working end <NUM>, the shaft <NUM>, and the shaft diameter <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM> may include an annular groove or separate depressions formed in the shaft <NUM>, as discussed above. A tool driving portion <NUM> may also include one or more flats <NUM>, as discussed above. Extending from a proximal end <NUM> may be the retaining region <NUM>'. The retaining region <NUM>' may include a distal end that may taper from a shoulder <NUM> to a minor diameter or cross-section at a distal tip <NUM>. The taper portion may be generally conical. It is understood that the retaining region <NUM>, as discussed above, need not be conical and may include one or more flat portions.

In the retaining portion <NUM>', the shoulder <NUM> may be at an edge or form a portion of a depression, such as an annular groove <NUM> between the shoulder <NUM> and a second shoulder <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be engaged by the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The retaining region <NUM>' may, therefore, be engaged by the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> of the second drive shaft portion <NUM> in a manner similar to the retaining region <NUM>, as discussed above. The retaining region <NUM>', however, need not be keyed to the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> as the tool <NUM> may be driven by the first drive shaft portion <NUM>'. This allows the tool <NUM> to be axially retained within the drive shaft <NUM>' with both the retaining region <NUM> engaged by the locking members <NUM> and the retaining region <NUM>' retained with the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>. The drive portion <NUM> may be engaged with the second tool driving region <NUM>', as discussed above.

The seventh tool <NUM> may be similar to the fifth tool <NUM>, discussed above. The tool <NUM>, therefore, may include the working end <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> may include the shaft diameter <NUM> as discussed above. The tool <NUM> may also include the tool driving region <NUM> having formed thereon one or more flats <NUM>, as discussed above. The driving portion <NUM> may be engaged in the third driving region of <NUM>' of the first drive shaft portion <NUM>', as discussed above, and illustrated in <FIG>. The second retaining region <NUM> may be formed as a depression, such as an annular groove <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM> may be engaged by the locking members <NUM>, as discussed above and also as illustrated in <FIG>. Again, the retaining region <NUM> may be formed on a portion of the shaft <NUM> that has a diameter <NUM>'. Near to the retaining region <NUM> may be an alignment region <NUM> that includes or has one or more flats <NUM> similar to the tool <NUM>.

Extending from a proximal end <NUM> may be the retaining region <NUM>'. The retaining region <NUM>' may be similar to the retaining region <NUM>' discussed above of the tool <NUM>. Therefore, the retaining region <NUM>' may include a shoulder <NUM> and a proximal region that tapers to the tip <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM>' may further include the second shoulder <NUM> and the compression, such as the annular groove <NUM>. The retaining region <NUM>', including the annular groove <NUM>, allows the tool <NUM> to be engaged by the tangs <NUM>, <NUM> with the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM>, as discussed above.

Accordingly, with continued reference to <FIG> and additional reference to <FIG>, the tool <NUM> is illustrated engaged in the drive shaft <NUM>'. The retaining region <NUM> is engaged by the locking member <NUM> to axially retain the tool <NUM> within the drive shaft <NUM>'. Further, as illustrated in phantom in <FIG>, the retaining region <NUM>' of the tool <NUM> is illustrated engaged by the tool engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tangs <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking members <NUM> may also be engaged in the retaining region <NUM> of the tool <NUM>. Therefore, the tool <NUM> may be retained within the drive shaft <NUM>' with two axial retaining mechanisms. The two axial retaining mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>' may be axially spaced apart. Accordingly, the sixth and seventh tools <NUM>, <NUM> can be axially retained in the drive shaft <NUM>' based upon the selected axial retaining portion <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
A drive shaft assembly (<NUM>) for driving a plurality of tools at different times, comprising:
a drive shaft (<NUM>) extending from a first end to a second end;
a first tool driving region (<NUM>) having:
a first tool engaging portion (<NUM>) within the drive shaft configured to axially fix the plurality of tools; and
a second tool engaging portion (<NUM>) within the drive shaft configured to axially fix the plurality of tools;
wherein the drive shaft includes a first drive shaft portion (<NUM>) forming a through bore (<NUM>), and a second drive shaft portion (<NUM>);
wherein the second drive shaft portion is axially and rotationally fixed to the first drive shaft portion within the through bore of the first drive shaft portion;
wherein the second drive shaft portion forms the first tool driving region and includes:
a first tool engaging finger (<NUM>) and a second tool engaging finger (<NUM>);
a biasing system (<NUM>) biased in a first position to move at least one of the first tool engaging finger (<NUM>) or the second tool engaging finger (<NUM>) towards the other of the first tool engaging finger or the second tool engaging finger, the biasing system includes:
an inner sleeve (<NUM>) and a biasing spring (<NUM>) within the through bore;
an outer sleeve (<NUM>) around the first drive shaft portion; and
a biasing pin (<NUM>) captured between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve;
wherein the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve and the captured biasing pin are axially moveable relative to the first drive shaft portion.