Patent ID: 7955320

Claim:
A surgical instrument holder comprising: a) a head assembly having a shank with a first driveable end and second coupling end, the second end comprising a coupling device having an interface for receiving a surgical instrument and held in functional assembly to the shank by a releasable locking mechanism comprised of a locking ring slideably disposed about the shank, a spring biased against the coupling device by the locking ring, and a connection ring retaining the locking ring in a fixed position during use; and b) a drive spindle assembly connected to the head assembly so as to transmit torque therethrough, the spindle assembly comprising an elongated drive spindle, bearings and a cylindrical tube, wherein the drive spindle is releasably mounted to an end of the spindle assembly and is supported for rotation within the cylindrical tube by the bearings disposed therebetween and held in place at least in part by the shank, the bearings precisely controlling the position of a surgical instrument affixed thereto; and c) wherein further, the connection ring provides a common quick-release connection with the head assembly and the drive spindle assembly, whereupon unlocking of the connection ring enables quick disassembly of the connection ring, spring, locking ring, and drive spindle assembly for cleaning and component sterilization.