Importance

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Abstract

A delivery system for attaching and detaching an ultrasonic surgical blade/coupler and an acoustical mount. An adaptor sleeve receives and encapsulates the blade to avoid accidents resulting from the sharp edge of the blade. In a two-piece embodiment hereof, a cylindrical member receives the sleeve and a ratcheting mechanism is provided between the adaptor and member to facilitate rotation of the adaptor and coupler upon rotation of the member up to a predetermined torque, ensuring threaded connection between the coupler and acoustical mount sufficient for transmission of ultrasonic energy. To remove the blade/coupler, the member is rotated in the opposite direction, whereby unlimited torque may be applied through the ratchet mechanism to unthread the coupler from the mount. In a one-piece embodiment hereof, the adaptor integrally carries an element pivotal for movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the sleeve to engage one or the other of projections on the adaptor flange to rotate the adaptor in either direction. In one direction, the element slips past the projection at a predetermined magnitude of torque.

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First Claim