Shape memory alloy internal linear actuator for use in orthopedic correction
First Claim
1. An implantable linear actuator device for use in orthopedic correction procedures, the device comprising:
- a housing including a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, the second tubular portion slidably received in telescoping relationship within the first tubular portion; and
a drive mechanism secured within said housing and connected between said first and second tubular portions, said drive mechanism configured and arranged to convert rotational movement to linear movement to thereby extend said second tubular portion in a direction away from said first tubular portion; and
externally actuatable shape memory alloy means connected to said drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to said drive mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable linear actuator device for use in orthopedic correction procedures, the device comprising a housing including a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, the second tubular portion slidably received in telescoping relationship within the first tubular portion; and a drive mechanism secured within the housing and connected between the first and second tubular portions, the drive mechanism including a main screw shaft rotatably journalled at one end in the first tubular portion and threadably connected at an opposite end to the second tubular portion; a one-way rotatable clutch engageable with the main screw shaft such that rotation of the clutch in one direction will effect rotation of the main screw shaft in the one direction but rotation of the clutch in an opposite direction will not rotate the main screw shaft; and a shape memory alloy component fixed between the clutch and the first tubular portion such that, upon application of heat, the component causes the clutch and the screw shaft to rotate in the one direction.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An implantable linear actuator device for use in orthopedic correction procedures, the device comprising:
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a housing including a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, the second tubular portion slidably received in telescoping relationship within the first tubular portion; and a drive mechanism secured within said housing and connected between said first and second tubular portions, said drive mechanism configured and arranged to convert rotational movement to linear movement to thereby extend said second tubular portion in a direction away from said first tubular portion; and externally actuatable shape memory alloy means connected to said drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to said drive mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An implantable linear actuator device for use in orthopedic correction procedures, the device comprising:
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a housing including a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, the second tubular portion slidably received in telescoping relationship within the first tubular portion; and a drive mechanism secured within said housing and connected between said first and second tubular portions, said drive mechanism including a main screw shaft rotatably journalled at one end in said first tubular portion and threadably connected at an opposite end to said second tubular portion; a one-way rotatable clutch engageable with said main screw shaft such that rotation of the clutch in one direction will effect rotation of said main screw shaft in said one direction but rotation of the clutch in an opposite direction will not rotate said main screw shaft; and
a shape memory alloy component fixed between said clutch and said first tubular portion such that, upon application of heat, said component causes said clutch and said screw shaft to rotate in said one direction. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification