Apparatus for manufacturing a bone dowel

• US 6,442,814 B1
• Filed: 04/23/1999
• Issued: 09/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc. (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Spinal Concepts Incorporated (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Landry, Michael E., Wagner, Erik J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Daniel W.
• Application Number:
  US09/298,269
• Time in Patent Office: 1,229 Days
• Field of Search: 408/21, 408/20, 408/22, 408/23, 408/62, 408/64, 408/65, 408/89, 408/90, 408/91, 408/102, 408/234, 408/26, 408/24, 408/99, 408/100, 408/101, 408/103, 408/104, 408/108, 408/137, 29/26.A, 29/26.B, 29/27.A, 29/27.C, 409/131, 409/132, 409/72, 409/73, 409/76, 409/77, 409/163, 409/166, 409/167, 409/168, 409/165, 409/172, 409/185, 409/189, 409/198, 409/65, 409/66, 409/78, 623/901, 623/17
• US Class Current: 29/26.00B
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/28 Bones joints A61F2/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3094 Designing or manufacturing processes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4644 Preparation of bone graft, bone plugs or bone dowels, e.g. grinding or milling bone material bone material A61F2/28; disintegrating or milling devices B02C
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2835 Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2839 Bone plugs or bone graft dowels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30125 elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30143 hexagonal
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30179 X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30224 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30774 internally-threaded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30777 Oblong apertures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30789 perpendicular with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30795 Blind bores, e.g. of circular cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/308 oblong
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30805 Recesses of comparatively large area with respect to their low depth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3082 Grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3085 with a threaded, e.g. self-tapping, bone-engaging surface, e.g. external surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30868 Square, rectangular or rhomboidal threads
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30871 Trapezoidal threads
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0008 elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0017 : Angular shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0058 : X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/621 : a single sliding pair followed perpendicularly by a single sliding pair
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5108 : Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5112 : Convertible
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/31 : Convertible cutting means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/47 : with work-infeed means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/5628 : Tool having screw-thread engaging frame to cause infeed
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/91 : Machine frame
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/300056 : Thread or helix generating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/300784 : with means to circumferentially adjust the position of the cutter with respect to the work
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/305656 : including means to support work for rotation during operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/306048 : with means to advance work or product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/307504 : Indexable

Abstract

Apparatus for manufacturing a bone dowel includes a machine base with tracks on a surface thereof. Modules configured to slide in the tracks may include a module for a high speed rotary tool, a collet module, a vise module and a threading module.

Claims

1. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a rotary cutting tool module, wherein the module is configured to hold a rotary cutting tool and to slide in a track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use; and

wherein the at least one module for holding a dowel includes a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a collet configured to hold a dowel such that an end of the dowel can contact the cutting tool during use, wherein the collet module comprises a knob attached to the collet, and wherein the knob is configured to turn the collet when the knob is turned.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one module is configured to hold the dowel parallel to the base.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a vise module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a vise configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof such that an end of the dowel can contact a cutting tool during use.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one module is configured to hold a dowel perpendicular to the base.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, a threaded projection, and a chuck opposed to the dead center, and wherein the threading module is configured such that a dowel held in the threading module can contact a cutting tool while rotating around the long axis of the dowel during use.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a support member attached to the machine base in a track, wherein the support member comprises a threaded opening.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is autoclavable.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

15. The device of claim 14 further comprising a knob attached to the rod.

2. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use;

wherein the at least one module includes a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, and a chuck opposed to the dead center, configured such that the circumferential portion of a dowel held in the threading module can contact a cutting tool while rotating around the long axis of the dowel during use; and

wherein the machine base comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the threading module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening, such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the threading module in the track and to turn a dowel held in the threading module.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein the device is autoclavable.

9. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a rotary cutting tool module, wherein the module is configured to hold a rotary cutting tool and to slide in a track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use;

wherein the at least one module for holding a dowel includes a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a collet configured to hold a dowel such that an end of the dowel can contact the cutting tool during use;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track; and

wherein the collet module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the collet module in the track.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the collet module comprises a knob attached to the threaded projection configured so that turning the knob turns the threaded projection.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is autoclavable.

27. The device of claim 9, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

16. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is configured to slide in the tracks;

a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module, a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof, and a knob attached to the collet configured so that turning the knob turns the collet;

a vise module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a vise configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof; and

a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, and a chuck opposed to the dead center.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

18. The device of claim 17 further comprising a knob attached to the rod.

19. The device of claim 16, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the device is autoclavable.

21. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is configured to slide in the tracks;

a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module and a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof;

a vise module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a vise configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof;

a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, and a chuck opposed to the dead center; and

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the collet module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the collet module in the track during use.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the collet module is configured to hold a dowel such that an end of the dowel can contact a cutting tool disposed in a track in either parallel or perpendicular orientation during use.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein the vise module is configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof such that an end of the dowel can contact a cutting tool during use.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein the threading module is configured such that a circumferential portion of a dowel held in the threading module can contact a cutting tool while rotating around the long axis of the dowel during use.

25. The device of claim 21, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the device comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track.

28. The device of claim 21, wherein the collect module comprises a knob attached to the treaded projection configured so the turning the knob turns the threaded projection.

31. The device of claim 21, wherein the device is autoclavable.

32. The device of claim 21, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

33. The device of claim 32 further comprising a knob attached to the rod.

29. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a rotary cutting tool module, wherein the module is configured to hold a rotary cutting tool and to slide in a track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use;

wherein the at least one module includes a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, a threaded projection, and a chuck opposed to the dead center, wherein the threading module is configured such that a dowel held in the threading module can contact a cutting tool while rotating around the long axis of the dowel during use; and

wherein the machine base comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the threading module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the threading module in the track, and to turn a dowel held in the threading module.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the device is autoclavable.

34. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use;

wherein the at least one module for holding a dowel includes a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a collet configured to hold a dowel such that an end of the dowel can contact the cutting tool during use; and

wherein the device comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the collet module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the collet module in the track.

36. The device of claim 34, wherein the at least one module is configured to hold the dowel parallel to the base.

37. The device of claim 34, wherein the at least one module includes a vise module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a vise configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof such that an end of the dowel can contact a cutting tool during use.

38. The device of claim 37, wherein the at least one module is configured to hold a dowel perpendicular to the base.

39. The device of claim 34, wherein the at least one module includes a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, and a chuck opposed to the dead center, configured such that the circumferential portion of a dowel held in the threading module can contact a cutting tool while rotating around the long axis of the dowel during use.

40. The device of claim 34, wherein the device comprises a support member attached to the machine base in a track, wherein the support member comprises a threaded opening.

42. The device of claim 34, wherein the collet module comprises a knob attached to the threaded projection configured so that turning the knob turns the threaded projection.

43. The device of claim 34, wherein the collet module comprises a knob attached to the collet configured so that turning the knob turns the collet.

44. The device of claim 39, wherein the machine base comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the threading module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening, such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the threading module in the track and to turn a dowel held in the threading module.

45. The device of claim 34, wherein the device is autoclavable.

46. The device of claim 34, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

35. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is configured to slide in the tracks;

a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module and a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof;

a vise module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a vise configured to hold a dowel along the length thereof;

a threading module comprising a base configured to slide in a track, a dead center, and a chuck opposed to the dead center; and

wherein the machine base comprises a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a track, and wherein the threading module comprises a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening such that turning the threaded projection is effective to move the threading module in the track, and to turn a dowel held in the threading module.

41. The device of claim 35, wherein the device is autoclavable.

47. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is slidably disposed in a first track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track; and

a collet module for smoothing the ends of a dowel and for drilling center holes in the ends of a dowel, wherein the collet modules is slidable in both the first and second tracks and wherein the collet module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a knob attached to the threaded projection, configured such that turning the knob turns the threaded projection;

a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof; and

a knob attached to the collet configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the collet.

48. The device of claim 47, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

49. The device of claim 47, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

52. The device of claim 47, wherein the device is autoclavable.

50. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

at least one module for holding a dowel, wherein the at least one module is configured to slide in the tracks in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to a rotary cutting tool module disposed in a track during use;

wherein the at least one module for holding a dowel includes a collet module comprising a base configured to slide in a track and a collet configured to hold a dowel such that an end of the dowel can contact the cutting tool during use; and

wherein the collet module comprises a knob attached to the collet configured so that turning the knob turns the collet.

51. The device of claim 50, wherein the device is autoclavable.

53. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is slidably disposed in a first track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track; and

a threading module for threading a dowel, wherein the threading module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a first support member disposed on a end of the base and providing an opening therethrough and a rod disposed in the opening and attached to a moveable member, wherein the rod projects through the moveable member to provide a dead center, and a spring disposed between the first support member and the moveable member configured to bias the moveable member away from the first support member;

a second support member on the opposite end of the base from the first support member and providing an opening therethrough;

a threaded projection disposed in the opening in the second support member and configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a chuck configured to hold an end of a dowel and attached to the threaded projection; and

a knob attached to the threaded projection and to the chuck, configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the threaded projection and the chuck.

54. The device of claim 53, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

55. The device of claim 53, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

58. The device of claim 53, wherein the device is autoclavable.

56. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a first track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track; and

a collet module for smoothing the ends of a dowel and for drilling center holes in the ends of a dowel, wherein the collet module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a knob attached to the threaded projection, configured such that turning the knob turns the threaded projection;

a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof; and

a knob attached to the collet configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the collet.

57. The device of claim 56, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

59. The device of claim 56, wherein the device is autoclavable.

60. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a first track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track; and

a threading module for threading a dowel, wherein the threading module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a first support member disposed on a end of the base and providing an opening therethrough and a rod disposed in the opening and attached to a moveable member, wherein the rod projects through the moveable member to provide a dead center, and a spring disposed between the first support member and the moveable member configured to bias the moveable member away from the first support member;

a second support member on the opposite end of the base from the first support member and providing an opening therethrough;

a threaded projection disposed in the opening in the second support member and configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a chuck configured to hold an end of a dowel and attached to the threaded projection; and

a knob attached to the threaded projection and to the chuck, configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the threaded projection and the chuck.

61. The device of claim 60, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

68. The device of claim 60, wherein the device is autoclavable.

62. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is slidably disposed in a first track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track;

a collet module for smoothing the ends of a dowel and for drilling center holes in the ends of a dowel, wherein the collet module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a knob attached to the threaded projection, configured such that turning the knob turns the threaded projection;

a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof, and

a knob attached to the collet configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the collet;

a vise module for machining a groove in an end of a dowel, wherein the vise module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a pair of opposed vise jaws including a mobile vise jaw and a stationary vise jaw;

a knob attached to the mobile vise jaw by a rod, configured such that turning the knob is effective to move the mobile vise jaw along the top of the base; and

a threading module for threading a dowel, wherein the threading module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a first support member disposed on a end of the base and providing an opening therethrough and a rod disposed in the opening and attached to a moveable member, wherein the rod projects through the moveable member to provide a dead center, and a spring disposed between the first support member and the moveable member configured to bias the moveable member away from the first support member;

a second support member on the opposite end of the base from the first support member and providing an opening therethrough;

a threaded projection disposed in the opening in the second support member and configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a chuck configured to hold an end of a dowel and attached to the threaded projection;

a knob attached to the threaded projection and to the chuck, configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the threaded projection and the chuck.

63. The device of claim 62, wherein the module for holding a rotary cutting tool comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track.

64. The device of claim 62, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

69. The device of claim 62, wherein the device is autoclavable.

70. The device of claim 63, further comprising a knob attached to the rod.

65. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a first track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track;

a collet module for smoothing the ends of a dowel and for drilling center holes in the ends of a dowel, wherein the collet module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a knob attached to the threaded projection, configured such that turning the knob turns the threaded projection;

a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof; and

a knob attached to the collet configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the collet;

a vise module for machining a groove in an end of a dowel, wherein the vise module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a pair of opposed vise jaws including a mobile vise jaw and a stationary vise jaw;

a knob attached to the mobile vise jaw by a rod, configured such that turning the knob is effective to move the mobile vise jaw along the top of the base; and

a threading module for threading a dowel, wherein the threading module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a first support member disposed on a end of the base and providing an opening therethrough and a rod disposed in the opening and attached to a moveable member, wherein the rod projects through the moveable member to provide a dead center, and a spring disposed between the first support member and the moveable member configured to bias the moveable member away from the first support member;

a second support member on the opposite end of the base from the first support member and providing an opening therethrough;

a threaded projection disposed in the opening in the second support member and configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a chuck configured to hold an end of a dowel and attached to the threaded projection; and

a knob attached to the threaded projection and to the chuck, configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the threaded projection and the chuck.

66. The device of claim 65, further comprising a high speed rotary cutting tool.

71. The device of claim 65, wherein the device is autoclavable.

67. A device for manufacturing a bone dowel comprising:

a machine base comprising two or more tracks, wherein at least one track is perpendicular to at least one other track;

a module for holding a rotary cutting tool, wherein the module is disposed in a first track and comprises an arm rigidly attached to the module and configured to threadably engage a threaded rod, wherein the rod is disposed parallel to the first track and is rotatable in one or more support members attached to the machine base such that turning the rod is effective to move the module in the track;

a high speed rotary cutting tool;

a support member comprising a threaded opening attached to the machine base in a second track in perpendicular orientation to the first track;

a collet module for smoothing the ends of a dowel and for drilling center holes in the ends of a dowel, wherein the collet module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a threaded projection configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a knob attached to the threaded projection, configured such that turning the knob turns the threaded projection;

a collet configured to hold a dowel by one end thereof; and

a knob attached to the collet configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the collet;

a vise module for machining a groove in an end of a dowel, wherein the vise module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a pair of opposed vise jaws including a mobile vise jaw and a stationary vise jaw;

a knob attached to the mobile vise jaw by a rod, configured such that turning the knob is effective to move the mobile vise jaw along the top of the base; and

a threading module for threading a dowel, wherein the threading module comprises;

a base configured to slide in the tracks;

a first support member disposed on a end of the base and providing an opening therethrough and a rod disposed in the opening and attached to a moveable member, wherein the rod projects through the moveable member to provide a dead center, and a spring disposed between the first support member and the moveable member configured to bias the moveable member away from the first support member;

a second support member on the opposite end of the base from the first support member and providing an opening therethrough;

a threaded projection disposed in the opening in the second support member and configured to threadably mate with the threaded opening;

a chuck configured to hold an end of a dowel and attached to the threaded projection; and

a knob attached to the threaded projection and to the chuck, configured such that turning the knob is effective to turn the threaded projection and the chuck.

72. The device of claim 67, wherein the device is autoclavable.