Torque indicator ratchet wrench for dentistry
First Claim
1. A method of installing a fastener that is used in a dental prosthesis, comprising:
- coupling said fastener to a ratchet wrench;
rotating said ratchet wrench;
observing torque-level markings on said ratchet wrench corresponding to levels of torque being applied to said fastener; and
disengaging said ratchet wrench from said fastener once a desired level of torque is indicated by said torque-level markings.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This present invention relates to a ratchet wrench and a torque indicator combined concentrically in a single housing. The ratchet wrench is useful for driving a fastener used in dentistry, such as an abutment screw that holds an abutment on a dental implant. In operation, the handle of the wrench can be rotated in one direction (e.g. clockwise) to impart torque on the fastener. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction (e.g. counterclockwise), no torque is applied to the fastener as the handle is returned to a position where it is easy for the clinician to again rotate the handle to apply additional torque to the fastener. The return motion of the handle (e.g. counterclockwise rotation) may be stepless in operation which is brought about through a coiled clutch spring located in an annular space within a housing between the housing and a concentric driver member. To provide an indication of torque, a rotor body is supported coaxially within the driver member. Torque indicator marks on the rotor body and the driver member indicate angular displacement of the driver member around the common axis relative to the rotor body when a tool held in the rotor body is restrained from turning under load. The housing and with it the drive member may be turned by hand around their common axis when the housing is turned in the latched direction, or a handle fixed to the housing may be used. A lubricating washer is supplied to reduce friction within the ratchet wrench.
12 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A method of installing a fastener that is used in a dental prosthesis, comprising:
-
coupling said fastener to a ratchet wrench;
rotating said ratchet wrench;
observing torque-level markings on said ratchet wrench corresponding to levels of torque being applied to said fastener; and
disengaging said ratchet wrench from said fastener once a desired level of torque is indicated by said torque-level markings. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method of applying a predetermined amount of torque to a dental fastener, comprising:
-
coupling said dental fastener to a ratchet wrench; and
rotating said ratchet wrench until torque-level markings on said ratchet wrench indicate said predetermined amount of torque is being applied to said dental fastener. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A method of smoothly applying torque to a dental fastener with a ratchet wrench, comprising:
-
coupling said dental fastener with a first component of said ratchet wrench, said first component being connected to a second component by a torsion spring; and
rotating said first component relative to said second component while providing a lubricant between said first and second component. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification