Bone cleaning device for removing soft tissue by pressing the bone material against and removing the bone material from the cleaning element

Abstract

A bone cleaning assembly (102, 602) having a cleaning element (690, 724, 1230, 1264) that removes soft tissue from bone stock. The module also includes a clearing element (778) that is periodically pushed against the cleaning element to remove bone stock trapped by the cleaning element from the cleaning element.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202010453419.8, filed on July 28, 2016, entitled "Bone Cleaning Apparatus for Removing Soft Tissue by Pressing Aggregate Against a Cleaning Element and Removing Aggregate from the Cleaning Element". Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to a component capable of cleaning bone by removing soft tissue surrounding it. Background Technology

[0003] In some surgical procedures, bone fragments of the size of a bone fragment are used as filler for adjacent vertebrae. For example, in spinal fusion surgery, it is known to place a complex formed from ground bone fragments around an implanted rod. This rod keeps adjacent vertebrae aligned. The complex acts as a framework on which vertebral tissue grows to form a base of bone around the rod. This base distributes the load applied to the rod. Bone fragments are also placed in the intervertebral disc space or in a fusion cage positioned within the intervertebral disc space.

[0004] In these surgeries, milled bone is used as filler / growth scaffold because the bone-forming material and proteins serve as building blocks for adjacent active osteoblasts to form new bone. Therefore, in surgeries intended to promote new bone growth, milled bone is used as filler in the spaces where bone growth is desired, sometimes with the addition of supplementary materials. Individual pieces formed from milled bone are commonly referred to as bone fragments.

[0005] The ideal source of bone stock for bone fragments is the patient to whom they will be implanted. This is because a patient's own bone is less likely to be rejected by their immune system compared to donor bone. Therefore, in surgeries requiring bone fragments, bone stock is typically taken from one of the patient's acceptable segments of bone loss (typically between 0.25 and 3 cubic centimeters). Bone removed from the patient for transplantation into another part of the patient's body is called autologous bone. Autologous bone is usually harvested from the spinous process, facet joints, laminae, or hip bone.

[0006] Converting autologous bone material into bone fragments is a two-part process. In the first part of the process, the acquired bone material is cleaned to remove ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues unsuitable for bone fragment formation. The cleaned bone is then ground into bone fragments. US Patent Publication US 2009 / 0118735 / PCT Publication WO 2009 / 061728, assigned to the applicant, discloses an electrically operated bone grinder capable of converting bone material into bone fragments; the contents of these publications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] In a typical bone cleaning procedure, the surgeon manually cleans the bone before grinding it. Currently, surgeons perform this manual process using hand tools such as scalpels, curettes, and / or bone forceps. This task can take 15 minutes or more to complete.

[0008] Furthermore, to perform the cleaning procedure, the surgeon may need to grip the bone firmly. Applying such force to the bone can cause the surgeon's gloves to tear. Additionally, sharp cutting tools used by the surgeon may cut or tear the gloves. Such cutting or tearing of the gloves can lead to the possibility of direct contact between the surgeon's skin and the bone. This contact can result in bone contamination.

[0009] The applicant's U.S. Patent Publication US 2012 / 0310243 / PCT Publication WO 2011 / 057088 discloses several different components for cleaning bone, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. One of the components disclosed in these documents is a module defining a chamber in which a grooved screw is present. The grooved screw is rotatable within or adjacent to the chamber. The screw is shaped such that the groove defines a cutting edge. The grooved screw is enclosed within a shaving tube. The shaving tube has a window exposing the groove of the screw. A portion of the shaving tube defining the window is shaped such that its own cutting edge rests against the groove of the screw. A module using this component cleans bone by pressing bone against the grooved screw and rotating the screw. Soft tissue attached to the bone is pressed against the groove. The cutting edge of the groove and the cutting edge of the adjacent shaving tube act as synergistic scissor blades. These cutting edges cooperate to shear and cut the soft tissue from the bone.

[0010] The applicant's U.S. Patent Publication US 2014 / 0303623 / PCT Publication WO 2013 / 102134 discloses an improvement to the aforementioned assembly for removing soft tissue from bone, which is also expressly incorporated herein by reference. One feature of the assembly disclosed in that document is that a pivoting arm surrounds a grooved screw and a shaving tube assembly. A second feature of the assembly disclosed in that document is that both the shaving tube and the grooved screw rotate. When the bone cleaning assembly is actuated: the grooved screw rotates continuously; the shaving tube rotates periodically; and the arm pivots back and forth around the grooved screw and the shaving tube. The periodic rotation of the shaving tube causes the tube to at least temporarily push the bone away from its position where it might remain between the grooved screw and the shaving tube. The pivoting motion of the arm causes the individual bone fragments of the bone material to flip. Together, these actions increase the extent to which soft tissue is removed from the individual bone fragments of the bone material.

[0011] The aforementioned cleaning assembly removes tissue surrounding freshly acquired aggregate. However, it has been observed that the tail of soft tissue may become entangled between the grooved screw and the shaving tube. This tissue wraps around the inner surface of the shaving tube. If this occurs, the aggregate is essentially considered stuck between the grooved screw and the shaving tube. This means that the arm cannot dislodge the aggregate even as it pivots back and forth. The trapped aggregate prevents other tissue from moving against the interface between the rotating groove and the adjacent shaving tube. Therefore, if a piece of aggregate becomes trapped in this way, the cleaning module may have to be stopped and the trapped aggregate removed to complete the cleaning process. After the trapped aggregate is removed from the grooved screw, the module is restarted. However, having to interrupt the cleaning process to perform these steps reduces the practicality of the cleaning module.

[0012] Furthermore, due to the nature of biological tissue, bone, and especially freshly obtained bone, the material is very moist. This moisture comes from fluids such as blood, muscle, and cartilage in the soft tissue obtained from the bone, as well as fluids contained within the bone itself. In the US patent publication US 2012 / 0310243 / PCT publication WO 2011 / 057088, when the arm presses these bone fragments against the grooved screw and shaving tube, the fluids trapped in the bone and adjacent tissue act as an adhesive. The material, including both bone and soft tissue, is compressible. As a result of these materials having these properties, it is known that bone adheres to the surface of the arm before cleaning. Once this occurs, the bone may no longer tumble within the assembly, regardless of the pivoting motion of the arm. This tumbling is necessary to maximize the likelihood that the individual surfaces of the bone fragments will press against the grooved screw and shaving tube assembly.

[0013] It should also be understood that bone cleaning is merely one of a series of processes required to prepare the bone for use as a filling material. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication US 2009 / 0118735, which is incorporated herein by reference, it is anticipated that after the bone is cleaned, it will be transferred to a bone grinder. This transfer can be performed using a pair of surgical forceps or pliers, transferring each bone fragment individually. Having to perform this transfer process one at a time can be time-consuming. This would contradict the modern goal of performing surgery as quickly as possible. The modern goal of surgery is to minimize the time the patient's internal tissues are exposed to the surrounding environment and to minimize the time the patient is kept under anesthesia. Furthermore, during the process of transferring bone fragments one at a time using pliers or surgical forceps, even the most careful person could drop a fragment. Once this happens, it is most likely that the dropped bone fragment will no longer be in a state where it would be uncontaminated and therefore suitable for reinsertion as a bone fragment into the patient.

[0014] Therefore, a better way to transfer multiple bone fragments is to pour them directly from the bone cleaning module into the grinding module. During the handling and pouring process using the cleaning module described in US Patent Publication US 2014 / 0303623, gravity can cause the arm to shift position. Sometimes, due to this shift, cleaned bone fragments may become stuck against the arm. This requires the personnel responsible for cleaning and grinding the bone to use forceps or surgical tweezers to complete the bone transfer process. A more serious consequence of the arm shifting position is that the arm forces bone fragments out of the bone cleaning module. If the bone fragment lands on a surface that is not considered sufficiently sterile, it will very likely be considered contaminated to the point of being unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention relates to a novel and useful component for cleaning and grinding cleaned bone to generate bone fragments. The component includes a bone cleaning module that removes soft tissue from the bone material with minimal manual intervention. The bone cleaning module is also designed to facilitate the efficient pouring of cleaned bone material into a complementary grinding module, which is also part of the component. The component further includes a base unit. Both the cleaning module and the grinding module are detachably attached to this base. A motor is located within the base unit. The motor powers the moving parts within both the bone cleaning module and the bone grinding module. The base has virtually no electrically actuated components that must withstand the harsh medical sterilization process.

[0016] In some embodiments of the invention, the bone cleaning module is configured to subject the bone material to multiple cleaning cycles. Each cleaning cycle includes multiple distinct phases. At a minimum, the bone material undergoes a pressing phase and a clearing phase, which are alternated. In the pressing phase, the bone material is pressed against a cleaning element. The cleaning element is a component of the cleaning module that removes soft tissue from the bone. In the pressing phase, some bone material may become trapped by the cleaning element. This is why the clearing phase is performed. In the clearing phase, a component is pushed against the cleaning element to clear and remove the trapped bone material. In some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned component is pushed against the bone material during each of the pressing and clearing phases. More specifically, in many embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned component is pushed toward the cleaning element in both the pressing and clearing phases, with a first feature of the component pushed toward the cleaning element in the pressing phase and a second feature of the component pressed against the component in the clearing phase.

[0017] In many embodiments of the invention, a single cleaning cycle includes more than just a pressing phase and a subsequent cleaning phase. In some embodiments of the invention, a flipping phase is present. During the flipping phase, the aggregate is flipped. This flipping ensures that during the cleaning process, each surface of the aggregate is pressed against the cleaning element in at least one pressing phase. A sweeping phase may also be present. In the sweeping phase, a component of the bone cleaning device sweeps the aggregate to a position adjacent to that component, which, in a subsequent pressing phase, presses the aggregate against the cleaning element. In some embodiments of the invention, a single cleaning cycle includes a pressing phase, then a flipping phase, then a cleaning phase, and ends with a sweeping phase. In one configuration of the invention, the components forming the bone cleaning module undergo a switching phase to transition from the flipping phase to the cleaning phase.

[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the aggregate is collected as a prelude to the cleaning phase while it is being removed from the cleaning element.

[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, the cleaning element within the bone cleaning element includes a grooved screw and a shaving tube. The shaving tube defines at least one cutting edge, which is positioned by a cutting groove adjacent to the grooved screw.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a bone cleaning module comprising a separate cavity space. Bone material to be cleaned is placed in a first cavity space. This cavity space includes cleaning elements for removing soft tissue. Adjacent to and in communication with the first cavity space, a second cavity space exists. A transfer assembly transfers the removed soft tissue from the cleaning elements to the second cavity space. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more of the cleaning elements function as part of the transfer assembly. Thus, these elements remove soft tissue from the bone and transfer the removed soft tissue to the second cavity space. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention is specifically pointed out in the claims. The above and other features and benefits of the invention can be understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the base and cleaning module of the bone cleaning and grinding assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing how the cleaning module is detachably attached to the base; Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing how the grinding module of the present invention is detachably attached to the base; Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the base of the component; Figure 5A and 5B These are exploded views of the upper and lower components inside the base of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the top surface of the outer shell top plate of the base; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the top panel of the outer casing; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the inner panel inside the outer casing; Figure 9 It is an exploded view of the motor and the attached main connector, where the attached main connector is part of the base; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the motor and the main connector; Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the planetary gear assembly arranged around the main shaft inside the base; Figure 12 It is a plan view of the arm cam inside the base; Figure 13 This is a plan view of the tube cam inside the base; Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the lower side of the tube cam; Figure 15 This is an exploded view showing how the balance collar is clamped between the arm cam and the tube cam; Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing how the clutch and pipe connector are positioned around the main shaft; Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the clutch and pipe connector; Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch and pipe connector; Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the top of the clutch input ring; Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the clutch input ring; Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the top of the clutch output ring; Figure 22 This is a second perspective view of the top of the clutch output ring; Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the top of the clutch cage; Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the clutch cage; Figure 25 It is along the clutch. Figure 18 A sectional view taken from line 25-25; Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the pipe connector; Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of the pipe connector; Figure 28 This is a first perspective view of the pawl engaged with the clutch; Figure 29 It is an exploded view of the pawl and the attached components; Figure 30 The diagram illustrates the engagement of the pawl and the lug, wherein the lug is integrated with the internal coupling of the clutch; Figure 31 It is a first perspective view of the arm connector integrated with the base and the components pivoting around the arm connector; Figure 32 It is a second perspective view of the arm connector integrated with the base and the components pivoting around the arm connector; Figure 33 It is a cross-sectional view of the arm connector integrated with the base and the components that pivot around the arm connector; Figure 34 This is an exploded view of the arm connector and the components that pivot around the arm connector; Figure 35 yes Figure 31 A perspective view of the axis of the pivoting component; Figure 36 yes Figure 30 A perspective view of the cap of the pivot component; Figure 37 This is a sectional view of the cap; Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the arm connector; Figure 39 This is a cross-sectional view of the arm connector; Figure 40 This is a perspective view of the crank arm of the pivot assembly; Figure 41 This is a perspective view of the rocker arm of the pivot assembly; Figure 42 This is a perspective view of the latch assembly attached to the bottom side of the housing; Figure 43 This is a plan view of the latch assembly; Figure 44 This is a block diagram of the components that actuate the components of the present invention; Figure 45 This is a perspective view of the cleaning module, illustrating how the housing is detachably attached to the module base; Figure 46 This is an exploded view of the components inside the cleaning module; Figure 47 This is an exploded view of the internal components at the top of the cleaning module; Figure 48 This is an exploded view of the cleaning module, the housing, and the components located on top of the housing; Figure 49 This is a perspective view of the top of the base plate of the cleaning module; Figure 50 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the base plate of the cleaning module; Figure 51 This is an exploded view showing how the slotted screw extends through the disc inside the cleaning module housing; Figure 52 This is a top view of the arm inside the cleaning module housing; Figure 53 This is a perspective view of the underside of the arm; Figure 54 This is the first perspective view of the top of the arm; Figure 55 This is the second perspective view of the top of the arm; Figure 56 This is a perspective view of the top of the drive pin inside the cleaning module; Figure 57 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the drive pin; Figure 58 This is a first perspective view of the hub-shaped component integrated with the cleaning module; Figure 59 yes Figure 58 Second perspective view of the hub-shaped component; Figure 60 This is a perspective view of the top of the locking plate inside the cleaning module; Figure 61 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the locking plate; Figure 62 This is an exploded view of the grinding module of the component of the present invention; Figure 63 This is a perspective view of the top of the casing of the grinding module; Figure 64 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the casing of the grinding module; Figure 65 This is a perspective view of the top plate of the grinding module and the top of the hopper; Figure 66 This is a perspective view of the top plate and the bottom side of the hopper of the grinding module; Figure 67 This is a perspective view of the grinding disc of the grinding module and the attached connecting mandrel; Figure 68 This is a perspective view of the top of the connecting mandrel of the grinding module; Figure 69 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the connecting mandrel of the grinding module; Figure 70 This is a perspective view of the top of the collection tray assembled onto the grinding module; Figure 71 This is a perspective view of the bottom side of the assembly tray; Figure 72 This is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning module installed at the base of the component; Figure 73 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the locking plate and the drive pin when the locking plate is in the locked state. Figure 74 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the locking plate and the drive pin inside the cleaning module when the locking plate is in the unlocked state. Figure 75 This indicates how the rocker arm changes its position through the sequential stages of the cleaning cycle due to the rotation of the arm cam against the rocker arm. Figure 76 This indicates how the pawl changes sequentially through the cleaning cycle as the clutch cam rotates against it. Figures 77A to 77E This is a schematic diagram of the components of the cleaning module and the aggregates disposed in the cleaning module during each stage of the cleaning cycle; Figure 78 This is a cross-sectional view of the grinding module installed at the base of the component; Figure 79 The illustration shows how the holder of the alternative cleaning module is arranged around the grooved screw and shaving tube according to the present invention; Figure 80 yes Figure 79 An exploded view of the components; Figure 81 yes Figure 82 A perspective view of the bottom side of the module; Figure 82 yes Figure 79 A perspective view of the driving components of the module; Figure 83 This is a top plan view of the alternative cage; Figure 84 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the cage; Figures 85A to 85G It is a series of plan views showing how the cage engages in rotation relative to the slotted screw and shaving tube and in rotation about the longitudinal axis passing through the cage; Figure 86 This is an inner perspective view of the alternative cleaning module of the present invention; Figure 87 Is Figure 86 A perspective view of the alternative shaving tube inside the cleaning module; and Figure 88 This is a perspective view of an alternative hub-shaped component inside the collection area of ​​the cleaning module of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] I. Overview Figure 1-3The basic components of a bone cleaning and grinding system 100 of the present invention are shown. System 100 includes a base 102 to which a bone cleaning module 602 is detachably attached. The bone cleaning module 602 receives acquired bone material. Once the base 102 is actuated, components within the cleaning module 602, when attached, cooperate to remove soft tissue attached to the bone material. Figure 3 As can be seen, the second module is the grinding module 902, which is also part of the system 100 and is detachably attached to the base 102. After the aggregate is cleaned, the cleaning module 602 is removed from the base 102 and the grinding module 902 is attached to the base. The cleaned aggregate is transferred from the cleaning module 602 to the grinding module 902. The base 102 of the assembly is actuated again. This causes the components inside the grinding module 902 to transform the cleaned aggregate into smaller bone fragments. The bone fragments can be used as fillers in surgical procedures.

[0023] The base 102 contains a motor 140. Figure 4 When module 602 or 902 is connected to base 102, multiple moving parts inside the module are connected to motor 140. Motor 140 is actuated by pressing switch 588 or 590 on base 102. Actuation of motor 140 causes similar actuation of components inside module 602 or 902 (which cleans or grinds bone, respectively).

[0024] II. Base of the component For reference Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the base 102 of the component includes a housing 104, which is the outer body of the base. The housing 104 has a base 106 formed thereon, which is the bottommost part of the housing in relation to the gravity reference plane. A neck 112 extends upward from the base 106. In a cross-section parallel to the gravity reference plane, the area of ​​the neck 112 is smaller than that of the base 106. The periphery of the neck 112 lies inside the outer periphery of the base. The housing 104 is further formed such that the base 106 has a panel 108 that tapers inward from the widest part of the base and is shaped to reach the neck 112.

[0025] Above the neck 112, the outer shell 104 is shaped to have a head 114. The outer shell 104 is shaped such that the head 114 protrudes outward from the neck 112. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, both the neck 112 and the head 114 are truncated elliptical in cross-section. (The curved side portions of the neck and head each subtend an arc of less than 180°.) The top plate 122 is the topmost structural panel of the head 114 and (extendedly) the outer shell 104. The top plate 122 is recessed inward from the adjacent outer periphery of the head 114 by approximately 5 mm. The top plate 122 has an edge 116 that surrounds the flat top surface of the plate 122 circumferentially and extends downward from the flat top surface of the plate 122. A stepped portion 115 extending inward from the outer surface of the head 114 to the edge serves as a transition surface between the outer periphery of the head 114 and the edge 115 of the top plate.

[0026] The top plate 122 is further formed such that there are four rectangular openings 118 in the edge 116, the openings being... Figure 6 and 7 As indicated by the reference numerals. An opening 118 is provided in the section of edge 116 adjacent to the front and rear edges of the top plate 122. The front edge of the top plate should be understood as the edge above the panel 108 at the base of the housing. The rear edge is the edge of the panel 108 furthest from the base.

[0027] The top panel 122 also has two openings, openings 124 and 126. Both openings 124 and 126 are centered on a main axis extending across the panel 122 from one side to the other. Opening 124 is spaced approximately 1 cm from the short axis of the panel. The short axis is an axis extending from the midpoint of the front edge of the panel to the midpoint of the rear edge of the panel. Opening 126 is positioned on the side of the panel opposite to the side closest to opening 124 on the short axis. Opening 126 is positioned on an adjacent curved side of the top panel 122 that is closer to the short axis than the side closest to the opening 124. Edge 116 is also shaped to define only... Figure 43 The groove 119 is shown in the center. The groove 119 extends through the curved side of the adjacent opening 126 along the edge 116.

[0028] The top plate 122 is also formed to have sleeves 123, 127, and 128 that project downward from the bottom surface of the planar portion of the plate 122. Sleeve 123 extends downward from the planar portion of the plate below the opening 124. Sleeves 127 and 128 are concentric and extend downward from the planar portion of the plate below the opening 126. Sleeve 127 is the innermost sleeve, defining a bore (not shown in the figure) extending inward from the opening 126. Sleeve 128 is the outermost sleeve and is radially spaced outward from sleeve 127. The top plate 122 is further formed such that sleeve 128 projects downward from the top plate 122 compared to sleeve 127. Also seen are a plurality of posts 129 projecting downward from the bottom surface of the top plate 122, two of which are shown in the figure. The free ends of the posts are shown to have bores (not shown in the figure). The bore exists to accommodate the fasteners described below.

[0029] Two support members are statically mounted to the inside of the housing 104. The first of the support members is only... Figure 4 The visible motor mounting base 132 is generally plate-shaped and is mounted in the neck 112 so as to be relatively close to the base 106. The motor mounting base 132 is formed with a large through hole 134.

[0030] The second supporting member, namely the inner plate 150, is disposed in the head 114 of the outer casing. The stepped portion inside the outer casing is not shown in the figure, but the outer periphery of the inner plate 150 rests on this stepped portion. Figure 8 As best seen, plate 150 has a flat base 152. Plate 150 is further formed to have two gaps, gaps 156 and 162, which extend downward from the opening in base 152. Inner plate 150 is shaped such that gap 156 is generally triangular in shape with a rounded apex. Inner plate 150 is formed such that gap 156 is located below opening 126 of top plate. Base of gap 156 is defined by panel 160 located below base 152. Web 158 extending downward from base to connect panel to base defines the periphery of gap 156. Gap 162 is positioned coaxial with opening 124 of top plate. Boss 166 located below base 152 of plate defines base of gap 162. Web 164 is part of plate 150, extending from base 152 of plate to boss 166, holding the boss to the rest of plate 150, and also defining the outer periphery of gap 162.

[0031] Both the motor mount 132 and the inner plate 150 can be considered to have multiple openings, through bores, and closed bores. Some of the openings and bores are surrounded by countersunk holes. Some of these bores open downward from circular islands that extend upward from the top of the base 152 of the motor mount 132 and the plate towards the surface. These openings, bores, countersunk holes, and islands are not shown in the figures. It should be understood that these bores and countersunk holes receive pins and fasteners that hold the following components of the base 102 of the assembly to the motor mount 132 and the inner plate 150. Some of the openings in the inner plate 150 are positioned to align with a post 129 extending downward from the top plate 122. Fasteners (not shown) extending through the openings in the inner plate 150 and into adjacent bores in the post 129 hold the inner plate to the post 129. The column 129 thus connects the inner panel 150 to the top panel 122, so that this sub-assembly, including the components mounted to the panels 122 and 150, can be assembled into the housing 104 as a single unit.

[0032] Motor 140 is mounted to the downward-facing surface of motor mount 132. Fasteners (not shown) hold motor 140 to mount 132. Motor 140 has a shaft 142 extending through an opening in mount 132, which only... Figure 10 The image is visible in cross-section. The diameter of the opening through which the shaft 142 extends is greater than the diameter of the shaft. The motor 140 is mounted in the housing 102 such that the motor shaft is coaxial with the opening 124 in the top plate 122 of the housing.

[0033] Motor shaft 142 is connected to transmission mechanism 144, the housing of which is visible in the figure. Transmission mechanism 144 is seated in an opening 134 inside motor mounting base 132, positioned above a portion of motor 140 immediately below the opening 134. Transmission mechanism 144 typically includes a planetary gear assembly that gradually reduces the rotational speed of motor shaft 142. The rotational motion of transmission mechanism is output via shaft 145, which extends upward from the housing of transmission mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, motor 140 is designed such that, when actuated, it rotates at a speed between 2500 and 5500 RPM on motor shaft 142. Transmission mechanism 144 is configured such that the speed ratio between motor shaft 142 and transmission mechanism shaft 145 is between 5:1 and 90:1.

[0034] The base of the transmission mechanism 144 is directly attached to the surface of the motor housing 140. The base of the transmission mechanism 144 thus sits in an opening in the motor mounting base 132, through which the motor shaft 142 extends. The top surface of the transmission mechanism 144 is mounted to the lower surface of the boss 166, which is integral with the plate 152. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the plate 151 is disposed between the top of the transmission mechanism 144 and the bottom side of the boss 166. The plate 151 may be formed of an elastomeric material to cushion motor vibrations. Fasteners 147 extend through the plate 151 into the top of the transmission mechanism (in... Figure 4 A fastener (shown in the middle) holds the plate to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism 144 has a shaft 145 that extends through an opening in the boss 166 to extend into a gap 162 inside the plate 150. The shaft 145 of the transmission mechanism is generally cylindrical in shape. Figure 9 The key 146, as shown in the figure, extends outward from the cylindrical surface of the shaft 145. The key 146 extends longitudinally along the shaft 145.

[0035] exist Figure 9 and 10 The most visible spindle 170 is mounted to the shaft 145 of the transmission mechanism to rotate in unison with the shaft 145. The spindle 170 includes a cylindrical base 172. A cylindrical trunk 176 extends upward from the base 172. The trunk 176 is coaxial with the base 172 and has a diameter smaller than that of the base. Adjacent to the trunk protruding from the base 172, the spindle 170 is shaped to have a stepped portion 174 extending around the trunk. Above the trunk 176, the spindle has a neck 180. The neck 180 is coaxial with the trunk 176 and has a diameter smaller than that of the trunk. The stepped portion 178 thus extends radially outward circumferentially from the bottom of the neck 180 to serve as a transition surface between the trunk 176 and the neck 180. The topmost portion of the spindle is a head 182. The head 182 is coaxial with the neck 180 of the spindle and has a diameter smaller than that of the neck.

[0036] The spindle 170 is further configured to have a closed bore 184 extending upward from the bottom of the base 172. The bore 184 is coaxial with the base 172. A recess 186 extends inward from the outer surface of the neck 180 of the spindle. The spindle 170 is further configured such that the bore 188 extends longitudinally through the head 182 of the spindle. In the embodiment shown in the invention, the bore 188 is centered on an axis perpendicular to a central radial line that extends inward through the recess 186 to the longitudinal axis of the spindle 170.

[0037] The spindle 170 is mounted on the transmission mechanism 144 such that the shaft 145 of the transmission mechanism is seated in the bore 184 of the spindle. A key 146 is seated in a groove 185 inside the spindle, which extends outward from the outer periphery of the bore 184. This arrangement of the key in the groove ensures that the shaft 145 of the transmission mechanism and the spindle 170 rotate as a single unit.

[0038] Gear 190 is disposed around the main shaft 176 of the spindle to rotate in unison with the spindle 170. Gear 170 is seated on a stepped portion 174. The teeth of gear 190 are disposed above the base 172 of the spindle and radially outward from the stepped portion 174 (the teeth of the gear are not shown).

[0039] The main connector 194 is mounted to the spindle 170. The main connector 194 includes a cylindrical base 196. A pin 198 extends upward from the top of the base 196. Three equally spaced teeth 202 are also provided on the top of the base 196. Each tooth 202 is an elongated member that projects radially outward from the pin 198 and extends upward from the top of the base 196. The main connector 194 is configured such that the pin 198 protrudes above the teeth 202.

[0040] The main connector 194 is further formed to have a bore 204 extending upward from the bottom of the base 196. The bore 204 has a diameter that allows the head 182 of the mandrel to slide tightly within the bore 204. The bore 204 leads to a closed-end bore 206 that extends toward the top of the base 196. The main connector 194 is formed such that the diameter of the bore 206 is smaller than the diameter of the bore 204. More specifically, the connector 194 is formed such that the diameter of the bore 206 is smaller than the diameter of the head 182 of the rod 170. The connector 194 is further formed to have two elliptical openings 208 that are diametrically opposed and extend inward from the cylindrical outer surface of the base 196. Figure 10 An opening 208 can be seen in the bore 204.

[0041] The main connector 194 is fitted to the remainder of the base 102 of the assembly, such that the head 182 of the spindle is positioned within the bore 204 of the connector. A pin 210 extends through the opening 208 of the connector and into the bore 188 inside the head 182 of the spindle. The pin 210 holds the main connector 194 to the spindle 170, allowing the connector to rotate in unison with the spindle and to move longitudinally along a longitudinal axis passing through the spindle. The main connector is positioned such that the top of the base 196 of the connector extends through the opening 124 of the top plate. The pin 198 and teeth 202 of the connector are positioned above the top plate 122 of the housing.

[0042] Figure 5AA visible spring 212 is disposed within the bore 208 of the connector. The spring 212 provides a biasing force that normally displaces the connector, causing the pin 198 and teeth 202 of the connector to be spaced apart from the top plate 122 of the housing. Upward movement of the connector 194 is limited by the portion of the connector defining the opening 208 adjacent to the bottom of the pin 210. Downward movement of the connector is limited by a stepped portion inside the connector that defines the transition from the bore 204 to the top of the bore 208 adjacent to the head 182 of the mandrel.

[0043] Secondary transmission mechanism 220 (its components are in Figure 5A , 5B The ring gear 222 (best visible in 11) is positioned around the neck 180 of the spindle 170. The secondary transmission mechanism 220 includes a ring gear 222 disposed in a gap 162 within the inner plate 150. The gear 222 is positioned such that its outer surface abuts against the inner surface of the web 164. The teeth of the ring gear (not shown in the figure) extend inward toward the center of the gap 162. A retaining ring (not shown) is disposed around and above the outer periphery of the ring gear 222. This retaining ring protrudes outward from a groove in the web 164. The retaining ring holds the ring gear 222 within the gap 162.

[0044] The transmission mechanism 220 also includes a first set of planetary gears, gear 224. Gear 224 is rotatably mounted to the carrier 226 via pin 225. Gear 224 meshes with the teeth of gear 190 and ring gear 222. The carrier 226 itself has a sun gear 228 that surrounds the neck 176 of the spindle 170. The inner diameter of the sun gear 228 is radially outwardly spaced from the spindle 170.

[0045] Three planetary gears 230 (also part of the secondary transmission mechanism 220) extend between the ring gear 222 and the sun gear 228. The planetary gears 230 are rotatably mounted to the arm cam 234 described below via pins 231. The secondary transmission mechanism is designed such that the arm cam and the attached components rotate at a speed less than the rotational speed of the spindle. In some embodiments of the invention, the speed ratio between the spindle 170 and the arm cam 234 is between 12:1 and 24:1.

[0046] exist Figure 12The most visible arm cam 234 is a generally disc-shaped component. The arm cam 234 is formed with a central opening 236. The opening 236 is sized to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the neck 182 of the spindle. The arm cam has two protrusions. An outer protrusion, protrusion 238, has an outer periphery spaced relatively far from the center of the cam 234. The outer protrusion 238 extends in an arc greater than 180° around the outer side of the cam 234. In some embodiments of the invention, the outer protrusion faces an arc between 190° and 240°. The second protrusion is an inner protrusion 242. The inner protrusion 242 has an outer periphery radially spaced inward from the outer periphery of the outer protrusion 238. The inner protrusion 232 faces an angle around the cam 234 between 20° and 60°. The transition surface between each end of the outer protrusion 238 and the adjacent end of the inner protrusion 242 is not shown in the figures.

[0047] The arm cam 234 is formed with two sets of through bores extending from one side through the cam and radially spaced outward from the opening 236. The first set of bores consists of three equally spaced bores 244. The bores 244 receive pins 231 that rotatably hold the planetary gear 230 to the arm cam. The second set of bores consists of three equally spaced bores 245. The bores 245 have a larger diameter than the bores 244, are angled off from the bores 244, and are slightly radially spaced outward from the bores 244. The bores 245 receive fastening pins (not shown) that hold the tubular cam 252 to the arm cam 234.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 13 and 14 The described tubular cam 252 is mounted to the arm cam 234. The tubular cam 252 is a one-piece component including an annular skirt 254. An edge 256 is disposed above the skirt 254 and extends radially outward from the skirt. The tubular cam 252 is formed such that the edge 256 correspondingly has an inner protrusion 258 and an outer protrusion 262. The inner protrusion 258 has an outer surface 260, which is positioned relatively close to the center of the cam in terms of radial distance. The inner protrusion 258 faces an arc greater than 180° around the cam 252. In some embodiments of the invention, the inner protrusion 258 faces an arc between 185° and 205°. The outer protrusion 262 is formed to have an outer surface 264, which is positioned further away from the central axis of the cam 252 than the surface 260 of the inner protrusion 252. The tubular cam 252 is formed such that the cam surface 264 faces an arc between 40° and 140° around the center of the cam. The transition surface between outer surface 260 and outer surface 264 is not shown in the figure.

[0049] The tube cam 252 is formed such that the skirt 254 and the edge 262 together define an opening 266 extending through the center of the cam. The tube cam is further formed to define a step portion 268 that protrudes into the opening 266 and extends circumferentially around the opening 266. The step portion 268 is provided below the top surface of the edge 262. Figure 14 Three equally spaced bores 270, as indicated in the diagram, extend from the bottom of the skirt 254 to the top of the step 268. After the base 102 is assembled, the bores 270 of the tube cam are aligned with the bores 245 of the arm cam. The bores 270 receive fastening pins that hold the shaving cam 252 to the arm cam 234.

[0050] like Figure 15 As best seen, the balance ring 246 is clamped between the arm cam 234 and the tube cam 252. The balance ring 246 includes a central ring 247. Assembly 102 is configured such that the skirt 254 is positioned and rotates within the gap defined by the ring 247. Four tabs ( Figure 15 Two tabs (visible in the figure) protrude outward from the central ring 247. Fasteners 249 (three fasteners are shown in the figure) extend through each of the tabs 248. Fasteners 249 are secured to the base 152 of the inner plate 150. Fasteners 249 thus statically hold the balance ring 246 to the assembly base 102. Tabs 248 and fasteners 249 are positioned radially outward relative to the arm cam 234. Therefore, the presence of the static balance ring 246 does not impede the rotation of the arm cam 234 and the tube cam 252.

[0051] Figure 16-18 The optimally visible clutch assembly 278 is positioned above the tube cam 252, surrounding the spindle 170. Figure 16 and 18 In the middle, the arm cam 234, the shaving cam 252, and the gear assembly below the arm cam 234 are not visible to simplify the drawing.

[0052] The clutch assembly 278 includes an input ring 280. Figure 19 and 20The input ring 280, best visible in the center, has a tubular rod 282. The rod 282 is formed with a through bore 284 and is sized to fit snugly around the neck 180 of the spindle. A groove 285 extends outward from the inner surface of the defined bore 284 of the rod 282. The groove 285 thus connects to the bore 284. The input ring 280 is further formed with a head 286 extending radially outward from the top of the rod 282. The head 286 is shown as having a ring (not shown) projecting outward from the outer surface of the head. This ring provides mechanical strength to the input ring 280. The head 286 is formed to define a circular gap 288 at its center. The gap 288 connects to the bore 284 extending through the rod 282, and its diameter is larger than that of the bore 284. The head 286 is further formed to have a concave surface 290 surrounding an opening in the bore 284.

[0053] The input ring 280 is fitted onto the spindle 270 such that the ring's rod 284 is positioned on the spindle's neck 180. The rod 284 is positioned within the opening 236 of the arm cam 234. The lower portion of the ring's head 286 is positioned within the opening 266 of the tube cam. Only Figure 18 The key 181, shown in the diagram, extends outward from the neck 180 of the spindle. The key 181 is seated in a groove 285 inside the input ring 280. This arrangement of the key in the groove ensures that the spindle 170 and the clutch output ring rotate as a single unit.

[0054] The output ring 320 is also part of the clutch 278, which is in Figure 21 and 22 The output ring 320 is best visible in the center, positioned within the gap 286 of the input ring and protruding above the input ring 280. The input ring 320 has a circular base 322. A generally tubular sleeve 324 extends upward from the outer periphery of the base 322. Although the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 324 are generally cylindrical, they are not perfectly cylindrical. The output ring 320 is formed to define four equally spaced platforms 326 along the outer surface of the sleeve 324. Figure 21 and 22 Two platforms are shown in the diagram. Platform 326 is positioned within a circular region defined by the curved outer surface of sleeve 324. Each platform 326 faces an angle between 50° and 90° relative to the longitudinal axis passing through the outer ring 320 from top to bottom. The outer ring 320 is further formed to have a circular lip 328 positioned above sleeve 324. The ring 320 is formed such that the lip 328 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer surface of sleeve 324.

[0055] The output ring 320 is further formed such that an opening 330 exists in the base 322. The diameter of the opening 330 is large enough that, during assembly of the component base 102, a gap exists between the outer surface of the head 182 of the spindle and the surface of the base 322 defining the outer periphery of the opening 330. The sleeve 324 and the lip 328 together define a gap 332 connected to the opening 330. The base 322 is further formed such that a recessed surface 334 is present in the top surface of the base. The recessed surface 334 extends circumferentially around the opening 330 and defines the lowest section of the gap 332.

[0056] The output ring 320 is further formed to have two notches 336 extending radially outward from the inner surface of the sleeve 324 and the lip 328. The notches 336 extend longitudinally from the top surface of the ring 320, passing through the ring and partially through the sleeve 324. The notches 336 are diametrically opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis passing through the outer ring 320. The outer ring is further formed such that the lip 328 is shaped to define a stepped portion 338 extending inwardly around the inner periphery of the lip. The stepped portion 338 is located below the top facing surface of the lip 328. The notches 336 intersect with the stepped portion 338.

[0057] Only Figure 21 Two coaxial bores 335, shown in the diagram, extend laterally through the lip 328 of the output ring 320. The bores 335 intersect with the stepped portion 338. During clutch 278 assembly, a pin 339 is seated in each of the bores 335. Each pin 339 has a head that is radially outwardly disposed from an adjacent cylindrical surface of the lip 328 of the output ring 320.

[0058] exist Figure 23 and 24 The cage 294, which is also part of the clutch 278 and is best visible in the center, is disposed between the input ring 280 and the output ring 320. The cage 294 includes a ring 296. A generally tubular skirt 298 extends downward from the ring 296. The cage 294 is formed such that the inner surface of the skirt 298 is flush with the inner surface of the ring 296. The outer surface of the skirt 298 is positioned radially inward from the outer periphery of the ring 296. The cage is further formed such that four equally spaced grooves 302 exist in the skirt 298, two of which are shown in the figure. Each groove 302 extends upward from the base of the skirt 298, which is the end of the skirt opposite to the end of the adjacent ring 296. Each groove 302 is centered along a main axis parallel to a longitudinal axis passing through the cage 294 from top to bottom. The retainer 294 is formed such that the groove 302 terminates at a position spaced below the position where the skirt 298 extends downward from the ring 296.

[0059] The cage 294 is further formed such that the tab 304 protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the ring 296. Figure 23 Two pins 306, shown in the figure, extend upward from the top of ring 296 toward the surface. The pins 306 are diametrically opposed to each other relative to the longitudinal axis passing through the retainer 294. A closed-end bore in the top surface of the ring, not shown in the figure, is in which the pins are seated.

[0060] In some embodiments of the invention, the retainer 294 is formed of two parts assembled together to serve as a single-piece unit. This facilitates selective positioning of the tab 304 relative to the pin 306 during the manufacturing process.

[0061] During clutch assembly 270, the output ring 320 is seated in the gap 288 of the input ring 280. The base 322 of the output ring is seated on a low-friction washer 293, which is seated on the recessed surface 290 of the input ring 280. The presence of the washer 293 facilitates the relative rotational movement of the input ring 280 relative to the output ring 320. A cage skirt 298 is provided between the head 286 of the input ring 280 and the sleeve 324 of the output ring. A groove 302 of each skirt is adjacent to one of the platforms 326 formed in the outer surface of the sleeve of the outer ring. The components forming the clutch are sized such that the cage 294 is rotatable relative to both the input ring 280 and the output ring 320.

[0062] Cylindrical pins 305 are disposed in each of the slots 302 formed in the clutch retainer 294. Figure 17 and 25 Two pins are shown in the center. The pins 305 have a common diameter that is smaller than the wall thickness of the cage skirt 298. Each pin 305 thus protrudes inward from the skirt 298 to an adjacent platform 326 formed in the output ring 320.

[0063] Spring 340 (in) Figure 17 The one indicated in the middle is also part of the clutch 270, extending between each pin 306 and the adjacent pin 339. Figure 16 and 17 Each of the symbols indicates a spring. Spring 340 typically holds the retainer such that each slot 302 is adjacent to the end of the adjacent platform 326, as... Figure 25 As can be seen, due to the orientation of the cage 294, each pin 305 is essentially wedged between the inner surface of the head 286 of the input ring and the adjacent platform 326. In the input ring 280... Figure 25 When rotated counterclockwise in the view shown, pin 306 transmits this rotation to both cage 294 and output ring 320. While output ring 320 is thus rotated, clutch 278 is considered to be engaged.

[0064] Clutch 278 drive tube connector 348, now refer to Figure 26 and27 Describing a pipe connector. Pipe connector 348 includes a cylindrical base 350. The outer diameter of the base 350 is larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve 123 below the opening 124 of the top plate. The outer diameter of the base also allows the base to slide within a gap 332 defined by the cylindrical inner surface of the sleeve 324 of the output ring 320. A tubular head 352 extends upward from the base 350. A circular step 351 defines the transition between the base 350 and the head 352 of the connector. A sleeve-shaped low-friction bushing 358 is shown as being disposed around the cylindrical inner wall of the head 352. Three equally spaced teeth 353 extend upward from the circular top surface of the head 352 of the connector; one tooth is shown in the figure.

[0065] The pipe connector 348 is formed with a bore 354 extending upward from the bottom of the base 350. A tapered countersunk hole forming an opening to the bore 354 is not shown in the figure. The bore 354 leads to a bore 356. The bore 356 is coaxial with the bore 354, and its diameter is smaller than that of the bore 354. The bushing 358 should be understood as being configured to abut against the inner surface of the defining bore 356 of the connector head 352. A small lip 357 protrudes into the bore 356. The lip 357 is positioned near the bottom of the connector head 352. The lip 357 is a structural feature of the bushing 358 in the supporting bore 356 of the pipe connector.

[0066] Two axially aligned pins 390 extend radially outward from opposite sections of the connector base 350. A bore within the base, where the pins are seated, is not shown in the figure. The pins 390 are sized to seat in recesses 336 within the output ring 320. Because the pins 390 are seated in the recesses 336 of the output ring, the pipe connector is connected to the clutch 278 to rotate in unison with the output ring 320 while simultaneously moving longitudinally relative to the ring 320.

[0067] The base 102 of the component is configured such that the pipe connector 348 can rotate and move longitudinally within the sleeve 123, which is integral with the top plate 122 of the housing. Figure 17 and 18 The spring 394, shown in the diagram, extends between the recessed surface 334 of the output ring 320 and the stepped portion inside the pipe connector between bores 354 and 356. The spring 394 biases the pipe connector 348 so that the teeth 353 are normally forced away from the top plate of the housing. The external stepped portion 351 above the base 350 of the connector, abutting the overlying end of the sleeve 123, restricts the upward movement of the pipe connector 348.

[0068] The main connector 194 extends through the bushing 358. Due to the size design of the components of the base 102 and the low-friction nature of the bushing 358, the main connector 194 is able to rotate relative to the bushing and move longitudinally within the bushing.

[0069] Figure 28 and 29 The optimally visible pawl 396 selectively prevents rotation of the clutch retainer 294, thereby allowing the clutch 270 to transition between an engaged and disengaged state. The pawl 396 has a body 398 formed with a curved longitudinal axis. The corners of the body 398 are rounded. The body 398 of the pawl is further formed with a groove 402 extending longitudinally along the body. The groove 402 extends inward from the outer side of the body 398, which is the side of the body pointing away from the tube cam 252. The groove 402 forms an opening at one end of the body 398, which is not shown in the figure. As the groove 402 extends from the end of the body from which the groove forms an opening, the depth of the groove decreases. The body 398 of the pawl is further formed with a notch 404. The notch 404 is provided in the end of the body opposite to the end from which the groove 402 extends. With reference to the gravity reference plane, the notch 404 is positioned below the groove 402.

[0070] The pawl body 396 is further formed with two bores extending from top to bottom through the body. A first bore, bore 406, extends through the body, adjacent to the end of the body from which the groove 402 extends. Bore 406 intersects with the groove 402. A second bore, bore 408, is positioned within the body end opposite to the end forming bore 406. Bore 408 intersects with a notch 404.

[0071] The pawl 396 is further configured to have fingers 410. The fingers 410 extend outward from the inside of the body 398. The pawl 396 is configured such that the fingers 410 are positioned above the notch 404.

[0072] Roller 412 is disposed in recess 404 of pawl. Roller 412 is rotatably held to the body of pawl by pin 414, which is seated in bore 408 and extends through roller.

[0073] The pawl 396 is pivotally mounted to a pin 416 extending upward from the base 152 of the inner plate 150. Only in Figure 5B The visible spacer 417 holds the pawl above the base 152. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a pin 416 extends through the spacer 417. The spacer 417 is mounted to the inner plate 150 so that it is static relative to the plate.

[0074] Only Figure 29The torsion spring 418, visible in the image, is seated in the groove 402. More specifically, the helical center portion of the spring 418 is seated around the section of the pin 416 extending through the pawl in the groove 406. One leg of the torsion spring 418 is configured to abut against the surface defining the base of the groove of the pawl body 398. The opposite leg of the torsion spring 418 abuts against the adjacent surface of the web 164 of the inner plate.

[0075] Due to the presence of spacer 417, pawl 396 is positioned such that roller 412 of the pawl is positioned such that roller 412 is in the same plane as tube cam 252. The fingers 412 of the pawl are in the same plane in which tab 304, integral with clutch 270, rotates. Torsion spring 418 applies a force to the pawl, forcing roller 412 against the outer surface of tube cam 252. The components forming the base 102 of the assembly are sized such that when roller 412 abuts against inner protrusion 258 of the cam, fingers 410 are positioned in the space through which tab 304 rotates. When rotation of the cam causes outer protrusion 262 to rotate against roller 412, the force of cam 252 overcomes the force of spring 422. Pawl 396 pivots about pin 416. Due to this pivoting motion, fingers 410 move away from the space through which tab 304 rotates.

[0076] When the pawl 398 is spaced apart from the tab 304, the spring 340 applies torque to the clutch retainer to hold the retainer in place. Figure 25 In the position shown. Specifically, pin 305 is held adjacent to platform 326. Since pin 305 is positioned between input ring 280 and output ring 320, the pin is wedged between these two components, i.e., between the input ring and the output ring. Therefore, pin 305 is prevented from rotational movement. Pin 305 should also be understood to be in frictional contact with the cylindrical inner surface of the head 286 of input ring 280. When from Figure 25 Viewed from a certain angle, when the input ring 280 rotates counterclockwise, the rotation of the input ring 280 is transmitted to the pin 305 due to frictional contact. The pin 305 therefore rotates together with the input ring. Since the pin 305 is wedged against the output ring 320, the pin forces the output ring into a similar counterclockwise rotation. When the clutch is in this state, the clutch is engaged.

[0077] During the operation of component 100, sometimes pawl 398 (such as...) Figure 30 (As can be seen in the image) The pawl presses against the tab 304, which is integral with the clutch retainer 294. Because the pawl abuts against the tab, the clutch retainer is prevented from rotating further. When this occurs, the rotation of the pin 305 relative to the output ring 320 is switched. Specifically, the retainer 294 and the pin move relative to the inner output ring 320 to a rotational orientation, which the inner output ring... Figure 25The visible rotational orientation is clockwise. Therefore, the pin no longer wedges against the output ring. With pin 305 in this rotational state, the pin does not transmit the rotational movement of the input ring 280 to the output ring 320. The clutch is disengaged.

[0078] The base 102 of the component also includes a cage driver 420. The cage driver 420 pivots the cage 764 inside the cleaning module 602. The cage driver 420 includes... Figure 35 The shaft 422 is best visible in the center. Shaft 422 is a single-piece component comprising multiple coaxial segments with different diameters. A foot 424 is present at the bottom of shaft 422. Foot 424 is formed with two parallel platforms 423 (one visible in the figure), which are positioned inwards on the cylindrical outer surface of the foot. A trunk 428 is positioned immediately above foot 424. The diameter of trunk 428 is larger than the diameter of foot 424. A collar 430, also part of shaft 422, extends circumferentially and radially outwards around a portion of trunk 420. Shaft 422 is formed such that trunk 428 extends axially outwards, starting from a position slightly above the midpoint of shaft height. The top of collar 430 is positioned below the top of trunk 428. Shaft 422 is further formed with a head 432 extending upwards from trunk 428.

[0079] The closed-end bore 436 extends upward from the bottom of the foot 424. The presence of the platform 423 and the bore 436 facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the base 102 and is otherwise unrelated to the present invention.

[0080] The shaft 422 is further formed with an elongated elliptical hollow portion 438 extending through the shaft from one side to the other. The hollow portion 438 is centered on a main axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis passing through the shaft 422 from top to bottom. The shaft 422 is formed such that the hollow portion 438 extends across the entire height of the collar 430. The hollow portion 438 also extends a short distance into the portion of the shaft trunk 428 extending below and above the collar 430. The hollow portion 438 is closed at the ends; it does not extend laterally through the trunk 428 and the collar 430. The shaft is further formed with a circular through bore 440. The bore 440 is formed in the head 432 of the shaft and positioned immediately above the trunk 428. The bore 438 is centered on an axis perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis passing through the shaft 422.

[0081] A shaft 422 is disposed in the base 102 such that the feet 424 and the torso 428 extend through a panel 160, which is part of an inner plate 150. The feet and legs 424 extend through concentric openings formed in the panel 160. A bushing 444, formed of an acetyl or other low-friction material, extends around the legs 424 and adjacent openings defining the surface of the plate 150. The bushing 444 facilitates rotation of the shaft 422.

[0082] A crank 448 extending outward from shaft 422 sets the rotational orientation of shaft 422. Crank 448 includes a circular ring 450. Ring 450 has an inner diameter that allows the crank to fit tightly into a collar 430 integral with shaft 422. Two parallel, spaced-apart overlying tabs 454 extend radially outward from ring 450.

[0083] The crank 448 is further formed such that the ring 450 has two opposite recessed steps 452. The steps 452 are recessed inwards relative to the opposite top and bottom surfaces of the ring 450 and extend axially through the central through-hole 454 of the ring. The crank 448 is further formed with a groove 456. The groove 456 extends radially outwards from the cylindrical inner surface of the ring defining the opening 454. The groove 456 thus connects to the central opening 454. The crank 448 is formed such that the groove intersects the surface of the steps 452. Each of the flanges 454 of the crank is formed with an opening 458 extending through the flange. The opening 458 is positioned slightly inwards at the outer end of the flange 458. The openings 458 are coaxial.

[0084] Crank 448 is seated around shaft 422 such that the groove 456 of the crank aligns with the hollow portion 538 inside the shaft. Key 460 extends from the hollow portion 438 to the groove 456. Key 460 thus holds crank 448 to shaft 422, allowing the two components to rotate as a single unit.

[0085] The cap 464 is mounted on the head 432 of the shaft. For example... Figure 36 and 37 The visible cap 464 has a cylindrical core 468. An edge extends radially outward from and around the core 468 in a circumferential direction. The edge has an inner section 469, which is a section of the edge extending radially outward from the core. The inner section 468 of the edge lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis passing through the core from top to bottom. The cap 464 is formed such that this inner section of the edge extends outward from approximately the midpoint of the length along the core 468. The edge has an outer section 470 extending upward from the outer periphery of the inner section. The cap 464 is formed such that the inner diameter of the outer section 470 of the edge is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve 127 integral with the top plate 122 of the outer shell.

[0086] The cap 464 is formed having a closed-end bore 472 extending upward from the bottom of the core 468. The core 468 is formed defining two diameter-opposite recesses 474. The recesses 474 extend upward from the bottom of the core 468. Each recess 474 leads into the bore 472. The bore 472 is sized to allow the shaft 432 to slide into the bore. The core 468 of the cap is formed with a second bore, namely a closed-end bore 476. The bore 476 extends downward from the top of the core 468. The cap is formed such that the upward-facing portion of the inner section 469 of the edge portion has a surface 478 recessed relative to the outer portion of this section of the edge portion. This recessed surface 478 should be understood to surround the core 468. Above the edge portion, the cap 464 is formed having two diameter-opposite openings 477 extending onto the core 468. Each opening 477 extends into hole 476.

[0087] A cap 464 is disposed on the head 432 of the shaft 422 such that the head 432 is disposed in and rotatable within a bore 472 of the cap. The bottom surface of the core 468 is the bottom of the cap 464, which sits on a stepped portion, which is a transition surface between the shaft trunk 428 and the head 432. A pin 480 is seated in a bore 440 inside the head 432 of the shaft. The opposite end of the pin 480 protrudes radially outward from the shaft 422 so as to sit in a recess 474 located at the base of the cap 464. Due to the presence of the pin 480 in the recess 474 of the cap, the cap 464 can engage around the shaft 422 with a limited degree of rotation. In some embodiments of the invention, the component forming the base of the assembly is configured such that the cap can rotate around the shaft between 5° and 45°.

[0088] Only Figure 34 The visible pin 479 extends downward from the inner section 469 of the edge portion. The pin 479 is radially spaced outward from the core 468 of the cap 464. The top of the pin 479 in the cap 464, not shown in the figure, is press-fitted into a bore therein.

[0089] The arm connector 486 is also part of the cage driver 420 and is mounted on the cap 464. Figure 38 and 39The most visible arm connector 486 includes a cylindrical base 488. The base 488 has an outer diameter that allows the base to sit in a space immediately above a recessed surface 478 of a cap 464. A circular boss 490, also part of the arm connector 486, is higher than the top of the base 488. The arm connector 486 is formed such that the outer diameter of the boss 490 is smaller than the outer diameter of the base 488. An integral strip 492 is higher than the top surface of the boss 490. The strip 492 has parallel, opposite side surfaces. The strip extends laterally across the boss to intersect the common longitudinal axis from top to bottom of the base 488 and the boss 490.

[0090] The arm connector 486 is further formed to have a closed-end bore 494 extending upward from the bottom surface of the base 488. The arm connector 486 is formed such that the bore 494 has a diameter that allows the core 468 of the cap to slide within the bore. The arm connector 486 is also formed to have two diameter-opposing openings 496 extending inward from the outer surface of the base 488. The openings 496 are elliptical and are formed in the arm connector 486 to have a main axis parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the connector. Each opening 496 leads into the bore 494.

[0091] During the assembly of the cage actuator 420, the arm connector 486 is seated on the core 468 of the cap. A pin 502 is seated in at least one of the bores 477 integral with the cap 464, extending outward from the core 468 of the cap. The pin 502 extends into one of the openings 496 inside the arm connector 486. This arrangement of the pin in the opening holds the connector 486 to the cap 464, allowing the connector to rotate both in unison with the cap and to move longitudinally relative to the cap. A spring 504 is seated in the bore 476 of the cap and extends upward over the cap 464. The spring 504 extends into the bore 494 of the connector and presses against the inner surface of the closed end of the connector 486 defining the bore 494. The spring 504 thus applies a force to the arm connector 486, which, in the absence of an opposing force, holds the arm connector in its position relative to the cap 464.

[0092] Rocker arm 508 pivots crank 448 to cause a similar pivoting motion of cage actuator 420. (As...) Figure 41Most notably, the rocker arm 508 is typically shaped as an elongated beam. In the embodiment shown in the invention, the arm has a generally solid first segment 510. A groove 512 is formed in the first segment 510 of the beam to extend inward from the outer end of the rocker arm 508. The cross-section of the opposite end of the first segment 510 is slightly larger than the remainder of the segment. The rocker arm has a second segment 514 that extends outward from the first segment 510. More specifically, the second segment 514 extends outward from the end of the first segment 510 opposite to the end where the groove 512 is formed. The rocker arm 508 is formed such that the principal axis passing through the second segment 514 is angled relative to the principal axis passing through the first segment 510. In the embodiment shown in the invention, the rocker arm 508 is also shaped such that the bottom surface of the second segment 514 is above the adjacent bottom surface of the first segment 510. The top surface of the second segment 514 of the arm is below the adjacent top surface of the first segment 510 of the arm.

[0093] Two bores 516 and 518 extend from top to bottom through the first section 510 of the arm. Bore 516 is positioned directly inward from the free end of the first section 510, which is the end of section 510 spaced apart from the second section 514. Bore 516 intersects with a groove 512. Bore 518 extends through the end of the first section 510 of the arm adjacent to the second section 514 of the arm. The rocker arm 508 is further configured such that an elongated groove 520 extends from top to bottom through the second section 514 of the arm.

[0094] Roller 524 is mounted in a groove 512 inside rocker arm 508. Pin 522 rotatably holds roller 524 to rocker arm 508, the end of pin being seated in a section of bore 516 on either side of groove 512. Components forming the base 102 of the assembly are arranged such that the outer surface of roller 524 protrudes beyond the periphery of rocker arm 508.

[0095] exist Figure 34 Pin 526, shown in the diagram, pivotally holds rocker arm 508 to inner plate 150 above the top surface of base 152 of the connecting plate. Pin 526 is seated in one of the openings formed in inner plate 150. When rocker arm 508 is mounted to inner plate 150, roller 524 is able to press against the outside of protrusions 238 and 242 of arm cam 234.

[0096] When the rocker arm 508 is mounted to the inner plate 150, the second section 514 of the arm is positioned between tabs 454 integral with the crank 448. A pin 530 extending through the tabs 454 of the crank and the groove 520 of the arm connects the crank 448 to the rocker arm 508. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a stop 528 is slidably disposed in the groove 520 of the arm. The pin 530 extends through a hole 529 formed in the stop 528. The cage actuator 420 is further configured such that the pin 530 protrudes above both the top and bottom crank tabs 454.

[0097] from Figure 33 and 34 As can be seen, the cage actuator 420 includes two torsion springs 532 and 534 disposed around the shaft 422. The torsion spring 532 is disposed around a section of the main shaft 428 below the collar 430. The spring 532 thus sits in a gap 156 formed in the plate 150. One leg of the torsion spring 532 presses against a section of the pin 530 extending below the crank 448. The opposite leg of the spring 532 presses against a portion of the gap 156 defining the interior of the inner plate 150 of the web 158.

[0098] The second spring, spring 534, is actually arranged around the section of the cap 468 located below the edge portion 469. One end of spring 534 is configured to abut against the section of pin 530 extending above crank 448. The opposite leg of spring 534 presses against pin 479 extending from cap 464. Spring 534 thus holds cap 464 in a fixed rotational orientation on shaft 422 under normal conditions. The degree to which cap 464 can rotate is limited by the degree to which the notch 474 of cap can rotate quickly on pin 480 held to shaft 422.

[0099] During operation of the bone cleaning seat and bone grinding machine of the present invention, springs 532 and 534 may individually or jointly cause rocker arm 508 to apply a considerable lateral load force to arm cam 234. Balance ring 246 resists this force. The balance plate thus holds arm cam 234 and (more broadly) tube cam 252 in an axially stable position within the base of the assembly.

[0100] Figure 5A , 42The latch assembly 540, visible in section 43, is mounted to the underside of the top plate 122 of the base 102 of the assembly. The latch assembly 540 releasably holds the cleaning module 602 and subsequently the grinding module 902 to the base 102. The latch assembly 540 includes two main plates 542 and 544. Main plates 542 and 544 are mounted to the underside of the top plate 122 for pivoting about a common axis. In the figure, both main plates 542 and 544 are pivotally held to the bottom surface of the top plate 122 by a common fastener 539. The fastener 539 defines the axis of pivoting of the main plates 542 and 544. Four secondary plates 546 are also pivotally mounted to the underside of the top plate. Figure 42 The three sub-boards are marked. Figure 42 The image shows a single fastener 547 that holds one of the secondary plates to the underside of the top plate 122 and allows the secondary plate to pivot about it. Each secondary plate 546 is formed with a tab 548. The secondary plates 546 are mounted to the top plate 122 such that each tab 548 extends out of a single opening in the opening 118 in the top plate 122. Two of the secondary plates 546 are coupled to the main plate 542 so as to move based on the pivoting movement of the plate 542. Two of the secondary plates 546 are coupled to the main plate 544 so as to move based on the pivoting movement of the plate 544. Figure 5A The image shows a single pin in pin 545 that connects one of the secondary plates 546 to the main plate 542 for pivoting movement.

[0101] The latch assembly 540 also includes two finger grips 562. The finger grips 562 are positioned by a curved outer side adjacent to the nearest opening 126 of the top plate 122. A bracket 560 extends inwardly from each finger grip 560. The bracket 560 extends through a slot 119 formed in the edge 116 to extend into a space immediately below the top plate. Each bracket 560 connects the bracket from its extending finger grip to a single one of the main plates 542 or 544. Figure 5A The fastener 563 is visible as a fastener that holds the bracket 560 to each of the mainboards 542 and 544. The opening through which the fastener 563 extends in the mainboards 542 and 544 and the bracket 560 is not shown in the figure.

[0102] A spring 566 extends between the main plates 542 and 544 of the latch assembly. The spring 566 is compressed to hold the main plates in a position where plates 542 and 544 are spaced apart in an arched manner. With the main plates 542 and 544 thus spaced apart, the secondary plate 546 is positioned such that a tab 548 extends into an opening 118 integral with the top plate 122 of the housing. The force exerted by the spring 566 on the main plates 542 and 544 can be overcome by manual pressing of the gripper 562 toward each other. This displacement of the gripper 562 results in a similar displacement of the main plates 542 and 544, causing them to pivot inward toward each other. This inward movement of the main plates 542 and 544 causes a pivotal movement of the plate 546, which moves the tab inward away from the housing opening 118.

[0103] Two circuit boards, 552 and 553, are also shown mounted to the bottom side of the top plate 122. Circuit board 552 is mounted to the top plate 122 so as to be adjacent to the side edge of the plate closest to the housing panel 108. Circuit board 553 is mounted to the curved end of the plate closest to the plate opening 124 of the top plate 122 so as to be adjacent to the side edge of the plate closest to the housing panel 108.

[0104] Sensors 586 and 587 (in) Figure 44 The components (shown as block components) are respectively mounted to circuit boards 552 and 553. Sensors 586 and 587 each generate a signal based on the absence / presence of a local magnetic field. In some embodiments of the invention, sensors 586 and 587 are Hall effect sensors. It should be understood that the top plate 122 is formed of a material that allows the local magnetic field to be transmitted through. Specifically, the top plate 122 is formed of a material that does not attenuate the transmission of the local magnetic field to a degree that prevents sensors 556 and 557 from sensing the absence / presence of the magnetic field.

[0105] from Figure 44 It is further understood that sensors 586 and 587 are part of a sub-component that regulates the actuation of the components of the present invention. This sub-component also includes a motor controller 596, which is also disposed in the base of the component. The motor controller 596 regulates the application of an energizing signal from a power supply 595 that powers the motor 140. Signals representing the absence / presence of a local magnetic field, output by sensors 586 and 587, are output to the motor controller 596.

[0106] The two momentary contact switches 588 and 590 are also part of the sub-component controlling the operation of the motor 140. Figure 2 In this configuration, switches 588 and 590 are referred to as control buttons and are located on the panel 108 of the base housing 104. Switches 588 and 590 are shown as being connected to the motor controller 596.

[0107] The control sub-assembly is also shown having two LEDs, LEDs 589 and 591. LED 589 is shown emitting light adjacent to switch 588. LED 591 is shown emitting light adjacent to switch 590. In some embodiments of the invention, each switch 588 and 590 is surrounded by a transparent ring, which is not shown in the figures. The light emitted by each LED 589 and 591 can be seen through the transparent ring adjacent to the switch 588 or 590 associated with that LED.

[0108] In some embodiments of the invention, one or both of the power supply 595 and the controller 596 are not housed within the housing 104 of the base 102. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the power supply 595 and the motor controller are components of a console, wherein the base 102 is removably attached to the console. One such console is marketed by the applicant as the Core console. Features of this console are disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,422,582 / PCT Publication WO 2006 / 039331, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Cables for connecting components inside the console to components inside the base 102 of the assembly are not shown.

[0109] III. Cleaning Module The cleaning module 602 of component 100 of the present invention (e.g.) Figures 45-48 (As shown) includes a base 604 to which a housing 660 is removably attached. The base 604 and housing 660 together form the basic part of the housing of the cleaning module 602. A slotted screw 690 is rotatably mounted to the base 604 and disposed within the housing 660. A shaving tube 724 surrounds the slotted screw 690. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the shaving tube 724 is mounted to a plate 710 resting on an upwardly pointing surface of the base 604. The plate 710 and the shaving tube 724 are fitted into the cleaning module to be rotatable on the base 604. Within the housing of the module, a retainer 764 surrounds the slotted screw and the shaving tube 724. The retainer 764 is positioned at the free end of an arm 750. The arm 750 has an arm connector 436 that facilitates connecting the arm to the base 102 of the assembly.

[0110] A cap 680 is disposed on the housing 660. The cap 680 is part of the housing of the cleaning module 602. The cap 680 defines a collection space 682 above the housing 660. The collection space 682 is a space inside the module housing for receiving soft tissue cleaned from the aggregate. A hub 850 is disposed in the collection space 682. The hub 850 stabilizes the slotted screw 680 and the shaving tube 724.

[0111] like Figure 49 and 50The base 604 of the cleaning module, visible in the image, is a single-piece component. The base 604 includes a flat plate 606. The shape of the plate 606 approximates the shape of the top plate 122 of the base of the assembly. An inner edge 608 extends downward from the outer periphery of the plate 606 of the base. An outer edge 610 extends downward and outward around the inner edge 608. The base 604 is formed such that when the cleaning module 602 is seated on the base 102 of the assembly, the outer edge 610, integral with the module 602, abuts against an edge 116 integral with the base 102 of the assembly.

[0112] The base 604 of the cleaning module is further formed such that four slots 612 extend through the outer edge 610 of the base, two of which are shown in the figure. The slots 612 are positioned and shaped such that when the cleaning module 602 is seated on the base 102 of the assembly, each tab 546 integral with the latch assembly 540 of the base of the assembly aligns with and can be seated in a single slot. The base 604 is further formed such that a slot 614 extends through the inner edge 608. The slot 614 extends through a portion of one of the curved end sections of the edge 608. The slot 614 extends a short distance into the plate 606. The base 604 is also formed with a notch 615 that forms a gap in the plate 606. The notch 615 extends inwardly from a portion of the plate 606 opposite to the slot 614.

[0113] The base 604 of the module is further formed to have two openings 622 and 630. Opening 622 is positioned such that when the module 602 is seated on the component base 102, the opening is located on the main connector 194 and the pipe connector 348. The base 604 is further formed such that a circular recessed surface 623 is centered around and extends circumferentially around the opening 622 on the top surface of the plate 606. The base 604 of the module is formed to have an outer ring 624 extending downward from the bottom side of the plate 606 around the opening 622. An inner ring 626 extends downward from the downward-pointing surface of the outer ring 624. The outer ring 624 and the inner ring 626 have the same diameter, i.e., the diameter of the opening 622. The outer diameter of the inner ring 626 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 624. The base 604 of the module is further configured such that when the module 602 is seated on the component base 102, the exposed circular surface of the inner ring is positioned to abut against the surface of the circumferential opening 124 of the top plate 122. The base 604 is further configured to have a plurality of bores 628, one of which is shown in the figure, extending inward from the circular surface of the outer ring 624 that is radially outwardly positioned adjacent to the outer ring 622.

[0114] An opening 630 is formed in plate 606 such that when module 602 is seated on the component base, opening 630 aligns with opening 126 formed in top plate 122. Base 604 is further formed to have an island 631 extending a short distance above the top surface of plate 606. Base 604 is shaped such that island 631 surrounds opening 630.

[0115] The base 604 of the module is further shaped such that two locking stops 632 and 638 project downward from the bottom surface of the plate 606. Stops 632 and 638 are positioned at a common radial distance from the center of the opening 622. Stops 632 and 638 are arched and spaced approximately 90° apart from each other. Small ribs project downward from the bottom surface of the plate 606 adjacent to each stop 632 and 636. Rib 634 is positioned adjacent to stop 632. Rib 636 is positioned adjacent to stop 638. Ribs 634 and 638 lie on the same circle around the opening 622, where stops 632 and 636 are positioned around the opening 622. Ribs 634 and 636 do not extend downward from the bottom surface of the plate 606 to the same extent as stops 632 and 638. The base 604 is further formed such that the ribs have a convex shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axes along the ribs 634 and 636.

[0116] Figure 47 and 48 The outer casing 650 of the module, which is best visible in the middle, is formed to have an outer wall 652. The outer wall 652 is shaped to sit on an outer stepped portion between a corresponding inner edge 608 and outer edge 610 of the base 604. The outer wall 652 is further shaped to extend around the base so as to extend approximately 70% of the perimeter of the base. More specifically, the outer wall 652 does not face the curved end of the base closest to the opening 622. When the outer wall 652 does not face the stepped surface of the base 604 of the module, the outer casing 650 is formed to have an inner wall 656. The outer casing 650 is shaped such that the inner wall 656 is positioned radially inward from the outer wall 652. The outer casing 650 is further shaped such that an inwardly extending groove 655 exists adjacent to the top of the inner wall 656. The groove 655 extends from right to left along the length of the wall 656. End panel 654 extends inward from the opposite end of outer wall 652 to the adjacent end of outer wall 656. The outer casing 650 is further shaped such that inner wall 656 does not extend the entire length of outer wall 652. Although the tops of walls 652 and 656 are generally in the same plane, inner wall 656 extends only approximately one-third of the downward distance of inner wall 652.

[0117] The outer casing 650 also has two tabs 653. Figure 48A tab is indicated in the center. Tab 653 extends inward from the bottom of outer wall 652. Tab 653 is positioned by the opposite end of adjacent wall 652. When housing 650 is seated on base 604, one tab 653 is positioned below groove 614. Opposite tab 653 is positioned below recess 615.

[0118] Three webs 658, 660, and 666 extend between opposite ends of the outer wall 652. Webs 658 are generally vertically aligned and positioned outward from the inner wall 656. Webs 658 curve from one of the end panels 654 to the opposite end panel 654. The bottom edge of webs 658 is positioned above the bottom edge of the outer wall 652. The top edge of webs 658 is positioned below the top edge of the inner wall 656.

[0119] Web 660 extends upward and inward from the top of web 658. Web 666 extends inward and upward from web 660. Outer shell 650 is formed such that the outer periphery of web 666 and the portion of web 666 closest to web 660 form a step below the inner periphery of web 660. Web 666 extends to the bottom of inner wall 656. Webs 658, 660, and 666 are arched and have a gap between their ends opposite outer wall 652. Outer shell 650 is further formed such that two ribs 661 and 662 project upward and extend the width of web 660. Rib 661 is positioned a short distance away from the first end panel in outer shell end panel 654. Rib 662 is positioned a short distance away from the opposite outer shell end panel 654. Ribs 661 and 662 each extend from the outer periphery of web 660 to the inner periphery of web 660.

[0120] The housing 650 of the cleaning module includes a cover plate 670. The cover plate 670 is positioned above the outer wall 652 and inner wall 654 of the housing. An opening 672 is formed in the cover plate 670. A boss 676 extends downward from the bottom surface of the cover plate 670. The housing 650 is formed such that, when the housing is mounted on the module base 604, the housing opening 672 is centered on the base opening 622, and the boss 676 is centered on the base opening 630. Three bosses 673 (one boss is shown in the figure) extend upward from the top surface of the cover plate 679. The bosses 673 are centered around the center of the housing opening 672 and radially spaced from the outer periphery of the opening. The bosses 673 are angularly spaced from each other.

[0121] The cap 680 also forms part of the housing of the cleaning module 602. The cap 680 is disposed on the cover plate 670. The manner in which the cap 680 is fixed to the cover plate 670 is not part of the invention. The cover plate 670 thus forms the base of the collection space 682 defined by the cap 680. An opening 672 in the cover plate 670 leads into the collection space 682.

[0122] A ring 681, formed of an elastomeric material, extends around the top of the cap 680. A ring 682 is configured to facilitate gripping the integrated housing 650 and cap 680 unit.

[0123] Figure 51 A slotted screw 690, visible in the figure, is rotatably mounted to a base plate 606. The screw 690 comprises a cylindrical rod 692. Starting approximately one-fifth of the way up from the base of the rod, a slot 694 (one slot shown in the figure) extends helically around the rod 692. The slot 694 extends to the top of the rod 692. Each slot 694 is formed to define a cutting edge 696, one cutting edge shown in the figure. By extending upward from the base of the rod 692, the screw 690 is formed to have… Figure 51 The closed-end bore 698 is visible in the figure. The bore 698 is sized to receive the pin 198 integral with the main connector 194. The slotted screw 690 is further formed with three equally spaced notches 702 extending upward from the base of the rod 692, one notch being shown in the figure. Each notch 702 extends from the outer periphery of the rod 692 to the bore 698. The notches 702 do not extend upward on the rod 692 as far as the bore 698. The notches 702 have a common width. Each notch 702 is wide enough that the tooth 202 integral with the main connector 194 can be seated in the notch. The slotted screw 690 is further formed such that... Figure 46 The closed-end bore 704, visible in the image, extends downward from the top of the rod 692. Boreholes 698 and 704 are coaxial with the longitudinal axis passing through the rod 692.

[0124] Figure 46 and 51 A rotating plate 710 (sometimes labeled as a flip plate 710 in the figures), visible in the diagram, is seated on plate 606 of the module. The top surface of the flip plate 710 is substantially flat. A boss 712 extends downward from the bottom surface of the flip plate 710. The boss 712 has a diameter that allows the boss to be seated in and rotate within an opening 622 formed in the base 604 of the module. A bore 714 extends upward from the bottom of the boss 712 through the boss to the top surface of the plate 710. At the bottom end of the boss 712, a countersunk hole 716 extends radially outward around the bore 714. The countersunk hole 716 has a diameter approximately 2 mm smaller than the diameter of the pipe connector 348. The plate 710 is further formed with three equally spaced recesses 718. The recesses 718 extend radially outward from the outer periphery of the countersunk hole 716. Each notch 718 can receive a single tooth from the teeth 353 that are integrated with the pipe connector 348.

[0125] Ring 720 also protrudes downward from the bottom surface of plate 710. Ring 720 is coaxial with and radially spaced from boss 712. The outer diameter of ring 720 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer periphery of the opening 622 inside the base 604 of the concave surface 623 surrounding the module. When assembling cleaning module 602, plate 710 is seated on plate 606, allowing boss 712 to rotate within opening 622. Ring 720 is positioned inside the step portion that defines the transition from the concave surface 623 to the surrounding portion of plate 604. Ring 720 thus minimizes lateral wobbling of the flip plate 710 in cleaning module 602.

[0126] Figure 46 The best-visible shaving tube 724 extends upward from the bore 714 inside the plate 710. The tube 724 is further shaped to have a window 728. The window 728 extends into a lumen that extends axially through the tube and is diametrically opposed to each other around the longitudinal axis passing through the tube 724. The window 728 is defined by two arched, spaced-apart, and longitudinally extending cutting edges 726 formed in the tube 724, one of which is shown in the figure. Each cutting edge 726 is defined by the intersection of the inner wall of the tube and a side surface that extends inward from the outer wall of the tube to define the side periphery of the associated window 728. The components forming the cleaning module 602 are collectively shaped such that there is a gap between 0.03 and 0.5 mm between the edge 696 of the screw groove 694 and the cutting edge 726 formed in the tube 724.

[0127] The shaving tube 724 is pressed into the bore 714 inside the flip plate 710. The shaving tube 724 is installed on the plate 710 such that the bottom end of the window 728 is substantially flush with the top surface of the plate.

[0128] Figures 52-55 The optimally visible arm 750 and retainer 764 are formed as a single-piece unit. The arm 750 is in the form of an elongated rod. One end of the arm 750 is rounded. A cavity 752 is molded in the top of the arm 750. The cavity 752 serves to provide a standard guide for the visual representation of the maximum size of the aggregate that can be cleaned by module 602.

[0129] Arm 750 is formed such that a first bore 754 and a second bore 756 are located inwardly at the rounded end of the arm, these bores allowing access from the bottom of the arm. The bore 754 is circular in shape and extends upward from the bottom surface of the arm 750. The bore 754 leads into the bore 756. The bore 756 is approximately a rounded triangle in shape in a cross-section parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through it. The cross-section of the bore 756 faces an area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bore 754. A stepped portion in the arm between the bores 754 and 756 is not shown. The bore 756 is closed. Only... Figure 53The closed-end cylindrical bore 757, visible by the dashed line, extends upward from the top of the closed end of the bore 756.

[0130] Arm 750 is further formed to enable it to have Figure 54 The recess 758, shown in the figure, extends inward from the top surface of the arm. The recess 758 is concave. The recess 758 is formed in the arm to be concentric with the bore 754. The arm 750 is formed such that when the housing 650 is assembled onto the base 604, the housing boss 676 is seated in the recess 758. As can be seen in the figure, a gap 759 extends upward from the bottom surface of the arm 750. The gap 759 is separate from the bores 754 and 756. The gap 759 exists solely for manufacturing purposes.

[0131] The cage 764 is generally formed as a triangular structure with rounded vertices. The cage 764 extends outward from the end of the arm 750 opposite to the curved end of the arm. The arm 750 and the cage 764 are formed such that the relatively short-length panel 766 of the cage 764 extends along a line generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm. A medium-length panel 768 of the cage extends generally perpendicularly from the short-length panel and is adjacent to the arm 750. The longest panel 770 of the cage (which is essentially the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the cage) extends between the free ends of panels 766 and 768. The cage panel 770 is spaced apart from the arm 750.

[0132] The cage 764 is formed with structural features extending inward from the surfaces of panels 766-770 into a void space 765 within the cage. One of these features is a recess 769 in panel 770. The recess 769 is positioned by a curved apex adjacent to the area between panels 768 and 770. The recess 769 extends into the void space 765.

[0133] The second structural feature extending into the void space 765 is a pressure block 772. The pressure block 772 is composed of several portions of the panel 768 and adjacent curved apexes of a segment forming a retainer between the panel 768 and the panel 770. The pressure block 772 has a surface positioned inwardly on the inner surface of the panel 768 and the adjacent curved apex. The retainer 764 is formed such that the pressure block 772 extends upward from the bottom edge of the panel. The pressure block 772 extends upward approximately half the distance from top to bottom of the retainer. The pressure block 772 presents a curved surface toward the void space defined by the retainer. More specifically, the pressure block 772 is curved such that the surface has a curvature that is concave in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along the top to bottom of the pressure block.

[0134] The third structural feature of the cage 764 protruding into the gap space 765 is a rib 776 extending inwardly from the inner surface of the panel 768. The rib 776 has a triangular shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis running from top to bottom along the panel 766. The vertex line of the rib 776 is the portion of the rib furthest from the panel 766. The rib 776 does not have a longitudinal axis extending vertically upwards only from the bottom of the panel 768. Instead, at the bottom of the panel, the base of the rib 776 is positioned in the area opposite the arm 750. Extending upwards from this portion of the panel 768, the rib 776 extends diagonally toward the curved vertex between the panels 768 and 770 of the cage. Thus, the top of the rib 776 is integral with the section of the panel 768 spaced apart from the arm 750.

[0135] Rib 780 is a fourth structural member extending from the retainer 764 into the gap 765. Rib 780 extends inward from the inner surface of panel 766 and the curved apex between panel 766 and panel 770. In a plane extending vertically from top to bottom along the retainer 764, rib 780 has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The retainer 764 is further shaped such that the apex of rib 780 extends along a line not parallel to the bottom of the retainer. Instead, the retainer is shaped such that the end of rib 780 extending outward from panel 766 projects outward from a position generally near the middle section between the top and bottom of panel 766. As the rib extends away from panel 768 and curves around the apex leading to panel 770, the rib extends upward. The second end of rib 780 thus terminates at a position on the top edge of the retainer such that the apex between panels 768 and 770 curves into panel 770. Rib 780 has a surface 782 below its apex. Surface 782 tapers upward from the vertex between panel 766 and panel 766 and 770. Starting from the point where vertex 771 curves away from panel 770, surface 782 curves downward around and around that vertex. As surface 782 extends along panel 766, surface 782 extends downward from that vertex.

[0136] A web 790 extends between the outer side of the arm 750 and the outer surface of the retainer panel 768 projecting away from the arm. A tab 792 extends outward from the top of the retainer 764. More specifically, the tab 792 projects outward from the top of the apex 769. The tab 792 is formed with an arrow-shaped icon 794 pointing away from the retainer 764.

[0137] exist Figure 56 and 57The drive pin 802, best visible in the center, is mounted to and extends outward from the arm 750. The drive pin 802 includes a cylindrical rod 804. The rod 804 is sized to seat within a bore 754 formed in the arm 750. The diameter of the rod 804 is approximately equal to the diameter of the head 490 of the arm connector 486, which is part of the base 102 of the assembly. The head 806 extends upward from the rod 804 of the pin 802. The head 806 is triangular in shape and corresponds to the cross-sectional area within the circle defined by the rod 804. The head 806 of the pin is sized to fit tightly within the bore 756 formed in the arm 750.

[0138] The drive pin 802 is further formed such that at the base of the rod 804, i.e., the end of the rod opposite to the end from which the head 806 extends, two toes 808 extend away from the rod. The toes 808 lie in a common plane. The toes 808 are archedly spaced apart from each other. The drive pin 802 is shaped such that each toe 808 has an outer surface with a curved wall extending tangentially away from the outer surface of the rod 804 from which the pin is formed.

[0139] The drive pin 802 is further formed to have a groove 810 extending upward from the base of the rod 810. The groove 810 is rectangular in shape and is sized to receive a strip 492 integral with the arm connector 586 at the base of the assembly. In the embodiment shown in the invention, the groove 810 protrudes slightly radially beyond the rod 810 into the web between the toes 808. A bore 812 extends upward from the inner surface of the top of the groove 810 defining the rod 804. The bore 812 extends through the rod 804 and the head 806.

[0140] During the assembly of the cleaning module 602, the arm 750 is positioned such that bores 754 and 756 are located on openings 630 in the module base 604. As a result of the positioning of the arm 750, a retainer 770 is disposed on the plate 710 to surround the slotted screw 690 and the surrounding tube 724. The rod 804 of the drive pin is inserted into the opening 630 such that the rod and head are respectively seated in bores 754 and 756 formed in the arm. Only Figure 46 Fasteners 814, visible as extending through the bore 812 of the pin and the bore 757 inside the arm 750, hold the pin 802 to the arm 750. The toe 808 and groove 810, integral with the drive pin, are positioned by the bottom surface of the adjacent plate 604, i.e., the surface of the plate opposite to the surface on which the arm 750 rests.

[0141] Now refer to Figure 60 and 61The described locking disc 818 is rotatably mounted to the module base 604 so as to be positioned below the bottom surface of the plate 604. The locking disc comprises a circular plate 820. Two tabs 822 are disposed on the top surface of the plate 820. The tabs 822 are diametrically opposed to each other relative to the center of the plate. Each tab 822 extends upward from the top surface of the plate 820. The portions of the tabs 822 disposed above the top surface of the plate protrude radially outward beyond the periphery of the plate 820. A ridge 824 also extends upward from the top surface of the plate 820. The ridge 824 has a three-segment structure, the individual segments of which are not shown in the figure. The central segment is positioned adjacent to the periphery of the plate 820. This central segment is curved and faces an arc of approximately 20° to 30°. Two end segments protrude radially outward from opposite ends of the central segment. The end segments protrude a short distance beyond the periphery of the plate, approximately 5 mm. The ridge 824 thus defines the positioning of the mortise 826 on the outer periphery of the adjacent plate 820.

[0142] The locking disc 818 is further formed to have a center disposed through the bore 826. The locking disc 818 is formed such that the bore 826 has a diameter in which the outer ring 624 of the module base 604 can be seated and the disc 818 can rotate about the ring 624. An annular island 828 integrally formed with the plate 820 extends upward from the top surface of the plate and around the bore 826. The annular island 828 is formed to have outer side surfaces positioned at different distances from the center of the bore 826. The first side surface, namely surface 829 (its edge is shown in the figure), is an arched surface positioned furthest from the center of the bore 826. The annular island is formed such that surface 829 extends an arc greater than 180° around the periphery of the annular island 828. At one end, surface 829 curves into surface 830. Surface 830 extends along a path with a generally linear shape around the bore 826. Surface 830 merges into the arched surface, namely surface 832. Surface 832 is centered around the center of hole 826. Surface 832 is positioned closer to hole 826 than surface 829. A linear surface, namely surface 834, extends outwardly and radially away from surface 832 in an arched manner. Surface 834 extends to the adjacent linear surface, namely surface 836. Surface 836 is positioned along a line generally parallel to the tangent that appears on surface 832 (appearing at the intersection of surfaces 832 and 834). Surface 838 extends to surface 829.

[0143] The locking ring 818 is further formed such that the tab 839 extends radially outward from the surface 828 of the annular island portion 828. The tab 839 is formed with a recess 840. The recess 840 is sized to receive either one of the ribs 634 or 636 extending downward from the base 604 of the module.

[0144] A ring 842 extends downward from the bottom surface of the locking disc 818. The ring 842 extends circumferentially around the hole 826. An edge 844 also extends downward from the bottom surface of the plate 824. The edge 844 extends downward from the outer periphery of the disc 818. The edge 844 does not completely encircle the outer periphery of the plate 824. The plate has a section with an arc approximately between 30° and 50°, which is edgeless. One end of the edge 844 is formed with a sloping surface, namely surface 846. As surface 846 extends archedly, the surface away from the plate 824 tapers towards the bottommost surface of the edge 844.

[0145] The locking ring 818 is further formed to have a closed-end bore 847 extending upward from the bottom of the ring 842. The bore 847 is positioned in the portion of the ring above the ridge 824. A magnet 848 is disposed in the bore 847.

[0146] The cleaning module 602 is assembled by positioning the locking disc 818 adjacent to the bottom side of the base 604 such that the outer ring 624 is seated in the bore 826 and extends downward beyond the disc by a short distance. Due to this positioning of the locking disc, the toe 808, integral with the drive pin 802, is provided on the surface of the disc adjacent to the annular island 828. The retaining ring 849 is seated against the stepped surface between the rings 624 and 626, which are integral with the base 604 of the module. Fastener 851 ( Figure 72 A ring 849 (shown in the center) extends through a bore in the ring 849 and a bore 628 in the base to hold the ring to the base. The ring 849 has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the bore 826 inside the locking disc 818. The ring 849 thus protrudes below the ring 842, which is integral with the base 604 of the module. The ring 849 thus holds the locking disc to the base 604 of the module. When assembling the cleaning module, the locking disc 818 is spaced below the bottom surface of the plate 606. A tab 822 and a mortise 826 are provided in the space between the plate 606 and the disc 818. The mortise 826 can enter through a slot 614 in the ring 608, which is integral with the base 604 of the module.

[0147] Figure 58 and 59The hub 860, best visible in the center, is disposed within the collection space 682 inside the cleaning module 602. The hub 860 is a single-piece component. The hub 860 has a disc-shaped base 862. The base 862 is formed with a central opening 864 extending between opposite downward-pointing and upward-pointing surfaces of the base. The downward-pointing surface of the base 862 should be understood as the surface facing the underlying housing cover 670. Three bores 868 (one shown in the figure) are radially outwardly spaced relative to the opening 864 and are equiangularly spaced from each other; these bores also extend between opposite downward-pointing and upward-pointing surfaces of the base 862. Each bore 868 has a countersunk hole (not shown in the figure). The hub 860 is shaped such that when the base 862 is positioned such that the central opening 864 of the hub is disposed on the opening 672 in the housing cover 670, each of the bosses 673 formed in the cover 670 is seated in a single countersunk hole associated with the bore 868. Fasteners extending through the bosses of the cover and the bore 868 of the hub retain the hub to the top of the housing cover 670; the fasteners are not shown in the figure.

[0148] Three equally spaced struts 870 (two struts are shown in the figure) are also part of the hub 860, extending upward from the outer surface of the base 862. The struts 870 are positioned on a circle adjacent to the periphery of the central opening 864. Webs 872 extend radially inward from the top of each strut 870. The webs 872 intersect at a location above the center of the central opening 864. A pin 874 extends downward from the intersection of the webs 872. A foot 878 extends below the free end of the pin 878. The diameter of the foot 878 is smaller than the diameter of the pin 874. More specifically, the foot 878 of the pin has a diameter that allows it to slide snugly into a bore 704 formed in a slotted screw. During assembly of the cleaning module 602, the foot 878 of the pin is seated in a slotted screw 690, which is rotatable about the pin 874.

[0149] Figure 47 and 48The latch 880, which is best visible in the center, is movably mounted to the housing 650. The latch 880 is formed with multiple panels such that the panels forming the latch are positioned adjacent to the inner wall 656 of the housing and adjacent to the webs 658, 660, and 666. Two arched beams 882 extend downward from one of the panels. An arched lip 884 projects outward from the uppermost web. The components forming the cleaning module 602 are formed such that the latch 880 can snap onto the housing, such that the beams 882 are seated above the web 666 of the housing and the lip 884 is seated in a groove 655 of the housing. The latch 880 is aligned with an arc smaller than the arc aligned with the inner wall 656 of the housing and the adjacent webs 658, 660, and 666. The latch 880 can therefore slide on the inner wall 656 of the housing and the adjacent webs 658, 660, and 666.

[0150] The bottom panel of the latch 880 extends below the web 658 of the housing. A tab 886 projects vertically away from the bottom edge of the bottom panel of the latch. The tab 886 thus extends inward from below the bottom edge of the web 658 of the housing. The latch is shaped such that the tab 886 can be seated in a mortise 826 defined in the locking disc 818.

[0151] IV. Grinding Module like Figure 62 The visible grinding module 902 includes a bottom housing 904 and a top housing 940, which together form the housing of the module. The top housing 940 is disposed above the bottom housing 902. A cutting disc 958 and an impact plate 984 are disposed between housings 902 and 940. A hopper 952 extends upward from the top housing 940. A plunger 953 can be pushed through the hopper 952. A collection tray 980 is detachably attached to the bottom housing 904 below the cutting disc 958.

[0152] like Figure 63 and 64 As can be seen, the bottom housing 904, integrated with the cleaning module, has an edge 906. The edge 906 is sized to sit on a stepped portion 115 extending from the top of the component base 102. The edge 906 is formed with four openings 908, one of which is shown in the figure. The housing 904 is formed such that when the cleaning module 902 is seated on the component base 102, the tab 548 of the latching assembly can be seated in the opening 908 to releasably retain the module 902 to the base 102.

[0153] The bottom housing 904 is further formed to have a flat top surface 910. A generally circular recessed surface 912 is located below the top surface 910. A plurality of bores 913 (one bore is shown in the figure) extend inward from the top surface 910. The bores 913 are positioned around the recessed surface 912 and spaced radially outward from it. The housing 904 is formed such that there are two openings in the recessed surface 912. The first opening, namely opening 914, is circular and concentric with the center of the recessed surface 912. The second opening, namely opening 918, extends inward from the outer periphery of the recessed surface 912. Opening 918 extends toward opening 914. A ring 916 extends upward from the recessed surface 912 and circumferentially surrounds opening 914. Ring 916 acts as a barrier between opening 914 and opening 918. The housing 904 has a second ring, namely ring 920, which also extends upward from the recessed surface 912. The ring 920 is positioned inwardly by the outer periphery of the recessed surface 912. The ring 920 does not extend circumferentially around the recessed surface 912. Instead, the opening 918 interrupts the ring 920.

[0154] The bottom housing 904 is further formed to have a plurality of panels (not shown) extending upward from the edge 906 to the top surface 910. One of the side panels has an opening 924. The opening 924 extends inward into the housing and is positioned below and connected to the opening 918. The bottom housing 904 is also formed such that the panel forming the top surface 910 of the housing is formed to have a notch 911. The notch 911 extends inward from the portion of the panel defining the opening 924 of the panel defining the top surface.

[0155] Sleeve 926 extends downward from the bottom side of recessed surface 912 of the housing. Sleeve 926 defines a through bore 928 extending downward from opening 914. Bottom housing 904 is further formed such that a plurality of webs 930 extend downward from the bottom surface of the top surface and inward from the panels forming the sides of the housing. Webs 930 provide structural shape to the bottom housing. One of the webs 930 defines an upwardly extending opening 932. Bottom housing 904 is shaped such that when the grinding module 902 is placed on the assembly base 102, bore 928 is centered on main connector 194, and opening 932 is centered relative to arm connector 486.

[0156] The top housing 940, which is integrated with the grinding module 902 (now referenced) Figure 65 and 66(Description) A base 942 having a flat shape. The base 942 of the housing is sized to sit on the top surface 910 of the bottom housing 904. The top housing 940 is shaped to have a circular raised surface 944 disposed above the flat bottom surface of the base 942. A set of openings 943 extend from top to bottom through the portion defining the base 942 of the housing 940. The openings 943 are surrounding the raised surface 944 and positioned radially outward therefrom. The grinding module 902 is formed such that the raised surface 944 is positioned concentric with and has the same diameter as the recessed surface, which is integral with the recessed surface 912 of the bottom housing. Each opening 943 is centered above the bore 913 of the bottom housing. Fastener 941 ( Figure 65 (See one) extending through the opening 943 of each top housing into the bore 913 of the underlying bottom housing. Fastener 941 thus holds the top housing 940 to the bottom housing 904.

[0157] Two rings concentric with the raised surface 944 extend downward from the base 942. An inner ring 945 extends downward from the surface 942 adjacent to its center. An outer ring 946 extends downward from the raised surface and is positioned slightly inward from the outer periphery of the raised surface. More specifically, when assembling the milling module 902, ring 945 is positioned on ring 916, which is integral with the bottom housing 904. The outer ring 946 is positioned above the lowered ring 920.

[0158] The base 942 of the outer casing is further formed to have a notch 943. The notch 943 is elliptical in shape. The notch 943 is positioned such that, during the assembly of module 902, the notch is positioned immediately above the notch 911 formed in the top surface 910 of the bottom outer casing. The notch 943 does not extend completely through the base 942.

[0159] The base 942 of the top housing 940 is further formed to have an opening 948. The opening 948 leads to a section of the raised surface 944 between rings 944 and 946. More specifically, the opening 948 of the top housing is positioned to align with the opening 918 of the bottom housing. The top housing 940 is further formed such that the hopper 952 extends upward from the base 942 of the housing around the opening 948. The base 942 of the top housing 940 is also formed to have a cavity 950, the edge of which is... Figure 66 As indicated by the center mark. Cavity 950 extends upward from raised surface 944. Top housing 940 is formed such that cavity 950 is adjacent to and connected to opening 948.

[0160] Figure 67The best-visible cutting disc 958 is circular in shape and sized to fit within the space between the recessed surface 912 of the bottom housing and the raised surface 944 of the top housing. More specifically, the cutting disc 958 rests on rings 916 and 920, which extend above the recessed surface 912. The diameter of the cutting disc is approximately 4 mm smaller than the diameter of the space in which it rests. The thickness of the cutting disc 958 is approximately 0.25 mm smaller than the distance separating the rings 916 and 920 of the bottom housing from the rings 945 and 946 of the top housing. The cutting disc 958 is therefore able to rotate within the space in which it rests, and to move a limited amount from side to side and a limited amount up and down.

[0161] The cutting disc 958 is formed with a plurality of cutting elements 960, one of which is shown in the figure. The exact structure of the cutting element 960 is not part of the present invention. One structure of the cutting element is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0118735 / PCT 2009 / 061728, which is incorporated herein by reference. Generally, it should be understood that each cutting element has a shearing blade 962 (one blade is shown in the figure). Each shearing blade 962 defines a portion of an opening 963 in the cutting disc 958, one opening is shown in the figure. The cutting disc is further formed with four equally angularly spaced openings 964 (one opening is shown in the figure). The openings 964 are radially inwardly positioned from the cutting element 960.

[0162] Figure 68 and 69 The best-visible shaft 966 extends downward from the center of the cutting disc 958. Shaft 966 is generally cylindrical in shape. The shaft is shaped to have a head 970. The diameter of the head 970 allows it to sit within and rotate in a bore 928 inside the bottom housing 904. A cylindrical rod 972 extends below the head 970. The diameter of the rod 972 is smaller than the diameter of the head 970. The shaft is shaped such that a closed-end bore 974 extends upward from the bottom of the rod 972. The bore 974 is centered on the longitudinal axis of shaft 966. The bore 974 is sized to receive a pin 198 integral with the main connector 194. Shaft 966 is further shaped to have three equally angularly spaced recesses 976 extending radially outward from the base of the bore 972. The recesses 976 do not extend upward into the rod 972 of the shaft as far as the bore 974. The notch 976 is sized to receive the tooth 202, which is integrated with the main connector 194.

[0163] Four pins 980 (one pin is shown in the figure) extend upward from the top surface of the shaft head 970. The pins 980 extend through and over the opening 964 inside the cutting disc 958. The pins 980 thus hold the shaft 966 to the cutting disc 958. When assembling the grinding module 902, the shaft 966 is positioned in a bore 928 inside the bottom housing 904.

[0164] Figure 62 The impact plate 984, visible in the image, is mounted into a cavity 950 formed in the top housing 940. The impact plate 984 is formed to have a surface immediately below the opening 948. The grinding module 902 is designed such that, when the module is actuated, the shearing blade 962 of the cutting disc rotates toward the overlying surface of the impact plate 984.

[0165] Now refer to Figure 70 and 71 The described collection tray 988 is sized to slidably sit within an opening 924 inside the bottom housing 904. The collection tray 988 has a base 990 from which a set of panels 992 extend upwards; three panels are shown in the figure. A lip 994 extends upwards from the innermost panel 992, positioned by the panel closest to the housing sleeve 926. The collection tray 988 is formed such that, when the tray is removed from the rest of the grinding module 902, the lip cleans below the section of the cutting disc 958 positioned immediately above the opening 918.

[0166] The handle 996 also protrudes outward from the outermost panel 992, which is the panel furthest from which the lip 994 extends. The handle 996 extends in front of the panel associated with the lip. The handle 996 serves as a portion of the tray that is grasped by the user to insert the tray into the remainder of the grinding module 902 and to remove the tray from the remainder of the grinding module 902.

[0167] A latch 998 is pivotally mounted to a handle 996. The latch 998 includes a tab 1002 projecting over the remainder of the collection tray 988. The tab 1002 is positioned such that when the collection tray is fully seated in the opening 924, the tab is seated in a recess 943 within the top housing 940. A spring 1004 (shown in the figure) applies a force to the latch, which normally keeps the latch locked, i.e., with the tab 1002 positioned in the recess 943. A finger force on the body of the latch 998 is sufficient to overcome the force applied by the spring 1004, causing the latch 998 to pivot. The pivoting of the latch 998 causes the tab 1002 to rotate out of the recess 943. Once the tab 1002 has thus rotated, the collection tray 988 can be removed from the remainder of the cleaning module 902.

[0168] Magnet 1010 is mounted in the base 990 of the collection tray 988. The bore in the base 990 where magnet 1010 is seated is not shown in the figures. The components forming the assembly 100 of the present invention are arranged such that magnet 1010 is positioned above sensor 587 when the collection tray 988 is latched into cleaning module 902 and the cleaning module is seated on the assembly base 102.

[0169] V. Operation The first step in preparing the component 100 of the present invention is to connect a control console, including a power supply 595 and / or a motor controller 596, to the base 102 of the component. This step is necessary if these sub-components are separate from the base 102 of the component. The cleaning module 602 is then seated on the top plate 122 of the base of the component. More specifically, the cleaning module 602 is fitted to the base of the component such that a tab, as part of the latch assembly 540, extends through a slot 612 in the cleaning module. A spring 566 applies sufficient force on latch plates 542 and 544, and (extendedly) latch plate 546, to hold the tab 548 in its outward-pointing position. When the tab 548 is in the outward-pointing position, the latch assembly 540 is in a latched state.

[0170] When the cleaning module 602 is latched to the component base 102, the rod 692 of the slotted screw 690 is positioned on the main connector 194, as follows: Figure 72 As can be seen, if the tooth 202 of the connector is not seated in the recess 702 of the overlying groove, the connector 194 presses downward against the spring 212. A recess 718 defining a portion of the boss 712 integral with the plate 719 is provided on the pipe connector 348. If the tooth 353 integral with the pipe connector 348 is not seated in the recess 718, the pipe connector 348 pushes downward against the spring 394. The rod 804 of the drive pin 802 is provided on the retainer connector 486. If the strip 492 integral with the arm connector 486 is not seated in the groove 810 integral with the drive pin, the arm connector pushes downward against the spring 504.

[0171] To place the aggregate to be cleaned into module 602, housing 650 must be lifted away from the base 604 of the module. To remove housing 650, latch 880 is rotated to the unlocked position. This will mean that in Figure 1 When viewing the latch 880, rotate the latch counterclockwise. This rotation of the latch, achieved by the engagement of the tab 886 against the mortise 826, results in a similar rotation of the locking plate 818. Due to this rotation of the locking plate 818, the tab 822 of the locking plate rotates out of the tab 653 integral with the housing 650. This allows the housing to be removed from the base 604.

[0172] Another result of the rotation of the locking plate 818 is that the magnet 848 rotates away from the sensor 586. In many embodiments of the invention, the motor controller 596 is configured to actuate the motor 140 when a signal from a single sensor in sensor 586 or 587 indicates the presence of a magnet near the sensor. When the locking plate 818 is in the unlocked position, no magnet is adjacent to sensor 586 or sensor 587. This means that pressing switch 588 or 590 will not actuate the motor 140.

[0173] Similarly, due to the rotation of the locking plate 818, the annular island portion 828, which is integral with the locking plate, rotates, causing the surface 829 of the annular island portion to rotate against one (if not both) of the toes 898 of the drive pin 802. The rotation of the toes 808 results in a similar rotation of the drive pin 802, and (more specifically) pivoting of the arm 750 and the cage 764. Specifically, the cage 764 is positioned as... Figure 77D The orientation relative to the slotted screw is visible in the image. Since at least one toe 808 abuts against the surface 829 of the annular island portion, further movement of the drive pin 802, as well as the arm 750 and the cage 764, is impeded.

[0174] When the latch 880 is rotated to the unlocked position, further rotation of the latch is blocked by the abutment of the tab 839 (adjacent stop 632) integral with the annular island portion 828. When the locking plate 818 is thus positioned, the rib 634 is seated in the recess 840 so as to releasably hold the locking plate and (more specifically) the latch 880 in the unlocked position.

[0175] The aggregate to be cleaned and ground is then placed into the clearance space 765 inside the retainer 764. The housing 650 is seated back onto the module base 604. Due to the housing's seating on the base 604, the foot 878 of the pin, integral with the hub 860, is seated in the hole 704 inside the slotted screw 690. The latch 880 rotates to... Figure 1 The latch is rotated to the indicated position so that the housing is returned to the locked state. Due to this rotation of the latch, the locking plate 818 is rotated into the locked state. The locking plate 818 is rotated such that the tab 822 of the locking plate sits on the tab 653, which is integral with the housing 604. This alignment of the tabs on the tabs precisely releasably locks the housing 650 to the base 604.

[0176] Due to the rotation of the locking plate 818, the annular island-shaped portion 828 of the locking plate presents as follows: Figure 74 The orientation of the toe portion 808, which is integral with the drive pin 802, is visible in the image. More specifically, the annular island portion 828 is spaced away from the toe portion 808. This means that the drive pin and (more specifically) the arm 750 and the cage 764 can rotate freely.

[0177] When the latch 880 is rotated to the locked position, further rotation of the latch is blocked by the abutment of the tab 839 (adjacent to the stop 638) integral with the annular island portion 828. When the locking plate 818 is positioned in this way, the rib 636 is seated in the recess 840 so as to releasably retain the locking plate and (more specifically) the latch 880 in the locked position.

[0178] Rotating the locking plate 818 to the locked position also causes the magnet 848 to rotate, causing it to rotate on the sensor 586. The sensor 586 then outputs a signal indicating that the magnet is in front of it to the motor controller 596. The motor controller 586 interprets this signal as indicating that the assembly 100 is in a state in which the cleaning module 602 is attached to the base and the module housing 650 is locked to the module base 604. When the motor controller 596 determines that the assembly 100 is in this state, the controller actuates the LED 588, which is adjacent to the switch 586. This provides a visual indication that the switch that needs to be pressed to actuate the assembly is switch 586, i.e., the switch used to start the cleaning process.

[0179] Once switch 586 is pressed, motor controller 596 actuates motor 140 for a period of time. This period typically ranges from 3 to 20 minutes. As discussed below, actuation of motor 140 causes similar rotational movement of the three connectors 194, 348, and 486. When the main connector 194 is rotated, spring 214 pushes the teeth 202 of the connector into the recess 702 of the overlying slotted screw 690. The slotted screw 690 thus rotates in unison with the main connector 194. Spring 394 pushes the tube connector 348 upward, causing the teeth 353 of the connector to seat in the recess 718 associated with the flip plate 710. This engagement of the teeth in the slot causes the flip plate and shaving tube to rotate together with the tube connector. Spring 504 causes the strip 492 of the rotating cage connector to seat in the groove 810 integral with the drive pin 802. The drive pin thus transmits the rotational motion of the cage connector to the arm 750 and the cage 764.

[0180] The actual bone cleaning process consists of multiple cleaning cycles. Each cycle consists of a set of stages. In this embodiment of the invention, the motor 140 continuously rotates the main connector 194 via the transmission mechanism 144 and the spindle 170. The grooved screw 690, connected to the main connector 194, rotates together with the main connector. Even in some stages described below, where the rotation of the screw may not contribute to the bone cleaning process, the grooved screw 690 continues to rotate.

[0181] The rotational movement of the spindle 170 is transmitted to the arm cam 234 and the clutch cam 252 via the transmission mechanism 220. Figure 75 When viewed in the cam view presented in the image, arm cam 234 rotates counterclockwise. Figure 76 When viewed in the cam view presented in the image, the clutch cam 252 also rotates counterclockwise.

[0182] The first stage of the cleaning cycle is the pressing stage. During the pressing stage, the inner protrusion 258 of the clutch cam 252 rests against the pawl 396. Figure 76 In the diagram, the roller 412 of the pawl 396 is represented by a triangle. This signifies that the clutch is disengaged. Therefore, the flip plate 710 and the shaving tube 724 do not rotate. Simultaneously, the outer convex portion 238 of the arm cam reliably rotates on the rocker arm 508. Figure 75 In the diagram, the roller 524 of the rocker arm 508, which abuts against the arm cam 234, is represented by a circle. Therefore, the rocker arm 508 and the crank 448 cooperate to hold the shaft 422 in a specific rotational orientation. This specific rotational orientation is as follows... Figure 77A The orientation indicated is the orientation in which the retainer is positioned such that the pressure block 772 points toward the window 728 inside the shaving tube 724.

[0183] Since the cleaning module 602 has undergone the cleaning phase described below in the previous cycle, the cleaned bone fragments have previously been collected in the gap space 765 of the holder adjacent to the pressure block 772. As discussed below, the pressure block 772 is positioned relatively close to the shaving tube window 728. The advantage of this positioning of the pressure block close to the grooved screw and shaving tube is that it increases the likelihood of pressing the bone material against the grooved screw 690. This means that when the cleaning module 602 is in the pressing phase, the pressure block 772 presses the bone material through the tube window 728 and against the rotating grooved screw 690. Soft tissue attached to the bone material is drawn into the various rotating grooves 694. The rotating grooves 694 pull the soft tissue against the cutting edge 726 of the shaving tube 724. This tissue is cut off from the bone against the movement of the shaving tube. More specifically, the rotating cutting edge 696 of the grooved screw cuts soft tissue off the aggregate against the movement of the static cutting edge of the scraper tube.

[0184] Before the cleaning module 602 undergoes its individual pressing phase, it is impossible to know the size and shape of one or more aggregate pieces that will be pressed against the slotted screw 690 by the pressure block 772. To ensure that the pressure block 772 presses aggregate pieces of various sizes and shapes against the slotted screw 690, the cap 464 of the retainer driver 420 must be able to engage with a limited degree of rotation relative to the shaft 422. The spring 534 holds the cap 464 in a specific rotational orientation about the shaft 422. More specifically, the spring 534 holds the shaft in an orientation such that, if there is no aggregate against the pressure block 772, the cap 464, arm connector 486, drive pin 802, and arm 750 cooperate to hold the retainer 764 such that the pressure block 772 is spaced a short distance away from the shaving tube window 728. In most embodiments of the invention, the cleaning module is configured such that, if no aggregate is present adjacent to the block, the maximum distance between the outer surfaces of the block and the shaving tube 724 is 8 mm during the pressing phase of the cleaning cycle. More ideally, the maximum distance between the block and the shaving tube 724 is 4 mm when no aggregate is present.

[0185] When the aggregate is clamped between the pressure block 772 and the shaving tube 724, the clearance between the shaft 422 and the retainer 764 means that movement of the retainer does not result in a strong force that compels the pressure block into its position close to the slotted screw 690. Instead, the spring 534 applies a torque to the cap 464, causing the associated components to apply a force to the retainer 764 in turn. This force is applied to the retainer so that the pressure block 772 pushes the aggregate through the shaving tube window 728 and into the rotating slot 694. In some embodiments of the invention, the base 102 of the assembly is configured such that the force spring 534 causes the retainer 764 to apply a force between 8 and 40 Newtons to the aggregate trapped between the pressure block 772 and the slotted screw 690.

[0186] During the pressing phase, the slotted screw 690 is subjected to lateral loads. A static pin 874 present in the bore 704 inside the screw 690 prevents this lateral load from deflecting the slotted screw 690 to a position where the slot 694 begins to scrape the inner surface of the shaving tube 724.

[0187] The pressing phase is followed by the flipping phase. The assembly transitions from the pressing phase to the flipping phase as the outer cam 262 of the clutch cam rotates against the pawl 396. The resulting pivoting of the pawl away from the tab 304 engages the clutch. The flipping plate 710 and the shaving tube 724 thus rotate simultaneously with and in the same direction at the same speed as the slotted screw 690. The outer cam 238 of the arm cam 234 continues to rotate against the rocker arm 508. Therefore, the retainer remains in the same position relative to the shaving tube during the module's transition through the pressing phase.

[0188] Due to the rotation of the scraper tube 724, the aggregate disposed in the tube window moves along... Figure 77B The diagram shows a counter-clockwise rotation. This clears the aggregate from the space between the scraper tube 724 and the compaction block 772.

[0189] During the flipping phase, the rotation of the flipping plate 710 assists in the flipping of the bone.

[0190] The switching phase follows the flipping phase. The transition to the switching phase occurs when the linear surface of the arm cam 234 between the outer protrusion 238 and the inner protrusion 242 rotates against the rocker arm 508. The resulting pivoting of the rocker arm 508 causes the cage driver 420 to pivot the cage 764, causing the pressure block 772 to move away from the slotted screw 690 and the rib 780 to move towards the slotted screw, as... Figure 77C As can be seen in the text.

[0191] During the switching phase, the protrusion 262 of the clutch cam 252 continues to rest against the pawl 396. The flip plate 710 and the shaving tube 724 continue to rotate. The rotation of these components of the cleaning module during the switching phase may not significantly contribute to bone cleaning.

[0192] like Figure 77C As shown, during the cleaning process, a piece of aggregate may become stuck between the relatively fast-rotating grooved screw 724 and the slower-rotating shaving tube 724. This occurs because the tail of soft tissue may be pulled into the window 728 of the tube and become entangled around the grooved screw 690. If the tissue is not stuck in the groove 694, it may not be able to press against the cutting edge 726 with the force required to cut the tissue.

[0193] Once the rotation of the arm cam 234 causes the inner convex portion 242 of the cam to rest against the rocker arm 508, the assembly of the present invention enters the clearing and collecting phase. During the clearing and collecting phase, the outer convex portion 226 of the clutch cam 252 continues to rest against the pawl 396.

[0194] Therefore, during the cleaning and collection phase, rib 780 is in close proximity to the grooved screw and shaving tube. The grooved screw, tilting plate, and shaving tube continue to rotate. Due to the rotation of the tilting plate, the aggregate rotates towards the inner surface of the cage panel 770, as... Figure 77D As can be seen, Rib 780 is therefore used as a component of the cleaning module to facilitate the removal of trapped aggregate from the cleaning assembly, the grooved screw, and the scraper tube.

[0195] Due to the rotation of the scraper tube, the aggregate caught between the grooved screw and the scraper tube rotates against the rib 780. More commonly, the aggregate rotates against surface 782. The aggregate travels downward along surface 782. As the bone moves downward, the tail of the tissue is pressed against the cutting edge of the rotating scraper tube 724. This action of the cutting edge against the tissue results in the tissue being cut away from the aggregate. The aggregate is thus released from the grooved screw 690.

[0196] The final stage of a single cleaning cycle is the sweeping stage. Due to the rotation of the clutch cam 252, the inner convex portion of the cam rotates against the pawl 396. This then forces the tab 304 back against the pawl 396. This causes the clutch 278 to return to the disengaged state. The flip plate 710 and shaving tube 724 thus stop rotating. More specifically, when this occurs, the shaving tube 724 needs to align the pressure block towards the window 728 in the subsequent pressing stage.

[0197] Also during the cleaning phase, due to the rotation of the arm cam 234, the cam transition surface between the inner convex portion 242 and the outer convex portion 238 rotates against the rocker arm 508. The cage actuator 420 thus pivots the cage 764, as... Figure 77E As shown, this causes the pressure block 772 to be repositioned back to its position during the pressing phase, as... Figure 77A As indicated. Due to this movement of the retainer 764, the retainer pushes the aggregate against the panel 770 against the window 728 of the shaving tube. Therefore, at the end of the cleaning phase, the aggregate is again pressed against the window of the shaving tube by the pressure block 772.

[0198] The completion of the sweeping phase marks the end of the movement of the cleaning module's components through a single cleaning cycle. This component then causes the cleaning module to advance through the pressing phase of the subsequent cleaning cycle.

[0199] In some embodiments of the invention, a single cleaning cycle lasts between 3 and 20 seconds. The pressing phase lasts between 25% and 50% of the cycle. Ideally, during a single pressing phase, the slotted screw should make at least four 360° rotations, or at least six rotations. The flipping phase occupies between 10% and 40% of a single cleaning cycle. During a single flipping phase, the shaving tube should make at least two full rotations, or three or more full rotations. The cleaning and collecting phase typically occupies between 5% and 20% of a single cleaning cycle. The switching and sweeping phases each occupy between 5% and 15% of a single cleaning cycle. In some embodiments of the invention, once the component is actuated to clean the aggregate, the component remains actuated for a period between 3 and 20 minutes. Typically, component 100 is actuated for a period between 5 and 20 minutes. In many embodiments of the invention, the component is actuated for a period between 8 and 15 minutes.

[0200] After the motor controller 596 stops the motor 140, the cleaning module 602 is removed from the base. This action is achieved by moving the latch assembly 540 to the unlocked state. This is achieved by pressing the grippers 562 toward each other. It should be understood that the force of the fingers is sufficient to overcome the force exerted by the spring 566 on plates 542 and 544 to hold the latch assembly in the latched state. The movement of the grippers causes a similar movement of plates 542 and 544. The movement of plates 542 and 546 causes plates 546 and tab 548 to pivot inward. The pivoting movement of tab 548 causes the tab to retract from the slot 612 in order to place the latch assembly 540 in the unlocked state. At this point, the cleaning module 602 can be removed from the assembly base 102.

[0201] The grinding module 902 is then seated on the assembly base 102. A latch assembly 540 is used to hold the grinding module 902 to the assembly base 102 in the same manner as the assembly 540 is used to hold the cleaning module 602 in place. A tab 548 of the latch assembly extends through an opening 908 in the bottom housing 904 of the grinding module 902. When the grinding module is thus secured to the assembly base 102, the underside of the assembly's rod 966 is positioned above the main connector. At a minimum, the connector's pin 198 is seated in the rod's bore 974. The bottom end of the sleeve 926 is positioned on the pipe connector 348. The arm connector 486 is seated in an opening 932 in the underside of the bottom housing, as... Figure 78 As can be seen in the text.

[0202] The cleaned aggregate is then conveyed to the hopper 952 of the bone grinder. This process begins with the unlocking of the housing 660 from the rest of the cleaning module 602. The locking disc 818 returns to its original position due to the rotation of the latch 880. Figure 73 The rotational position. The movement of the locking disc causes the drive pin 802 to pivot. The pivoting of the drive pin causes a similar pivoting of the arm 750 and the cage 764. The cage 764 pivots to such a position. Figure 77D The orientation is visible in the image. Here, the retainer 764 is positioned such that the pressure block is positioned closer to the periphery of the flip plate 710 and spaced away from the slotted screw 690.

[0203] With the retainer 764 in this orientation, the cleaning module 902 is brought to the open end of the hopper 952, and the end of the adjacent tab 792 of the retainer faces the hopper. With the aid of gravity, the cleaned aggregate is then conveyed into the hopper 952. Once the conveying is complete, the plunger 953 is placed in the hopper.

[0204] When the grinding module 902 is positioned on the top plate 122 of the component base and the collection tray 980 is latched into the module opening 924, the magnet 1010 is placed on the sensor 587. The sensor 587 then outputs a signal indicating that the magnetic field has been sensed to the motor controller 596. The motor controller 596 interprets the presence of this signal as indicating that the grinding module 902, including the collection tray 990, is in the appropriate position for the grinding process to be performed. The motor controller then actuates the LED 591 associated with the switch 590.

[0205] To grind the bone, switch 590 is pressed. When assembly 100 is configured for grinding bone, pressing switch 590 actuates the motor in motor controller 596. The resulting rotation of main connector 194 causes the cutting disc 958 to rotate. As the cutting disc 958 rotates, the operator performing the grinding process presses down on plunger 953. The aggregate is pushed against the rotating cutting disc. The cutting element causes the aggregate to press against impact plate 984, thereby shearing the aggregate into bone fragments. The bone fragments fall through opening 963 in the cutting disc into collection tray 988.

[0206] Upon completion of the grinding process, the collection tray 988 is removed from the grinding module 902. The bone fragments can then be used in surgeries where bone fragments are required.

[0207] Since the collection tray 988 has been removed from the grinding module 902, the magnet 1010 is detached from the complementary sensor 587. Sensor 587 therefore no longer insists on transmitting the signal to the motor controller 596 indicating that the grinding module 902 with the latched collection tray 988 is attached to the assembly base 102. Due to the change in the signal from sensor 587, the motor controller 596 no longer actuates the motor 140 when switch 590 is pressed.

[0208] The component 100 of the present invention thus provides an apparatus that first cleans and then grinds freshly acquired aggregate, requiring only minimal human contact with the aggregate. The bone cleaning module 602 is designed to remove soft tissue typically attached to the aggregate. The module 602 is designed such that, if the aggregate becomes stuck between the grooved screw and the shaving tube during the cleaning process, the components of the module cooperate to shear the aggregate off these components. The bone cleaning module 602 is further configured to flip the aggregate between pressing phases where cleaning typically occurs. This significantly increases the likelihood that the exposed surface of each piece of aggregate will press against the grooved screw and the shaving tube. This increased likelihood of each piece of aggregate being positioned in this way leads to a similarly increased likelihood of thorough cleaning of each piece of aggregate.

[0209] To ensure the aggregate is cleaned in this way, the presence of the recess 769 in the retainer provides a clearance space 765 for the retainer, resulting in significant space for the adjacent pressure block 772. This ample space adjacent to the pressure block facilitates the removal of the bone away from the grooved screw and shaving tube during the flipping phase. Then, during the cleaning phase, the presence of the recess 769 means that the distance between the retainer panels 768 and 770 is smaller than it would be without the recess 769. This means the flipped bone is contained within a smaller space. This improves the degree to which the bone is collected and oriented towards the grooved screw during the cleaning phase for use in the next pressing phase.

[0210] Another feature of the cleaning module of the present invention is that the tissue removed from the bone is spirally transported into a collection space 682 associated with the module housing 650. This means that personnel performing the cleaning process do not need to concern themselves with the collection and disposal of this waste.

[0211] The bone cleaning module 602 of the present invention is further designed such that, after the cleaning process, when the housing 650 is removed, the retainer is held in a specific position relative to the slotted screw 690 and the shaving tube 724. More specifically, the retainer 764 is positioned to facilitate the transfer of the cleaned bone material by gravity into the grinding module 902.

[0212] VI. Features of Alternative Cleaning Modules Figure 86 The inner features of the alternative cleaning module 1250 of the present invention are shown. Module 1250 includes many of the same basic components as cleaning module 602. Therefore, these components will not be described again. One difference between the two modules is the structure of the arm. Module 1250 includes arm 1252 and retainer 1254. The shape and function of arm 1252 are substantially the same as those of arm 750. Retainer 1254 extends from arm 1250. The difference between the two components is that... Figure 54 and Figure 86 In the comparison of the components, retainer 764 extends outward to the right side of arm 750; retainer 1254 extends to the left side of arm 1252. Retainer 1254 includes panels 1255, 1256, and 1257. Panels 1255, 1256, and 1257 are similar to panels 766, 768, and 770 of retainer 764, respectively. The retaining block between the corners formed at the intersection of panels 1256 and 1257 is not visible in the figure.

[0213] The retainer 1254 is further formed to have a ramp 1258. The ramp 1258 projects inwardly from the panel 1255. The ramp 1258 includes an inclined surface 1259 similar to the surface 782 of the rib 780, which is not shown in the figure. The surface 1259 extends upward from the panel 1255 to the corner between the panels 1255 and 1257. The module 1252 includes the retainer 1254. As the rib 1258 extends upward, the width across the base of the rib decreases. The retainer 1254 is further formed to have a tab 1260 projecting inwardly from the top of the panel 1257. The tab 1260 is positioned on a section of the panel 1257 from which the rib 1258 extends downward. The tab 1260 extends inwardly beyond the apex of the rib 1258.

[0214] Module 1252 also includes Figure 87 The best visible shaving tube 1264. The shaving tube 1264 includes the previously described... Figure 46 Features of the shaving tube 724. The shaving tube 1264 is also formed having at least one pin 1266, two pins 1266 are shown in the figure. The pins 1266 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the shaving tube 1266. The bore in which the pins 1266 are located is not visible in the figure. The shaving tube 1264 is configured such that the pins 1266 extend outward from a position closer to the top of the shaving tube than the bottom. The pins 1266 extend outward from a section of the shaving tube opposite to the section in which the window 722 is formed. The pins 1266 are positioned to rotate through the area above the pressure block and adjacent to the ramp 1258.

[0215] Figure 88 The hub 1270 of the cleaning module 1262 is shown. Despite some appearance differences, the hub 1270 includes a base 862, a support 870, and a web 872 of the hub 860. A pin 1272 extends downward from where the webs 872 intersect. A foot 1278 extends downward from the free end of the pin 1278. The pin 1272 and the foot 1278 are not cylindrical. Instead, both the pin 1272 and the foot 1278 have longitudinally extending recesses. The pin 1272 and the foot 1278 perform substantially the same functions as the pin 874 and the foot 878 of the hub 860, respectively.

[0216] The hub 1270 is further formed having a plurality of fins 1274 extending radially outward from the pin 1272. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the hub 1270 is formed with three fins 1274 spaced at equal angles, two of which are shown in the figure. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each fin 1274 is in the shape of an elongated tubular rod. The fins 1274 extend outward from the portion of the pin 1272 located above the base 862 of the hub. Although the fins 1274 extend radially outward from the pin 1272, the fins are not linear in shape. Instead, the fins 1274 are curved. As each fin 1274 extends radially outward, the tines of the fins curve toward adjacent tines. Each fin 1274 is curved in the same direction. The cleaning module 1262 is configured such that the wing 1274 bends in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the grooved screw 690 during the cleaning process.

[0217] When assembling the cleaning module 1262, the hub 1270 replaces the hub 860 described initially. The foot 1278 is seated in the bore 704 formed in the slotted screw 690. Since the fin 1274 is positioned above the base 862 of the hub 1270, the fangs are positioned above the shaving tube and the slotted screw. The components forming the cleaning module 1274 are shaped such that the fin 1274 is positioned above the shaving tube 724.

[0218] The aggregate is cleaned using module 1262 in a manner substantially the same as that used for cleaning aggregate with module 602. In the embodiment of the invention employing cleaning module 1262, complementary bases are configured to... Figure 86 The perspective view of the tube visible in the image shows the shaving tube 1264 rotating clockwise. One difference between the two cleaning processes occurs in the cleaning and collecting phases. When cleaning the bone using module 1262, during the switching phase, the movement of the retainer 1254 toward the shaving tube 1264 is restricted by the tab 1260 abutting against the adjacent part of the shaving tube 1264. This ensures that in the subsequent cleaning and collecting phases, a gap will exist between the retainer 1254 and the shaving tube 1264, which will allow the pin 1266, integral with the shaving tube, to rotate between the shaving tube and the rib 1254. In the cleaning and collecting phase, the bone trapped by the grooved screw rotates against the inclined surface 1259 of the ramp 1258. Once the movement of the bone is stopped by the bone abutting against the adjacent part of the ramp, the shaving tube cuts the bone off the grooved screw.

[0219] During the cleaning process, aggregate may become stuck above the pressure block. A rotating pin 1266 acts as a scraper for this aggregate. The pin thus scrapes the aggregate off the pressure block. Gravity causes the aggregate to fall onto plate 710. Pin 1266 also scrapes away any aggregate that may have adhered to ramp 1258. During subsequent cleaning phases, the aggregate is forced against the pressure block, causing it to be pressed against the grooved screw 690 again.

[0220] Soft tissue cut from the aggregate is spirally conveyed upwards between the grooved screw 690 and the scraper tube 1264. The strands of soft tissue rotate against the fin 1274, which is integral with the pin 1272. The fin 1274 thus guides the strands of soft tissue radially outward from the pin 1272. This facilitates the movement of the soft tissue away from the hub 1270 and towards the outer periphery of the collection space 682.

[0221] When the housing 660 with hub 1270 is removed from the rest of the cleaning module 1262, some soft tissue is typically located above the grooved screw and shaving tube. The fin 1274 supports these stranded tissues to prevent them from falling outside the collection space 682 and into the void space where the already cleaned aggregate is located.

[0222] VII. Alternative Cleaning Module Figures 79-84 An alternative arrangement of components for the cleaning module 1102 of the present invention is shown. Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning module 1102 has a retainer 1202. The retainer 1202 has three outwardly arched sidewalls 1210, one of which is shown in the figure, which are joined together to form a triangle. The corners 1211 between the sidewalls 1210 are rounded, one of which is shown in the figure. The internal space between the sidewalls 1210 is a gap space 1212 in which the aggregate to be cleaned is stored. The bottom of the retainer 1210 is open. The retainer 1210 is further formed to have three curved protrusions 1203. Figure 84 Two protrusions are indicated in the center. Each protrusion 1202 extends outward from one of the corners 1210. A concave transition surface 1204 extends between each pair of adjacent protrusions 1202. Figure 84 Two transition surfaces are indicated in the middle. Each transition surface 1204 is closest to the adjacent sidewall 1210 at the midpoint between the adjacent corners 121 of the sidewall.

[0223] The retainer 1202 is further configured such that, above the protrusion 1203, a ring 1206 extends radially outward from the sidewall 1210 and the corner 1211. The ring 1206 has a diameter such that it is positioned radially outward from the protrusion 1203 and extends radially outward from the section of the transition surface 1204 closest to the sidewall 1210. The ring is configured to have teeth (not shown) extending around the outer peripheral surface of the ring.

[0224] Although not visible in the diagram, it should be understood that the retainer may be formed with features similar to clamp 772 and rib 780. The clamp-like features serve as pressing members of the retainer, which push the bone against the grooved screw and shaving tube. The rib-like features remove trapped bone tissue from the grooved screw and shaving tube.

[0225] A retainer 1202 is seated on a circular disk 1160. The disk 1160 has a centrally located through-hole 1162. The disk 1160 has three holes 1164, 1166, and 1168, which are linearly aligned along a line extending radially outward from the center of the disk 1160. Hole 1164 is positioned closest to the center of the disk 1160. Hole 1168 is positioned furthest from the center of the disk 1166. The disk 1160 is further formed with a hole 1170. Hole 1170 is archedly spaced from holes 1164-1168. The disk 1160 is formed such that hole 1170 is positioned at approximately the same distance from the center of the disk as hole 1166.

[0226] The retainer 1202 is held on the disc 1160 by an arm 1178. The arm 1178 is generally teardrop-shaped. The widest part of the arm has a through hole 1180. The hole 1180 is sized to receive the retainer 1202 such that the side panels 1210 and corners 1211 of the retainer can rotate within the hole. The diameter of the hole 1180 is smaller than the diameter of the ring 1206 integral with the retainer 1202.

[0227] Pin 1174 extends from disc 1160 to arm 1178 to hold the arm to disc. One end of pin 1174 is fitted into a hole 1168 formed in disc 1160. The opposite end of pin 1174 extends through an opening 1182 formed in a narrow width portion of arm 1178. The components forming this bone cleaning device are shaped such that arm 1178 can pivot freely around pin 1174.

[0228] Given that arm 1178 rests against ring 1206, it should be understood that the arm is spaced above disk 1160. Gear 1176 is clamped between disk 1160 and the arm. More specifically, pin 1174 holds gear 1176 to disk 1160. Gear 1176 is held to pin 1174 such that pin and gear rotate as a single unit. Teeth (not shown) extend outward from the outer circular sidewall of gear 1176. Gear 1176 is sized such that the teeth of gear 1176 mesh with the teeth of ring 1206, which is integral with retainer 1202.

[0229] This type of cleaning module of the present invention also includes a roller 1222 serving as a cam. The roller 1222 is mounted to the top surface of the disk 1160 via a pin 1220. The pin 1220 is mounted in a hole 1170 inside the disk. A spring, not shown, pushes the retainer 1202 toward the roller 1222. This spring pushes the retainer 1202 toward the roller, causing the protrusion 1202 and the transition surface 1204 to abut against the roller 1202.

[0230] Cleaning module 1102 includes a grooved screw surrounded by the shaving tube of cleaning module 602 described above. Figures 79-82 In 85A to 85G, the slotted screw and shaving tube are depicted as cylinders 1230. The slotted screw and shaving tube extend through the central hole 1162 of the disc. When assembling the cleaning module 1102, the retainer 1202 is positioned on the disc such that the slotted screw and shaving tube are seated in the recessed space 1212 of the retainer.

[0231] The disc 1160 and the components mounted to it are positioned above a static cylindrical ring gear 1114, which is also part of the cleaning module of the present invention. It should be understood that the disc 1160 is positioned above the ring gear 1114. The structural components that hold the disc 1160 for rotation above the ring gear 1114 are not shown in the figures. The teeth formed on the inner surface of the ring gear are also not shown in the figures. Only... Figure 80 The drive gear 1108, visible in the image, is disposed within the ring gear below the disk 1160. The drive gear 1108 may resemble gear 190. Thus, the drive gear 1108 rotates together with a spindle that rotates the slotted screw. The drive gear 1108 is formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the ring gear 1114.

[0232] Planetary gear 1110 is rotatably mounted to the underside of disk 1160 adjacent to drive gear 1108. One end of pin 1112 is seated in bore 1164 of disk, which rotatably holds planetary gear 1110 to disk 1160. Components forming cleaning module 1102 are further arranged such that the teeth of planetary gear mesh with the teeth of drive gear 1108 and teeth disposed around the inner side of static ring gear 1106. Planetary gear 1110 is shaped such that its teeth extend into the gap space between the top of ring gear 1114 and the underside of disk 1160.

[0233] Gears 1120 and 1124 are also rotatably mounted to the bottom side of disc 1160. Gear 1120 is mounted to the disc via pin 1122, which extends downward from hole 1160. Components of cleaning module 1102 are arranged such that they extend radially inward and radially outward from the top of ring gear 1114. The portion of gear 1120 disposed within ring gear 1114 meshes with the teeth of adjacent planetary gear 1110. Gear 1124 is mounted to pin 1174 to rotate together with pin 1174. Gears 1124 and 1176, along with pin 1174, rotate as a single unit. Gear 1124 is positioned to be driven by gear 1120.

[0234] When the cleaning module 1102 is actuated, the drive assembly rotates the slotted screw. An assembly including a clutch similar to clutch 278 can be used to rotate the shaving tube periodically. The drive gear 1108 rotates continuously. The drive gear 1108 serves as the sun gear in the planetary gear assembly. Planetary gear 1110 is a single planetary gear in this assembly. Disk 1160 is the carrier, and ring gear 1106 is a static ring gear. Therefore, due to the rotation of the drive gear 1108, planetary gear 1110 rotates around ring gear 1106. The rotation of planetary gear 1110 causes disk 1160 to rotate around its central axis.

[0235] Since disk 1160 rotates, it should be understood that pin 1174 rotates in the same way. This means that the arm, or (more specifically) the outer part of the arm, participates. Figures 85A to 85G The visible rotational motion. In a broader sense, this means that the cage 1202 rotates around the slotted screw and the shaving tube.

[0236] Rotation of planetary gear 1110 causes rotation of gear 1120 and (more specifically) gear 1124. Rotation of gear 1124, as well as pin 1174, causes gear 1176 to rotate. As gear 1176 meshes with the teeth of ring 1206, ring 1206 also rotates. Since ring 1206 is part of cage 1202, this means that when cleaning module 1106 is actuated, cage 1202 and disc 1106 rotate simultaneously within hole 1180 inside arm 1178.

[0237] The biasing member pushes the protrusion 1203 and the transition surface 1204 against the roller 1222. This means that as the cage 1202 rotates in the arm 1178, the protrusion 1203 and the transition surface 1204 are alternately pushed against the roller. When the protrusion 1203 is adjacent to the roller 1222, the cage is in a position as follows: Figure 85C and 85D In the position shown at 85E, the cage is approximately centered on the grooved screw and the scraper tube. When the transition surface 1204 abuts against the roller 1222, the cage is positioned as follows: Figure 85A , 85F As shown in 85G; the cage is positioned such that the slotted screw and the shaving tube are positioned inside one of the sidewalls 1210 or corners 1211 adjacent to the cage. Figure 85B and 85F The image shows the intermediate position of the cage relative to the grooved screw and sidewall when the outwardly pointing protrusion 103 or the adjacent or inwardly pointing transition surface 1204 abuts the roller.

[0238] Therefore, in this type of cleaning module of the present invention, multiple movements of the components are used to achieve sequential circulation of the retainer, such that the corner 1211 of the retainer is positioned by the adjacent slotted screw and shaving tube, as... Figure 85A and 85G As can be seen. At this point, the cleaning module is in the pressing phase of the cleaning cycle. Subsequently, as... Figure 85B As shown, the cage rotates such that the inner surface of the sidewall 1210 is positioned by the adjacent slotted screw and shaving tube. Figures 85C to 85F The simultaneous rotation of the disc 1160 shown, the rotation of the cage around its own axis, and the orbital movement of the cage around the center of the disc can be regarded as the aggregate sweeping step for the pressing phase of the next cleaning cycle.

[0239] VIII. Alternative System Implementation Examples The foregoing relates to specific embodiments of the invention. The invention may have features different from those already described. For example, features of different cleaning modules 602, 1102, and 1262 may be combined. For example, components similar to pressure block 772 and ribs 768 and 780 may be found inside retainer 1202.

[0240] Furthermore, the cleaning module of the present invention does not always need to be used in conjunction with the described grinding module. Similarly, other components can be used to clean the aggregate before using the grinding module of the present invention to convert the aggregate into bone fragments.

[0241] Features of different embodiments of the present invention can be combined.

[0242] The alternative cleaning module of the present invention may have a cleaning element different from the disclosed grooved screw and shaving tube assembly for removing soft tissue from aggregate. Therefore, a cleaning element consisting of one or more brushes is also within the scope of the present invention. Typically, these brushes rotate. In these embodiments of the invention, a retainer is formed to facilitate pressing the aggregate against the brush.

[0243] The number and order of the multiple stages in a single cleaning cycle may also differ from those described above. Therefore, the cleaning stage, where aggregate adhering to the cleaning element is removed from the cleaning element, may occur between the pressing stage and the flipping stage, which is also within the scope of this invention. The advantage of this construction of the invention is that all aggregate, including the aggregate just removed from the cleaning element, undergoes flipping during the flipping stage.

[0244] Similarly, in the embodiment of the invention where the cleaning phase occurs after the pressing and flipping phases, due to the construction of the components forming the cleaning module, the next phase can be one in which aggregate is simultaneously removed from the cleaning element and swept into a section of the module for performing the next pressing phase. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning cycle will not have a distinct sweeping phase. Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, the cleaning phase involves the removal of aggregate from the cleaning element. In these embodiments of the invention, the system can be configured to perform a distinct sweeping phase before the pressing phase, wherein the flipped aggregate is collected into a section of the module such that during the pressing phase, the aggregate is pressed against the cleaning element.

[0245] Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, the aggregate can be flipped while it is being removed from the cleaning element, due to the manner in which the components of the cleaning module move. Therefore, in these embodiments of the invention, a single cleaning cycle can consist of the following stages: a pressing stage; a removing and flipping stage; and a sweeping stage, wherein the aggregate is collected in the sweeping stage for use in the next pressing stage.

[0246] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the invention, it is not required that each cleaning cycle consist of stages in the same order. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, successive cleaning processes may include different stages. For example, a first cleaning cycle may consist of a pressing stage and a flipping stage. A second cleaning cycle may consist of a pressing stage followed by a cleaning stage. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning cycle may consist of a pressing stage and a flipping stage. The second cleaning cycle may consist of a pressing stage followed by a cleaning stage followed by a flipping stage.

[0247] Unless otherwise specified in the claims, the dimensions and ratios mentioned should be understood as non-limiting and merely illustrative.

[0248] Not all of the aforementioned components are necessary for all embodiments of the invention. For example, it is envisioned that in some embodiments of the invention, a motor within the base of the assembly that rotates the spindle, arm cam, and tube cam may be directly connected to the spindle 170. In these embodiments of the invention, there is no transmission mechanism between the motor shaft 145 and the spindle 170.

[0249] In some embodiments of the invention, the pin that stabilizes the slotted screw can be integrally formed with a cap extending over an opening in the housing, through which the removed soft tissue enters the collection space. Therefore, in these embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to provide a hub-like component for holding the pin static relative to the rest of the cleaning module.

[0250] In alternative embodiments of the invention, assemblies different from the described clutch cam and arm cam may be employed to ensure that the components of the cleaning module move in the proper sequence during the cleaning cycle to ensure that the aggregate undergoes each cleaning stage. Therefore, in an alternative configuration of the invention, a drive mechanism is incorporated into the base 102 for sequential drive, thereby ensuring that the couplings 194, 348, 486 are in the proper sequence during the cleaning cycle. In these embodiments of the invention, one or more cams may be integrated with the drive mechanism. These cams may rotate about an axis that is not concentric with the axis around which the main shaft 170 rotates.

[0251] Other embodiments of the invention may not include cams and associated followers for ensuring the correct sequence of movement of components within the bone cleaning module. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more electrically displacing components may be present within the base. For example, a solenoid may be used to selectively engage / disengage gears used in one or more of drive couplings 194, 348, and 486.

[0252] Similarly, the direction of rotation of the components should be understood as non-limiting but illustrative. Thus, components that move in one direction to perform a task (such as arm cams, tube cams, and rocker arms) may move in the opposite direction in other embodiments of the invention. Likewise, in all embodiments of the invention, it is not required that the rotating components rotate in the same direction at every stage of the cleaning cycle. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the slotted screw and shaving tube may rotate in opposite directions during the cleaning phase of the cleaning cycle. Furthermore, the sequence of component movement may differ from the sequence already described, which is also within the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the slotted screw may be static while the shaving tube rotates during the cleaning phase of the cleaning cycle.

[0253] Similarly, the drive assembly that moves the pressing and cleaning components is not always configured to displace these components along a curved path. In some embodiments of the invention, the drive assembly may be configured to reciprocate the pressing and cleaning components along a linear, rather than curved, travel path. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the retainer defining the pressing and cleaning components may not completely surround the cleaning element circumferentially.

[0254] Similarly, the orientation of the components may differ from the orientations already described. In some embodiments of the invention, the slotted screw may have a non-vertical orientation relative to the plane of gravity. Therefore, the slotted screw may have a diagonal or horizontal orientation relative to the plane of gravity, which is also within the scope of the invention. In embodiments of the invention in which the slotted screw and (more broadly) the shaving tube have such orientations, a retainer similar to retainer 1202 may rotate around these components.

[0255] Therefore, it should be understood that in the alternative cleaning module of the present invention, soft tissue cut from the aggregate can be transported from the gap space where the cutting occurs to the collection space along a path different from the upward-pointing horizontal path. In some embodiments of the invention, the bone cleaning module is configured such that the soft tissue enters a path of travel that is downward, lateral, or diagonally relative to the plane of gravity. If, in the plane of gravity, the collection space is positioned below the gap space where the aggregate is cleaned, gravity can at least partially assist in transporting the cut tissue to the collection space.

[0256] Similarly, it should be understood that it is not always required that the cleaning module of the present invention, which has the feature of facilitating the transport of removed soft tissue away from the module component for removing the tissue to the collection space, be used together with the module component that causes the aggregate to circulate through each of the above-described pressing, flipping, switching, clearing and collecting and sweeping stages.

[0257] Therefore, in an alternative construction of the invention, the cleaning element is constituted by a brush. During the pressing phase, the device functions as a retainer and presses the aggregate against the brush as it rotates. In another phase, a ring is pressed onto the brush. This ring removes the entrained bone from the brush and pushes debris and soft tissue trapped in the brush bristles into the collection space. The ring thus serves as a conveying component for moving the removed soft tissue into the collection space.

[0258] In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element comprises a first cutter having a first cutting edge and a second cutter having a second cutting edge. The first and second cutters can be components different from the grooved screw and shaving tube. In this embodiment, one or both cutters can be blades, each having a cutting edge. A drive assembly is configured to move one cutter relative to the other, causing soft tissue to be caught between the cutting edges and removed. A plunger adjacent to the cutting edges serves as a conveying component, moving the removed tissue from the gap between the aggregate and the cutter to a collection space.

[0259] In the described embodiment of the invention, the retainer defining the space therein for receiving aggregate and pushing the aggregate against the cleaning element is shown to be shaped to completely surround the aggregate. This should also be understood as exemplary rather than limiting.

[0260] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a sensor other than one that measures the presence / absence of a magnetic field can be used to determine whether the cleaning module is locked or whether the collection tray is assembled to the grinding module. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a contact sensor can perform this function. The advantage of this embodiment is that it reduces the cost of providing magnets for both the cleaning and grinding modules.

[0261] In some embodiments of the invention, some, but not all, of the functions performed by the motor controller are located in the base of the component. Other functions performed by the motor controller are contained in a power control unit attached to the base of the component.

[0262] Therefore, the purpose of the following claims is to cover all such variations and modifications, which are within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bone cleaning module, the module comprising: The outer casing includes a void space therein for storing aggregate to be cleaned; At least one cleaning element is disposed in the void space, and the at least one cleaning element is adapted to remove soft tissue from the aggregate when actuated; and A drive assembly that actuates the at least one cleaning element; The housing is further formed to have an opening adjacent to the at least one cleaning element, and to have a collection space that is separate from the void space and communicates with the void space through the opening; A conveying component, positioned adjacent to the at least one cleaning element, and adapted to, when actuated, convey soft tissue cut by the at least one cleaning element through an opening in the housing into the collection space; and The drive component is connected to the transmission component to actuate the transmission component.

2. The bone cleaning module according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one cleaning element is formed with an opening that pushes the cut tissue through the housing, so that the at least one cleaning element also functions as at least one delivery component.

3. The bone cleaning module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cleaning element is a grooved screw enclosed in a tube, the screw having at least one groove that allows the cut soft tissue to spiral through the opening in the housing.

4. The bone cleaning module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bone cleaning module further includes at least one wing-shaped member mounted to the housing adjacent to the opening, the wing-shaped member being positioned and shaped to guide the cut tissue being conveyed through the opening outward away from the opening.

5. The bone cleaning module of claim 1, further comprising a pressing member configured to move relative to the at least one cleaning element, the pressing member being adapted to push the bone material to be cleaned against the at least one cleaning element.

6. The bone cleaning module of claim 5, further comprising a removal component positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the at least one cleaning element, the removal component being adapted to remove bone material trapped by the cleaning element from the cleaning element.

7. The bone cleaning module according to claim 6, wherein, A single component is shaped to serve as both the pressing component and the clearing component.

8. The bone cleaning module according to claim 7, wherein, The individual component is shaped to have a first segment and a second segment separate from the first segment, the first segment being shaped to serve as the pressing component and the second segment being shaped to serve as the clearing component.

9. The bone cleaning module according to claim 8, wherein, The drive component is configured to shift the individual component in a reciprocating travel path.

10. The bone cleaning module according to claim 5, wherein: The drive assembly is configured to move the pressing member toward and away from the at least one cleaning element, thereby resulting in a plurality of pressing phases, wherein in each pressing phase, the pressing member is positioned adjacent to the at least one cleaning element such that during the pressing phase, aggregate is pushed against the at least one cleaning element, and while the aggregate is pushed against the at least one cleaning element, the cleaning element is actuated, thereby causing the removal of soft tissue from the aggregate.

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