Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a quick connection device for driving various rotary tools by use of a drive shaft surrounded by a housing. Each tool includes a shank with a groove and a coupling projection. A rotary tool holder tube is mounted on bearings in a supporting tube and is provided with a first quick connection snap coupling which includes balls surrounded by a resilient sleeve and which are capable of engaging the groove in the tool shank. The shank is coupled to the drive shaft by the coupling projection and a slot in the drive shaft. Engagement of the second quick connection coupling joining the supporting tube to the housing simultaneously blocks the resilient sleeve. The quick connection coupling device is used in a surgical instrument which enables a variety of rotary cutting tools to be operated at varying distances from the drive shaft by use of a set of intermediate spindles of various lengths having the same structure as the quick connection device. When the second coupling device is engaged, a movable coupling member surrounds the resilient sleeve and locks the balls in the groove in the tool shank. The surgical instrument is provided with a set of tools with identical shanks that fit the tool holder tube and include the groove and coupling projection. The instrument is particularly suitable for use in orthopedic surgery.

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First Claim