| CPC A61B 17/92 (2013.01) [A61F 2/4603 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00544 (2013.01); A61B 2017/924 (2013.01); A61F 2002/4681 (2013.01); A61F 2002/4694 (2013.01)] | 25 Claims |
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1. A bi-directional pneumatic impactor for imparting impact forces to an object comprising:
a support structure defining a piston cylinder and at least one grip member whereby a user can manually grasp the support structure;
a piston reciprocally moveable along a piston axis within the piston cylinder;
a pressure control system coupled with the piston cylinder and adapted to be connected to a supply of pressurized gas, wherein the pressure control system is adapted to reciprocatingly move the piston along the piston axis;
an impact transfer assembly disposed on the support structure and adapted to be coupled with the object whereby the impact transfer assembly transfers impact forces generated by the piston to the object;
wherein the pneumatic impactor is selectively switchable between a driving mode and a retracting mode wherein, in the driving mode, the piston generates forceful impacts at a first end of the reciprocal movement and the impact transfer assembly transfers impact forces generated at the first end of the reciprocal movement to the object; and, in the retracting mode, the piston generates forceful impacts at a second end of the reciprocal movement opposite the first end and the impact transfer assembly transfers impact forces generated at the second end of the reciprocal movement to the object, and
wherein the pneumatic impactor is selectively switchable between the driving mode and the retracting mode by selectively configuring the impact transfer assembly and wherein the impact transfer assembly includes an elongate hammer pin, the hammer pin being axially moveable relative to the piston and the support structure, the hammer pin including;
an axially extending end projecting from the support structure and adapted to be coupled with the object; and
first and second impact surfaces wherein the first and second impact surfaces face in opposite axial directions and the piston is engageable with the first impact surface to impart impact forces to the hammer pin in a first axial direction and the piston is engageable with the second impact surface to impart impact forces to the hammer pin in an opposite second axial direction and wherein the hammer pin is axially movable relative to the housing between a first axial position wherein only the first impact surface of the first and second impact surfaces is engageable by the piston and a second axial position wherein only the second impact surface of the first and second impact surfaces is engageable by the piston.
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