US20230100859A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20230100859A1
Application number: US17/485,770
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas L. Meredith
Original assignee: Community Blood Center D/b/a Community Tissue Services
Current assignee: Community Blood Center D/b/a Community Tissue Services
Priority date: 2021-09-27
Filing date: 2021-09-27
Publication date: 2023-03-30
Also published as: US20240252721A1; US20230338616A1; US12251495B2

Abstract

A bone grinder is provided herein. The bone grinder may have a grinding chamber, an intermediate zone, and a primary cutting element and a secondary cutting element. The intermediate zone may have a first wall and a second wall within the grinding chamber, and the intermediate zone may separate the primary cutting element from the secondary cutting element. The first wall and the second wall may slope inward such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall generally decreases from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may be positioned within the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on a bone. A drive mechanism may operatively engage the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element.

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of the following patent applications which are hereby incorporated by reference: None.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a bone grinder, and more particularly to a bone grinder promoting bone osteoinductivity.

BACKGROUND

There are many medical procedures requiring a donation of human organs and tissues. Bone is one of the required human tissues needed for a number of these medical procedures. Donated bone sample must first be processed into a bone matter or a bone particulate; thereafter, the bone matter or the bone particulate must then be demineralized. Among other uses and implementations, the bone matter or the bone particulate may be used in adhesives and/or in grafting material for bone-grafting operations, as well as in bone-tissue composites for the production of screws, disks, plates, pins, and joint sockets in connection with corrective or elective surgical procedures.

Several attempts have been made to manufacture, create, and/or produce bone grinding devices that mill the bone into usable bone matter or bone particulate, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,821 and 5,607,269. There are a number of drawbacks, however, associated with current models of bone grinding devices. First, current models of bone grinding devices necessitate a two-stage milling operation, which require at least two or more items or pieces of equipment. In a first of the at least two or more items or pieces of equipment, the bone is ground into intermediary pieces, or bone fragments; the intermediary pieces, or the bone fragments, are then physically transferred to a second of the at least two or more items or pieces of equipment to convert the intermediary pieces, or the bone fragments, into the bone matter or the bone particulate. While these current models of bone grinding devices may effectuate a milling operation on the bone, they nevertheless require a transfer of the bone between at least two or more items or pieces of equipment. Accordingly, the current models of bone grinding devices lack an efficient milling operation, conversion, and transformation of the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, whereby the milling operation is operated in an automated or near-automated manner, without interruptions or interferences to the conversion or transformation of the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate.

A second drawback associated with current models of bone grinding devices is the likelihood of contamination of the bone during a milling operation on the bone. During the milling operation on the bone, it is generally imperative that the bone not be contaminated by external contaminants, including moisture, air, particulate matter, or other external environmental hazards. Accordingly, a sterilization of, or an increased sterilization in, the bone grinding device is instrumental in preserving the bio-integrity of the bone as it converts or transforms into the bone matter or the bone particulate. For example, in some models of the bone grinding devices, a motor or a drive mechanism of the bone grinding device may be in close, physical proximity to a discharge path of the processing section of the bone grinding device. Where the motor or drive mechanism is in close, physical proximity to the discharge path, the bone particulate or the bone matter may be contaminated by the air or particulate matter deriving from the motor or the drive mechanism. Accordingly, these models of the bone grinding devices fail to prevent, mitigate, or deter the contamination of the bone matter or the bone particulate, which is deleterious to the sterility and bio-integrity of the bone matter or the bone particulate in medical applications or surgical procedures.

In addition to issues of sterility in the bone particulate or the bone matter, a third drawback associated with current models of bone grinding devices is a collapse, degradation, diminution, or breakdown of morphogenetic proteins. Bone morphogenetic proteins, or “BMPs,” are families of proteins that initiate, promote, and/or maintain morphogenesis. Morphogenesis is the development process through which the human organs and tissues acquire or achieve a physical shape or configuration that works in concert with human organs' and tissues' functions. Where there is the collapse, degradation, diminution, or breakdown of the morphogenetic proteins due to the conversion or transformation of the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, an osteoinductivity of the bone matter or the bone particulate may be reduced. Osteoinduction, to which the term “osteoinductivity” refers, is generally defined as a process by which osteogenesis is induced—bone is generated (or regenerated) from osteocompetent cells in bone connective tissue or bone cartilage. In other words, osteoinductivity of morphogenetic proteins refers to the ability or capacity for the morphogenetic proteins to generate (or regenerate) bone.

Osteoinductivity of the bone matter or the bone particulate may be degraded, diminished, or broken down through heat produced or dissipated in an operation of the bone grinding device. In current models of the bone grinding device, heat produced or dissipated during an operation of the bone grinding device may be unchecked or unregulated due to an absence of an automated process that regulates a speed of cutting elements in the bone grinding device. Heat produced or dissipated during the operation of the bone grinding device may be further unchecked or unregulated due to an inconsistent or increased pressure and rate at which the bone may be fed into the cutting elements of the bone grinding device. Moreover, in current models of the bone grinding device, the cutting elements may continue to be engaged by the motor or the drive mechanism after the bone has been transformed or converted into the bone matter and/or the bone particulate. Where the cutting elements continue to function after the bone has been transformed or converted into the bone matter and/or the bone particulate, unnecessary heat is generated by the operation of the cutting elements, thereby further degrading, diminished, or otherwise breaking down the osteoinductivity of the bone matter and/or the bone particulate.

Current models of bone grinding devices may further adversely affect the osteoinductivity of the bone or lead to an inefficient milling of the bone due to the presence of a “bone swirling” effect. The “bone swirling” effect occurs where the bone is not efficiently milled by the cutting elements, thereby leaving the bone particulate or bone matter not usable in medical application or surgical procedures. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,355, a bone grinder is disclosed, wherein the bone grinder is automated and sterilely processes bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate for use in medical procedures or surgical operations. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,355, the bone grinder of the disclosure comprises a grinding chamber and primary and secondary cutting elements positioned with the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary and secondary cutting operations on the bone. While the bone grinder disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,355 is efficient in converting or transforming bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, the bone grinder of the foregoing disclosure may inadvertently promote or initiate the “bone swirling” effect, whereby the bone matter or the bone particulate, as it moves from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element, either does not transfer to the secondary cutting element, and further to the discharge path, or the bone matter or the bone particulate moves in a “swirling” motion in an intermediate space between the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element. By having the bone particulate or the bone matter “swirl” in the intermediate space or not transfer to the secondary cutting element, the bone grinding device is prevented or delayed from efficiently transforming or converting the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate. And, where the bone grinding device is delayed from efficiently transforming or converting the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, unnecessary heat may be generated or dissipated in the grinding chamber, the heat of which degrades, diminishes, decreases, or breaks down the osteoinductivity of the bone.

Other current models of bone grinding devices may diminish, decrease, or break down the osteoinductivity of the bone or lead to an inefficient milling of the bone where the cutting elements are unable to effectuate uninhibited or unobstructed shearing, grinding, or slicing forces on and against the bone. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,342, a portable bone grinder is disclosed wherein two or more cutting heads perform cutting operations on the bone to produce the bone matter or the bone particulate. Among other features, the portable bone grinder of U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,342 discloses one or more scrappers, wherein the one or more scrappers may facilitate or enable a removal of “stuck,” “lodged,” or “adhered” bone matter or bone particulate from the two or more cutting heads. While the bone grinder disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,342 is efficient in converting or transforming bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate with requisite sterility, the one or more scrappers must be withdrawn from the portable grinder by a user to use the one or more scrappers to remove the “stuck,” “lodged,” or “adhered” bone matter or bone particulate. Accordingly, current models of bone grinding devices, including the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,342, lack an automated process of discharging the “stuck” bone matter or bone particulate, so as to not interrupt or interfere with the milling operation of the bone grinder. Where the bone grinding device is unable to effectively shear, grind, or slice the bone, so as to convert or transform the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, unnecessary heat may be generated or dissipated, which in turn, further diminishes, decreases, or breaks down the osteoinductivity of the bone.

Thus, current models of bone grinding devices present at least the following problems: current models of bone grinding devices lack an efficient milling operation and conversion or transformation of the bone to the bone matter or bone particulate, due at least in part to interruptions or interferences with the grinding, slicing, and/or shearing of the bone; the bone is likely to be exposed to environmental contaminants during a milling operation on the bone, thereby adversely impacting the sterility requirements for use in medical procedures or surgical operations; and unnecessary heat is generated or dissipated by an inefficient milling of the bone, including the “bone swirling” effect and/or the adherence of the bone matter or the bone particulate to the cutting elements of the bone grinding devices. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a bone grinder that overcomes the foregoing limitations associated with current models of the bone grinding devices and inefficiencies therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a novel bone grinder. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a novel bone grinder promoting osteoinductivity.

In light of the drawbacks associated with current models of bone grinding devices, it would be desirable to provide a novel bone grinder that overcomes at least the foregoing limitations. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a bone grinder, each of the various embodiments of the bone grinder having elements or features that improve a functionality of the bone grinding devices or otherwise promote, improve, or increase an osteoinductivity of the bone as the bone is milled, transformed, and/or converted from bone into bone matter or bone particulate, such as bone fragments and/or bone powder. In accordance with the present disclosure, an embodiment of the bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder may include an intermediate zone having a first wall and a second wall. The intermediate zone may be positioned within a grinding chamber and may separate a primary cutting element from a secondary cutting element. A distance between the first wall and the second wall may generally decrease from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element. The distance between the first wall and second wall may reduce, mitigate, or prevent a “bone swirling” effect, permitting a bone to be efficiently milled from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element.

In accordance with the present disclosure, another embodiment of the bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder may include a primary cutting element positioned within a grinding chamber to perform primary cutting operations on a bone to convert or transform bone into bone matter or bone particulate, such as bone fragments and/or bone powder. The primary cutting element may include one or more primary cutting tools with primary cutting teeth, each having a row of alternating recesses and ridges. One or more rakes, which are positioned within the grinding chamber and after the primary cutting element, may have raking teeth with a row of alternating recesses and ridges corresponding to the alternating recesses and ridges of the primary cutting teeth. The correspondence between the primary cutting teeth and the raking teeth may facilitate a removal of “stuck,” “lodged,” or “adhered” bone matter or bone particulate from the primary cutting element. Accordingly, the disclosure herein may provide an automated process of discharging the “stuck” bone matter or bone particulate, so as to not interrupt or interfere with the milling operation of the bone grinder, and not generate or dissipate unnecessary heat through inefficient and continued operation of the primary cutting element.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an alternative embodiment of the bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder includes a primary cutting element positioned within a grinding chamber to perform primary cutting operations on a bone to convert or transform bone into bone matter or bone particulate, such as bone fragments and/or bone powder. The primary cutting element may include one or more primary cutting tools with primary cutting teeth, each having a row of alternating recesses and ridges. A scraper may be positioned within the grinding chamber and positioned proximate to the primary cutting tool, such that a scraping edge of the scraper may apply a shearing or shaving force against the primary cutting teeth. By applying the shearing or shaving force against the primary cutting teeth, the scraper may facilitate a removal of “stuck,” “lodged,” or “adhered” bone matter or bone particulate from the primary cutting element. Accordingly, the disclosure herein may provide an automated process of discharging the “stuck” bone matter or bone particulate, so as to not interrupt or interfere with the milling operation of the bone grinder and not generate or dissipate unnecessary heat through inefficient and continued operation of the primary cutting element.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a further embodiment of the bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder may include a chute configured to contain and guide a bone to a grinding chamber. A primary cutting element may be located within the grinding chamber to perform primary cutting operations on the bone to convert or transform the bone into bone matter or bone particulate, such as bone fragments or bone powder. A push platform may be located within the chute and operable between a compressed position and a released position. In the compressed position, a drive mechanism may operatively engage the primary cutting element for when the chute at least contains the bone, and in the released position, the drive mechanism may operatively disengage the primary cutting element from performing the primary cutting operations for when the chute does not at least contain the bone. The push platform may prohibit or deter an inefficient milling operation of the bone grinder, wherein unnecessary heat may be generated or dissipated due to attenuated or extended engagement by the drive mechanism when the bone has been converted or transformed from the bone into the bone matter or the bone particulate, such as bone fragments or bone powder.

In the context of a bone grinder, the bone grinder having a grinding chamber, an intermediate zone, and a primary cutting element and a secondary cutting element is provided herein. The intermediate zone may have a first wall and a second wall within the grinding chamber, and the intermediate zone may separate the primary cutting element from the secondary cutting element. The first wall and the second wall may slope inward such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall generally decreases from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may be positioned within the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on a bone. A drive mechanism may operatively engage the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element.

In the context of a bone grinder, the bone grinder having a grinding chamber, a primary cutting element, and one or more rakes is provided herein. The primary cutting element may be located within the grinding chamber to perform primary cutting operations on a bone to produce bone matter. The primary cutting element may be operatively engaged by a drive mechanism. The primary cutting element may have one or more primary cutting tools, each of the one or more primary cutting tools having primary cutting teeth. The primary cutting teeth may have a row of alternating recesses and ridges. The bone grinder may further include one or more rakes, each of the one or more rakes having raking teeth. The raking teeth may include a row of alternating recesses and ridges. One of the one or more rakes may be positioned within the grinding chamber and after the primary cutting element, such that row of alternating recesses and ridges of the primary cutting teeth of one of the one or more primary cutting tools may correspond with the row of alternating recesses and ridges of the raking teeth of the one of the one or more rakes.

In the context of a bone grinder, the bone grinder having a chute, a grinding chamber, a primary cutting element, and a push platform is provided herein. The chute may be positioned before the grinding chamber and may be configured to contain and guide a bone to the grinding chamber. The grinding chamber may contain the primary cutting element, and the primary cutting element may perform primary cutting operations on the bone to produce matter. The primary cutting element may be operatively engaged by a drive mechanism. The chute may contain a push platform, and the push platform may be operable between a compressed position and a released position. The compressed position may be configured to enable the drive mechanism to operatively engage the primary cutting element where the chute contains the bone to be guided to the grinding chamber. The released position may be configured to operatively disengage the primary cutting element from performing the primary cutting operations for when the chute does not contain the bone to be guided to the grinding chamber.

In one particular and exemplary embodiment, a bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder has a grinding chamber, an intermediate zone, a primary cutting element, and a secondary cutting element. The intermediate zone has a first wall and a second wall within the grinding chamber, and the intermediate zone separates the primary cutting element from the secondary cutting element. The first wall and the second wall of the intermediate zone slope inward such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall generally decreases from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element are positioned within the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on a bone. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element are operatively engaged by a drive mechanism.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first wall and the second wall of the intermediate zone may be sloped inward in a generally linear manner.

In another embodiment, the first wall and the second wall of the intermediate zone may be sloped inward in a generally curved manner.

In another embodiment, the intermediate zone may occupy a volume within the grinding chamber that is between about 2.5 in³and about 13 in³.

In another embodiment, the bone grinder may further include a chute and a discharge path. The chute may be positioned before the grinding chamber, and the chute may be configured to contain and direct the bone to the grinding chamber. The discharge path may be positioned after the grinding chamber, and the discharge path may be configured to dispense the bone as bone matter.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the primary cutting element may have a primary first end opposite to a primary second end, such that the primary first end may be adjacent to the chute and the primary second end may be adjacent to the intermediate zone. The secondary cutting element may have a secondary first end opposite to a secondary second end, the secondary first end adjacent to the intermediate zone and the secondary second end adjacent to the discharge path. The primary second end of the primary cutting element may have a distance between about 0.75 inches to about 3 inches from the secondary first end of the secondary cutting element.

In another embodiment, the secondary cutting element may include a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first cutting tool may have a first set of teeth and a second cutting tool may have a second set of teeth. The first cutting tool and the second cutting tool may be positioned to define a cutting zone between the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool are positioned within the cutting zone to alternate with and overlap with the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool.

In another embodiment, the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool may move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone, such that the first direction and the second direction are similar.

In another embodiment, the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool may move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone, such that the first direction and the second direction are different.

In one particular and exemplary embodiment, a bone grinder is provided, wherein the bone grinder includes a grinding chamber, a primary cutting element, and one or more rakes. The primary cutting element is located within the grinding chamber, and the primary cutting element performs primary cutting operations on a bone to produce bone matter. The primary cutting element is operatively engaged by a drive mechanism. The primary cutting element has one or more primary cutting tools, each of the one or more primary cutting tools having a row of alternating recesses and ridges. The one or more rakes have raking teeth, the raking teeth having a row of alternating recesses and ridges. One of the one or more rakes are positioned within the grinding chamber and after the primary cutting element. The row of alternating recesses and ridges of the primary cutting teeth of one of the one or more primary cutting tools corresponds with the row of alternating recesses and ridges of the raking teeth of the one of the one or more rakes.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the bone grinder may further include a secondary cutting element positioned within the grinding chamber, such that the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may sequentially perform the primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on the bone to produce the bone matter. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may be operatively engaged by the drive mechanism.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the secondary cutting element may have a first secondary cutting tool and a second secondary cutting tool. The first secondary cutting tool may have a first set of secondary cutting teeth and the second secondary tool may have a second set of secondary cutting teeth. The first set and the second set of the secondary teeth may have a row of alternating recesses and ridges.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one of the one or more rakes and a second of the one or more rakes within the grinding chamber are positioned after the secondary cutting element, such that the row of alternating recesses and ridges of the first set and the second set of secondary cutting teeth respectively correspond with the row of alternating recesses and ridges of the raking teeth of the one of the one or more rakes and the second of the one or more rakes, whereby the raking teeth are configured to remove bone matter from the secondary cutting teeth during concurrent movement of the first and second secondary cutting tool.

In another embodiment, the first secondary cutting and the second secondary cutting tool may be positioned to define a cutting zone between the first set of secondary teeth and the second set of secondary teeth. The first set of secondary teeth of the first secondary cutting tool may be positioned within the cutting zone to alternate with and overlap with the second set of secondary teeth of the second secondary cutting tool.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first set of secondary teeth of the first secondary cutting tool may move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of the secondary teeth of the second secondary cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone. The first direction and the second direction may be similar.

In another embodiment, the first set of secondary teeth of the first secondary cutting tool may move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of the secondary teeth of the second secondary cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone. The first direction and the second direction may be different.

In one particular and exemplary embodiment, a bone grinder having a chute, a grinding chamber, a primary cutting element, and a push platform is provided herein. The chute is positioned before the grinding chamber and is configured to contain and guide a bone to the grinding chamber. A primary cutting element is located within the grinding chamber to perform primary cutting operations on the bone to produce bone matter. The primary cutting element is operatively engaged by a drive mechanism. The chute contains the push platform. The push platform is operable between a compressed position and a released position. The compressed position is configured to enable the drive mechanism to operatively engage the primary cutting element for when the chute contains the bone to be guided to the grinding chamber. The released position is configured to operatively disengage the primary cutting element from performing primary cutting operations for when the chute does not contain the bone to be guided to the grinding chamber.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, a secondary cutting element may be positioned within the grinding chamber. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may sequentially perform the primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on the bone to produce the bone matter. The primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element may be operatively engaged by the drive mechanism.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the released position of the push platform may operatively disengage the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element from sequentially performing the primary cutting operations and the secondary cutting operations.

In another embodiment, the primary cutting element may include a first primary cutting tool and a second primary cutting tool. The first primary cutting tool may include a first set of primary cutting teeth and the second cutting tool may include a second set of primary cutting teeth. The first primary cutting tool and the second primary cutting tool may be positioned to define a cutting zone between the first set of primary cutting teeth and the second set of primary cutting teeth.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first set of primary cutting teeth of the first primary cutting tool may be positioned within the cutting zone to alternate with and overlap with the second set of primary cutting teeth of the second primary cutting tool.

In another embodiment, the first set of primary cutting teeth of the first primary cutting tool may move in a direction through the cutting zone and the second set of primary cutting teeth of the second primary cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone. The first direction and the second direction may be similar.

In another embodiment, the first set of primary cutting teeth of the first primary cutting tool may move in a direction through the cutting zone and the second set of primary cutting teeth of the second primary cutting tool may move in a second direction through the cutting zone. The first direction and the second direction may be different.

In another embodiment, the chute may be configured to receive a bone supplying rod, and the bone supplying rod may be configured to direct the bone to the grinding chamber.

In one aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the bone supplying rod may direct the bone to the grinding chamber, such that the push platform may be operated to the compressed position.

In another embodiment, the bone supplying rod may not direct the bone to the grinding chamber and the bone supplying rod may be at least partially withdrawn from the chute, such that the push platform is operated to the released position.

In another embodiment, the push platform may include a reed switch, such that the reed switch is configured to operatively disengage the primary cutting element from performing primary cutting operations where the push platform is operated to the released position.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized in the description are for convenience only and no legal or limiting effect. Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments set forth herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bone grinder having a drive section and a processing section.

FIG.1B is a side view of the embodiment of the bone grinder having the drive section and the processing section.

FIG.1C is a front view of the embodiment of the bone grinder with a front plate covering a chute, a grinding chamber, and a discharge path of the processing section.

FIG.1D is a front view of the embodiment of the bone grinder with the front plate removed conveying the chute, the grinding chamber, and the discharge path of the processing section.

FIG.1E is a view of a gearing system of the drive section of the embodiment of the bone grinder.

FIG.2A is a side view of a coarse cutting tool to be positioned within a grinding chamber of an embodiment of a bone grinder.

FIG.2B is a front view of the coarse cutting tool to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the embodiment of the bone grinder.

FIG.3A is a perspective view of a scraper to be positioned within a grinding chamber of an embodiment of a bone grinder.

FIG.3B is a front view of the embodiment of the bone grinder having the scraper positioned within the grinding chamber and proximate to a coarse cutting tool.

FIG.4A is a front view of fine cutting tools to be positioned within a grinding chamber of an embodiment of a bone grinder.

FIG.4B is a perspective view of the fine cutting tools to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the embodiment of the bone grinder.

FIG.4C is a top view of the fine cutting tools to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the embodiment of the bone grinder.

FIG.4D is an enhanced top view of the fine cutting tools to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the embodiment of the bone grinder.

FIG.5A is a perspective view of a rake to be positioned within a grinding chamber of an embodiment of a bone grinder.

FIG.5B is a perspective view of the rake engaged to each of fine cutting tools to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the bone grinder.

FIG.5C is a front view of the rake engaged to each of the fine cutting tools to be positioned within the grinding chamber of the bone grinder.

FIG.5D is a front view of an embodiment of the bone grinder having the rake positioned within the grinding chamber and engaged to each of the fine cutting tools.

FIG.6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bone grinder having a drive section and a processing section.

FIG.6B is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the bone grinder with a front plate removed conveying a first chute and a second chute, a first grinding chamber and a second grinding chamber, and a first discharge path and a second discharge path of the processing section.

FIG.6C is a view of a gearing system of the drive section of the alternative embodiment of the bone grinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

The words “connected,” “attached,” “joined,” “mounted,” “fastened,” “fixed,” “engaged,” and the like, or any variation thereof, should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1E, an embodiment of thebone grinder20 is disclosed. Thebone grinder20 may be formed by a material, the material including at least one of steel, plastic-based, FDA-approved material, ceramic, or any other variety or alloys, metals, or polymers which may provide a firm and rigid structure for thebone grinder20. Thebone grinder20 may be described as having at least two sections, adrive section22 and aprocessing section24. In optional embodiments, thedrive section22 and theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may rest upon, or be affixed or mounted to, asupport member26, or asupport board26 orsupport plate26. Thesupport member26 may enable a user of thebone grinder20 to portably move or transport thebone grinder20, either with or without casters (not shown), between a bone-tissue processing room and/or a surgical suite or medical-operation facility.

Theprocessing section24 may include the grindingchamber30 and one or more cutting elements positioned within the grindingchamber30, such as theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42 may perform the primary cutting operations or the secondary cutting operations on thebone10, respectively. Thedrive section22 may include adrive mechanism212 operatively engaging the one or more cutting elements, including theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42.

Thedrive section22 may be engaged to theprocessing section24 through one or more drive shafts216. The one or more drive shafts216 may be engaging thedrive section22 to theprocessing section24 by and through a mounting, fixing, and/or stabilizing of the one or more drive shafts216 onto adrive plate214. In optional embodiments, thedrive section22 may include a first drive shaft216A, a second drive shaft216B, a third drive shaft216C, and a fourth drive shaft216D. For the purpose of the disclosure herein, any reference to the one or more drive shafts216 may constitute the first drive shaft216A, the second drive shaft216B, the third drive shaft216C, and/or the fourth drive shaft216D. The one or more drive shafts216 may be supported by a bearing (not shown) that further facilitates an environmental separation of thedrive mechanism212 of thedrive section22 from theprocessing section24.

Thedrive mechanism212 may be a mechanical drive mechanism that is either (or both) electrically powered or pneumatically powered. Thedrive mechanism212 may convert electrical energy or pneumatic energy into mechanical energy for milling thebone10 into the bone matter12, either (or both) as the bone fragments14 and/or the bone powder16. Amotor211 facilitating the mechanical drive mechanism, whether enabled by electricity or compressed air, may have a power measurement of between about three (3) to four (4) horsepower (HP). In optional embodiments where themotor211 is enabled by compressed air, operational pressure may range from about twenty (20) pounds per square inch (psi) and higher; in other optional embodiments, operational pressure may range from about forty (40) pounds per square inch (psi) and higher. In optional embodiments, where themotor211 is enabled by electricity, themotor211 may have a power measurement of about four (4) horsepower (HP) and may operate at 110/120 volts (V), although themotor211 may be designed for additional or different electronic inputs. Thedrive mechanism212 of thedrive section22 may be housed or stored within, or adjacent to, acontrol box210, which may be formed by a material including stainless steel, metal, metallic alloys, various polymers, and combinations thereof. Thecontrol box210 may include various electronic controls (not shown) for operating thebone grinder20, including a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Thedrive mechanism212 may include agearing system220 having one or more gears222, as depicted inFIG.1E. The one or more gears222 of thegearing system220 may operatively engage the one or more cutting elements, including theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42, and rotate the one or more cutting elements. Thedrive mechanism212 may operatively engage the one or more drive shafts216 through thegearing system220; each of the one or more drive shafts216 may engage at least one of the one or more cutting elements, including theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Thedrive mechanism212, by and through the one or more gears222 of thegearing system220 and one or more clutches (not shown) may rotate the one or more cutting elements, including theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. In optional embodiments, a piston-style rotary actuator (not shown) is the rotation force within thedrive mechanism212.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1C, theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may be attached to awall200 by awall plate202. Thewall plate202 may include wall-plate mounting studs203, such as the wall-plate mounting studs203A and203B as depicted inFIGS.1A and1C, with which theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may be attached to thewall200. In optional embodiments, thewall plate202 may also include proximity switches (not shown) that are configured to provide safety features for thebone grinder20. To the extent any of the optional embodiments of the proximity switches (not shown) are not in connection, thebone grinder20 will not operate. The proximity switches may be located near a connection of thechute32 and/or near a connection of the one or more drive shafts216 and the one or more cutting elements, including either theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. As illustratively conveyed inFIGS.1A-1C, theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may have afront plate204 mounted and/or affixed, such that the grindingchamber30, thechute32, and thedischarge path34 may be sealed or otherwise covered from external conditions, including contaminants, air, moisture, or other environmental factors.

Theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may be environmentally separated from thedrive section22 to deter, prevent, or mitigate a contamination of theprocessing section22 with external conditions, including air, moisture, contaminants, or other environmental factors. Thedrive section22 may be environmentally separated from theprocessing section24 through mounting, fixing, and/or stabilizing the one or more drive shafts216 onto adrive plate214, thereby shielding and or further separating the one or more drive shafts216 from thedrive mechanism212 and thecontrol box210. Thedrive section22 may be further environmentally separated from theprocessing section24 by mounting theprocessing section24 on thewall200 with thewall plate202. And, theprocessing section24 may be even further environmentally separated from thedrive section22 by mounting or affixing thefront plate24 so as to seal or cover the grindingchamber30, thechute32, and thedischarge path34. In optional embodiments, theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may have a compressed air filtration system (not shown). The compressed air filtration system (not shown) may operate between about 60 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 160 pounds per square inch (psi). The compressed air filtration system (not shown) may remove impurities within theprocessing section24 having dimensions at or around 0.1 microns.

Referring toFIG.1D, thefront plate204 is removed, thereby conveying the grindingchamber30, thechute32, and thedischarge path34 of theprocessing section24. Thechute32 may be configured to contain and direct thebone10 into the grindingchamber30. Thechute32, which is positioned before the grindingchamber30, may contain abone supplying cylinder70, as illustratively conveyed inFIGS.1A-1D. Thebone supplying cylinder70 may engage the grindingchamber30, and thebone supplying cylinder70 may be adapted to transport thebone22 to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. Thebone supplying cylinder70 within thechute32 may include abone supplying rod72 having acontact plate74. In optional embodiments, thebone supplying cylinder70 may be formed of a material including at least one of low carbon, non-magnetic, stainless steel, or other metals, metallic alloys, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof.

In optional embodiments, thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may be pneumatically driven, so as to deliver thebone10 at a consistent pressure and speed to the grindingchamber30. The use of a pneumatically-drivenbone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may transport thebone10 to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. Generally, the use of the pneumatically-drivenbone supplying rod72 may necessitate a high degree of torque, including over about 71,000 inches per pound, so as to apply consistent pressure to thebone10 as it is transported to the grindingchamber30. In other optional embodiments, thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may utilize or incorporate a hydraulic cylinder, a turbine piston, or other devices within the industry for delivering consistent power, pressure, and/or speed. In further optional embodiments, thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may be electro-mechanically driven, enabling a user of thebone grinder20 to control, regulate, or otherwise monitor the pressure and speed applied to thebone10 by thebone supplying rod72 as thebone10 is transported to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. By using an electro-mechanically drivenbone supplying cylinder70, thebone grinder20 may not require or necessitate any pneumatic lines plumbed or connected to theprocessing section24, eliminating a risk of inadvertent leaks or undue contamination of the grindingchamber30.

Within thebone supplying cylinder70 may be thebone supplying rod72 and thecontact plate74 at an end of thebone supplying rod72. Generally, thebone supplying rod72, when entering thebone supplying cylinder70 and thechute32, is not configured to rotate. Thecontact plate74 of thebone supplying rod72 may engage thebone10 upon loading thebone10 into thebone supplying cylinder70 and thechute32. Thecontact plate74, by and through thebone supplying rod72, may transport thebone10 to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. In optional embodiments, thecontact plate74 may have a curvature with acircumference75 similar or complementary to a circumference associated with adiameter80 or adiameter90 of theprimary cutting element40. This correlation may permit thebone20 to reach theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30 as thecontact plate74 of thebone supplying rod72 transports thebone10 to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. In other optional embodiments, thecontact plate74 may comprise a four-sided end, such as a square, rectangle, or other four-sided polygon; in yet further optional embodiments, where thecontact plate74 comprises the four-sided end, the contact plate may have dimensions of about 1.5 inches by about 2 inches, though in other embodiments the dimensions can be higher or lower.

Referring toFIG.1D, thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may be configured to direct thebone10 into thechute32 and further to theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30. As illustratively conveyed inFIG.1D, theprimary cutting element40 include thecoarse cutting tool50 and the secondary cutting element42 may include one or more of the fine cutting tool52. Theprimary cutting element40 and the secondary cutting element42 may be operable to grind, shear, slice, or otherwise cut thebone10 into the bone matter12. In optional embodiments, theprimary cutting element40 may be operable to grind, shear, slice, or otherwise cut thebone10 in the bone matter12, whereby the bone matter12 constitutes intermediary pieces, such as the bone fragments14. In other optional embodiments, theprimary cutting element40 may be operable to grind, shear, slice, or otherwise cut thebone10 in the bone matter12, whereby the bone matter12 constitutes particulate pieces, such as the bone powder16. In yet further optional embodiments, the secondary cutting element42 may be operable to grind, shear, slice, or otherwise cut thebone10 into the bone matter12, whereby the bone matter12 constitutes particulate pieces, such as the bone powder16. Where the bone matter12 may constitute intermediary pieces, such as the bone fragments14, a size of the intermediary pieces may generally range from about 1,000 microns to about 6,000 microns, though in other embodiments the size of the intermediary pieces can be higher or lower. Where the bone matter12 may constitute particulate pieces, such as the bone powder16, a size of the particulate pieces may generally range from about 125 microns to about 2,000 microns, though in other embodiments the size of the particulate pieces can be higher or lower. A size of the intermediary pieces, such as the bone fragments14, or a size of the particulate pieces, such as the bone powder16, are determined by cutting teeth of theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42, including shape, height, spacing, angle, polish, and depth of alternating recesses and ridges of the cutting teeth of theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42.

Referring toFIG.1D, thefront plate204 is removed, thereby conveying thechute32, the grindingchamber30, and thedischarge path34 of theprocessing section24. The grindingchamber30 may have an intermediate zone36 separating theprimary cutting element40 from the secondary cutting element42. The intermediate zone36 may have afirst wall37 and asecond wall38, wherein adistance39 between thefirst wall37 and thesecond wall38 generally decreases from theprimary cutting element40 to the secondary cutting element42. In optional embodiments, thefirst wall37 and thesecond wall38 may slope inward in a generally linear manner. In other optional embodiments, thefirst wall37 and thesecond wall38 may slope inward in a generally curved manner. In further optional embodiments, the intermediate zone36 may occupy a volume within the grindingchamber30 that is about 12 in³. In other embodiments, the intermediate zone36 may occupy a volume within the grindingchamber30 that is at least between about 2.5 in³and about 13 in³, though in other embodiments the intermediate zone36 may occupy a volume within the grindingchamber30 that is greater than or lesser than the aforementioned values.

In yet further optional embodiments, theprimary cutting element40 may have a primaryfirst end44 opposed to a primarysecond end45, such that the primaryfirst end44 is adjacent to thechute32 and the primarysecond end45 is adjacent to the intermediate zone36. The secondary cutting element42 may have a secondaryfirst end46 opposed to a secondarysecond end47, such that the secondaryfirst end46 is adjacent to the intermediate zone36 and the secondarysecond end47 is adjacent to thedischarge path34. The primarysecond end45 of theprimary cutting element40 may be adistance48 from the secondaryfirst end46 of the secondary cutting element42 that is about 2.85 inches. In other embodiments, thedistance48 may range from about 0.75 inches to about 3 inches, though in optional embodiments thedistance48 can be higher or lower. The intermediate zone36 of the present disclosure may deter, mitigate, or prevent a “bone swirling” effect, whereby the bone matter12, as the bone matter12 transfers from theprimary cutting element40 to the secondary cutting element42, either does not transfer to the secondary cutting element42, and further to thedischarge path34, or the bone matter12 moves in a “swirling” motion in the intermediate zone36 between theprimary cutting element40 and the secondary cutting element42. By having the bone matter12 “swirl” in the intermediate zone36 or not transfer to the secondary cutting element42, thebone grinder20 is prevented or delayed from efficiently transforming or converting thebone10 into the bone matter12. And, where thebone grinder20 is delayed from efficiently transforming or converting thebone10 into the bone matter12, unnecessary heat may be generated or dissipated in the grindingchamber30, the heat of which degrades, diminishes, decreases, or breaks down the osteoinductivity of thebone10.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1D, theprimary cutting element40 and the secondary cutting element42, which are positioned within the grindingchamber30, may sequentially perform the primary cutting operations and the secondary cutting operations on thebone10 to produce the bone matter12. Thedrive mechanism212 may operatively engage theprimary cutting element40 and the secondary cutting element42 to perform the primary cutting operations and the secondary cutting operations.

Referring toFIGS.2A-2B, an embodiment of thecoarse cutting tool50 is depicted. In optional embodiments, theprimary cutting element40 may be thecoarse cutting tool50, as illustratively conveyed inFIGS.1A-1D. Thecoarse cutting tool50 may have thediameter80 ranging from about 2.9 inches to about 3 inches, though in other embodiments thediameter80 can be higher or lower. Moreover, thecoarse cutting tool50 may have anaxial length82 ranging from about 1.9 inches to about 2 inches, though in other embodiments thediameter80 can be higher or lower. Thecoarse cutting tool50, which may be referred to as aprimary cutting tool50 of theprimary cutting element40, may have coarse cuttingteeth84, which may be referred to asprimary cutting teeth84. Thecoarse cutting teeth84 may have one or more rows of alternatingridges88 and recesses86. In optional embodiments, each of the one or more rows of the alternatingridges88 and recesses86 may be offset and vary in starting location along theaxial length82. In other optional embodiments, each of theridges88 of thecoarse cutting teeth84 may have aridge width89 ranging from about 0.030 inches to about 0.25 inches, though in other embodiments theridge width89 can be higher or lower. In further optional embodiments, each of therecesses86 of thecoarse cutting teeth84 may have arecess width87 ranging from about 0.1 inches to about 0.55 inches, though in other embodiments therecess width87 can be higher or lower. As previously stated, thecoarse coating tool50 may be operable to grind, shear, slice, or otherwise cut thebone10 into bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, wherein the bone fragments14 may range in size from about 1,000 microns to about 6,000 microns, though in other embodiments the size of the bone fragments14 can be higher or lower.

Referring toFIGS.3A-3B, various embodiments of ascraper100 are depicted. Thescraper100 may have ascraping edge102. Thescraper100 may be located within the grindingchamber30 and proximate to or in contact with theprimary cutting element40, which, in optional embodiments, may be thecoarse cutting tool50. In optional embodiments, thescraping edge102 of thescraper100 may have a curvature with acircumference106 similar or complementary to a circumference associated with thediameter80 of theprimary cutting element40. This correlation may permit theprimary cutting element40 within the grindingchamber30 to continue to rotate without obstruction, thereby grinding, shearing, slicing, or otherwise cutting thebone10. Thescraping edge102 of thescraper100 may be configured to scrape the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, from theprimary cutting element40. By scraping the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, from theprimary cutting element40, the milling operation of thebone grinder20 is not interrupted, enabling thebone grinder20 to operate more efficiently or as an automated process. By operating without interruption, unnecessary heat is not generated or dissipated, the heat of which diminishes or breaks down the osteoinductivity of thebone10. In optional embodiments, thescraping edge102 may have asurface area104 ranging from about 0.4 in²to about 2.5 in², though in other embodiments thesurface area104 can be higher or lower.

Referring toFIGS.4A-4D, an embodiment of the fine cutting tool52 is depicted. In optional embodiments, the secondary cutting element42 may be the fine cutting tool52, as illustratively conveyed inFIGS.4A-4D. The secondary cutting element42 may include a first cutting tool60 and a second cutting tool62. Where the fine cutting tool52 functions or operates as the secondary cutting element42, the first cutting tool60 may be referred to as a first secondary cutting tool60 and the second cutting tool62 may be referred to as the second secondary cutting tool62. The embodiment of the fine cutting tool52, as illustratively conveyed inFIGS.4A-4D, is not intended to limit the fine cutting tool52 to function or operate as the secondary cutting element42. In other embodiments of thebone grinder20, the fine cutting tool52 may function or operate as theprimary cutting element40. Where the fine cutting tool52 functions or operates as theprimary cutting element40, the first cutting tool60 may be referred to as a first primary cutting tool60 and the second cutting tool62 may be referred to a second primary cutting tool62.

Referring toFIGS.5A-5C, various embodiments of arake110 are depicted. Therake110 may include rakingteeth112. The rakingteeth112 may have a row of alternatingridges117 and recesses114. In other optional embodiments, each of theridges117 of the rakingteeth112 may have aridge width118 ranging from about 0.01 inches to about 0.1 inches, though in other embodiments theridge width118 can be higher or lower. In further optional embodiments, each of therecesses114 of the rakingteeth112 may have arecess width115 ranging from about from about 0.02 inches to about 0.15 inches, though in other embodiments therecess width115 can be higher or lower. Therake110 may be positioned within the grindingchamber30 and after theprimary cutting element40, where theprimary cutting element40 includes the fine cutting tool52, or therake110 may be positioned within the grindingchamber30 after the secondary cutting element42, where the secondary cutting element42 includes the fine cutting tool52. In optional embodiments, therake110 may be positioned within the grindingchamber30 after the secondary cutting element42, such that aperpendicular support member111 may engage the raking teeth to the fine cutting tool52. Theperpendicular support member111 may be mounted at a location adjacent to thedischarge path34, whereby theperpendicular support member111 does not obstruct or interfere with a movement of the milled bone matter12, whether as the bone fragments14 or the bone powder16. The rakingteeth112 of therake110 may be engaged to the fine cutting teeth94 of the fine cutting tool52. The row of alternatingridges117 and recesses114 of the rakingteeth112 may correspond with the row of alternatingridges98 and recesses96 of the fine cutting teeth94. In optional embodiments, a first set of raking teeth112A of a first rake110A may be engaged to the first set of fine cutting teeth94A and a second set of raking teeth112B of a second rake110B may be engaged to second set of fine cutting teeth94B. The first rake110A may associate with a first perpendicular support member111A, and the second rake110B may associate with a second perpendicular support member111B. The engagement and correspondence of the rakingteeth112 to the fine cutting teeth94 may discharge or remove “stuck,” “lodged,” or “adhered” bone matter12 in the fine cutting teeth94, whether as the bone fragments14 or the bone powder16. By raking the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14 and/or the bone powder16, from theprimary cutting element40 or the secondary cutting element42, the milling operation of thebone grinder20 is not interrupted, enabling thebone grinder20 to operate more efficiently or as an automated process. By operating without interruption, unnecessary heat is not generated or dissipated, the heat of which diminishes or breaks down the osteoinductivity of thebone10.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1D, once thebone10 has been grinded, sheared, sliced, or otherwise cut by theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42, such that thebone10 has been converted or transformed into bone matter12, including the bone fragments14 or the bone powder16, the bone matter12 may exit the grindingchamber30 and thebone grinder20 through thedischarge path34. Thedischarge path34 may be positioned after the grindingchamber30, and thedischarge path34 may be distally located from thebone supplying cylinder70 and thechute32.

Referring toFIG.1E, thedrive mechanism212 may include thegearing system220. Thegearing system220 may operatively engage theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42, thereby rotating theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Thedrive mechanism212 operatively engages the one or more drive shafts216, with each of the one or more drive shafts operatively engaging at least one of theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Thegearing system220 may comprise the one or more gears222, including a first gear222A corresponding to theprimary cutting element40, a second gear222B, a third gear222C, and a fourth gear222D and a fifth gear222E corresponding to the secondary cutting element42. For the purpose of the disclosure herein, the first gear222A, the second gear222B, the third gear222C, the fourth gear222D, and the fifth gear222E may be referred to as the one or more gears222.

Referring toFIGS.6A-6B, an alternative embodiment of thebone grinder20 is depicted. For the purpose of the disclosure herein, the alternative embodiment of thebone grinder20 may be described by, comprise, or otherwise include features, elements, or objects described in connection with the embodiment of thebone grinder20 depicted inFIGS.1A-1D. Referring toFIG.6A, theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may have a first front plate204A and a second front plate204B sealing or covering the grindingchamber30, thechute32, and thedischarge path34. Referring toFIG.6B, theprocessing section24 of thebone grinder20 may include a first grinding chamber30A and a second grinding chamber30A, a first chute32A and a second chute32B, and a first discharge path34A and a second discharge path34B. The first chute32A may correspond to a first bone supplying cylinder70A and the second chute32B may correspond to a second bone supplying cylinder70B. In the alternative embodiment of thebone grinder20, the user of thebone grinder20 may insert, load, or otherwise place thebone10 into either (or both) of the first bone supplying cylinder70A and the second bone supplying cylinder70B. The first grinding chamber30A may include thecoarse cutting tool50, which may constitute theprimary cutting element40 performing the primary cutting operation on thebone10. The second grinding chamber30B may include the fine cutting tool52, which may constitute theprimary cutting element40 performing the primary cutting operation on thebone10 or the secondary cutting element42 performing the secondary cutting operation on thebone10. In optional embodiments, the user may place thebone10 into the first grinding chamber30A, thereby grinding, shearing, slicing, or cutting thebone10 into the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, which exits the first discharge path34A. Thereafter, the user may take the bone matter12, such as the bone fragment14, and insert the bone fragments14 into the second grinding chamber30B, thereby grinding, shearing, slicing, or cutting the bone fragments14 into the bone powder16 with the secondary cutting element42 of the second grinding chamber30B.

For the purpose of the disclosure, when referring to thefront plate204, thefront plate204 may constitute either (or both) the first front plate204A or the second front plate204B; when referring to the grindingchamber30, the grindingchamber30 may constitute either (or both) the first grinding chamber30A or the second grinding chamber30B; when referring to thechute32, thechute32 may constitute either (or both) the first chute32A or the second chute32B; when referring to thedischarge path34, thedischarge path34 may constitute either (or both) the first discharge path34A or the second discharge path34B; and, when referring to thebone supplying cylinder70, thebone supplying cylinder70 may constitute either (or both) the first bone supplying cylinder70A or the second bone supplying cylinder70B.

As shown inFIGS.6A-6B, thebone grinder20 may have apush platform120 placed or incorporated within thechute32. Thepush platform120 may be operable between a compressed position and a released position. In the compressed position, thepush platform120 may be configured to enable thedrive mechanism212 to operatively engage theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42 where thechute32 contains thebone10 to the transported or guided to the grindingchamber30. In the released position, thepush platform120 may be configured to operatively disengage theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42 from performing primary cutting operations and or secondary cutting operations for when thechute32 does not contain thebone10 to be transported or guided to the grindingchamber30. In optional embodiments, thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 may direct thebone10 into thechute32 and the grindingchamber30, such that thepush platform120 may be operated to the compressed position. In other optional embodiments, where thebone supplying rod72 of thebone supplying cylinder70 does not transport or guide thebone10 into the grindingchamber30 and thebone supplying rod72 is at least partially withdrawn from thechute32, thepush platform120 may be operated to the released position. Where thepush platform120 is operated to the released position, unnecessary heat is not generated or dissipated through the milling operation of theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. In other words, the user need not conjecture, estimate, or guess when thebone10 is adequately grinded, sheared, sliced, or cut, such that thebone10 is converted or transformed into the bone matter12, including the bone fragments14 or the bone powder16. Thus, thepush platform120 may deter, mitigate, or prevent an unnecessary generation or dissipation of heat in the grindingchamber30, thereby preserving or promoting the osteoinductivity of thebone10 or the bone matter12, whether as the bone fragments14 or the bone powder16.

In optional embodiments of thebone grinder20 illustratively conveyed inFIGS.6A-6C, thepush platform120 may include a reed switch (not shown). The reed switch may be configured to operatively disengage theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42 from performing primary cutting operations and/or secondary cutting operations where thepush platform120 is operated to the released position. The reed switch may be operable between an open position corresponding to the released position and a closed position corresponding to the compressed position. When thepush platform120 is operated to the compressed position, the reed switch may be operated to the closed position such that an electric circuit is established, thereby permitting a flow of electric current to power thedrive mechanism212. When thepush platform120 is operated to the released position, the reed switch may be operated to the open position such that an electric circuit is not established, thereby preventing a flow of electric current to power thedrive mechanism212. Generally, for those embodiments of thebone grinder20 having the reed switch in conjunction with thepush platform120, thedrive mechanism212 is driven by electric, electro-pneumatic, or electro-mechanical input.

Referring toFIGS.6A-6C, a milling operation of thebone grinder20 may proceed as follows. Thebone10 may be loaded or placed into the first bone supplying cylinder70A and the first chute32A for entry into the first grinding chamber30A. Upon compressing thepush platform120 by inserting thebone supplying rod72 and/or thebone20, thepush platform120 may be operated to the compressed position, such that thedrive mechanism212 may operatively engage and cause to rotate theprimary cutting element40. Upon theprimary cutting element40 grinding, shearing, slicing, or cutting thebone20 into the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, theprimary cutting element40 may continue to rotate so as to ensure thebone20 is adequately grinded, sheared, sliced, or cut prior to terminating a rotation or milling of theprimary cutting element40. In optional embodiments, thecontrol box210 of thedrive section22 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), configured to initiate a delay or pause sequence when thepush platform120 is operated to the compressed position, so as to ensure thebone20 is adequately grinded, sheared, sliced, or cut prior to terminating a rotation or milling of theprimary cutting element40. Where the bone matter12, such as the bone fragments14, exits the first grinding chamber30A through the first discharge path34A, the user of thebone grinder20 may transfer the bone matter12 to the second bone supplying cylinder70B and the second chute32B for entry into the second grinding chamber30B. Upon compressing thepush platform120 by inserting thebone supplying rod72, thepush platform120 may be operated to the compressed position, such that thedrive mechanism212 may operatively engage and cause to rotate the secondary cutting element42. Upon the secondary cutting element42 grinding, shearing, slicing, or cutting thebone20 into the bone matter12, such as the bone powder16, the secondary cutting element42 may continue to rotate so as to ensure thebone20 is further grinded, sheared, sliced, or cut prior to terminating a rotation or milling of the secondary cutting element42. In optional embodiments, thecontrol box210 of thedrive section22 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), configured to initiate a delay or pause sequence when thepush platform120 is operated to the compressed position, so as to ensure thebone20 is adequately grinded, sheared, sliced, or cut prior to terminating a rotation or milling of the secondary cutting element42.

Referring toFIG.6C, thedrive mechanism212 of the alternative embodiment of thebone grinder20 may include thegearing system220. Thegearing system220 may operatively engage the primary cutting element and/or the secondary cutting element42, thereby rotating theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Thedrive mechanism212 operatively engages the one or more drive shafts216, with each of the one or more drive shafts operatively engaging at least one of theprimary cutting element40 and/or the secondary cutting element42. Thegearing system220 may comprise the one or more gears222, including the first gear222A corresponding to theprimary cutting element40, the second gear222B, the third gear222C, the fourth gear22D, the fifth gear222E, and a sixth gear222F and a seventh gear222G corresponding to the secondary cutting element42. For the purpose of the disclosure herein, the first gear222A, the second gear222B, the third gear222C, the fourth gear222D, the fifth gear222E, the sixth gear222F, and the seventh gear222G may be referred to as the one or more gears222.

To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms have been defined above. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims. The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments of whether these features, elements, and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful BONE GRINDER PROMOTING BONE OSTEOINDUCTIVITY, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bone grinder comprising:

a grinding chamber having an intermediate zone, the intermediate zone separating a primary cutting element from a secondary cutting element;

a first wall and second wall within the grinding chamber, the first wall and the second wall spatially defining the intermediate zone in the grinding chamber;

the first wall and the second wall sloping inward such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall decreases from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element;

the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element positioned within the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on a bone, the intermediate zone configured to reduce heat generated in the grinding chamber by sequentially performed primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on the bone; and

a drive mechanism operatively engaging the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element.

2. The bone grinder ofclaim 1, wherein:

the first wall and the second wall of the intermediate zone are sloping inward in a linear manner.

3. The bone grinder ofclaim 1, wherein:

the first wall and the second wall of the intermediate zone are sloping inward in a curved manner.

4. The bone grinder ofclaim 1, wherein:

the intermediate zone occupies a volume within the grinding chamber that is between 2.5 in³and 13 in³.

5. The bone grinder ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a chute and a discharge path;

the chute positioned before the grinding chamber, the chute configured to contain and direct the bone to the grinding chamber; and

the discharge path positioned after the grinding chamber, the discharge path configured to dispense the bone as bone matter.

6. The bone grinder ofclaim 5, wherein:

the primary cutting element has a primary first end opposite to a primary second end, the primary first end adjacent to the chute and the primary second end adjacent to the intermediate zone;

the secondary cutting element has a secondary first end opposite to a secondary second end, the secondary first end adjacent to the intermediate zone and the secondary second end adjacent to the discharge path; and

the primary second end of the primary cutting element is at a distance between 0.75 inches to 3 inches from the secondary first end of the secondary cutting element.

7. The bone grinder ofclaim 1, wherein:

the secondary cutting element includes a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool.

8. The bone grinder ofclaim 7, wherein:

the first cutting tool has a first set of teeth and the second cutting tool has a second set of teeth; and

the first cutting tool and the second cutting tool are positioned to define a cutting zone between the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth.

9. The bone grinder ofclaim 8, wherein:

the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool are positioned within the cutting zone to alternate with and overlap with the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool.

10. The bone grinder ofclaim 8, wherein:

the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool move in a second direction through the cutting zone, wherein the first direction and the second direction are similar.

11. The bone grinder ofclaim 8, wherein:

the first set of teeth of the first cutting tool move in a first direction through the cutting zone and the second set of teeth of the second cutting tool move in a second direction through the cutting zone, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different.

30. A bone grinder comprising:

a grinding chamber having an intermediate zone, the intermediate zone separating a primary cutting element from a secondary cutting element such that there is a distance between 0.75 inches to 3 inches from an end of the primary cutting element adjacent the intermediate zone to an end of the secondary cutting element adjacent the intermediate zone;

the primary cutting element and the secondary cutting element positioned within the grinding chamber to sequentially perform primary cutting operations and secondary cutting operations on a bone; and

31. The bone grinder ofclaim 30, wherein:

32. The bone grinder ofclaim 30, wherein:

33. The bone grinder ofclaim 30, wherein:

34. The bone grinder ofclaim 30, further comprising:

a chute and a discharge path;

35. A bone grinder comprising:

the first wall and the second wall sloping inward such that a distance between the first wall and the second wall decreases from the primary cutting element to the secondary cutting element and such that the intermediate zone occupies a volume within the grinding chamber that is between 2.5 in³and 13 in³;

36. The bone grinder ofclaim 35, wherein:

37. The bone grinder ofclaim 35, wherein:

38. The bone grinder ofclaim 35, wherein:

the primary cutting element has an end adjacent the intermediate zone, and the secondary cutting element has an end adjacent the intermediate zone; and

there is a distance between 0.75 inches to 3 inches from the end of the primary cutting element adjacent the intermediate zone to the end of the secondary cutting element adjacent the intermediate zone.