Abstract: A beam-type torquing and measuring tool having two telescoping members rotationally attached together at a first end of each, and they are relatively rotatable at the other end. One member transmits torque to the workpiece and has a pointer thereon, and the other member has a scale readable relative to the pointer to measure the torque being applied. The members have a central opening extending axially therethrough for canalization, and there may be adapters threadedly attached to the tool ends, and the scale and pointer can be read in their two diametrically opposite locations.

Abstract: A hand manipulated torque tool, such as a screwdriver, having two handle portions pivotal between two modes of a straight relationship and a right angle relationship which forms a T-handled tool. A lock mechanism is operative between the handle portions to releasably hold the portions in the selected modes. The mechanism is accessible from the exterior of the tool, and it is operated by user finger pressure and it automatically re-locks upon release of the pressure and the subsequent pivoting of one handle portion to either of the two positions.

Abstract: A selective compression and distraction instrument useful in manipulating bone, such as a person's spine during surgery. There are two handle sections and one jaw section. One handle section produces a compression action and the other produces a distraction action. The user determines which action to apply, and then selects the appropriate handle section which is releasably attached to the one jaw section. The jaw section is arranged to have two tips, and the jaw section moves the tips in a parallel relationship toward and away relative to each other. The tips are releasably and interchangeably attachable to the jaw section, and they provide selective spacing of tip blades from each other.

Abstract: A screw holder and torquing tool having a one-piece body with a cavity for receiving a screw in a sturdy and stable condition. The screw can be applied in stabilizing bone, and the tool can apply sufficient torque though it is of a relatively small overall size. Tangs or fingers are flexible on the tool and they flex toward and away from the cavity and they hold the screw in the tool until the screw is embedded into bone or other host object.

Abstract: A method and template for making a rod to be implanted into a human for affixing the patient's spine. The template and the method consist of a metal rod covered by a flexible sleeve and end plugs which are cemented into the sleeve ends to fluid tightly encase the rod and prevent particulates from getting into the patient.

Abstract: An adapter for a driver of a rotary tool, and including a pin and slot combination effective between an adapter body and an adapter collar which is slidable on the body. A pin and slot combination guides the sliding and a spring urges the collar with its pin and slot combination into a tool locking position. The slot in the combination is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and thus it secures the working tool relative to the body and does so by means of a rotary action for the collar which actually also induces the axial movement of the collar for the securing of the tool. The tool has a conical surface oriented opposite to that of a collar conical surface which bears upon the balls for the tool tightening action mentioned. The method of securing the tool is included in the aforementioned.

Abstract: A hand tool of the type having a variable torque-limiting in-line drive with a handle having a cavity and a drive bit disposed in the cavity. Over-ride drive members are disposed in the cavity and a spring exerts a force on the drive members for transmitting only a maximum force to a bit in the tool. A variable control adjustment is on the tool and is used to apply a varying force to the spring and thus control the amount of maximum torque to be transmitted.

Abstract: A rod cutter having two force-applying members pivotally attached together. A cutter is pivotally mounted on each of the members in a mechanical advantage arrangement. The cutters both have extending ends which are pivotally connected together and have rod cutting edges thereon, all for force-advantage cutting.

Abstract: A hand manipulated torque transmitting tool having a handle and two tool shank-receiving cavities therein. A shank retainer ball extends into each cavity, and the shank has a circular groove therearound for receiving said ball when in either cavity. The shank has a square drive end mating with a square hollow of said cavities, for four-corner drive from said handle to said shank.

Abstract: A rotary cutter having two telescopically related tubes with cutting edges on the distal ends thereof. Handles are attached to the tubes for relative rotation of the tubes and thereby effect cutting by the cutting edges. The cutting edges are circular and overlap each other for shearing cutting action upon rotation.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism and a process for making same, including a tool handle and a gear and pivotal pawls which are urged into gear engagement by means of springs which can be assembled with the handle before a final cap or actuator is assembled over the end of the handle to enclose the pawls and the springs.

Abstract: A method and template for making a rod to be implanted in a human for affixing the spine of the patient. The template and the method consist of a metal rod covered by a flexible sleeve and end caps.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism and a process for making same, including a tool handle and a gear and pivotal pawls which are urged into gear engagement by means of springs which can be assembled with the handle before a final cap or actuator is assembled over the end of the handle to enclose the pawls and the springs.

Abstract: A tool with ratcheting mechanism having two pawls and a gear mounted on a tool handle. A cap encloses the ratcheting mechanism and serves as an actuator for moving the pawl into and out of engagement with the gear.

Abstract: A bending tool for bending rods or like items, and including two handles and three bending posts. Two of the posts move with the handle, and the third post is a center post which is selectively rotatable to positions for determining the bend in the item. A pin interconnects the handle and the center post to hold the latter in its selected position during the bending process.

Abstract: A ratcheting screwdriver with a handle and a gear rotatable therein and two pawls engageable between the handle and the gear, for selective ratcheting action. A ring is rotatable on the handle for removing the pawls from engagement with the gear, and springs yieldingly bias the pawls into engagement with the gear. The ring has recesses on a circular wall for receiving portions of the pawls in pivoting the pawls into engagement with the gears.

Abstract: A ratcheting screwdriver with a handle and a gear rotatable therein and two pawls engageable between the handle and the gear, for selective ratcheting action. A ring is rotatable on the handle for removing the pawls from engagement with the gear, and springs yieldingly bias the pawls into engagement with the gear. The ring has recesses on a circular wall for receiving portions of the pawls in pivoting the pawls into engagement with the gears.