Abstract: A pulsed combustion device includes a support structure and a combustor carousel supported by the support structure and rotating relative thereto about an axis. The carousel has a number of combustion conduits in a circumferential array. Each conduit cyclically receives a charge and discharges combustion products of the charge.

Abstract: A suture or fixation wire having a relatively high degree of elasticity is utilized in suturing or fixation procedures in soft tissue or bone, with improvements in corrosion and breakage resistance and with reduction of tissue trauma. The wire is comprised of a medical grade low carbon content stainless steel, formed under low vacuum conditions in a substantially oxygen free environment and subsequently cold drawn into the wire configuration. The forming process provides the requisite flexibility and enhanced corrosion and breakage resistance without detrimentally affecting holding power. Alternatively, a cobalt-chromium or titanium wire is annealed or otherwise treated such as by modification of the chemical composition to reduce tensile strength by at least 10% for enhanced flexibility. The cobalt-chromium or titanium wire, though not as flexible as the low vacuum formed stainless steel, is preferably used in applications wherein a metal prosthesis has been implanted in the body.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of wire breakage in orthopaedic surgery wherein said wire passes through apertures drilled in bone fragments for effecting a wire connection therebetween during healing. Said method comprises removing stress raising corners or edges, caused by the formation of said apertures, from positions in said bone fragments which are in contact with said wire. Manipulation of an aperturing drill or the utilization of novel radius cutters is utilized in effecting removal of said stress raising edges. The novel rotating radius cutters comprise arcuate cutting surfaces and integral drill or aperture positioning means.

Abstract: A method for making a twisted wire connection, particularly as utilized in surgical procedures, with reduced incidence of breakage comprising tensioning and twisting such wires without sliding pressure contact against a stationary frictional surface. A rolling surface, movable with the wires, is utilized whereby stress and scoring of the wires is substantially reduced or eliminated. Initial tensioning of the wires is preferably by minor or imperceptible increments to avoid shock wave transmission and degradation of the wires. Twisting of the wires is effected uniformly (with reduced stress concentration) by maintaining a constant axis for the wires during twisting. A device having rolling members, a one way roller clutch, and a stabilized base for effecting such method is also described.

Abstract: A surgical needle holder for curved needles, comprised of movable gripping jaws offset from a manipulating handle thereof by a distance substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the specific needle to be held thereby. The gripping jaws are positioned relative to said handle such that the curved needle, held therebetween, is rotated only through its own curvature about an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of said handle. The manipulating handle is preferably comprised of at least one section thereof having a substantially circular cross section whereby said section may be manipulatively rolled between a surgeon's fingers to rotate said needle along its curvature during suturing. Tissue trauma and tearing during such suturing are substantially reduced thereby.