Abstract: A clamp assembly suitable for simultaneously adjusting the positions of support rods on an operating table extension in a split wishbone surgical retractor apparatus. Two independently rotatable disks are coaxially stacked on a base and tightened together by a bolt and T-shaped fitting extending through central openings of the base and disks. Channels formed between the disks and the base loosely receive the rods, and aligned bores in the base and the fitting loosely receive the extension. As the bolt and fitting are tightened, the rods and extension are clamped in fixed relative positions. The disks are interlocked at discrete angular positions by a pin and holes for adjusting the spread between the rods.

Abstract: A table-mounted surgical retractor support includes a wishbone-shaped structure comprising two identical rods which are separately attachable to a clamp located at the end of a supporting rod. The supporting rod is, in turn, connected to a similar clamp located at the top of a table-mounted post. The two parts of the wishbone structure are small enough to be sterilized conveniently.The wishbone rods cannot be rotated in their clamp, nor can the supporting rod be rotated in its clamp. However, the wishbone clamp, when loosened, allows rotation of the wishbone structure about the supporting rod axis and also about an axis mutually perpendicular to the supporting rod axis and the wishbone plane. Likewise the supporting rod clamp allows rotation of the supporting rod about the axis of the post and about an axis mutually perpendicular to the supporting rod and the post. Each clamp is designed to apply a shear to the rod on which it is supported, thereby achieving a tight clamping action.

Abstract: The flexible sheath of a fiberoptic cable is clamped to an externally grooved tubular insert by an O-ring engaged by a frusto-conical portion of the internal wall of a compression fitting. The compression fitting applies an inward force to the O-ring, urging the sheath into the groove on the insert. The compression fitting is secured to a termination connector by adhesive and also by a cooperating ridge and groove which snap together. The termination connector engages the tubular insert. The compression fitting, which is secured to the termination connector cannot back away from the termination connector. Therefore, the frusto-conical portion of the inner wall of the compression fitting maintains inward pressure on the O-ring and the ring presses the sheath tightly into the groove.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching atrial blades to a sternal spreader comprises an elongated bar having blade attaching means on an oblique surface, and having a heel, hook and adjusting screw on its bottom surface. The heel and the head of the adjusting screw are engageable with the upper surface of a spreader arm, and the hook is engageable with the lower surface thereof. The screw has a wheel formed on it, which is located between the bar and the spreader arm. When this wheel is turned to cause the screw to extend, the hook and heel of the bar and the head of the screw are pressed against the spreader arm, causing the adapter to be firmly secured to the spreader.