Abstract: A bone fastener which prevents infection that can be used, for example, to attach an external fixation device to bone. The fastener may be partially coated with an antibacterial agent (such as silver) directly deposited on the biocompatible material to prevent infection. The coating can be applied to the fastener in a number of different ways in a wide variety of patterns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone pin or screw that can be used, for example, to attach an external fixation device to a bone. The bone pin is made of a biocompatible material and includes a first portion located at a distal end of the pin and having a threaded section for insertion into the bone, a second portion located at a proximal end of the pin, and a third portion located between the first and second portions. The third portion is at least partially coated with an antibacterial agent (such as silver) directly deposited on the biocompatible material to prevent infection. The coating can be applied to the bone pin in a number of different ways in a wide variety of patterns.

Abstract: The suture anchor comprises a first main body (11) of a generally cylindrical shape having a front portion (1), a rear portion (2), a longitudinal axis (3), a curved surface (4) with protrusions (5), a central through-going bore (19) extending from said front portion (1) to said rear portion (2), and a longitudinal slit (12) which opens at said front portion (1) and curved surface (4) and is closed at said rear portion (2).It further comprises a second conical body (14) having a smaller base (15), a larger base (16), a curved surface (17) and a longitudinal axis (13), said second conical body (14) being coaxially introducible with its smaller base (15) into said slit (12) thereby causing expansion of said first main body (11). The second conical body (14) is provided with a through-hole (6) running transversely to said longitudinal axis (13) and two channels (7) positioned on said curved surface (17) and extending from the orifices (18) of said through-hole (6) to said smaller base (15).

Abstract: The load-weighing apparatus faultlessly detects even smallest load variations in the lower load range. For this purpose wire strain gauges are mounted at structural parts or components of the elevator car and these structural parts or components are subjected to bending under the load to be weighed. The wire strain gauges are interconnected to form a bridge circuit. An amplifier circuit is connected at the output side of the bridge circuit and has a higher gain in the lower load range. When an input voltage corresponding to a predetermined load occurs at the amplifier circuit, the gain of the amplifier circuit is switched to a lower value. It is thus possible to detect loads throughout a greater range of loads.