Abstract: In one aspect of a tile and support structure, a support structure may be engaged with a top portion of a pedestal. The support structure may be formed with a generally vertical spine having at least one rail extending outward from a distal end thereof. The spine and rail(s) may be configured to secure one or more tiles, which tiles may be formed with a groove on at least one edge thereof, and wherein one or more rails may be positioned within the groove.

Abstract: A bone material removal device including a cannula, a bone drilling forward tip and a bore widening element including a bone carving portion that slides axially relative to the cannula and extends in a circumferential direction and wherein the axial movement of the bore widening element relative to the cannula brings a carving portions to travel and extend radially in a circumferential direction beyond a surface of the cannula and carve bone from a wall of a bore.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone. The fastener includes a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a bridge extending therebetween. Each of the first and second arms include a trunk portion defining at least a portion thereof, the trunk portion having a cavity therein and an aperture through a wall thereof. A claw is disposed in the cavity which is moveable from a first delivery position to a second deployed position. A pull member engages each claw to move the claw from the delivery position to the deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fixing an object in the ground, comprising at least one fixing peg (10) and means for carrying out the above. The peg (10) comprises a tube (14) and at least two lugs (28) on the lower end of a central support rod (24). An axial tension acting on the rod (24) which runs axially in the tube (14) and is fixed in rotation therein, causes the lugs (28) to deploy through openings (30) in the tube (14), such as to cause the extension thereof in the direction of tension at an angle to the length of the tube (14). An operating mechanism (33) comprises a threaded pin (36) with a screw (40) pressing on the head of the tube. The lower end of said threaded pin (36) is coupled to the upper end of the central support (24) in order to transmit an axial tension thereto on turning the screw (40) in a first direction.

Abstract: A staple (4) for a delicate material (22) comprises two flexible legs (46, 47) between a head portion (56) connecting the legs and an introduction end portion (57). Between the head and end portions is located a discontinuity portion (58) so that when the staple is pushed into the material (22), at least one of the legs (46, 47) inclines with respect to the head portion (45) and thus ensures good resistance to extraction. The two legs (46, 47) are bent (76, 77) inwardly in the discontinuity portion (58) of the whole assembly to diverge from one another upon fixing the staple to the delicate material.

Abstract: Devices for affixing sutures, grafts and tissues to bone, and soft tissue such as periosteum. In a first embodiment, the invention comprises a piton member implantable within bone having a post or eyelet formed thereon to which the suture or tissue may be attached. The piton member is designed to become more firmly secured within the bone when pressure is applied to a first axis pushing the piton member into the bone, but may be easily removed when such force is applied in a generally opposed direction. In a second embodiment, the invention comprises affixation devices that are designed to detachably ensnare with periosteum. Such devices are provided with attachment structures, such as one post, eyelet or other means for securing sutures, grafts, synthetic materials or tissues.

Abstract: A rigid bar of material is fastened to a circuit board to increase its stiffness. The bar is preferably a high modulus plastic such as liquid crystal polymer. Flexible fingers which surround a central opening are formed integrally with the bar and pop into throughbores in the circuit board. Each finger has at least one arcuate protrusion and, preferably several, which can engage the bottom of the circuit board. A rigid pin which may be made of steel is slid into the central opening and has an interference fit therewith to hold it in place to prevent flexible fingers from moving inwardly so the stiffener is held fast to the circuit board.

Abstract: An anchor nail for use with gypsum and other cementitious or composite materials used in roofing which includes a tapered tubular shank having openings therein through which ends of an insert wire staple are deflected to provide an anchoring for the nail within the material and wherein the legs of the staple are formed so as to prevent fastener withdrawal.

Abstract: A bushing having particularly advantageous use with heavy duty truck suspensions and including: i) a first outer bushing member; ii) a second inner bushing member defining an annular space between the first and second bushing members; and iii), an elastomeric interface disposed within the annular space between the first and second bushing members in face-to-face contact with; first and second sets of grooves formed in one of the first and second bushing members with the first set of grooves being axially spaced from the second set of grooves by a greater axial distance on one side of the grooved member than the axial spacing on the diametrically opposite side of the grooved member. In the exemplary bushings, first and second sets of grooves are formed on the inner surface of the first bushing member.

Abstract: A blind rivet has a first part comprised of a central core having depending circumferentially spaced legs spaced radially from the axis of the first part and radially projecting, circumferentially spaced flanges at an upper end forming a head for the first part. The second rivet part includes a bulbous lower end having an upstanding central core with radially outwardly projecting legs. The legs of the second part are spaced circumferentially from one another and, above the core, are spaced radially from the axis. Upon inserting the first part into the second part, cam follower surfaces on the distal ends of the legs of the first part engage and are cammed outwardly by cam surfaces in curved chaseways between the legs of the second part to set the rivet and grip the undersurface of the elements being connected. The flanges of the first part are received in the spaces between the flanges of the second part and engage the outer surface of the outer element to be connected.

Abstract: Support tubes of an associated yard swing arrangement are mounted to stabilizer apparatus, including an upper tube portion coaxially mounted to a lower tube portion. The lower tube portion includes a "V" shaped anchor plate member arranged for projection into an underlying ground surface. A modification of the invention includes anchor rods pivotally mounted relative to an inner tube arranged for projection through slots of an outer tube for securement to an underlying ground surface in the anchoring of the yard swing structure to the inner tube.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two pieces of roofing material includes an elongated member having a pointed tip end and a flange like head end. The elongated member includes an internal channel that extends substantially the entire length of the member and terminates in an opening in the head and a double faced ramp at the tip. A plunger and flexible barb are disposed for longitudinal movement within the channel and the elongated member contains a pair of sidewall openings located proximate the ramp and communicating with the channel. The openings are provided with barb directing surfaces that engage the barb and cause it to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel as the barb exits the opening. The opening is also provided with a barb engaging surface that produces a frictional drag on the barb causing it to curl as it exits the opening.

Abstract: A circuit board stiffener includes an elongated stiffening member adapted to extend over the board surface in spaced relation to that surface; the member has contact surfaces adapted to engage one side of the board, and bendable retainer structure to retain the member in position relative to the board. The retainer structure may comprise bendable arms that project through board openings to be bent at the opposite side of the board, and to be locked in position by solder at that opposite side. The member may have a zig-zag cross section to enhance its stiffness.