Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: Watertight fastening devices and systems and methods for the employment thereof are disclosed. The disclosed watertight fastening device includes a head, a shank extending away from the head toward a distal end, and a cover extending outwardly and away from the head in the direction of the shank and defining a hollow region between the shank and an inner surface of the cover. The watertight fastening device may be used in conjunction with a solar power installation system that includes a base plate configured to be positioned against an installation surface. The base plate includes an aperture for receiving the shank of the fastener and protrusion surrounding the aperture configured to be received in the hollow region of the fastener, thereby providing an enhanced barrier against moisture reaching the installation surface.

Abstract: A self-tapping fastener or screw is provided including a head, a cutting tip, and a body portion. The cutting tip includes a first cutting surface. The body portion extends from the head along a central axis to the cutting tip. The body portion includes a proximal threaded portion having a proximal thread size; a distal threaded portion having a distal thread size, the distal thread size being smaller than the proximal thread size; and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion of the body portion disposed between the proximal threaded portion and the distal threaded portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener including a shaft may have a plurality of compound parabolic petals extending helically around the shaft. The petals may be configured for compressing trabecular bone through which the petals are inserted. The shaft may further include one or more force diffusion areas that may more efficiently redirect/distribute radial forces caused by an external force applied to the orthopedic fastener, to keystone portions of trabecular bone compressed respectively against the force diffusion areas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stainless steel fastener includes following operations. Firstly, a stainless steel blank is prepared and contains from 1 to 3.5 wt % molybdenum, from 10 to 16 wt % chromium, from 0.5 to 3.5 wt % nickel, from 0.05 to 0.3 wt % nitrogen, carbon which is not more than 0.2 wt %, iron, and other inevitable compositions. Initially, a steel crystalline structure of the blank is martensite whose hardness ranges from 230 to 350 HV. Then, the blank is annealed to transform a partial crystalline structure of the steel crystalline structure into ferrite. The annealed blank experiences a cutting operation, a head forming operation, and a thread forming operation sequentially. Thereafter, a heat treating operation is executed to transform the partial crystalline structure from ferrite into martensite to complete a stainless steel fastener whose hardness is increased and is at least 500 HV, which facilitates a direct drilling effect.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a panel defining an aperture, a fastener having a head, a shaft portion extending from the head, and a recess formed in the head, and a sacrificial primary anode insert disposed in the recess. The sacrificial primary anode insert is configured to corrode at a rate faster than a corrosion rate of the fastener.

Abstract: Wire thread insert consisting of a body with a plurality of helically wound windings, in which the plurality of helically wound windings comprises a first end winding and a second end winding which define the body at opposite axial ends, the first end winding has a first integral form-fitting means in a first end section and the second end winding has a second integral form-fitting means in a second end section, so that in an installed state of the wire thread insert a form-fit rotation-inhibiting connection with an adjacent component structure can be produced via the first and the second integral form-fitting means respectively.

Abstract: A male anti-cross threading fastener comprising: a substantially round shank having a lead end, a torque end, and a plurality of male threads around a circumference of the shank, the plurality of male threads comprising: a standard thread around at least a portion of the circumference of the shank and having a standard thread contour, wherein a width and a thread angle of the standard thread enables engagement with corresponding female threads, wherein the major diameter of the standard thread is between a lower major diameter limit and a higher major diameter limit; a transitional thread around at least a portion of the circumference of the shank and having a transitional thread contour with a width and a thread angle similar to the width and thread angle of the standard thread that enables engagement with corresponding female threads; an anti-cross thread around at least a portion of the circumference of the shank and having an anti-cross thread contour and an outside diameter configured to promote alignmen

Abstract: An anti-pullout and low-resistance screw includes a shank, a screw-in portion, a head portion, and a thread. The thread is helically formed around both the screw-in portion and the shank and includes a plurality of thread convolutions. Each thread convolution includes an upper tooth surface facing the head portion and a lower tooth surface facing the screw-in portion. At least one tapered pressing structure is designed on the screw-in portion and/or the shank to define at least one section with its outer diameter tapering towards the screw-in portion gradually. The tapered pressing structure extends from a bottom edge of the lower tooth surface along a longitudinal axis of the shank. The lower tooth surface has a lower tooth surface height that is greater than the thread height. An annular anti-pullout plane is formed on the shank between two adjacent thread convolutions to enhance the anti-pullout strength of the screw.

Abstract: Various bone screws configured to be implanted into bone and methods of use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone screw is provided with an elongate shank having at least two threads thereon, and having a distal facing surface with at least two cutting edges. The cutting edges can be configured to cut bone as the bone screw is rotated into bone, thereby forming a path for the threads.

Abstract: A fastener which includes a first portion of a shaft which defines threads, and a second portion of the shaft, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, includes a planar curved surface. A method for securing a fastener to an e-nut, which includes the step of inserting the fastener positioned within an e-nut into an opening defined by and which extends through at least two components to be secured together, wherein: a first portion of the shaft of the fastener defines threads; and a second portion of the shaft of the fastener, which extends from the first portion of the shaft, defines a curved planar surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast chip removal reaming screw, including a screw head, a rod body extending from the screw head and a first thread arranged on the rod body. The rod body includes a rod body portion connected to the screw head, an reaming portion, and a pointed cone portion. The reaming portion includes first reaming blocks, second reaming blocks and third reaming blocks which are disposed in a helically staggered manner, and chip removal paths formed between the first reaming blocks, the second reaming blocks and the third reaming blocks. A first width of the chip removal path located between the first reaming blocks and a second width of the chip removal path located between the second reaming blocks are different, so that wood chips can be fast removed to reduce a stress between the screw and a wood workpiece.

Abstract: Wedge type electrical connector assemblies adapted to electrically and mechanically connect conductors within transmission and/or distribution circuits is provided. The wedge type electrical connector assembly includes a frame, an interface and a wedge assembly. The interface is coupled to the frame so that it is movable relative to the frame. The interface can move and flex when installing conductors into the wedge type electrical connector assemblies.

Abstract: A cement board screw a high thread that begins on the tapered end, extends onto the shank and terminates at a second axial location along the shank. The high thread defines a high peripheral edge, where a leading flank and a trailing flank meet at the high peripheral edge and together define a high thread angle that is between about thirty degrees and about fifty-five degrees. A low thread begins on the tapered end, extends onto the shank and terminates substantially at a first axial location along the shank such that an axial length of the low thread is less than an axial length of the high thread. The low thread includes a leading flank and a trailing flank that meet at a low peripheral edge and together define a low thread angle that is between about fifty degrees and about seventy degrees.

Abstract: A lock that includes a pin and a collar. At least one of the pin and collar include a circular seal and a recess to store the seal. When the pin and collar are engaged in a locking manner, the surfaces of the pin and collar compress the seal such that a barrier is formed to limit ingress of fine earthen material. The lock assembly may be a component of a wear assembly. The lock assembly may be positioned into aligned holes to capture components of the wear assembly together, e.g. a point to an adapter or an adapter to a base. The recess of the pin may be located adjacent the head of the pin. The recess of collar may be located near the bottom of the collar. The application of both an upper and lower seal can further limit the ingress of fine earthen material.

Abstract: A screw includes a head and a shank extending from the head, and a hole-enlarging portion formed on the shank. The hole-enlarging portion features no thread and a substantially triangular transverse section. The hole-enlarging portion includes three inclined edges spaced from one another in the circumferential direction of the shank, and a guiding slope is formed between two adjacent inclined edges. The shank defines a longitudinal axis and is provided with a thread. Each inclined edge extends toward the head in an inclined direction relative to a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inclined direction of each inclined edge is identical to a direction in which the thread extends toward the head.

Abstract: A screw includes a shank with an outer periphery, a head connected to the shank, and thread convolutions spiraling around the shank in a right-hand direction. The outer periphery defines opposite first and second peripheral envelope surfaces. A cutting slot unit is formed on the shank and arranged on the first peripheral envelope surface. The cutting slot unit includes a first cutting slot with two first edges and a second cutting slot with two second edges. The first edge extends in an extension direction opposite to the right-hand direction. One first edge of the first cutting slot is parallel to one second edge of the second cutting slot. The opposite extension of the cutting slot unit assists the screw in screwing quickly, attains quick removal of chips, and increases the fastening effect by pressing chips downwards.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw made of synthetic material has a threaded shank defining a screw center line. The screw has proximal and distal insertion ends, the shank including first and second portions, the second proximal to the first. The pitch is the same in the first and second portions, and has a complete thread cross-section in the second portion. In the first portion, in the direction of the thread, the thread is divided into segments having an incomplete thread cross-section, the thread segments having leading end and trailing ends. The leading end of one thread segment extends further radially than the leading end of the thread segment preceding it and forms a cutting edge. In most of the thread segments the thread top in question, for substantially its full length, starting with the leading end, considered in thread direction, is situated at a constant radial distance from the center line.

Abstract: A self-driving masonry anchor that includes ahead configured to receive a driving bit, a threaded section extending from the bottom of the head, a drilling section following the threaded section, and a drill tip at the end of the drilling section. The threaded section includes alternating high and low threads. The high threads include notches or serrations. The low threads are double low threads such that there are two low threads between each high thread. The drilling section includes at least two flutes for the removal of debris. The drill tip includes an abrasive material which is different than the material of the drilling section such that the drill tip and drill section predrill a hole in a masonry material for the threaded section, the threaded section fastening to the masonry material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw element (1) comprising a threaded shaft (2), a screw tip (4) formed on one shaft end and a screw head (5), formed on an opposite shaft end and with force application means (7), and comprising a screw thread (12) extending on the threaded shaft (2) and on the screw tip (4), wherein the screw tip (4) has a front tip section (4a) tapering toward the screw element end, when viewed in the screwing-in direction (Z), and a section (4b) formed on the threaded shaft with a polygonal cross section, when viewed in cross section, whose enveloping circle diameter (dh) is greater than a core diameter (dk) of the screw tip (4), and the polygonal cross section has a corner point (15) lying on the enveloping circle of the section (4b), and a front edge surface (9), radially oriented with respect to a longitudinal center axis (X-X), ends in said corner point in the sense of an increased diameter.

Abstract: An intramedullary (IM) nail system for the fixation of fractured bones in a patient comprising a nail and compression screws. The length of the body is divided into a distal section and a proximal section with the distal section containing multiple interference sections having a diameter less or greater than that of the body. The threads adjacent the nail head have an apex generally greater than the diameter of the body. The compression screws are dimensioned to be inserted through the bone and contact the nail, pressing it against the bone canal. The nail, once inserted, lies below the surface of the bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system for surgical fixation of small bones, small bone fragments, and osteotomies and more particularly to compression screw having an elongated and spiked tapered threaded leading portion which is joined to a section that is free from threads and a threaded trailing portion and more sharply tapered head which has threads that continue from the threads of the leading portion.

Abstract: Implants, devices, systems, and methods for achieving ligament fixation are disclosed. An implant is disclosed that includes a head member, a breakaway portion, and an anchor member. The anchor member may be coupled to the head member by the breakaway portion. The implant may be designed to fail in fatigue at the breakaway portion. The breakaway portion may thereby extend between a first end of the anchor member and a second end of the head member. The breakaway portion may comprise a circumferential groove. The groove may be configured to concentrate stress forces in situ such that a fatigue failure/fracture occurs at the groove. Insertion instruments for inserting an implant for ligament fixation are also disclosed. Methods of using an implant for achieving ligament fixation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A threaded pin comprises a threaded cylindrical stem that extends between a proximal stem end and a distal stem end, and a coupling end portion that extends from the distal stem end. In the coupling end portion, at least one annular groove is formed, which is distally delimited by a distal annular ridge that defines a maximum outer diameter of the coupling end portion. The maximum outer diameter of the coupling end portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the threaded cylindrical stem in such a way that the coupling end portion may be inserted with play into a threaded hole wherein the threaded pin may be screwed, the distal annular ridge being suitable for insertion between the ridges of the female thread of the threaded hole.

Abstract: An e-bike includes a frame assembly, wheels supporting the frame assembly, a motor assembly coupled to the frame assembly by a motor fastener having a hollow portion, and an accessory component coupled to the frame assembly by an accessory fastener positioned at least partially in the hollow portion of the motor fastener.

Abstract: A screw structure is disclosed herein. It comprises a head; a rod body integrally extended from the head and having a flat shank part and a tapered tip at a terminal of the flat shank part; a first screw thread disposed on the rod body and having a positioning tooth at a terminal thereof, a plurality of cutting units and a plurality of shaving collection spaces; a plurality of second screw threads disposed on the rod body; and a reamer thread disposed at an upper end of the rod body.

Abstract: Disclosed are latches with pre-molded or pre-assembled fasteners. The latch fastener can include a threaded portion and a lead in portion that is longer than the threaded portion. During installation of the latch, the lead in portion can be inserted into a cavity of a drawer to help align the latch against the cavity during installation. The built-in fastener frees one hand of the user during installation and the additional length of the lead in allows an easier alignment of the latch during installation.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly including a receiver and a plug. The receiver can be configured with first and second arms having helically wound thread extending up to a top surface thereof. The plug being at least partially threadably positioned within the channel. The plug having an axis of rotation and a continuously helically wound thread form. The continuously helically wound thread form having a start structure and an upper surface extending between a root and a crest of the continuously helically wound thread form. The start structure having a leading face extending below the upper surface. The leading face including a partial concave surface adjacent the root and a partial convex surface adjacent the crest. The partial concave and partial convex surfaces each defined by a radius of curvature that can be substantially equal with respect to each other.

Abstract: A friction stir processing (FSP) tool includes a pin having a pin body and a rotational axis. The pin is configured to rotate about the rotational axis in a rotational direction. The pin has a radial protrusion protruding radially from the pin body, and the radial protrusion has a working surface oriented in the rotational direction with a depth in a radial direction relative to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A plate member joining structure includes a lower plate that is made of metal, a fitting base portion being formed at an upper surface of the lower plate; an upper plate that is made of metal, that is disposed on the upper surface of the lower plate, and that has a fitting insert portion that is fitted to the fitting base portion so as to form a first gap between a lower surface of the fitting insert portion and a surface of the fitting base portion facing the lower surface of the fitting insert portion; and a screw that, in a state in which the fitting insert portion is fitted to the fitting base portion, is screwed into the fitting insert portion and the fitting base portion, and joins the fitting insert portion and the fitting base portion together in a plate thickness direction.

Abstract: A drill string components having a thread extending around a body. The leading end of the thread can have a configuration that resists jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of the thread can include a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading. The leading end of the thread can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. When mating male and female threads are similarly structured, the mating threads slide together along an interface at the thread start face and are drawn into a fully thread-coupled condition. The thread starts may have full circumference mating with no jamming positions.

Abstract: A bolt includes a head portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion includes an ordinary screw portion that meshes with a nut, and a guide screw portion that is provided on a distal end side of the ordinary screw portion and has a screw thread having a diameter smaller than that of a screw thread of the ordinary screw portion. A protective portion having a diameter larger than a minor diameter of the ordinary screw portion is formed continuously from the guide screw portion at a distal end of the guide screw portion. A pressure flank surface is formed at a distal end of the screw thread of the guide screw portion, but a clearance flank surface is not formed thereat.

Abstract: An assembly of a plurality of identical insertion bodies, wherein each insertion body has an RFID tag as an electronic or electromechanical transmitter and/or receiver device. The insertion bodies are connected to one another, one next to the other or one behind the other by one or more connecting elements, wherein the connecting elements are designed to be torn off mechanically by an external force effect on a single insertion body. In this way, the connecting elements can form, when combined as a type of magazine, a linear arrangement for a pneumatic or electrical nail gun device or bolt gun device as an insertion device.

Abstract: A threaded fastener system, incorporating a bolt and a nut assembly, wherein the bolt has a threaded lead entry point whose pitch and helix angle are of a higher magnitude than that of those on the body/shank of the bolt.

Abstract: A bone treating device has a bone plate and a bone screw. The bone plate has an opening which penetrates therethrough and has a female screw part having a plurality of thread grooves formed on an inner surface of the opening. The bone screw has a shaft part capable of penetrating the opening of the bone plate and a head part provided at a proximal end of the shaft part. The head part has on an outer surface thereof a male screw part having a plurality of screw threads threadedly engageable with the thread grooves of the female screw part formed on the inner surface of the opening. The bone screw has a threaded engagement start guiding portion formed by extending screw threads whose number is fewer by at least one than the number of screw threads formed in the male screw part to a threaded engagement start side.

Abstract: A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fastener driveable into a substrate are provided. The fastener includes a head, a shank, and a helical thread formation. Portions of the shank and helical thread formations may be tapered. The outer diameter of the shank may decrease in a direction away from the head. An outer diameter of the thread formation may increase in a direction away from the head. The head may include a plurality of extending ribs. The helical thread formation may be formed with a plurality of grooves that are respectively each partially defined by a straight cutting edge. These improvements reduce torsional failure of the fastener from over tightening.

Abstract: An on-vehicle electric compressor for a vehicle includes a compression mechanism compressing a refrigerant, an electric motor driving the compression mechanism and a housing accommodating therein the compression mechanism and the electric motor. The on-vehicle electric compressor further includes a cover fixed to the housing, a motor driving circuit disposed between the housing and the cover and driving the electric motor, and a protecting member protecting the cover against an external force caused when the vehicle has a collision. The protecting member has a contact portion that is contactable with a receiving portion when the external force is applied to the protecting member, the receiving portion having a greater rigidity than the cover to receive the external force through the contact portion.

Abstract: A fastener includes a shank having a point at a first end and a second, head end. A head structure at the head end includes a top portion and having a cutting structure, the cutting structure comprising four planar walls, each wall engaging the shank at an angle, each wall adjoining an adjacent wall by a rounded edge.

Abstract: A fastener installation tool and related method are provided for installing fasteners in boards. The tool can include a feed mechanism that automatically and sequentially feeds collated fasteners to a nose assembly. The nose assembly can include a guide having an alignment projection extending downwardly from the guide, and configured to engage a board corner and/or side surface, so as to align an angled bore through which fasteners are guided with the board corner and or side surface. The nose assembly can include a magnetic element located adjacent a path on which the collated fasteners are advanced. The magnetic element can exert a magnetic force on an individual fastener, aligning it for precise entry into the angled bore. The nose assembly can include a guide pocket to positively constrain a fastener as it rotates to ensure a desired advancement trajectory. A related method of installation is provided.

Abstract: A multi-thread screw includes a head end, a shank and a tapered end. Both a high thread and a low thread begin on the tapered end and extend onto the shank. The tapered end of the thread may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A method of producing fastening assembly (10) including a series of layers (12, 14, 16) and a screw (18), the screw (18) having a screw head (20), a shaft (24), a thread (26) extending into a displacement tip (22) and an unthreaded shaft portion (28). The method includes screwing the screw (18) into the series of layers (12, 14, 16), the layer (14) in the series of layers (12, 14, 16) that is furthest from the screw head (20) being deformed in the screw-in direction, so that a thickness Dp of the series of layers (12, 14, 16) is increased in a region around the screw (18), and continuing to screw in the screw (18) until the screw head (20) strikes the series of layers, a maximum thickness Dp, max of the series of layers being reached at this moment and the length LF of the unthreaded shaft portion (28) being up to 10% less than and up to 30% greater than the maximum thickness Dp, max of the series of layers.

Abstract: A screw has a screw tip defined at a forward end of the screw. A screw head is formed at a rear end of the screw. A screw thread helically extends from adjacent the screw tip towards the screw head. The screw thread has a series of successive screw thread portions each helically extending through 360 degrees. At least one flute extends from adjacent the screw tip towards the screw head through at least one of the screw thread portions. For each flute, a leading edge region of each of at least one screw thread portion through which the flute extends is convexly curved. Each leading edge region is defined by a trailing wall of the flute adjacent a crest of the respective screw thread portion.

Abstract: The invention features improved bone screws, a delivery manifold for delivering a flowable medium to a bone screw, and washers for use with the bone screw to provide compressive fixation. The invention also features methods of treatment using the bone screws, washers, and/or delivery manifold, and kits that include the same.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: A surgical bone fixation screw having a head, an end segment distally from the head and an intermediate shank having outwardly protruding screw threads. The improvement is a self guiding, threadless, elongated end segment having a smooth outer surface with no cutting edges, a length of at least 8 mm and preferably 15 mm and a bluntly rounded end with an outer contour that is smoothly blended to the shank. Most preferably, the bluntly rounded end is substantially a prolate hemispheroid.

Abstract: An orthopedic structure includes a method for making a threaded fastener with thread geometry and leading edge geometry which provides greater precision during installation. Specifically, thread pitch and tooth profiles are independently variable. A leading portion of the fastener advances bone shards forward of the forward of the fastener to reduce insertion torque and prevent the shards from residing in the upstream tooth profile for better retention.

Abstract: A threaded fastener system, incorporating a bolt and a nut assembly, wherein the bolt has a threaded lead entry point whose pitch and helix angle are of a higher magnitude than that of those on the body/shank of the bolt.

Abstract: A fastener may include an elongated shank, a head at a distal end of the shank, and a drill point at a terminal end of the shank, which is opposite to the distal end. The fastener may include a primary thread starting at the drill point and extending along the shank towards the head. The fastener may include a secondary thread starting at the drill point, extending along the shank towards the head, and stopping in an axial direction before the primary thread ends. The secondary thread may be radially located 180 degrees from the primary thread. The drill point may include a plurality of radially extending cutting edges and one or more relieved flute portion extending along the surface of the drill point.