Abstract: A self-tapping threaded insert (20) for threadedly mounting another component by a threaded central connector (50). An assembly (24) of the insert (20) and a mounting member (22) for threadedly mounting the insert are assembled by a method for mounting the self-tapping threaded insert. The insert (20) has a threaded shank (26) that is threaded into a partially tapped hole and has a shank end with flutes (32) of a construction that provides self-tapping. Upon final torquing, a locking flange (42) of the insert (20) locks against a surface (46) of the member (22) as threads of the insert shank (26) are completely engaged with the hole.

Abstract: A hitch pin used for releasably connecting a load carrier frame to a receiving hitch attached to a carrying vehicle for transporting objects such as bicycles on the load carrier. The hitch pin includes a bolt having a head portion opposite a threaded section and a stem integrally formed between the head portion and the threaded section. A sleeve includes a bore, sized to receive the head and the stem of the bolt which is slidably held inside the bore of the sleeve using a transverse pin, secured inside the bore of the sleeve and passing through an elongate slot in the stem of the bolt. When the sleeve is rotated, the transverse pin transmits the rotation to the bolt providing the turning motion used during connecting of the frame to the receiving hitch. The connection may be made in two stages with hand-tightening as the first stage, followed by application of mechanical force, operating from a set screw, through the bolt to intensify the contact between the frame and the receiving hitch.

Abstract: A means for linearly connecting two non-circular pipes mainly includes a bar, upper and lower pads put around the bar, and a collar. The bar has two externally threaded ends adapted to screw into internally threaded holes preformed in the non-circular pipes. The upper and lower pads respectively have a cross section the same as that of a bore of the non-circular pipes, and are divided into an inner section and an outer section by a flange, such that the outer sections of said upper and said lower pads can be inserted into the pipes to synchronously rotate along with the pipes. The collar has cross section and outer diameter the same as that of the pipes and is initially put around the inner section of the upper pad, so that the collar can be downward moved to enclose the inner sections of the upper and the lower pads at the same time to confine them and accordingly the two pipes to a vertically aligned position.

Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft, having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. A forging collar has a central aperture and is received in sleeve-like fashion over the shaft and is retained therewith. The forging collar includes a forging surface at an end most proximate to the annular flange wherein the forging surface is in deformable contact with the top of the shoulder.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided. The mounting device including an anchor secured within a cavity of a cap by a lip. The cavity is configured to allow coaxial rotation of the anchor and cap in a first configuration and rotation of the cap about the longitudinal axis of the anchor in a second configuration. The mounting device may further be provided with a collar to prevent the over-insertion of the anchor in use.

Abstract: An electrical connector is shown for stacking a plurality of printed circuit boards one above the other, where some of the terminals extending from the lower portion of the housing include both printed circuit board contacts as well as mating contacts for the next adjacent connector. The connector housing includes integral stand-offs for maintaining the parallel nature of the stacked boards, as well as a precise spacing between the boards. The connector housings can include stand-off members which are frangible and can be used to maintain the parallel nature of the boards when other connector housings of a similar height are not used.

Abstract: Device for rapidly fixing cross-pieces to pairs of uprights, in particular pairs of legs of chairs, tables and the like, in which the cross-piece have inserted within a pair of cylindrical elements which each have a first thread in opposite directions to each other for insertion, axially, into the opposite ends of the cross-piece and a second thread in the same direction as the respective first thread for insertion into a corresponding seat of the uprights, the rotation of the cross-piece in the same direction causing the simultaneous pulling of the two opposite uprights until they come into stable contact against the opposite ends of the cross-piece.

Abstract: A sustainer for securing a roof rail to a vehicle surface, which does not require protrusions or bumps to be formed on the vehicle surface to prevent unwanted rotation of the sustainer during tightening of an external bolt onto the sustainer.

Abstract: A device is provided which enables one or more objects to be secured to a structure, where the device passes through a hole in one or more structures located between the object, and the structure to which attachment is desired. The device is particularly useful for attaching window protection devices, such as rolldown shutter tracks and sheets of plywood. The device can be screwed, or otherwise attached, to wood structural framing which are concealed beneath veneer, such as bricks and other masonry. The other end of the device receives a tool which allows such an installation, and also the removal of the device. The other end also receives a fastener, such as a bolt, which secures the material or the track to the end of the device, the end of the device being substantially flush with the exterior veneer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fastener device used to releasably fasten a first object and a second object. The fastener device is self-contained and includes a unitary housing that is releasably fastened to the first object. The housing has an annular wall that defines an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an upper and lower opening. Within the housing, extending radially inwardly from the interior surface is a housing stop shoulder. A retaining cover is threadingly attached to the housing at the lower end of the housing. The retaining cover is retained within the housing by a retainer ring. The fastener device also includes a threaded stud that is located within the housing. The stud includes an enlarged section which mates with the housing stop shoulder when the fastener is in a fully engaged position. The engagement of the enlarged section and the housing stop shoulder serves to retain the stud within the housing when the fastener is in a fully engaged position.

Abstract: An improved securement device aligns adjacent printed circuit boards (“PCBs”) while simultaneously connecting all external hardware so as to prevent overcompression of elastomeric contacts positioned therebetween during assembly. The device supports a connector between a pair of PCBs in spaced parallel relation, wherein the connector itself supports a plurality of elastomeric contacts thereon for establishing electrical engagement between the PCBs. The PCBs and the connector each include aligned securement openings. The device includes an elongate fastener having a substantially cylindrical section positioned in the connector opening. The cylindrical section defines a pair of opposed, substantially planar spaced apart component landings for support of a similarly planar component thereupon. The landings are spaced apart a distance sufficient to place the PCBs in communication with the connector without overcompressing the elastomeric contacts therebetween.

Abstract: A rotatable hitch (30) is secured to crosshead channels (10) on an overhead sheave (40) and includes a sleeve (50) and a connecting rod (60) disposed within the sleeve (50).

Abstract: A screw fastener with a second, additional external thread section apart from the main, external or internal, thread section in a typical bolt or nut, respectively. The axes of the two threaded sections in the nut or bolt are arranged parallel, eccentric, or angled relative to each other and the direction in which the thread travels for any threaded section may be the same, or different from the thread in the other section. A cap may also be formed on top of the externally threaded structure.

Abstract: Improved welding stud (20) includes a generally cylindrical body (34). A first series of annular rings (42) are disposed on a first end portion (18) of the cylindrical body (34). A second series of annular rings (44) are disposed on a second end portion (26) of the cylindrical body (34). The rings (42, 44) are asymmetrical and have reverse configurations. Thus, the annular rings (42) on one end portion of the stud are a mirror image of the rings (44) on the opposite end portion of the stud. Either end of the stud (20) may be stud welded to a base member (14) using the drawn arm short cycle or gas arc stud welding processes. A cap (24) may then be press fitted onto the opposite end of the stud to secure insulation.

Abstract: A tie rod for reinforcing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts against excessive wall flexure in response to positive and/or negative static or dynamic pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the duct includes a threaded steel rod having a pair of abutment structures irrotatably fastened to longitudinally opposed end portions of the rod. Each abutment structure has a central coaxial bore which receives the rod, and includes a tubular portion terminated at an outer longitudinal end thereof by a transversely disposed, radially outwardly protruding annular flange. The bore wall of the abutment structure's tubular portion flares in an arcuate curve radially and axially outwardly to join the outer transverse wall surface of the flange, forming a tapered annular cavity between the bore wall and the end portion of the threaded rod protruding out from the abutment structures.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for U-bolts comprising the steps of (a) winding a linear, tape or cloth member made of fiber reinforced plastics in which at least a part of the fiber is oriented in three-dimensional directions around a mandrel having a substantially oval or rectangular section (b) making a pipe molded article by hardening the linear, tape or cloth member wound around the mandrel, (c) cutting the hardened pipe molded article into slices transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel, (d) separating the molded article cut into slices into at least two U-shaped portions, and (e) forming screw portions at tip portions of a pair of separated U-shaped portions.

Abstract: A fastener for simultaneously mounting adjacently disposed building entrance protectors (BEP) units to a mounting panel and for grounding the units to each other. The fastener includes a tapered and preferably threaded shaft for facilitating securement of the fastener into the mounting panel, such as by screwing or the like. A lip is integrally formed on the shaft and a clamping element, such as a nut, is movably engaged with an untapered opposite end of the shaft so that when rotated about the shaft opposite end, the nut is translated into close proximity with the lip. When mounting tabs from adjacent BEP units are placed between the nut and lip, and the nut is then rotatably tightened, the mounting tabs are placed in electrical contact to provide a grounding connection between the BEPs while securing the adjacent BEPs to the mounting panel.

Abstract: A system for providing sufficient space to accommodate a wrench for tightening the securing nuts in the restricted confines of a power take off mounted to a vehicle's transmission which employs step studs whose large diameter ends are threaded into the standard S.A.E. hole pattern apertures of the transmission P.T.O. window, while the studs are designed to have significantly smaller opposite ends which protrude through the aligned P.T.O. housing apertures, thus allowing smaller nuts to be used to make room for the wrench.

Abstract: A support tube for use with a support tube surface area assembly such as a shelf, a portion of a furniture article, or other structure, comprises a first end, a body section, and a second end. The first end and second end of the support tube are outwardly flared to provide a tapered interior area into which a first and a second accessory element, such as a nut and bolt, may be inserted. The accessory elements are enclosed in the tapered interior area by a crimping and flattening of the lips of the first and second end such that they form an interiorly extending flange partially encapturing the accessory elements. A method for making the support tube is disclosed as well a shelf structure or furniture article assembled with the support tube.

Abstract: A clamp that locks two telescoping components such as a vehicle receiver hitch and a draw bar, for substantially reducing if not eliminating the "banging" or "rattling" between the two components. The clamp includes a standard sized U-bolt, whose throat rests in a seat formed by a receiver hitch collar and a receiver hitch tube. A bar has an arc-shaped cross-section and includes two holes adapted for receiving the threaded ends of the U-bolt. When the draw bar is inserted into the receiver hitch, the arc-shaped side of the bar is positioned within a seat formed by the receiver hitch collar and the draw bar. Standard locking style nuts are threaded onto the legs of the U-bolt and tightened, causing the arc-shaped side of the bar to be wedged against the receiver hitch collar and the draw bar, while wedging the U-bolt throat against the opposite side of the receiver hitch collar and the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A repair method which is used to restore planarity to concave damage in a wall of gypsum board construction, wherein the device is inserted through a small hole drilled in the damaged area, or inserted from the rear through a hole drilled in the back wall. Features of the device engage the opposing interior surfaces of the two wall boards. Tears and cracks in the wall are cemented. The device is manually powered in the manner of a jack to push out the damaged board pieces, which are still hingedly attached by the cardboard facing. Thus united, the cracks are bonded while the inexpensive device is left in the wall, acting as a permanent prop. Remnants of the device remaining outside of the wall are broken off and the hole is filled.

Abstract: A thumbscrew apparatus for fastening a first device to a second device. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a screw attached to the second device and a first cylinder screwed onto the screw for fastening the first device to the second device. The first cylinder has an outboard end with a one-way slot feature that allows a screwdriver to be used to loosen the first cylinder while inhibiting the use of the screwdriver to tighten the cylinder. In a second embodiment, the shaft of the screw has a first portion smaller in diameter than a second portion. The first portion also has a thread pitch smaller than that of the second portion. A second cylinder contained within the first cylinder is screwed onto the second portion of the shaft while the first cylinder is screwed onto the first portion. A pin is used to lock the first cylinder to the second cylinder such that both cylinders are turned at the same revolution.

Abstract: A soffit lock retains a facing stone or shutter to a cap stone soffit. The soffit lock attaches on the inner surface of the shutter and includes a hook portion wrapping around and over the top of the shutter. A shelf portion includes an orifice formed therethrough which is threaded to receive a stud member. The stud member extends upward and can be raised to engage a bore formed in the soffit.

Abstract: An interruptible connector assembly adapted for the interlocking spatially of one tubular member with another object to be supported thereby, comprising: flexible clamp band adapted to be deformed into a U-shape and overlap any underlying planar surfaces; a two-component, rigid support means, with each structurally identical component, and having an at least partially arcuate proximal one end, such opposing arcuate surfaces adapted to nest a tubular member; a linear bore hole traversing of each of said clamping components; spherically faced cylindrical bushings, to slidingly engage the bore hole of its associated clamping component and each having at its shoulder contacting the adjacent support means; an elongate, assembly fastener means to slidingly traverse the aligned assembly via the component bore holes, being of a length sufficient to extend from one external side of the assembly to the other external side about the interlocked two tubings in a variable angle juxtaposition.

Abstract: A first story log house material is adhered to a base with a coach bolt and succeeding log materials after a second story are piled up in turn with clamping bolts. A coach bolt or a clamping bolt has a height corresponding with one long thickness and is equipped with a nut portion and a wahser. This method of assembling log walls for the log house eliminates the accumulated shrinkage for the log wall during the drying period. Thus, by the present invention, it is now not necessary to prepare some large size of a side adjusting device and also to reserve some large settling space, both of which are unavoidable in prior art.

Abstract: A hinge connects the webbing of a first bridge span to the webbing of a second bridge span. The hinge has male hinge plates on opposite sides of the first span's webbing and has female hinge plates on opposite sides of the second span's webbing. A shaft passing through the male hinge plates and first span's webbing is threaded on the ends but is smooth between the ends. Pockets at outer surfaces of the male plates surround the threaded ends and accept torque limiting nuts engaging the shaft. The nuts have heads, recess bodies and frangible necks connecting the heads to the bodies. No part of the bodies extends past the outer surfaces of the male plates. When the nuts are driven onto the shafts at a given torque, the necks break and the heads twist off. Then any remaining parts of the necks are removed. The male hinge plate can then be rotatably mounted adjacently between the female hinge plates.

Abstract: Thus, the present device provides a nut and bolt assembly having a lower threaded end and opposing upper threaded end. A first flange seats above the lower threaded end and an upper flange seats below the upper threaded end. A weak point having a known torque limit is provided below the upper flange. A nut is mounted on the upper threaded end. When the nut is turned beyond the torque limit of the weak point, it causes the bolt to break at the weak point. The bolt of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to make and use. It is designed preferably to be used in conjunction with a pressing member and a pipe junction holder for holding a pair of joined pipes.

Abstract: A cavity wall which is usually made with a hollow concrete block as the inner wythe and brick as the outer wythe is disclosed. A special purpose insertion tool is fitted to a standard hammer tool. A center pin is provided in the insertion tool made with an indent to match the pointed end of the tie. The pin is then pressed into the SDS fitting which is the connection into the drill. The tie end is supported by a short sleeve which, when it contacts the face of the wall, retracts against a spring until the tie driving is completed. A modified embodiment of the adapter recognizes that the tie when activated by the hammer invariably rotates clockwise. Accordingly, if the spring is wound clockwise, the bottom tail end will dig into its seat. On the other hand, if it is wound counterclockwise, it rotates in a "tail skid" relationship to the seat.

Abstract: Both threads of a connecting element--with thread on both sides for a detachable connection of two component parts or objects--consisting of several, preferably three joinable parts, i.e. base screw, secondary screw, and clamping nut, are right-handed.

Abstract: An anchor rod for use as a composite anchor is secured in a receiving borehole by one of a hardenable or curable organic and inorganic mortar mass. The anchor rod has a means (3) at a trailing end region (2) for engaging a load. The anchor rod has an anchoring region (4) insertable into the receiving borehole and has a thread-like profiling (5) for interaction with the mortar mass injected into the receiving borehole. The thread-like profiling is a coarse screw thread (5) and has a thread pitch (s) which reduces in the axial direction from the leading end toward the trailing end of the anchor rod (1).

Abstract: A threaded fastener and a method by which the fastener exhibits sufficiently enhanced fatigue strength so as to be suitable for use in gas compressors and turbines operating at relatively high service temperatures. The method entails a selective heat treatment to achieve a dramatic improvement in fatigue properties while not interfering with other required properties for the fastener. The heat treatment process preferentially develops a case-hardened region in those threads nearest a transition region between the threads and an unthreaded portion of the fastener. In contrast, the unthreaded portion and the threads furthest from the transition region need not be case-hardened. The hardening pattern in the threads yields a martensitic steel fastener that exhibits fatigue properties which are dramatically superior to otherwise identical fasteners.

Abstract: A screw-nut fastener assembly in which a nut member is welded onto the head of a screw member having a variety of drive means, such as a straight slot, a cross recess drive or other suitable drive means.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing together structural members includes a stud threaded at both ends and a stud sleeve threaded at both ends. The stud and stud sleeve are coaxial with the stud extending through the stud sleeve and beyond the ends of the stud sleeve. The threaded stud ends and the threaded sleeve ends are separately threadedly connected to the structural members so that both the stud and stud sleeve apply forces to the structural members to secure them together. No significant transfer of load between the stud and the stud sleeve will occur.

Abstract: A surgical implant system for the stabilization of a human spine by fixation of the vertebra utilizing a stabilization cross-link spinal implant system. The system utilizes self-tapping screws having bifurcated protruding members to support an alignment rod, the protruding members available for placement of a fixed or variable traverse cross-link member that couples to the protruding members by use of threaded nuts corresponding to the threaded portion of the outer surface of the protruding members. The externally threaded coupling method can also be use for pedicle, caudal, cranial, thoracic and the like hooks. Also shown is a two plate system for anterior cervical spine fixation.

Abstract: A bar device which can be installed in a window opening to which a sheet of covering material can be secured to protect the window from flying debris resulting from a storm such as a hurricane, tornado, etc. The bar device includes a turnbuckle which is threaded on its opposite ends. Threaded rods are threaded into the turnbuckle. A threaded bolt is secured in some manner to each of the threaded rods to extend perpendicular thereto. A supporting pad is secured at the ends of the threaded rods and the supporting pads are forced against a wall elements defining a window opening in order to secure the bar device in the window opening and a protective cushion is provided on the supporting pads to prevent marring the window opening. Once the bar device is secured in the window opening, the covering sheet such as plywood is secured in place by passing the threaded bolts through suitable holes in the covering sheet and then securing the covering sheet in place by a washer and nut applied onto the threaded bolts.

Abstract: A camera support (10) for supporting a camera (12) having a threaded opening in an exterior wall thereof. The support (10) comprises a shaft (15) having first (16) and second (18) ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. Course self tapping anchor threads (20) are disposed on the first end (16) of the shaft (15) for threadingly engaging a support structure (22). Machine-type support threads (24) are disposed on the second end (18) of the shaft (15) for threadingly engaging the threaded opening in the camera (12). A handle (26) extends transversely to the axis of the shaft (15) for manually rotating the anchor threads (20) into the support structure (22).

Abstract: A kit comprised of an elongated threaded bolt having two end portions and an intermediate threaded portion therebetween. The two end portions have Allen wrench drives formed therein. The device includes a pair of removable cap heads each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has an internally threaded aperture formed therein. The internally threaded aperture is adapted for removable coupling with the two end portions of the elongated threaded bolt. The inner surface of the removable cap head has a circular groove formed therein surrounding the internally threaded aperture thereof for placement of an O-ring therein. The outer surface of the removable cap head has an Allen wrench drive formed therein.

Abstract: A bone connector including a first joint which is inserted and secured in one of cut bone pieces to be interconnected at the cut end thereof, a second joint which is inserted and secured in the other bone piece at the cut end thereof, and engaging portions provided on the first and second joints to connect the same.

Abstract: An easy-to-use adapter assembly having a minimum number of component parts that will permit sanding flapper wheels of various sizes to be conveniently used in the field with portable hand held electric grinders of conventional design. The assembly is preferably sold as a set that includes connectors of various lengths that can accommodate drive shafts of different sizes so that the assemblage can be conveniently used in connection with flapper wheels of various thickness having spindle receiving apertures of various sizes.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device includes a fixation ring, a universal pad, a threaded fixation element, and a fastening nut. The universal pad contains a circular hole and is provided at one end with a protruding arcuate surface and at another end with a recessed arcuate surface concentric with the protruding arcuate surface. The fastening nut is provided with a protruding or recessed arcuate surface located at one side facing the universal pad. The threaded fixation element has an arresting portion which is provided with a protruding or recessed arcuate surface located at one side facing the universal pad. The protruding and recessed arcuate surfaces of the fastening nut and the threaded fixation element are engageable with the universal pad.

Abstract: System for the assembly and clamping of seats which can be dismantled, these seats, stools or chairs (11) or the like comprising a front element (12a) and a rear element (12b) connected to each other by lateral cross-members (15, 16) including terminal tenons (17) cooperating with containing mortises (18) made in the front (12a) and rear (12b) elements or other reciprocal connection means of a known type such as pins, hollows and like elements, the seams (11) being also able to consist of two opposed lateral elements connected together by front and rear cross-members, the system being characterised in that it comprises at least one tensioner means (20) the ends of which cooperate with anchorage means (19) included in coordinated positions in the respective opposed faces of the front (12a) and rear (12b) elements or of the lateral elements.

Abstract: A threaded tubular fastener having an elongated central through-bore having engaging means for engaging said through-bore with a rotary device having a rotary driver, a generally cylindrical body having an external surface with a main external thread formed thereon with a plurality of slots, said thread being larger than the diameter of a pre-drilled hole in a first work piece and a second mating work piece wherein the said threaded tubular fastener is employed to fasten the first work piece to the second work piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixation system. The system comprises a screw for pivotally attaching a bolt to a vertebrae to be treated. A pivot block is threaded onto the bolt to move the pivot block up and down the bolt. A rod is secured at each of its ends to vertebrae on either side of the vertebrae to be treated and a clamp block is attached to the rod and the pivot block to thereby allow the pivot block to push, pull or rotate the vertebrae to be treated.

Abstract: A tie rod loosening tool for use with a tie rod assembly, the tie rod assembly having an outer tie rod, an inner tie rod, and a threaded adjustment sleeve extending from the inner tie rod and being received within the outer tie rod. An elongated tool member is provided upon removal of a standard threaded bolt which secures the outer tie rod to the adjustment sleeve during normal operation. The tool member has a first externally threaded end for threadably engaging within an aperture in the outer tie rod. The elongated tool member has a second end which defines a tool bit which may be received within a power tool. The power tool is activated to forcibly loosen, by vibration or jarring, the inner and outer tie rods from the threaded adjustment sleeve and overcomes corrosive buildup between the tie rods and the adjustment sleeve.

Abstract: A masonry fixing device 1 comprises a steel shank 2 which in the form of the blank is right circular cylindrical form. A ridge-groove-ridge configuration extends helically along the lower portion 4 of shank 2 and comprises a pair of parallel opposed ridges 7 upstanding from an adjacent land 9. Each ridge defines with the adjacent ridge a groove 5. At least the forward end of the lower portion 4 of shank 2 is configured so as to provide a self-tapping facility. In use, the fixing device is introduced into a pre-drilled bore in a masonry substrate such as brickwork by turning so as to form a thread on the interior walls of the bore. The axial dimension of the land 9 is at least 50% of the blank diameter with the result that relatively large amounts of substrate material are disposed between the ridge-groove-ridge configuration when the fixing device is in place.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezing tunnel having a conveyer belt, insulated panels, each panel comprised of an inner metal surface layer, a wooden layer, a foam insulation layer, an outer metal surface layer, and tie pins connecting the outer and inner metal surface layers together, thereby, preventing void spaces between the inner metal layers and the wooden layers of the panels, which leads to ice build-up and bulging of the inner metal surface which forces collection pans and conveyer belt supports mounted on top the inner metal surfaces upward into the conveyer belt and consequently causes damage to the collection pans, conveyer belt supports, and conveyer belt.

Abstract: A break-way coupling with spaced weakened sections includes a central controlled breaking region and rigid threaded bolts at each end for connection to a base at one end and to a pole or the like at the other end. The controlled breaking region includes two axially spaced necked-down portions of smaller diameter and solid cross-section. Where the axil length of the controlled breaking region is L and the necked-down portions have a diameter D, the dimensions D and L are selected so that the ratio D/L is within the range D/L.ltoreq.0.3. The necked-down portions have conical tapered surfaces to insure that at least one of the necked-down portions break upon bending prior to contact between any surfaces forming or defining the necked-down portions.

Abstract: A tie rod loosening tool for use with a tie rod assembly, the tie rod assembly having an outer tie rod, an inner tie rod and a threaded adjustment sleeve extending from the inner tie rod and being received within the outer tie rod. An elongated tool member is provided upon removal of a standard threaded bolt which secures the outer tie rod to the adjustment sleeve during normal operation The tool member has a first externally threaded end for threadably engaging within an aperture in the outer tie rod. The elongated tool member has a second end which defines a tool bit which may be received within a power tool. The power tool is activated to forcibly loosen, by vibration or jarring, the inner and outer tie rods from the threaded adjustment sleeve and overcomes corrosive buildup between the tie rods and the adjustment sleeve.

Abstract: A straight, double-threaded arthrodesis screw that comprises a threaded compression nut mounted thereon. The screw consists of a shank containing distal right-handed threads for screwable connection with a threaded hole in the bone, proximal left-handed threads on which the compression nut is screwably mounted, and a longitudinal perforation for engagement with an installation tool. A hole is first drilled and tapped in the bone to provide an internal right-handed thread conforming to the distal threads of the arthrodesis screw. The screw is installed on the bone by screwably mounting its distal portion in the hole. The compression nut is then rotated toward the proximal cortex of the bone until it contacts the soft tissue surrounding the hole in the bone. The soft tissue is secured in place between the compression nut and the bone's cortical surface by further screwing the distal threads into the bone while preventing the compression nut from turning with respect to the clamped tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw for fixing an intramedullary nail in position. An external thread on the screw shank is provided over only a part of the length of the shank. The screw head is provided with an external thread having a direction of helical advance which is opposite the direction of helical advance of the screw-shank thread.