Abstract: A prosthesis for use with a tissue repair system is capable of expanding during implantation into the tissue. The prosthesis can include a driving portion and a base portion. The driving portion helps drive the prosthesis into a tissue during a first stage of implantation. The base portion is configured to expand or splay open during a second stage of implantation. The prosthesis may include a hole for receiving a portion of a suture thread.

Abstract: A drawing pin comprises a head portion and a spike, the head portion having an aperture therein in order to receive the spike of a subsequent drawing pin.

Abstract: A novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves, wherein a plurality of the knurls include a lateral cutting edge, and a generally pointed tip. Another novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having a predetermined diameter small enough so that the head will break away from said shank upon application of a predetermined torque, and said shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves.

Abstract: In combination, an elongated tool having a striking end and a tapered insertion end and a drift pin cap. The drift pin cap includes a cap body having an upper end, a lower end and at least one side wall extending between and connecting the upper end and the lower end. A drift pin receiving cavity is formed in the lower end of the cap body which extends upwards towards the upper end within the cap body, the pin receiving cavity having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cap body. The pin receiving cavity is operative to fit over and be retained on the striking end of the tool such that when the tool is impacted by a driving device, the drift pin cap is interposed between the tool and the driving device to prevent damage to the tool yet still permit driving of the tool.

Abstract: Nails for use in construction have a length indication provided by numerical markings comprised of numerals formed by contouring on the nail head combined with a color coding as to nail length, by coloring recessed areas of the head to protect the coloring when the nail is being driven. The color coding and numeric length indication can be read either before or after the nail has been driven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a head, having a controlled predetermined shape, on an end of an elongate member, such as a wire, which is formed into a fastener, where an end portion of the wire is secured in a predetermined position and axially compressed so as to expand a predetermined amount of wire material radially outwardly and thereby form the head on the wire, and where material flow is directed during axial compression so as to provide the controlled predetermined shape of the head.

Abstract: A surgical staple is disclosed comprising an arcuate central region which can be flattened by a stapling tool. Straight legs extend obliquely upwardly from the central region to which are connected downwardly extending side portions. The side portions are curved substantially in the form of an arc of a circle having a center at the center for the central region. When the central region is flattened, the side portions move about an arc of a circle so that automatic puncture channels are produced. Tearing of tissue is thereby prevented.