Abstract: Protectors are provided for both internally and externally threaded ends of a tubular member. Each protector includes a plastic and a metal member. The plastic member of each protector defines threads which are adapted to threadedly engage threads of the tubular member. Each metal member defines a projection that is adapted to be received by a recess formed in the plastic member. Each plastic member defines a channel that guides the metal projection to the recess as the metal and plastic members are joined together.

Abstract: A compression screw assembly for applying compression to a fractured bone includes a lag screw, a compression plate including a hollow barrel member adapted to receive the lag screw in at least one fixed orientation, a wrench assembly adapted to releasably engage the lag screw in axial alignment therewith, and apparatus having surface contours complimentary with the outer surface of the lag screw and inner surface of the barrel member for being optionally insertable into the barrel member to prevent axial rotation of the lag screw with respect to the barrel member.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling contaminated waste for sterilization and subsequent disposal which is a pore forming sterilization bag made from a thermoplastic resin which has been embedded with either soluble materials or melt materials which respond to the temperature and moisture of steam sterilization to form pores in the bag, thus permitting the entrance of sterilant and the exit of air for sterilization of the waste. The melt materials are low molecular weight polymers such as carbowaxes. The soluble materials can be either organic or inorganic materials such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and various inorganic salts, such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: A device for indicating the failure of one of the cables in a redundant cable system for assisting the movement of a closure which includes means for so connecting each of the cables to a counterweight suspended therefrom that the counterweight is maintained at a first distance from the closure when both cables are intact and the counterweight so moves to a second distance from the closure when one of the two cables fails that the counterweight can move into a position for inhibiting the raising of the closure, thereby indicating the failure of one of the cables. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The connecting means is a pivoting member having two arms, each being adapted for sliding attachment to one of the cables.

Abstract: An insulation device for surrounding the uninsulated, adjoining end portions of a preinsulated pipe comprising a plurality of axially extending cylinder segments adapted to be circumferentially joined to form a cylindrical insulating jacket around the uninsulated end portions. The cylinder segments in their undeformed states have a length slightly greater than the combined length of the uninsulated adjoining end portions. The cylindrical insulating jacket has an inside diameter generally conforming to the outside diameter of the uninsulated end portions and an outside diameter generally conforming to the outside diameter of the preinsulated pipe. Each cylinder segment has at least a first pair of rigid arcuate sections and a first resilient arcuate section sandwiched therebetween. The first resilient arcuate sections of all of the cylinder segments are longitudinally positioned in the cylindrical jacket to fall substantially in the same transverse plane.

Abstract: A surgical table having simplified joint mechanisms made possible by the use of two offset columns for support and positioning of the table surface. Each column is attached to the surface at two points and is adapted for individual extension and retraction. The columns extend vertically from a base to the surface. The columns and base are positioned such that there is adequate clearance during surgery for use of auxiliary apparatus such as image amplification equipment.