Abstract: An oscillating surgical blade formed such that the thickness of the blade adjacent the side edges is reduced relative to the effective thickness of the body of the blade. Therefore, when the side edges of the blade mushroom due to contact with a saw guide slot, the resultant thickness of the mushroomed edges is less than or equal to the effective thickness of the blade body.

Abstract: The tube strap of this invention includes a first end having a hole for accommodating a tube therethrough and a second hook end having a handle extending generally transverse to the hook end. The first and second ends are spaced by a shaft portion. The tube strap is flexible and is preferably formed from a silicone substance which can sustain repeated sterilization without detrimentally effecting its integrity. In use, the tube strap is carried by a support tube or hose passing through the opening in the first end. It is preferred that the strap be slid onto the tube by the supplier of the tubing at the time of manufacturing. The tube strap may be used in three basic variations to bundle or restrain tubes or hoses in a more manageable grouping. The strap could be wrapped around adjacent tubes with the hook engaging the shaft. The strap can be wrapped around adjacent tubes with the hook engaging the support tube which passes through the first end.

Abstract: A drill having a variable speed trigger and logic circuit which can control the direction and speed of rotation. In an alternating mode of operation, the logic circuit alternates the direction of motor/chuck rotation on each successive activation of the trigger. The drill can also be set to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction without the alternating feature. A pair of lights provide visual confirmation that the drill is set to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction. The drill can also be set in a safe mode to prevent rotation in either direction.

Abstract: The adjustable support for a prosthetic tooth includes an abutment member having an opening for reception of a bolt member that engages with a nut member. The abutment member is sandwiched between a head portion of the bolt member and an enlarged collar portion of the nut member. The engaging surfaces between the head portion and the abutment member and between the abutment member and the enlarged collar portion of the nut member are of complementary shape with respect to each other to permit pivotal adjustment of the abutment member with respect to the bolt and nut members. The abutment member is thus pivoted to a desired position and the bolt and nut members are tightened to lock the abutment member in the desired position. A prosthetic tooth having an opening of complementary shape with respect to the abutment member engages the abutment member to assume the angular orientation of the abutment member.

Abstract: The valve includes a housing with inlet and outlet members joined by a resilient flexible valve closure. An annular chamber that does not communicate with the inlet or outlet surrounds the valve closure. When a flow of fluid is desired through the valve closure, a pressurized fluid is introduced into the annular chamber to deform the valve closure enabling the closure to open. Reduction or elimination of the pressure for deforming the valve closure permits the valve closure to assume its normal closed position, thereby permitting a shut off of fluid flow. Variable flow rates can be accomplished by obtaining predetermined deformations of the valve closure corresponding to predetermined levels of the pressurizing fluid which cause such deformation.