Abstract: A preload locking wire insert comprised of a unitary, coiled wire having a particular polygonal cross-section for use in combination with a threaded fastener and a complementary threaded bore in a work piece, wherein the wire insert provides a ramping surface which locks the threads of the fastener into place against the inner threaded wall of the bore in the work piece. A further embodiment provides for the wire insert to be threaded into the bore in either direction, with no regard to orientation, while still retaining the definitive locking aspect.

Abstract: An interchangeable threaded attachment means for securing a given object to a shaft. By way of example and not limitation, the attachment means is embodied in a golf club assembly, providing for the use of multiple golf club heads with a single shaft. The assembly means comprises a threaded collet adaptor which clamps onto the lower portion of a golf club shaft and is threaded into a female aperture on the top of a golf club head. The threaded female aperture has a series of progressively ramped threads which locks the male threaded collet adapter securely in place when tightened, thereby eliminating the lateral thread clearance and converting some of the axial tension, seen in typical 60° threads, to radial or compressive forces on the male threads. This design utilizes the compressive forces to compress the male thread component, gripping the shaft, and eliminating all clearances in the threaded joint that can allow vibration or noise in the joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-tamper nut that has a threaded bore and an angled outer surface. The angled outer surface has a plurality of ribs extending from a first face to a second face of the nut. A wrench adapted to mate with the outer surface of the nut rotationally drives the nut along the threads of a threaded member.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for interconnecting a prosthesis to a bone of a patient includes a first component adapted for direct attachment to the bone. The first component has a longitudinally extending aperture including an upper portion defined by a smooth surface and a lower portion defined by a plurality of internal threads. The mounting arrangement additionally includes a second component adapted to abut the first component. The second component includes a generally cylindrical channel passing longitudinally therethrough. Further, the mounting arrangement includes a threaded fastener including an upper segment having a smooth surface and a lower segment including a plurality of external threads for meshing engagement with the plurality of internal threads. The upper segment passes through the generally cylindrical channel and it extends partially into the aperture.