Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a securement arm, a clamp lock, and a tensioning assembly. The body defines a longitudinal axis and has proximal and distal portions. The distal portion defines a recess. The securement arm is coupled to the body and translatable along the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between first and second position. The clamp lock is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the body. The clamp lock is pivotable between secured and unsecured configurations. The tensioning assembly translatable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal position. The tensioning assembly configured to draw a flexible band to tension the flexible band about a bony element.

Abstract: A process using environmentally friendly materials for restoring a surface of an epoxy graphite composite material that has been degraded by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. An example process includes steps of providing a gelled solvent composition, applying the gelled solvent composition to a degraded surface of an epoxy graphite composite material, and thereafter removing the gelled solvent composition to produce a restored surface. The process uses a novel gelled solvent composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a thickening agent, an abrasive agent, and water; wherein the gelled solvent composition has an evaporative weight loss that is lower than the evaporative weight loss of the one or more non-halogenated solvents.

Abstract: A process using environmentally friendly materials for restoring a surface of an epoxy graphite composite material that has been degraded by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. An example process includes steps of providing a gelled solvent composition, applying the gelled solvent composition to a degraded surface of an epoxy graphite composite material, and thereafter removing the gelled solvent composition to produce a restored surface. The process uses a novel gelled solvent composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a thickening agent, an abrasive agent, and water; wherein the gelled solvent composition has an evaporative weight loss that is lower than the evaporative weight loss of the one or more non-halogenated solvents.

Abstract: A self retaining shim for mounting between two surfaces is made of plastic and engages a projection from one of the surfaces on which the shim is to be mounted. The shim has inwardly directed deflectable tabs projecting into an aperture for engaging the projection to hold the shim in place while the two surfaces are joined.