Abstract: Apparatus for applying a tensile force to a band of fibrous tissue of a patient. The apparatus includes a base for supporting the apparatus against a patient and a tensioning element moveably mounted on the base. The tensioning element is adapted for connection to a first end of the band of fibrous tissue of the patient so that movement of the element relative to the base moves the first end of the band relative to a second end of the band opposite the first end thereby to stretch the band and develop a tensile force in it. The tensile force developed in the band of fibrous tissue is a function of the movement of the tensioning element relative to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for axially retaining rotor blades on a rotor disk wherein a integral split ring blade retainer is installed in a groove on a rotor disk and compressed to allow installation of rotor blades into slots on the rotor disk and releasing of the split ring blade retainer from compression causes the split ring blade retainer to engage a hook on the rotor blade and the groove on the rotor disk to react axial loads and prevent axial movement of the rotor blade with relation to the rotor disk.