Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held device for cutting or heating medical implants, in particular for cutting and bending resorbable implants. The device comprises a heating element electrically connectable to a power source (e.g., a battery), a switch for selectively completing the circuit between the heating element and the power source, and a housing for enclosing the battery and associated electrical connections. The invention is directed to a kit comprising a handle assembly and multiple interchangeable cutting or heating tips for use therewith. One tip member is configured for heating an implant to a sufficient temperature to cut the implant while a second tip member is configured for heating the implant to a sufficient temperature to bend the implant. A tip member housing an additional power source may be provided to bend larger size implants.

Abstract: A constant-contact load-bearing assembly for a railcar truck bolster and operable against a complementary body bolster bearing and biased to continuously contact the body-bolster bearing to transfer the lading and railcar weight forces, which assembly has an outer element of a first coefficient of friction, a second or inner element with a second and larger coefficient of friction and biasing apparatus to maintain the inner assembly pad element in contact with the body-bolster assembly at an empty-railcar condition to provide control of the railcar body at the empty or unloaded car status with the biasing apparatus compressible at a loaded railcar state to provide contact between the outer pad element and the body-bolster bearing pad for transfer of the railcar loads and forces over the range of operating loads between the empty-car state and the loaded to capacity state.