Abstract: A rotatable drum for winding cable with an automatic cable lock. The rotatable drum comprises a rotatable shaft which has a first transverse aperture, and an outer drum member having an outer cable winding surface, which outer drum member is carried on the shaft and freely rotatable rotation therewith. The outer drum member defines a second transverse aperture which is positioned to align with the first transverse aperture in a first rotational position of the outer drum member. The two apertures can also be spaced in other rotational positions. Thus insertion of the cable end into the aligned first and second transverse apertures, plus rotation of the shaft to wind the cable about the outer drum member, can cause spontaneous locking of the cable between the first and second apertures by opposed walls of the respective apertures pinching against the cable.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.

Abstract: A crosslink member is provided for connecting a pair of surgical support rods in spaced, typically parallel relation. A first connector has a first recess, typically a bore, for receiving and retaining one of the pair of support rods, while a second connector has a second recess that may also be a bore, and which receives and retains the other of the support rods. The first connector is permanently attached to a crosslink rod that extends from the first connector to the second connector. The second connector has a third recess for receiving and retaining a portion of a crosslink rod. Retainers, such as set screws, are used to hold the two connectors of the crosslink member and the support rods together in a desired position. The third recess is closed by a cap with an interengaging sliding rail system.

Abstract: A link for connecting surgical rods to bone comprises a bone connector such as a bone screw or a bone hook, and a head connected to one end of the bone connector. The head defines an outwardly facing first recess for receiving a portion of a surgical rod which extends transversely of the link and occupies the first recess. A cover is proportioned to fit in a position to cover the surgical rod portion occupying the first recess. A hinge member is carried by the cover and head, to permit vertical pivoting retention between the cover and the head on one side of the recess. A closure on the cover and head is provided at a position opposed to the hinge member. Specifically, the closure may comprise aligned holes, plus a set screw to provide locking closure between the cover and head with a surgical rod extending through the first recess.

Abstract: A nipple for use in igniting a propellant charge in a muzzle loading firearm employing percussive ignition caps, has an elongated body with a generally cylindrical cap receiving portion adjacent one end and a mounting portion adjacent the other end. The outer surface of the cap receiving portion is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to slidably seat percussion caps thereon. The body has a passage extending axially therethrough with a generally funnel shaped inlet portion extending axially from the one end through a major portion of the length of the body. The funnel shaped inlet portion tapers radially inwardly from the one end towards the other end at an angle less than 25.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the passage, and the throat portion has a generally uniform cross section corresponding to the smallest cross section of the inlet portion.

Abstract: A cable winding for retention of bone in surgery having a crimp for retaining the cables together. The crimp has a bore of oval cross section, with its exterior being preferably oval in cross section as well. The cable sections extend through the single bore in side-by-side relation. Outwardly projecting flanges extend from the crimp ends for at least about 120.degree. about the periphery to create a space between the flanges when the flanges rest on bone. This space may be used to receive the crimping jaws during the crimping process so that the crimp does not have to be forced outwardly from the bone during the crimping process. Thus, a more consistent, predetermined tension can be provided to the cable on crimping.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.