Abstract: A novel suture anchor installation tool which comprises an elongated member having a first end and a second end and a slot extending from the first end towards the second end, the slot being sized to snugly accommodate the suture anchor's barb, whereby the suture anchor may be attached to the elongated member at the first end of the elongated member by fitting the barb into the slot so that the barb extends upward and outward from the first end of the elongated member, through the slot, with the body of the suture anchor engaging the first end of the installation tool.In use, the suture is first attached to the suture anchor and then the suture anchor is attached to the elongated member in the foregoing manner. Then the first end of the elongated member is pressed into a predrilled hole in the bone, forcing the suture anchor in ahead of it.

Abstract: A suture anchor for anchoring one end of a conventional suture to bone comprising a coupling member, at least one barb made of a resilient elastic material projecting from said coupling member, and structure for use in attaching one end of a suture to said suture anchor. The coupling member and the at least one barb are adapted to securely anchor one end of the suture in bone when the suture is attached to the attachment structure, so that the other end of the suture extending outside the bone can be used to attach objects to the bone. A novel application tool is also provided.

Abstract: In an automation system for a mixing and dispensing apparatus, different colors of granite granules are placed into different silos. Dampers and proportion gates on the bottom of the silos permit specific proportions of different granite colors to fall and mix on a conveyor. The granite color combination is transported through a bucket elevator to a lazy susan and from the lazy susan into a selected bin. A second combination of granite colors is then mixed by adjusting selected proportion gates and opening and closing selected dampers. The second color combination is transferred through the lazy susan to a second selected bin. Any number of color combinations can be made and transferred to selected bins. The granite color combinations from the several bins are then applied to an asphalt-coated fiberglass mat through a dispensing apparatus on the bottom of the selected bins. The entire process is automated and controlled through logic circuitry.

Abstract: A probe sheath and probe wire having a memory hook and soft flexibility are used to locate a small presymptomatic breast lesion, wherein the wire is sheathed within the sheathing cannula and both are inserted into the body tissue and directed to the site of the lesion. Thereafter the wire is extended through the sheath to assume its memory configuration and its location is determined mammographically. If re-positioning is necessary the wire may be retracted into the sheath and then extended and re-anchored after the wire and sheath are directed to a new position. When the probe wire location is acceptable the cannula is removed and the probe wire is left as a marker for surgical excision of the lesion.

Abstract: A surgical blade unit for receiving substantial cutting load and adapted for use with a selected shaft-form handle that has, at its distal end, an axially aligned blade-unit receiving opening. The blade-unit includes a metal blade defining a working edge and a load-transmitting, axially elongated metal support shank extending from the edge, and a intermediate load-transferring member of synthetic resin permanently molded about a proximal portion of the shank and defining an attachment fitting adapted to engage in load-transferring relationship with the handle. The proximal portion of the shank extends through the intermediate member in the attachment fitting region and is permanently embedded therein to define an elongated, load-transferring interface therewith.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system for use with an electrofluidic device for sensing pressure includes a pump for supplying fluid to the electrofluidic sensing device. An electrical switching circuit controls the supply of fluid to the sensing device and is responsive to the external pressure level applied to the sensing device; this circuit also cyclically causes the supplied pressure to vent when the pressure of supplied fluid inside the sensing device is substantially equal to the applied external pressure, and then start the fluid supply to the device over again. This system further includes a measuring element for detecting the pressure level of the supplied fluid, and a digital meter for displaying the analogous detected pressure level during supply of the fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive surgical tool assembly includes an inflatable enclosure and a pair of electrodes positioned therein. The electrodes are adapted to contact each other and operatively move away from each other under an increase of fluid pressure inside the enclosure until electrical contact is broken. An electrical lead is connected to each electrode for electrically monitoring the condition of electrode contact. A flexible tubing is connected to the enclosure to provide fluid flow therein to increase the pressure inside. A surgical tool overlies at least one of the electrodes and is adapted to transmit force applied from it to that associated electrode. Application of force by the tool initially causes the electrodes to contact each other and to remain in contact until the pressure inside the enclosure substantially balances the applied pressure from the tool whereupon electrode contact is broken.