Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver and method of making same wherein there is a handle and there are a ratchet gear and pawls inside the handle. An adjuster is inside the handle and is movable by a tool extending into the handle for positioning the adjuster relative to the gear and thereby eliminating play between the gear and the handle. Ball bearings are interposed between the handle and the gear and the bearings rotatably support the gear and transmit the anti-play forces that act on the gear.

Abstract: A ratcheting driver configured to rotationally drive an item or work piece is provided. The driver includes a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. The handle and pawls have mating matched surfaces for full and flush overlying contact therebetween. A cap that is rotatable relative to the handle and that has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear is also provided. In addition, a stop is included. The stop is configured to assure that only a correct direction of rotation of the cap is available when assembling. Also, a method of arranging the driver is provided.

Abstract: A suture cutter having a handle and a barrel with a movable cutting head on the barrel, and the barrel supporting a stationary cutting edge and a movable cutting edge. A movable support carries the movable cutting edge and includes a surface spaced from the stationary cutting edge a selected distance. An abutment wall spaced from the stationary cutting edge at the selected distance provides for snugly restricting movement of the moving cutting edge away from cutting contact with the stationary cutting edge while cutting the suture. Recesses are defined on a guiding support surface along which the movable cutting edge slides when the handle is actuated, allowing for sharpening of the moveable cutting edge when said edge is retracted proximally.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver having a base assembly including a handle and an insert, and having a cap rotatable on the base assembly, and there is pawl mechanism which is controlled by the cap. There is an intervening member in the form of a detent to serve as a stop for restricting the axial movement of the cap relative to the base assembly, so the cap cannot be removed from the base assembly until the detent is released. The detent, or other parts of the screwdriver, can serve as a rotation stop for the cap which has selective positions for setting the ratcheting position of the screwdriver.

Abstract: A ratcheting driver for rotationally driving a piece and having a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and being capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. A cap is rotatable relative to said handle and it has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear. Through the selective rotation of the cap, the setting of the pawls is established. A spring positions the pawls in driving positions, and the cap has surfaces which disengage the pawls from the gear upon rotation of the cap. A method of arranging the driver is included.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver having a base assembly including a handle and an insert, and having a can rotatable on the base assembly, and there is pawl mechanism which is controlled by the cap. There is an intervening member in the form of a detent to serve as a stop for restricting the axial movement of the cap relative to the base assembly, so the cap cannot be removed from the base assembly until the detent is released. The detent, or other parts of the screwdriver, can serve as a rotation stop for the can which has selective positions for setting the ratcheting position of the screwdriver.

Abstract: A connector for cross bracing a first spine rod and a second spine rod. The connector comprises a cross brace, upper saddles and connectors for connecting the upper saddles and cross brace to the first and second spine rods to thereby cross brace the first and second spine rods. Lower saddles are integrally formed at opposite ends of the cross brace to mate with the upper saddles in gripping the spine rods.