Abstract: A retaining cap includes circular projections positioned on the outside of a circumferential surface of a main body of the cap. The projections define a diameter for the cap that is larger than the diameter of the main body of the cap. The retaining cap is joined with the tulip in an assembly by positioning the cap coaxially with the tulip body. The cap is then slid into tulip body with the projections aligned with respective half circle entry slots of tulip body. The cap is the rotated axially to a degree that the tulip's diameter is reduced to cause interference between the retaining cap projections and the tulip. The retaining cap can be rotated past the interfering diameter and into a home position created by cross holes in the tulip body where the cap can be removed from the tulip.

Abstract: An interconnecting spinal rod with a flanged end permits the surgeon to specifically locate the superior end, screw/rod position thereby minimizing the connecting rod overhang. This minimal overhang reduces interference with the adjacent facet of a vertebra in a spinal interbody fusion surgical procedure.

Abstract: A shaper for reaming tissue includes an articulating head operably connected to a shaft. Incremental deployment allows for a unique utility in shaping a cavity suited to the particular morphology, that is, a more customizable cavity shape may be achieved.

Abstract: A casting actuator having a slip-resistant contacting surface which flexes to accommodate the user's thumb. The casting actuator preferably comprises: an actuating lever; a support structure; a living hinge pivotably connecting the actuating lever to the support structure; and a flexible cover extending from the support collar over at least a portion of the lever. The flexible cover provides a flexible, slip-resistant contacting surface on the lever. The inventive actuator is preferably formed by an inventive method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first material in a mold to form a unitary, molded structure and (b) while the first material is present in mold, placing a second material in the mold to form the flexible cover. The unitary, molded structure formed from the first material comprises: the actuating lever; the support collar; and the resilient hinge. The inventive casting actuator preferably includes a convex engaging surface for operably contacting a main shaft of the fishing reel.