Abstract: An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.

Abstract: A ratchet tool has a ratchet body carrying a ratchet mechanism including a gear and a pair of pawls resiliently urged into engagement with the gear by spring-loaded balls. A handle is releasably received on a post which projects from one end of the ratchet body and is retained thereon by a spring-loaded ball receivable in a circumferential groove in the handle bore to accommodate free spinning thereof. A latching pin in the handle is selectively insertable in any of a plurality of recesses in the ratchet body to lock the handle to the body. A reversing sleeve is rotatably carried by the other end of the ratchet body for engaging the pawls to selectively control the direction of the ratcheting movement. The reversing sleeve has a tubular post which forms a part of an axial push-pull quick-release coupler for releasably retaining a bit in engagement in an axial bore of the ratchet gear.

Abstract: A method is described for the rapid, sensitive and accurate determination of sucrose in biological fluids. A substrate is pre-coated with a glucose or fructose polymer and a transglycosidase enzyme. When the coated substrate is incubated with biological fluids containing concentrations of sucrose, the transglycosidase enzyme transfers monomers of glucose or fructose from the sucrose to the glucose or fructose polymer. The dimensions of the polymer are increased in proportion to the sucrose concentration of the samples. Newly formed polymer is subsequently quantitated in an immunoassay which employs either a combination of a carbohydrate-binding protein (which may be an antibody) and a conjugate of a secondary antibody and a marker enzyme, or a conjugate of a carbohydrate-binding protein and a marker enzyme. The assay is accurate at sucrose concentrations below 1 .mu.g/mL. No interference was observed at glucose concentrations as high as 25 mM.

Abstract: A mechanical load indicator device continuously monitors the position of the frame of a vehicle relative to some point on the vehicle suspension. The load indicator device is calibrated to be triggered when a certain vehicle load limit is reached. When that load limit is reached or exceeded, the device is "triggered," providing an unambiguous visual indication to the vehicle operator that a vehicle overload condition has occurred. A method of installing, operating, and calibrating an overload detection system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A miniature, adjustable torque limiting screwdriver includes an elongated hollow handle internally threaded at one end. A torque-limiting mechanism is disposed within the handle and includes a rigid shaft having a hex inner end and a plurality of flexible resilient fingers engageable with the hex. An adjusting collar encircles and engages the fingers and is threadedly engaged with the handle for axial movement to adjust the force with which the fingers grip the hex end of the shaft. The outer end of the shaft sockets a driver shank. When the handle is rotated it rotates the shank up to a predetermined torque, at which point the flexible and resilient torque members slip with respect to the drive surface portions of the shaft to prevent further torque application.

Abstract: A reversible ratcheting driver handle has an axial cavity in one end receiving an insert which defines an axial compartment for receiving a ratchet mechanism including a rotatable gear and two pawls seated in recesses in the insert and for reciprocating movement along parallel paths between engaged and disengaged conditions relative to the gear, being spring-biased to the engaged conditions. A selector cap telescopes with the one end of the handle and has a recess non-rotatably receiving a control member which has a part-cylindrical actuator wall which fits part way around the gear and has opposite end engageable with the pawls for shifting them to their disengaged conditions in response to rotation of the cap. Roll pins secure the cap, the insert and the handle together while limiting rotational movement to the cap.

Abstract: A ratcheting screwdriver is operable in reverse ratcheting, forward ratcheting and locked non-ratcheting modes. The screwdriver includes a rotatable handle having along an end thereof a substantially cylindrical interior wall defining an annular base surface and an axial bore. The base surface includes two substantially arcuate grooves formed therein which communicate with the bore. An insert is received in the bore and includes longitudinally extending teeth equiangularly spaced around the outer periphery thereof. First and second balls are respectively positioned in the arcuate grooves and urged against the insert by first and second compression springs, respectively. In the locked mode, the first and second balls are wedged against teeth on the insert to prevent ratcheting of the handle relative to a bit regardless of direction of handle rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for adapting standard threaded fasteners for use with a standard stud tensioner. An adapter has internal and external threads. The internal threads mate with the external thread of the stud to be tensioned. The external threads of the adapter engage the internal threads of a fastening nut having slots on the top thereof for engagement with a turning wrench of the tensioner. The adapter has a central threaded bore on the top portion thereof which is adapted to threadably engage the puller bar of a tensioning apparatus. The stud is elongated by actuation of the tensioner, via the puller bar, lifting the adapter as the stud is tensioned. When appropriate strain is achieved on the stud, the fastening nut is turned down to a fastened position and the stud then can be relaxed.

Abstract: Method for making a medicated IUD including a preexisting contraceptive intrauterine platform and an attachment formed as a cylindrical sleeve of base polymer containing a drug such as an antifertility agent. Local controlled release administration of the drug is added to the contraceptive effect of the preexisting platform. The IUD attachment can be made by centrifuging a medical grade of RTV silicone rubber to remove reinforcing fillers therefrom. A selected quantity of the drug is mixed into the fillerless silicone rubber, and the drug and silicone mixture is injected into a multicavity mold. After the mixture sets and the sleeves are removed from the mold, the sleeves are trimmed, then swollen by immersion in a solvent, and slipped onto a stem of the chosen IUD to shrink about the stem. An outer covering over the sleeve can control the drug release rate and impart greater strength to the fillerless silicone rubber of the attachment.