Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fastening assembly has a first component containing a first aperture and a second component containing a second aperture. A pin made of a super-elastic alloy defines a shank with a bore having an axis, the shank being at least partially constrained within and juxtaposed with both the first and second apertures. Activation of the super-elastic alloy generates a retaining force normal to the axis of the pin, fastening the components together. Several embodiments are shown where a unitary pin fastens the components, while other embodiments are shown where the super-elastic properties of the pin are activated by another independent element of the fastener, for example a retainer that co-acts with the pin to fasten the components together. Activation forces can be applied to the pin through relative motion, or stretching against a shoulder.

Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a super-elastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly there between. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the super-elastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the super-elastic alloy of the connector.

Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a superelastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly therebetween. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed having a male portion with a tapered hexagonal tip for engaging a socket head screw. A shaft operatively carries the male portion, for transmitting torque to the tip as it is matingly engaged with the screw. A metallic ring, mounted on the male portion, removably retains the tip matingly engaged within the socket head. The ring is formed with an oblique slit and is radially compressible, the ring presenting a substantially continuous circumferential surface that is in interference fit within the socket.

Abstract: A modular orthopedic prosthesis has a body with a generally triangular cross-section near one end, allowing its angular corners to bite or incise into the surrounding bone cavity for rotational stability. A stem, which may be either unitary or modular in structure, is received within a through-bore of the body, having a proximal neck and distal shaft. A connecting sleeve receives the stem and is, in turn, received within the bore of the body, then actuated to lock the stem and body together.

Abstract: A non-corrosive metallic sealing assembly is disclosed. The assembly has a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface with a gasketing member being interposed between the first and second sealing surfaces. The gasketing member has a top sealing surface engaging the first sealing surface and a bottom sealing surface engaging the second sealing surface, respectively. The gasket member is preferably a flat washer made of a super-elastic alloy, such as nitinol, wherein the gasket member elastically bends to effect a seal between the first and second members when its sealing surfaces are fully engaged.

Abstract: A modular orthopedic prosthesis has a body with a generally triangular cross-section near one end, allowing its angular corners to bite or incise into the surrounding bone cavity for rotational stability. A stem, which may be either unitary or modular in structure, is received within a through-bore of the body, having a proximal neck and distal shaft. A connecting sleeve receives the stem and is, in turn, received within the bore of the body, then actuated to lock the stem and body together.

Abstract: A modular orthopedic prosthesis has a body with a generally triangular cross-section near one end, allowing its angular corners to bite or incise into the surrounding bone cavity for rotational stability. A stem, which may be either unitary or modular in structure, is received within a through-bore of the body, having a proximal neck and distal shaft. A connecting sleeve receives the stem and is, in turn, received within the bore of the body, then actuated to lock the stem and body together.

Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a superelastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly therebetween. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector.

Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a superelastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly therebetween. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector.