Patent ID: 7452360
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for tensioning and clamping an elongate member, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and a throughbore extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving the elongate member therethrough; a clamping member movably mounted to the housing for being shifted in a direction generally normal to the housing longitudinal axis; a cam lever that cooperates with the clamping member and having a release position with the clamping member spaced from the elongate member and a clamp position with the clamping member engaged with the elongate member in the housing throughbore; an undulating surface of at least one of the housing and the clamping member having surface portions that extend transversely to the housing longitudinal axis and which engage the elongate member with the cam lever shifted to the clamp position so that the clamped elongate member has a substantially matching undulating configuration in engagement therewith; and a tensioning tool coupled to the housing for receiving the elongate member therein and applying tension thereto along the housing longitudinal axis, so that with the cam lever in the clamp position, the tension in the elongate member will be in a direction transverse to the undulating surface portions to permit normal clamping forces that are generated by shifting the clamping member normal to the housing longitudinal axis to be reduced when the cam lever is shifted from the release position to the clamp position for clamping the elongate member in the housing throughbore.