Patent ID: 7678112

Claim:
An apparatus for connecting an implant with a rod, comprising: a body defining a first channel configured for receipt of the rod, said body further defining a second channel extending through said body, wherein a longitudinal axis of said first channel and a longitudinal axis of said second channel are substantially perpendicular, said rod extending along said longitudinal axis of said first channel; a collet positioned in said second channel, wherein said collet includes a longitudinal axis and defines an aperture extending entirely therethrough along said longitudinal axis of said collet configured for receipt of at least a portion of the implant, said collet being substantially cylindrically shaped, said collet having a portion including a convex section and one or more slots, said collet having a threaded portion including at least one flat section; an annular slotted ring member positioned in said second channel in an unstressed position and defining an aperture sized to allow insertion of at least a portion of said collet therethrough, said ring member having an inner portion including threads and an inner portion including a concave section configured to contact said convex section of said collet; a washer adjacent said second channel defining an aperture sized to allow insertion of at least a portion of said collet therethrough, said washer including at least one flat section configured to be adjacent said at least one flat section of said collet, wherein said washer includes a concave lower surface at least partially contacting and translating along said body to allow pivoting of said collet and washer relative to said body, wherein said collet is configured to pivot with the implant in said second channel to create a desired angular position of the implant relative to said body; and a nut adjacent said washer, said nut having threads adapted to connect with said upper threaded portion of said collet, whereby turning said nut moves said collet within said second channel, wherein said ring member is expandable by passage of at least a portion of said convex section of said collet with respect to said ring member, to the extent allowed by said second channel, whereby further passage of said convex section of said collet with respect to said ring member contracts said toilet around at least a portion of the implant to substantially lock the implant at a desired position.