Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods relating to manipulation, e.g. pivoting, of a rod-shaped element using a rod positioning assembly are disclosed. A rod-shaped element is initially gripped axially (relative to and) by a rod positioning assembly and then pivoted into a transverse orientation without pivoting the rod positioning assembly and/or releasing the rod-shaped element. Rod positioning assemblies include a handle element and a pair of jaw elements in communication therewith. The jaw elements are positioned distally relative to the handle element and the handle element is adapted to effect relative motion between the first and second jaw elements. The abutment faces of the jaw elements define a pair of axially aligned notches at or near the distal ends of the first and second jaw elements, a pair of traversely aligned central wells that define a circular opening that extends transversely across the jaw elements, and a pair of grooves that open up to a single transverse side of the jaw elements.

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First Claim