Importance

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Abstract

A compression locking variable length cross-link device having a pair of rod hooking elements, each having rod securing and coupling ends. The coupling ends are slidably engaging by the insertion of one into the receiving socket of the other and for selective locking to one another independent of the relative separation of the rod securing ends. Each hooking element has a curvate end formed from flat material which has been shaped into a hook conformation to cup the lateral outside surface of a corresponding rod. A set screw positioned through a hole in the top of the curved end locks the curvate end to the rod. In a first embodiment, one (a first) rod hooking element has a uniform cylindrical portion which may also include a knurled surface. The corresponding (second) element has a tubular portion including an axial receiving volume having an opening into which the cylindrical portion of the first element may be slidably inserted. The exterior surface of the tubular portion of the second element includes a slotted, threaded and tapered tip which is wider at the end thereof. A nut may be engaged on the threads of the tubular portion and advanced onto the tapered portion thereof to cause the slots to narrow, crush locking the surfaces of the inner volume and the shaft together, thereby securing the two elements at a specific separation. Set screws may then be utilized to compress and lock the rods to the curvate rod securing ends of each element.

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First Claim