Hoepfner Clamp

***Hoepfner Twist Clamp* (Fig. 1)** is a metal clamp that has a rounded shape and four branches located at an angle of 90˚ relative to each other. The branches end in flexible rods or half rings with buttons or pillows filled with cotton tied at the ends.

Along the edge of the branches, between the half-ring and the button, there are two longitudinal comb-like notches; There are two on each branch. The button has one cut and a through gap 2-3 mm wide. In the center of the button there is an oval recess for a rod with a pointed end. The button is attached to the branch using a flat shelf made of thin sheet steel about 0.2-0.3 mm thick; Using a spring (two steel spiral strips), the rod is guided through the shelf and the button. Transferring the compression force from the rod to the button, the spring presses the button and the half-ring against the branches of the clamp, while the pointed end of the spring fits into the recess in the button, as well as into the slot on its left side. The entry point into the bending hole of the spring is carefully ground. The rounded rod has a diameter of about 8.5-9 mm.

The loop consists of a steel round rod and a cast steel half-ring, held in place by the elastic properties of a spring. The rod, ending with a pointed head at its circumference, is placed on the left side of the loop passing through the tape attached to the patient’s torso, which is used to clamp the first rib. Along the periphery of the loop there are two small round rings through which a tightening spring is passed, compressing them radially. By fully releasing the loop grip spring, you can wrap the patient's arm around the body and secure it.

Between the half-rings of the cut, lateral rods pass in a loop, allowing the arms to rotate around the waist. A horizontally mounted hook allows you to pass the loop behind the crossbar of the bed, behind the patient’s back, etc.