Abstract: Kidney stone removal system is disclosed having components including a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism employs a trigger mechanism that enables control of irrigation and vacuum/suction. Operation of a trigger of the trigger mechanism conveys status of vacuum/suction and irrigation to a user by providing increased resistance at different points of operation. When the trigger is in a home position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned off. When the trigger is in a fully activated position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned on. When the trigger is in an intermediate position, irrigation may be turned on, while vacuum/suction remains turned off. The handle mechanism can be of a single trigger design with modes including: an active irrigation mode only (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum off) and an active irrigation mode in combination with a vacuum mode (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum on).

Abstract: A foot rest for a post-hole digger and post-hole diggers using the foot rest are disclosed. The foot rest includes two portions, one attached to each shaft of the post-hole digger. The two portions have structure that allows them to engage one another when the two shafts of the post-hole digger are vertical. The foot rest does not extend beyond the bore diameter of the post-hole digger. Thus, in order to keep the user's feet on the relatively short foot rest, the contact surface of the foot rest may be angled. In some embodiments, the foot rest may be symmetrical, so that either side may be used as the upper surface. A post-hole digger including the foot rests typically includes at least two foot rests, spaced from one another and facing different directions along the shafts of the tool.

Abstract: A foot rest for a post-hole digger and post-hole diggers using the foot rest are disclosed. The foot rest includes two portions, one attached to each shaft of the post-hole digger. The two portions have structure that allows them to engage one another when the two shafts of the post-hole digger are vertical. The foot rest does not extend beyond the bore diameter of the post-hole digger. Thus, in order to keep the user's feet on the relatively short foot rest, the contact surface of the foot rest may be angled. In some embodiments, the foot rest may be symmetrical, so that either side may be used as the upper surface. A post-hole digger including the foot rests typically includes at least two foot rests, spaced from one another and facing different directions along the shafts of the tool.

Abstract: A quick attachment and release mounting mechanism for a camera. The mechanism includes a clamping base with clamping structure adapted to be secured around an object, such as a paddle, and an adapter. The clamping base includes a receptacle which is trapezoidal and narrower at the top, and also tapers from one end to the other. The receptacle is disclosed forwardly of the clamping structure. The adapter includes a fastener adapted to engage a camera, and a leading portion with a shape that is complementary to that of the receptacle. A latch mechanism is provided to latch the adapter and receptacle together. The latch mechanism is shielded from accidental disengagement by a frame.

Abstract: A quick attachment and release mounting mechanism for a camera. The mechanism includes a clamping base with clamping structure adapted to be secured around an object, such as a paddle, and an adapter. The clamping base includes a receptacle which is trapezoidal and narrower at the top, and also tapers from one end to the other. The receptacle is disclosed forwardly of the clamping structure. The adapter includes a fastener adapted to engage a camera, and a leading portion with a shape that is complementary to that of the receptacle. A latch mechanism is provided to latch the adapter and receptacle together. The latch mechanism is shielded from accidental disengagement by a frame.

Abstract: Digging and tilling tools with both a central step and an offset shaft are disclosed. The central step allows a user to apply pressure directly over the centerline of the tool head, and the shaft, offset to one side, allows clearance for the knee. The handle on the other end of the shaft may be offset in line with the centerline of the tool head. In some embodiments, the offset shaft may be connected with the tool head by means of connecting members which connect between the shaft and sides of the tool head, leaving a central opening and acting as “stirrups” or guides for the user's foot. In addition to the horizontal offset of the shaft, the tool head may be rearwardly offset from the shaft. Also disclosed are tool heads with tines having L- and T-shaped cross-sections.

Abstract: Differing gram loads and actuator arm resonances are compensated for through the method and apparatus of positioning z-height of outer actuator arm at an optimal height. Specifically, an actuator arm driven by a closed loop servo motor system for a disc drive system is configured so that the outer upper and lower actuator arms are positioned at an optimum distance, called optimum z-height, from the disc surface. At the optimum z-height position, the gram load of the outer actuator arms are shifted as near as possible to the gram load of the inner actuator arms. At the optimum z-height, the resonances on the head gimbal assemblies of the inner and outer actuator arms are closest.

Abstract: A magnetic latch assembly for immobilizing a read/write head of a disk drive is provided which magnetically couples to an actuator assembly housing the read/write head with enhanced force. A disk drive which includes the magnetic latch assembly is also provided. The magnetic latch assembly includes a magnet and a magnet holder including ferromagnetic material which at least partially surrounds the magnet and provides a medium through which flux produced by one pole of the magnet travels to an opposing pole of the magnet. The latch assembly magnetically couples the actuator assembly by contacting the actuator assembly in an area adjacent one of the poles of the magnet. In one embodiment, the magnet holder includes ferromagnetic material which surrounds the magnet. In another embodiment, the magnet holder includes a plurality of ferromagnetic flanges which at least partially surround the magnet.