Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional methods include preparing a robotic medical system for use with a shapeable instrument and controlling advancement of a shapeable medical device within an anatomic path. Also described herein are methods for altering a data model of an anatomical region.

Abstract: The improved manual sheath-cable control includes a sheath, a cable extending through the sheath, the sheath having connectors on both ends, the cable extending through the sheath end connectors and having end connectors, an actuator having a housing and a lever pivotally mounted within the housing, means on the lever for receiving one end of the cable, a slot in the housing, the housing end sheath connector being rotationally positioned within the housing slot, the housing end sheath connector having a cable passage therethrough which passage bends at an angle, such angle of bend to the cable passage is sufficient to provide alternate positioning of the sheath-cable extending from the actuator housing without interfering with the operation of the control.

Abstract: A manual control for controlling the release of a latching mechanism of a piece of motion furniture including a housing to be mounted on the furniture, a lever to be pivotally mounted within the housing, a spring positioned between the lever and housing to urge the lever toward its inactive position, means on the lever to support the spring on the lever during mounting of the lever within the housing and allow release of one end of the spring to engage the housing, a cable sheath structure, an arcuate recess on the lever and having means to connect one end of the cable to the lever, means restricting entry of the cable into said arcuate recess to avoid undesired release of the cable therefrom, means on the housing for receiving one end of the cable sheath, the lever having a handle portion which is sufficiently large to limit the entry of more than the first joint of fingers into the housing below the lever handle, such handle portion having sufficient area on its outer surface to allow a logo to be embossed

Abstract: An improved throttle control which includes a metal throttle lever, a metal bracket, a plastic detent plate and the lever being pivotally mounted to the bracket with the detent plate therebetween and a spring biasing the lever toward the detent plate. The detent plate includes an annular ridge facing the lever and immediately surrounding the mounting means and an arcuate ridge facing the lever and spaced radially outward from said annular ridge. The arcuate ridge includes at least one recess which coacts with a detent on the lever to provide an easily detected preset throttle position. The detent on the lever rides on the arcuate ridge and the force necessary for lever movement is determined by the friction force created between the lever detent and the detent plate arcuate ridge. The lever also includes an arm which engages a throttle cable and the bracket receives and secures the end of the throttle cable sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electric start lawn mower control. The improved control includes a housing having a bail disc and a cable disc pivotally mounted therein, an electric switch secured within the housing and a starter button accessible on the exterior of the housing for actuation by the operator and having an arm which pivots to actuate the switch when the starter button is depressed. The bail disc includes a stop shoulder to mechanically prevent operation of the starter button until the bail disc is moved to its bail down position and the cable disc is moved to the "on" position. The bail disc is interconnected with the cable disc so that movement of the bail disc moves the cable disc to move the cable from its "off" position to its "on" position and release of said bail disc allows said cable disc and its cable to return to its "off" position. Additionally the housing includes the cable and wiring exiting through the same opening.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a deck supported on wheels with an engine mounted thereon for rotating a blade positioned under the deck and being connected to the engine by a means controlling the rotation of the blade with respect to the engine, a cuttings container or bag directly connected to the deck to catch the cuttings, a cover closing the container or bag, a handle pivotally connected to the deck having means for alternately securing the position of the handle in the rearward (or cutting position) or in the vertical position, means connecting the handle to the cover to open the cover when the handle is moved to its vertical position, and an improved control secured to the handle and including cable means connecting to the blade control means, a bail controlling the position of the cable means to maintain the rotation of the blade while the bail is being held in its operating position, an ignition kill connection on the engine, circuit means connecting to said ignition kill connection and causing it to operate