Abstract: The present invention relates to a device of the type for building up the upper and lower limbs in particular, which has at least two resistance forces, and preferably three forces. These forces are obtained without adding a supplementary part, and without any particular adjustment. The device has a substantially oval shape (1) and has two lateral extensions (4, 5) of the “ear” type, which, inter alia, allow it to be grasped by a user. This device also comprises two strips (6, 7) which are thinner than those of the other, main strip which forms the assembly of the device (2, 3, 4, 5).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: Illumination devices include a light source including a substantially planar light-emitting surface and an optical rod or optical taper disposed proximate to the substantially planar light-emitting surface to optically couple the optical rod and the substantially planar light-emitting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: A method of embedding a marking substance in an object to be marked, to create one or more visible markings on the object. A marking material is used to create one or more visible markings on the object. The marking material is placed on the surface of the object. A source of energy that is sufficient to cause the marking material to become embedded in the object is applied, to create one or more visible markings on the object.

Abstract: An endoscope for remotely viewing and testing relatively inaccessible regions of structures that are under stress when used, the endoscope having a mechanically-articulated articulating distal end. The endoscope includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal working end. There is a working channel located within the shaft and open at both ends. A remote material stress-testing probe is located at least partially within the working channel, and is adapted to contact the region to be tested. There is at least one light guide in the shaft for carrying light introduced into the proximal end to a remote viewing area proximate the distal end. The endoscope further includes a user-operable shaft tip steering mechanism for articulating the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for articulating the distal end of an elongated tool through movement of drums, in which wires coupled to the drums connect the mechanism to the distal end of the tool that is being articulated. The mechanism comprises a joystick coupled to a rotatable shaft that is coupled to one of the drums. When the joystick is moved in one direction, the shaft is rotated, thereby rotating the drum and causing articulation in one plane. There is an arc arm rotatable by movement of the joystick. The arc arm rotates about an axis that is transverse to the shaft rotational axis. Rotation of the arc arm is accomplished by movement of the joystick in a plane that is transverse to the plane in which the joystick is moved to cause rotation of the first rotatable shaft. A gear system translates rotation of the arc arm to rotation of the second drum, to cause articulation in an articulation plane that is perpendicular to the articulation plane caused by rotation of the first drum.

Abstract: A very unique universal bi-directional firing spark plug for any spark ignited internal combustion engine, whether racing, industrial, truck, aeronautical, automotive, recreational or residential (for trimmers, edgers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, chain saws, augers, tillers, lawnmowers, riding mowers, tractors, generators, etc.). This spark plug eliminates misfire and improves gas mileage, peaks engine performance, horsepower, and increases the RPM range, while utilizing and enhancing current ignition systems. In addition, this spark plug serves as a low emission device that reduces the effects of global warming, acid rain, and smog via greatly reduced emissions through vastly improved fuel combustion within all internal combustion engines by operating at a 24:1 air-to-fuel ratio. This unique spark plug is comprised of an elongated or non-elongated body with an electrical connector at one end.

Abstract: A very unique universal bi-directional firing spark plug for any spark-ignited internal combustion engine is described. This spark plug eliminates misfire and improves gas mileage, peaks engine performance, horsepower, and increases the RPM range. This unique spark plug is made of an elongated or non-elongated body with an electrical connector at one end. An absolute aerodynamic semispherical dome or sphere electrode is secured to the other end of the body. At least one absolute aerodynamic semicircular electrode is also secured to the body adjacent to the dome or sphere electrode such that the semicircular electrode has its inner surface equidistantly spaced from the dome or sphere electrode's surface. The electrodes can be fabricated from various metals, alloys, and/or precious metals and can also be coated with various metals, alloys, and/or precious metals.