Abstract: A medical device for delivering and retrieving a medical implant is disclosed comprising a sheath, a wire having a distal end and being movable in a lumen of the sheath in a longitudinal direction of the sheath. The distal end comprises a locking structure for receiving and interlock with a complementary mating surface of a medical implant, wherein the locking structure comprises a first locking surface aligned in a first radial direction to lock rotational movement of the implant, when received in the locking structure, around the longitudinal direction. The wire comprises a pivotable locking portion having an open and a closed position, the locking portion has a locking structure with a recess locking movement of the implant, when received in the locking structure, in the longitudinal direction, when the locking portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel pump cover assembly and method for a vehicle includes a cover arranged over the vehicle fuel pump for inhibiting water access to the vehicle fuel pump and at least one clip securing the cover to a feed line for the vehicle fuel pump.

Abstract: Shooting sticks having pivotally attached support rests slidably attached to collapsible legs, said support rests providing a stable platform on which a user may aim and/or shoot a firearm or other object requiring at least temporary immobilization. A first channel running along the length of each support rests allows for the passage of a leg. A brake is attached to each support rest, said brake having an aperture through which a leg passes through, the aperture being configured, when the brake has not been depressed, to arrest any sliding movement of the support rest along the length of the leg to which it is attached. When the brake is depressed, the aperture becomes oriented perpendicular to leg which passes through it, allowing the support rests to freely slide up and down the leg. An elastic member provides an upwardly directed force to aid in support rest stabilization and lift assist.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering and retrieving a medical implant is disclosed comprising a sheath, a wire having a distal end and being movable in a lumen of the sheath in a longitudinal direction of the sheath. The distal end comprises a locking structure for receiving and interlock with a complementary mating surface of a medical implant, wherein the locking structure comprises a first locking surface aligned in a first radial direction to lock rotational movement of the implant, when received in the locking structure, around the longitudinal direction. The wire comprises a pivotable locking portion having an open and a closed position, the locking portion has a locking structure with a recess locking movement of the implant, when received in the locking structure, in the longitudinal direction, when the locking portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: In an interventional medical system, a tethering member of a catheter assembly and a holding member of a relatively compact implantable medical device are configured to interlock with one another. The tethering member includes an elongate shaft portion and a connector portion coupled to a distal end of the shaft portion, wherein the connector portion is configured to pass through a proximal-facing opening of a cavity defined by the device holding member, and to interlock with the holding member within the cavity. The connector portion of the tethering member includes a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, which has a distal opening in fluid communication with the cavity of the device holding member, when the connector portion interlocks therewith. The catheter assembly further includes an elongate mandrel, which has a distal tip configured to extend within the lumen of the tethering member connector portion, being in sliding engagement therewith.

Abstract: A tool for use in assisting soft tissue mobilization and bodily tissue amelioration, such as stimulation of superficial tissue, deep tissue mobilization, breaking up scar tissue, and soft tissue massaging, are described. The tool comprises a device for application to bodily tissue that includes a body having a substantially teardrop shape in a vertical section. In a longitudinal aspect, the body includes a first and a second portion. The first portion of the device corresponds at least in part to a substantially bulbous handle part of the teardrop shape of the vertical section and is adapted for ease of grasping and manipulation at the first end. The second portion of the device corresponds at least in part to a substantially tapered converging double-beveled linear edge of the teardrop shape of the vertical section and is adapted for facilitated application of the device to bodily tissue at the second end.

Abstract: A flexible-die forming apparatus includes a piston, a coil, an upper die, a magnetorheological elastomer, and a lower die having a cavity formed thereon. The upper die is arranged to be overlappedly rested on top of the lower die. The piston is movably received in the receiving cavity of the upper die. The magnetorheological elastomer is mounted at a lower portion of the piston, and is received in the receiving cavity of the upper die. The coil is provided and wounded on an exterior surface of the upper die and the lower die.

Abstract: A guidewire introducable into a bodily lumen having an obstruction therein is provided. An introducer needle is advanced through tissue and into the bodily lumen. A guidewire is advanced through the introducer and into the lumen. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen until an atraumatic distal tip of the guidewire encounters an obstruction the distal tip cannot pass in a straight forward manner. The distal tip is pressed against the obstruction such that a flexible segment proximal of the distal tip forms a loop distal of the distal tip. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen such that the loop of the flexible segment is pushed past the obstruction and the distal tip is pulled distally past the obstruction. A greater diameter guidewire extension can be coupled to the back end of the guidewire, providing function as a larger diameter guidewire.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical instrument with a support structure (20), and with an ultrasonic transducer (17) suspended on the support structure (20). A sonotrode (16) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (17). The support structure (20) comprises a jacket portion (24) that extends around an inner space. According to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer (17) is suspended on a retaining ring (21), which is arranged in a continuation of the jacket portion (24) and which is connected to the jacket portion (24) via a connecting section (23). The connecting portion (24) has a plurality of apertures (26, 27) which in total cover the whole circumference of the connecting portion (24). The invention has the advantage that the instrument is uncoupled from the oscillations of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A tolerance ring has a band with outwardly extending corrugated protrusions forming waves that engage an outer surface of a shaft. At one end of the tolerance ring is an inwardly flared guide surface extending axially and radially from the band. The guide surface acts as a tapered entrance to a bore of a housing to assist during assembly.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a movable object to a rigid rod which includes a semi-rigid main substrate including a plurality of grooves, a flexible element fixedly formed over the main substrate including a first portion for gripping a rigid rod, a clamp connected to the first portion of the flexible element. The clamp includes a lever that couples the clamp to at least one of the plurality of grooves of the main substrate such that the first portion can grip the rigid rod.

Abstract: A device for fastening a rollbar or similar attachment part on a vehicle, in particular a vibration roller, includes an inner installation sleeve, which is or can be operationally linked to a bar receptacle on the vehicle, an outer installation sleeve, which at least partially encloses the inner installation sleeve and is or can be operationally linked to the rollbar, and at least one elastomeric element, which positions the inner installation sleeve relative to the outer installation sleeve in such a way that the two sleeves are spaced apart from one another while partially forming a vibration clearance. In addition, the present invention relates to a rollbar or similar attachment parts for attachment on a vehicle, in particular on a vibration roller, having at least one device according to the above-mentioned type, which is implemented, in particular integrated on the rollbar.

Abstract: A robot part, such as a robot arm or a robot joint, surrounded by an impact absorbing structure is provided. According to the invention, the impact absorbing structure has a shroud surrounding the robot part. The shroud is mounted on two spacing elements such that an interspace is formed between the shroud and the robot part. At least one of the spacing elements mounts the shroud elastically. Also provided is a method of protecting a robot part by providing the robot part with an impact absorbing structure according to the invention.

Abstract: A threadless, hammerless self-aligning geometric device for ground engagement, the device may comprise a wedge mechanism having a pair of laterally spaced holes in a first and second sidewall with a semi-flexible buffer that connects a plurality of load bearings that are axially aligned within the center of the wedge mechanism, wherein a pin that is formed integrally with an indentation is disposed in a rectangular mechanism having a recess with a pair of laterally spaced holes in a first and second sidewall so when fastened by the pin, the laterally spaced holes, the wedge mechanism and the recess are in substantial axial alignment, the pin being held in place by a mechanical fit between the pin and a knob.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: Chaise longue comprising a sofa frame (2), seat part (4) and back rest (3). The seat part (4) comprises side bars (9a, b), cross bars (10a, b) and seat springs (7). The seat part (4) is rotatably connected to the sofa frame (2) by means of mounting devices (8a, b) below the sitting surface of the seat part. One or more balance springs (14) are arranged between the seat part (4) and the sofa frame (2). A shutter or flap (16) is rotatably mounted to the seat part with pivotable joints (17a,b). The flap is furthermore rotatably connected to the sofa frame in point at the opposite end from the joints.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a movable object to a rigid rod which includes a semi-rigid main substrate including a plurality of grooves, a flexible element fixedly formed over the main substrate including a first portion for gripping a rigid rod, a clamp connected to the first portion of the flexible element. The clamp includes a lever that couples the clamp to at least one of the plurality of grooves of the main substrate such that the first portion can grip the rigid rod.

Abstract: A system for securing a cover to a panel door of a recreational vehicle, the cover typically being a tent, as well as the resultant living space extension for the vehicle. An elongated, rigid extrusion is secured peripherally to the panel door, and an elongated channel is shaped to fit in a cavity of the extrusion and be retained in place, with the channel being stitched to the bottom skirt of the cover. With the channel engaged on the extension, the cover is retained essentially permanently in engagement on the panel door.

Abstract: A component includes a first member, a second member and a device for fastening the first member to the second member. A first hole extends through a portion of the first member and a second hole extends through a portion of the second member. The first member and the second member are positioned such that the first hole and the second hole coincide. The fastening device includes an elongated fastening element arranged in the coinciding holes and a bushing arrangement arranged around the fastening element and adapted to establish a load transmission path between the first member and the second member. A first part of the bushing arrangement is arranged such that an inner surface thereof is positioned at a distance from an exterior surface of the fastening element for establishing a first load transmission path via the bushing arrangement and bypassing the fastening element in a first load condition.

Abstract: A decelerating apparatus includes a sleeve having a forward end and a rear end. A plurality of helical grooves formed in the sleeve. Each helical groove begins at the forward end of the sleeve and has a depth that decreases from the forward end of the sleeve towards the rear end. The depth of each helical groove at the forward end of the sleeve is large enough so that the helical groove cuts completely through the sleeve at the forward end. The plurality of helical grooves define deformable petals therebetween.

Abstract: A conduit arrangement for a pressurized fluid, in particular for connecting a gearbox to an oil cooler. The conduit arrangement comprises a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit which can be connected to a housing, such as a gearbox housing, by means of a connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement has a first connecting part and a second connecting part which have a respective through-passage. At least one of the connecting parts is made of plastic, wherein at least one of the fluid conduits is made of plastic. The plastic connecting part and the plastic fluid conduit are integrally connected to one another.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a protective device for use with a metal stud. This invention protects in-wall piping, conduit and wiring from inadvertent puncturing by drywall screws during the installation of wall boarding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an articulated arm (60) of a dental examination light having a pivot bearing (20) with an adjustable resistance feature. The pivot bearing (20) includes a split bushing (40) with first and second edges (42, 48) is mounted in a channel (28) in an interior diameter (23) of a housing (22). A ramp (30) forms an end of the channel. An axle (24) is rotatably mounted in the bushing. A setscrew (36) is mounted in the housing tangentially to the bushing. A cutout (46) in the bushing receives a portion of the setscrew. Turning the setscrew pushes a front end of the setscrew against an abutment (47) of the bushing, pushing the first edge of the bushing into the ramp, which redirects the first end of the bushing radially inward against the axle when the setscrew is tightened, thus providing bearing resistance adjustment. The tangential orientation of the setscrew minimizes housing thickness required for the setscrew.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator, a housing supporting the stator and having a bearing seat with an inner surface and an inner end, a bearing having an outer surface, a shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, and a rotor supported by the shaft. The motor also includes a tolerance ring having an interior surface, an exterior surface disposed against the bearing seat inner surface, and a plurality of elastic corrugations. Each of the elastic corrugations projects radially from the interior surface, defining a shoulder section disposed between the bearing and the inner end of the bearing seat. The shoulder section generates a spring force against the bearing to axially and radially support the bearing and to axially preload the bearing.

Abstract: The sealing connector ensures sealing between a gas cartridge having an outlet fitting and a transmission member for filling a combustion chamber of a gas fastening device having an inlet fitting with gas and includes two internal sealing sleeves for receiving the two fittings, at least one of which is made of flexible material, with, at the bottom of this sleeve, a flexible transverse annular partition for dimensional adjustment, and an external slide. A rigid transverse annular partition is provided at the bottom of the other of the two sleeves to serve as a support for a fitting.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar system for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar having a circular cross section and a rigid sleeve applied to a section of the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar. The sleeve has a number of circumferentially extending grooves and lands which mate with corresponding grooves and lands formed in an inner cylindrical surface of an elastomeric bushing which is overlaid upon the sleeve. The elastomeric bushing and sleeve may be mated such that relative rotation is allowed at the interface of the bushing and sleeve. Alternatively, the bushing and sleeve may be locked so that no relative rotation may occur at the interface of the bushing and sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard connector assembly for a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey or lacrosse helmet. The face guard includes a plurality of elongated bar members that intersect to define a grid. The connector assembly removably connects the face guard to the helmet shell. The connector assembly includes a bracket having at least one channel configured to receive a portion of the face guard. The connector assembly further includes a shock absorber assembly that distributes an impact force at the face guard to the shell in an omni-directional manner. The shock absorber assembly includes an elastomeric grommet, a bushing, and a nut, each have an opening. When aligned, the openings collectively define a passageway configured to receive a fastener that secures the connector assembly to the sports helmet. The helmet shell has opposed side portions with each side portion having a mounting aperture that receives an extent of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.

Abstract: Two structural components having a rotational symmetry relative to a central longitudinal axis, are releasably connected to each other by a clamping mechanism which engages two interface rings secured to the respective structural component. The clamping mechanism is formed by tensioning elements (5) held together by at least one, preferably two straps (1, 2). A lock (15) with two hinged tensioning levers holds the strap or straps releasably together. For this purpose each strap end is journalled by a journal bolt to the tensioning lever (18, 19). Locking elements (25, 26, 28, 30) hold the tensioning lever (18, 19) in a locked position in the lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic shaft coupling, comprising at least one torsion element, with an elastomer body as transfer element, to which connecting flanges are fixed. According to the invention, the axial shortening of the elastomer body, in such an elastic shaft coupling, at high revolutions, can be reduced, without producing the resilience thereof, whereby the elastomer body is encompassed by a circumferential support ring, which is exclusively bonded to the elastomer body.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended Shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal motion from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.

Abstract: An air spring has first and second axially spaced end members with a flexible bellows sealingly clamped to the end members and extending therebetween and forming an intervening air chamber. A flexible elastomeric sleeve having at least one convolution resiliently mounts a rigid restraining cylinder to one of the end members. The cylinder extends co-axially along and outside of the bellows. The flexible sleeve is bonded or snap-fitted to the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to connecting elements for mechanically connecting constructive elements (2, 3). It is proposed to use an elastically deformable tensioning element (10), comprising a spring material consisting of a superelastic shape memory alloy, in particular a nickel-titanium alloy, elastically expanded in the tensioning element (10).

Abstract: A flexible rod portion for suspending a drape therefrom. The flexible rod portion has a flexible tubular body comprising at least two contiguously intertwined serpentine members, helically interlocked and free to move relative to one another along a length of the flexible tubular body. The flexible tubular body can be variably deformed and is capable of being positioned into a set curved configuration.

Abstract: One or more flexures, each having compliant support structures with folded beams, provide a coupling having three degrees of freedom, two couplings having five degrees of freedom, a motion stage having five degrees of freedom, and a motion stage having one degree of freedom.

Abstract: Compression exerted by a clamp collar integral to a molded plastic flexible shaft coupling accommodating angular shaft misalignment upon the circumferential outward surface of a radially compressible molded sleeve insert located in a shaft bore of the flexible coupling facilitates engagement of a reduced diameter shaft located within the sleeve insert. Use of a sleeve insert having a different internal diameter similarly accommodates flexible coupling to another diameter shaft. Utilization of sleeve inserts selected from a plurality of different reduced internal diameters and exterior diameters sized to fit either shaft bore enables flexible coupling of both multiple matched shaft diameters and an exponential number of differing opposed shaft diameter combinations within a range limited by the flexible coupling shaft bores. Radial compressibility of the sleeve insert is facilitated by the utilization of resilient material, interruption of the circumferential extension by a longitudinal slot, or both.

Abstract: Two structural components are releasably connected to each other by a clamping mechanism (CM) which engages two interface rings (9, 10) secured to the respective structural component. The clamping mechanism is formed by tensioning elements (5) held together by at least one, preferably two tensioning members such as straps (1, 2). A lock (15) with two hinged tensioning levers (18, 19) hinged at (21) to a mounting (17), holds the tensioning strap or straps releasably together. For this purpose each strap end is journalled by a journal bolt (3, 4) to the respective tensioning lever (18, 19). Locking elements (25, 26, 28, 30) hold the tensioning levers (18, 19) in a locked position. An electromagnetic drive or the like is used to unlock the tension levers for releasing the tensioning strap or straps in a controlled manner without completely opening the ring formed by the clamping mechanism. The position of the journal bolt (3, 4) relative to its tensioning lever (18, 19) is adjustable by an adjustment screw (22).

Abstract: This application describes the design of the split-tube flexure, a unique precision revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. The development of this joint enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint-based precision machines with well-behaved kinematic and dynamic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise prevent precision machine control.

Abstract: A drive connector for elastomerically coupling a drive shaft to a driven shaft. An elastomeric coupling includes openings on opposite ends that are generally “D”-shaped forming an interference fit with correspondingly shaped ends of the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A web extends transversely within the interior of the elastomeric coupling, limiting the distance that the drive shaft and driven shaft are inserted within the openings of the coupling. The coupling includes a rib that runs longitudinally along its outer length. A sleeve having a groove corresponding in size and shape to the rib is slipped over the coupling and is connected to the driven shaft. The sleeve includes a rigid interior element that is overmolded with an elastomeric material. A cam bearing is fitted over a cam surface on the sleeve and provides a force in one direction, urging a plunger to displace an elastomeric membrane in a pumping cassette, forcing medicinal fluid to flow through the pumping cassette.

Abstract: A connector pin assembly for releasably retaining a replaceable excavating tooth point on an adapter nose has opposite rigid body portions that are threadingly connected to one another in a manner permitting them to be selectively moved axially toward and away from one another, and a resilient structure captively retained between facing ends of the body portions. The connector pin assembly may be operatively inserted into the aligned point and adapter openings without the need to pound it in. Once the connector pin assembly is in place within the point and adapter openings the rigid body portions are threadingly moved toward one another to thereby compress the resilient structure in a manner forcing it against an interior surface portion of the adapter opening.

Abstract: A composite steering shaft that replaces traditional metal steering shafts in a steering system. The composite steering shaft is made of layers of braided fiber contained within a polymer matrix resin. Stiffness and torsional strength within the non-tilting and tilting regions may be controlled as a function of the number of layers of braided fiber, the orientation of fiber within those layers, and the type and amount of curing of the polymer matrix resin. The composite shaft may be a one-piece shaft having a compliant middle region and a stiff upper and lower portion or may be a two-piece shaft coupled together using an I-protec metal joint.

Abstract: The subject BRIDGELIKE CONNECTOR extends axially bridge-wise between an apertured leadward rigid-sheet (perhaps as a motorcycle windshield) and one or more trailward fixture-bars (perhaps leadwardly emanating from a motorcycle handlebar).

Abstract: A device for permanently coupling two shafts rotatable about a common axis comprises a tubular intermediate member disposed between the outer shaft and the inner shaft, an elastic connecting member disposed between the inner shaft and the tubular intermediate member, the elastic member being attached directly to the inner shaft and to the tubular intermediate member; and rotational connecting means between the outer shaft and the tubular intermediate member. When the coupling is mounted on an automobile vehicle steering column, the inner shaft is a tube of the steering shaft and the outer shaft is the connection end of the yoke of a universal joint.

Abstract: A toilet brush is provided which includes an elongated handle having a first axis, a brush head having a second axis, and a flexible joint flexibly connecting the handle to the brush head. The joint is threadedly connected to at least one of the brush head and the handle, whereby the joint allows the second axis of the brush head to be deflected with respect to the first axis of the handle. The brush head may also include first and second sets of segregated bristles. The second set of bristles being longer, stiffer and disposed closer to the handle than the first set of bristles.

Abstract: A suspension system of a washing member is comprised of two rods each connected with an upper main suspensor and a lower main suspensor and a secondary suspensor disposed at adjacent ends between the individual rods. The secondary suspensor is comprised of a creased hollow cylindrical rubber casing and a sponge encompassing the rubber member. The suspension system reduces vibration of a water basket to a body.

Abstract: A seating unit having two adjacent and mutually pivotal support elements 3, 4) pivotal between an initial position and a maximum flexed position. A spring element (12) is secured between the support elements (3, 4) and biases the support elements (3, 4) into the initial position. The spring element (12) comprises a base member (13) arranged in an area between the support elements (3, 4). At least one engagement element extends from the base member (13) into cavity (14, 15) in one of the support elements (3, 4) such that the support elements (3, 4) may pivot relative to each other. The engagement element is provided with a rigid stop (17, 17') projecting from the base member (13) to define the maximum flexed position of the support elements. The engagement element is further provided with a leaf spring (18, 18'; 68) to restore the support elements (3, 4) to their initial position.

Abstract: This device is for the tight crossing of a partition or bulkhead by a mobile member. The object of the invention is to supply a device permitting the transfer of simultaneous, complex mechanical movements through a tight partition, whilst maintaining the seal of the partition. This object is achieved with the aid of a device having at least one shell or sleeve (4) mounted on a partition so as to pivot about a pivoting axis perpendicular to the crossing axis of the partition by the member and the displacement direction of the member. The member passes in the interior of the sleeve. A plate (12) is tightly traversed by the member (10) and mobile with the member for its displacements in the displacement direction. First and second tight membranes (14 and 16) tightly connect the plate (12)/sleeve (4) and sleeve (4)/partition (8).

Abstract: A shape retaining flexible connector apparatus for supporting flashlights, lamps, etc., is provided. The shape retaining flexible connector apparatus includes a formable support member, one or more joint forming members associated with the support member and a cover member.

Abstract: A flexible corner connector is provided for use in holding frame members of a structure together. The flexible connector includes a first rigid end portion having threaded surfaces adapted for receiving a threaded nut. A second rigid end portion has an enlarged head at a distal end thereof. An elongated flexible member is attached to and extends between the first and second rigid end portions. A spike washer is engageable on the first rigid end portion. The first rigid end portion and spike washer are shaped and configured for mated engagement with one another to prevent rotation of the first rigid end portion. The spike washer has at least two projections outwardly extending for engagement into a frame member.