Abstract: Surgical instruments that have articulation joints that include a proximal joint member that defines a proximal face that defines a proximal apex and a distal joint member that defines a distal apex. A linkage assembly retains the proximal apex in rolling inter-engagement with the distal apex. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link that are coupled to the proximal joint member for pivotal travel relative thereto about a first proximal pivot axis a second proximal pivot axis. The first link and second link are coupled to the distal joint member for pivotal travel relative thereto about a first distal pivot axis and a second distal pivot axis.

Abstract: An oarlock that is designed to be used with an oar-right. It is an oarlock that has a pin for securing the oarlock in an oar holder or gunwale of a boat. A U-shaped bracket is attached to the pin. There is a formed piece that has a cylindrical upper portion and a lower squared portion that is secured to the U-shaped bracket. An oar fits into the cylindrical upper portion and the oar-right fits into the lower squared portion of the formed member. The U-shaped bracket can rotate on the pin, which means that the oarlock can rotate 360 degrees and the formed member is free to pivot between the arms of the U-shaped bracket. Because the formed piece is a closed member, the oar cannot come out of the oarlock no matter how much the oar maybe moved or jostled by rough water, nor can the oar rotate on its own axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-destructive inspection system. The non-destructive inspection system comprises a motion platform and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is coupled to the motion platform such that the tool assembly is movable relative to the motion platform. The tool assembly comprises an inspection tool assembly that comprises a base structure coupled to the tool assembly and a plurality of probe assemblies coupled to the base structure. Each probe assembly comprises a first linear actuator and a probe, different from the probe of any other one of the plurality of probe assemblies, for inspecting a different structural feature of a structure. Each probe is moveable, along a first axis relative to another one of the probes and substantially perpendicular to the base structure, using the first linear actuator of the corresponding one of the plurality of probe assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible conveyor system. The system includes a supply conveyor module and a receiver conveyor module. A hitch mechanism is provided for pivotally coupling the supply conveyor module to the receiver conveyor module about a pivot axis so that the receiver conveyor module receives conveyed material from the supply conveyor module proximal to the pivot axis. Advantageously, the receiver conveyor module receives conveyed material from the supply conveyor module proximal to the pivot axis which impedes spillage between the adjacent conveyor modules on very tight corners.

Abstract: A bipod flexure mount couples an optic to a base while isolating the optic from strain to resist wavefront error. The bipod flexure mount has a distal attachment pad to be coupled to the optic and a proximal attachment pad to be coupled to the base. A pair of beams extend between and couple the distal and proximal attachment pads. The distal attachment pad, the proximal attachment pad and the pair of beams are disposed in and define a planar layer with opposite planar surfaces that are substantially parallel. The bipod flexure mount is relatively flexible about four degrees of freedom and is relatively stiff about two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A handy-stick type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The disclosed vacuum cleaner comprises: a first part for collecting dust included in air suctioned to the inside through a suction hole; and a second part including a suction motor and a handle, wherein the first and second parts are hinge-connected so as to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A handy-stick type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The disclosed vacuum cleaner comprises: a first part for collecting dust included in air suctioned to the inside through a suction hole; and a second part including a suction motor and a handle, wherein the first and second parts are hinge-connected so as to communicate with each other.

Abstract: Heating apparatus and methods for thermally processing a part including improved control of temperature. A thermal management system is coupled to a back surface of a table thermally coupled to an inductive heating circuit. The thermal management system includes a chamber defining an interior space, at least one cooling fin disposed within the chamber, an inlet extending through the chamber and fluidly communicating with the interior space, and an outlet extending through the chamber and fluidly communicating with the interior space. In some applications, an air source fluidly communicates with the inlet and is selectively operable to generate an air flow through the chamber, so that the thermal management system may be selectively operated in an insulator mode and a cooling mode.

Abstract: An adjustment unit for an indirect vision system is indicated, which comprises a first and a second component connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system by as little connecting elements as possible. The interface of the adjustment unit to the support structure is to be able to withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space. Due to the second component including a pressure distribution element which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting member, and due to the fact that pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element, the forces introduced and centrally acting on the pressure distribution element and thus on the second component are equally distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. Traction with the support structure therefore is no longer performed centrally, but spreaded over a transverse extension of the second component.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine has at least one mount for fixing one or more sections of a hose set for conducting a dialysis solution from and/or to a patient. A first pivot axle is provided about which the mount can be pivoted from a first position into a second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopaedic reamer handle that includes a reamer portion configured to transmit torque to a reamer head, a driver portion connected to the reamer portion that is configured to receive and transmit torque from a driver, and a drive train connecting the reamer portion to the driver portion to transmit torque from the driver portion to the reamer portion. The drive train includes a first drive shaft that defines a first axis and is connected to the driver portion at a first end and to a first intermediate connector at a second end. An offsetting member is connected to a second intermediate end of the first intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the first axis and defines a second axis. The offsetting member connects to the reamer portion via a second intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the second axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first receiver and a second receiver, wherein the first receiver's first end is substantially cylindrical and wherein the first receiver's second end includes a first clamp, wherein the second receiver's first end is substantially cylindrical and wherein the second receiver's second end includes a second clamp, wherein the first receiver and the second receiver are detachably attached to one another via one or more first securing objects positioned on the first clamp and on the second clamp, and wherein at least one tightening clamp resides on the first receiver's first end and on the second receiver's first end.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for an extruded wing protection and control surface comprising: a channel proximate a leading edge of the control surface, a knuckle disposed about the channel, a leading void, a trailing void, and a separator dividing the leading void and the trailing void; and a plurality of notches disposed in the extruded control surface proximate the leading edge of the control surface.

Abstract: The toggle lever clamp has a clamp housing coupled with a cylinder assembly. A piston assembly is movable within the cylinder assembly. A rod is coupled with the piston assembly. The rod extends into a cavity within the clamp housing. A toggle lever assembly is coupled at one end of the rod inside of the clamp housing. A sensor assembly is coupled with the clamp housing. The sensor assembly includes a pair of sensors or switches spaced from each other and positioned on a mounting plate. The mounting plate is slidably secured within the clamp housing. A sensor pickup is movably positioned on the rod so that the sensor pickup is multi-positionable on the rod to adjust the stroke of the toggle lever assembly.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes: a base plate; a rotation-driving motor provided on the base plate; a transmission mechanism that is provided on a bottom surface side of the base plate and to which a rotational force of the rotation-driving motor is transmitted; and a rotation-driving mechanism that is provided on the bottom surface side of the base plate and to which the rotational force of the rotation-driving motor is input via the transmission mechanism. A workpiece is rotated by the rotation-driving mechanism at an end of the rotation-driving mechanism opposite to the base plate.

Abstract: Articulating mechanisms, link systems, and components thereof, useful for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the remote manipulation of instruments such as surgical or diagnostic instruments or tools, are provided. The link systems include links wherein torque can be transferred between at least two adjacent links while allowing for pivoting motion between the links. Mechanisms for preventing undesired lateral movement of links relative to one another are also provided.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a circular bearing port in the yoke of a universal joint comprises a plurality of separate cover segments configured and dimensioned for insertion into the port in positions coacting with each other to close the port. Each of the cover segments has an outer edge seated in a locking groove circumscribing an interior surface of the port. The cover segments are interconnected to form an integral circular cover, and the cover is rotationally fixed with respect to the yoke.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic reamer handle that includes a reamer portion configured to transmit torque to a reamer head, a driver portion connected to the reamer portion that is configured to receive and transmit torque from a driver, and a drive train connecting the reamer portion to the driver portion to transmit torque from the driver portion to the reamer portion. The drive train includes a first drive shaft that defines a first axis and is connected to the driver portion at a first end and to a first intermediate connector at a second end. An offsetting member is connected to a second intermediate end of the first intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the first axis and defines a second axis. The offsetting member connects to the reamer portion via a second intermediate connector at an acute angle relative to the second axis.

Abstract: A robotic arm includes a first link and a first joint. The first link has internal link cables extending from one end to an opposed end thereof. The first joint is operably connected to the first link at one end thereof. The first joint has a hollow drive shaft, an off axis drive 121 and a first joint motor and first joint internal cables extending through the hollow drive shaft. The link cables and the first joint cables are operably connected. The robotic arm may further include a second joint operably connected to the first link. The second joint module has an active side, a passive side with electronic connectors, second joint internal cables, and a second joint motor and the active side is mechanically connected to the link and the electronic connectors of the passive side are operably connected to the link cables.

Abstract: A moveable control surface mounting rib assembly (110) comprises a rib (144) which is attached to one side of a spar member (112) and a stiffener (160) attached to another side of the spar member. The stiffener abuts the upper and lower flanges of the spar member in order to react the loads. The invention is applicable to the mounting of any movable control surface.

Abstract: A swivelling joint is disclosed primarily for use in light poles. The swivelling joint includes two annular bearing faces oriented at 45° to a longitudinal axis of the joint, and a central bolt passing through the bearing faces to hold the joint in position.

Abstract: Adjustable bracket apparatus includes connector apparatus for mounting and securing external assemblies on at least one elongated support member, and allows positional adjustment of the secured external assembly along the elongated support member with up to 360 degree rotational positioning of the bracketing assembly about the elongated support member. An adjustable connector and locking assembly is disposed at the end of an arm element embodiment of the adjustable bracketing assembly providing 360 degree rotational positioning of the external assembly about the arm element and translation transverse to the axis of rotation relative to the arm.

Abstract: The universal connector includes a main rod defining an axial direction, a main body, a positioning member, and a fastening member. The main body has a first through hole, two arms, and a second through hole penetrating through the arms. The main body is sleeved onto the main rod by the first through hole. The positioning member and the fastening member are disposed at two ends of the second through hole respectively. The positioning member forms an aperture for receiving a support of a musical instrument. Angle of the support can be adjusted by rotating the positioning member, and height or direction of the support can be adjusted by moving or rotating the main body. When the positioning member and the fastening member are engaged with each other to fasten the main body and the main rod together, the support is prevented from moving.

Abstract: The object is to provide a universal joint that, has a secure range of motion, does not deviate from the center of rotation, and does not generate bending moments between itself and a joint that links a plurality of movable members. A plurality of movable members (3A-3F and 3a-3f) and a spherical member (2) that links the plurality of movable members are provided, curved node sections (q) are formed on the movable members and are brought into contact with the spherical member (2), and by causing one of the plurality of movable members (3A) to rotate such that the curved node section thereof rotates along the surface of the spherical member (2), another one of the plurality of movable members (3B) is caused to rotate along the surface of the spherical member.

Abstract: A swivel attachment and/or branch line restraint device with angular versatility and mobility for facilitating connection of installation components to support a pipe or other load relative to a support surface is provided. Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide a plurality of rotational or swivel degrees of freedom, which are substantially independently controllable, for its mating portions, which respectively engage corresponding mating portions of other installation components. The device embodiments can desirably be configured in male-female, male-male or female-female arrangements to enhance device utility and/or versatility, thereby advantageously allowing for use in a myriad of applications and installations, such as construction, utilities and the like, among others, to reliably support loads.

Abstract: A swivel connector includes a first flange portion with a first flange aperture. A swivel portion has first and second leg portions, each with an aperture, extending outward from a second flange portion with an aperture. The first and second leg portions define a first opening that receives the first flange portion. The first flange aperture, the first leg aperture, and the second leg aperture align and the first fastener extends therethrough. The swivel portion pivots about the first fastener in a first direction. A connector has first and second prongs, each with an aperture, defining a second opening that receives the second flange portion. The first prong aperture, the second prong aperture, and the second flange aperture align and the second fastener extends therethrough. The connector pivots about the second fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A system is provided for joining two discrete devices together, such as a louver panel and a tilt rod, where the system comprises a first and second component, each comprising a link connected to a resilient sheet, with each component being independently adhered to one of the two discrete devices for joining the two devices in engaged but moveable relationship.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle includes an auxiliary shaft, a joint bracket, and a joint clamp. The auxiliary shaft extends along an auxiliary axis and has two ends. The joint bracket has a bracket axis which is substantially perpendicular to the auxiliary axis, and one end of the auxiliary shaft is rotatably connected to the joint bracket for rotation about the bracket axis. The joint clamp has a joint axis which is substantially perpendicular to the bracket axis, and the joint bracket is rotatably connected to the joint clamp for rotation about the joint axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivel mount for solar tracker shafts, comprising a clamp surrounding parts bracing a solar tracker shaft, wherein the parts bracing the solar tracker shaft externally have a spherical shape corresponding with a reciprocal inner shape of the clamp, such that the solar tracker shaft is axially retained by the clamp and can be oriented in any required spatial position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first machine part having a first axis, a second machine part having a second axis and a hinge part pivotably connecting the first machine part with the second machine part. The first machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one first hinge point configured to permit rotation of the first machine part around the first axis relative to the hinge part. The second machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one second hinge point configured to permit rotation of the second machine part around the third axis relative to the hinge part. The third axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-axial joint (1), particularly for robotics. The multiaxial joint comprises a distal joint section (2) and a proximal joint section (4) that are pivotably and swivably connected relative to each other via at least one rotatory pivot joint (26) with a rotational axis (P) and at least one rotatory swivel joint (13) connected in series with the pivot joint (26) and having a swivel axis (R) extending perpendicular to the rotational axis (P). With such a multiaxial joint it is possible to realize two degrees of freedom. To achieve a compact constructional shape, the pivot joint (26) and the swivel joint (13) are united by being slid into each other to form a structural unit. The multiaxial joint (1) is particularly intended to enable an operation via traction means so as to simulate the movement of an animal or human joint. To absorb great forces, a forked (28) structure may be chosen.

Abstract: A stator blade carrier, particularly for a gas turbine, is provided. The stator blade carrier includes a number of axial segments and is intended to attain a particularly high degree of operational reliability and long service life. To this end, two neighboring axial segments are connected to a number of tie rods, each enclosed by a support tube, wherein a spherical disk is arranged on at least one end of the respective support tube and mounted in a conical socket supported on the respective axial segment.

Abstract: A non-rotating universal joint for a helicopter drive unit has a spider defined by a ring, which has four connecting portions spaced 90° apart and engaging respective forks defining the ends of respective arms of two connecting members which, in use, are fixed with respect to a casing of an engine and a casing of a reduction gear; each fork and the corresponding connecting portion have respective through holes coaxial with one another and engaged by a screw; and dampers are interposed between the connecting portions of the ring and the shanks of the screws, and between the connecting portions of the ring and the forks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airframe having a substantially circular cross section in a lateral direction (Y) and which extends in the longitudinal direction (X). The airframe comprises, a plurality of rails for supporting seats, each rail being parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) of the airframe, a plurality of beams parallel to the rails; and a plurality of crossmembers aligned, in use, in the lateral direction (Y) of the airframe. Each crossmember supports only some of the successive rails, each crossmember being supported by only some of the successive beams in the lateral direction (Y) of the airframe with the beams forming part of a wing box and/or a main landing gear well of the airframe. Each crossmember comprises at least one connection to each of the beams that support it where each connection comprises at least one articulation about at least one axis.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first joint disposed on a control rod that extends rotatably through a head tube, two second joints disposed respectively on two suspension units, and two connecting bars each connected between the first joint and a respective one of the second joints. The first joint includes a seat disposed fixedly on the control rod, at least one first rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the seat about the central axis of the first rotating member, and at least one second rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the first rotating member about the central axis of the second rotating member. The axes of the first and second rotating members of the first joint are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A two-section tool joint comprises a support member including a polygonal ball knob disposed on one end thereof; an acting head including a receiving chamber fixed on end thereof, and on a side wall of the receiving chamber being arranged a plurality of raised rims in response to the ball knob; a limiting structure defined between the support member and the acting head so that the ball knob of the support member is limited in the receiving chamber and moves between a first and a second positions; wherein the raised rims are longitudinally defined on a side wall of the receiving chamber and spaced apart equally from each other, the number of the raised rims is in response to that of the angles of the ball knob, and each raised rim is provided with a convex arc contacting surface so that the support member rotates with the acting head.

Abstract: A 3DOF universal joint includes a first connecting base, a second connecting base, a two-way hinged member, and a third connecting base. The first connecting base and the second connecting base are rotatably mounted together via the two-way hinged member along a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third connecting base is rotatably assembled to the second connecting base along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: The tool adaptor of the present invention includes a first work piece, a second work piece and a block element. The work pieces are pivoted with each other. The block element is sleeved on the first work piece and slidable between a first position and a second position. As the block element locates at the second position, it engages with the first and second work pieces simultaneously to restrict the sway of the first work piece about the second work piece. The tool adaptor is therefore switchable between a swayable mode and a fixation mode by moving the block element between such positions.

Abstract: A system includes a support, an actuator and a swivel joint coupling the actuator to the support. The swivel joint includes a first base member, a second base member, and a spider positioned between the first and second base members. The spider includes a center support and first and second bearing support elements. Each bearing support element has an arcuate surfaces adapted to form joints with the first and second base members. In one embodiment, at least one shim element disposed is between at least one of the first and second bearing support elements and the center support.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a coupling member having an end for coupling with a tool. A body includes a rounded base pivotably mounted to the other end of the coupling member. The body further includes a drive column spaced from the rounded base along an axis. A reinforcing section is intermediate the rounded base and the drive column. The reinforcing section includes an outer periphery having a recessed portion with a receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis. A control member is moveably received in the receptacle to control coupling of the drive column and an object to be driven. In any case, a spacing from an outer end of the control member to the axis in the radial direction is substantially not larger than a spacing from the outer periphery of the reinforcing section to the axis in the radial direction.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a limiting unit formed with a first channel and a second channel lying along first and second planes, a lower clamping unit having a U structure and being received within the first channel, a bottom seat unit disposed below and supporting the lower clamping unit from underneath, an upper clamping unit having inverted U structure and being received within the second channel such that the lower and upper clamping units are located at two opposite sides of the limiting unit with the first and second planes crossing each other perpendicularly. A top cover unit is disposed above and connected to the upper clamping unit. Adjusting position of the lower clamping unit and the limiting unit along the first plane and the upper clamping unit and the limiting unit along the second plane results in changing an angular position of the cover unit relative to the bottom seat unit.

Abstract: A non-rotating universal joint for a helicopter drive unit has a spider defined by a ring, which has four connecting portions spaced 90° apart and engaging respective forks defining the ends of respective arms of two connecting members which, in use, are fixed with respect to a casing of an engine and a casing of a reduction gear; each fork and the corresponding connecting portion have respective through holes coaxial with one another and engaged by a screw; and dampers are interposed between the connecting portions of the ring and the shanks of the screws, and between the connecting portions of the ring and the forks.

Abstract: An assembly error prevention member includes a first plate portion that is attached to a first tab and a third plate portion that is inserted into a slit. The third plate portion has a blocking portion that inhibits a bolt from being tightened into a bolt hole and a driven portion that moves the blocking portion. The second plate portion has a first end portion connected to the first plate portion and a second end portion connected to the third plate portion. The second end portion is wider than the first end portion.

Abstract: A driven joint for coupling two structural members is angularly adjustable in two polar or orthogonal dimensions and provides a pair of nonparallel, crossed axles, each having a middle section located between a pair of opposed side sections, wherein the pair of axles are mounted to each other along their respective middle sections and each axle of the pair of axles is rotationally mounted at its respective side sections to a respective structural member, a separate arcuate drive member orthogonally affixed to each respective axle and adapted to enable rotation of its respective axle and a separate drive mechanism mounted to each structural member and adapted to engage and rotate the respective arcuate drive member and the respective axle rotationally mounted to said each structural member.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a tool set including a driving portion secured on one end thereof and a spherical member fixed on another end thereof; a base including a receiving chamber disposed on one end thereof and a circular groove mounted on another end thereof to receive the spherical member of the tool set, between the groove and the spherical member of the tool set being defined a stooping structure, the stopping structure including two opposite sliding slots and two locking tabs relative to the sliding slots, and a locking structure disposed on the base and including two annular recesses arranged on an outer periphery of the base and communicating with the groove to receive two engaging members respectively, on an outer periphery of the base being fitted a pressing member in which an abutting surface formed therein.

Abstract: An alignment unit, which is of simple and robust design and can be adjusted well, for directional radios, in particular directional radio antennas, is distinguished by two attachment brackets, which are articulated on a common centre part such that they can pivot about two mutually orthogonal swivel axes, as well as two operating units for separate adjustment and fixing of the pivoting angle of the two attachment brackets relative to the centre part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body-side suspension strut bearing for wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with a suspension strut which consists at least of a telescoping shock absorber and a bearing spring, and which is supported by way of a shock absorber bearing on the body and by way of another bearing on the wheel suspension elements of the motor vehicle, there being a joint between the body and the suspension strut. A suspension strut bearing which is favorable in terms of construction, production engineering and function, is achieved by the joint being formed by a universal joint with two crossing axes of rotation.

Abstract: A joint (17) for connecting to a parallel-kinematic machine (1) a setting device (5) mounted in said machine, wherein the setting device (5) is intended to move a machine-connected positioning head (16) in space, and wherein the setting device (5) is mounted around a wobbler (30, 106) for rotation about a wobbler axis (50), and wherein the wobbler (30, 106) is, in turn, mounted for rotation around a main axis (20) which extends through the bearing means of the setting device (5) around the wobbler (30, 106).

Abstract: A swivel joint is provided comprising a first base member, a second base member, and a spider positioned between the first and second base members. The spider includes a center support and first and second bearing support elements. Each bearing support element has an arcuate surfaces adapted to form joints with the first and second base members. In one embodiment, at least one shim element disposed is between at least one of the first and second bearing support elements and the center support.