Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing sutures that obviate the need for tying knots. Disclosed suture clips can comprise a first part and a second part that are attachable together to secure one or more sutures in a suture engagement region between the first and second parts. The first and second parts can include locking projections and slots at opposing ends of the suture engagement region to align the two parts, contain sutures, and/or secure the clip onto sutures. When the first and second parts are attached together, first engagement features of the first part inter-engage with second engagement features of the second part to grip and secure sutures within suture engagement region. An exemplary delivery device holds a plurality of such suture clips in an elongated shaft portion and deploys the clips successively to sutures via actuation of a handle portion.

Abstract: A coupling device for the torque-transmitting connection of a transmission with an electric machine, includes a drive element and an output element which are coupled with each other in a torque-transmitting manner. The drive element and the output element are electrically separated from each other by way of an electrical insulator.

Abstract: A segmented driveshaft for transmission of torque and thrust loads from one member to another along an eccentric axis of rotation. The segmented driveshaft includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected vertebrae that is distributed along a connecting rod that is pivotally connected to a drivetrain assembly. The each vertebra has male and female interlocks that are pivotally mated with the male and female interlocks of an adjacent vertebra. Interposed between the adjacent vertebrae are independent male and female pivots that pivotally engage with each another. The pivotally mated interlocks of adjacent vertebrae and the pivotally engaged pivots allow the driveshaft to extend between connecting points of a drivetrain assembly that have offset axes of rotation.

Abstract: A method of repairing a heart valve provides intravascular access for repair of a heart valve through a ventricular trans-septal approach. An external guide catheter can be inserted through a vein of a patient into the right ventricle via the right atrium. An internal guide catheter can be inserted through the external guide and can provide access to the septum for a puncture tool to create an opening through the septum to the left ventricle. The internal guide can then be advanced into the left ventricle and used to guide a deployment catheter that deploys a repair device onto the heart valve.

Abstract: A keyed interlocking support stand including a pair of support members; a pair of annular clamps coupled one each to the support members, each annular clamp positionably adjustable in relation to a support member length; a pair of keyed socket elements disposed one each within the annular clamps, each keyed socket element defining a keyed socket; a transverse member; and a pair of keyed posts coupled one each to opposing transverse member ends; whereby each keyed socket is configured to insertingly receive one of the keyed posts to interlock the transverse member between the support members.

Abstract: A Power Take-Off (PTO) coupler and equipment equipped therewith. The PTO coupler comprises a first extremity to be connected to the equipment and a second extremity. The second extremity has a plurality of teeth along a circumference thereof, wherein subsequent teeth are separated from one another by a gap, and each of the teeth has a base narrower than its top. When the PTO coupler is engaged to a corresponding receiving coupler, the interlocking of the plurality of teeth and gaps counteract axial load generated during operation of the PTO coupler.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications has a first end portion and a second end portion opposing the first end portion. An intermediate cylindrical member of the instrument has a handling end portion with a flexible portion located at the first end portion and actuating means located at the second end portion. The actuating means has a first cylindrical part. The handling end portion has a second cylindrical part connected to the actuating means by longitudinal elements for transferring a movement of the actuating means to a bending of the handling end portion. The longitudinal elements are separated from one another by longitudinal slits defined in the intermediate cylindrical member. Each of the longitudinal elements is composed of a strip, adjacent strips being separated by a gap. A plate is arranged to move in a longitudinal direction of the gap but has a circumferential width filling a width of the gap.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling system comprising joints configured to friction lock under compressive pressure via tapered teeth for joining rotating components, which may be rotating components of a gas turbine, or other engine. The coupling system provides the alignment orientation for the joined components, and eliminates the need for extraneous fasteners, bolts, interference fits and/or keying arrangements. The coupling system further enables material optimization by allowing for use of different materials throughout different engine sections, depending on the operating parameters.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device for a circuit breaker. A third coupler formed as a curved surface is provided between a first coupler coupled to an outer handle assembly, and a second coupler coupled to an inner handle. Under such configuration, even if the inner handle and the outer handle assembly are not concentric with each other, the third coupler may transmit a rotational force applied to the first coupler to the second coupler in a direction perpendicular to a shaft direction of the second coupler, in a state where the third coupler is inclined from an upper surface of the circuit breaker body. As a result, a user's force to rotate the outer handle can be transmitted to the inner handle. This can prevent a malfunction of the circuit breaker, and thus can enhance reliability of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump (ESP) having a sleeve coupled to the shaft that rotates as the shaft rotates. The sleeve can be a base portion of a pump impeller, a journal bearing, or a bushing. A drive collar mounts around the shaft and has an end with a portion that projects past an end of the sleeve profiled to correspond with the shape of the projecting portion. As the shaft rotates the drive collar the projecting portion of the drive collar pushes against the profiled end of the sleeve to rotate the sleeve. The projecting portion can be a wedge shaped tab on the drive collar, or an angular segment of the drive collar extending axially past the remaining segments. The profiled end of the sleeve can include a recess formed to receive the tab and can have an angular segment corresponding to that on the drive collar.

Abstract: A coupler 001 has a central section 006 with a rotation axis 007 and arms 003 which extend away from said central section 006. The arms 003 are in an offset location relative to a diametrical line 060. A portion 004 of the arms 003 meets or passes through or extends along a plane formed through the diametrical line 060 and the rotation axis 007. Also included is an appliance using such couplers and a drive mechanism using such couplers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of rotors (gears) which utilize spherical involute curves to determine the surfaces of the lobes (teeth). In some embodiments the contact surfaces are radial projections of spherical involute surfaces. In other embodiments the contact surfaces have a root and/or tip of a spherical involute curve, but are barreled or otherwise curved to reduce the point stress on each rotor. The rotors may also be configured where torque transfer is provided at a first set of lobes (teeth) and backlash removal is provided on teeth radially opposed to the first set of lobes (teeth). As the apparatus rotates, the position of torque transfer remains substantially the same, as does backlash prevention/removal, but the teeth providing these operations vary. The rotors may also be used for fluid flow.

Abstract: A mud motor universal joint assembly includes a pair of cylindrical drivers and a cylindrical driven member. Each drive member is configured to attach to a drive unit at one end, and to a driven member at second ends through interlocking tangs. Each cylindrical drive member has an internal blind tapered bore within the interlocking tang portion containing a hard cylindrical load bearing member. The assembly is connected by hardened cylindrical rod members inserted into the internal blind tapered bores of each drive member and retained therein by a plurality of balls in recesses. The drive members, connecting rods, and bearing members may be surface hardened to improve wear. Tang portions may include cavities with rubber inserts therein to reduce slack and slapping during use down hole.

Abstract: Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. The torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. The torque shafts are useful for procedures that require torque and pushability to drive or deploy a device. The flexibility and pushability of the torque shafts enable them to curve along a tortuous path, and the torque transferring capability of the shafts enable them to transmit torque along the shaft.

Abstract: Drive shaft assemblies for a surgical instrument. Various forms include a plurality of movably interlocking joint segments that are interconnected to form a flexible hollow tube. A flexible secondary constraining member is configured in flexible constraining engagement with the plurality of movably interlocking joint segments to retain the interlocking joint segments in movable interlocking engagement while facilitating flexing of the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. The torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. The torque shafts are useful for procedures that require torque and pushability to drive or deploy a device. The flexibility and pushability of the torque shafts enable them to curve along a tortuous path, and the torque transferring capability of the shafts enable them to transmit torque along the shaft.

Abstract: An input shaft to output shaft coupling including an input shaft having a first wave surface thereupon, wherein the first wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The coupling additionally comprises an output shaft having a second wave surface thereupon, wherein the second wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The coupling in one form additionally comprises a housing substantially enclosing the first wave surface and second wave surface, wherein rotational force exerted upon the input shaft is translated through the lobes of the first wave surface to the lobes of the second wave surface and to the output shaft in turn, and wherein the first wave surface and second wave surface transmit rotational force therebetween through any range of angles to a maximum output angle between a rotational axis of the input shaft relative to a rotational axis of the output shaft.

Abstract: A flexible cannulated drive shaft having a plurality of interlocking sections having multi-angled dovetails cut into the drive shaft. Each dovetail design is made up of substantially triangular-shaped pins and substantially triangular-shaped sockets that alternate around the circumference of each interlocking section. The pins of one interlocking section moveably engage the sockets of a second interlocking section and vice versa. Furthermore, the substantially triangular-shaped pins and substantially triangular-shaped sockets stay locked together whether the drive shaft is being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Angled surfaces add greater stability to the drive shaft and prevent the interlocking sections from coming apart.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a constant velocity coupling of a new design and manufacture comprising an input shaft having a first wave surface thereupon, wherein the first wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The constant velocity coupling additionally comprises an output shaft having a second wave surface thereupon, wherein the second wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The constant velocity coupling additionally comprises a housing substantially enclosing the first wave surface and second wave surface, wherein rotational force exerted upon the input shaft is translated through the lobes of the first wave surface to the lobes of the second wave surface and to the output shaft in turn, and wherein the first wave surface and second wave surface transmit rotational force therebetween through any range of angles to a maximum output angle between a rotational axis of the input shaft relative to a rotational axis of the output axis.

Abstract: A shaft member (72) includes a plurality of shaft splines (166) and a shaft preloading portion (170). The assembly also includes a collar member (80) adjustably coupled to the shaft member and having a collar member groove (214) and a preloading portion formed (226) therein; a first member (126) having a first member groove (242)and a plurality of first member splines (238) formed therein; and a retaining member (122) selectively at least partially interposed within both the collar member groove and the first member groove for restraining axial movement between the shaft member and the collar member. At least a portion of the first member groove and at least a portion of the collar member groove are selectively aligned when the shaft member is at least partially interposed within the first member to permit the retaining member to be at least partially positioned within both the first member groove and the collar member groove.

Abstract: A driveline yoke assembly may include a yoke and a barrel. The yoke may include first and second arms extending from a base. The base may include a first protrusion extending radially therefrom. The barrel may be axially fixed to the yoke and may define an axially extending body having a second protrusion extending radially therefrom and engaged with the first protrusion to transfer rotation from the barrel to the yoke.

Abstract: A shaft coupling mechanism includes a coupling base body coupled to a rotating shaft; a coupling base body coupled to a steering shaft; rotation transmitting members which are disposed between the rotating shaft and the steering shaft through the both coupling base bodies and transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft in an R direction to the steering shaft; an intermediate interposed member disposed between the rotation transmitting members; and a coupling means for coupling the rotation transmitting members to each other.

Abstract: A neutral adjustment mechanism for dual lever steering controls. The dual lever steering controls include two levers that are each independently pivotable forward and reverse to drive a zero turning radius mower. The neutral adjustment mechanism includes a control pivot connected to each lever of the dual lever steering controls that pivots with forward and reverse pivoting of each lever. A steering link has a first end with an adjustment point, a ball joint adjacent the adjustment point connecting the steering link to the control pivot, and a second end pivotably connected to an input control lever of a hydrostatic transmission pump. An operator seat may be positioned over the steering links. Under the operator seat, adjustment access holes are provided for adjusting the steering links while the operator seat remains in place.

Abstract: A shaft tooth section has a mountain section of a twisted shape crossing the axis of a shaft (mountain section of hub tooth section). The hub tooth section has the mountain section of a linear shape having a constant tooth thickness, and the inner diameter of the mountain section varies from an end section toward the shaft shank side. A first step expanding toward the hub tooth section side is formed in a valley section of the shaft tooth section. A second step recessed toward the opposite side of the shaft tooth section is formed in the mountain section of the hub tooth section. The start point (P1) of the first step and the start point (P2) of the second step are set at the positions separated by a predetermined distance (L4).

Abstract: Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. The torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. The torque shafts are useful for procedures that require torque and pushability to drive or deploy a device. The flexibility and pushability of the torque shafts enable them to curve along a tortuous path, and the torque transferring capability of the shafts enable them to transmit torque along the shaft.

Abstract: A mud motor universal joint assembly that includes a pair of adjacent cylindrical joints having threaded connection means at one end and interlocking jaws at the other, each cylindrical joint having an internal blind tapered bore within the interlocking jaw portion containing a hard cylindrical load bearing member. The two joints are connected by a hardened cylindrical rod member inserted into the internal blind tapered bore of each joint and retained therein by perpendicular retaining pins. The joints, connecting rod, and bearing members are surface hardened to improve wear. No balls or seals are required and the internal hardened connecting rod and bearing members are easily replaced if necessary at a nominal cost.

Abstract: A self-actuating thermal disconnect disengages two coaxially aligned shafts if equipment driven by one of the shafts overheats. The disconnect uses the centrifugal force of a molten material as the principal actuation. The disconnect end of a drive shaft has a means for transmitting torque. A disconnect piston having first and second ends is axially movable in a splined cylinder within the driven shaft. In normal operation, a solid mass of fusible material is disposed in the disconnect piston within a cavity defined by the second end of the disconnect piston and an adjacent end of a cavity piston. A means for transmitting torque at the-first end of the disconnect piston couples with the means for transmitting torque at the first end of the drive shaft. If the driven equipment overheats, the molten fusible material bursts out under centrifugal force through the channels.

Abstract: In the invention a flexible drill pipe comprising a plurality of short tube sections assembled end to end. Each short tube section having the same number and type of saw tooth shaped gear teeth cut around the circumference of each end of the short tube section. The orientation of the gear teeth on each end of the short tube section is such that the gear teeth of the short tube sections will intermesh when the short tube sections are assembled end to end. The plurality of short tube sections assembled end to end carries the torque load of the flexible drill pipe. A tool joint is interfaced on each of the plurality of short tube sections. The end of the tool joints that interfaces with the plurality of short tube sections has the same overall diameter and internal diameter and the same type and number of gear teeth as the short tube section. Wire rope lengths are assembled around and parallel to a hose used to carry drilling fluids through the flexible drill pipe.

Abstract: A stackable transmission shaft includes a plurality of cylindrical members each having a top formed with a diametrical projection, a bottom formed with a diametrical recess, and a center formed with an axial through hole, the projection having an inverted V-shaped top and the diametrical recess being configured to receive the diametrical projection and arranged to make an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the diametrical projection.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with teeth extending from each hub toward the other hub. The teeth are in parallel alignment and spaced from each other. There are projections on a flexible elastomeric belt which fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of teeth. The projections are connected by a flexible pleated connector to absorb start-up forces and increase the life of the belt. A retainer band is mounted around the belt to keep the belt securely in place.

Abstract: A drive element (10) is provided for coupling together rotatable shafts (12) and (14). The shafts (12) and (14) are able to rotate about their respective longitudinal axes (12A) and (14A). Additionally, the shafts (12) and (14) can pivot relative to each other about a pivot point P which is coincident with the geometric center of the drive element (10). Drive element (10) includes a groove (20) for receiving a tongue (16) of shaft (12); and, a tongue (22) which is seated in a groove (18) formed in shaft (14). Surface (26) of the groove (20) and surfaces (34) on opposite sides of the tongue (22) are shaped so that as the axes of rotation (12A) and (14A) of the shafts (12) and (14) are pivoted relative to each other through a predetermined range of angles the respective loci of closest contact between the shafts (12) and (14) and the pivot point P remains constant.

Abstract: A drive transmission apparatus includes a first gear for transmitting a driving force to a first rotatable body, a second gear for transmitting the driving force to a second rotatable body and a third gear to which the driving force is transmitted from a driving source, the first, second and third gears being coaxially arranged. A first connecting member passes through the second gear and connects the first gear and the third gear. A cylindrical second connecting member is supported by the first connecting member located inside the second connecting member and connects the second gear and the third gear. The arrangement is such that the fluctuation in rotating speed of the second gear may be transmitted to the first gear through the second connecting member, the third gear and the first connecting member.

Abstract: A speed reducing device employs dampers which are provided for power transmission from a worm wheel engaged with a worm gear to an output shaft of the device so as to absorb shocks. The device does not require a metallic plate to which the dampers are adhered nor a bearing which specifically supports the output shaft. A first wheel is engaged with the worm gear and has protrusions on its plate surface facing a second wheel. The second wheel is rigidly connected to the output shaft and has protrusions on its plate surface facing the first wheel. The protrusions of the first and second wheels take complementary positions, in which each protrusion of one wheel is apart from the adjacent protrusion of the other wheel a predetermined distance with respect to the rotational direction. The dampers are provided between neighboring protrusions of the first and second wheels so that the dampers are pressed and contracted to elastically transmit power from the first wheel to the second wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission has two shafts parallel to one another. At least one of the shafts is formed of two partial shafts which are in alignment and axially spaced apart. A torsion shaft then connects the two for rotation with each other, but prevents transmission of bending moments between the partial shafts. This structure is particularly useful in a hydrostatic-mechanical power distributing transmission, in which the torsion shaft is radially aligned with the planetary gearsets of the power distributing transmission. The torsion shaft can be considerably thinner than the comparable portion of a conventional shaft, so the overall transmission can be more compact radially. The transmission also is provided with unequal gear ratios, while the planetary gearsets are the same size, allowing a particularly compact structure. Preferably, one of the gear ratios with a small control ratio is used as the primary working range for the transmission to maximize efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a phenylhydrazone derivative of oxamide represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is straight-chain alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, branched alkyl group or cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms which is substituted with an alicyclic structure having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, phenyl group, halogen-substituted phenyl group, aralkyl group having 7 to 9 carbon atoms, alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms which is substituted with alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms which is substituted with 1 to 19 fluorine atoms; and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl group or methoxy group, and a herbicidal composition containing the derivative as active ingredient.

Abstract: The drive coupling assembly, which is adapted to drivingly connect together a drive member mounted for rotation about a first axis and a driven member mounted for rotation about a second axis generally coaxially with the first rotational axis, has identically arranged torque transmitting members mounted on the drive and driven members and connected together by a pair of resilient members extending transversely of the rotational axes. Each transmitting member includes a base portion for mounting on the associated drive member and driven member, first and second opposed wall sections extending axially from the base portion in spaced, parallel relationship on the opposite sides of the rotational axes. A first axially extending projection on the first wall section of one torque transmitting members extends in spaced, parallel relationship to a corresponding first axially extending projection on the first wall section of the other torque transmitting member.

Abstract: A drive arrangement is disclosed which provides for the transfer of torque between two non-aligned shafts. The drive arrangement includes an intermediate shaft having outwardly projecting claws secured to each end thereof which are engageable in a positive driving manner with corresponding claws formed on the first and second shafts, respectively. A pair of resilient members are interposed between the claws at each end of the intermediate shaft which provide flexible couplings for facilitating the transfer of torque therebetween. Such a drive arrangement corrects for pure eccentricity between the parallel axes of the first and second shafts as well as correcting for any lack of parallelism between these axes.

Abstract: In a constant-velocity universal joint, the rotary motion to be transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft through the medium of rotary members disposed between the opposed lateral contact surfaces of the adjacent yokes of the driving shaft and the driven shaft is made to act on the rotary members in the tangential direction of the pitch circle of the rotary members when the lateral contact surfaces of the adjacent yokes are formed parallel to the normal axes, thereby enabling the rotary motion to be transmitted with high efficiency without entailing any loss due to occurrence of resultant force. The retainer for holding in position the rotary members can be positively kept in the plane perpendicular to the bisector of the intersecting angle of the axes of the two shafts when the surfaces formed in the retainer for guiding the yokes are curved, thereby allowing the constancy of the angular-velocity of transmission of the rotary motion to be secured.

Abstract: A flexible arm particularly a robot arm comprising a plurality of elements engaging each other and being arranged in a series, said elements being interconnected via cables and if desired a power transferring actuating device. The purpose of the invention is to provide an arm having very good rigidity in the bending plane of the element and a high torsional resistance together with lower manufacturing costs as compared to conventional robot arms. This has been achieved by each element being designed with arched opposed single-or double-curved segments which with the curved surfaces of each segment engaging the surfaces of the adjacent segments, whereby the elements are arranged when actuated by the power generating and/or power transferring device to have a rolling motion relative to each other.

Abstract: This invention is a heavy-duty flexible shaft that accommodates for misalignments between an input and output shaft. The flexible shaft is comprised of a multiplicity of hollow, individually fabricated, interfitting members housed in a tubular, bendable shaft. Each segment is intimately engaged, one within the other, yet the segments are so designed to allow for limited longitudinal movement while restricting circumferential movement between segments during torsional transmissions from the input to the output shafts.

Abstract: A coupling of the "Tracta" joint type comprises a driving member rotatable about a first axis, a driven member rotatable about a second axis, and two intermediate members for operatively coupling the driving member to the driven member. The improvement comprises elastomeric bearing means disposed between and engaging each set of mutually opposing bearing surfaces of the driving, driven and intermediate members under compression when torque is applied to the driving member about the first axis.