Abstract: A crimp cover closing tool is provided with a pair of curved force transmitting members joined at a fulcrum and forming opposed jaws. The jaws each have an angularly offset tip with interiorly disposed opposable spherical forming surfaces, a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm. The overall length of the tool is about 130 mm. The opposable spherical forming surfaces are spaced from the fulcrum by a distance of at least 30 mm. The tip of the forming tool has an angle of offset of about 30°.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to a tool that includes a first arm and a second arm that is rotatably connected to the first arm. The first arm includes an opening and the second arm includes a projection that engages threads on a fastener which is installed within the opening in the first arm. During operation of the tool, a fastener is inserted into the opening in the first arm. Pressure is applied to bring the first and second arms together such that the projection engages the threads of the fastener and then deforms the threads. The first arm may include a plurality of threaded openings such that each opening is adapted to receive a different diameter fastener. In addition, the second arm may include a plurality of projections such that each projection is a different size and is aligned relative to one of the openings in the first arm.

Abstract: A wire pulling assist device has a tong shaped member having two arms biasedly connected at one of the two ends of each arm. A leaf spring at the connected ends of the arms maintains the device in a biasedly open position when the tool is not being used. Wire supports, consisting of curved elements, extend from near the second end of the arms. Applying a squeezing pressure on the arm members compels them and the wire supports towards each other, permitting the wire supports to be inserted into a hole in a metal stud. Metal clad wire can then be threaded through the wire supports and run smoothly and efficiently through the metal stud without impediment.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A pliers is adjustable between at least two distinct selectable size ranges. A movable pivot pin is held stable in a selected recess of a slot in both loaded and unloaded conditions. A lower jaw is adjustable between a small and a large size range. A multifunction spring is movably attached to a body to both firmly bias a lower jaw and handle to an open position and to retain the pin in a constant selected pivot position of the body for normally used conditions. The pliers include a familiar function and compact shape without additional bulk from the structures of the improved features. Only a simple wire form is required to provide the improvement of the invention in a preferred locking pliers embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a wire which is movable back and forth, a driven wire both ends of which are connected to the wire, an idle pulley, a guide pulley, a driven pulley which is movable back and forth, and an end effector coupled to the driven pulley. The driven wire passes from a terminal along a first side on the idle pulley and extends to a second side opposite to the first side, and then passes along the second side on the driven pulley. The driven wire is then wound around the driven pulley and passes along the first side on the driven pulley and then the second side on the idle pulley, and finally returns to the terminal, thereby making up an 8-shaped configuration path. The driven wire is crossed between the idle pulley and the guide pulley.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to engage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms.

Abstract: The sterilization pouch includes a sealable inner space for receiving one or more medical instruments, a preferred instrument being a hinged plier. The pouch is generally comprised of first and second layers, the layers being sealed around a peripheral edge except a separation in the seal to form an opening for accessing the inner space and a flap for closing the opening. The pouch has an upper portion and a first and second lower portion extending therefrom, the upper portion being comprised of a vertical length just as long or longer than the lower portions to allow for insertion and removal of the instrument through the opening, wherein the opening is along the peripheral edge of the upper portion. A recessed portion separates the first and second lower portions, such as to permit the inner space to connect the first and second lower portions only through the upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to enagage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device. The device has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member and a working head. At least two inter-engaging latching members are removably attached to the first and the second elongated members. The latching members are symmetrical, interchangeable, and reversible, allowing a user to change the configuration of the ambidextrous device. The latching members can be retained to the elongated members by a rotatably lever, a removable retaining cap, or a removable retaining pin. Additionally, the latching members can be incorporated into removable finger engaging members, thereby allowing the entire finger engaging member and latching member to be removed, interchanged or reversed.

Abstract: A heating device for a field-device display module includes a heating element. The heating element is adapted to the shape of the field-device display module and is equipped such that it converts an electrical current to thermal energy. The heating element can be coupled to the field-device display module such that by the heating element the field-device display module can be heated.

Abstract: An instrument for debonding an orthodontic bracket from a tooth surface includes first and second plier portions coupled for relative pivotal movement. A lever arm pivotally movable relative to the first and second plier portions has a tooth engaging member on a first end. In one embodiment, the tooth engaging member is positioned on the lever arm for movement between a jaw of the plier portions and the tooth surface when a second end of the lever arm is pivotally manipulated in a direction toward a handle of the plier portions. In another embodiment, at least part of at least one plier portion is flexible relative to the lever arm such that the lever arm moves the tooth engaging member relative to a jaw of the plier portions after the bracket engaging portions are engaged with the orthodontic bracket and the handles and lever arm pivotally manipulated toward one another.

Abstract: The hand tool is used to extract a fastener from a material. The hand tool has a head with two pivotally joined halves including at least one pair of gripping jaws. The tool head preferably includes tips that may be used to dig beneath a fastener head that is flush with or set below a surface. The tool includes a pair of handles operable to close the gripping jaws. The handles are preferably offset above the plane of the tool head such that they operate as a lever in cooperation with a fulcrum on the bottom of the tool head to extract the fastener.

Abstract: An interchangeable head system for tools is provided, and the system comprises: a pair of handles having opposing top and bottom ends, and the top end of each of the handles is connected at a pivot point, and each of the top ends of the handles has two generally parallel walls forming a space therebetween, and the first wall has a moveable pin attached therethrough and the second wall has an aperture to receive the moveable pin; a plurality of heads, each head comprising a first and second component, each of the components has opposing top and bottom ends, and the top end of each of the components has at least one contact surface, and the first and second components is connected at a pivot point, and the bottom end of each of the components comprises at least one aperture designed to align with the aperture of the second wall of one of the top ends of the handle and to receive the moveable pin during an installment position, each of the bottom ends of the components of the head is inserted within the space fo

Abstract: A tool, system and method for separating connected orthopaedic components are disclosed. The system includes two orthopaedic components that are connected end to end. One of the orthopaedic components has a notch that receives a cam carried by the tool. The notch and cam are sized and shaped so that when the cam is turned, the cam forces the two components apart. The invention is particularly useful when Morse tapers are used to connect the components. The invention can be used with the modular orthopaedic implants as well as with modular trials used intraoperatively. The cam can be removably mounted on the tool.

Abstract: A pair of universal pliers comprises a first plier body, a second plier body, an extension spring, an adjusting rod, a linkage bar and a turning rod. A pivot point where the second handle is pivotally coupled to the second jaw, an end point of the arc-shaped groove, and the other end point of the arc-shaped groove are arranged on the same straight line, so that no matter the pivot pin is positioned at either end point of the arc-shaped groove, it ensures that the first jaw is opened or closed horizontally with respect to the second jaw. Consequently, it doesn't only have a wide application range, but also the tense operation of the extension spring is helpful to clamping a work piece in a surface-to-surface manner, thus ensuring a firm clamping operation against slippage.

Abstract: A hand held, one touch jar opener can be placed on a jar and activated with a momentary touch of a button. An epicyclic gear train is set to sequentially provide a grip on a jar, and on a lid, followed by development of torque needed to move the lid in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the jar. The principles embodied in the opener shown can be realized in an opener which can be manually powered, or preferably motorized and possibly highly automated. A differential geartrain provides reduction of speed and increase in torque and then provides two balanced and opposing forces through the epicyclic gear assembly having sun and planet gears. This configuration enables a wide variety of screw-on lids and jars to be automatically closed to match the correct diameters, apply a gripping force and then apply torque in an opposing direction.

Abstract: Auxiliary forceps are provided for video-assisted minimally-invasive surgery, such as hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the forceps being intended for operation by a surgeon's non-dominant hand inserted through an incision for entering a patient's natural body cavity. The forceps comprises a plurality of actuating plates hinged elastically to one another and having a size and shape suitable for operation when held by the tips of two fingers. The forceps also has a plurality of jaws extending from each actuating plate, and a member for temporarily connecting the forceps to the surgeon's hand so as to maintain the forceps at an adjustable distance from the hand of not greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a structure is provided for housing the jaws relatively close to one another, within which the jaws are engaged during operation when the forceps is not in use.

Abstract: A connector includes a body having a first portion and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion. The first portion has a first hardness and the second portion has a second different hardness. In an embodiment, the first portion has a first hardness of at least 40 Rockwell C and the second portion has a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. In another embodiment, the second portion has a hardness of 30 Rockwell C or less and the first portion has a greater hardness than the hardness of the second portion. The connector is made using a method including the steps of forming a body having first and second portions, and induction hardening the first portion to a hardness of at least 40 Rockwell C or the second portion to a hardness of 30 Rockwell C or less.

Abstract: An improved needle driver, wherein the needle driver includes an elongated body having a substantially hollow interior portion and a first and second ends. An actuator extending from the first end of the elongated body is included and is in communication with the substantially hollow interior portion. A selectively compressible air reservoir is included and positioned within the substantially hollow interior portion and is in communication with the actuator. A pair of mechanically actuated opposing jaw members extending from the second end of the elongated body into the substantially hollow interior portion are included, the pair of opposing jaw members are generally in communication with the actuator. An inflatable air reservoir is included and annularly positioned about the pair of opposing jaw members and is in communication with the selectively compressible air reservoir.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination pliers includes a first and second insulated handles alternately and movably joined together by a rivet, a toothed jaw at the fore end of each of the handles, a rectangular connector at the rear end of the first insulated handle for engaging a cylindrical box wrench thereon and a U-shaped connector on the rear end of the second insulated handle for rotatably engaged with a rectangular adapter which is able to engage a smaller box wrench and can be laterally rotated for about 180 degrees relative to the U-shaped connector, an arcuate electric cords stripper communicated with a internally threaded through hole at front portion of the pliers. The feature is that this disclosure not only performs clamping and stripping functions but also conducts as a box wrench to drive addition object.

Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for connecting a modular plug connector with a telephone/data cable, and an axial connector with a coaxial cable, including a pair of operating arms pivotally connected intermediate their ends to define on opposite sides of the pivot axis a pair of operating end portions and a pair of crimping end portions, respectively, a pair of crimping dies being connected between the crimping end portions and containing first recesses for defining a first crimping chamber adjacent the end extremities of the crimping end portions, the adjacent surfaces of the crimping dies containing opposed second recesses cooperating to define a second crimping chamber arranged between the first crimping chamber and the pivot axis of the operating arms.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a pair of handles and an implement slidably coupled to the handles. The implement is configured to slide in a linear fashion between a stowed position and a deployed position. A bias mechanism is coupled to the implement such that the bias mechanism biases the implement in the direction of the deployed position.

Abstract: A pivotal jawarm for a compression tool has opposite sides, a pivot pin opening therethrough, longitudinally opposite ends on longitudinally opposite sides of the opening, and inner and outer edges between the ends and on laterally opposite sides of the opening. A stress concentrator comprising aligned recesses in the opposite sides of the jawarm extends from the inner edge toward the pivot pin opening and provides a failure point at the inner edge for consistently initiating a fatigue crack at the failure point and fracture of the jawarm from the failure point to the pivot pin opening.

Abstract: The invention comprises tools for forming beads on one or more filaments using a malleable material for the bead. The tools exert bead-forming forces radially inward toward the filament and axially along the filament toward the center of the bead. The tools comprise pliers with jaws which meet flush with each other over at least a portion of the jaw face. Aligned cavities are formed in each jaw face wherein each cavity's dimension across the jaw face is less than the width of the jaw face. Grooves, aligned generally transverse to the width of the jaw face provide a filament-receiving channel between the cavity and the edge of the jaw face. Malleable material encompassing the filament is aligned between the aligned cavities and the jaws are closed. The radial force of the cavity walls on the malleable material deforms the malleable material radially and the walls of the cavity exert a force axially to form a bead.

Abstract: A pair of pliers has a handle (11), a head (13), a rivet (15), at least one colored layer (17) and optionally, plastic sleeves on the handle (11). The at least one colored layer (17) is at least one color especially designed with unique features to make identification of the pliers easy and make the pliers have an attractive appearance.

Abstract: This invention is a hand tool tethering system for use with hand tools that includes a retractor adapted to be included in a housing of the hand tool, a tether attached to the hand tool's retractor mechanism at one end, and to and a coupling device at the opposite end for attachment to an operator or to a selected support structure. The retractor mechanism allows the tether to be movable between a stored position and a functional position.

Abstract: A pair of pliers has a handle (11), a head (13), a rivet (15), at least one colored layer (17) and optionally, plastic sleeves on the handle (11). The at least one colored layer (17) is at least one color especially designed with unique features to make identification of the pliers easy and make the pliers have an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for connecting a modular plug connector with a telephone/data cable, and an axial connector with a coaxial cable, including a pair of operating arms pivotally connected intermediate their ends to define on opposite sides of the pivot axis a pair of operating end portions and a pair of crimping end portions, respectively, a pair of crimping dies being connected between the crimping end portions and containing first recesses for defining a first crimping chamber adjacent the end extremities of the crimping end portions, the adjacent surfaces of the crimping dies containing opposed second recesses cooperating to define a second crimping chamber arranged between the first crimping chamber and the pivot axis of the operating arms.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing a crimped ring from plastic tubing installed over the nipple of a fitting. A supporting jaw radially supports the crimped ring while a chisel cuts the ring on a tangential path. One embodiment uses pair of levers joined and pivoted intermediate their ends. One lever forms the supporting jaw while the other forms the chisel. When actuated, the cutting jaw cuts the ring on a path tangent to the inside circumference of the ring, thereby avoiding injury to the fitting, the fitting therefore being reusable.

Abstract: Tongs comprising a four link mechanism (12, 20, 22, 30) wherein the links are pivotally connected together by means of parallel pivot joints (23′, 24′, 31′, 32′). wherein the link mechanism includes two mutually connected links (20, 30) which define therebetween an angle that approaches 180° at the closing end position of the tongs, and wherein the length of one (30) of said two links is adjustable and includes two parts that are moveable in the longitudinal direction of the link, wherein the first (36) of said parts includes a slot (51) for guiding a a shaft (31) carried by said second part (70) and belonging to the pivot joint of the adjustable link (30).

Abstract: A crimping tool includes a crimping drum that is rotatably supported within a housing for displacement between a plurality of crimping positions, thereby to position a selected one of a plurality of crimping dies opposite a window through which the bare end of an insulated conductor is introduced, characterized by the provision of a first drum locking arrangement that connects the drum to the housing via a die selecting wheel that is non-rotatably connected with the drum. A second retaining arrangement is operable to lock the other end of the crimping drum to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a fastener such as a sink strainer nut includes a collar portion and a handle portion pivotally attached to the collar portion. The collar portion defines a plurality of cutouts and engaging surfaces for engaging with lugs on a sink strainer nut.

Abstract: This invention is a hand tool tethering system for use with hand tools that includes a retractor adapted to be included in a housing of the hand tool, a tether attached to the hand tool's retractor mechanism at one end, and to and a coupling device at the opposite end for attachment to an operator or to a selected support structure. The retractor mechanism allows the tether to be movable between a stored position and a functional position.

Abstract: A hand tool having a pair of jaw assemblies pivotally mounted to each other and movable from a closed to an open position. Each jaw assembly comprising a head portion and a tail extending from the head portion. A hang space formed between said jaw assemblies.

Abstract: A hand tool having a pair of jaw assemblies pivotally mounted to each other and movable from a closed to an open position. Each jaw assembly comprising a head portion and a tail extending from the head portion. A hang space formed between said jaw assemblies.

Abstract: Pliers-like tools having opposing and cooperating jaw elements wherein one of the jaw elements includes a heelpiece having a non-circular recess formed therein and in which a mechanical element associated with a jaw carrier portion of a handle is selectively inserted so as to be in non-movable relationship with respect to the one jaw element. Mechanical elements are provided for fastening the handle to the one jaw element at the area of the recess.

Abstract: A support surface (3) is bordered on at least two sides by fins while mounted at an opposite corner is a clamping device comprising a slide (6) which can be drawn back from a starting position against the force of a coil spring (9) and which has a clamping plate (10) which has a clamping surface facing the diagonally opposite corner. When a microtiter plate is set down on the support surface (3) by means of a gripper, a lever (12) of the clamping device (5) is pressed down by a gripper arm and the clamping plate (10) is drawn back from a starting position by the action of a thrust surface (15) on the underside of the lever (12) on a sliding projection (11) of the slide (6) and said clamping plate is then moved forwards again to said starting position when the gripper is raised, so that it clamps the microtiter plate against the fins and holds it in a defined position.

Abstract: An elastomeric compressor mount has a hollow convex cylindrical head portion which must be passed upwardly through a substantially smaller diameter circular opening in a support foot portion of the compressor. To facilitate the passage of the mount head portion through the support foot opening a specially designed clamping tool is provided which has an arcuate support portion and a clamping portion that may be pivoted toward and away from a concave side surface of the support portion. With these two tool portions pivoted toward each other they are inserted downwardly through the compressor foot opening, opened, and then clamped exteriorly onto the mount head portion in a manner deforming it to a generally U-shaped configuration as viewed along the axis of the mount.

Abstract: A pliers which allows the user to firmly hold a tack, nail, or screw for application, particularly when in use against a structure. The pliers incorporates a handle offset which allows the user to apply the fastener when working in close quarters with the point of application. The device includes longnose pliers blades with varying diameter of serrations for firmly holding a wide range of fastener sizes and applying them in hard-to-reach spaces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for holding a suture needle is provided. The instrument is of a scissors configuration with elongated arms having finger loops at one end and jaws at the other end to grasp a suture needle. This improved instrument has specialized jaws containing a transverse channel that securely holds a suture needle at a right angle to the axis of the needle holder jaws. The width of the transverse channel adjusts to the size of the suture needle by means of a cam and spring loaded camming surface which move a sliding member against the side of a suture needle as the jaws of the needle holder are closed. This improved configuration significantly reduces the long standing problem of suture needle twisting or rotation in the needle holder jaws as the surgeon passes the needle through tissue.

Abstract: A folding multi-tool comprising first and second generally channel-shaped handles each having first and second ends, each generally channel-shaped handle having an open side and an at least partly closed side opposite the open side, the at least partly closed sides comprising plier-receiving openings. The folding multi-tool also includes pliers including first and second plier halves pivotally mounted to each other, with the plier halves being pivotally mounted between flanges at the first ends of the handles. Control straps extend between the flanges for limiting the maximum pivotal movement of the plier halves and for frictionally resisting pivotal movement of the plier halves. The folding multi-tool is foldable between a closed, compact configuration and an opened, extended configuration for operating the pliers and in the opened, extended configuration the open sides of the handles face each other.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for holding a suture needle is disclosed. The instrument is of scissors configuration with elongated arms having finger loops at one end and jaws at the other end to grasp a suture needle. This improved instrument has specialized jaws containing a transverse channel that securely holds a suture needle at a right angle to the axis of the needle holder. The width of the transverse channel automatically adjusts to the size of the suture needle as it is being placed in the needle holder. This improved configuration significantly reduces the long standing problem of suture needle twisting or rotation in the needle holder jaws as the surgeon passes the needle through tissue.

Abstract: A tool for removing ticks and similar parasites. A spoon-shaped tool, the spoon of which is split lengthwise and hinged to rotate the split spoon sections normally open far enough to fit over a tick's body, then rotated closed into an overlapping relationship by thumb and forefinger closing pressure to trap the tick about the neck in a v-shaped slit in one side of the opening in the spoon. A mechanical stop prevents the slit from closing completely to sever the tick from it's head. The handle may have a centerline hinge, integral spring, and thumb and finger locators to facilitate use of the tool in a palm-down fashion by either hand. The spoon sections may have opposing slits that close upon each other to likewise trap the tick. The tick is at all times visible in the open bowl of the tool. The tool may be molded in one piece, with a "living hinge" and spring incorporated into it's design.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the location of a channel and for creating a channel through bone tissue for suturing ligament, tendon, or muscle tissue to the bone during arthroscopic surgery, the instrument comprising a pair of compound levers (12) and (14) with handles (18a) and (18b) at a first end (24a) and (24b), a pair of semicircular pincers (36a) and (36b) comprising jaws at a second end (30a) and (30b). The jaws and body of the instrument (10) are inserted through a cannula and adjacent to the bone to be channeled. The jaws are opened to the desired separation, locating the end points (37a) and (37b) on the bone to be channeled and closing the jaws to create the channel.

Abstract: An instrument and method for locating and attaching a spinal coupler to an implanted spinal rod including body and lever handles that attach about the spinal rod. A cam handle is connected to the body handle to actuate a plunger that applies a compression force to the spinal coupler to attach it to the spinal rod by an interference fit. The body and lever handles each include a forked jaw having legs that attach to the spinal rod on each side of the spinal coupler. In one embodiment, the plunger includes a control knob to vary the instrument actuating force and prevent over extension of the plunger.

Abstract: A plier-like tool is designed to grip the end of a muzzle loader bore cleaning rod so as to assist in the removal of the rod from the gun. The tool is particularly useful in removing cleaning rods which become stuck in rifle barrels. A collet is attachable to the tool to assist in aligning the tool over a cleaning rod and to provide additional gripping force.

Abstract: A system of pliers or the like, and "second bite" elements is disclosed. The pliers or the like are typically formed by at least two basic elements which are pivotally interconnected and which each have handle and jaw regions. Causing the handles of the pliers or the like to move toward one another also causes the jaws thereof to similarly move closer to one another by way of pliers action, or if an object is present between the jaws, more firmly grip the object. The second bite elements are pivotally attached to the end of one of the handles of the pliers or the like and interact with the other handle thereof to allow a user to more easily grip an object in the jaws of the pliers or the like by way of a force applied to the pliers or the like and the second bite elements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel pipe ring crimping tool which is adapted for crimping a ring over plastic plumbing pipe onto a plastic fitting.