Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided that includes a ball socket having a central socket axis, the ball socket includes a lower body portion extending to an upper flange portion, wherein the body portion and flange portion are at least partially segmented by a plurality of longitudinal socket slots to form a plurality of longitudinally extending arms, further included are a plurality of longitudinally extending journaling ribs protruding radially from the body portion, wherein the ribs include an upper rib portion and a lower rib portion, and wherein the upper rib portion has a greater radial width than the lower rib portion, a plurality of wedges extending from the body portion, a plurality of engagement tabs extending from the body portion, each having a tab end portion, and a ball stud engagement cavity centrally formed between the arms for receiving and pivotably securing a ball head of a ball stud therein.

Abstract: An adjuster extender is provided that includes a tubular sleeve longitudinally connected to an extender stud, the sleeve having an inner bore for matingly receiving an adjustment shaft of an adjuster to provide radial support therebetween, and a plurality of engagement arms that extend from the sleeve into the inner bore, the engagement arms including arm ends for engaging an adjuster stud on the adjustment shaft to provide an axial interlock between the sleeve and the adjustment shaft.

Abstract: An adjuster adjusts the position of a fog lamp, headlamp, or other form of adjustable, automotive lamp. The adjuster includes a side-opening retainer screw interface. The side-opening retainer allows the adjuster to provide clutching throughout travel. In addition, a distal end of the retainer includes a set of retainer snap fingers and a separate set of spring fingers. The snap fingers and spring fingers allow for a strong, elastic connection to a lamp mating panel and allow the retainer to securely connect to lamp mating panels of various thicknesses.

Abstract: An adjuster gear screw is provided that includes an adjuster shaft having a threaded portion and a shaft end, a gear head having a plurality of radial protrusions spaced by a plurality of radial indents, and a flange having a flange front surface, an elongated neck interconnecting the adjuster shaft and the gear head, and a gear having a gear rear surface, a plurality of teeth, and a plurality of fingers and notches extending along an inner circumference, wherein the gear is axially secured to the gear head in a first longitudinal direction via abutment of the gear rear surface with the flange front surface, and in a second longitudinal direction via engagement of the plurality of fingers with the plurality of indents, and wherein the gear is rotationally secured to the gear head via abutment of the plurality of radial protrusions with the plurality of notches.

Abstract: An adjuster adjusts the position of a fog lamp, headlamp, or other form of adjustable, automotive lamp. The adjuster includes a side-opening retainer screw interface. The side-opening retainer allows the adjuster to provide clutching throughout travel. In addition, a distal end of the retainer includes a set of retainer snap fingers and a separate set of spring fingers. The snap fingers and spring fingers allow for a strong, elastic connection to a lamp mating panel and allow the retainer to securely connect to lamp mating panels of various thicknesses.

Abstract: A lamp adjuster is provided that includes a housing having a first adjustment point and a nose, a gear having an extended cylindrical portion, an output shaft disposed longitudinally within the housing, the output shaft having a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, a first channel and a first retraction stop. The adjuster further including a first housing tang extending from the nose, the first retraction stop engageable with the first housing tang to prevent further retraction of the output shaft, and wherein the first threaded portion has a major thread diameter greater than a major thread diameter of the second threaded portion, and the first and second threaded portions functionally engage the threaded interior of the extended cylindrical portion, and a clutching slot provided at the first threaded portion to allow for selective disengagement of the first threaded portion from the partially threaded interior.

Abstract: A lamp adjuster is provided that includes a housing having a first adjustment point and a nose, a gear having an extended cylindrical portion, an output shaft disposed longitudinally within the housing, the output shaft having a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, a first channel and a first retraction stop. The adjuster further including a first housing tang extending from the nose, the first retraction stop engageable with the first housing tang to prevent further retraction of the output shaft, and wherein the first threaded portion has a major thread diameter greater than a major thread diameter of the second threaded portion, and the first and second threaded portions functionally engage the threaded interior of the extended cylindrical portion, and a clutching slot provided at the first threaded portion to allow for selective disengagement of the first threaded portion from the partially threaded interior.

Abstract: An adjuster extender is provided that includes a tubular sleeve longitudinally connected to an extender stud, the sleeve having an inner bore for matingly receiving an adjustment shaft of an adjuster to provide radial support therebetween, and a plurality of engagement arms that extend from the sleeve into the inner bore, the engagement arms including arm ends for engaging an adjuster stud on the adjustment shaft to provide an axial interlock between the sleeve and the adjustment shaft.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an output shaft driven by a co-rotatable gear. Threads on the shaft engage splines in a thin wall boss, the splines having limited circumferential engagement with the screw. The thin wall boss deflects outwardly in response to forces that build in the engagement of the shaft and splines, to release driving engagement between the splines and the shaft.

Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The adjuster includes a housing having a first adjustment point, a gear having a second adjustment point, and an output shaft disposed at least partially within and functionally engaging the gear. Movement of the output shaft can be effected using either the first adjustment point or the second adjustment point. The adjuster can also include a clutching feature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the multi-functional patient transfer device includes a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include foldable panels. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.

Abstract: A system for transferring medical patients utilizes the concept of creating a “hollow space” between the patient and the surface on which he or she is supported. A patient support material mounted to a rigid frame positioned about a bed or other hospital furniture can have slots or openings extending laterally inward from at least one side of the patient support material and oriented substantially perpendicular to a line running from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed. The slots allow respective tines of a transport device, or straps from a patient transfer chair or device, to be inserted beneath a patient lying on the patient support material such that the tines or straps (or other elongated patient support/transfer components) can be lifted above through the slots and thus transfer the patient from the patient support material to the tines or straps of the patient transfer/transport device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mobile cantilever transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the mobile cantilever transfer device includes a support surface that is cantilevered from a lift cart so that the support surface may be positioned over the origination or destination location for a transfer, such as a patient's bed. In yet another embodiment, the cantilevered support surface may be laterally extended from the lift cart in order to allow the support surface to be positioned at different points over a transfer location without moving the lift cart. In yet another embodiment, multiple sides of the support surface may be connected to the lift cart so that a transfer can be accomplished from multiple directions, such as on either side of a patient's bed.

Abstract: A motorized adjuster (30) is used for adjusting the aim of a lamp. The adjuster has a housing (32) and a motor (36). An output shaft (38) passes through the housing and is operably connected to the motor. A ball stud (60) is moved by actuation of the motor and may also be moved by manual operation (41). A clutching feature may be included to prevent damage due to over adjustment attempts.

Abstract: An input shaft for a lamp adjuster is disclosed. The input shaft includes a top portion and bottom portion. The top portion and bottom portion can move axially relative to one another such that the input shaft can have a plurality of different lengths. The input shaft can also include a clutching feature. An adjuster and lamp assembly including an input shaft according to the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp is disclosed. The lamp adjuster includes an input shaft, a ball stud bracket in threaded engagement with the input shaft and an o-ring mounted on the ball stud bracket. Rotation of the input shaft causes linear translation of the ball stud bracket, thereby adjusting the aim of the lamp.

Abstract: An adjuster having a housing or lamp housing with an adjuster portion, a gear positioned inside the housing or adjuster portion, a control rod engaged to the gear and extending from the housing or adjuster portion, and at least one tang outside the housing or adjuster portion such that the tang engages the control rod and prevents rotation thereof. As such, rotation of the gear results in linear movement of the control rod. The adjuster may be positioned on a lamp housing, or other structure.

Abstract: A motorized adjuster for adjusting the aim of a lamp having a housing, motor, and control rod. The control rod passes through the motor. An anti-rotation gear is positioned inside the housing. The control rod passes through the gear. A flex point is positioned inside the housing to functionally engage the gear. The adjuster may be operated manually or electrically. Manual operation is accomplished by actuating a driver inserted into the housing. Electrical operation is accomplished by actuating the motor. Actuating the driver or the motor causes the control rod to move along its axis.