Abstract: A motor assisted swivel is disclosed which aids in proper rotation of a swivel in a tether system for animal testing. The swivel may have any number of fluid conduits or electrical or optical leads. A switching mechanism determines a direction of rotation of the tether and activates a motor to rotate the swivel in the direction of rotation. When rotation of the tether stops, further rotation of the swivel causes the switching mechanism to deactivate the motor. The switching mechanism may include a hinged connector with magnets on each side and reed switches to sense movement of the connector about its hinge.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 2003
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2005
Assignee:
Pro Med-Tec, Inc.
Inventors:
Anthony Deneintolis, John Kauker IV, James Burke, III