Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a support frame and a laser scanner mounted to the frame. A five bar closed loop spherical linkage supports a clamping device for retaining an object. The linkage moves the object through a scanning beam about a spherical surface to facilitate scanning of curved objects. The linkage is mounted on an arm rotatably mounted to the frame and the clamping device is rotatably mounted to the linkage to provide four degrees of freedom. Encoders and motors drive the linkage to provide accurate positioning and providing for digitizing the scanned object.

Abstract: A remotely controllable system and method for positioning and operating a scleral depressor. A track is positioned to encircle at least a portion of the eye. One or more independent thrusters, or actuators, are radially positionable about the eye. An actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by remote control. Thrusters may be mechanically operated and include pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, chemical or other power supply forces. Remote control is provided by hand-operated controls, foot-operated switches or voice-operated control. A light source is positioned about at least a portion of the eye to provide transcleral illumination.

Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for an implement transmission. The transmission is operably coupled to a plurality of driven mechanisms for providing a driving power from a prime mover to the plurality of driven mechanisms. A shift assembly has a first and a second actuator apparatus. The first actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a first driven mechanism, and the second actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a second driven mechanism. The second actuator apparatus has a biasing apparatus for exerting a variable, selective bias on the transmission. A clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging a prime mover and the transmission has a rotatable stop member and an idler-stop assembly.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a support frame and a laser scanner mounted to the frame. A five bar closed loop spherical linkage supports a clamping device for retaining an object. The linkage moves the object through a scanning beam about a spherical surface to facilitate scanning of curved objects. The linkage is mounted on an arm rotatably mounted to the frame and the clamping device is rotatably mounted to the linkage to provide four degrees of freedom. Encoders and motors drive the linkage to provide accurate positioning and providing for digitizing the scanned object.

Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: A hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: A radio frequency ablation apparatus having an application wand which is articulating and self-locking in a selected configuration. The wand has a handle having a thumb wheel apparatus. A threaded bore extends coaxially through the thumb wheel. A threaded tube received in the threaded bore translates a wire which extends to the distal end of the wand. At the distal end of the wand, the wire passes over a bendable section in the wand. Pushing or pulling the wire bends the distal tip through a range of angles on both sides of a neutral linear position. The distal tip remains self-locked in a selected position when the thumb screw is not turned.

Abstract: A five bar spherical serial closed loop linkage includes a first link, and a second link rotatably mounted to the first link about a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation passing through a center of a sphere defined by the linkage. A third link rotatably mounts to the second link about a second axis of rotation passing through the center of the sphere. A fourth link rotatably mounts to the third link about a third axis of rotation passing through the center of the sphere. A fifth link rotatably mounts to the fourth link about a fourth axis of rotation passing through the sphere's center, and rotatably mounts to the first link about a fifth axis of rotation passing through the center of the sphere. An instrument mounts to the linkage and typically is aligned with the spherical center. Two motors having encoders drive the two degrees of freedom and are in communication with a central processor or controller to control movement of the linkage.

Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for an implement transmission. The transmission is operably coupled to a plurality of driven mechanisms for providing a driving power from a prime mover to the plurality of driven mechanisms. A shift assembly has a first and a second actuator apparatus. The first actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a first driven mechanism, and the second actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a second driven mechanism. The second actuator apparatus has a biasing apparatus for exerting a variable, selective bias on the transmission. A clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging a prime mover and the transmission has a rotatable stop member and an idler-stop assembly.

Abstract: A fiber optic endoscope which uses a bundle of coherent fiber to convey both an optical image in one direction and illumination light in the other direction. A fraction of the optical fibers are used for the illumination, and others of the fibers are used for the image. Notched fibers can be used for the illumination.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens storage container includes a lens folding system for folding the lens and inserting it into a lens insertion device or other lens receiving chamber. The fold and insertion process requires no special training and results in the lens being positioned in a known orientation. Also, the possibility of damaging the lens is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for an implement transmission. The transmission is operably coupled to a plurality of driven mechanisms for providing a driving power from a prime mover to the plurality of driven mechanisms. A shift assembly has a first and a second actuator apparatus. The first actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a first driven mechanism, and the second actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a second driven mechanism. The second actuator apparatus has a biasing apparatus for exerting a variable, selective bias on the transmission. A clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging a prime mover and the transmission has a rotatable stop member and an idler-stop assembly.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens storage container includes a lens folding system for folding the lens and inserting it into a lens insertion device or other lens receiving chamber. The fold and insertion process requires no special training and results in the lens being positioned in a known orientation. Also, the possibility of damaging the lens is minimized.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.