Abstract: A flexible lead screw and motor combination is provided that attaches to the body and has the ability to move body parts. The invention contains at least one motor actuated cincture screw that transfers torque over an articulating joint of the body. A high torque motor is mounted on a suitable location of the body, on one side of the articulating joint to be moved. The motor is attached, through a cable having an externally threaded cincture, to an internally threaded guide bushing mounted to a body location on the opposite side of the articulating joint. In certain mounting locations, the cable routing will be redirected by guide rings before entering the guide bushing. Activation of the motor rotates the cable and, depending on the threads and the direction of rotation chosen, either pulls the threaded guide bushing toward, or away from the motor. Thus, the joint lying between the attached motor and attached guide bushing can be either closed or opened.

Abstract: A flexible reach tool or tool accessory for providing a small, hand-held device that can position a tool or tool accessory into a small, normally inaccessible area for performing a mechanical function or for observing a particular area of a device that includes a rigid arm, a flexible positionable arm and a manipulatable tool connected to one end of the flexible arm. The tool may include plier jaws, a screw driver, powered grinding wheel, or accessories such as a mirror and light for illuminated observation.

Abstract: A motor actuated screw device for the transmission of torque over articulating surfaces finding particular use in prosthetic devices used as mechanical artificial hands. The device employs a high torque motor mounted on a support platform which is attached to a cable or universal joint having at least one externally threaded cincture affixed to the cable. The placement of at least one articulating member hingedly mounted to the support platform with an internally threaded guide bushing affixed to the articulating member allows the cincture to be placed therethrough allowing the motion to rotate the cable/cincture causing the articulating member to rotate about the hinge connection to the support base. The use of multiple members attached to the articulating member together with hinges placed therebetween, allows the use of the instant device to move all of the members according to predetermined threaded engagement providing each member with nearly a direct torque transfer from the motor.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical grasping device that simulates the movements of a human hand suitable for use as an artificial hand prosthesis that is lightweight, agile and includes a firm grasp. A lightweight platform houses a plurality of very small high torque electrical motors, each having its own linear gear rack, all of which is connected by suitable wire-like actuating member to a plurality of jointed members each of which represents a particular digit of the hand. A stiff cable is connected between all the simulated digits and the gear racks, the cables being mounted through eyelets that act as harness guides for providing the proper strength and movement of each of the digits. Control of the artificial hand and the digits may be through the receipt of myogram signals from the human muscles in the appropriate situation while power is received from a small DC battery.