Abstract: A self-sealing suction device system is provided. The system comprises a suction device, a pressure sensor in communication with the suction device, a vacuum supply in communication with the suction device, and a solenoid valve in communication with the suction device and the vacuum supply. A controller is programmed to turn on the vacuum supply responsive to the pressure sensor detecting air pressure within the suction device above a specified threshold. The controller turns off the vacuum supply responsive to the pressure sensor detecting a specified level of negative pressure within the suction device, wherein the solenoid valve maintains the negative pressure within the suction device. The controller maneuvers the solenoid valve to equilibrate the suction device with atmospheric pressure to release the object upon completion of a task.

Abstract: In a joint movement device for selective flexion and extension of a joint, a tendon is disposed adjacent to the first and second joint members. A tendon securing device is secured to the second joint member, the tendon being secured to the tendon securing device. At least one phalange ring is secured to a joint member and includes a tending routing mechanism configured to route the tendon through the phalange ring. An actuator is coupled to the tendon and pulls the tendon inwardly to cause the joint to flex. An elastic member is coupled to the phalange ring and tendon securing device and applies an extension force thereto, thereby causing the joint to extend when the actuator releases the tendon.

Abstract: In a joint movement device (100) for selective flexion and extension of a joint (20), a tendon (120) is disposed adjacent to the first and second joint members. A tendon securing device (112) is secured to the second joint member (12), the tendon (120) being secured to the tendon securing device (112). At least one phalange ring (110) is secured to a joint member and includes a tending routing mechanism (113) configured to route the tendon through the phalange ring (110). An actuator (140) is coupled to the tendon (120) and pulls the tendon (120) inwardly to cause the joint (20) to flex. An elastic member (130) is coupled to the phalange ring (110) and tendon securing device (112) and applies an extension force thereto, thereby causing the joint (20) to extend when the actuator (140) releases the tendon (120).

Abstract: In a joint movement device (100) for selective flexion and extension of a joint (20), a tendon (120) is disposed adjacent to the first and second joint members. A tendon securing device (112) is secured to the second joint member (12), the tendon (120) being secured to the tendon securing device (112). At least one phalange ring (110) is secured to a joint member and includes a tending routing mechanism (113) configured to route the tendon through the phalange ring (110). An actuator (140) is coupled to the tendon (120) and pulls the tendon (120) inwardly to cause the joint (20) to flex. An elastic member (130) is coupled to the phalange ring (110) and tendon securing device (112) and applies an extension force thereto, thereby causing the joint (20) to extend when the actuator (140) releases the tendon (120).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bracket for mounting a rod to a surface has a surface-mounting portion and a rod-attachment portion. The surface-mounting portion provides an interface between the bracket and the surface, and attaches to the surface using suitable fasteners such as screws or nails. The rod-attachment portion has an aperture formed therein that accepts a threaded fastener used to attach a finial to the end of the rod. The aperture has a dimension that is smaller than a diameter of the rod, and at least as large as a diameter of the fastener. In one exemplary method of using the bracket, the fastener, attached to the finial, is fed through the aperture into a socket in the rod. The finial is then rotated thereby coupling the finial to the rod until the rod-attachment portion is secured between the rod and the finial.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bracket for mounting a rod to a surface has a surface-mounting portion and a rod-attachment portion. The surface-mounting portion provides an interface between the bracket and the surface, and attaches to the surface using suitable fasteners such as screws or nails. The rod-attachment portion has an aperture formed therein that accepts a threaded fastener used to attach a finial to the end of the rod. The aperture has a dimension that is smaller than a diameter of the rod, and at least as large as a diameter of the fastener. In one exemplary method of using the bracket, the fastener, attached to the finial, is fed through the aperture into a socket in the rod. The finial is then rotated thereby coupling the finial to the rod until the rod-attachment portion is secured between the rod and the finial.