Abstract: A quick connect speaker assembly includes: a speaker; a coupler configured to be coupled to the speaker; and a stake including a body having first and second end portions and defining a channel, with the first end portion including an attachment feature. The stake is configured to slidably receive the coupler in the channel at the first end portion and the attachment feature is configured to attach the coupler and the speaker to the stake in an installed position.

Abstract: A navigation light pole and method of protecting the navigation light and pole by providing a flexible joint at a base of the light pole which allows the light pole to bend about the flexible joint when the light or light pole is hit, for example, by a low clearance structure such as a bridge or boat lift to prevent damage to the light pole or light.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for wireless power transfer (WPT) in ball-and-socket type structures are provided. A ball and ball-socket structure can include conductive windings and conductive plates having a variety of shapes to optimize WPT over different angles as the ball moves or rotates within the ball-socket. One or both of capacitive coupling and inductive coupling can be incorporated.

Abstract: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device has sufficient flexibility and dimension to be passed through the mouth, throat, and esophagus of a patient into the patient's stomach. The device includes a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member. The first and second members are configured to flex in a direction to follow the esophageal path into the stomach and to be substantially rigid when forming the restored gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable retaining arm systems can include a multi-segmented, articulable arm that holds one or more interchangeable tools and can be made relaxed to set a desired position and made rigid to fix the desired position by adjusting tension in a cable running through the arm. The arm can quickly attach and detach from a support structure. The support structure include a cable tensioning system, sensors, control system, power system, etc. A user input device, such as a foot pedal or button on the arm, can be used by a surgeon to change the arm between relaxed and rigid states. The arm and attachable tools can be detachable, disposable and/or sterilizable, while other system components can remain mounted in a fixed location as the arm is removed and replaced. The arm can hold multiple tools in any desired orientation around subject work location.

Abstract: Provided is a robot including: a base; and a movable portion including a rotating drum that rotates about a vertical axis with respect to the base. The base is provided with an opening portion through which wire members are led into the base; the base and the rotating drum are provided with a hollow portion in which the wire members are guided into the rotating drum; the robot further includes a distribution board member that is detachably attached to the base; the distribution board member is provided with an attachment portion that is attached to the base, and a relay portion that is disposed on the outside of the opening portion with a gap therebetween; and the relay portion includes a mountable region in which a connector that relays some of the wire members is mounted.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly may include roller elements and spacer elements positioned between adjacent roller elements. The hinge assembly couples with two housing parts, and allows movement of the housing parts with respect to one another. The roller elements synchronously rotate along surfaces of the spacer elements during rotation of one of the housing parts. Also, in order to maintain engagement between the roller elements and the spacer elements, a strap may extend through openings of the roller elements and the spacer elements. Further, the strap may provide the hinge assembly with a desired stiffness. For example, when the first housing part ceases rotational movement, the strap may cause the first housing part to maintain its position relative to the second housing part. Also, the hinge assembly may include a tensioning element coupled to the strap in order to provide tension to the strap.

Abstract: An electrical device coupling adapter that is operable to electrically connect an electrically operated device exteriorly located to a structure with a low voltage power source or a alternating current power source located within the interior of the structure. The present invention includes a housing being comprised of a base plate and a case portion wherein the case portion is removably secured to one side of the base plate. A first conduit member is secured to the case portion of the housing and is manufactured from a flexible tubing material. A second conduit member is sealably coupled to the base plate opposite the case portion. The second conduit member is rigid and tubular in form and extends outward from the base plate. A supply wire is secured within the second conduit member and can be configured to electrically coupled to either a AC or DC power source.

Abstract: A low-pressure hinge includes a plurality of segments with at least one upper frictional element and at least one lower frictional element where the at least one upper frictional element and the at least one lower frictional element are positioned on opposing sides of a segment of the plurality of segments. The hinge further includes a compression element that compresses the at least one upper frictional element and at least one lower frictional element against the segment with a compression force having a pressure less than 5,000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: An device for manually unlocking a holding mechanism to which a load is applied is disclosed. The device has an operating element which is to be operated manually for unlocking the holding mechanism via an operating force that increases as the load increases, a conversion mechanism which includes a force transfer element coupled to the operating element, and a trigger coupled to the force transfer element. In order to unlock the holding mechanism the trigger is movable by the operating force transferred by the force transfer element to the trigger from a locked position in which the trigger is operatively decoupled from an unlocking component into an unlocked position in which the trigger is in contact with the unlocking component and unlocks said holding mechanism. The conversion mechanism includes an elastically deformable force limiter via which the force transfer element is coupled to the trigger.

Abstract: A flexible arm for use in a medical procedure includes a plurality of bushings and a plurality of double-ball members engaged with one another to thereby provide flexibility to the flexible arm. The double-ball members include a concave bore having a convex interior surface. The flexible arm further includes a wire extending through the concave bore of the double-ball members. An exterior diameter of the wire closely approximates or matches an interior diameter of the concave bore at its smallest point such that the curved members are operable to guide the wire as the flexible arm is flexed. The wire may be adjusted to thereby manipulate the amount of engagement between the bushings and the double-ball members to thereby manipulate the flexibility of the flexible arm.

Abstract: A formable support stand system for portable electronic devices that provides a manner to support a device such as a tablet computer in a variety of orientations from a supporting surface such as a tray or table. The embodiments comprise a flex-rod prop, and a fastener for attaching the prop to an electronic device, such that the flex rod resists deformation, but can be adjusted into a wide variety of positions. The stand system is adapted for use with devices used by those with limited or erratic motor control, in order to allow positioning of the screen face of a tablet computer in a chosen orientation relative to a support tray on a wheelchair, for instance. The stand system comprises a flexible, positionable flex-rod, an anti-skid sleeve and is removeably attached to the electronic device by means of rod clamp system. The formable support system is also provided as a kit for retrofitting existing devices.

Abstract: A foot holding assembly for securing a foot of a patient during a surgical or diagnostic procedure includes a boot configured to hold the foot of the patient. In addition the assembly includes a rigid sole coupled to the boot. Further, the assembly includes a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the sole with a rotatable coupling configured to allow the sole to rotate relative to the first end of the pivot arm about an axis oriented perpendicular to the sole. The rotatable coupling includes an incremental locking mechanism including a locked position and an unlocked position. When the incremental locking mechanism is in the locked position, the rotational position of the sole about the axis is releasably locked. When the incremental locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, the sole is free to rotate relative the first end of the pivot arm only about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a support apparatus and kit assembly for supporting an article capable of capturing human perceptible output, the support apparatus includes an extension beam having a proximal end portion and an opposing distal end portion with a longitudinal axis spanning therebetween, further included is an element for removably engaging the article and a first structure for a first selectively locking on a first omni-directionally movable position as between the distal end portion and the element, plus further included in the support apparatus is a second structure for a second selective locking a second omni-directionally movable position disposed at the proximal end portion. The kit assembly includes a light, a remote switch for the article, a remote microphone, an audio extension cord, a shotgun microphone, and a dual input audio input adaptor.

Abstract: A limb positioning system includes a clamp assembly, a pylon and bar assembly, a sled assembly, and a limb positioning assembly. The clamp assembly is configured to attach to a bed rail of a surgical table and to accept a pylon connected to a bar. The pylon may have a plurality of pylon bars that are secured by the clamp assembly. A base bar may extend from the pylon, and may be attachable to an extension bar to provide a longer track along which the sled assembly may slide. The sled assembly may be biased to be locked with respect to the base bar. The limb holding assembly may include a boot coupled to the sled via a connector near the heel. The connector may be tapered and insertable into a correspondingly tapered section of a ball that sits within the sled assembly, the ball being capable of polyaxial motion.

Abstract: A lighted wire fishing device for installing wire includes a rod that is resilient. The rod is semiflexible so that the rod is configured to be used to fish a wire through a structural element of a structure. A housing is coupled to and extends from a first end of the rod. The housing defines an interior space. A power module is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the interior space. A plurality of bulbs is coupled to the rod and extends from proximate to the first end to proximate to a second end of the rod. The plurality of bulbs is operationally coupled to the power module. The power module is positioned to selectively power the bulbs to illuminate an area proximate to the rod so that the rod and the wire are visible to a user.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a plurality of segments which can interlock rotatably relative to one another. A locking element extends through a lumen of the segments. When the locking element is in an unlocked condition the segments are able to rotate relative to one another. In this mode, the guide wire is very flexible. The locking element can be tightened to cause the segments to lock in engagement with one another and to fix the guide wire in position. In practice, the guide wire can be fixed in a curved or bent configuration, which enables the guide wire to provide a rigid support for a microcatheter or other element of an introducer assembly. The guide wire therefore can exhibit both extreme flexibility and stiffness.

Abstract: An underwater striking bag device includes a bag having an annular upper compartment disposed in an upper section of the bag and receiving air therein, a neck extending through the upper section and communicating with a lower compartment receiving water therein, a weight in the bottom section, a removable cap connected to the neck, an air valve connected to the annular upper compartment to provide for filling air into the annular upper compartment, at least one handle connected to the bag for assisting in filling and removal of water into the lower compartment as well as exercising by grabbing the handles and pushing, pulling, and lifting the bag during a workout.

Abstract: A connection of two adapter parts of a modularly-constructed supporting apparatus includes a first adapter part which has an end-side attachment with a partially spherical recess, a second adapter part which has an end-side spherical attachment for insertion into the partially spherical recess in the first adapter part and has a clamping ring which bears against the spherical attachment, on its half which is averted from the partially spherical recess, and a connecting clamp which engages behind the attachment and the clamping ring on sides which are averted from one another and also fixes the attachment and the clamping ring axially and radially in relation to one another, wherein the attachment and the clamping ring each have at least one weakening region for deforming the attachment and the clamping ring when the connecting clamp acts on the attachment and the clamping ring. The connection is secure when tools, workpieces or the like of a relatively high weight are held by the supporting apparatus.

Abstract: A selectively shapeable medical device comprises an elongate tube, an activation component operatively coupled to the elongate tube, and means for actuating the activation component. The activation component has a first state and a second state different from the first state. The activation component alters a stiffness of at least a portion of the tube coupled to the activation component in the first state and does not alter a stiffness of the portion of the tube in the second state.

Abstract: A height adjustable combat training assembly and method of operation enables a practitioner to strike with a fist, kick, hurtle over, and reenact combat with a real person through use of a height adjustable series of shafts, target accessories, and elongated barriers that are manipulated into myriad configurations. A base portion is filled with a weighted substance to stabilize the assembly. A base shaft attached perpendicularly into the base portion. A height adjustable shaft extends from the base shaft in a sliding relationship that is measured with a height gauging instrument. Padded sleeves encapsulate both shafts for cushioning. A flexible member extends form the terminus of the height adjustable shaft. A terminal target rests on the terminus of the second sleeve. A label attaches to the sleeves. At least one target accessory detachably attaches to the shafts or sleeves, and includes linear arm, blocking arm, laser device, and fist.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe comprises an outer sleeve and an inner core. The outer sleeve and inner core include a plurality of links. The links of the outer sleeve and inner core are configured to pivot relative to one another. Various characteristics of the links determine the overall pivot angle of the articulated probe. Each of the plurality of links may have one or more channels. The channels form a semi-continuous passage from link to link and are configured to receive an elongated member such as an inner core, tool or cable. One or more cables may be used to control the outer links of the outer sleeve and the inner links of the inner core. Various characteristics of the cables determine the overall performance of the articulated probe.

Abstract: The safety anchor includes a base, which is fixable to a roof structure; an absorber, which is attached to the base; and a housing, which houses the absorber. A clamping member is provided within the housing for clamping the housing against the base.

Abstract: A purpose is to prevent a first connection piece string from colliding against a second connection piece string in a robot arm mechanism including a linear extension and retraction joint.

Abstract: A light enhancing system is disclosed which extends the available area for capturing light from a source and adjustably increases the light concentration on a subject being lit. Embodiments may be beneficial to applications including grow lighting. One or more reflector panels may be detachably coupled to a lighting unit by a quick-connect fastener on the end of a flexible arm. Examples of quick-connect fasteners include threaded ends, press-fit ends, and magnetic ends. In some embodiments, the reflector panel may be retrofit onto a conventional lighting unit.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arm unit having an improved configuration to simply change stiffness according to varying situations and a robot having the same are provided. The robot includes an arm unit, and a drive unit to drive the arm unit. The arm unit includes a plurality of links to come into rolling contact with one another via at least two regions thereof, and a plurality of wires penetrating the plurality of links to connect the links to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are timepieces including a first mirror that is at least partially transparent and a second mirror. The second mirror is coupled to the first mirror to articulate with respect to the first mirror about a first axis. A time display is coupled to the second mirror. Also disclosed are reflecting devices including a first mirror and an articulating device coupled to the first mirror. A rotatable device is coupled to the articulating device and a second mirror is also coupled to the rotatable device. Additionally disclosed are reflecting kits including a mirror and an articulating device coupled to the mirror. A ring is coupled to the articulating device. The ring has an aperture. A reflective material is configured to be received by the ring. Methods of using these devices and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for adjusting the position and orientation of an end effector of a multi-axis machine (e.g., a manipulable cutting head of a fluid jet cutting machine) relative to a base reference frame. Systems include an adjustable tool mount having a base structure that includes portions or regions that are selectively deformable to adjust a position and an orientation of a tool supported by the adjustable tool mount.

Abstract: A tower assembly having a tower, the tower assembly for maintaining the tower in a vertically upright position wherein the tower nor any part of the tower assembly penetrates the ground on which the tower is disposed. The tower of the tower assembly has a near end and a removed end, the near end being attached to a tray having a flat floor and upstanding vertical perimeter side walls. A mounting assembly mounts the tower to the tray. A ballast, typically comprising multiple small stones, is provided for laying on top of the flat floor of the tray, so as to provide sufficient weight to prevent the tower from tipping over.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hexapod system including first and second supports and six linear actuators. Each linear actuator has an articulated end on the first and second supports, with a swivel connection with a force-absorbing structure embedded in the first support and a swivel connection to linear actuators articulated on the first support, and one of the first and second supports includes a connector that cooperates with the force-absorbing structure. The connector cooperates with a second force-absorbing structure of a second hexapod system, and the two hexapod systems mount in series.

Abstract: Deformation of an assembly portion side portion of a rotating portion is suppressed in a rotating mechanism. In a vehicle door mirror device, a case rotates with respect to an assembly portion of a stand on actuation of a stowage mechanism, thereby rotating a bracket and a mirror integrally with the case. The case is housed inside a housing sleeve of the bracket from the lower side. A reinforcement is fixed to the lower side of the case, the reinforcement thereby restricting deformation of a lower side portion of the case. Vibration deformation of the lower side portion of the case due for example to vibration of the vehicle can accordingly be suppressed, enabling the occurrence of chattering of the mirror to be suppressed.

Abstract: A surface mount barrier post and assembly method has a retaining system to receive the post. The retaining system includes a post retaining element for receiving the post. The retaining element has a substantially vertical hollow steel section having an opening at its lower end on a first side, a steel foot box aligned with the opening and extending in a first direction, and a bottom plate to which the hollow section and foot box are attached. A steel front traverse member passes over the foot box and lies adjacent the bottom plate perpendicular the first direction. A steel rear traverse member lies adjacent the vertical hollow section on a second side opposite substantially perpendicular to the first direction. U-bolts are arranged to pass over the front and rear members on either side of the retaining element for receipt into holes in a surface on which the retaining system is mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing harmonic noise from a power transmission line transmitting electricity at a primary frequency includes a filter and a controller coupled to the sensor and to an actuator-generator. The filter separates electricity at a harmonic of a primary frequency from the electrical signal transmitted by the power transmission line. The controller is configured to modulate consumption of electricity from the power transmission line. The consumption is controlled by electrical actuation of the actuator-generator, such that the electrical actuation of the actuator-generator causes consumption of electricity from the power transmission line at a harmonic of the primary frequency. The actuator-generator is coupled to an elastically deformable component, such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a patient's leg during a medical or diagnostic procedure having a rail assembly including a first rail pivotally coupled to a second rail, a slider block, a pivot arm, and a sole assembly with a boot to restrain and support the patient's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frangible base having a base top, a base bottom, and sides. The bottom including a plurality of openings for joining the frangible base to a surface and for passing wiring into the frangible base. The sides having at least one opening for accessing an interior of the frangible base. A stand pipe includes a pipe top, a pipe bottom, and mounting points disposed on a side of the stand pipe. The pipe bottom is configured for joining to the base top. The mounting points are configured for joining to a signaling equipment. A tether is joinable to the frangible base and the surface, wherein the tether is operable for maintaining the apparatus within a locality of a place on the surface, where the frangible base is joined to, upon a breakage of the frangible base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna system comprises a lower mast member that has a first transverse member mounted in an interior of the lower mast member. An upper mast member has a second transverse member mounted in the interior of the upper mast member. A resilient member establishes a movable connection between the lower mast member and the upper mast member, in which the upper mast member can form a pivot angle with respect to the lower mast member. The resilient member is secured or retained axially by the first transverse member and the second transverse member.

Abstract: An example resetting gun target includes a first curved rocking member; a second curved rocking member; a connector portion joining the first rocking member and the second rocking member and maintaining a space between the first rocking member and the second rocking member; and a central target panel attached to the connector portion and situated in the space between the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member. The resetting gun target may further include paddle portions respectively situated at a first end and a second end of each of the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member.

Abstract: A secure enclosure for a tablet display device includes a tablet display device holder defining a cavity for receiving a tablet display device and a flexible stalk having first and second ends. The first end of the stalk is fixed to the tablet display device holder and the second end is adapted to be mounted to a surface. The flexible stalk comprises a flex hose having a first end and a second end, and an end fitting fixed around the first end of the flex hose at the first end of the flexible stalk.

Abstract: An extendable protective arm is disclosed. The arm may protect an air, fuel, oil, or electrical conduit from harsh environments or the atmosphere during use. The arm may also connect the conduit between a moveable structure adapted to reciprocate relative to a fixed structure. The arm may extend in any number of dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting accessories includes a base that has a mounting surface and at least one aperture. The apparatus further includes a mounting mechanism coupled to the mounting surface of the base, with the mounting mechanism being connectable with a mountable accessory. Further, the apparatus includes at least one resiliently bendable support coupled to the base via retractable engagement with the at least one aperture.

Abstract: An extended school stop sign, which may but need not be retrofitable, and barrier is mounted on a conventional school bus stop sign and extends further into the adjacent lane to reduce instances in which motorists pass a stopped school bus. A first frame is permanently secured to conventional stop sign mechanism. A second breakaway frame or arm is attachable to and detachable from the first frame, and extends beyond the conventional stop sign. If a vehicle strikes the second frame, it separates without significantly damaging the conventional stop sign mechanism. The extension arm can be moved between a retracted and extended position by the same mechanism that opens and closes the conventional stop sign, or with a new mechanism entirely.

Abstract: A universal arm has a proximal end, a distal end and a middle portion therebetween. The middle portion has a plurality of interconnected ball and socket pieces. A plurality of clamps are selectively fixedly connected to the distal end of the universal arm by a connection that permits the selective rotation of each one of the plurality of clamps by 360° with respect to the distal end of the universal arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lighting body panels of automobiles to facilitate repair of the body panels, where one embodiment is a portable lighting apparatus that includes a light board, a base and an extension member that connects the light board to the base. The light board is supported by the extension member, which is supported by the base. A battery in the base provides power through conductors in the extension member to light sources in the light board. A slip ring in the extension member couples the conductors together so that they can rotate, thereby allowing the light board to rotate with respect to the base, without twisting the conductors. A suction cup mount on the base enables the base to be secured to an automobile body panel, and the extension member allows the light board to be positioned as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for the holding of an IPAD® or other mobile computing platform includes a magnetic arm assembly connected to a first end of a flexible shaft. A ferric metal circle is adhered to a back panel of the IPAD®. A center magnet provided within a center of the magnetic arm assembly which applies a force to the metal circle sufficient to retain the IPAD®, thereto. A plurality of flexible arms extends radially from the center magnet and bear against a protective case that retains the IPAD®. An opposite second end of the flexible shaft is connected to a base member. The base member may include a threaded clamp, a spring clamp, a suction cup or a weighted base, depending on the desired location for holding the IPAD®.

Abstract: A holder for a flashlight includes a base from which a flexible shaft extends. The base has a permanent magnet for attaching the holder onto or adjacent to the workpiece. The shaft has a first end attached to the base and comprises an elongated, flexible metal core that preferably is surrounded by a resilient coating. The material of the shaft is such that when the shaft is bent into a given shape around flashlight, the core retains the given shape to hold onto the flashlight.

Abstract: A structural rod has a primary rod that has an axial cavity and a secondary rod inside the axial cavity so that the secondary rod is able to move inside the axial cavity along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod. The primary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the first end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the second end. Conversely, the secondary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the second end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the first end. The primary and secondary rods are joined through one or more intermediate linkage elements made of a deformable and elastic material.

Abstract: This disclosure is of a stand including a base, a fixed arm, wherein the fixed arm is operatively connected to the base, and an extendable arm, wherein the extendable arm is adjustably attached to the fixed arm, wherein the extendable arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the fixed arm, wherein the fixed arm and the extendable arm have a curvature ?.

Abstract: An articulated support for a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile electronic device provides an articulated arm. The articulated arm may be mounted on a floor stand or desktop stand. The device may be positioned at a point convenient to a reclining user. In alternate embodiments, the articulated arm may be supported by a wall mount, or by a headband worn by the user. The articulated arm may be modified by the user by adding or removing sections to change its length, or by changing its attachments for electronic devices.