Abstract: An Ocular Force Measuring Apparatus (OFMA) is provided. The OFMA can include a lens manipulator arranged on a carrier operably connected to a strain gauge load cell. The OFMA can be manipulated by hand or with an actuator mechanism. When the lens manipulator is engaged with a contact lens attached to an eye, the strain gauge load cell can measure the force required to remove the contact lens from the eye. Conversely, if a contact lens is arranged on the lens manipulator, the force required to deposit the contact lens on the eye is measureable by the strain gauge load cell.

Abstract: Trocar retractor apparatus and methods for use are described where an apparatus for positioning an instrument may generally include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an instrument positioning guide projecting from the first surface of the substrate, and one or more suction assemblies positioned along the second surface and in fluid communication with an interior of the substrate. The one or more suction assemblies may be attachable to a tissue region via a vacuum force applied through the one or more suction assemblies. The apparatus may also have the substrate configured to maintain a predetermined configuration when the vacuum force is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods to grasp objects using vacuum-actuated end of arm tools may include extending pistons and suction cups. For example, responsive to application of negative pressure, a piston may move from a retracted position to an extended position. In addition, responsive to grasping an object by a suction cup, the piston may remain in the extended position due to continued generation of pressure differentials that apply forces to the piston toward the extended position. Alternatively, a piston may be biased toward an extended position due to a spring force, and may remain in the extended position responsive to grasping an object. In the extended position of the piston, an object may be grasped with an amount of passive compliance to external forces that may be applied to the object.

Abstract: A vacuum sucker is installed on a robotic arm to suck an object. The robotic arm includes a body and a tip axis. The tip axis is disposed with an adapter plate. The vacuum sucker includes a housing, an actuator, and a flexible suction cup. The actuator passes through the housing and includes a main part, a thrust rod, and an elastic element. The main part has a first end and a hollow slot. The flexible suction cup is sleeved on the first end and is formed with an air chamber. When the thrust rod is located at the first position, the air chamber and the hollow slot are not intercommunicated with each other. When the thrust rod is driven by the adapter plate to move to a second position, the air chamber and the hollow slot are intercommunicated with each other.

Abstract: A contact lens tool kit for placement of a contact lens on an eye is provided. The tool kit may include a contact lens tool. The contact lens tool may include an outer edge for selectively engaging a contact lens. The tool kit may also include a lens housing for containing a contact lens, the lens housing selectively engageable with the tool. Engagement of the tool and the lens housing permits reception of the contact lens by the contact lens tool and disengagement of the two permits removal of the contact lens by the tool. The lens housing may include a removable seal for draining solution through an aperture of the contact lens tool or lens housing.

Abstract: A hand tool for placing a single insulation plate at one time atop an insulation board or a vapor barrier or membrane on a flat or low slope roof. The hand tool has a flexible member that carries a releasable connector having a grip strength that releasably retains one insulation plate. The flexible member flexes between a neutral first position and a flexed second position. When the flexible member is flexed towards the second position, the releasable connector releases the insulation plate to place the insulation plate in a desired location atop the insulation board or vapor barrier on the flat or low slope roof.

Abstract: A quick-release anchoring apparatus with acceleration damping includes an anchor member configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a controlled pressure zone. A first auxiliary component carries the anchor member. A vent port provides fluid communication between the controlled pressure zone and an area of ambient pressure. A second auxiliary component moves relative to the first auxiliary component between a vent port closure position and a vent port open position. The second auxiliary component and the first auxiliary component are discrete components. One or more flexible members deform as the second auxiliary component moves in a venting direction away from the vent port closure position toward the vent port open position. The one or more flexible members resist accelerations of the second auxiliary component away from the vent port closure position but allow normal lifting of the anchoring apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a handheld device is provided. The apparatus includes a base for affixing the apparatus to a first surface of the handheld device; at least one extension extending from the base at a first end of the extension; and a grip extending from the at least one extension at a second end of the extension, wherein the grip is oriented substantially parallel to the first surface of the handheld device, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive a portion, of at least one finger inserted between the grip and the handheld device, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive a portion of each of two fingers inserted between the grip and the handheld device at opposite sides of the at least one extension, and wherein the grip is movable into at least one angled position where one end of the grip is pointed towards the base while an opposite end of the grip is pointed away from the base.

Abstract: A multi-port thumb pump cylinder is disclosed. The cylinder includes a body with a body central bore with a body bore longitudinal axis running along a portion of the length of the body and defining a proximal and distal end. The body central bore receives a thumb pump piston assembly through the proximal end. The body has a vacuum manifold connected to the distal end of the body central bore. The manifold includes a suction cup vacuum port and at least one vacuum port with a molded nipple, or a connection structure to allow fittings to be attached thereto. Also disclosed is a thumb pump using the cylinder and a thumb pump system with multiple thumb pumps utilizing the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a handheld device is provided. The apparatus includes a base for affixing the apparatus to a first surface of the handheld device; at least one extension extending from the base at a first end of the extension; and a grip extending from the at least one extension at a second end of the extension, wherein the grip is oriented substantially parallel to the first surface of the handheld device, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive a portion of at least one finger inserted between the grip and the handheld device, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive a portion of each of two fingers inserted between the grip and the handheld device at opposite sides of the at least one extension, and wherein the grip is movable into at least one angled position where one end of the grip is pointed towards the base while an opposite end of the grip is pointed away from the base.

Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates one-handed use of a mobile device has a finger brace configured to brace a user's finger on each of two opposed sides of the point where it is coupled to a flexible member. The flexible member extends through a hole in the back portion of the mobile device's case and is anchored to an interior surface of the back portion of the case. The flexible member's length is such that two fingers of the user's hand can press against the finger brace to brace the mobile device when the two fingers are between the finger brace and the case.

Abstract: A moving fixture capable of adjusting suction is disclosed in the present invention. The moving fixture includes a sucking component, a first supporting component, a second supporting component, a resilient component and a handle. A first end of the first supporting component is disposed on the sucking component. The second supporting component is movably disposed on a second end of the first supporting component opposite to the first end, and the second supporting component can move from the second end to the first end relative to the first supporting component. The resilient component is disposed between the first supporting component and the second supporting component. The handle is disposed on an end of the second supporting component opposite to the first supporting component.

Abstract: A lifting device has an elongate lifting arm provided with a suction mount enabling securing of the device to a body to be lifted. The suction mount has suction devices spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm sufficiently for a user to grip the lifting arm in between the suction mount devices. The device extends away from the suction mount, in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm, to a handle spaced from the suction mount, and which extends upwardly above the lifting arm on the opposite side of the lifting arm to the suction mount devices.

Abstract: A suction lifting tool for fastening an article on a surface of an object, the suction lifting tool having a bowed suction housing which is closed off towards one side by a suction disk, wherein a cavity is formed between the suction housing and the suction disk, and having a tension lever for reducing a spacing between the suction housing and the suction disk to generate a suction effect, wherein a ring-shaped sealing flange is securable on the suction disk, having an inside groove on the sealing flange into which the suction disk is insertable by way of its outside edge, and which has an elastic sealing face for abutment against the surface of the object in order to enable fastening to strongly bowed surfaces in this manner.

Abstract: A suction lifter comprises a suction cup to be placed against a fixing surface and having a deformable suction disc, the suction lifter being designed for forming a hollow space subject to a partial vacuum between the suction disc and the fixing surface, wherein the suction disc is arranged between the suction cup and the fixing surface, wherein the suction cup further has a circumferential cup rim surrounding the hollow space, and wherein a circumferential supporting area of an upper side of the suction disc facing the cup rim is supported against the cup rim under a vacuum condition. The suction cup rim and/or the suction disc rim are provided with projections which under a vacuum condition of the suction lifter and under a shearing force exerted on the suction disc impede a lateral displacement of the suction cup rim with respect to the suction disc rim.

Abstract: A vertical mounted motor hoist and a method of hoisting a motor are provided. The motor hoist includes a threaded eye bolt for lifting the motor hoist; a sleeve threaded inside one end, and attached and held to the threaded eyebolt by means of a threaded plug and dowel pins and welding; and two safety chains for placement around the motor, each safety chain attachable to the sleeve by means of two oppositely positioned pinch bolts, each pinch bolt having a welded nut welded on to the sleeve and a jam nut tightened against the welded nuts.

Abstract: A lifting device has an elongate lifting arm provided with a suction mount enabling securing of the device to a body to be lifted. The suction mount has suction devices spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm sufficiently for a user to grip the lifting arm in between the suction mount devices. The device extends away from the suction mount, in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm, to a handle spaced from the suction mount, and which extends upwardly above the lifting arm on the opposite side of the lifting arm to the suction mount devices.

Abstract: A pressure application and removal device is provided for the purpose of assisting insertion of contact lenses. The device comprises a frame portion, two contact lens holders, a pressurizing assembly, and a liquid delivery assembly. The frame portion has the structure of standard eyeglasses frames and rests on a user's ears and nose. The contact lens holders are formed of wash cups that retain contact lenses along the inside of their concave surface. Fluid conduits extend from an apex of the wash cups to a flexible ball in the center of the device. When said ball is depressed, a positive pressure or vacuum is generated to facilitate insertion and removal of contact lenses to or from a user's eye. A second flexible ball may be filled with liquid. When the ball is compressed liquid flows through a second set of conduits into the eye of a user.

Abstract: A manually activated suction lifting device has a handle which rotates up to complete an active suction. The first stage of the suction is created by pushing firmly down on the convex top of the device. Upon creation of the final suction with the handle locked up, an alarm button is drawn into the housing, hiding an alarm ring. If the suction fails, then a vent tube transmits the lost vacuum to an alarm chamber, thereby allowing a spring to bias the alarm button outbound, exposing the alarm ring to a worker so he can grab the workpiece and prevent damage.