1915results about "Adjustable joints" patented technology

An articulation joint for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint provide structures for increasing the moment arm between the actuator and the pivot point between the proximal and distal tube segments interconnecting a handle assembly of the surgical instrument to a surgical implement such as an end effector of an endocutter.

A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

A universal pipe connector for forming a connection with at least one pipe end includes a connector body having an opening for receiving the pipe end. A clamping ring, extending around, and mechanically engaging, the opening, features a tightening mechanism for tightening it between a first maximum diameter and a second minimum diameter which differ by at least a length d. An annular sealing element is deployed around an inner surface of the clamping ring for sealing around the pipe end. The sealing element is formed with a primary inner surface and at least one roughly cylindrical coaxial layer of thickness ½ d. The layer is connected to the primary inner surface by a readily severable connection such that, by selectively removing the layer and tightening the tightening mechanism, the pipe connector forms a sealing connection with pipes having diameters varying over a continuous range of at least 2 d.

A channel tube coupling structure for an anti-pollution type endoscope which can easily and smoothly couple a multi-lumen type channel tube extending from a base end of an outer sheath with tubes on a side of the endoscope and separate the multi-lumen type channel tube therefrom. At a side surface in a vicinity of the base end of the channel tube, side holes communicate with a plurality of tubes that are formed so as to be shifted from one another in an axial direction. A coupling hole, where the base end portion of the channel tube is loosely inserted thereinto and freely removed therefrom, provides a space in a radial direction between the channel tube and the coupling hole. Annular sealing members are provided which seal portions between the respective side holes, in a state where the base end portion of the channel tube is inserted into the coupling hole. Respective holes on the endoscope side are opened and coupled at the inner peripheral surface of the coupling hole at portions along the annular sealing members.

A barb clamp is provided for fluid liquid or gaseous connection to a flexible tube, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having essentially the same predetermined inner diameter and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is essentially no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tubing between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.

A showerhead for a low flow rate may employ one or more of a showerhead housing, a showerhead engine, a flow restrictor and a flow regulation device. The showerhead engine may be moveably connected to the showerhead housing. The showerhead engine may include a back member, an intermediate member, and a front member defining various fluid chambers and apertures that allow for one or more spray modes. The showerhead may include a flow control device to selectively reduce flow to the showerhead engine. The flow control device may also be selectively pause fluid flow for more than one spray mode. The showerhead may include a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may limit a maximum fluid flow rate of a fluid delivered from the showerhead engine to approximately 1.5 gallons per minute.

A water supply attachment is a spherically-shaped pivot attachment having a hollow passage extending between its opposing ends that includes a threaded portion for coupling to water supplies. The water supply attachment can be a hidden pivot attachment usable in various shower assemblies. The hidden pivot attachment may be used in combination with a seal cup and an attachment nut, such that the hidden pivot attachment closely fits within the void spaces of the seal cup and attachment nut, enabling the hidden pivot attachment to form a seal with the seal cup. The hidden pivot attachment can be fabricated from high-strength materials, does not require cosmetic treatment, and may enable shower assemblies to be designed with easily cleanable features.

A manifold for connecting external capillaries to the inlet and/or outlet ports of a microfluidic device for high pressure applications is provided. The fluid connector for coupling at least one fluid conduit to a corresponding port of a substrate that includes: (i) a manifold comprising one or more channels extending therethrough wherein each channel is at least partially threaded, (ii) one or more threaded ferrules each defining a bore extending therethrough with each ferrule supporting a fluid conduit wherein each ferrule is threaded into a channel of the manifold, (iii) a substrate having one or more ports on its upper surface wherein the substrate is positioned below the manifold so that the one or more ports is aligned with the one or more channels of the manifold, and (iv) means for applying an axial compressive force to the substrate to couple the one or more ports of the substrate to a corresponding proximal end of a fluid conduit.

A pipeline connection assembly includes a landing platform and rotary or swivel connection hub which may be attached to a pipeline branch, termination, or manifold. The landing platform is mounted so that it may be rotated about the connection hub. This permits the installation of a subsea connection on a near level platform and allows the pipeline to be laid subsea with greater roll angles than would be acceptable otherwise. Orientation of the landing porch horizontally removes the requirement to manufacture the connection jumper to compensate for the roll differences in the hubs. In the preferred construction, the elevation of the platform can be adjusted by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and locked into place once the adjustment is completed.

A rotatable, pivotable connector having a female end, a male end, a neck joining the male and female ends, and an exterior retention element. The exterior retention element, such as, for example, a fitting, may limit expansion of the exterior of the female end. The exterior retention element may also take the form of a retainer or similar structure to retain a fitting about the exterior of the female end of the connector. Further, the connector may be hollow, thus defining a continuous passage within. Also, multiple connectors may be interconnected to form an arm.

A connecting structure of an externally resin-coated small-diameter metallic pipe having an excellent corrosion-resistant property with respect to a mating member is provided. According to the present invention, a resin-uncovered portion of the metallic pipe provided for applying an end processing thereon is completely covered with a protective pipe made of a resin material so that the processed pipe can be connected with the mating member without spoiling its anti-chipping property and an anti-splashing property of the metallic pipe over the entire length thereof. With the exception of the end of the metallic pipe corresponding to the margin at least required for applying an end processing on the pipe, the pipe is covered with an extrusion-moldable thick film-like resin and is connected with a mating member by means of a clamp nut assembled to the pipe end so as to be screw-fitted with the mating member. The connecting structure according to this invention features that one end of a resin pipe is fitted about the above-described resin coated layer on the metallic pipe while the other end of the resin pipe is inserted into, or fitted about, the clamp nut and the resin pipe is fixed to the clamp nut at least at a single portion thereof.

A seal assembly for sealing between wellhead members in a wellhead, the assembly may include a seal element and a lockdown member. The seal assembly is attachable to either one of the wellhead members by coupling the lockdown member to a locking surface on the wellhead member. The lockdown member and locking surface may include corresponding profiles for mating engagement thereby preventing relative movement between the wellhead member and seal assembly.

A telescopic tube joint has a sleeve, which is adapted to securely coupling an outer tube and an inner tube, and defines a locking chamber therein. At least two locking rings are received in the locking chamber of the sleeve, the locking rings are forced apart by a biasing member between the locking rings and cause the locking rings to press on the outer wall of the inner tube to hold the inner tube in place with respect to the outer tube. When a user squeezes the locking rings, the inner tube will slide freely in the outer tube.

The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) and an integral membrane element sealing the top opening of the flexible sleeve. The membrane element is made of flexible materials such that the membrane element may be removed without breaking into pieces. In one embodiment, the integral membrane element includes indented portions to facilitate its removal. In another embodiment, the flange apparatus includes an outer flange connected to the flexible sleeve. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.

A positive locking fitting assembly is provided for interconnecting two adjacent structures, such as two modular components of an aircraft. The fitting assembly includes a pair of couplers which attach to the respective modular components, and a transfer tube which interconnects the couplers. Each coupler has a positive locking feature which prevents inadvertent uncoupling during operation. A plurality of redundant seals are incorporated throughout the construction of the fitting assembly which ensures a leak proof relationship not only between the joined pair of modular components, but also through the structure of the elements of the fitting assembly itself.

Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced seal life of a swivel seal assembly by decreasing the effective differential pressure across a given rotating seal. The differential pressure is decreased by providing a pressurized fluid on the low-pressure side of the seal at a predetermined fraction of the operating pressure of the swivel seal assembly. A preferred swivel seal assembly utilizes a washpipe and packing box that are rigidly affixed to their respective conduits such that misalignment and dynamic run-out is compensated for in the gap between the washpipe and the packing box. A control system monitors and regulates the pressurized fluid supplied to the assembly.

An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits is described. The apparatus may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis.

The present invention provides a piping joint and integrated valve with the piping joint, which improve airtight and watertight, maintain connection firm, and keep constant quality regardless repeated user. In connecting part (110, 120) of the joint body (100), the first holes (112, 113), the second packing holes (114, 124) where the first packing rings (170, 180) are inserted, the third holes (116, 126) with a female threaded part inside conjoining the second packing rings (150, 160) and bushes (130, 140), having three holes formed three phases outward on the concentric circle. The first packing rings (170, 180) are made of silicon or Teflon(R) that is flexible and sustainable against heat. One side of said second packing rings (150, 160) contact the first packing rings (170, 180), and ground the contact parts (152, 162) stoppers (154, 164) are placed to prevent the second packing rings (150, 160) from inserting too deeply into inside of the connecting parts (110, 120) of the joint body (100) and the other sides are tapered down in a certain angle to contact the slant (137, 147) of edges or bushes (130, 140), and the tapered parts (156, 166) are equipped with projections (158, 168) inside to hold pipes (P1, P2) firm.

The present invention concerns a housing for supporting the proximal inlet ports of at least two isolated lumens, for use in a patient fluid administration system, wherein each of the lumens further comprises a distal outlet for connecting to at least one patient fluid administration member, and wherein the housing further comprises an integral unit, wherein the unit comprises a distal frame layer, a female connector layer, for connecting to at least one of the fluid peripheral elements and at least one intermediate gasket layer for providing sealing between each of the isolated lumens.

The pivoting knuckle joint for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises a base knuckle, a top knuckle and a fastener for locking the base and top knuckles in position. Each of the base knuckle and top knuckle has a generally cylindrical body with a domed top, a portion of which is cut-away to form a flattened face, and circular cavity formed in the flattened face with a tapered ferrule formed in and extending from the cavity. The ferrule of one of the knuckles has a smaller diameter than the other, so that the smaller ferrule fits within the larger ferrule, forming a pivot point. The relative diameters are adapted to closely fit such that friction is generated between the interfitting ferrules to form a taper lock, resisting rotation of one knuckle relative to the other. In the preferred embodiment, the smaller ferrule has an internal thread formed therein for receiving a locking screw inserted through the body of the knuckle with the larger ferrule, permitting the position of the joint to be locked in place after adjustment. Bores are formed through the base and top knuckles to provide a conduit for an electrical wire to pass through the assembly.

Unitary heat exchangers having integrally-formed compliant heat exchanger tubes and heat exchange systems including the same are provided. The unitary heat exchanger comprises an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum and a plurality of integrally-formed compliant heat exchanger tubes. The plurality of integrally-formed compliant heat exchanger tubes extend between and are integral with the inlet and outlet plenums to define a heat exchanger first flow passage. Each integrally-formed compliant heat exchanger tube comprises a tubular member and a plurality of integral heat transfer fins extend radially outwardly from at least one portion of the tubular member. The tubular member has a proximal tube end and a distal tube end and comprises a tubular wall having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface.

A small-diameter part in the vicinity of a center of a bellows portion in an axial direction has a smaller diameter. A tip end of the small-diameter part contacts at a point A with an outer peripheral face of an interlock pipe. The interlock pipe vibrates with using the point A and points B in both ends as fulcrums. The addition of the point A reduces distance between the fulcrums. In accordance with this reduction, deflection amount of the interlock pipe is reduced and vibration amplitude of the interlock pipe is decreased. Therefore, the interlock pipe does not contact with the bellows portion so that troubles such as noises can be prevented from occurring.

An exhaust aftertreatment assembly and method enables lateral removal of an aftertreatment component from between first and second assembly components for servicing.

A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

The present invention is a computer controlled display device. In one embodiment, the display device includes a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data. Additionally, a moveable assembly may be coupled to the display. The moveable assembly may provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement for the flat panel display device. Additionally, the moveable assembly may have a cross-sectional area, which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure of the flat panel display.

A connection assembly for joining a gas supply line to an article, the assembly comprising a first member having first and second ends, inner and outer walls; and a through passage between said ends; a second member having first and second ends, the second end engagable with the first member via the first end of the first member, the second end of the first member connectable to the article and the first end of the second member connectabte to a gas line; wherein the connection between the first and second members is arranged to allow relative movement between the first and second members such that either of the first and second members are each able to rotate axially relative to the other member through a 360 degrees arc about longitudinal axes through each member and to each move relative to the other member between a first disposition where the longitudinal axes of the first and second members are in alignment and at least one second disposition where at least the second member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first member.

Breathing tube assemblies for use with a respiratory therapy device, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, includes an elbow that permits adjustment of a position of the breathing tube assembly relative to the respiratory therapy device. In some arrangements, the breathing tube assembly includes a breathing tube and a swivel elbow. The breathing tube is rotationally fixed relative to the respiratory therapy device and the swivel elbow rotatable relative to the breathing tube. In other arrangements, the breathing tube assembly includes an elbow that can be coupled to the respiratory therapy device in one of several possible positions.

A fitting connector for a pressure vessel including a bushing for mounting within an aperture defined in a pressure vessel wall. The bushing includes a cylindrical bushing body having a head portion at one end thereof and including at least a pair of locking members for engaging along an interior surface of the pressure vessel wall. The locking members are provided with a contoured surface for engaging with detent members formed on the interior of the pressure vessel wall whereby the bushing is positively locked in a predetermined rotational orientation on the pressure vessel wall and is retained in place until a predetermined torque force is applied.

An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

A flexible joint comprises: first cylindrical bodies comprising a pair of spherical ring members; a second cylindrical body comprising a sleeve relatively movably inserted in the first cylindrical bodies from an axial direction X of the second cylindrical body; third cylindrical bodies comprising a pair of casing tubes which are fitted around outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylindrical bodies and are provided with mutually slidable spherical inner peripheral surfaces, the casings being formed at their opposite ends with connecting portions, and being provided at their outer peripheral surfaces of large diameter portions with projections having through holes; and rods capable of being inserted into the through holes formed in the outer peripheral surfaces of the large diameter portions, each of the rods being provided and fixed between the projections of the pair of third cylindrical bodies for restricting the telescopic movement of the tube joint, wherein the rods comprise a pair of rods connected to each other in the vicinity of a substantially central portion between the opposed projections, the pair of rods being threadedly connected to at least one of bottomed holes opened and formed on opposite ends of a long nut which is provided at its substantially central portion with a notched portion so that when excessive external force is applied, the notched portion is preferentially broken to restore telescopic flexible effect of the tube joint.