4383results 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 flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.

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.

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 first connector includes opposite ball and socket elements having a passageway formed therethrough. The socket element has a cavity formed therein for receiving a ball element of a second hose connector to form a hose assembly. A ring is disposed within the cavity for limiting pivotal movement of a ball element inserted therein to minimize the risk that the connectors, and thereby the hose assembly, will separate.

A flexible, sectioned plastic arm for a showerhead comprises a series of interconnected ball-and-socket (B&S) sections (10) with a proximal (shower pipe) end piece (12) and a distal (showerhead) end piece (14). Each B&S section has a proximal (cup or socket) end (10S) and a distal (ball) end (10B). The proximal end piece has a proximal end with female threads which can be screwed onto a shower pipe and a ball-shaped distal end for snapping into the socket of the most proximal section of the shower arm. The distal end piece has a proximal end with a socket for snapping onto the most distal end section of the shower arm and a distal end with male threads (12T) which can be screwed onto the showerhead. The arm has a through hole containing a series or chain of cylindrical brass or other metal sections, tubes, or sleeves (16). These prevent the arm from being bent too far, thereby to keep the B&S from separating. The two end tubes abut a pair of respective resilient spacers (18) or springs (18S), which in turn abut shoulders in the end pieces to keep the series of tubes in place. Inside the series of tubes is a flexible plastic tube (20) for carrying the water without leakage. A T-shaped end fitting (20T) is attached to each end of the plastic tube. These end fittings hold the tube in the arm. The top arm of the T of the distal end fitting sits in the bottom of the female threaded end of the proximal end piece. The top arm of the T of the distal end fitting sits on the very end of the male threaded end of the distal end piece.

A device used for ventilation includes a ventilation mask that can be connected to a respiratory gas hose. The ventilation mask has a respiratory gas hose coupling that is movably connected by a joint with the base of the ventilation mask. The joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which has an inner part that is shaped like a spherical segment and an outer shell for guiding the inner part. The outer shell is constructed from at least two shell segments that can be connected with each other.

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 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.

In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.

An alignment device for squarely aligning a conduit within a conduit port of a housing. The alignment device includes a connecting block having a conduit passage therethrough and into which the conduit is trapped. The connecting block has a fastener passage therethrough that is laterally offset from the conduit passage. A fastener is threaded into the housing and is offset from the conduit port. The fastener includes an alignment sleeve that mounts to a portion thereof. The connecting block mounts to the housing and the conduit fits into the conduit port, whereby the alignment sleeve pilots the fastener passage of the connecting block to squarely align the conduit within the conduit port.

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.

Disclosed is a holding device including: a telescopic handle having axially opposed front and rear ends and constructed of at least two separate shafts, of which a front-side separate shaft axially fits within a rear-side separate shaft being a hollow cylinder; and a support member provided at the front end of the telescopic handle for attachment of a cleaning wiper. The front-side separate shaft has an axially extending elastic arm and an engaging projection provided at a leading end of the elastic arm, while the rear-side separate shaft has a through-hole passing through a cylinder wall thereof, in which the engaging projection engages when the front-side separate shaft projects from the rear-side separate shaft by a predetermined length. Pressing the engaging projection, which engages in the through-hole, from outside the rear-side separate shaft permits release of the engaging projection from the through-hole.

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.

An adjustable length joint for high-pressure applications is described that includes rigid inner and outer tubes; both having passages there through. The rigid outer tube has at least one peripheral ring groove within its inner wall. The tubes have threads, which are adapted to adjustably engage with one another securely at a working pressure of at least about 10,000 psi. The rigid inner tube and the rigid outer tube are rotatable to enable adjustable engagement between the threads. The joint also includes an O-ring seated in each of the at least one peripheral ring grooves. When the rigid inner tube and the rigid outer tube are held in a selectable position, the first thread and the second thread overlap a sufficient distance necessary for the first thread and the second thread to withstand the forces exerted by the internal pressure within the joint at the working pressure.

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 lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for connection to a connector. The fitting includes a coupler having a series of circumferential engagement portions disposed about an outer peripheral surface, and a nut receivable coaxially over the outer peripheral surface of the coupler, and which is threadably engageable with the connector. The nut also has a series of complementary circumferential engagement portions disposed about at an inner peripheral surface. With the nut being received coaxially over the first outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut is threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler into a sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the connector, and with the coupler being engaged with the connector sealing surface, the first and second engagement portions are interengaged to delimit the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.

To provide a closed cable drag chain, which is capable of preventing the contact wear powder generated in holding and guiding the cable or the like from being scattered by reliably closing the cable or the like, and wherein the assembling, maintenance and repair are easy while having light weight and low noise. In a closed cable drag chain into which a cable or the like is inserted to be held and guided in conditions where a number of intermediate frames (10) are articulately connected to each other, an outer frame (20) including a removable opening / closing frame structure fit-covers a coupling portion of the adjacent intermediate frames (10) to close the coupling gaps S respectively thereby coupling it in a tubular shape, the intermediate frame (10) comprises an intermediate frame body and an opening / closing lid member (12) fitted into the intermediate frame body (11), and the intermediate frame body (11) includes lower open end surfaces (11b), which abut with each other on the chain bend inner peripheral side to hold a required bending position of the chain and upper open end surfaces (11c), which abut with each other on the chain bend outer peripheral side to hold a straight extended position of the chain.

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.

A connector connects auxiliary flow lines—and, in some configurations, electrical lines—that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. In particular embodiments, the two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both components upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.

An apparatus for providing coolant to a computer rack system comprises a first and a second quick disconnect couplings each having a male insert, a female socket aligned with the male insert and a release collar movable on the female socket between a release position and a docked position, a carriage slidably coupled to the chassis to move the male inserts between a retracted position with male inserts separated from the female sockets and a docked position with male inserts inserted into the female sockets. A resilient member intermediate the chassis and the release collars assists in moving the release collars from the release position to the docked position to make up a fluidic circuit. A collar stop coupled to the chassis and aligned with the release collars engages and moves the release collars from the docked position to the release position to break out the fluidic circuit.

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 flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication with the shower pipe, and the second end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication to a shower head. A sheath covers the flexible arm from the first end to the second end.

For continuous high temperature operation over a service life in excess of twenty years, a flexible pipe joint includes various features that tend to reduce the temperature of the load-bearing flex element or reduce strain in the warmer elastomeric layers of the flex element. These features include a heat shield of low heat conductivity material integrated into the inner profile of the pipe extension and interposed between the central bore of the pipe joint and the flex element, low heat conductivity metal alloy components between the hot production fluid and the flex element, high temperature resistant elastomer at least in the warmest inner elastomer layer of the flex element, and a flex element constructed to shift strain from the warmer inner elastomer layers to the colder outer elastomer layers by providing greater shear area, different layer thickness, and / or higher elastic modulus elastomer for the warmer inner elastomer layers.

The riser pipe section comprises a main tube 22 and auxiliary line elements 23 arranged parallel to tube 22. The ends of the main tube comprise connectors 20a and 20b allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted. The ends of auxiliary line elements 23 comprise connectors 20c and 20d. Auxiliary line elements 23 consist of two parts 23a and 23b assembled by an adjustment device 23c or 30 allowing the axial length of each auxiliary line element to be adjusted.