165results about How to "Increased leverage" patented technology

A robotically controlled surgical instrument includes a first jaw and a second jaw used to grasp an item, and a drive mechanism that increases the force applied to the item grasped. The drive mechanism and the jaws can be provided with an accommodating mechanism that allows continued movement of the drive mechanism towards a locked position even after the jaws contact a larger item so that the drive mechanism can move to the locked position when grasping items of different sizes.

A tool drive system for transferring rotational power from a rotational tool, such as a drill or ratchet, to at least one input drive shaft which then transfers the power to at least one output drive shaft. The angle of at least one input drive shaft being adjustable relative to at least one output shaft. The tool drive system comprises a round housing with an angle adjuster attached to the input shaft that assists in adjusting and locking the angle of the input shaft relative to the output shaft in an almost circular span. The input and output shafts may be positioned in a user-selected gear ratio from the input to output shafts or vice versa.

A highly mobile, ambient computing environment is disclosed for serving a knowledge worker away from the their desk. The present invention allows a knowledge worker to get increased leverage from personal, networked, and interactive computing devices while in their car, airplane seat, or in a conference room with others. An Open Agent Architecture is used to incorporate elements such as GPS agents, speech recognition, and opportunistic connectivity among meeting participants. Communication and cooperation between agents are brokered by one or more facilitators, which are responsible for matching requests, from users and agents, with descriptions of the capabilities of other agents. It is not generally required that a user or agent know the identities, locations, or number of other agents involved in satisfying a request, and relatively minimal effort is involved in incorporating new agents and “wrapping” legacy applications. Extreme flexibility is achieved through an architecture organized around the declaration of capabilities by service-providing agents, the construction of arbitrarily complex goals by users and service-requesting agents, and the role of facilitators in delegating and coordinating the satisfaction of these goals, subject to advice and constraints that may accompany them.

The invention is directed to a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. This ensures that nothing catches on the blades or tips during grasper use and the shrink tubing found on the scissors would not be deformed. This can be done because the area for the slots is not needed. Moreover, the usable area for the drive slots on the blade or tip of the actuation rod is maximized to the overall diameter of the outer tube or shaft which provides additional leverage to the blades or tips. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut. More specifically, the surgical instrument of the invention comprises an elongate tube extending along an axis including an actuation rod coaxially slidable within the elongate tube, a first tip including a first pin formed on a proximal end surface of the first tip, and a second tip including a second pin formed on a proximal end surface of the second tip, the second tip pivotally connected to the first tip at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the tips in response to movement of the actuation rod. The actuation rod has a slot to accept the pins of the first and second tips, the slot has camming surfaces for the pins to slide within the slot, and the proximal ends of the tips extend minimally outside the diameter of the elongate tube during actuation of the tips.

A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

The invention is directed to a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. This ensures that nothing catches on the blades or tips during grasper use and the shrink tubing found on the scissors would not be deformed. This can be done because the area for the slots is not needed. Moreover, the usable area for the drive slots on the blade or tip of the actuation rod is maximized to the overall diameter of the outer tube or shaft which provides additional leverage to the blades or tips. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut. More specifically, the surgical instrument of the invention comprises an elongate tube extending along an axis including an actuation rod coaxially slidable within the elongate tube, a first tip including a first pin formed on a proximal end surface of the first tip, and a second tip including a second pin formed on a proximal end surface of the second tip, the second tip pivotally connected to the first tip at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the tips in response to movement of the actuation rod. The actuation rod has a slot to accept the pins of the first and second tips, the slot has camming surfaces for the pins to slide within the slot, and the proximal ends of the tips extend minimally outside the diameter of the elongate tube during actuation of the tips.

An article for holding currency and credit cards is disclosed which comprises (a) a first length of substantially non-stretchable material having a first end and a second end configured to form a closed flat loop when the first end is retained on or near the second end, a lumen in the first length, a flat length of bendable metal within the lumen in the first length which allows the closed flat loop to retain a desired shape, the closed flat loop having a length which is slightly longer than half the length of U.S. currency; (b) a second length of substantially non-stretchable material having a middle, a first end, a second end, and a lumen, the first end and the second end secured to the first length of substantially non-stretchable material, thereby forming a second flat loop slightly wider than the width of U.S. currency, the middle secured to a point on the first length (a) to maintain the first flat loop perpendicular to the second flat loop, the lumen in the second length containing a flat strip of bendable metal.

A spinal alignment system is disclosed that includes a rod and a plurality of uniplanar screw assemblies that include a screw, a cap, and a housing. The screw and cap are configured such that the relative angular displacement between the screw and the cap is limited to a first limit angle in a first plane and to a second limit angle in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the second limit angle being larger than the first limit angle. The housing is coupled to the cap and configured to maintain the cap in proximity with the head of the screw. The housing has two elongated elements forming a U-shaped saddle. The alignment system also includes a plurality of locking cap assemblies that capture the rod within the U-shaped saddle and are tightened to fixedly couple the rod to the respective uniplanar screw assemblies.

A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

A radiographic sensor retention apparatus for retaining a radiographic sensor and allowing it to be properly positioned within the mouth of a dental patient during x-ray image registration. The apparatus is held in position within the mouth of the patient in response to biting pressure from the upper and lower dental surfaces, and comprises a bite block with an extending first jaw member, a second jaw member slidably engaged with the bite block, and a threadable member connecting the second jaw member to either the bite block or the first jaw member, wherein the separation between the jaws is continuously variable in response to the rotation of the threadable member. Compliant members are preferably joined to one or both of the jaw members to aid in distributing the retention forces and to reduce sensor slippage. The bite block is preferably configured for the attachment of at least one alignment guide.

A charging handle for a firearm having a barrel, a stock, a receiver, a receiver trigger and a bolt reciprocating within the receiver. The firearm may include a gas tube for directing powder gases to cause operation of the bolt within the receiver. The charging handle comprising a generally elongated spar having a forward end portion in the direction of the firearm barrel and a rearward end portion in the direction of the firearm stock. The charging handle includes a latch engaging the receiver to hold the charging handle in a forward most position and, extending laterally from said rearward portion, an offset arm extending at least a portion of the length of the elongated shaft member in the direction of the firearm barrel.

A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle.

A transponder device to mark a surgical implement, such as a metallic surgical instrument, is provided that comprises a transponder housing attachable to a portion of the surgical implement. The housing may include a transponder receiving cavity spaced at least 1 millimeter, and preferably at least 2 millimeters, from any portion of the surgical implement when the housing is attached to the surgical implement, and preferably includes a saddle-shaped finger support surface or a stabilizing surface sized and configured to receive a finger of a user for providing additional leverage and / or stabilizing structure when operating the implement. The housing may be removably attached to the surgical implement or permanently attached. In use, a transponder is retained in the device. Methods of manufacturing transponder devices and methods of detecting a transponder indicating the possible presence of a surgical implement are also provided.

A grill brush assembly comprising an elongated handle portion, a head portion integral the head portion and extending from a forward end thereof constructed of rigid material such as but not limited to wood or molded polymeric material. The invention includes a plurality of bristles extending downward from the lower surface of the head portion, and a grill scraper fixedly attached to the forward edge of the head portion by suitable attachment means. The scraper of the present invention has an upper edge for scraping the uppermost surface of a series of grates, and an opposing pair of hook-like extension portions extending from opposite sides of the scraper. Each extension portion forms a pair of scraping faces for simultaneously engaging an uppermost surface of a single grill grate and the lowermost surface of an adjacent single grate. With a simple twist of the wrist an extension portion wraps around adjacent grill grates to easily and thoroughly clean all surfaces of the grates, top, bottom, and sides, with minimal strokes and without having to reposition the grill grate assembly.

A handheld field maintenance tool is provided with features that improve one-handed operation. In one aspect, the tool includes a side strap to allow a technician to exert additional leverage on the tool during one-handed operation. Another aspect includes providing a recess on the rear of the tool's handle to allow a firm finger-hold.

A toggle-link type hand tool is provided that includes pivotally interconnected elements having workpiece engaging members and a pair of handles each operatively connected to a respective one of the pivotally interconnected elements, and a toggle-link operatively connected between the handles. Additionally, each of the workpiece engaging members includes a self-adjusting jaw pivotally connected thereto and each jaw is configured to have an angle-shape for engagement with two adjacent sides of a hexagonal fastener. Additionally, the pivotable connection of at least one of the self-adjusting jaws to a respective workpiece engaging member may be provided by a slot formed in one of the jaw and the member and a pin fixed to the other of the jaw and the member to provide greater adjustability of the jaws.

A transponder device to mark a surgical implement, such as a metallic surgical instrument, is provided that comprises a transponder housing attachable to a portion of the surgical implement. The housing may include a transponder receiving cavity spaced at least 1 millimeter, and preferably at least 2 millimeters, from any portion of the surgical implement when the housing is attached to the surgical implement, and preferably includes a saddle-shaped finger support surface or a stabilizing surface sized and configured to receive a finger of a user for providing additional leverage and / or stabilizing structure when operating the implement. The housing may be removably attached to the surgical implement or permanently attached. In use, a transponder is retained in the device. Methods of manufacturing transponder devices and methods of detecting a transponder indicating the possible presence of a surgical implement are also provided.

An improved device for assisting a caregiver in lifting and moving a patient. The device comprises a unitary garment member having a front panel section, a rear panel section and an interconnecting central or middle panel section. The device further includes a plurality of integral, reinforced support straps that enhance the structural integrity of the garment member. The rear panel section includes two flap portions extending laterally on opposing sides of the rear panel section. The two flap portions can be pulled forward and attached to the front panel section whereby the device becomes a vest-type garment that completely surrounds the patient's torso. The improved patient assistance device includes a plurality of strategically positioned hand holds, which provide enhanced leverage enabling a caregiver to more easily assist a patient wearing the device to move from one position to another.

A single tool T-shaped tool terminates at the bottom of its vertical portion with a first rectangular slot or socket for holding a nested and detachable socket for turning a rectangular valve lever arm engaged therein. Each of the first and second rectangular slot and socket mate with a corresponding gas and water supply valve levers wherein rotating the horizontal cross-arm of the T section opens or closes the corresponding supply line. The first and second rectangular components that define the valve lever arm engaging sockets are each marked with a different surface intended to correspond with surface marking on the supply line or valve lever to facilitate easy and rapid identification of the valve in emergencies.

The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a retention arm that constrains folded excess strap to the buckle to prevent it from flapping free during transport of cargo that the strap secures. A guard is provided outside a crank arm that is rotatably journaled to a base by a spindle on its forward end. The crank arm is secured to the guard intermediate the length of the guard with the guard extending rearward of the crank arm. The guard thus covers a ratchet wheel and the crank arm and with the crank arm forms an effective double-layered crank arm. The retention arm is rotatable on a handle shaft mounted to the guard rearward end, biased down onto folded excess strap.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a combination hand tool bar device suitable for pulling nails and other materials from surfaces, with improved user ergonomics and efficient force transfer. The device includes a hook end and a pry end joined by a bar shank member interposed there between. The hook end further comprises a compound curve projecting in the same direction from the bar shank member as the pry end enabling an increased user throw and ergonomic comfort.

The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a lock to positively prevent the ratchet buckle from inadvertently releasing the strap. The lock requires a removable handle to be installed on the ratchet buckle before the lock can be released. The removable handle extends the ratchet buckle crank arm for increased leverage in exercising the ratchet buckle and when removed reduces the overall size of the ratchet buckle and eliminates a crank arm portion that would otherwise extend beyond the ratchet buckle base.

A sealed foil pouch has a textured opening flange and includes first and second foil sheets having opposing inner surfaces joined together by a seal for defining a sealed area of the pouch located inside the seal and an unsealed area of the pouch located outside the seal. The sealed pouch includes a textured opening flange located adjacent an edge of the pouch for peeling the first and second foil sheets away from one another for breaking the seal and opening the sealed pouch. The textured opening flange is located within the unsealed area of the pouch and includes at least one roughened surface formed on at least one of the first and second sheets. A leg of the seal passes through the textured opening flange. The roughened surface makes it easier to break the leg of the seal for pulling the sheets apart.

A selectively operable extendable fulcrum device is described. The device includes a casing with a slot to selectively guide and lock a selectively telescoping rod into place when extended. A ridge on the inside of the casing provides a resting place for a compression spring. The compression spring is operable to selectively retract the telescoping rod back into its retracted position and keeps the telescoping rod and fulcrum head assembly securely in place when retracted. The fulcrum head provides added leverage needed to pull out nails from materials when it is retracted as well as providing added leverage for longer nails when the fulcrum head is extended. The casing and the associated components of the device can be press fit into any conventional hammer head member.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a MEMS device that is anchored using the layer that is deposited to form the cavity sealing layer and / or with the layer that is deposited to form the pull-off electrode. The switching element of the MEMS device will have a flexible or movable portion and will also have a fixed or anchor portion that is electrically coupled to ground. The layer that is used to seal the cavity in which the switching element is disposed can also be coupled to the fixed or anchor portion of the switching element to anchor the fixed or anchor portion within the cavity. Additionally, the layer that is used to form one of the electrodes may be used to provide additional leverage for anchoring the fixed or anchor portion within the cavity. In either situation, the movement of the flexible or movable portion is not hindered.

A draw extending archery system enables a user to draw a draw string multiple times to store energy. Embodiments of the system include a transmission that operatively engages the draw string and a flexible limb. From an initial rest position, the user initiates a charging stroke on the draw string. During a first charging stroke, the transmission engages to store energy during the draw. At the end of the charging stroke, the transmission engages to prevent release of stored energy. The transmission also disengages the draw string to enable a subsequent charging stroke from an intermediate rest position. From a final rest position, the user initiates a firing stroke on the draw string. At the end of the firing stroke, the transmission couples the draw string and the flexible limb to release stored energy through the draw string.

A cutter tool includes first and second elongate members carrying a cutting blade pivotally attached with the second elongate member and slidably attached with the first elongate member to enable cutting an associated tubular workpiece with an increased mechanical advantage with the tool in an opened position. The tool is characterized by a first handle having a cradle for supporting a tube to be cut, a second handle pivotally attached to the first handle, a cutter blade attached to the second handle for displacement therewith and relative thereto, and a pin and slot interengagement between the cutter blade and the first handle by which the angular displacement of the cutter blade from an opened to a closed position relative to the cradle is greater than the angular displacement of the handles to achieve such blade displacement. The slot configuration provides for displacement of the blade relative to the cradle to initially apply a higher cutting force which is followed by a transition to a lower cutting force and a higher rate of blade displacement.

A structured lacrosse shaft includes a head portion configured to be connected to a lacrosse head, an end portion configured to be capped by an end cap, and a middle portion. At least one of the head portion, the end portion, or the middle portion includes an interior portion and an outer layer on an outer surface of the interior portion. The outer layer comprises wood veneer.

A connection assembly is described that may be used to snap fit and lock together a channel containing member to other members. One embodiment described is use of the connection assembly to snap fit and lock together a roof rack accessory rack or item to fit roof rack crossbar on a vehicle.