69results about How to "Minimize stress concentration" patented technology

A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the LAA. The members are shaped such that they can exclude the LAA without causing the development of necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the LAA in order to cushion the contact between the members and the LAA and minimize the tendency of the LAA to bleed. The invention also includes methods for using the device to exclude the LAA.

A device for occluding a conduit includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the conduit. The members are shaped such that they can occlude the conduit without causing the development of damaged or necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the conduit in order to cushion the contact between the members and the conduit, minimize the tendency of the conduit to bleed, and increase traction relative to the conduit. The invention also includes methods for using the device to occlude a conduit.

A double shouldered high torque resistance threaded connection for drill stem components having enhanced resistance to torque forces, tensile loads and material stress and fatigue is disclosed. The tool joint is provided with threads having a 75 DEG included angle between the thread flanks thereof and with generally elliptical root surfaces to minimize material stress and fatigue during operation under high torque and high tensile loads. When made up, the double intrerengaging shoulders of the threaded tool joint are in firm face to face engagement permitting torque forces and tensile loads to propagate through the tool joint in a manner that minimizes bending forces and minimizes high stress concentration so that the resulting service life of the tool joint is significantly enhanced.

A steerable catheter has a steering portion incorporating a spear cut junction of catheter material, thereby providing for a gradual change in flexibility in the steering portion. A guide tube and spring may be located inside a pull wire lumen of the catheter, with the spring distal to the guide tube so that the spring is disposed at least partially within steering section. A steering mechanism moves the pull wire linearly in order to steer the catheter.

A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the LAA. The members are shaped such that they can exclude the LAA without causing the development of necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the LAA in order to cushion the contact between the members and the LAA and minimize the tendency of the LAA to bleed. The invention also includes methods for using the device to exclude the LAA.

Implant devices for implantation within an intervertebral space are provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. Implant devices of the present invention include an implant body formed of a synthetic bone substitute material, such as a nanocrystalline calcium phosphate material. The implant body and the methods and tools used therewith are configured to optimize strength and stability of the implant, minimize areas of stress concentration in the implant body and promote bone growth through the implant body and fusion of the vertebra.

A fastener assembly is inserted into a throughhole of a composite laminate to thereby fasten the composite laminate together. The throughhole has a length extending from a first outer surface of the composite laminate to a second outer surface of the composite laminate. The throughhole has a first width at the first outer surface, a second width at the second outer surface, and a third width at a point along the length of the throughhole between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The third width is less than each of the first width and the second width. The fastener assembly includes a substantially annular fastener device having an axial opening and a peripheral surface substantially conforming to the inner surface of the throughhole. An elongate element is tightly received within the axial opening of the fastener device and biases the peripheral surface of the fastener device against the inner surface of the throughhole such that both the fastener device and the elongate element are substantially entirely disposed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the composite laminate.

A main shaft includes a plurality of elastic engagement pieces arrayed along an outer perimeter of an attachment hole. During and after assembly, the elastic engagement pieces elastically abut at least an outer surface of a tapered shank in a tool holder and deform slightly in a radial direction. The elastic engagement pieces provide uniform engagement force between the main shaft and the tool holder over a broad surface area. An elastic flange provides additional elastic engagement and easy separation from the main shaft. Together, the elastic engagement pieces and elastic flange reliably engage and securely attach the main shaft to the tool holder while aiding disengagement.

A steerable catheter has a steering portion incorporating a spear cut junction of catheter material, thereby providing for a gradual change in flexibility in the steering portion. A guide tube and spring may be located inside a pull wire lumen of the catheter, with the spring distal to the guide tube so that the spring is disposed at least partially within steering section. A steering mechanism moves the pull wire linearly in order to steer the catheter.

The invention relates to a protecting apparatus (10) for protecting a structure (100) from an impact. The protecting apparatus (10) is arranged to be mounted on the structure (100) and includes a bumper member (12), a structure positioning member (14) and at least one resiliently flexible joining portion (16). The structure positioning member (14) is arranged in use to be positioned in contact with or adjacent to a portion of the structure (100) being protected. The at least one resiliently flexible joining portion (16) extends between the bumper member (12) and the structure positioning member (14) so that when an outer surface (12a) of the bumper member (12) is impacted, the impact force is dissipated at least in part by flexure of the at least one joining portion (16).

A metal carbide composition and a process for synthesizing metal carbides, through a single step process, wherein oxides of different metals, including, but not limited to Si, Ti, W, Hf, Zr, V, Cr, Ta, B, Nb, Al, Mn, Ni, Fe, Co, and Mo were physically mixed with spherical or filamentateous nano structured carbon, and inductively heated to a certain temperature range (900-1900° C.) where the metal oxide reacts with carbon to form different metal carbides. The process retains the original morphology of the starting carbon precursor in the resultant metal carbides. This method also produces highly crystalline metal nano-carbides. The metal carbide products would have applications in high temperature thermoelectric devices, quantum wells, optoelectronic devices, semi-conductors, body armour, vehicle armour, catalysts, and as discontinuous reinforced agents in metal such as aluminum and other alloys.

The present invention relates to a magnetostrictive sensor for measuring a torque in a shaft. The sensor comprises at least one active magnetostrictive region on the shaft, a surface pattern in the magnetostrictive region such that it obtains anisotropic properties, a first means arranged to generate a magnetic field varying in time in the magnetostrictive region and a second means arranged to sense variation in the permeability in the magnetostrictive region. Said magnetostrictive region comprises a first layer of a magnetostrictive material which is provided on the surface of the shaft and that said surface pattern is formed by a second layer of a non-magnetostrictive material comprising a low resistivity.

An implant is provided for replacing the proximal portion of a femur having a substantially intact natural femoral neck and a lateral side opposite the femoral neck, with a bore extending from the femoral neck through a lateral side of the femur. The implant comprises a sleeve having a flange for engaging a proximally facing resected surface of the neck surrounding the bore in the femur and having a bore with an inwardly tapered conical portion. A shaft member having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end is placed in the bore through the femur. The shaft member has an intermediate conically tapered male portion for coupling to the conically tapered bore of the sleeve and a proximal end having a conically tapered portion. A head member having a distal end and a proximal substantially-spherical portion and a tapered recess is configured for positioning in a natural or prosthetic hip socket.

A joint comprising: a structure; and a fastener passing through the structure. The cap has a body portion with an annular base terminating at an edge, the body portion forming an enclosure around an end of the fastener. The cap also has an annular flange which extends outwardly from the body portion and is set back from the edge of the base so as to define a pocket between the flange and the base. A sealant is provided in the pocket between the flange and the base, the sealant bonding the cap to the structure via a sealant / cap interface with the cap and a sealant / structure interface with the structure. The surface area of the sealant / cap interface is greater than the surface area of the sealant / structure interface.

An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating plug utilizes low-profile jack terminal contacts that can flex in their PCB-anchored base portions, which are substantially parallel to the PCB. Any bend in the distal connecting portion or in the intermediate transition portion of each terminal contact is gradual and forms an obtuse angle, thus minimizing stress concentrations. The contacts preferably are arranged in two oppositely facing and interdigitating rows of four contacts each. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are anchored to the PCB by a contact cradle that constrains the base portion of each terminal contact at two spaced anchoring locations, allowing the base portion to flex therebetween. In another embodiment, the base portions of the terminal contacts are embedded in at least one elastomeric member, which is fitted to the PCB.

A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration.

A composite structural laminate plate construction comprises two outer metal layers, a form between them and an elastomer layer bonded to the outer metal layers and filling the space between them other than that occupied by the form. The form may be foam and may be in partial contact with the metal layers.

An improved disposable filter bag for use with a pool cleaner of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The filter bag is formed from a porous filter material having marginal seams formed by direct welding to form a reinforced cuff defining an open bag mouth leading to a hollow bag interior. The cuff is configured for removable mounting on a pool cleaner suction mast, as by removable connection to a mounting collar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; and D468,067. A divider seam defined by a spaced-apart array of welds subdivides the bag interior into a primary flow chamber for receiving flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris.

A linear motion assembly and recirculation insert therefor is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having a through bore with an internal helical groove and a screw having an external helical groove. The external helical groove is radially aligned with the internal helical groove to define a plurality of ball raceways. A plurality of inserts is fixed within the bore of the ball nut. The inserts each have a central body fixed within a recessed pocket of the ball nut, with the body having a radially inwardly facing, generally s-shaped groove to route the balls between adjacent turns. A pair of legs extends in opposite directions from the central body, wherein the legs are sized for a clearance fit with the external helical groove. The legs merge with the central body over a smooth transition region that minimizes stress concentrations at the joint between the legs and central body.

An underbody assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of polymer-fiber composite components. The polymer-fiber composite components include a base and a first reinforcement. The base includes a first side and a second side. The base is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between a front of the vehicle and a rear of the vehicle. The first reinforcement is coupled to the base. The first reinforcement includes a first elongated ridge and a first elongated trough. The first elongated trough is disposed adjacent to the first elongated ridge. The first elongated ridge and the first elongated trough each extend transversely between the first side of the base and the second side of the base. In various aspects, the underbody assembly consists essentially of the polymer-fiber composite components.

The present invention relates to a magnetostrictive sensor for measuring a torque in a shaft (1). The sensor comprises at least one active magnetostrictive region (2) on the shaft (1), a surface pattern in the magnetostrictive region such that it obtains anisotropic properties, a first means (5) arranged to generate a magnetic field varying in time in the magnetostrictive region (2) and a second means (9) arranged to sense variation in the permeability in the magnetostrictive region (2). Said magnetostrictive region (2) comprises a first layer (3) of a magnetostrictive material which is provided on the surface of the shaft (1) and that said surface pattern is formed by a second layer (4) of a non-magnetostrictive material comprising a low resistivity.

An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating plug utilizes low-profile jack terminal contacts that can flex in their PCB-anchored base portions, which are substantially parallel to the PCB. Any bend in the distal connecting portion or in the intermediate transition portion of each terminal contact is gradual and forms an obtuse angle, thus minimizing stress concentrations. The contacts preferably are arranged in two oppositely facing and interdigitating rows of four contacts each. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are anchored to the PCB by a contact cradle that constrains the base portion of each terminal contact at two spaced anchoring locations, allowing the base portion to flex therebetween. In another embodiment, the base portions of the terminal contacts are embedded in at least one elastomeric member, which is fitted to the PCB.

The present invention is related to a rock bolt (7), expandable by means of a pressure media, for insertion into a borehole. The expandable bolt (7) comprises a connection unit (8) with means (11) for detachable interaction with an expansion means (10) for expansion of the rock bolt (7), as well as with a suspension element (16). The connection unit is designed with such external dimensions so that it may be inserted into the bore-hole. The invention also relates to such a rock bolting system.

A threaded coupling for a drill string component includes a body on which is formed a thread. A reduction in stress concentrations and a resistance to bending moments are achieved at the thread by reducing a thread depth at at least one axial end of the thread and by arranging an endmost flank of a crest or root of the thread at an endmost helical turn.

A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.

A pump head for a high-pressure fuel pump is disclosed. The pump head comprises a head housing including a body portion, and a turret portion extending from the body portion, a pumping chamber defined within the body portion, a pumping element bore for receiving a pumping element in use, the pumping element bore extending from the pumping chamber and through the turret portion, and a leakage return passage. The pump head further comprises a sleeve arranged around the turret portion to define a leakage flow path to allow fuel flow from the pumping element bore to the leakage return passage. The pump head is suitable for use in a fuel pump of the type in which a cam drive arrangement of the pump is lubricated by engine oil, since contamination of the engine oil with fuel can be minimised.

Localized stress concentration is minimized in a metal gasket (1). The metal gasket (1) is configured to be interposed between fastening surfaces (8A, 16E) of component parts (3, 4), and comprises a passage hole (34) corresponding to a passage (11, 18) of the component parts opening out on the fastening surfaces, a bead (38) surrounding the passage hole in an endless manner, at least three bolt holes (35) formed outside of the bead to allow fastening bolts (40) for fastening the component parts to each other to be passed therethrough, a bolt pressure receiving region (41) being defined around each bolt hole so as to correspond to a head (40A) of the corresponding fastening bolt, a first region (42) being defined by linearly connecting the bolt pressure receiving regions of two adjoining bolt holes each other and being provided with a width equal to a diameter of the bolt pressure receiving regions, and a second region being defined as a part of the first region (42) located outside of the bead; and a through hole (36) formed in the second region (43).

Implant devices for implantation within an intervertebral space are provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. Implant devices of the present invention include an implant body formed of a synthetic bone substitute material, such as a nanocrystalline calcium phosphate material. The implant body and the methods and tools used therewith are configured to optimize strength and stability of the implant, minimize areas of stress concentration in the implant body and promote bone growth through the implant body and fusion of the vertebra.

A rear part of an aircraft including a support structure for supporting engines, extending through the fuselage, through a first opening and a second opening. A connection structure connects the support structure to the fuselage, including a first connection mechanism connecting the support structure to a first casing forming the first opening and a second connection mechanism connecting the support structure to a second casing forming the second opening. The connection structure also includes at least one effort recovery connecting rod, the first end of which is mounted on the support structure and the opposite end is mounted on the fuselage, at a distance from the first and second openings.