Actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressurizing device and method of assembly

Abstract

An actuating mechanism for a fluid displacement and pressuring device where the actuating mechanism comprises a pivotable component which has two pivot points - an upper pivot point provided by trunnions integral with a unitary link lever, and a lower pivot point provided by stub pins which are integral with either the housing of the device or a carrier component thereof. Preferably, the number of parts is reduced, assembly is easier, and the overall reliability of the device is increased.

Description

[0001] ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR FLUID DISPLACEMENT AND PRESSURIZING

[0002] DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

[0003] Related Application (Priority Claim)

[0004] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial No.

[0005] 63 / 638,581, filed on April 25, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Background

[0006] The present invention generally relates to actuating mechanisms for fluid displacement and pressurizing devices, and more specifically relates to a novel connection of a pivoting member of such a device.

[0007] Fluid pressurization devices adapted for selectively applying and relieving a measured pressure on a closed volume of fluid have been developed for use in inflation and deflation for angioplasty balloon procedures interiorly of blood vessels. As described, for example, in United States Patent Nos. 5,168,757; 5,713,242; 6,796,959; 6,938,319 and 8,499,681, a syringe device inflates and deflates the catheterized balloon using a manually operated screw plunger to achieve or maintain specific pressure within the balloon which is monitored with an integral pressure gauge. All of those patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] All of the devices disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 5,168,757; 5,713,242; 6,796,959; 6,938,319 and 8,499,681 depend on utilizing a strong metal pin to retain a half-nut sub-assembly and provide a lower pivot point. For example, in United States Patent No. 5,713,242, the metal pin is identified as part 26 (see, for example, Figure 3) and the half-nut subassembly is identified as part 22. Similarly, in United States Patent No. 6,796,959, the metal pin is identified as part 106 (see, for example, Figure 5) and the half-nut sub-assembly is identified as part 90. As disclosed in those patents, the metal pin is inserted longitudinally through either the device body (in the case of United States Patent No. 5,713,242) or carrier member (in the case of United States Patent No. 6,796,959) as well as through half-nut links (parts 24 and 25 in United States Patent No. 5,713,242, and parts 102 and 104 in United States Patent No. 6,796,959). In all cases, the pin relies upon a tight friction fit to the pin receiving apertures provided for it in order to be kept in proper position and prevent the pin from unseating or moving within the device. Given that the pin relies upon a tight friction fit, insertion (i.e., installation) of the metal pin is both cumbersome and time consuming.

[0009] Earlier designs, for their upper pivot, have relied on either the bearing shaft portions of two links, as depicted in United States Patent No. 5,713,242, Figure 3, where bearing shaft portions 24a and 25a are respectively on links 24 and 25, or on an extra pivot pin for a unitary link lever, as shown in United States Patent No. 8,499,681, Figure 21, part 206. In both cases, the device requires at least two additional parts - a link and a metal pin, or an upper pivot pin and a metal pin - resulting in increased complexity in manufacturing because these parts need to be manufactured (or purchased) and then assembled into the device.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention is directed at reduction of the number of parts, making assembly easier, and increasing the overall reliability of the device.

[0011] Summary

[0012] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts, make assembly easier, and increase the overall reliability of the device.

[0013] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressuring device where the actuating mechanism comprises a pivotable component which has a pivot point provided by trunnions on a unitary link lever.

[0014] Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressuring device where the actuating mechanism comprises a pivotable component which has a pivot point provided by stub pins which are integral with either the housing of the device or a carrier component thereof.

[0015] Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressuring device where the actuating mechanism comprises a pivotable component which has two pivot points - an upper pivot point provided by trunnions integral with a unitary link lever, and a lower pivot point provided by stub pins which, for example, are integral with the housing of the device, a carrier component, or a carrier handle.

[0016] Using trunnions integrated with the unitary link lever for the upper pivot pin function, along with stub pins for the lower pivot pin function within the supporting structure, decreases the number of parts needed to make the device, thereby lowering its cost. This integration of components also simplifies assembly, as each part or subassembly can be easily snapped into the next component. This new design approach and streamlined assembly method reduces material costs, production time, and labor needed to manufacture the final device. Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a maintained- style on or off latch.

[0017] Yet another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a self- contained latch detent which is built into the latch and is activated by stub pins.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention is implementable with regard to pressurization devices employing cylindrical carriers (such as is disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 6,796,959; 6,938,319 and 8,499,681), those using transversely installed carriers (such as is disclosed in United States Patent No. 10,390,868), and even earlier device configurations that do not use a carrier member (such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,242).

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid displacement and pressurizing device which includes an actuating mechanism that is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a carrier that could be used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the carrier comprises a carrier which is configured to be transversely installed;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a half-nut sub-assembly showing a unitary link lever and a half-nut;

[0024] Figure 4 provides a side view of the unitary link lever;

[0025] Figure 5 provides a top view of the unitary link lever;

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a fluid displacement and pressurizing device showing an actuating mechanism that is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing a half-nut assembly not pivoted and a half-nut thread engaged with a thread of a plunger;

[0027] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 but shows the half-nut assembly pivoted and the half-nut thread disengaged from the thread of the plunger;

[0028] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 2 but illustrates a different kind of carrier that could be used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention, specifically wherein the carrier comprises a cylindrical carrier (instead of being configured to be transversely installed); Figure 9A is an isometric view of a fluid displacement and pressurizing device which includes an actuating mechanism that is in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view of the fluid displacement and pressurizing device shown in Figure 9A;

[0030] Figure 10 relates to the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B, and provides a top down view of the carrier end of a carrier handle in its assembled form with other components removed to display the internal structure;

[0031] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the carrier end of the carrier handle top with other components removed to display the internal structure;

[0032] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the carrier end of the carrier handle bottom with other components removed to display the internal structure;

[0033] Figure 13 is a section view of the fluid displacement and pressurizing device which is cut through the central plane of the latch mechanism while engaged in order to display the engaged condition of the components, and wherein the half-nut is cross-hatched for visibility;

[0034] Figure 14 is a section view of the fluid displacement and pressurizing device which is cut along the plane of the thrust face of the half-nut while disengaged in order to display the disengaged condition of the components;

[0035] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the half-nut sub-assembly;

[0036] Figure 16 is a front, exploded view of the half-nut sub-assembly;

[0037] Figure 17 is a side view of the unitary link lever; and

[0038] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the unitary link lever. Description of Illustrated Embodiments

[0039] While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in several different fluid displacement and pressurizing device configurations. For example, an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a device that employs a cylindrical carrier (such as is disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 6,796,959; 6,938,319 and 8,499,681). Still further, an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in even earlier device configurations, such as configurations that do not use a carrier member (such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,242). Even further, an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a device that employs a transversely installed carrier (such as is disclosed in United States Patent No. 10,390,868).

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a specific example where an amendment of the present invention is implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device 30 that employs a transversely installed carrier 22. Preferably, the device 30 includes a housing 32, a gauge 34, and a hose 36 which terminates at a connector 38 (such as a Luer connector, which is connectable to balloon catheter structure (not shown)).

[0042] The device 30 also preferably includes a plunger 17 having a thread 18, a handle 40 on one end, and an unthreaded pilot nose end 42 at the other end. A piston 44 is contained in the housing 32 and engages the pilot nose end 42 of the plunger 17 during assembly. The housing 32 preferably includes a pocket or receptacle 46 which receives a transversely installed carrier 22. The transversely installed carrier 22 also includes a pocket or receptacle 48 which receives a half-nut sub-assembly 7.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transversely installed carrier member 22 is provided with two stub pins 2 located opposite to one another on a common axis parallel to plunger bores 20 and preferably made integral to the carrier member's construction. These stub pins 2 are positioned to locate the half-nut sub-assembly 7 (see Figure 3) comprised of a unitary link lever 3 (see Figures 4 and 5) and half-nut 5 as shown assembled to carrier 22 in Figures 6 and 7. The stub pins 2 serve as a fulcrum for locking and unlocking manipulations of the half-nut subassembly 7 during engagement and disengagement of half-nut thread segments 16 with the thread 18 of the plunger 17 to allow building or releasing of pressure and displacement of fluid with the device 30.

[0044] As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, the carrier stub pins 2 additionally serve as stops to prevent the half-nut 5 from rotating in concert with clockwise rotation of plunger 17 by engaging the surrounding structure of the half-nut's plunger passage bores 25 (see Figure 3) in order to limit movement of the half-nut 5.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the unitary link lever 3 is comprised of a pair of trunnions 4, a lower pivot boss 15, a boss cammed portion 24, a pair of elongated sockets 11, a control surface 19 and may also include a spring finger portion 27. The unitary link lever 3 pivotably engages the half nut 5 and connects the half-nut 5 to the carrier 22 by the carrier's stub pins 2 for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the half nut 5 with the plunger 17. The trunnions 4 which are located upon a common axis on each side of the unitary link lever 3 are journaled into a pair of bearings 8 (see Figures 6 and 7) which are provided on the half nut member's mounting portions 6. As such, the half-nut sub-assembly 7 effectively comprises an exemplary pivotable component which has a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point is provided by the trunnions 4 and the second pivot point is provided by the stub pins 2.

[0046] Assembling the unitary link lever 3 to the half nut 5 to create the half-nut sub-assembly 7 (see Figure 3) is accomplished by aligning trunnions cammed portions 12 with receiving ramps 10 along the inner edge of the mounting portions 6 and pressing both the unitary link 3 and the half-nut 5 together, thereby causing the mounting portions 6 to be spread by trunnions 4 to allow them to snap into, and be received by, the bearings 8. Preferably, slots 23 are provided as extending along the mounting portion's inner faces in order to reduce bending stress from this outward spreading when the trunnions 4 are snapped into place within the bearings 8. Assembly in this manner also brings the unitary link's spring finger portion 27 (when present) into engagement with the half-nut 5 where it provides spring force to align the half-nut 5 properly with plunger 17 for rapid insertion into the carrier 22.

[0047] The half-nut sub-assembly 7 is designed to be subsequently inserted into the pocket or receptacle 46 in the housing 32 (see Figure 1). Clearance notches 9 (see Figures 3-7) on each side of half-nut 5 are provided to allow the carrier stub pins 2 to pass into the half nut plunger passage bore 25 where they can engage the elongated sockets 11 (see Figures 3 and 4) formed on each side of the unitary link lever's lower pivot boss 15, as shown in Figure 4. Preferably, the walls that form both elongated sockets 11 terminate with a downward facing open end 14 in the form of a narrow gap which allows them to elastically spread for engagement the carrier's stub pins 2 such that the pins can be forced to pass through this open end 14 in order to be received within these elongated sockets 11. Once the carrier's stub pins 2 have passed into the elongated sockets 11, these gaps then spring back to their original narrow condition thereby retaining the unitary link lever 3 to a supporting structure such as the transversely installed carrier 22 as shown in Figure 6. Retention in this manner facilitates the device assembly procedure by holding the half-nut sub-assembly 7 onto the carrier until the plunger 17 can be inserted into an end of the housing 32, as shown in Figure 1.

[0048] When half-nut 5 is in a locked, plunger engaged position as shown in Figure 6, the elongated sockets 11 allow the half-nut sub assembly 7 to move slightly up and down upon the carrier stub pins 2. The longitudinal freedom so provided, allows the half-nut sub-assembly 7 to be drawn toward plunger 17 and center upon it instead of pulling plunger 17 tight against the sidewall of plunger carrier bore 20 or limiting the plunger's freedom to center itself within carrier plunger bores 20 which could inhibit free plunger rotation during use. The elongated sockets 11 also allow the unitary link lever's lower pivot boss cammed portion 24 positioned between the elongated sockets 11 to closely approach plunger 17 during locked engagement with half-nut 5, without placing excessive stress upon stub pins 2.

[0049] Another benefit provided by the elongated sockets 11 is that they allow the half-nut subassembly 7 to float within its mounting in order to prevent stressful loading of the stub pins 2 if either the half-nut 5 or carrier member 1 deflects under load during pressurization. A loose coupling of the elongated sockets 11 to the stub pins therefore allows this new construction to function reliably without need for a strong, highly stressed metal pivot pin as is commonly employed in device constructions of the previously cited prior art.

[0050] The unitary link lever's lower pivot boss cammed portion 24 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5) is positioned to serve as a backstop for plunger thread 18 as shown in Figure 6 to prevent any possibility of its undesired disengagement from the half nut thread segments 16 resulting from radial deflection of plunger 17 during pressurization of the device. The unitary link lever 3 may be optionally equipped with a spring finger portion 27. The optional spring finger portion 27 (when provided) brings the half-nut 5 into a naturally locked position. In that case, the unitary link lever 3 amounts to a momentary latch that is configured to return the half-nut 5 to an engaged position (relative to the plunger thread 18) once the spring finger portion 27 is released.

[0051] It also places the boss cammed portion 24 directly adjacent plunger 17 directly opposite half-nut thread segments 16. User manipulation of the control surface 19 against the force created by the spring finger portion 27 causes the half nut thread segments 16 to disengage from the plunger thread 18 and cause the boss cammed portion 24 to rotate away from the plunger 17 to provide additional clearance for unobstructed manual fore and aft macro movement of the plunger. The half-nut thread segments 16 can therefore maintain full engagement with the plunger thread 18 while the plunger 17, as shown in Figure 7, remains free to center itself within the carrier's plunger bores 20 without being inhibited by engagement of half-nut 5 with the stub pins 2. Additionally, this floating arrangement provides that the thrust face 26 of half-nut 5 rests squarely against carrier thrust receiving surface 13 that supports it in order to assure that all half- nut thread segments 16 are uniformly loaded by the engaged plunger thread 18 for system durability. The optional spring finger portion 27 of the unitary link lever 3 need not be present for the half-nut subassembly 7 to properly function, however. In instances where the optional spring finger portion 27 is not provided to retain the half-nut 5 in a naturally locked position, the unitary link lever 3 may be provided with interference features to retain the unitary link lever 3 in a locked or unlocked position by detenting against the sides of the carrier 22. Alternatively, detenting features may be provided as an element of the device housing's features such as discussed in United States Patent No. 5,713,242 and shown by example in its Figure 3 as parts

[0052] 27. The embodiment that has been described hereinabove involves the specific example where an amendment of the present invention is implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device 30 that employs a transversely installed carrier 22. However, the present invention could also be implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device that employs a cylindrical carrier such as the cylindrical carrier 21 is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts (i.e., viz-a-viz carrier 22 shown in Figure 2 described in detail hereinabove).

[0053] Still further, the present invention could also be implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device that does not even have a carrier member, such as is disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,713,242. In that case, stub pins 2 would be provided directly on the housing of the device.

[0054] Figures 9A, 9B and 10-18 relate to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein stub pins 2 are provided on a carrier handle 122. More specifically, Figure 9A is an isometric view of a fluid displacement and pressurizing device 130 which includes an actuating mechanism that is in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view of the fluid displacement and pressurizing device shown in Figure 9A. This alternate embodiment preferably functions in the same manner as the first embodiment, previously described with reference to Figures 1-8, with a difference in construction and latch type. Therefore, in Figures 9A, 9B and 10-18 like numerals are used to identify like parts relative to Figures 1-8.

[0055] Whereas the first embodiment shown in Figure 1-8 may comprise effectively a momentary latch in the form of a unitary link lever 3 that is configured to return the half-nut 5 to an engaged position (relative to plunger thread 18) once the spring finger portion 27 is released, the latch type for the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B is in the form of a unitary link lever 103 that is configured to configured to maintain the half-nut 105 in either an engaged or disengaged position (relative to plunger thread 18) based on where the user places the unitary link lever 103. Additionally, as will be described, in this embodiment the carrier component is preferably comprised of two components and is incorporated into the handle.

[0056] More specifically, Figures 9A and 9B illustrates a specific example where an embodiment of the present invention is implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device 130 that employs an integral carrier within the device’s handle which is separated into two components - a carrier handle top 122A and a carrier handle bottom 122B. As shown, (much like the first embodiment) preferably the device includes a housing 32, and a hose 36 which terminates into a connector 38. The device 130 also preferably includes a plunger 17, said plunger 17 having a thread 18, a handle 40 on one end of the plunger 17, and an unthreaded pilot nose end 42 on the other. A piston 44 is contained in the housing 32 and engages the pilot nose end 42 of the plunger 17 during assembly. The housing 32 preferably includes a flange 149 on the proximal, open end of the bore of housing 32. This flange 149 interacts with receiving grooves 150 on the carrier handle top 122A and the carrier handle bottom 122B, thereby constraining it.

[0057] The various components of carrier handle 122, comprised of carrier handle top 122A and carrier handle bottom 122B come together (as shown in Figure 10) and function in the same manner as carrier 22 of the first embodiment, previously described.

[0058] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the half-nut sub-assembly 107, Figure 16 is a front, exploded view of the half-nut sub-assembly 107, Figure 17 is a side view of the unitary link lever 103, and Figure 18 is a perspective view of the unitary link lever 103. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the half-nut sub-assembly 107 comprises half-nut 105 and unitary link lever 103. The half-nut sub-assembly 107 functions in the same manner as half-nut sub-assembly 7 of the first embodiment. As such, only deviations from the first embodiment, previously described in detail, will be described herein.

[0059] Half-nut sub-assembly 107 pivots around stub pins 2 as in the first embodiment.

[0060] However, in this alternate embodiment the unitary link lever 103 does not provide an elastic member which effectively resets the half-nut 105 to the engaged state when the unitary link lever 103 is released. Instead, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9A, 9B and 10-18, the unitary link lever 103 is toggled left to disengage the half-nut 105 (as shown in Figure 14), and right to engage the half-nut 105 (as shown in Figure 13). The half-nut 105 contains detent 151 providing a means of positive engagement or disengagement of the half-nut 105. The detent 151 functions preferably by utilizing the elastic nature of the thermoplastic resin from which is manufactured. As unitary link lever 103 is pivoted around stub pin 2 the half-nut is swept along a pre-determined path dictated by pivoting within bearing 8 around trunnion 4 of unitary link lever 103 and sliding along guide rib 152 included within carrier handle bottom 122B. This motion forces detents 151 to come into interference with stub pins 2 on both distal and proximal sides of the half-nut 105. This interference can be overcome by applying adequate force to deflect the detent 151 into detent relief 153. This action places axial force on the unitary link lever 103 retention to the stub pin 2. To maintain the pivoting relationship between stub pin 2 and the pivot socket 111 on the unitary link lever 103 retention shelf 154 is placed on the leading edge of the open end 14 of the unitary link lever. The width of retention shelf 154 is preferably configured to interfere with the overall length of stub pin 2. This interference creates a one-way snap and retains the unitary link lever 103 to the stub pin 2. To provide an adequate snap and retention force for the unitary link lever 103 slots 155 are placed on non-thrust face 156A of carrier handle top 122A (as shown in Figure 11). The slots 155 allow non-thrust face 156A to elastically deflect in an axial direction and create the snap between unitary link lever 103 and stub pin 2 on carrier handle top 122A.

[0061] As such, the half-nut sub-assembly 107 effectively comprises an exemplary pivotable component which has a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point is provided by the trunnions 4 and the second pivot point is provided by the stub pins 2.

[0062] Axial forces generated by, for instance, pressurizing fluid within locking syringe device 130 are resisted by the thread 16 on half-nut 105. As shown in Figure 13, these axial forces are carried to the carrier handle 122 via thrust face 26 on half-nut 105. Half-nut 105 also includes thrust protrusion 157 to aid in transferring the axial forces to the carrier handle 122 via carrier handle bottom 122B. Thrust protrusion 157 provides a larger surface area of interference with carrier thrust receiving surface 13B preferably placed on carrier handle bottom 122B. Half-nut 105 also transfer axial forces to the carrier handle top 122A via half-nut thrust face 26 and carrier thrust receiving face 13A. As carrier handle bottom 122B is responsible for resisting the plurality of the axial forces additional support is given to carrier thrust receiving face 13B a support rib 158 is included to further provide rigidity and robustness, as shown in Figure 12.

[0063] The alternative embodiment shown in Figures 9A, 9B and 10-18 can be implemented with a transversely installed carrier (such as the transversely installed carrier 21 as shown in Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7, for example). However, the alternative embodiment could also be implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device that employs a cylindrical carrier

[0064] (such as the cylindrical carrier 21 as shown in Figure 8, for example). Still further, the alternative embodiment could also be implemented with a fluid displacement and pressurizing device that does not even have a carrier member, such as is disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,713,242. In that case, stub pins 2 would be provided directly on the housing of the device.

[0065] Regardless of which embodiment of the present invention is employed, preferably the embodiment ultimately reduces the number of parts, makes assembly easier, and increases the overall reliability of the device.

[0066] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An actuating mechanism for a fluid displacement and pressuring device, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises: a pivotable component which has a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point is provided by trunnions and the second pivot point is provided by engagement of the pivotable component with stub pins.

2. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a unitary link lever, wherein the trunnions are on the unitary link lever.

3. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever comprises an elastic member which resets the half-nut to an engaged state when released.

4. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever comprises a spring finger which resets the half-nut to an engaged state when released.

5. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever.

6. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises aunitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever comprises sockets, wherein the sockets are configured to allow the half-nut sub assembly to move up and down relative to the stub pins.

7. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the half-nut comprises half-nut thread segments, wherein the stub pins are positioned to locate the half-nut sub-assembly and are configured to serve as a fulcrum for locking and unlocking manipulations of the half-nut sub-assembly during engagement and disengagement of the half-nut thread segments.

8. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the half-nut comprises half-nut thread segments, wherein the stub pins are positioned to locate the half-nut sub-assembly and are configured to serve as a fulcrum for locking and unlocking manipulations of the half-nut sub-assembly during engagement and disengagement of the half-nut thread segments, wherein the stub pins are configured to engage the half-nut and prevent the half-nut from rotating.

9. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot pointare on the unitary link lever, wherein the half-nut comprises a pair of bearings, and the trunnions are journaled into the pair of bearings on the unitary link lever.

10. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising a carrier which engages the fluid displacement and pressuring device, wherein the stub pins are on the carrier, and wherein the pivotable component is engaged with the carrier.

11. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, further comprising a carrier which engages the fluid displacement and pressuring device, wherein the stub pins are on the carrier, and wherein the pivotable component is engaged with the carrier, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the carrier comprises a pocket, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly is disposed in the pocket.

12. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a handle, further comprising an integral carrier within the handle of the device, wherein the integral carrier comprises a carrier handle top engaged with a carrier handle bottom.

13. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever engages the half-nut, wherein the unitary link lever is configured to toggle to a first position to move the half-nut to a disengaged position and is configured to toggle to a second position to move the half-nut to an engaged position.

14. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot pointare on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever engages the half-nut, wherein the unitary link lever is configured to toggle to a first position to move the half-nut to a disengaged position and is configured to toggle to a second position to move the half-nut to an engaged position, wherein the half-nut comprises a detent and the unitary link lever engages and disengages the detent.

15. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever engages the half-nut, wherein the unitary link lever is configured to toggle to a first position to move the half-nut to a disengaged position and is configured to toggle to a second position to move the half-nut to an engaged position, wherein the unitary link lever is configured to pivot around the stub pins while the half-nut moves along a pre-determined path dictated by pivoting of the trunnions on the unitary link lever within the bearings.

16. The actuating mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein the pivotable component comprises a half-nut sub-assembly, wherein the half-nut sub-assembly comprises a unitary link lever and a half-nut, wherein the trunnions which provide the first pivot point are on the unitary link lever, wherein the unitary link lever comprises a retention shelf, wherein the retention shelf is configured to interfere with the stub pins.

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