How to Engage with obstruction patent retrieval - Eureka

Surgical instrument incorporating EAP complete firing system lockout mechanism

ActiveUS7487899B2Engage with obstructionSuture equipmentsStapling toolsEndoscopic ProcedureEndoscopic surgery

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A spring-biased side pawl firing mechanism is enabled by activation of an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) block actuator that overcomes a disengagement spring bias and moves a linked rack into proximity with a side pawl firing mechanism. Thereby, various sensed or commanded inputs may be incorporated to prevent inadvertent firing.

Surgical instrument incorporating EAP complete firing system lockout mechanism

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Owner:CILAG GMBH INT

Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ActiveUS9364220B2Engage with obstructionSuture equipmentsStapling toolsGear systemEndoscopic surgery

The present disclosure relates to electromechanical surgical systems configured for use with removable disposable loading units and / or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and / or stapling tissue. A force transmitting assembly of surgical instrument transmits a rotation of a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument to the rotation receiving member of the end effector. A distal neck assembly of the surgical instrument includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly is configured to enable off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly. The rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

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Owner:TYCO HEALTHCARE GRP LP

Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ActiveUS9402604B2Engage with obstructionMachines/enginesPump controlHand heldGear system

An electromechanical surgical system is provided including a hand-held surgical instrument; an end effector; and a shaft assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device. The shaft assembly includes a transmission housing; an outer tubular body; a distal neck housing for interconnecting a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument and a rotation receiving member supported in the end effector, wherein the distal neck housing includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly enables off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly, and wherein the rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

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Owner:TYCO HEALTHCARE GRP LP

Surgical suturing latch

ActiveUS8419754B2Improve convenienceIncrease speedSuture equipmentsSurgical needlesMechanical engineeringLinkage concept

Suturing systems may comprise a cartridge and a drive unit which are detachable from each other. The cartridge often has a cartridge body, a plurality of jaws, and a cartridge interface. The drive unit has a drive unit body, a linkage, and a drive unit interface which will typically include a latch. A latch input is coupled to the latch so that a movement of the input moves the latch to the released position. The cartridge interface or the drive unit interface includes a channel while the other includes a shaft which is fittingly receivable in the channel. Opposed motions of the input and cartridge during cartridge removal avoid inadvertent detachment during use.

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Owner:BOSS INSTR

Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ActiveUS20140025046A1Engage with obstructionSuture equipmentsStapling toolsHand heldGear system

An electromechanical surgical system is provided including a hand-held surgical instrument; an end effector; and a shaft assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device. The shaft assembly includes a transmission housing; an outer tubular body; a distal neck housing for interconnecting a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument and a rotation receiving member supported in the end effector, wherein the distal neck housing includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly enables off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly, and wherein the rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

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Owner:TYCO HEALTHCARE GRP LP

Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ActiveUS20130334281A1Engage with obstructionSuture equipmentsStapling toolsGear wheelGear system

The present disclosure relates to electromechanical surgical systems configured for use with removable disposable loading units and / or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and / or stapling tissue. A force transmitting assembly of surgical instrument transmits a rotation of a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument to the rotation receiving member of the end effector. A distal neck assembly of the surgical instrument includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly is configured to enable off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly. The rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

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Owner:TYCO HEALTHCARE GRP LP

Off-set clamp mechanism and associated method for minimally invasive surgery

InactiveUS6494886B1Engage with obstructionMinimum lateral dimensionSurgical forcepsWound clampsOut of planeTransverse plane

A surgical clamping device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, with a self-locking surgical fastener mountable thereon. The jaws have at least a first closing configuration and a second closing configuration, the first closing configuration designed to reduce a lateral dimension of a clamping device with mounted fastener, without thereby engaging locking devices on the selflocking surgical fastener, the second closing configuration designed to cause an engagement of the self-locking devices, thereby allowing a demounting of the fastener and a permanent disposition thereof in tissue. In a first closing configuration an approximation of the jaws in a transverse plane thereof is accompanied by an out-of-plane movement, comprising translation, or rotation about an axis in the plane, the rotation in turn comprising twisting-rotation about an axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the jaws, or skewing-rotation about an axis essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the jaws. An alternative engagement of the first closing configuration and the second closing configuration is effected by a ratcheting device in conjunction with a camming device, or any means of actuation known in the mechanical arts.

Off-set clamp mechanism and associated method for minimally invasive surgery

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Owner:GRANIT MEDICAL INNOVATION +1

Selectively controlled rocker one-way clutch

ActiveUS20080185253A1Easy to assembleSignificantly reducing backlashToothed gearingsFriction clutchesEngineeringClutch

An overrunning clutch assembly includes a first ring having pockets spaced mutually about an axis, rockers each located in a pocket, springs each urging a rocker to pivot in a respective pocket, and first notches arranged around the axis. A second ring includes second pockets spaced mutually about the axis, second rockers each located in a second pocket such that at least one second rocker is engageable with a notch, second springs each urging a second rocker toward engagement with a notch, and second notches around the axis, at least one rocker being engageable with at least one second notch. A control member moves about the axis alternately to prevent the first rockers from engaging the second notches and to permit the first rockers to engage the second notches.

Selectively controlled rocker one-way clutch

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Owner:FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

Method for engaging the starter pinion of a starter with the starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine

InactiveUS7275509B2Relieve stressEngage with obstructionPower operated startersInternal combustion piston enginesEngineeringInternal combustion engine

A method is provided for engaging a starter pinion of a starter with a starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine, which internal combustion engine has an arrangement for determining rotational speed and rotational direction of a crankshaft. The starter pinion is engaged with the starter ring gear when the following conditions are satisfied: a) the speed of the internal combustion engine is below a maximum speed and above a minimum speed; and b) the rotational direction corresponds to the forward rotational direction of the crank shaft.

Method for engaging the starter pinion of a starter with the starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine

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Owner:ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

Articulation apparatus for external fixation device

ActiveUS7708736B2Increase flexibilityOptimization rangeScaffold connectionsRod connectionsScrew threadBone staple

An articulation element consisting of a plurality of adjustable jaw pairs for the purpose of fixating the relative position of coupled bars and / or bone pins of an external bone fixator. Each of the adjustable jaws consists of a pair of hemispherical jaw elements contained within a spherical housing. A passage is eccentrically arranged through the jaw elements to accept the pin or bar. The jaw elements have interposed between them a spring element that serves to bias the jaw elements in the closed position. Pins serve to provisionally lock the jaw elements in the closed position. Spring loaded buttons act to release the pins thereby allowing the jaw elements to open accepting the pin or bar. The jaws are attached in a back to back fashion through the use of a threaded collar which acts as a turnbuckle pulling the jaws together when tightened.

Articulation apparatus for external fixation device

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Owner:ZIMMER INC

Bolt carrier for gas operated rifle

ActiveUS20100269682A1Engage with obstructionReduce and eliminate loose fitBreech mechanismsCombustionReciprocating motion

A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.

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Owner:STURM RUGER & CO INC

Tubing fitting

ActiveUS7523967B2Engage with obstructionSleeve/socket jointsPipeline expansion-compensationShaft collarBiomedical engineering

A tubing fitting for use in microsurgery including a female tubing fitting and a male tubing fitting. The female tubing fitting has an external surface with a pair of opposing projections disposed thereon and an internal bore. The male tubing fitting has a second internal bore and a collar at least partially surrounding the second internal bore. The collar has an internal surface with two pairs of opposing sloping ramps disposed thereon. The pairs of opposing sloping ramps are arranged so as to create a pair of opposing spaces for removably receiving the pair of opposing projections.

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Owner:ALCON INC

Selectable one-way rocker clutch

InactiveUS7743678B2Engage with obstructionToothed gearingsFriction clutchesRocker armClutch

A selectable one-way rocker clutch assembly includes an inner race disposed radially within an outer race, first and second plurality of rockers, a selector ring and an apply plate. The inner race defines a plurality of pockets configured to operatively retain the first and second plurality of rockers. The first plurality of rockers is configured to resist rotation of the outer race relative to the inner race in a first direction. The second plurality of rockers is configured to resist rotation of the outer race relative to the inner race in a second direction. The selector ring is disposed radially between the inner race and outer race. The apply plate is configured to engage with the selector ring and, in so doing, rotate the selector ring to thereby selectively retract the first and / or second plurality of rockers and thus control the state of the rocker clutch assembly.

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Owner:GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC

Compression apparatus

ActiveUS7282038B2Reduce morbidityReduce volumeBlood stagnation preventionPneumatic massageEngineeringAnkle

A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot.

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Owner:KPR U S LLC

Selectively controlled rocker one-way clutch

ActiveUS8491439B2Significantly reducing backlashEasy to assembleToothed gearingsFriction clutchesClutch

An overrunning clutch assembly includes a first ring having pockets spaced mutually about an axis, rockers each located in a pocket, springs each urging a rocker to pivot in a respective pocket, and first notches arranged around the axis. A second ring includes second pockets spaced mutually about the axis, second rockers each located in a second pocket such that at least one second rocker is engageable with a notch, second springs each urging a second rocker toward engagement with a notch, and second notches around the axis, at least one rocker being engageable with at least one second notch. A control member moves about the axis alternately to prevent the first rockers from engaging the second notches and to permit the first rockers to engage the second notches.

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Owner:FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

Gas operated rifle with bolt carrier and receiver assembly

ActiveUS8307750B2Reduce and eliminate loose fitReduce forceBreech mechanismsCombustionReciprocating motion

A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.

Gas operated rifle with bolt carrier and receiver assembly

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Owner:STURM RUGER & CO INC

Travel beverage container

ActiveUS8844762B2Easy to cleanEngage with obstructionCapsClosure using stoppersEngineeringMechanical engineering

A lid assembly for a beverage container having a lid housing, a seal assembly and a trigger member. The seal assembly has a drink seal to close the drink aperture. The seal assembly is rotatedly connected to the lid housing and movable between a use position and a cleaning position to allow the drink aperture to be open for cleaning. The trigger member is connected to the lid housing and is capable of engaging the seal assembly in the use position, but it cannot engage the seal assembly in the cleaning position. Additionally, a trigger lock is connected to the lid housing to prevent engagement of the seal assembly by the trigger member when the trigger lock is locked. The trigger lock may also contain a visual indicator to indicate that the lock is in the locked position.

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Owner:THE COLEMAN CO INC

Compression apparatus

ActiveUS20050187499A1Engage with obstructionReduce morbidityBlood stagnation preventionPneumatic massageEngineeringAnkle

A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot.

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Owner:KPR U S LLC

Enhanced Cage Insertion Device

ActiveUS20110319995A1Ease insertion placementEngage with obstructionSpinal implantsLamina terminalisIntervertebral disk

A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

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Owner:DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

Apparatus and method for improving the control of a concrete screed head assembly

ActiveUS7044681B2Easy to controlImprove surface qualityRoads maintainenceBuilding material handlingScreedControl system

A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly into engagement with a concrete surface at a time and place where the vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already screeded concrete. The vibrating member is automatically lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold-joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly placed concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed concrete. Optionally, the soft landing control system may include a timing device and may lower the vibrating member after a period of time following an activating event. Optionally, the control system may detect when the vibrating device is positioned at or near the newly placed concrete and may lower the vibrating member in response to such detection.

Apparatus and method for improving the control of a concrete screed head assembly

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Owner:SOMERO ENTERPRISES INC

Syringe needle sheath

ActiveUS7935087B2Prevent and minimize riskHinder withdrawal of the plungerInfusion needlesEngineeringPrefilled Syringe

A syringe is provided which comprises a barrel (11) and a needle sheath (30) slidably located within the barrel, a plunger (20) with a plunger seal (23), a needle, a needle sheath (30) and a sheath seal (50), arranged so that depression of the plunger forces the needle sheath to move into a position where it covers or at least partly encloses the needle after delivery of fluid contents of the syringe. The needle sheath may be manually actuated or may be actuated by decompression of a spring. The syringe may further comprise a plunger disabling means operable to impede, prevent or otherwise hinder withdrawal of the plunger during or following depression of the plunger. The syringe may be a pre-filled syringe or a syringe which is filled by a user.

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Owner:UN HOLDINGS LLC

Method for engaging the starter pinion of a starter with the starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine

InactiveUS20070137602A1Relieve stressEngage with obstructionPower operated startersInternal combustion piston enginesEngineeringCrankshaft

A method is provided for engaging a starter pinion of a starter with a starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine, which internal combustion engine has an arrangement for determining rotational speed and rotational direction of a crankshaft. The starter pinion is engaged with the starter ring gear when the following conditions are satisfied: a) the speed of the internal combustion engine is below a maximum speed and above a minimum speed; and b) the rotational direction corresponds to the forward rotational direction of the crank shaft.

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Owner:ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

Short pin for taking care of epiphysis fractures

ActiveUS20110137313A1Effectively and reliably stabilisedStable functionInternal osteosythesisJoint implantsHumeral epiphysisDiaphysis

A short nail for treatment of an epiphyseal fracture close to a joint in a long bone includes a two part nail supporting body comprising a main body having a transverse through-bore and releasably attached to a stub body. The stub body has an end that has a diaphyseal slant. The stub body and the lateral slant form part of a diaphyseal anchor which is attachable to the main body via the stub body and which has a flat connecting web that has an oblique orientation and ending laterally in a plane with the diaphyseal slant. A connecting device rigidly and releasably connects the main body and the stub body together. An anchoring device fixes the flat web in flat abutment against the diaphysis. A fixation pin is insertable into the transverse through-bore in a crossed arrangement with, and at a fixed angle to, the supporting body in the state of treatment of the fracture. The fixation pin includes a mechanism to protect against axial movement of the pin.

$Short pin for taking care of epiphysis fractures$

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Owner:TANTUM AG

Travel beverage container

ActiveUS9462904B2Easy to cleanEngage with obstructionTravelling sacksClosure capsEngineeringMechanical engineering

A cleanable lid assembly is provided for a beverage container. The lid assembly has a lid housing having a drink aperture, and a seal assembly that is connected to the lid housing while movable between a first or operable position and a second or cleaning position. The seal assembly has a stopper that can open and close the drink aperture in the first position. The seal assembly is pivotally connected to the lid housing to transition to the cleaning position. A locking member extends transversely from the seal assembly to engage a stop on the lid housing and lock the seal assembly in the operable position. The locking member is moveable radially inward to disengage from the stop and to allow the seal assembly to transition from the first position to the cleaning position.

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Owner:THE COLEMAN CO INC

Syringe Needle Sheath

ActiveUS20080097337A1Prevent and minimize riskHinder withdrawal of the plungerInfusion needlesEngineeringPrefilled Syringe

A syringe is provided which comprises a barrel (11) and a needle sheath (30) slidably located within the barrel, a plunger (20) with a plunger seal (23), a needle, a needle sheath (30) and a sheath seal (50), arranged so that depression of the plunger forces the needle sheath to move into a position where it covers or at least partly encloses the needle after delivery of fluid contents of the syringe. The needle sheath may be manually actuated or may be actuated by decompression of a spring. The syringe may further comprise a plunger disabling means operable to impede, prevent or otherwise hinder withdrawal of the plunger during or following depression of the plunger. The syringe may be a pre-filled syringe or a syringe which is filled by a user.

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Owner:UN HOLDINGS LLC

Sprocket for rear wheel of a bicycle

ActiveUS8882619B2Prevent movementEngage with obstructionChain/belt transmissionGearingSoft materialsEngineering

The present invention relates to a sprocket for use with a bicycle, the sprocket for use with a multi-sprocket assembly and chain, wherein the sprocket is made from a light but comparatively soft material and does not have shifting aids in the form of recesses and notches on the sprocket teeth where the chain rollers are in contact with the load flanks of the teeth.

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Owner:SRAM

System and method for directional drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system

ActiveUS20090044980A1Avoid relative motionEngage with obstructionArtificial islandsDerricks/mastsWell drillingDrilling system

This disclosure relates in general to a method and a system for directionally drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, methods and system provide for controlling motion of the rotary drilling system in the borehole when a side force is applied to the drilling system to bias or focus the motion so that the drilling system directionally drills the borehole through an earth formation. In certain aspects, side cutting of a sidewall of the borehole by a drill bit under an applied side force is controlled by a geostationary element to provide for directional side cutting and, as a result, directional drilling of the borehole through the earth formation. In other aspects, a non-concentrically coupled gauge pad assembly may rotate with the drilling system and bias or focus the applied side force.

System and method for directional drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system

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Owner:SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

Enhanced cage insertion device

ActiveUS8979860B2Ease insertion placementEngage with obstructionInternal osteosythesisJoint implantsBiomedical engineeringIntervertebral disc space

A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

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Owner:DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

Sprocket for Rear Wheel of a Bicycle

ActiveUS20130072334A1Prevent movementEngage with obstructionChain/belt transmissionGearingSprocketEngineering

The present invention relates to a sprocket for use with a bicycle, the sprocket for use with a multi-sprocket assembly and chain, wherein the sprocket is made from a light but comparatively soft material and does not have shifting aids in the form of recesses and notches on the sprocket teeth where the chain rollers are in contact with the load flanks of the teeth.