333results about How to "Minimize force" patented technology

A catheter 1 suitable for advancement through a body passageway of a patient. The catheter 1 comprises a catheter body 4 which is flexible to provide the necessary trackability for the catheter 1 to advance through a body passageway, and two stainless steel reinforcement wires 5 extending along the catheter body 4 which provide the necessary pushability to advance the catheter 1 through the passageway. The reinforcements 5 are positioned diametrically opposed to one another by approximately 180 degrees on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the catheter 1, and the catheter body 4 is relatively soft and twistable. This configuration enables the entire catheter 1 to spontaneously twist during advancement so that the reinforcements 5 orientate themselves along a plane of neutral bending during advancement of the catheter 1. In this way, any resistance to the trackability of the catheter 1 due to the stiff reinforcements 5 is minimized.

A system for regulating the functioning of an organ or duct generally includes an implantable band structured to at least partially circumscribe an organ or duct and an actuating mechanism operable to effect constriction of the band. The system further includes a plurality of incompressible cushion segments defining a substantially star-shaped inner circumference of the band, the star-shape effective to prevent pinching and necrosis of tissue during adjustment.

A sleep apnea CPAP mask headgear system is provided which utilizes a vertical adjustable band along with a single lower horizontal adjustable band. The single horizontal strap is coupled to the sleep apnea CPAP mask using quick coupling fasteners. Spring biasing is applied to bias the mask to a user's face.

A motion platform configured as automobile racing vehicle simulator is disclosed. The apparatus that embodies the geometry and various methods of articulation related to a motion platform having advantageous geometric relationships are also set forth. In one embodiment enhanced performance of a motion-generating device having a rider or driver is accomplished through the location of the center of mass of a payload as near as practicable to the pivotal center of the payload support. The device has a base supporting an upstanding column and a sled pivotally mounted to the top of the column. The rider is accommodated on the sled. To achieve the event simulated results intended various acts are performed in configuring the motion platform. These include locating a pivotal center of motion on a column in a position above the base of the motion generating device; locating the position of a center of mass, the center of mass calculated from the mass of the sled and the mass of a rider accommodated on the sled; and mounting the sled on the pivotal center of motion of the device such that the located center of mass is close to the pivotal center of motion of the motion platform.

Disclosed herein is an armored vehicle that includes a frame supported by one or more wheels, a hull affixed to the frame having a generally diamond shaped vertical cross section, the hull including: a plurality of armored panels; one or more bullet proof windows; and an air intake designed to prevent debris from entering an engine compartment, wherein the generally diamond shape of the hull deflects energy from sources that are not normal to a hull surface away from the hull to minimize damage to the hull.

Methods and device are provided for delivery of biologics to an intervertebral disc. Device described herein include a needle assembly and handle assembly that optimize biologic delivery parameters to a target location within a disc. The needle assembly includes the capability of advancing into the disc at pre-configured pathways that allow for minimized damaged and maximized positioning of the biologic.

Wind driven apparatus for an aerial power generation system include driven elements and controls. The driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The driven elements have a sail portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge. The controls change the driven elements between high force configurations for downwind operation and low force configurations for upwind operation, adjust the pitch and azimuth angles of the driven elements, and control the camber.

A method of delivering a stent-graft includes mounting the stent-graft on a pushrod; radially constraining the stent-graft within a sheath; securing a crown portion of the stent-graft to the pushrod with a retainer structure of a stent-graft retainment system; retracting the sheath to expose the crown portion of the stent-graft; and further retracting the sheath to cause the retainer structure to release the crown portion from the pushrod thus deploying the stent-graft. The retainer structure releases the stent-graft automatically as a result of the retraction of the sheath.

An exercise machine includes a pair of slide members having front ends connected to a crank unit for turning along with the crank unit and rear ends linearly slidable on a support. A pair of reciprocating members are mounted on the support for reciprocating forward and backward. A pair of foot support members each have a front pivotal end and a rear free end. The front pivotal end of each foot support member is connected pivotally to one of the slide members between the front and rear ends of the slide member. Each foot support member is connected to one of the reciprocating members rearwardly of the front pivotal end.

An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value. The AFM includes a first feedback circuit nested within a second feedback circuit, wherein the first feedback circuit generates a cantilever control signal in response to vertical displacement of the self-actuated cantilever during a scanning operation, and the second feedback circuit is responsive to the cantilever control signal to generate a position control signal. A Z position actuator is also included within the second feedback circuit and is responsive to the position control signal to position the sample. In operation, preferably, the cantilever control signal alone is indicative of the topography of the sample surface. In a further embodiment, the first feedback circuit includes an active damping circuit for modifying the quality factor ("Q") of the cantilever resonance to optimize the bandwidth of the cantilever response.

A fitting for joining pipes, tubes, or conduits improves coupling capability particularly to a large bore pipe, generally of 2 inches and larger in diameter. The fitting includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve and ring. The sleeve has an inner surface defining a bore, configured to slidably receive the pipe at an open end. The inner sleeve surface also includes protrusions, which deform the outer surface of the pipe upon swaging. The fitting also includes an outer surface having multiple stepped lands of ascending height relative to the open end. The ring has an inner surface configured to engage the multiple ascending steps on the inner sleeve surface. The inner surface of the ring has descending steps that are positioned to interfere with the multiple ascending steps on the outside of the sleeve. Axial motion of the ring causes the ring to slide over the sleeve and apply a radial swaging force directly to the multiple stepped sleeve. The swaging force makes the ring overcome the interference and push down on the multiple ascending steps of the sleeve, which swages the sleeve to the pipe. The multiple ascending steps of the sleeve are positioned relative to the descending steps of the ring, such that only one step at a time is swaged.

The present invention is directed to a generator including a cart-type fame assembly for transporting the generator. The generator of the present invention is mounted to a multi-segmented base frame assembly which forms a partial cage about the generator for protecting the generator while minimizing the overall weight of the apparatus. In additional embodiments, a generator bracket, for supporting an alternator, is implemented to provide a convenient and economical mounting for a pair of wheels.

An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dropping unit that have door cabinets and slider cabinets. The packaging system comprises a front hopper for the door cabinets, and rear hoppers detachably mounted in the base plate to minimize the rebounding of the released tablets, and kinetic force of the tablets being dropped via the corresponding channel.

Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

An airframe apparatus for attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The airframe apparatus includes a collapsible loading frame that is configured to have a stabilized open position and a collapsed closed position. The loading frame is constructed from a plurality of vertical struts and horizontal struts that are hingedly interconnected at corner assemblies to allow the loading frame to be collapsed. A payload hook is connected to each of the corner assemblies by a universal joint. A plurality of legs are rotatably attached to the loading frame and can be extended below the loading frame to support the payload hooks off the ground during landing of the airframe apparatus. Shock absorbing devices are operatively attached to the legs to absorb the impact of the loading frame against the ground during landing. The airframe apparatus is used as part of a cargo management system for transporting multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The cargo management system includes the airframe apparatus, an attached cable assembly which is used to suspend the airframe apparatus beneath an aircraft such as a helicopter, and electronic controls.

An electrically conducting lead (20) that can used in the body for electrical stimulations applications, such as a cochlear implant. The lead comprises a body of relatively electrically insulative material (41) having a relatively electrically conductive element (18) extending therethrough in a wound arrangement. The electrically conductive element (18) is comprised of a plurality of layers of electrical conductors (14). The conductive element (18) is disposed in the lead such that the longitudinal extent of each of the electrical conductors (14) is the same.

An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value. The AFM includes a first feedback circuit nested within a second feedback circuit, wherein the first feedback circuit generates a cantilever control signal in response to vertical displacement of the self-actuated cantilever during a scanning operation, and the second feedback circuit is responsive to the cantilever control signal to generate a position control signal. A Z position actuator is also included within the second feedback circuit and is responsive to the position control signal to position the sample. In operation, preferably, the cantilever control signal alone is indicative of the topography of the sample surface. In a further embodiment, the first feedback circuit includes an active damping circuit for modifying the quality factor (“Q”) of the cantilever resonance to optimize the bandwidth of the cantilever response.

A packaging system, hereinafter referred to as the Critical Packaging System, relates to critical issues that associate with sensitive articles such as IC wafers before, during and after shipment phases. The system employs a choice of two or more specialty designed containers, and any one selected design having choices of two or more methods by which to avoid, reduce and / or eliminate wafer damage from breakage, scratches and / or corrosion during shipment phases. For the purpose of maximizing product yield during packaging phases a special apparatus is used to insert wafers within containers without scratch damage. The following programs are used in packaging: (1) Quality Assurance / Certification, (2) Critical Factor Monitoring, and (3) a Recycle and Refurbish Program. These programs are specifically designed to achieve new levels of product yields, reduce product cost, and landfill impact.

A method of delivering a stent-graft includes mounting the stent-graft on a pushrod; radially constraining the stent-graft within a sheath; securing a crown portion of the stent-graft to the pushrod with a retainer structure of a stent-graft retainment system; retracting the sheath to expose the crown portion of the stent-graft; and further retracting the sheath to cause the retainer structure to release the crown portion from the pushrod thus deploying the stent-graft. The retainer structure releases the stent-graft automatically as a result of the retraction of the sheath.

A drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism includes a crank arm having a drive member. The drive member includes a first abutment facing a forward rotational direction of the crank arm and a non-concave sloped surface facing a rearward rotational direction of the crank arm.

A fitment for use in the discharge of pourable contents from a container wherein the constancy of uniform flow of contents from the container is minimally, if at all, adversely affected by the need for accommodating inflow of ambient air into the container as the contents are discharged from the container, the fitment including a conduit an exit end having an ellipsoidal cross-sectional geometry including a minor portion and an major portion, the geometry of the conduit exit being oriented uppermost toward (topwise of) the top end of the container. A method is disclosed.

Disclosed is a device for tightening a shoelace, the device comprising a shoe main body formed with an opening and a tongue finishing an inside of the opening; a shoelace connecting opposite sides of the opening; a handle connected to at least one of shoelaces connecting the opposite sides of the opening; and a hook formed in rear of the shoe main body and holding the shoelace pulled by the handle.

A door-latching system for a sectional door with multiple door panels helps hold the door at its fully open position in case the door's counterweight torsion spring fails to do so. The door-latching system includes a latch assembly that moves between a maintained release position and a door-blocking position. In the door-blocking position, the latch assembly helps hold the door open by providing an obstruction to the door panels. In the maintained release position, the latch assembly allows the door to move freely between open and closed positions without the door-latching system clacking as the door panels or their guide rollers travel past the latch assembly. Movement of the door panels automatically shifts the latch assembly from its release position to its door-blocking position, and manual actuation returns the latch assembly back to its release position. The latch assembly is especially suited for mounting to a track that guides the movement of the door panels.

A wheeled luggage case that is tilted for towing is provided with a retractable and, optionally, telescoping handle (4) assembly that is withdrawn from the interior of the case to an extended vertical position at the intersection of the top and rear walls, from which it is angularly rotated by the user to a position that minimizes the vertical force that is required to support the hand grip to comfortably tow the luggage. Preferred angular displacements for a wide range of users and loads positioned in and on the luggage case have been found to be at about 17° and 35° from the vertical position.

Described is a sealing system for use at high pressure. End-face seals minimize the sealing radius and therefore allow various fittings—including known ferrule fittings—to be used in high-pressure systems. End-face seals at such high pressure may require smooth surfaces. In order to reduce cost, an end-face preparation tool forges a dimple into the end face to mechanically deform and smooth the surface.

A palletized shipping container (10) for bulk handling of liquids and fluent materials has a collapsible inner bag (30) enclosed in a flexible outer liner / bag (11) having rigid stiffener panels (20) in pocketed sides. The inner bag has a bung at its top end for filling or discharge and a valve fitment (50) near the bottom for receiving a discharge valve. Tape tabs (34, 19) at upper ends of the inner bag and outer liner / bag attach to the top panel and / or stiffener panels to maintain the bags in an erect uncollapsed configuration. The stiffener panels prevent bulging of the inner bag and provide vertical support, but their lateral sides are spaced apart and form non-structural “floating corners” to maximize volume, minimize shock, vibration and abrasive forces on the inner bag, yet maintain impact and compression strength meeting international certification standards. The bung is disposed beneath the top panel after filling the bag to prevent access and provide a tamper resistant assembly.

Disclosed is a magnetic drive for an electrical switch, including a linear armature (26) displaceable between two ends positions, a shunt body (27) mounted at a distance from said armature and means (24, 25, 30, 31) for generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field exerts a force on the armature (26) retaining the latter in the end positions. By joining the shunt body (27) with the armature (26), the course of the flow lines of the magnetic field are changed in such a way that the retaining force exerted on the armature (26) is reduced and the latter is displaced to the other end position, optionally by a force exerted externally on the armature (26), and retained in the position by the magnetic field. Disconnection is effected by the shunt body (27), were after being joined with the shunt body (27) the armature (26) is moved from the end position opposite the shunt body (27) to the end position facing the shunt body (26). Fixing means (37-40, 42-45) are especially provided which hold the shunt body (27) in the end position opposite said shunt body and which joins the shunt body with the armature (26) when the electric switch (1) is disconnected requiring little energy / force expenditure.