186results about How to "Simple and compact design" patented technology

An elastic or flexible element for use in a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae is provided. The elastic or flexible element is provided in the form of an essentially cylindrical body with a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein at least one of the opposite ends of the cylindrical body comprises a coaxial bore hole with an internal thread for connecting to a shaft and / or a head of a bone screw or for connecting to a rod section. The present invention further provides a bone anchoring element, e.g. a bone screw, with a shaft for the anchoring in a bone, whereby the shaft comprises an elastic or flexible section which is formed integrally with the shaft or as a separate elastic or flexible element. It is preferable for the elastic section to be implemented in the form of a helical spring. Moreover, the present invention provides a stabilization device for bones, for instance for vertebrae, said device comprising at least one bone anchoring element according to the invention, a second bone anchoring element and a rod or plate connecting the bone anchoring elements.

A rod-shaped implant element (1, 100, 101, 102, 300) is disclosed for the connection of bone anchoring elements, Each bone anchoring element has an anchoring section (12) to be anchored in the bone and a receiver member (13) to be connected to the rod-shaped implant element The rod-shaped implant element has at least one rigid section (7, 8) that is configured to be placed in the receiver member (13). It also has a flexible section (9, 90, 900, 902) that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed in one piece. Also disclosed is a stabilization apparatus using a rod-shaped implant element and at least two of the bone anchoring elements. The stabilization apparatus can limit the movement of two vertebrae or parts of a bone in relation to each other in a defined manner.

A rod-shaped implant element for the connection of bone anchoring elements includes at least one rigid section that is configured to be placed in a receiver member of a bone anchoring element and a flexible section that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed as a continuous one-piece element.

A surgical robotic system includes a robotic arm, an end effector movably connected thereto and provided with a movable end effector element driven by an actuator, and a force sensor arranged between the robotic arm and the end effector. The actuator is formed by a hydraulic cylinder. The robotic arm is provided with a hydraulic line connected to said hydraulic cylinder of the end effector.

A one-transistor dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell includes a transistor which has a first source / drain region, a second source / drain region, a body region between the first and second source / drain regions, and a gate over the body region. The first source / drain region includes a Schottky diode junction with the body region and the second source / drain region includes an n-p diode junction with the body region.

In a device for activating a lace-up traction device for a shoe (1), comprising a slider (22) and a hingeably held tension lever (9) which can be pushed down when the shoe (1) is put on, said tension lever (9) in the pushed-down state being lockable to the slider (22) and being unlockable by pushing the slider (22) forward; said slider (22) comprising a guide (37) for a rocker (39), which rocker (39) elsewhere is guided in a further longitudinal guide (26) and which rocker (39) is pre-tensioned in the direction of hingeing forward and upward by a spring arrangement (7), a simple and clear design as well as good functional safety are achieved in that the guide (37) comprises two branches (37a, 37b) arranged at an angle in relation to each other; in that the slider (22) comprises a stopping face (28), and the rocker (39) comprises an associated engagement element (41) by which the slider (22) can be moved to the rear, into the rear snap-in position; and in that the slider (22) comprises a guide (30), while the rocker (39) comprises an associated engagement element (41) by which the engagement element (41) of the rocker (39), which engagement element engages the guide (37), can be made to move to a position which is suitable for moving into the front branch (37a) of the guide (37).

An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor of the present invention utilizes a plurality of thermocouples grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouples is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouples are connected in series and produce a signal directly indicative of the level of the liquid along the sensor. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with the liquid level sensor.

Systems and methods for providing a line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) are disclosed. The LSLO uses a substantially point source of light, such as an infrared laser or a super-luminescent diode. The point source is expanded to a line. The LSLO scans the line of light in a direction perpendicular to the line across a region of an eye having an undilated pupil The reflected light is received confocally, using monostatic beam geometry. A beam separator, such as a turning prism or mirror, diverts one of the incoming light and the reflected light to separate the light. An optical stop prevents non-confocally received light from reaching a one-dimensional detector, such as a linear CCD array. An electrical signal responsive to the output light at each of a plurality of locations along the line of output light is processed to provide images of the scanned portion of the eye.

Systems and methods for providing a line-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (LSLO) are disclosed. The LSLO uses a substantially point source of light, such as an infrared laser or a super-luminescent diode. The point source is expanded to a line. The LSLO scans the line of light in a direction perpendicular to the line across a region of an eye having an undilated pupil The reflected light is received confocally, using monostatic beam geometry. A beam separator, such as a turning prism or mirror, diverts one of the incoming light and the reflected light to separate the light. An optical stop prevents non-confocally received light from reaching a one-dimensional detector, such as a linear CCD array. An electrical signal responsive to the output light at each of a plurality of locations along the line of output light is processed to provide images of the scanned portion of the eye.

The invention provides an automated method and apparatus for pizza production which is initiated by individual order placement and uses only fresh ingredients (no ingredients are frozen, pre-prepared or pre-cooked). Each dough portion is individually and mechanically prepared from flour and other fresh, pre-proportioned ingredients. The dough portion passes through a series of shaping and pre-heating processing stations to prepare a flattened and partially baked pizza base. Using a preheated or continuously heated conveying tray, the pizza base passes under a number of metering and distribution devices for selected application of tomato sauce and / or various other toppings according to the order. Baking occurs in one of multiple ovens to complete pizza preparation. Multiple ovens are provided to facilitate the automated preparation of multiple pizzas at any given time. A tray conveying system transports one or more trays through the various processing stations to accommodate multiple orders at the same time.

The present invention relates to an absorption gas analyzer for measuring a concentration of at least a component gas in a sample gas. The absorption gas analyzer comprises a main absorption cell for containing the sample gas for measurement therein. At least a narrow band emitter emits electromagnetic radiation in at least a predetermined narrow wavelength band which is transmitted through the main absorption cell. A reflecting device is disposed for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation after transmission through the main absorption cell such that the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted again therethrough. At least a detector detect the electromagnetic radiation and provide at least an intensity signal in dependence upon the concentration of the at least a component gas. The absorption gas analyzer enables simultaneous determination of concentration of a plurality of individual component gases with a high level of accuracy.

The invention relates to a device for alignment of a first component (1) and a second component (2) in a predetermined relation to each other, comprising a transmitter unit (7) arranged for mounting on said first component (1) and comprising a light source (9) for the generation of light radiation (10) with a predetermined pattern in the direction towards a receiver unit (11; 11′, 22, 27; 27′) arranged for mounting on said second component (2), where the receiver unit (11; 11′) comprises a detection device (18a, 18b; 18a′, 18b′ 23a, 23b; 28a, 28b; 28′a, 28′b) for said light radiation (10). The invention is characterised in that said detector device (18a, 18b; 18a′, 18b′, 23a, 23b; 28a, 28b, 28′a, 28′b) comprises a first detector (18a, 18a′ 23a; 28a; 28a′) and a second detector (18b; 18b′ 23b; 28b; 28′b), respectively, which are separated depthwise in relation to said transmitter unit (7). The invention also relates to a receiver unit (11; 11′; 22, 27, 27′) for the above-mentioned type of alignment, and also a method for such alignment. By means of the invention, an improved alignment of for example belt discs is provided.

A combined service and parking brake apparatus, having a brake unit equipped with a brake disc and at least one brake pad in which a fluid pressure actuatable brake piston is able to place the brake pad against the brake disc and having a parking brake unit which includes an electric drive unit, a transmission, and a spindle unit equipped with a nut and spindle in order to mechanically lock the brake unit in a parking brake position, and in which the electric drive unit, the transmission, and the spindle unit are situated in series on a common axis.

The invention provides an automated method and apparatus for pizza production which is initiated by individual order placement and uses only fresh ingredients (no ingredients are frozen, pre-prepared or pre-cooked). Each dough portion is individually and mechanically prepared from flour and other fresh, pre-proportioned ingredients. The dough portion passes through a series of shaping and pre-heating processing stations to prepare a flattened and partially baked pizza base. Using a preheated or continuously heated conveying tray, the pizza base passes under a number of metering and distribution devices for selected application of tomato sauce and / or various other toppings according to the order. Baking occurs in one of multiple ovens to complete pizza preparation. Multiple ovens are provided to facilitate the automated preparation of multiple pizzas at any given time. A tray conveying system transports one or more trays through the various processing stations to accommodate multiple orders at the same time.

A spanner socket for application with conventional hand tools such as ratchet drivers and fixed wrenches employed for imparting torque to a work piece about an axis of rotation includes a generally cylindrical shaped base member which defines a predetermined number of engagement surfaces which are circumferentially arranged around the axis of rotation. The engagement surfaces are employed for releasably coupling with the associated hand tool. Two or more elongated drive pins are carried by the base member for rotation therewith about said axis of rotation. Each drive pin defines an axis of elongation, which is parallel to the axis of rotation and spaced from the axis of rotation for engagement with the work piece for the application of torque thereto.

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, which comprises means for preventing terminals from being deformed during connection of the connector. The electrical connector of the present invention comprises: a terminal position assuring member mounted to a connector housing; and a terminal protecting plate mounted to the terminal position assuring member. The terminal protecting plate comprises a first engaging element and the terminal position assuring member comprises a second engaging compactly configured since there is no need to provide any means for mounting or retaining the terminal protecting plate to the connector housing.

The motion damper includes a damper wall, damper stages, and a damper head. The damper wall and damper stages are successively smaller in size and have a nested relationship. The damper wall and damper stages are each flexibly attached to an adjacent damper stage or the damper wall such that the damper stages may deploy in a telescopic fashion away from the damper wall. The damper head is attached to a smallest damper stage. As a result, the damper stages change in position relative to the damper wall and relative to each other to absorb the kinetic energy of objects attached to the damper head and damper wall.

In a device for activating a lace-up traction device for a shoe (1), comprising a slider (22) and a hingeably held tension lever (9) which can be pushed down when the shoe (1) is put on, said tension lever (9) in the pushed-down state being lockable to the slider (22) and being unlockable by pushing the slider (22) forward; said slider (22) comprising a guide (37) for a rocker (39), which rocker (39) elsewhere is guided in a further longitudinal guide (26) and which rocker (39) is pre-tensioned in the direction of hingeing forward and upward by means of a spring arrangement (7), a simple and clear design as well as good functional safety are achieved in that the guide (37) comprises two branches (37a, 37b) arranged at an angle in relation to each other; in that the slider (22) comprises a stopping face (28), and the rocker (39) comprises an associated engagement element (41) by means of which the slider (22) can be moved to the rear, into the rear snap-in position; and in that the slider (22) comprises a guide means (30), while the rocker (39) comprises an associated engagement element (41) by means of which the engagement element (41) of the rocker (39), which engagement element engages the guide (37), can be made to move to a position which is suitable for moving into the front branch (37a) of the guide (37).

A frequency conversion diode beam combiner system is provided to multiplex several frequency converted laser beams and therefore keep the beam-quality of a single emitter. This multiplexing is physically impossible with free propagating beams. Both transformations, the frequency conversion and the beam multiplexing, must take place in one step in a single optical component or complex. This also aids the system to be very compact. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system delivers a single beam which consists of several multiplexed beams from the converted radiation of the diode laser emitters. The high power high beam-quality of this device is not reachable with current diode lasers. A broad range of visible and infra-red wavelengths is possible. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system can replace high power continuous wave (cw) solid state lasers, because its design is scaleable, small and simple.

The invention describes a retaining and positioning device of a surgical instrument and / or of an endoscope for minimally invasive surgery, more particularly for use within a surgical robot system, including a first axis of rotation, around which a retaining element can be rotated. The first axis of rotation always intersects with a longitudinal axis of at least one surgical instrument and / or of an endoscope in a pivotal point by means of a thrust drive being attached to the retaining element, to which thrust drive an instrument drive unit can be rotatably arranged around the pivotal point. The instrument drive unit has a telescopic arrangement via which the surgical instrument can be moved in a translational manner along the longitudinal axis thereof by means of a guide arrangement in the body in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument is variably adjustable relative to the telescopic arrangement.

The powered ramp door lift is used in cargo trailers and other ramp door applications and includes a powered winch assembly, a pair of wire cables or nylon straps connecting the winch assembly to the ramp door, and a “pusher” mechanism. The winch assembly mounted to the trailer header winds and unwinds the cables onto a pair of spools mounted to a drive shaft, which is driven by an electric motor. The “pusher” mechanism prevents the “unspooling” problems that effect the operation of winches in automated ramp door applications. The pusher mechanism engages the ramp door in the closed position and applies an outward force to the ramp door over a small portion of its travel to assist in the initial lowering of the ramp door from the closed position. The winch assembly also includes a cable tension winch shut off mechanism, which deactivates the winch motor in the absence of any tension on cables.

A pressure sensor module having a sensor housing which includes a housing part in which electrical conductors are partially embedded, the sensor housing being provided with a first cavity, in which a sensor system is situated, and a second cavity which is sealed against the first cavity and in which is provided at least one capacitor, and the first cavity being provided with a receptacle part having a receptacle formed by a peripheral wall, the sensor system being inserted into this receptacle and covered by a protective covering filled into the receptacle. The sensor system is contacted with connecting elements provided on the receptacle part, these connecting elements being directly connected to connecting sections of the electrical conductors; and the at least one capacitor provided in the second cavity is connected to at least one of the electrical conductors via an electrically conductive material.

A proportional valve for controlling a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, including a valve housing, an ejector unit, which is situated on the valve housing, having an inflow area, to which a first gaseous medium is fed under pressure, having an intake area, at which a second gaseous medium is present, and having a mixing tube area, from which a mixture of the first and second gaseous medium emerges, the intake area being situated between the inflow area and the mixing tube area, having an actuator, and a closure element, which is connected to the actuator, and unblocks and closes a passage opening, the passage opening being situated between the inflow area and the intake area of the ejector unit.

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, which comprises means for preventing terminals from being deformed during connection of the connector. The electrical connector of the present invention comprises: a terminal position assuring member mounted to a connector housing; and a terminal protecting plate mounted to the terminal position assuring member. The terminal protecting plate comprises a first engaging element and the terminal position assuring member comprises a second engaging compactly configured since there is no need to provide any means for mounting or retaining the terminal protecting plate to the connector housing.

A first planet stage of an epicyclic gearbox revolves in a gearbox housing and includes a planet support having two interconnected side pieces. Planet gears are borne in the planet support via planet gear bearings and engage a central sun gear shaft and a hollow gear secured to the gearbox housing. A first channel has one end connected to an oil supply in communication with an oil feed pump and passes through a gearbox housing wall, and another end connected via second channels, passing through one side piece of the planet support, to third and fourth channels, passing through the shafts of the planet gears and open to the planet gear bearings. The first channel passes through an insertion apparatus secured in the gearbox housing and. The first planet stage is complemented by a second planet stage with a second planet support, second planet gears and a second sun gear shaft, with the insertion apparatus including a radial stator with an axial bush arranged radially between the first and second planet supports.