31548 results about "Hinge angle" patented technology

A variable pressure reusable sensor has a first jaw having a first hinge and an emitter and an opposing second jaw having a second hinge and a detector. A pin is disposed through the first and second hinges so as to rotatably attach the first and second jaws. The jaws are adapted to attach to a tissue site so that the emitter transmits optical radiation into the tissue site and the detector receives optical radiation after absorption by the tissue site. A spring having a plurality of legs is disposed around the pin and configured so that the legs apply force to the jaws. A tensioner is disposed proximate at least one of the jaws and configured to variably position at least one of the legs so as to adjust pressure exerted by the jaws on the tissue site.

Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.

A joint assembly of an adapter defines a first longitudinal axis and includes first and second hinges, first and second rings, a joint cover, and a biasing mechanism. The joint cover has first and second cover portions. The first ring is pivotally coupled to the first hinge and the first cover portion is pivotally coupled to the first hinge to define a first joint center. The second ring is pivotally coupled to the second cover portion and the second hinge is pivotally coupled to the second ring to define a second joint center that is spaced from the first joint center. The first and second joint centers define a cover axis of the joint cover. The biasing mechanism is engaged with the first ring and the joint cover to bias the joint cover towards an aligned configuration in which the cover axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis.

A computer implemented method of creating a dental model for use in dental articulation includes providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an upper arch image of at least a portion of an upper dental arch of a patient, providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a lower arch image of at least a portion of a lower dental arch of the patient, and providing hinge axis data representative of the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower dental arches relative to a condylar axis of the patient. A reference hinge axis is created relative to the upper and lower arch images based on the hinge axis data. Further, the method may include bite alignment data for use in aligning the lower and upper arch images. Yet further, the method may include providing data associated with condyle geometry of the patient, so as to provide limitations on the movement of at least the lower arch image when the arch images are displayed. Further, a wobbling technique may be used to determine an occlusal position of the lower and upper dental arches. Various computer implemented methods of dental articulation are also described. For example, such dental articulation methods may include moving at least one of the upper and lower arch images to simulate relative movement of one of the upper and lower dental arches of the patient, may include displaying another image with the upper and lower dental arches of the dental articulation model, and / or may include playing back recorded motion of a patient's mandible using the dental articulation model.

The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and / or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.

A hinged socket wrench speed handle having an offset shank (20) with a first end (22) and a second end (24). Attached to the first end (22) is a clevis (28) which receives a 180-degree drive head that is held by a hinge pin (40). The drive head consists of either a square drive head (30) or a ratchet drive head (31). To the second end (24) is attached a handle (58), which rotates the wrench. A second embodiment of the hinged socket wrench includes a second clevis (28) that is added to the second end (24) of the offset shank. The second clevis (28) adds further combinations of angular displacement of the handle (58). Thus increasing the value of the wrench as a tool and also its utility in difficult work areas. The wrench consists of five hinge pin (40) variations which provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke, thereby improving the structural integrity and prolonging the tool's life.

An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.

A pliers for forming orthodontic wires has opposing beaks with complementary wire-forming surfaces that include interfering portions. A hinge mechanism enables the beaks to open and close by rotating about an axis, and also allows a range of axial motion between the beaks sufficient to prevent interference between the wire-forming surfaces as the beaks are closed. By preventing such interference, novel over-bending capabilities can be achieved to form useful bending of low spring rate wire. A spring, such as a Belleville washer, exerts a biasing force parallel to the hinge axis to maintain alignment of the beaks, but allows the required range of axial motion between the beaks to prevent interference.

A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved legs with each having a pair of opposing side surfaces joined at their proximal ends by a flexible hinge section and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces. The first leg terminates at its distal end in a female locking member, and the second leg member terminates in a male locking member complimentary to the female locking member such that when the first and second leg members are moved from an open position to a closed position about the hinge section the male member is lockingly engaged in the female locking member. The clip has a détente positioned on the outer surface of the first leg between the hinge section and the female locking member which serves to urge the first leg to straighten during closure of the clip to reduce the force required to close the surgical clip.

An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.

An electronic apparatus includes a display panel which displays an image; a cover unit which covers the display panel; and support system including a support member. The support member which includes a hinge unit which is rotably formed in the forward and backward directions in the rear side of the cover unit, a first support which is downwardly bent and extends from the hinge unit, and a second support which is upwardly bent and extends from the hinge unit. The configuration of the support system on the electronic apparatus permits a stable support at a variety of angles on an installation plane.

A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved legs with each having a pair of opposing side surfaces joined at their proximal ends by a flexible hinge section and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces. The first leg terminates at its distal end in a female locking member, and the second leg member terminates in a male locking member complimentary to the female locking member such that when the first and second leg members are moved from an open position to a closed position about the hinge section the male member is lockingly engaged in the female locking member. The clip is provided with low profile boss-like elements on the legs thereof to reduce the risk of snagging a suture during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

A refrigerator includes French-style doors and a rotating mullion. The rotating mullion is mounted to one of the French-style doors through first and second hinge members. Each of the first and second hinge members include first and second hinge elements having corresponding cam members. The cam members include multiple lobes and extend about hinge pins that define an axis of rotation for the mullion. The multiple lobes actually define first and second detent positions for the rotating mullion. A spring biases the first cam member against the second cam member so that the rotating mullion is positively maintained in either the first or second position. The mullion is formed from mating halves, each including a portion of an integrally formed pin element. The pin element travels within a guide element to automatically rotate the mullion between the first and second positions during use.

A stent is constructed using interconnected links having micro-mechanical latching mechanisms. The micro-mechanical latching elements allow relative rotational movement of interconnected links in one rotational direction but restrict relative rotational movement of the two links in the opposite direction. The micro-mechanical latch surface features are formed using microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing methods. The male surface of the latching components contains an array of ridges or protrusions, and the receiving surface contains a matching array of recesses. The array of ridges or protrusions and the corresponding recesses have uniformly dissimilar slopes that result in a substantially greater frictional force in one direction than in the opposite direction. The separation distance between the two surfaces is such that the male latch surface is engaged with the receiving surface recesses in the low stress “locked” state, preventing motion in the undesired direction. Each male ridge or protrusion can be underlined by a void that promotes elastic deflection when sliding in the desired direction and recovery into the ‘locked’ state when aligned with the recesses.