4410 results about "Low friction" patented technology

An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

A knee prosthesis, methods of implanting the prosthesis, method of treating arthritis of the knee, and a kit therefore are provided. The prosthesis answers many of the limitations of current knee prosthetic devices by providing a two-component (or alternatively, an optional three-component) device, as either a single structure, or as separate pieces. One of the components is constructed of low friction material, while the second is composed of a weight-dissipating cushioning material; the optional third component is constructed of low friction material. The prosthesis is initially attached to surrounding soft tissue in the knee by biodegradable sutures; it is held permanently in place by fibrous ingrowth into a porous collagen rim in the cushioning component. Major improvements provided by the present invention over currently available prostheses include minimal incisions, minimal or no bone cuts, minimal overall dissection (these improvements lead to shorter hospital stays and rapid rehabilitation and fewer potential for side effects), less prosthetic wear, greater longevity, fewer activity restrictions, able to be used on young, large, active patients, ease of revision, ease of conversion into a total knee arthroplasty if needed.

Disclosed is a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. A release mechanism allows a user to quickly loosen the lace. A safety mechanism inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

Reactive halogen-ion plasmas, having for example, generating chloride ions, generated from low-pressure halogen gases using a radio-frequency plasma are employed for producing low-friction carbon coatings, such as a pure carbon film, at or near room temperature on a bulk or thin film of a compound, such as titanium carbide.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and / or accidental loosing of the lace.

A process of making a tack-free gel is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a mold defining a mold cavity, the mold cavity comprising a plastic material; pouring or injecting a molten gel having a high molding temperature into the mold cavity; and forming the tack-free gel as a thin layer of plastic of the mold cavity is melted over the gel. The forming step further comprises cooling the gel from the molten state to a solidified state. The melting temperature of the plastic material is lower than the molding temperature of the gel; and the higher the temperature differential, the greater the melting of the plastic material and the thicker the layer of the plastic material on the surface of the gel. The mold may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). With the process of the invention, the heat of the molten gel at its molding temperature is transferred to the surface of the LDPE mold so as to melt a thin layer of the LDPE. The mold may comprise a mold base having a plurality of mold holes forming a plurality of mold cavities, each of the mold holes comprising an axial pin to mold an axial hole through a center of the gel, an LDPE cylinder providing a predetermined inside diameter for the mold, and an LDPE disc mounted on the axial pin and disposed at the bottom of each mold cavity in the mold base. The process may further comprise the step of dabbing the gel in a low-friction powder such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a lubricant. The mold may further comprise a mold top disposed axially of the mold base and comprises a plurality of holes forming a plurality of cavities, each of the mold top holes is adapted to receive the LDPE cylinder, and a second LDPE disc disposed at the top of each mold cavity of the mold top.

Single use or disposable cutting blocks and methods for utilizing same are disclosed. The blocks are preferably constructed of polymer and / or other suitable low cost and light weight materials. The blocks may be adapted for use with low friction cutting instruments, as well as other such cutting instruments. Several differently sized and configured blocks may be utilized to perform a single surgical procedure. In addition, kits housing one or more such blocks, with or without other instruments are possible.

Modular ball and socket joint has 1) a cupped ball head, preferably of ceramic, having a support body with an inferior, deep, distally facing, preferably generally planar, surface having a substantially circular outer boundary thereto; a distally opening stem receiving bore preferably centrally located in the support body; a cup wall, extending distally from the support body and having a preferably substantially cylindrical inner surface which extends from said outer boundary of said distally facing surface; and a superficially facing, generally semispherical, smooth external surface, preferably and optimally of a low friction coefficient, encapsulating the support body and cup wall; and 2) an interchangable and modular stem, preferably of metal or metal alloy, having a distally directed spike, and a superior stem cap which is insertable into the bore of the head; optionally with 3) a head-receiving articular cup having an inner articular surface and a mountable back surface, the articular surface of which, when the head-receiving cup is suitably mounted in suitable receiving stock, mates in articulating contact with said smooth external surface of said head when said head and stem are suitably mounted in suitable receiving stock. The head and stem modularity allows for noticeably increased versatility and efficiency in surgical procedures, and the ceramic material is beneficially adapted for employment in the fabrication of femoral resurfacing implants for conservative arthroplasty.

A low friction top coat over a multilayer metal / ceramic bondcoat provides a conductive substrate, such as a rotary tool, with wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The top coat further provides low friction and anti-stickiness as well as high compressive stress. The high compressive stress provided by the top coat protects against degradation of the tool due to abrasion and torsional and cyclic fatigue. Substrate temperature is strictly controlled during the coating process to preserve the bulk properties of the substrate and the coating. The described coating process is particularly useful when applied to shape memory alloys.

Orthopedic implants which include the components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium or alternatively, other orthopedic implants comprising abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in other implant devices as well. The implants also find use as vertebral disc prostheses.

The invention relates to a coated dental screw for retaining and securing components of a dental prosthetic implant stack. The screw is coated with a hard carbon coating / film to provide a low friction surface finish which advantageously results in improved preloading of the screw, and hence a high clamping force between the components of the dental prosthetic implant stack. The coating can comprise diamond-like carbon (DLC), amorphous diamond, crystalline diamond, or a combination thereof. The dental screw can include abutment retaining screws and prosthesis retaining screws. Other advantages provided by the hard carbon coating include high mechanical surface hardness, biocompatibilty, corrosion resistance, chemical inertness and low cost.

Low-friction coatings and glass articles with low-friction coatings are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a coated glass article may include a glass body comprising a first surface and a low-friction coating positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the glass body. The low-friction coating may include a polymer chemical composition. The coated glass article may be thermally stable at a temperature of at least about 260° C. for 30 minutes. A light transmission through the coated glass article may be greater than or equal to about 55% of a light transmission through an uncoated glass article for wavelengths from about 400 nm to about 700 nm. The low-friction coating may have a mass loss of less than about 5% of its mass when heated from a temperature of 150° C. to 350° C. at a ramp rate of about 10° C. / minute.

A correlator system for automatic car wash has roller assemblies for supporting the front left and right wheels of a vehicle entering a car wash line. A set of guide rails or bars cooperate with the roller assemblies to adjust axial displacement and angular misalignment between the vehicle's front end and a conveyor track transporting the vehicle through the car wash facility. The rollers in the roller assembly rotate freely with minimal friction, axially displacing the front end of the vehicle and adjusting the angular misalignment of the front wheels. The low friction, easy-to-rotate rollers are provided with a plurality of braking elements that generate friction against the rollers, retarding their rotation when a worker steps thereon. The friction generated by the braking elements is insufficient to prevent roller rotation during alignment of the front end with the conveyor track. Injuries to car wash personnel caused by loss of balance when stepping on the rollers are virtually eliminated, and an accurate alignment of the vehicle's front end with the car wash conveyor track is reliably achieved.

Wood-based flooring systems with click-type interlocking joint systems include a protective film system covering the contact surfaces of the click system. The protective film system includes one or more sheets of a material with low moisture transmissivity and a low coefficient of friction. In this way, the contact surfaces of the click system are protected against undue humidity absorption and frictional rubbing to thereby avoid squeaking after installation. In some embodiments there are four film sheets covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is one film sheet covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two longitudinal click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two tongue click surfaces, and in others there is film covering only the contact surfaces of the click surfaces.

A prosthetic device having a generally fixed member formed from a low friction material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an articulating titanium member, which includes an articular bearing surface. The articular surface is a zirconium oxide layer formed by applying a coating of zirconium onto the titanium member and heating this in an oxygen-containing environment. This causes the zirconium to oxidize and further causes the zirconium to migrate into the titanium member forming a titanium zirconium diffusion layer, which prevents delamination.

A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.

The invention provides an exercise apparatus with a hemispherical support frame and a rigid ball mounted to the support frame with a low-friction bearing system in between the ball and the support frame so that the ball is freely rotatable in any direction. In one embodiment, the bearing system comprises a plurality of ball bearings and a retainer. The present invention also provides for an exercise system with two omnidirectional rolling apparatuses and a band that tethers the pair of apparatuses. The present invention also provides for methods of using the apparatus and system to perform isotonic exercises.

A compact cartridge for an afterloader includes a housing containing a radioactive sourcewire and a dummy test wire, each accommodated in a helical groove on the periphery of a wire storage drum. The wires are contained in the grooves by low friction bearings, such as rollers, so that advancement of the wire from the drum is under very low friction conditions. The cartridge is removably inserted in the head of an afterloader apparatus and engages a primary drive system and an emergency retract mechanism mounted in the head. The cartridge also contains an electronics board with software for updating the software in the control electronics for the afterloader.

Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes one or more cylindrical bodies, one or more sleeves proximal to the outer diameter or inner diameter of the one or more cylindrical bodies, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface, exposed inner surface, or a combination of both exposed outer or inner surface of the one or more sleeves, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, the outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof of the one or more sleeves. The coating includes one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, erosion, corrosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.

A heat assisted friction stir welding system and fastener for use therewith allows the joining a variety of dissimilar materials, including joining composites and plastics to metal, in which the fastener becomes part of the bond. The fastener can be constructed from multiple materials, allowing for the joining of dissimilar metals. Heating the materials to be joined reduces the clamping force and torque required by the friction stir weld process. The result is a bond that is stronger with less energy input.

The three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil has a portion that is three dimensionally box or cubed shaped. The three dimensional box or cubed shaped portion will form a basket for filling the anatomical cavity at the site in the vasculature to be treated. The vasoocclusive device is formed from at least one strand of a flexible material formed to have a first inoperable, substantially linear configuration for insertion into and through a catheter or cannula to a desired portion of the vasculature to be treated, and a second operable, three dimensional configuration for occluding the desired portion of the vasculature to be treated. The vasoocclusive coil may optionally include a portion that is substantially J-shaped or helically shaped, for filling and reinforcing the three dimensional portion.

A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A down-loadable compression insert has a lower friction fit collet and an outer receiver press fit surface. A down-loadable retaining ring has at least one inner edge and outer tiered surfaces. The ring cooperates with the shank to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. A uni-planar assembly is included.