8249 results about "Universal joint" patented technology

PCT No. PCT / DE97 / 00910 Sec. 371 Date May 13, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date May 13, 1999 PCT Filed May 7, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 41783 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 13, 1997What is described here is an instrument having a shaft element carrying an engaging element disposed on the distal end thereof, which is operated via a proximally disposed actuator element which is integrated into a handle for being mobile in such a way that the angle enclosed by the axis of said handle and by the axis of said shaft element may be varied. The invention is characterized by the provision that the handle is connected to the shaft element via a universal joint.

An air powered wrench device with a pivotable head and associated method of using. The device comprises a handle pivotally attached to an arm. The handle comprises a housing, an air intake nozzle, an air driven motor, a drive shaft, a ball bearing collar, a universal joint, an on / off button, a trigger switch, a directional throw switch, a lock pin, a spring, and a pivot post. The arm is pivotally attached to the handle via the pivot post. The arm includes: an outer casing, an extension rod, a ball bearing sleeve, a first pawl gear, a second pawl gear, and a bit connector. The method of using the device comprises the steps of adjoining, affixing, aligning, allowing, enshrouding, getting, moving, obtaining, putting, rotating, shifting, squeezing, and tightening.

An actively controlled rotary steerable drilling system for directional drilling of wells having a tool collar rotated by a drill string during well drilling. A bit shaft has an upper portion within the tool collar and a lower end extending from the collar and supporting a drill bit. The bit shaft is omni-directionally pivotally supported intermediate its upper and lower ends by a universal joint within the collar and is rotatably driven by the collar. To achieve controlled steering of the rotating drill bit, orientation of the bit shaft relative to the tool collar is sensed and the bit shaft is maintained geostationary and selectively axially inclined relative to the tool collar during drill string rotation by rotating it about the universal joint by an offsetting mandrel that is rotated counter to collar rotation and at the same frequency of rotation. An electric motor provides rotation to the offsetting mandrel with respect to the tool collar and is servo-controlled by signal input from position sensing elements such as magnetometers, gyroscopic sensors, and accelerometers which provide real time position signals to the motor control. In addition, when necessary, a brake is used to maintain the offsetting mandrel and the bit shaft axis geostationary. Alternatively, a turbine is connected to the offsetting mandrel to provide rotation to the offsetting mandrel with respect to the tool collar and a brake is used to servo-control the turbine by signal input from position sensors.

Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.

Spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one pedicle screw and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to the pedicle screw. The mechanism may include a universal joint mechanism or a ball and socket mechanism. In the case of the ball and socket mechanism, at least one spherical element is mounted with respect to the at least one pedicle screw and a socket member cooperates with the spherical element. The spherical element and the socket member cooperate to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the ball element while remaining engaged therewith. The dynamic junction is advantageously incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes additional pedicle screw(s), spherical element(s) and socket member(s). The spinal stabilization system may incorporate dynamic stabilizing member(s) to so as to provide clinically efficacious results.

Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.

A motion interface structure for use with a pedicle screw is provided, the motion interface structure defining a central passage having an internal face. A helical thread is formed on at least a portion of the internal face of the central passage. The motion interface element is designed to cooperate with an upstanding region of a pedicle screw. The upstanding region includes a threaded region that is adapted to threadingly engage the helical thread associated with the motion interface element. The motion interface element may take the form of a spherical element or a universal joint mechanism. The pedicle screw and motion interface element may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes one or more additional pedicle screw / motion interface element subassemblies. The spinal stabilization system may also include a dynamic stabilizing element that provides clinically efficacious results.

A universal joint comprising a pair of circular waveguide ball-joints and a slip-joint allows for simultaneous 3-axis rotation and 3-dimensional translation between an antenna and a stationary source. As such, the universal joint does not have to be physically aligned with the azimuth, and elevation, rotation axis of the antenna and mounted on the gimbal support, greatly simplifying the antenna steering mechanism. The universal joint allows the antenna to be mass-balanced in relation to the azimuth and elevation axis without adding any additional counter weights, thus reducing the size and power requirements of the azimuth and elevation rotation drive systems. Additional ball-joints may be provided to increase the allowed range of motion of the antenna.

A device for balance training and assessing dynamic balance by measuring a subject's ability to react to perturbations. A universal joint assembly is translated at the base of a support plate while a top plate on which the subject stands is fixed against translation. The universal joint permits the attached top plate to rotate about at least one and preferably multiple axes, and the subject must control balance following the translation of the universal joint. All components are housed in a one-piece platform assembly, made up of two plates in which the components are mounted. An existing force plate measurement system is placed on the top plate, and the subject stands thereon during use. A virtual environment, by image-creating devices, may be used to create a realistic sensation of tripping and general postural instability, or shifting of the support surface.

The invention disclosed a multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method by using the same. Structure of the screw comprising a hollow screw being spherical shaped end connecting with an adapting piece, which is universal joint structure; an inner wall of the adapting piece connecting a lock bolt through screw threads; the hollow screw with sharp shaped on another end having a bore inside formed hollow structure in its entirety; the bore having taper shaped tip; expansion gaps uniformly setting up two, or three or four or more anterior fins on the hollow screw along its axial direction upward, prolonging from its tip to the bore; the inner needle is disposed in the bore. The invention can reduce the pedicle screw loose and even occurrence ratio of pull-out and increase the stability and reliability and reduce the failure rate of spinal surgeries at the same time. It is also easy to operate, and degree of expansion is of controllable level.

The integrated computing wireless communication device offers the added flexibility of conventional mobile computing devices while offering optional portability of the wireless communication device. The integrated computing wireless communication device includes an information input / output device connected to a wireless communication device at a universal joint. The information input / output device includes a display and at least one input device. The wireless communication device includes a processor and at least one separate input device. The processor receives the input and presents an output image on the display. The information input / output device and the wireless communication device are electrically connected by electrical contacts of the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pivot for rotating the information input / output device over a vertical axis and a swivel for rotating the information input / output device over a horizontal axis. The universal joint includes mechanical latch positions for latching the integrated computing wireless communication device into a variety of positions for inputting information into the device. The mechanical latch facilitates single-hand operation of the integrated computing wireless communication device by latching the device into angles of rotation of the pivot and the swivel. The information input / output device and the wireless communication device detach at the universal joint so that the wireless communication device may be used independently of the information input / output device. In an alternative embodiment, the information input / output device might be replaced by a mobile computing device which, when separated, may be used independently of the wireless communication device.

This invention is an adaptable computer stand designed to support a laptop computer or keyboard over a user's lap while sitting in a chair or bed. The stand includes a wide, low profile base designed to fit under a living room chair commonly found in a home. Attached perpendicularly to the base is a vertically aligned, fixed pole. Attached to the upper end of the fixed pole is an adjustable, L-shaped extension pole designed to be selectively raised or lowered on the fixed pole, rotate, and then lock in a desired position. Attached to the upper end of the extension pole is a length-adjustable, rotating extension arm. The stand also includes a planar support member used to support a keyboard or laptop computer. Attached to the bottom surface of the support member is a locking universal joint, which, during assembly, is connected to the distal end of the extension arm. The universal joint enables the support member to tilt and rotate as desired.

A method for facilitating horizontal drilling by positioning in a well casing a shoe defining a passageway extending from an upper opening in the shoe through the shoe to a side opening in the shoe. A rod is connected, through at least one block and pin assembly operative as a universal joint, to a casing mill end, and inserted into the well casing and through the passageway in the shoe until the casing mill end substantially abuts the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then rotated until the casing mill end substantially forms a perforation in the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then withdrawn from the well casing, and a nozzle attached to the end of a flexible hose is extended through the passageway to the perforation. Fluid is then ejected from the nozzle and impinges and erodes subterranean formation material.

An apparatus for traversing obstacles having an elongated, round, flexible body that includes a plurality of segments interconnected by an integrated joint actuator assembly. The integrated joint actuator assembly includes a plurality of bellows-type actuators individually coupling adjacent segments to permit pivotal actuation of the apparatus therebetween. A controller is employed to maintain proper positional control and stiffness control while minimize air flow.

In inexpensive structure, a rotation center of a ball portion provided on a rotation shaft is prevented from moving. A universal joint is provided with a rotation shaft (21) having a ball portion (22) provided at an end thereof and a pair of projections (24, 25) formed on a diameter line of the ball portion (22), and a rotation body (26) having guide grooves (28) formed for receiving insertion of the respective projections of the rotation shaft and a holding hole (27) formed for holding the ball portion (22), the ball portion being rotatable about an axis line of the projections and rotatable while inclining the projections along the guide grooves. In the universal joint pins (32, 33) serving as a stopper are provided in the holding hole for inhibiting the ball portion from slipping off.

A hand-held power tool includes a motor mounted in a housing, with a two-axis universal joint mounted to the housing and supporting a rotary chuck. The universal joint includes a yoke mounted to the housing and a hub mounted to the yoke, the hub supporting the chuck. First and second clutches are provided for locking the yoke and the hub. A locking mechanism operatively connects the first and second clutches, and releases both of the first and second clutches simultaneously. A quick release chuck includes a spindle having a longitudinal bore for accepting a shank. A ball or like engaging device is disposed in a radial bore, extending into the longitudinal bore, and radially movable so that at least a portion of the ball extends radially into the longitudinal bore to engage a recess in the shank. A spring biased outer collar disposed about the spindle is movable longitudinally relative to the spindle and has a tapered face for forcing the ball into an aperture. A spring biases the collar into a locking position.

A solar light is provided which includes a solar panel to convert solar energy to electrical energy to recharge a battery. A hinge allows a solar collector unit to pivot and rotate to allow positioning in a wide variety of angles. This enables the solar collector unit to be positioned perpendicular or more nearly perpendicular to sunlight rays while charging. A variety of hinges may be utilized, including a mono-axial hinge, a bi-axial hinge, a spherical hinge, or any other type of universal joint.

A surgical seal assembly for use with a surgical access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument through the seal housing, a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing and having a gimbal seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of the surgical instrument, and an interface seal disposed within the seal housing. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument whereby the gimbal seal member substantially maintains the sealed reception of the surgical instrument. The interface seal includes an interface seal member extending at least along the longitudinal axis and being in substantial contacting sealing relation with the gimbal mount. The interface seal member is adapted to maintain the sealing relation with the gimbal mount upon angular movement thereof.

A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three independently-operated, linear actuators are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. A sensor array carried by the carrier platform includes a primary sensor associated with each actuator. During operation, when a primary sensor is not receiving direct radiant energy, the actuator retracts, and when it is receiving radiant energy directly, the actuator extends. The result is that the platform will directly track the sun across the horizon.