268 results about "Hand maneuver" patented technology

Power tools of the type under consideration include hammer drills, for example, which are electric or battery powered and includes two modes of operation: a rotation mode and a rotation-hammer mode. A manually operable selector lever enables the hammer drill to be selectively operated in one of the two modes by disengaging and engaging a hammer mechanism. In rotation-hammer mode, the drive shaft of the hammer drill rotates a tool element about a rotational axis and oscillates the tool element along a rotational axis. An attachment mountable within the chuck of a hammer drill prevents a tool element from rotating when the hammer drill is operating in rotation-hammer mode. The hammer drill attachment transfers hammer action, but not rotation, to the tool element. The hammer drill attachment enables dual function power tools to be operated in a hammer only mode to perform a function, for example, chiseling.

Apparatus for a CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided comprising an Internal CMM Arm with a base end and a probe end, and an Exoskeleton driving the Internal CMM Arm through a plurality of transmissions. One or more contact probes, optical probes and tools are mounted on the probe end. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided in manually operable and automated embodiments. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is operable for accurate measurement or for performing accurate operations. Methods are provided for operation of the CMM Arm with Exoskeleton.

A novel adjustable hand grip device for use with a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides an ergnomically formed pistol grip rotatably positioned on a manually manipulated multijointed measuring arm allowing a plurality of angular positions convenient to an operator. The adjustable hand grip includes a clamp for releasably securing the device n a preselected position. An embodiment of the present invention includes a ball and detent device for releasably positioning the hand grip in a plurality of preselected positions. In yet another embodiment the hand grip device includes a swivel joint allowing rotation of the pistol grip relative to the clamp.

Systems and methods for interruptible autonomous control of a vehicle. Autonomous control is achieved by using actuators that interact with input devices in the vehicle. The actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate the input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle, brake, tie rods, steering gear, throttle lever, or accelerator) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Although operating autonomously, manual operation of the vehicle is possible following the detection of events that suggest manual control is desired. Subsequent autonomous control may be permitted, permitted after a prescribed delay, or prevented.

Crossbow bowstring drawing mechanisms which are integrated into or secured in the crossbow handle and which provide a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring to cock the crossbow bowstring in position in the crossbow trigger mechanism ready for firing. The cocking system can be manually operated or motorized, and can be manufactured as part of a crossbow or retrofit into a crossbow. An internal or external source of rotational power, such as hand crank, power screwdriver or an electrical motor, is preferably utilized in conjunction with a claw member including a bowstring engaging portion to translate rotation of the input source to longitudinal movement of the claw member to draw or release the crossbow bowstring resulting with minimal effort being expended by the user. The claw member may include adjustable cams used to center the claw member with respect to the crossbow barrel.

The present invention describes a device for performing breast biopsies and / or therapy within magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The apparatus includes a RF receiver antenna for magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. The RF coil includes openings in the front and side to provide access to the breast during the procedure. Compression plates are integrated into the breast coil which compress the breast either laterally or in the head / feet direction as required for optimal access to the breast. The apparatus includes a mechanical device for positioning interventional instruments in the breast such as biopsy or therapy instruments. The mechanical positioning devices position the instrument along the desired trajectory to the target site and insert the instrument into the breast while the patient remains inside the MRI scanner. Real time MR images may be acquired during instrument alignment and insertion to verify the trajectory. The mechanical positioning devices allow manipulation of instruments in any type of MRI scanner, including high field MRI systems with cylindrical magnets. The positioning devices provide a means to overcome limited access to the patient in MRI scanners. The positioning devices may be manually operated by means of gears, drive shafts, cables or other mechanical means. Or they may be electronically controlled by means of MR compatible motorized drive systems. The devices may be remotely controlled from outside the magnet for MRI systems that have limited access to the patient in the magnet. An interface between the electronically controlled drivers and the MRI scanner computer can provide robotic control of the instrument.

A mirror device includes one or more light devices disposed behind a mirror, to generate lights to light the mirror. A remote detecting device may be used to detect whether one or more users go toward or go close to the mirror or not, and to actuate the light device to generate the lights when the users are detected to go toward the mirror. The light device may thus be actuated to light the mirror without being contacted by the users or without being operated by the users manually. A control device may be used to actuate the light device to generate the light. The remote detecting device includes a light emitting device to generate a light to detect whether the user goes toward the mirror or not.

A transom bracket enclosing a hydraulic power cylinder is mounted to the transom of a watercraft. An actuation rod of the power cylinder moves multiple lift arms connected to a platform bracket supporting a platform for supporting a small auxiliary watercraft. Electrical or manual operation of the power cylinder causes the platform bracket to move in a vertical direction either upwards out of the water or downwards into the water. A lock mechanism operated by a lock cylinder locks the lift apparatus in place when not in operation. Grooves on sides of the transom bracket and transversely extended pins connecting the linkage arms provide a downward stop to movement of the lift apparatus.

A combination fastener and separate, manually operable lighting device includes a pair of complimentary fastener members for releasably securing portions of a portable carrying case, such as a lady's handbag, in a closed position when mating surfaces of the complementary members are placed in contact with each other. The lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED), battery and switch, and an optional programmed microprocessor controller, that is removably secured to a first member of the pair of fastener members. The lighting device is deactivated when the mating surfaces are placed proximate to each other and is activated to illuminate an interior of the accessory when the surfaces are separated. The lighting device utilizes a reed switch which responds to a proximate magnetic force and the complimentary member includes a magnet so that the powers to the LED is turned off when the mating surfaces are brought into contact with each other.

The motor drive for a patio umbrella is a motorized accessory for raising and lowering a patio umbrella. The motor drive for a patio umbrella has an electric motor contained within a housing mounted to the sliding hub, or to the pole, of a patio umbrella. A spool is fixed on the motor's shaft, and a thin cord is taken up by, or unwound from, the spool as the motor is operated in forward or reverse directions. The cord is fastened to the patio umbrella so that, as the cord is taken up by the spool, the umbrella opens. As the cord unwinds from the spool, the umbrella closes. A control circuit operates the motor automatically in response to a photosensor or a remote control signal, or manually by a simple three-position switch.

An industrial robot including a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, a portable operating unit for teaching and manually operating the robot, which operating unit is adapted for wireless communication with the control unit and including an operator control. The transmissions may be made wirelessly with redundant software processes for transmission and / or reception. Safety is increased by ensuring that the operator is within the specified operating area.

The present invention relates to an interchangeably manual or automatic ratchet wrench that the user may couple an electric hand grip having a motor therein to the rear end of a stud member of a handle so as to urge a cartridge to rotate in an electric operation manner, or couple a manual hand grip to the rear end of the stud member of the handle so as to urge the cartridge to rotate in a manual operation manner, such that achieving a multi-purpose operation.

This invention discloses an oral care cleaning system with a handle with an adapter at one end with a means to accept different oral hygiene instruments. The instruments are configured such that they attach to the adapter contained in the handle. The handle contains a means to vibrate, oscillate, pulsate, slowly rotate or more rapidly rotate / spin the adapter. The adapter is driven by a motor. The device has a selection of oral hygiene instruments that connect to the adapter. Each instrument is preferably dedicated to a single use but can have multiple uses. These instruments include but are no limited to, a toothbrush, flosser, gum massager, tooth pick, whitener / polisher, mirror, tongue scraper, sonic cleaner, fixed toothbrush, pick wand, and water discharge nozzle connected to a water source. These instruments can be either manually operated or motorized, and they can be permanent or single service use.

A bicycle gear shifting control apparatus has a manually operated shift device, a first gear shifting operation executing component, and a second gear shifting operation executing component. The manually operated shift device operates a front derailleur to shift gears. In response to operation of the manually operated shift device, the first gear shifting operation executing component executes a first gear shifting operation to move the front derailleur from a first shift position of a first sprocket to a second shift position of second sprocket. The second gear shifting operation executing component executes a second gear shifting operation to move the front derailleur a very small amount from the second shift position to a post shift position upon determining that the shifting operation should proceed.

A collapsible wheeled cart for carrying cases comprises a handle, a support platform for a carrying case pivotally connected to a lower end of the handle, a pair of wheel arms each having an outer end carrying a wheel and an inner end pivotally connected to the lower end of the handle, and an actuator operable to effect movement of the platform and wheel arms in unison from a non-deployed position in a collapsed configuration for the cart to a deployed position in an expanded configuration for the cart. The actuator is operable by a user applying a single manual operative motion to the actuator, which serves to expand the depth and width of the cart when it is placed in the expanded configuration from the collapsed configuration. A convertible carrying case system includes a carrying case, a wheeled luggage cart supporting the carrying case, a connector element on the cart and a complementary connector element on the carrying case releasably lockingly engaged with the connector element on the cart allowing a non-rolling carrying case to be converted into a rolling carrying case.

A task chair equipped with a mechanism for independently adjusting the height and width of support arms by the manual operation of a single adjustment knob. Each of the support arms includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that are pivotally coupled by corresponding pivot joints. Each second arm portion carries one of a pair of arm pads. Each second arm portion may be inclined relative to the corresponding first arm portion for inclining the corresponding arm pad relative to a seat plate of the task chair. Each arm pad is joined with the corresponding second arm portion by a coupling mechanism that permits movement of each arm pad with two degrees of translational freedom and one degree of rotational freedom.

A hook mechanism for use with a lifting crane or other lifting apparatus which provides for a safety latch mechanism is disclosed. The hook provides a latching mechanism to prevent accidental or unintentional release of a load, lifting cable or line being held by the hook. The latch mechanism secures the throat of the hook and remains engaged to prevent disengagement of a line being lifted until such release is desired. The latch mechanism is remotely releasable by use of a manually operated release line or in a preferred embodiment a remotely controlled wireless release mechanism. The safety latch element of the hook contains a spring mechanism to provide for automatic opening upon release of the latch by the remote means.

A bicycle gear shifting control apparatus has a manually operated shift device, a first gear shifting operation executing component, and a second gear shifting operation executing component. The manually operated shift device operates a front derailleur to shift gears. In response to operation of the manually operated shift device, the first gear shifting operation executing component executes a first gear shifting operation to move the front derailleur from a first shift position of a first sprocket to a second shift position of second sprocket. The second gear shifting operation executing component executes a second gear shifting operation to move the front derailleur a very small amount from the second shift position to a post shift position upon determining that the shifting operation should proceed.

A device for monitoring the status of a railcar handbrake having a hand operated handle, which device has a load bearing member configured to be inserted in the linkage of a railcar handbrake system so that the force applied to the brake system passes through the load bearing member. A strain gauge mounted on the load bearing member measures the strain. The information from the strain gauge is indicative of the force applied by the handbrake to the brake and is used to determine the status of the handbrake. Means for determining motion of the railcar is also provided. In one form, if it is determined that the brake is on and the railcar is in motion, information, such as an alarm, is transmitted. A system and method of monitoring a railcar handbrake are also provided.

The loading dock traffic automation and inventory control system of the present invention automates the loading dock area by controlling a truck control notification automation system, traffic signal dock lights, loading dock spot light, loading dock fan and dock leveler. The manually operated control panel is energized or de-energized with full automation by the movement of the overhead dock door. The device includes a control panel enclosure mounted on the interior wall of the building next to the loading dock door. One control panel enclosure can service one or two loading dock doors.

A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker or trailer is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Pivotal locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members. A controller is provided to energize the cover and locking member actuators and to inflate and deflate the seal. The controller activates the locking member and lid actuators and inflates or deflates the seal in sequence to unlock and open the lid or to close and lock the lid. The controller includes a manually operable switch assembly which activates the manhole cover to open and close the lid. The switch assembly is located remote from the manhole cover, and preferably near the bottom of the tanker.

A foldable stroller includes two locking devices for locking a frame body in an extended position, and a twist actuator mounted on and rotatable relative to a grip and having two cam paths disposed on an inner shell surface thereof. Two cam followers are interposed between the grip and the twist actuator, and have cam surfaces to confront and slidably engage the cam paths so as to move the cam followers along an axis when the twist actuator is rotated. Two keys are secured by the cam followers and extend radially and inwardly to be inserted into and slidable along two keyways formed in the grip. Two pulling cords respectively connect the keys with the locking devices to pull the locking devices so as to unlock the frame body when the cam followers are moved. A retaining member is disposed to prevent movement of the cam followers, and is manually operable to move radially.

A universal automation line is configured for the assembly of electronics and mechanical devices. The universal automation line includes universal cells or stations that can be programmed to perform a variety of automated assembly tasks such as glue dispensing, screw driving, pick and place, etc. The stations are interchangeable by different module design such as selective soldering, heat stacking, bottom lead trimming, bottom screwing and ultrasonic welding. Each station can also include an automated robot, which is also interchangeable, to perform different tasks and complete fully automated assemblies. The stations can be sequenced inline for a fully automated line or combined with some manual operation. The stations can communicate by standardized interfaces and local networks, and can be expanded to an intranet or the internet for remote control.

A power assist apparatus which includes a battery pack that connects with a motor housing with the battery pack being removably mounted on the frame of the bicycle and the motor housing being mounting on a mounting plate which is carried by one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is designed to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but also as a sole source of power for the bicycle. The mounting plate is to be affixed to the frame of the bicycle upon the desired location being selected for the mounting plate. The motor assembly operates a drive gear, pulley or sprocket which connects to a driven gear, pulley or sprocket which is mounted in conjunction with one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The motor housing may be disconnectable from the mounting plate as also the battery pack is capable of being disengaged from the frame of the bicycle permitting the bicycle to be used as a conventional bicycle without the power assist apparatus. The motor assembly is indexed to the axle of the support wheel maintaining accurate alignment in all operating conditions and upon repeated engagements and disengagements of the support wheel from the bicycle frame.

A showerhead for personal hygiene is provided that includes a valve actuator that is powered mechanically or electrically to provide variation in spray pattern, variation in water flow, or a combination thereof upon a user initiating valve actuator operation. A power supply, with a recharge capability for the power source, is provided of a battery-electric motor or a spring, the power supply is in mechanical communication with the actuator. A user interface includes buttons corresponding to different multimodal operational programs for the showerhead. A user programmable keypad allowing selection between different spray modes, flow rates and a combination thereof is provided within an integral showerhead housing or a remote control. A user is able to change modes without intervening manual manipulation between modes; as a result an enhanced massage experience is provided. A timed shower period, reduced water flow patterns, or a combination thereof is also provided to save water.

A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.

The present invention relates to an interchangeably manual or automatic ratchet wrench that the user may couple an electric hand grip having a motor therein to the rear end of a stud member of a handle so as to urge a cartridge to rotate in an electric operation manner, or couple a manual hand grip to the rear end of the stud member of the handle so as to urge the cartridge to rotate in a manual operation manner, such that achieving a multi-purpose operation.

An electrically or manually operable brake drive for the brakes of a vehicle which has a gear train optionally driven by a reversible electric motor or a manual member. The brakes can be set or released by the electric motor without manual changing of the drive components permitting setting and releasing of the brakes at a location remote from the drive. For maintaining the brakes in a “set” mode, the drive includes a gradual release detent mechanism which permits rotation of the gears in the brake setting direction but opposes such rotation in the opposite direction unless a drive shaft rotatable by the motor or the manual member is rotated in the brake release direction.