Paddle

About: Paddle is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 5649 publications have been published within this topic receiving 28389 citations.

Apparatus for underwater exercise

Abstract: Underwater exercise apparatus includes at least one paddle, which is coupled to an axle causing the paddle to rotate in response to rotation of the axle. When under water, the paddle produces resistance to the rotation of the axle. In a preferred embodiment, the paddle may be made part of a treadmill for underwater use for varying the resistance to movement of the treadmill belt. In a treadmill embodying the invention, the axle of one of the rollers supporting the belt, which roller is tightly coupled to the belt, extends beyond the side edge of the belt. Directly connected to the extending end of the axle, for rotation therewith, is a paddle. In use, movement of the belt causes rotation of the paddle through the water. The water resists the movement of the paddle which, in turn, resists movement of the belt. The amount of resistance to belt movement is a function of the speed of movement of the belt and the size of the paddle which is designed to be readily changed as desired. The paddle may include means for varying the pitch of the paddle(s). The paddle may also be used in combination with numerous other types of underwater exercise apparatus such as, for example, a bicycle type apparatus.

Snap-action switch actuator

Abstract: A switch actuator having a bezel, paddle and spring-biased lever. The bezel has a pivot defining a first pivot axis and an outer surface defining a plane. The paddle has an outer surface and an inner surface facing in a direction opposite the outer surface. The inner surface has structure for actuating a switch in response to actuation of the paddle, which is pivotably supported in the bezel for limited pivoting movement about the first pivot axis between first and second positions. A lever is pivotably mounted on the bezel and disposed at an acute angle to said plane. The lever is pivotable with respect to the bezel and the paddle about a second pivot axis as the paddle is pivoted about the first pivot axis. The second pivot axis is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. A spring is disposed at an acute angle to the plane. A first end of the spring is received by a spring receiver on the paddle inner surface and a second end of the spring is received by a spring receiver on the lever. The spring is spaced a distance from the second pivot axis and positioned between the second pivot axis and the spring receiver on the lever. The spring biases the paddle to the first position as it is operated toward the second position until approximately a midpoint of movement of the paddle, and thereafter biases the paddle to the second position.

Integrated mixing and dispensing apparatus

Abstract: A syringe apparatus for mixing and delivering a two-part material has (i) a syringe barrel (12) and a plunger (14). The apparatus also has a paddle (16) slidably coupled to the plunger (14). A distal insertion end (44) of the plunger (14) has a slot (46) therein. A proximal end (51) of the paddle (16) is slidably coupled within the slot (46). The paddle (16) is movable between an extended position and a contracted position with respect to the plunger (14). Upon placing material into the barrel (12), such as through an opening (26) in the wall of the barrel (12), the paddle (16) can be employed to mix the material. After such mixing, the plunger (14) is pressed further into the barrel (12) without removing the paddle (16), thereby expressing the mixed material from the barrel (12) and compressing the paddle (16) into the slot (46) of the plunger.

Dual wafer edge gripping end effector and method therefor

Abstract: An end effector having a paddle adapted for mounting to a robot arm. On the top side of paddle are two finger housings spaced apart and in opposed relationship. In the preferred embodiment, one of these finger housings is slideable along the paddle while the other is fixed. Mounted to the outer surfaces of these finger housings are finger assemblies for gripping a wafer on its edge and configured to assist in the transfer of the wafer from the end effector to some other device. Finger housings with finger assemblies can also be mounted to the bottom surface of the paddle, allowing the end effector to carry two wafers at one time. Methods for handling and transferring wafers using these end effectors are also disclosed.

Test sample positioning system

Abstract: A positioning system for a sample testing machine includes a base pan and a set of independent drive systems for sliding a sample tray across the base pan. Each of the drive systems includes a paddle that engages a side of the sample tray. The paddle is slideably mounted to a shaft with a collar that slides over the shaft. A motor and drive belt is provided to move the collar along the shaft, causing the paddle to engage the side of the sample tray and slide the sample tray across the base pan. Track sections are provided in the base pan to prevent the sample tray from rotating as the paddle slides the sample tray across the base pan.