Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro
  • Patent number: 7669823
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seat and seat suspension assembly comprising a seat mounted to a seat supporting platform and suspension mechanism, the platform and suspension mechanism being rotationally mounted to a base by a pedestal so that the platform, suspension mechanism and seat may rotate through 360 degrees. The pedestal comprises two swivel housings, the first swivel housing being mounted in fixed position on the base and the second swivel housing being rotationally mounted to the first and supporting the suspension mechanism, platform and seat. A suspension spring and damper are associated with the suspension mechanism to enhance the ride characteristics of the seat, with the damper being positioned inside the pedestal and having one end connected to the first swivel housing and the other end connected to the suspension mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Cole T. Brodersen
  • Patent number: 7670521
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of a previously fabricated flexible conduit. The apparatus comprises a driving mechanism, a manufacturing station, and a support device. The conduit is first fed through the manufacturing station. The manufacturing station then performs the manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of the conduit. The support device within the conduit is not attached to any other structure and provides structural support at the manufacturing station during the manufacturing operation and remains at a generally fixed axial and functional location while the conduit continues to move axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 7637283
    Abstract: The present invention creates a new rigid degassing valve. The valve of the present invention utilizes a relatively stiff support body in order to successfully vent gases, such as carbon dioxide, from within the packaging. Carbon dioxide may be created by organic products placed in the packaging which causes the package to expand. The valve of the current invention maintains its shape as the package becomes bloated and takes on a rounded shape due to carbon dioxide expended by the roasted coffee beans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Karl K. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7614511
    Abstract: A cross bar forming a support surface between parallel deck beams of rack-type storage systems to create storage shelves, the cross bars being lockable and readily removable and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7611118
    Abstract: A low profile security mounting apparatus for mounting a flat panel screen to a support surface. The apparatus generally comprises a mounting plate, a back cover, and a platform. The mounting plate comprises an array of apertures for mounting a flat panel screen, a base for attachment to the platform, and a receptacle for engagement with the back cover. The back cover further comprises a panel that conceals the appliance mounting hardware, and a lower securing element that attaches to the platform. The platform in the present invention comprises a lower housing that is used as a locking mechanism for rotationally securing the apparatus. The platform also comprises an upper housing that uses a plurality of fasteners to secure the mounting plate and back cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lucasey Manufacturing Co.,
    Inventor: Edward L. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7611557
    Abstract: A reversed pressure relief valve that is used in connection with a computer hard disk drive so as to vent pressurized gases contained within the disk drive while not permitting debris to enter the drive mechanism or the valve. More specifically, the present invention is a reversed direction valve which includes at least one passageway defined by at least a lifter ring, a dry strap, a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”)/body film and a filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Plitek, LLC
    Inventor: Karl K. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7594755
    Abstract: An adjustable bearing system, one ideally suited for use in vehicle seat suspension for aft positioning assemblies and isolator assemblies, and having an adjustment mechanism that is readily accessible and easy to use. The adjustable bearing system includes a first structure, a second structure, and a bearing adjustably disposed between said first and second structures for facilitating movement of one structure relative to the other. A bearing driver is positioned to engage a non bearing surface of the bearing and to adjust the position of the bearing relative to said first and second structures, and an actuator cooperates with the bearing driver to permit adjustment of the bearing's position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Patent number: 7556233
    Abstract: A fore and aft vehicle seat adjustment apparatus comprising a base having a plurality of opposingly located tracks disposed thereon. Also provided is a fore and aft adjustment apparatus in communication with the base. The adjustment apparatus includes a first member connected to an opposingly located second member. The first member is positionable with respect to the second member between a first and second position. The first member also includes a plurality of locking mechanisms which are adapted to releasably engage the tracks. In the first position, the locking mechanisms engage the tracks to lock the seat in position. In the second position, the locking mechanisms are disengaged from the tracks to permit fore and aft adjustment of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Dennis Gryp, Ryan Morris
  • Patent number: 7516855
    Abstract: Storage carts for the storage of pallets and other loads that may be moved between an open position into an aisle for access to the load and a closed position out of the aisle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7484427
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a tool having a threaded member which is characterized by a cylindrical shaft or spindle with a surrounding body or handle. The shaft and body are operably engaged by means of a series of magnets in the spindle and the body, and the operable engagement releases once the torque force on the threaded member exceeds the magnetic force between the body and the spindle. In the method of the present invention, the user can calibrate and adjust the torque limit of the assembly by attaching a calibration bar of predetermined length to the threaded member and then rotating the tool over a scale such that the calibration bar contacts the surface of the scale. The user can then adjust a set screw which alters the length of the shaft and alters the magnetic force between the body and the spindle and correspondingly alters the torque limit of the tool to a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bolt Bethel, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Kolkind
  • Patent number: 7444700
    Abstract: A seat cushion is provided having a foam cushion body with a perimeter section. A cover is disposed over the body and has a border that extends around the periphery of the cushion body and juxtaposed with the perimeter section of the cushion body. An insert is positioned within the cushion body and has an outer wall extending along and spaced from the periphery of the cushion body to accommodate the cushion body perimeter section. The perimeter section has a foam density greater than that of the main cushion body and the border of the cover is bonded directly to this perimeter section. In addition, a support wall or pan is used having a size and configuration to receive the covered cushion with the border of the cover disposed within the support wall when the seat is fully assembled. A method of forming such a seat cushion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: L. John Koutsky, William Tuman, Lysle R. Hinkhouse
  • Patent number: 7419595
    Abstract: The inventions separate the activated sludge, biochemical reaction stages of the batch treatment process of a sequencing batch reactor from the clarification and sedimentation stages by separating the locations where each process takes place. The separation may be accomplished in a variety of ways including constructing separate basins for each process, installing baffles or other partitions in a single vessel to isolate the areas where each process takes place, or other methods of process separation as are known in the art. In each process, treatment occurs through the performance of a series of operations. The operations are repeated for each batch of wastewater processed by the SBR. In a conventional SBR process, the cycle of operations for clarification and sedimentation are dependent on a preceding biochemical reaction step. However, in the present invention the clarification and sedimentation operations are independent of the biochemical reaction operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Johnson, Kenneth A. Mikkelson, Dennis M. Gleason, Edward W. Lang
  • Patent number: 7338126
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The invention comprises a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base. A travel limit system is used to permit adjustment in the travel of the isolator relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Patent number: 7338596
    Abstract: The present inventions provide a floating type decanter apparatus that controls the decanting operation through the use of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 7273339
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder paint delivery method and apparatus employing a pressurized reservoir pump that supplies a controlled stream of densely fluidized or dense phase powder paint to the applicator though a powder delivery conduit. The powder flow rate is a function of the pressure in the reservoir and the flow resistance from the reservoir to the applicator, and is therefore very stable over time, and simple to control. The powder flow can be controlled by holding the resistance of the powder flow path constant and varying the pressure in the reservoir, or by holding the reservoir pressure constant and varying the resistance of the powder flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Haden Schweitzer Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Johnson, Jeffrey R. Joyce
  • Patent number: 7260889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition comprising a) at least one binder and b) at least one substance which releases gases at elevated temperature, and c) at least one friction-reducing additive. With the aid of the coating compositions of the invention it is possible to fill gaps in the case of socket/pin couples or threaded-part couples for the purpose of sealing and locking. The use of the coating compositions allows disassembly of the parts without danger of seizing or jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Omnitechnik Mikroverkapselungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Hinterwaldner, Karol Konat, Thomas Trübenbach, Anselm Weckerle
  • Patent number: 7256686
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: L. John Koutsky, Cole T. Brodersen, William Tuman
  • Patent number: 7211753
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat support pan, a seat cushion, a spring biased lever and an operator present switch. Both the lever and the switch are located between the cushion and the pan, effectively integrated within the seat. The lever is movable between upper and lower positions, with its associated spring biasing the lever toward its upper position. The switch is designed and located so that all of its components are housed within the support pan and none of these components extends below or outside of the pan. When the seat is occupied, the occupant's weight depresses the cushion and, in turn, the lever moves against the force of the spring toward its lower position and the switch is actuated. Because the switch is located completely within the seat cushion, the seat assembly's vertical dimension or envelope is minimized and the design of the seat support and/or suspension located below the seat pan is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Cole T. Brodersen, William Tuman
  • Patent number: D550876
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: NTM Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Thuma, Paul Mann
  • Patent number: RE40345
    Abstract: A powered oscillating hand tool includes a drive unit having an electric motor and a drive shaft; a bearing eccentrically mounted on the drive shaft and located radially eccentrically relative to the drive shaft; a carrier plate mounted on the bearing and a platen for mounting on the carrier plate. The carrier plate is provided with a first engagement means and the platen is provided with second engagement means to engage with the first engagement means by rotation of the platen relative to the carrier plate. The first and second engagement means together comprise a bayonet fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Duffy