Patents Assigned to Southco, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20220010918
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Eric ANDERSON
  • Publication number: 20220010920
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Eric Anderson, Benjamin Gerald Lindo
  • Publication number: 20220010919
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Eric ANDERSON
  • Publication number: 20210372452
    Abstract: A heat sink fastener assembly for fastening a heat sink onto a heat generating computer component. The fastener assembly includes a stud comprising at least one cam follower, and a rotatable nut defining a cam surface. A spring may be mounted to the heat generating computer component, and the spring is biased away from the heat sink. The stud is mounted to the spring and the nut is mounted to the heat sink. A clip mounted to the heat sink provides a secondary catch or attachment of the heat sink to the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Patent number: 11187009
    Abstract: A striker assembly includes a housing, a striker, and a spring. The housing has opposed sidewalls, each of which defines an aperture. The striker extends between the sidewalls of the housing with end portions of the striker positioned within respective apertures defined in the sidewalls. Each of the pair of end portions defines a surface extending in a transverse direction. The spring has a pair of end portions. Each spring end portion contacts the surface of a respective striker end portion. The spring is engaged with the housing to bias the end portions of the striker toward a centered position of the respective apertures. At least one of the end portions of the striker is movable transversely within the respective aperture away from the centered position of the respective aperture and is biased toward the centered position of the respective aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Butler Frame, Brandon Vaughan Hastings, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Ismael Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11181155
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a releasable roller clutch includes a shaft and a clutch housing positioned around the shaft. The shaft and clutch housing together defining a space there between with rollers positioned in said space. The rollers permit rotation of the shaft relative to the clutch housing when in an unlocked position in which the rollers are not wedged and prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the clutch housing when in a locked position in which the rollers are wedged. A cage extends into the space defined between the shaft and clutch housing. The cage is moveable relative to the clutch housing between an unlocking position and a locking position. The cage has a contact edge positionable to prevent the rollers from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position when the cage is in an unlocking position. The releasable roller clutch permits rotation of the shaft relative to the clutch housing in both directions when the cage is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Novin
  • Publication number: 20210327180
    Abstract: An electronic access system and method utilizes a modular latch system and method. The modular latch system and method include a reader module and latch module. The reader module includes a user interface with one or more readers or devices for receiving input from a user, and sending the input to a controller. The latch module is configured for mounting to a closure that provides access to the secure area. The latch module can be operated in a stand-alone mode while detached from the reader module. Alternatively, the latch module can be releasably engaged to the reader module and operated in an assembled mode. The modular system and method allow for engagement of the reader module to the latch module, disengagement of the reader module from the latch module, and engagement of an alternate reader module to the latch module for retrofitting the reader module with the alternate reader module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas John Griesbach, Benjamin Lindo, Stephen Spatig, Kevin A. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20210324661
    Abstract: A latch for capturing a striker. The latch includes a pawl mounted to rotate between a closed position and an open position, the pawl being biased to rotate toward the open position and configured to capture the striker when in the closed position. A trigger is mounted to rotate about a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, the trigger being biased to rotate toward the locked position and selectively positionable to contact the pawl when the pawl is in the closed position, thereby retaining the pawl in the closed position. An input cam is connected to the trigger. An output cam is positioned to contact the input cam, the output cam being mounted to rotate about a second axis and configured to rotate the input cam about the first axis. A motor is coupled for rotating the output cam about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingobert Günter Stein, Nicholas Paul Bennett
  • Patent number: 11131423
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a display support arm assembly that includes a proximal housing supporting at least one proximal shaft, a distal housing spaced from the proximal housing and supporting at least one distal shaft, and at least one link extending from the at least one proximal shaft to the at least one distal shaft. The at least one link is coupled for pivotal movement about an axis of the at least one proximal shaft. The display support assembly also includes a gas strut extending between the proximal housing and the distal housing. The gas strut provides substantially constant force throughout a range of the vertical adjustment of the display support arm. The display support assembly further includes at least one torque element associated with either or both of the at least one proximal shaft and the at least one distal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Eric Anderson, Benjamin Gerald Lindo, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11131115
    Abstract: Latches are disclosed. One latch includes a housing, a cap, a bushing, and a ball. The housing is configured for engagement to the panel. The housing has a longitudinal axis and defines an aperture along the longitudinal axis. The aperture includes a cutout area. The cap and the bushing are mounted within the aperture for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cap comprises an outer surface including a drive projection and a cutout area. The bushing comprises an upper surface and a sidewall positioned between the cap and the housing. The sidewall defines a drive surface positioned to contact the drive projection of the cap and an opening. The ball is positioned within the opening of the bushing. The ball is configured to be positioned at least partially within the cutout area of the housing or the cutout area of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Carabalona, David Winwood Preston
  • Patent number: 11127653
    Abstract: A latch assembly for latching a heat sink onto a printed circuit board (PCB). The latch assembly includes a clamp having a connector for connecting the latch assembly to the heat sink. A spring is mounted to the clamp for biasing the clamp away from the heat sink. A handle is rotatably connected to the clamp, and a cam extends from the handle. A hook is moveably mounted to the clamp and has a cam surface engaged with the cam. The hook has an engagement portion for engaging the PCB. Rotation of the handle causes (i) rotation of the hook, which causes the engagement portion to engage the PCB, followed by (ii) movement of the cam along the cam surface, which causes translation of the clamp toward the PCB against the bias of the spring, which causes the heat sink to contact an IC for dissipating heat from the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Publication number: 20210277694
    Abstract: A hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a cover, a side wall, and a rear wall that define an interior space enclosed within the housing. The interior space receives the torque element inside the housing. The cover defines a first aperture, and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through at least the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture. The shaft is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component. The housing is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Eduardo Rivas, Mark James Rowley, Pradeep Jayanna, Michael Thomas Holland, Richard B. Langkamp, JR.
  • Patent number: 11047156
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing configured for engagement to the panel. The latch also includes a cap mounted within the housing and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis within the housing. A spring of the latch is configured to bias the shaft away from the cap along the longitudinal axis, and a sleeve of the latch interposed between the shaft and the housing, the sleeve defining a first slot. The latch also includes a cam interposed between the shaft and the housing, the cam defining a second slot. A pin is provided which extends into the first and second slots. The first and second slots are configured to guide the rotation and axial movement of the shaft as the cap is rotated within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Liu, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., Hailu Wang
  • Publication number: 20210172230
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an assembly is configured to counterbalance components movable relative to one another, the assembly including a mounting bracket configured to be coupled to one of the components; a follower arm pivotally coupled to a follower arm mounting point on the mounting bracket; a follower coupled to a follower mounting point on the follower arm; means for exerting force between a force exerting means mounting point on the mounting bracket and a force exerting means mounting point on the follower arm; and a cam configured to be coupled to another one of the components in such a way that the follower contacts a cam profile of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Southco Inc.
    Inventor: David Gaetano D'Allesandro
  • Publication number: 20210151361
    Abstract: A latch assembly for latching a heat sink onto a printed circuit board (PCB). The latch assembly includes a clamp having a connector for connecting the latch assembly to the heat sink. A spring is mounted to the clamp for biasing the clamp away from the heat sink. A handle is rotatably connected to the clamp, and a cam extends from the handle. A hook is moveably mounted to the clamp and has a cam surface engaged with the cam. The hook has an engagement portion for engaging the PCB. Rotation of the handle causes (i) rotation of the hook, which causes the engagement portion to engage the PCB, followed by (ii) movement of the cam along the cam surface, which causes translation of the clamp toward the PCB against the bias of the spring, which causes the heat sink to contact an IC for dissipating heat from the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Publication number: 20210140204
    Abstract: A vehicle glove box latch includes a housing, a paddle pivotably connected to the housing, a rotor pivotably connected to the housing, a pawl coupled to the rotor and having an end that is engaged with an opening in the vehicle, and a lock barrel mounted to the housing for locking and unlocking the vehicle glove box latch. In a locked state of the lock barrel, the pawl cannot be disengaged from the opening in the vehicle. In an unlocked state of the lock barrel, the pawl can be disengaged from the opening for opening the vehicle glove box. The lock barrel, the rotor and the rotor mounting portion are concentrically aligned along an axis, which reduces the depth of the latch, which reduces the space in the glove box necessary for accommodating the latch, thereby resulting in an increase in the available storage space in the glove box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Minnich, Andrew S. Matejka, David Gray Judah, Jeffrey L. Antonucci
  • Patent number: 10960801
    Abstract: Adjustable headrest including a guide configured to be coupled to a seat; a head support coupled to the guide and configured to be movable along an adjustment path relative to the seat; and a slider having a surface defining a recess receiving the guide. A retainer is positioned to urge a surface of the slider against a surface of the guide, thereby maintaining friction between the surface of the slider and the surface of the guide. Additionally, the adjustable headrest includes a bracket that is fixable relative to the head support or fixed relative to the seat. The bracket has a mounting section positioned for fixation relative to the head support or for fixation to the seat and a guide receiving portion receiving the guide. The slider and the bracket are separate components and are formed from the same material or different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTHCO INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Novin, Andrew S. Matejka
  • Patent number: 10947755
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided having a housing, a cap, and at least one indicator. The housing may include a first top surface. The cap may include a second top surface and may be mounted for selective rotational movement relative to the housing between a latched position and an unlatched position. The at least one indicator may be interposed between the cap and the housing and mounted for axial movement relative to the cap. As the cap is rotated from the latched position to the unlatched position, at least a portion of the indicator is axially displaced to an extended position above at least one of the first and second top surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Carabalona
  • Patent number: D919407
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Gerald Lindo, Glenn Eric Anderson
  • Patent number: D939921
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Vinit Kumar