Patents Examined by Amy Sterling
  • Patent number: 9518684
    Abstract: A pipe clip for fastening a pipe to a support structure includes an annular pipe clip body for surrounding the pipe to be fastened. The pipe clip body has a first and a second flange which in use are pulled towards each other by a male fastening element having a head and a shank. The second flange is associated with a female fastener via which the male fastening element is connected to the second flange. The first flange has a longitudinal slot which has an open end opposing the closed end, the open end opening up in an edge of the first flange for introducing the shank of the male fastening element into the slot. The first flange has an upstanding collar portion around the closed end of the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Marek Juzak, Frank Nijdam
  • Patent number: 9512896
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Scott Grams, Philip Olikara, Adam Clark Nathan
  • Patent number: 9511809
    Abstract: A height adjustable seatpost assembly is provided with first and second tubes, a ratchet mechanism and a drive source. The first and second tubes are telescopically arranged. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet tooth structure and a pawl structure. The pawl structure is engaged with the ratchet tooth structure in a lock position. The pawl structure is movably coupled with respect to the ratchet tooth structure in a movable position such that the first and second tubes are movably arranged relative to each other in at least one axial direction of the first and second tubes. The drive source moves the pawl structure between the lock position and the movable position in response to operation of the drive source. The drive source further axially moves the first and second tubes relative to each other in response to operation of the drive source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kodama, Nobukatsu Hara, Toshikuni Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9515465
    Abstract: A device that can be removable secured inside a metal stud at a construction site is described. The device can include a securement device such as a hook that can hang/support tools at the job site such as electrical cords. Installing the inexpensive hanging device at a desired elevation in a few seconds can improve safety at a construction site and can protect tools from damage due to placement on the floor or on an unstable perch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Godwin Gear
    Inventor: Michael Benjamin Godwin
  • Patent number: 9512639
    Abstract: A security shield to cover a release mechanism for a motorized garage door opener provides an enclosure adapted for location around an overhead guide rail release mechanism and a blocking shield including a device for attaching the blocking shield and the enclosure to the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Fredrick Charles Schulte, Gary H. Mason, Julia Schulte Maddox
  • Patent number: 9506288
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a headrail bracket configured to be inserted into a headrail at an angle from a top thereof. The headrail bracket includes clips to engage a top edge of the headrail, and an attachment mechanism to attach to a gearbox assembly configured to rotate a tilt rod of a window blind tilting mechanism. In certain embodiments, the headrail bracket is a single component with a substantially low profile. This headrail bracket may span a top of the headrail. In other embodiments, the headrail bracket includes a first component to secure a first end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail and a second component to secure a second end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail. In certain embodiments, the first component slides over the first end of the gearbox assembly and the second component slides over the second end of the gearbox assembly. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9499101
    Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a vehicle fender. The mount can include a base that faces a vehicle fender exterior without extending upwardly and under a hood of the vehicle. A support arm extends from the base and includes a distal end that joins with a mirror. One or more pillars extend away from the base. The pillars can be sized and shaped to extend through holes in the fender to a frame member of the vehicle disposed inwardly relative to the fender. The pillars are associated with a fastener to join with the frame member so that weight of the mirror, the base, the support arm and/or the pillars are substantially born by the frame member. This can reduce transmission of vibration inherent in the fender to the mirror, and/or can rigidly and structurally connect the mirror to the frame member, rather than the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ELKHART BRASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Dutton, Daniel L. Cook
  • Patent number: 9493962
    Abstract: An umbrella stand is used to mount umbrellas or flags to tables, vehicles, structures, and various structures. The umbrella stand includes a mounting assembly and a rod holder. The rod holder is used to attach an umbrella or flag to the umbrella stand. The mounting assembly is used to secure the umbrella or flag to a surface. The mounting assembly includes a support plate, a first mounting plate and a first mounting fastener. The support plate is used as a base. The first mounting plate and the first mounting fastener connect to the support plate and help secure the support plate to a surface. The rod holder includes a holder tube and a plurality of holder fasteners. The holder tube is connected to the support plate and houses the shaft of an umbrella or a flagpole. The plurality of holder fasteners secure the umbrella shaft or the flagpole in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Darrel W. Eddy
  • Patent number: 9493296
    Abstract: A shipping strap assembly protects the isolator mechanism of a vibratory screening machine against exceeding its elastic limits. The isolator mechanism is pivotally connected between shafts on the machine frame and the machine basket. The protective assembly includes a distally narrowing boss on at least one of the shafts. A rigid strap has two apertures, one contoured to receive and ride on the boss and the other contoured to receive the other shaft, spaced to maintain the distance between the shaft axes within an elastic limit of the isolator mechanism. The narrowing boss provides leeway for easy manual alignment of the mechanism shafts with the strap apertures, and the narrowing boss and contour of the other aperture facilitate restoration toward its normal load length, of an elastically distorted mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Grant A. Young, Thomas Ray Young
  • Patent number: 9487277
    Abstract: A computer program for compensating for motion of a boat as it floats on water includes computer code for causing a processor to receive motion measurements of the boat floating on water relative to another element in an area surrounding the boat, and generate driving signals for driving actuators operatively associated between the boat and at least one carrier based on motion of the boat, wherein the actuators hold the at least one carrier substantially stationary relative to the element based on the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ampelmann Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Jan van der Tempel, David Julio Cerda Salzmann, Jillis Koch, Frederik Gerner, Arie Jan Gobel
  • Patent number: 9481266
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device which includes a fixed rail, a moving rail sliding relative to the fixed rail, locking pins arranged along the moving rail, locking springs disposed around the locking pins, and an unlocking lever rotating around a shaft fixed to the moving rail so as to relieve the locking pins from a locked state where the locking pins are inserted into the holes. The present disclosure thereby provides the locking device for a seat rail having a compact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hyun Soo Kim, Sang Nam Park, Sung Kon Moon
  • Patent number: 9474988
    Abstract: A manual theatrical rigging system is motorized to achieve greater control of speed and accuracy, avoiding need to load counterweights, and without sacrifice of standard line-set spacing. Each line set has a wire-reinforced drive belt connected with the associated hand line, and is operated by a geared or gearless motorized winch. A winch support frame supports the motorized winches in a number of rows, with the winches in positions staggered from row to row. The counterweight arbor holds a fixed counterweight. A computerized control panel permits a single operator to manage the entire system of line sets. An overspeed safety brake brakes the line set if the movement exceeds a safe speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Charles B Shatzkin, Andrew J McArthur, Rodney F Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9476342
    Abstract: A thermal displacement compensation assembly for an engine system including a cylinder head and an exhaust manifold coupled to the cylinder head. The thermal displacement assembly includes a bracket configured to be operatively coupled to cylinder head and to the exhaust manifold and a multi-layer coupler. The multi-layer coupler is configured to be disposed between the bracket and the cylinder head, wherein a first component of the coupler is configured to slide with respect to a second component of the coupler such that relative movement between the bracket and one of the cylinder head and exhaust manifold is enabled by relative movement of the first component with the second component of the multi-layer coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam Forshier, Gary M. Frodsham, Paul M. Wynthein, Terry W. Schwickerath
  • Patent number: 9478688
    Abstract: An attachment member and a solar cell array are disclosed. The attachment member includes a first member; a second member on the first member; and a fixing member that fixes the first and second members. The first member includes a bottom portion; two first side walls facing each other. The second member includes a top portion; two second side walls facing to each other. The first and the second side walls are alternately arranged and face to each other. Each of the first and second side walls comprises an engagement portion. The engagement portion of one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of one of the second side walls. The engagement portion of the other one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of the other one of the second side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuji Kanbara
  • Patent number: 9470340
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are based on the idea of providing a device for handling a hose and a fuel dispensing unit having such a device. This is basically achieved by an elastic element that is adapted to extend within a frame element and to be guided by a guiding element, and by a hose guiding member which is movable away from said frame element allowing said hose to be pulled from an idle position to an operating position when said elastic element is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bengt I. Larsson, Mattias G. Martensson, Hanna Helgesson
  • Patent number: 9472937
    Abstract: A cable/cable tray mounting system comprises a plurality of magnets and a strut. The strut includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting apertures. A suspension assembly pivotally secures each magnet of the plurality of magnets to the strut. The plurality of mounting apertures of the strut allow for varying magnetic arrangements of the plurality of magnets thereby allowing the magnet mounting system to be mounted onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces and/or other shaped surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Metal & Cable Corp., Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Klein
  • Patent number: 9468291
    Abstract: The combination sheet music stand and dry erase board is a supplemental sheet music stand for use in combination with a music rack of a conventional piano. The combination sheet music stand and dry erase board includes a planar support having opposed upper and lower ends and opposed front and rear surfaces. The planar support is formed from a transparent material adapted for receiving erasable ink on the front surface thereof. Indicia indicative of at least one musical staff is formed on the rear surface of the planar support, allowing a user to erasably write musical notation directly on the front surface of the planar support. A shelf for supporting sheet music or the like is mounted on the lower end of the planar support. A retaining member is mounted on the upper end of the planar support for suspension from an upper edge of the music rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Doreen Ann Nilsen
  • Patent number: 9458640
    Abstract: Methods of force management for a force management anchor (FMA) include apparatus between a post and a base plate that resist post rotation under fall loads, the apparatus resisting said rotation at a constant torque. A peak constant torque is less than a torsional “tear-out” capacity of a surface for maximizing energy absorption. While the fall force vector remains generally parallel to the base plate during a fall, the post is movable between an upstanding and a lowered orientation resulting in a variable moment arm and a resisting force that also varies for maintaining the torque substantially constant. Apparatus can include devices between the post and the base plate such as a torsion rod, a friction clutch or a cam arrangement. Other approached include designed deformation of the post itself, such as a through tapered post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: High Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Greg Small
  • Patent number: 9458951
    Abstract: A pipe or like support molded as a unitary item having a region of concertinaing, serpentine or otherwise longitudinally variable nature between end regions, for example having a longitudinally extensile linking region extending between at least a pair of the end regions the linking region can be of a concertina or serpentine type configuration. The end regions can both have passageways extending there through in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe or like member to be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lake Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes, Christopher Charles Morrow, Michael John Sumner
  • Patent number: 9458974
    Abstract: An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Townsend, Jr.