Patents Examined by André L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7014387
    Abstract: A single piece coupling device for connecting a load component to a rotatable shaft. The device comprises a sleeve having a bore for containing a rotatable shaft, an externally threaded portion and a tapered engagement face on the outer surface of the sleeve. Radial compression relief associated with the tapered engagement face is provided such that when the device is fitted on a shaft, and as the threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded region on the load component, the tapered engagement face engages the load component and the compression relief enables the sleeve to be radially compressed to grip the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: James Robert Harrison, David William Miller
  • Patent number: 7010834
    Abstract: A hinge assembly, and an associated method, for hingedly connecting separate body portions, such as first and second housing portions of a mobile station, theretogether. The hinge assembly provides multiple axes of rotation including, at least, a transversely-extending axes and a longitudinally-extending axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece, associated, respectively, with the first and second body portions. The hinge pieces are coupled theretogether by a bearing that permits rotational movement about a longitudinally-extending axis. And, at least one of the hinge pieces is hingedly-connected to a body portion with which the hinge piece is associated to permit rotational movement about a transversely-extending axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Ricky William Barnett
  • Patent number: 7003852
    Abstract: An adjustable stepless hinge shaft comprised of a male shaft tube, a female shaft tube, and an adjustment rod. The male shaft tube contains a tubular hinge shaft having a mounting section at one extremity; the tubular hinge shaft includes a flange, a tapered hole section at its interior portion, a threaded hole section in its exterior portion, and one or more lengthwise channel on it. The female shaft tube consists of a tubular sleeve and a mounting section; the tubular sleeve includes a columnar bore inside and an annular groove near the entrance of the columnar bore. The adjustment rod consists of a tapered rod and a threaded stud at one extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Chuang Wen-Pin
  • Patent number: 7003850
    Abstract: A hinge structure including a universal adapter located toward one end of and for allowing the hinge structure to be pivotally connected to different stationary brackets having differing pivot axes. The universal adapter defines multiple openings disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Gaydos, Rudolph S. Fortuna
  • Patent number: 7000293
    Abstract: A concealable zipper slider is described. The concealable zipper has a slider body with a bottom part, two lateral ribs and two top parts. A connecting portion protrudes from the bottom part, two sliding slits are formed between the bottom part and the two top parts at two sides of the connecting portion, and the connecting portion has dovetail slit. A nose part has a nose body and a dovetail base. The dovetail base of the nose part engages in the dovetail slit of the slider body. The zipper slider thereby is formed by assembly of separate slider body and nose part, which allows automated manufacture, reduces the manufacturing cost and permits variety in the aesthetic appearance thereof by the use of different materials and colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Yu-Pau Lin
  • Patent number: 6990711
    Abstract: A movable member 6 is connected to a first hinge member 2 such that the movable member 6 is unable to turn but able to move in the axial direction. A hammer member 7 is non-turnably connected to a second hinge member 3. The movable member 6 is caused to abutted against the hammer member 7 by a coiled spring (not shown). A force conversion mechanism (not shown) is disposed between contact surfaces of the movable member 6 and hammer member 7 and adapted to convert a biasing force of the coiled spring to a force for turning the hammer member 7. An abutment projection 32 is formed on an outer periphery of the second hinge member 3. An abutment recess 71 into which the abutment projection 32 is fitted is formed in an outer periphery of the hammer member 71. A width 2 of the abutment recess 71 is set slightly larger than a width W1 of the abutment projection 32 so that the hammer member 7 can be turned relative to the second hinge member 3 to that extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Koshikawa, Kazuyuki Ishigaya
  • Patent number: 6983513
    Abstract: The present invention provides a balance assembly (10) for use with a sash window assembly (104) slidable within a master frame (110). The balance assembly (10) generally includes a plate (20), at least one coil (40), and a shoe or pivot brake assembly (60). The plate (20) is adapted to be attached to the master frame (110). The spring (40) has a coiled portion (42), an intermediate portion (43), and a free portion (44). The coiled portion (42) of the spring (40) is rotatably supported by a support member (30) extending from the plate (20). The free portion (44) of the spring (40) has a curved configuration with a curved end (46). The pivot brake assembly (60) has at least one slot (76) adapted to receive and retain the free portion (44) of the spring (40). The slot (76) defines a protrusion (83) that engages the free portion (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Dean Pettit
  • Patent number: 6981296
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a hinge apparatus for mobile phones. In the hinge apparatus, a fixed cam is installed in a rotary hinge part, in place of a fixed hinge part, different from conventional hinge apparatuses. Therefore, the design of elements of the hinge apparatus can be preferably changed so as to allow the elements to be easily and simply assembled into a single structure without being scratched. It is thus possible to minimize wobble of the hinge apparatus due to scratches of the elements, and prevent a degradation in the operational performance of the hinge apparatus caused by the wobble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ta-Kyeong Lee, Ki-Yeong Lee, Yeong-Ok Jeong
  • Patent number: 6978521
    Abstract: A magnetic fixing unit having a first and second sub-assembly with cooperative structure for increased strength of assembly and prevention of mutual shifting between the first and the second assemblies. The magnetic fixing unit further includes a guide structure on one of the first and second assemblies to effect cooperative locking engagement with an engaging member on the other of the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Tamao Morita
  • Patent number: 6966101
    Abstract: A handle of a glass door, which is made of such materials as to match glass, e.g. acrylic, includes handle parts, and metallic connecting blocks; each of the handle parts has two folded ends formed with connecting tail end portions; each of the metallic connecting blocks is formed with a holding cavity at a first end thereof, and is fitted over a respective connecting tail end portion of the handle parts at the holding cavity thereof; each handle part has a radial through hole formed across the connecting tail end portion thereof; each connecting block has holes aligned with the radial through hole of a corresponding tail end portion; securing elements are fitted in the holes of the connecting blocks as well as the radial through holes to securely join the connecting blocks to the handle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Door & Window Hardware Co.
    Inventor: Fanny Chiang
  • Patent number: 6954967
    Abstract: New form of handgrip for various home appliances, and method for fabricating the same, including a core 2 with decorative color, and a transparent outer shell 3 for enclosing the core 2, thereby solving problems of the present handgrip of peeling off of coating, and damage to carved, or relieved figures, or characters, and providing an outer look distinctive from the present handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Kyu Park, Woong Kil Cha, Myong Deok Kim
  • Patent number: 6948215
    Abstract: A threaded follower mounted on a spiral rod is attached to the first end of a torsion spring, the second end of the torsion spring being connected to a window sash, one end of the spiral rod being attached to a window frame by a gear box that prevents rotation of the spiral rod unless the gear box receives externally provided rotational force by which it then rotates the spiral rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Neeman Malek, Rex Cross
  • Patent number: 6948217
    Abstract: A single-shaft hinge component is provided that can be made durable, of small size and light weight. The single-shaft hinge device is made up of a plurality of torque-generating sections wherein, a single-shaft hinge is formed of a single shaft 1, rotary cams 3 fitted onto this shaft 1 that are capable of rotation about the shaft 1 and axially moving on the shaft, fixed cams 4 fitted on the shaft 1 that are capable of axially moving on the shaft but incapable of relative rotation with respect to the shaft, and elastic members 5 arranged coaxially with the shaft 1 and that cause abutment of side faces of the rotary cam 3 and the fixed cam 4 against each other, the rotary cams 3 and fixed cams 4 being arranged coaxially with the single shaft 1 so that abutment of the rotary cam 3 and fixed cam 4 is achieved at their side faces at two or more locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sakae Higano, Hitoshi Sato, Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 6944912
    Abstract: A latching hinge masking device and method of use comprising two half cavities mounted with a living hinge and a unique latching mechanism and relief portions for accommodating extending screwheads. The device latches and fits around a mounted half hinge and covers the hinge completely during painting, staining, or finishing operations of a door or doorway. The device and method of use allows for easy and convenient attachment and removal and further allows for repeated re-use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Rodrique R. LeBeau, Gerald J. LeBeau
  • Patent number: 6934997
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly for luggage in a pulling operation, press a push button to cause a spring in a plunger of buffer device to gradually and damply extending upward immediately. As a result, both a piston rod and thus the buffer device move upward gradually and damply. Also, a sliding tube coupled to the locking mechanism moves upward gradually and damply. As an end, the handle assembly is capable of gradually and damply extending from a top of the luggage a predetermined distance. At this position, a user can easily pull the handle assembly up to its maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Boon Hwa Lau
  • Patent number: 6928694
    Abstract: Door check device for a vehicle door, movable from a closed position in a door frame to a plurality of different open positions and held in the open positions, includes a strip connected to the door or door frame and a braking mechanism connected to the other of the door or door frame to provide relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism when the door is moved relative to the door frame. The braking mechanism engages with the strip at several locations and prevents movement of the strip when the braking mechanism engages therewith. The braking mechanism is preferably biased against the strip. The vehicle also includes an electrical system, e.g., a motor or solenoid, coupled to the braking mechanism to disengage it from the strip to permit relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism and thus movement of the door relative to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Stuart D. Davis, Sergiy Maltsev
  • Patent number: 6928698
    Abstract: A lift-up hinge for pivotally connecting a first portion and a second portion of an appliance includes a fixture member, a first movable member and a second movable member. The fixture member is secured on the first portion of the appliance. The first movable member is pivotally coupled to a first pivot point of the fixture member and having thereon a resilient element. The second movable member has a first end lying on the resilient element, a second end secured on the second portion of the appliance, and a third end pivotally coupled to a second pivot point of the fixture member. The second movable member transmits the first movable member to pivot about the first pivot point of the fixture member when the second portion of the appliance is pivoted about the second pivot point of the fixture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, LTD.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Ping-Hong Kuo
  • Patent number: 6925681
    Abstract: A vehicle curtain lock has a U-shaped track, an abutting head, a sliding body, a resilient element and a clasp device. The U-shaped track has an inner channel and a longitudinal opening and slidably holds the sliding body, the abutting head and the resilient element inside the inner channel. The sliding body is mounted against the longitudinal opening to hold the abutting head inside the inner channel. The resilient element is mounted between the sliding body and the abutting head to push the abutting head against the U-shaped track to hold the sliding body in a locked position. The clasp device is connected to the abutting head and has a distal end with a clasp to adapt to secure a curtain. Pulling the clasp device disengages the abutting head from the U-shaped track to allow the sliding body to freely slide along the U-shaped track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Pinnoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 6922871
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for guiding movement of an object along a track. The apparatus includes an attachment member defining an opening. A bushing is positioned in the opening and the bushing is laterally moveable within the opening. A plunger is attached to the bushing and the plunger is configured to move towards and away from the bushing. A guide mechanism is pivotably attached to the plunger and the guide mechanism is moveable along the track. According to other aspects of the invention, a slider is used in combination with a roller as the guide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wrenn P. Holman, Chad L. Braunschweig, Robert W. Dost, Paul J. Wright, Jan Hutton, James G. Hutton
  • Patent number: 6922876
    Abstract: A seat belt cover comprising a flat tubular member through which a seat belt of a motor vehicle is passed to be covered therewith, wherein, the flat tubular member has i) a slit-shaped opening provided at its lower end and having a width larger than the width of a through-tongue and ii) a slit-shaped opening provided at its upper end and having a width which is enough to pass the seat belt but not enough to pass the through-tongue. Also disclosed is a seat belt cover provided with a pocket for, e.g., a cellular phone on the outside. The former seat belt cover can prevent the friction of a seat belt with clothes to keep the shoulder or breast of a coat or jacket from becoming shiny and wearing. The latter seat belt cover enables, e.g., safety driving in talking over the cellular phone during the driving of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Kyozo Kobayashi