Patents Examined by Daniel J. Breslin
  • Patent number: 8308124
    Abstract: A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube and an inner tube inserted into the outer tube. A piston seat and a clamp unit are connected to the inner tube. A valve unit extends through the piston seat and is located in the inner tube. The valve unit includes a rod extending through the piston seat and reaches the bottom end of the outer tube. A control unit has a control unit connected to the bottom end of the outer tube and an action unit is located outside of the outer tube. The control unit has a push member connected with the rod. The action unit has a cable extending through the outer tube and connected to the push member. A switch is connected to the cable. The push member is indirectly moved to move the rod to control the hydraulic path in the piston seat by pulling the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jung Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8302916
    Abstract: A bag support is provided for supporting the upper portion of a bag. The bag support includes first and second side rails generally parallel to each other. A first bag retainer is positioned between the first and second rails for receiving a first portion of an upper end of a first bag thereon. The first bag retainer pivotable between a first position and a second retaining position for supporting the first bag in an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Riverwest Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey M. Dembowiak, Edmund A. Malczewski
  • Patent number: 8286927
    Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Janice M. Sweere, legal representative, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Shaun C. Lindblad, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Steve Nistler, Ron Saltz, Joe Funk
  • Patent number: 8272609
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a heat sink on a printed circuit board includes two supports, two rails slidably attached to the supports, four adjusting assemblies slidably attached to the rails and four positioning members extending through the supports to engage with the rails to position the rails on the supports. Positions of opposite ends of the rails in the supports are adjustable along a first direction. Each of the rails defines two spaced slide slots in opposite ends of the rail. The supports and the rails are attached to a first side of the printed circuit board. Positions of the adjusting assemblies in the slide slots are adjustable along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The adjusting assemblies extend through the circuit board to engage with the heat sink at a second side of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chou Chan, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 8256728
    Abstract: Speaker assemblies are disclosed that are configured for simple installation and removal. Speaker assemblies include a gear ring, a plurality of screws adapted to rotate when the gear ring is rotated, and a latching mechanism adapted to extend one or more latches outward when the screws are rotated. Methods of installing speaker assemblies include inserting a frame through a mounting hole in a mounting panel. A gear ring coupled to a plurality of screws is rotated, and a plurality of latches extend outward to engage a back-side surface of the mounting panel. Methods of making speaker assemblies include coupling a plurality of screws with a gear ring to enable rotation of the plurality of screws upon rotation of the gear ring. A latching mechanism is coupled to each of the plurality of screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Doug S. Wright
  • Patent number: 8235334
    Abstract: A foldable support for a tablet computer or other object is an upright, self-standing or anchorable device. A base having foldout wings is adapted to be rotated in place and anchored under the legs of a person in a seated position, or under the person's torso for a reclining or supine person. The support includes a body with a recessed portion into which the base is attached about a horizontal axle to enable the rotation. Two arms are rotatably pinned together with the other ends attached to ball joints on the body and a receptacle. The receptacle holds the tablet computer or other object and includes a frame housing with rotatably attached rods that extend outwardly from side openings in the frame. A gripper is mounted to the far end of each rod to hold the corners or edges of the tablet computer or other object mounted between the grippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Kobal
  • Patent number: 8235338
    Abstract: A swing set assembly having a swing set connector connected to a top rail is preferably provided which has a first cantilevered arm which connects to a top rail of at least two outer perimeters. Top rails are envisioned either fitting over the arm or in a bore the arm depending upon the outer perimeter of the top rail utilized. These and other embodiments are envisioned being of modular construction of a first half and a second half whether at an end of or between top rails. On the event that modification of the swing set is desired, an end half can be removed from a first half, and a top rail half connected thereto along with another top rail to extend the length of the total swing set. Alternatively, if a total top rail length is to be shortened, a top rail can be removed and a first half of the connector can be replaced with an end half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: PlayCore
    Inventor: Brian Henry
  • Patent number: 8226058
    Abstract: A saddle mounting device includes a support member having a mounting portion formed thereon. A lower base is connected with the support member. The lower base has two guiding flanges diametrically formed thereon. Two gaps are respectively defined between the two guiding flanges. The lower base has two first engaging grooves defined therein. An upper base is movably connected with the lower base. The upper base has two sliding rods formed thereon for sliding along the two guiding flanges and are guided into the two gaps. The upper base has two second engaging grooves defined therein for corresponding to the two first engaging grooves. A fastener connects the support member with the lower base and is screwed with the upper base. The upper base is simultaneously moved relative to the lower base by a rotation of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 8215596
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a positioning member. The first supporting member is rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. A positioning protrusion is formed on the first supporting member. The second supporting member is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. The positioning member has an elastic portion and is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. A positioning groove receiving the positioning protrusion is defined in a periphery of the positioning member and adjacent to the elastic portion. An LCD device is further provided in the present disclose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Wu Duan, Fan Zhou
  • Patent number: 8210487
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a bracket, a pushing member having a pushing surface, a magazine member to fitting about a plurality of clamping rings, a sending member, a fixing member fixed to the bracket and a resisting member fixed to the fixing member. The fixing member defines a positioning hole for fixing the magazine member, with the clamping rings freely sliding through the positioning hole. The sending member includes two guiding rods fixed to the fixing member, two elastic elements fitting about the corresponding guiding rods, and a moving board slidably mounted to the guiding rods. The elasticity of the elastic elements urges the moving board to drive one of the plurality of clamping rings to resist against the resisting member. When the pushing member is moved towards the fixing member, the pushing surface pushes the one clamping ring to clamp a shaft of a connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Miao Fan, Hong-Jun Feng, Peng Zhang, Yu-Bin Guo
  • Patent number: 8201792
    Abstract: A support stand for a flat-panel display monitor includes a rotatable bracket, and an elevating support rotatably connected to the rotatable bracket. The elevating support includes a base member, a first rotatable module, a second rotatable module, and a third rotatable module. The first and second rotatable modules are both rotatably assembled between the rotatable bracket and the base member. The second rotatable module is positioned opposite to the first rotatable module. The first and second rotatable modules are spaced by a predetermined distance, and rotate along a same direction relative to the base member. The third rotatable module is positioned between the first and second rotatable modules, and rotatably follows the first and second rotatable modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Jun Yuan, Chang-Sheng Fan
  • Patent number: 8186643
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a device to a circular structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp body attached to the outer surface of the circular structure using a strap, which can be attached to the clamp body using a spring that maintains an attachment force to prevent movement of the clamp body over a wide range of temperatures and temperature cycling of the circular structure and the strap. In one embodiment, the device can be installed in the clamp body and coupled to the outer surface of the circular structure using one or more spring washers that maintain an attachment force between the device and the outer surface of the circular structure to prevent detachment of the device from the outer surface of the circular structure over a wide range of temperatures and temperature cycling of the circular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei Luo, Tounine Mayer, Jae Choi
  • Patent number: 8172192
    Abstract: A longitudinal displacement device is provided that has an upper rail that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction, and a stationary lower rail. A linear guide that has a bearing element for longitudinal guidance and support of the upper rail is located in the longitudinal direction between the upper rail and the lower rail. Provided on the upper rail is a carrier that engages in a recess bounded by two stops and located in the center region of the bearing cage as viewed in the longitudinal direction, in order to carry the bearing cage along. A recess bounded by two stops is located in the center region of the bearing element. Provided on the upper rail is a carrier that engages in the recess. During a displacement of the upper rail, the bearing element is carried along by the carrier, so that the upper rail is always supported on the lower rail over its entire length. The motor vehicle seat can thus be displaced in a smooth-running manner with the application of a small force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochen Hofmann, Marco Gleissberg
  • Patent number: 8172196
    Abstract: A device for supporting a mobile calorimeter on a measuring object, especially a monitor, includes a flexible tube-shaped carrying belt (G) which is at least partially filled with a granular loading material and which is provided with a fixing member (1) for its installation on the calorimeter (MD). The supporting device may further include a pocket (T) provided with measuring and operating apertures for receiving the mobile calorimeter (MD), and the carrying belt (G) may be fastened to the pocket (T). The carrying belt (G) may be formed substantially as a closed loop and may be provided with a Velcro fastener for its lengthwise adjustment. The supporting device permits easy and comfortable positioning of the measuring apparatus on a monitor and at the same time serves as a carrying belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Danhamer, Stefan Diethelm
  • Patent number: 8157231
    Abstract: Positioning apparatus applied on equipment with one or a plurality of single axles is fixed on two bases opposite to each other. Adjusting device is located in each base and corresponding to each cross or single axle, which is configured for adjusting the position of the cross or single axle in a direction parallel to the base. Fixing device is configured for fixing the adjusting device on the base. The fixing device is moved in one direction vertical to the adjusting device adjusted in another direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiuan-Che Shiu, Chih-chiang Lee, Kuo-Chang Teng
  • Patent number: 8157229
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Palermo
  • Patent number: 8152116
    Abstract: A stand for a medical fluid treatment, a system for supporting medical fluid bags, and a method for testing and sensing whether a bag or a seal in a chamber of a multi-chamber bag has been broken prior to providing therapy. A stand stores one or more medical fluid bags, each bag stored on a single shelf. Each shelf has a sensor for sensing the presence or absence of fluid in the bag, and reporting the status of the bag to a central location, such as a computer. The sensor can also detect and report on whether fluid has leaked from the bag, or in the case of bags with two or more chambers, if a leak in a frangible seal separating the chambers has developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Tom Westberg
  • Patent number: 8152122
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a display device is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a housing whereon a first hole and a protrusion are formed, and a bracket installed on a side of the housing. The bracket includes a connecting part for connecting the housing. A second hole and an opening are formed on the connecting part, and the protrusion passes through the opening. The bracket further includes a bending part connected to the connecting part for shielding the second hole. The fixing mechanism further includes a fastening component passing through the first hole on the housing and the second hole on the connecting part for fastening the bracket on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Hsu, Sheng-Chieh Yang, Xiao-Ping Qiu, Chi-Wei Kuo, Hsueh-Ping Yang
  • Patent number: 8141830
    Abstract: A corner bracket having a base member and a first wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member and a second wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member, such that a first wall attachment surface of the first wall attachment portion is perpendicular to a second wall attachment surface of the second wall attachment portion. A central bracket member, an inner bracket member, and an outer bracket member each extend from the top side of the base member. The central bracket member is positioned substantially between at least a portion of the inner bracket member and the outer bracket member and a base member edge, two opposing central bracket member edges, an inner bracket member edge, and an outer bracket member edge are each aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Robert E. Hudson
  • Patent number: 8141832
    Abstract: A one-piece molded holder clip is provided for retaining an associated sunshade rod. The clip has a body in which a hook element is formed with the body and having a generally C-shaped conformation to receive the rod therein. A sunshade guide surface is formed in the body and extends substantially tangentially from the hook element. A fastener is formed with the body and extends from a rear surface of the sunshade guide surface. First and second legs are received over a bracket extending from the automotive vehicle frame and at least one of the legs includes a locking tab dimensioned for snap-fit engagement with an associated bracket. A cover is formed with the one-piece body and extends from the hook element, and covers the fastener to provide an aesthetically pleasing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy Chak