Patents Examined by Naschica S. Morrison
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Patent number: 7073952Abstract: An optical alignment device holds fiber collimators in place with extremely good mechanical and environmental stability. The device includes a ball with a hole traversing the ball, an upper clamping block with a first inner concave spherical surface and a lower clamping block with a second inner concave spherical surface. The hole includes a shape that can accommodate or contact an optical component whose alignment is to be controlled. The ball, together with the enclosed optical component is firmly held between the first and second inner concave surfaces of the clamping blocks, which are tightened against the ball with screws. When firmly clamped within the concave surfaces, the ball is prevented from accidental movement but can still rotate about any axis to align the optical component. Once alignment is achieved, the optical component and the ball are secured in place by epoxy, glue, solder or other suitable adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Avanex CorporationInventors: Frank Xi Wu, Jian Xu, Ming Li, Song Peng
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Patent number: 7063301Abstract: A facilities connection locator is provided for use with a support apparatus for supporting manufacturing equipment. The facilities connection locator comprises a fluid tight bucket having a bottom surface, a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, and a mounting mechanism adapted to mount the fluid tight bucket to the support apparatus so that the fluid tight bucket has a fixed position relative to the support apparatus in an x y and z axes. The facilities connection locator also comprises a fluid connection port, and may comprise a vacuum connection port surrounded by a fluid tight riser. A vacuum line connection may extend through the vacuum connection port and may have a locating flange located a predetermined distance from the connection's top surface, such that coupling the locating flange to the riser fixes the height of the vacuum line connection relative to the top of the riser.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Ronald Vern Schauer
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Patent number: 6959901Abstract: A rotatable book holder includes a housing having a chamber to rotatably receive a rotary member which has a number of holes. A pole includes a lower portion secured to the rotary member, and a plate is secured to an upper portion of the pole and includes a number of holes facing toward the holes of the rotary member, to receive shanks of books, and for allowing the books to be rotated relative to the housing in concert with the rotary member, and thus for allowing the books to be easily viewed or read by the users. The housing includes a weight to rotatably support the pole and to increase stability of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventor: Chun Yuan Chang
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Patent number: 6918565Abstract: An adjustable book holder includes two primary frames, and one or more auxiliary frames selectively secured between the frames, to increase holding of more books or sheet members to the book holder. The primary frames and the auxiliary frames may be secured together with peg-and-aperture engagements. Two followers may be attached to the frames, and may be coupled between the primary frames and the auxiliary frames, and may be rotatably or adjustably secured to two seats, with gear engagements, to allow the followers and the primary and the auxiliary frames to be secured to the seats at selected angular positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: Chun Yuan Chang
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Patent number: 6913229Abstract: A management system for wiring and/or cabling is disclosed. The wire management system comprises a base socket, a cable guide assembly, and a base pivot. The cable guide assembly may include a base member and a guide member that may be removably mounted to the base socket. The base pivot may be received within the base member for removably mounting the cable guide assembly to the base socket. The guide member of the cable guide assembly includes a plurality of vertically orientated ribs that assist in orientating the wiring and/or cabling in a generally vertical direction with respect to a heat emitting device so as to minimize the surface area of the wiring and/or cabling that is exposed to a heat emitting device, thereby minimizing heat buildup within an enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Unitrend, Inc.Inventor: Conrad A. H. Jelinger
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Patent number: 6892994Abstract: A three-fingered holder having the ability to selectively and firmly grasp a variety of different objects. The holder comprises a housing, three fingers partially sheathed within and partially extending from the housing, and a spring-biased clamping mechanism contained within the housing. The mechanism has an open position wherein the fingertips of the fingers are substantially separated, but is biased toward a closed position wherein the fingertips are positioned in proximity to one another, in order to firmly grasp an object therebetween. The mechanism is converted to the open position by pressing down upon a lever. Release of the lever allows the spring-biased mechanism to return toward the closed position and to thereby urge the fingers towards one another. The fingertips each terminate in a soft rubber contact plate, which prevents even delicate objects from becoming damaged while being held by the holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Mary Renshaw
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Patent number: 6883764Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper aim, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping member. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Humanscale Corp.Inventors: George Mileos, Robert King
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Patent number: 6883765Abstract: A novel holder in the form of a structural volume for holding a container and a flexible strap coupled to the structural volume. The structural volume is made form a disposable unitary blank composed of a biodegradable material and having a central base with legs extending therefrom to form a cruciform shape. Fold lines are provided between the base and the legs that enable the blank to be folded into a prism to form the structural volume. A ring is attached to one of the legs remote from the base and has a tab for coupling with the opposite leg to complete the structural volume. A container can be carried in the structural volume and be supported on the base.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventors: Jorge Pablo Lozano, Juan Carlos Alberto Seco
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Patent number: 6877703Abstract: A suspending structure of ceiling fan generally comprises a mounting bracket, a C-shape ring and a canopy. Wherein both the mounting bracket and the C-shape ring are provided with a gap respectively, when the gap of the mounting bracket is aligned to that of the C-shape ring the downrod is is permitted to allow for the entrance of the downrod. And then the C-shape ring is revolved to make its gap not aligned with that of the mounting bracket, such that the entrance of the downrod is enclosed, that is to say, the downrod will be rigidly fixed and the disengagement of it can be definitely prevented, thereby the suspending structure of ceiling fan of the present invention is very safe in operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: David Tang
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Patent number: 6877707Abstract: An integrated keyboard platform and document support includes a base and a keyboard support member having an upper surface. The keyboard support member is movably mounted to the base to provide adjustment through a plurality of positions of the keyboard support member. An integral document holder includes a groove having a curved shape in plan view and located in the upper surface of the keyboard support member. The groove defines an engagement surface engagable with a bottom edge of the document and defining a plane of engagement. The plane of engagement is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the support surface, and is inclined substantially level or rearwardly downward throughout the plurality of positions whereby a document may be held substantially vertical or inclined rearwardly in the curved groove throughout the plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: David K. Jones, Joseph D. Ruedinger
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Patent number: 6874518Abstract: A fabric covered structure such as for use as a gazebo or pavilion includes plural generally vertical support columns connected to roof beams which support a fabric roof. Opposed ends of the beams are each connected to one of the support columns and are each provided with a hook element for attachment to a cable or rope attached to the periphery of the fabric roof such as by being disposed in a peripheral hem of the fabric roof. Each roof beam is further provided with telescoping end portions to each of which is attached one of the hook elements for extending the end of the beam and maintaining the cable under tension and the fabric roof in a stretched condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventor: William H. Porter
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Patent number: 6871827Abstract: An electrical outlet box mounting bracket for mounting large size and small size standard electrical outlet boxes. The bracket has a flat section of material having a cutout pattern formed therein. The cutout pattern has a generally octagonal opening formed therein with a first, a second, a third and a fourth diagonally offset corner, and straight edges therebetween. A first, a second and a third closed keyhole slot is located inwardly of the first diagonal corner of the bracket, the keyhole slots having a wider end and a narrower slot portion with a terminal end. A first, a second and a third open slot are located diagonally opposite the keyhole cutouts in the third diagonal corner and opened therein. The open slots have a terminal end therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: PW Industries, Inc.Inventors: Randy Petak, Joshua Kueng
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Patent number: 6860458Abstract: A convertible book holder for holding and positioning books and documents. The book holder includes a freestanding document display and support portion with an integral resilient clip and independent paper engagement clip. An adaptive enlarged L-shaped document support is removably secured over the freestanding support portion to enhance the holding capabilities for larger and oversize text of instructional type books.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Samuel Pagano
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Patent number: 6860455Abstract: A connecting device for securing a down pipe to a wall comprises a first part fixable to the surface and a second part attachable to the first part and forming an at least partial enclosure for the pipe, the attachment of the second part to the first part being selectively adjustable, whereby spacing of the pipe from the wall is adjustable. Co-operative formations prevent slidable movement of the second part relative to the first part, in a given direction along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, but permit slidable movement of the second part relative to the first part in an opposite direction, along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, once the second part has been slidably attached to the first part.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) LimitedInventor: Cristopher Richardson
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Patent number: 6860459Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a component using a mounting accessory is disclosed herein. The mounting accessory and the component are designed and configured to provide a variety of different mounting methods, as required by the environment. The component and the mounting accessory are designed to provide a variety of mated relationships therebetween. The component makes contact with the mounting accessory in at least two locations or contact points to provide a secure attachment that is easily changeable to provide a desired orientation. Connecting the component to the mounting accessory is carried out with at least two mated attachment points, a portion of the component is received into an orifice of the mounting accessory and a portion of the mounting accessory is received into an orifice of the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: GN Netcom, Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. Lyman, Benjamin Beck, Douglas A. Marsden
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Patent number: 6854697Abstract: A first stopper supporting member (31), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a second tubular member (22) of a telescopic unit (15) along a first tubular member (21), is disposed around the outer surface of the first tubular member (21). A second stopper supporting member (31a), supporting a stopper (35) which controls movement of a third tubular member (23) along the second tubular member (22) is disposed around the outer surface of the second tubular member (22). A facing end (71) of the first stopper supporting member (31) and a facing end (72) of the second stopper supporting member (31a) have nearly the same outer diameter. The resulting telescopic unit (15) is both attractive in appearance and free from the problem of being inadvertently caught by another object.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignees: Nihon Velbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hakuba Shashin Sangyo KabushikiInventor: Mitsuru Akaike
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Patent number: 6854699Abstract: A cup holder device includes an attachment base, a holder main member, and a holder arm formed of first to third arms. The first arm has one end part rotatably supported to the holder main member, and the other end part with a first placement portion where the container bottom can be placed. The second arm has one end part rotatably supported to the other end part of the first arm through a first link portion, and a second placement portion at the one end part. In an unfolded state, the second placement portion continues from the first placement portion to support the container bottom. The third arm includes one end part rotatably supported to the other end part of the second arm, and the other end part rotatably supported to the holder main member through a second link portion. Thus, the cup holder device can be made compact and stably hold a container.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Nishizawa
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Patent number: 6848461Abstract: A tent structure includes four posts, four scissor-like linking rod sets, four retractable rod sets and a connector. The four posts are placed on four corners of the tent to form a square structure. Each post comprises a fixture at the top portion with a sleeve thereon at an upper portion and a sliding seat thereon at a lower portion. The sliding seat comprises a supporting rod. The four scissor-like linking rod sets are secured between the posts, respectively. One end of each retractable rod set is inserted through the sleeve of each post and the other end of the retractable rod set is pivoted to the connector, thus when the posts are expanded outwardly, the scissor-like linking rod sets are also expanded to form an arcuate tent.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Tony Tsai
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Patent number: 6824112Abstract: A baby bottle holder that includes a stuffed toy body and a sleeve extending through the stuffed toy body to form at least one opening in the stuffed toy body. The baby bottle holder further includes a bottle retainer that is positioned within the sleeve and spaced from a first end and a second end of the sleeve. The bottle retainer may be positioned such that only a nipple of a baby bottle is exposed outside a mouth of the stuffed toy body when the baby bottle is secured within the bottle holder. Another aspect relates to a baby bottle holder that includes a tether attached to the stuffed toy body to secure the baby bottle holder to an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: HLLB, LLCInventor: Helmut Lange
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Patent number: 6808147Abstract: A clamping device for stainless steel sinks having rolled rim edges used for suspension of weighted items from the sink's rolled rim edge for better organization around the sink work area, comprising a facial plate having a front and a crispate top connecting the front to a back. The front has a pair of slots disposed substantially near the bottom on opposite sides and extend upward vertically there from. Inserted between the front and back is a compression gib. The compression gib has a pair of grooves which align with the slots in the facial plate. A supporting member having two arms connected at one end by a cross member and opposite thereto a pair of threaded ends fays the device together and to the sink. The vertical slots in the front facial plate and the grooves in the compression gib align to receive the threaded ends. Fastening means and washers are affixed onto the threaded ends of the supporting member.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventors: Russell H. Brannen, Carl R. Brucker