Articulated Link Shifts Surface Patents (Class 108/145)
  • Patent number: 5823120
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable desk includes a support stand, a desktop with underbody and linkages of parallel links that connect the underbody to the support stand such that the desktop can be vertically adjusted above the support stand. A gas spring with handle connects each linkage with the underbody to assist in vertical movement of the desktop and, by use of the associated handle, to releasably lock the desktop in desired vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: JELTEC Ergonomiteknik AB
    Inventor: Roland Holmquist
  • Patent number: 5758849
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting a computer and related equipment at a selected height including at least one vertically oriented fixed stanchion. At least one support tray is slidably situated on the fixed stanchion along a vertical axis for supporting a monitor. Finally, an elevation control assembly is included for allowing a user to adjust the height of the monitor and CPU support tray and further maintain the height thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Khan Duc Bui, Khoi Doc Bui
  • Patent number: 5746138
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-degree-of-freedom positioning mechanism having a guide shaft and first and second moving members movably mounted on the guide shaft. Each drive is connected with the first and second moving members so as to allow the moving members to travel along the guide shaft. The machanism has a pair of foldably joined equally long links, which are pivotally rotatably engaged with the first and second moving members by first and second couplings. Furthermore, one edge of a table is pivotally rotatably engaged with the joint between the mating links of the foldably joined equally long links, to displaceably support the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Hihaisuto Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Hirose
  • Patent number: 5732425
    Abstract: A therapeutic table has a base, a bed-like table top, adjustable legs to provide height adjustment of the table top, a gas spring which provides an upward lift on and at least substantially neutralizes weight of the table top and a lock having numerous locking positions for locking the table top at different heights to which it is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Shun Leung
  • Patent number: 5727655
    Abstract: A platform which is raised and lowered evenly in a vertical direction only by a pair of piston activated four-bar linkages which are linked together through an endless cable or belt which will not allow one four-bar linkage to act independently of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Mark Pitman
  • Patent number: 5722331
    Abstract: A counterbalanced adjustable height load bearing support structure with a pretensioning mechanism comprises a pair of pivotable arms each having a free end in engagement with a support assembly and being biased by a torsion spring. A lever arm is connected to each torsion spring and exerts a biasing force on the pivotable arm when the lever is rotated, thereby preloading the springs. A cable connects the lever arms and passes over a central bushing. The bushing receives a threaded shaft which may be turned to move the bushing and thereby adjust the tension in the cable. Because the cable is capable of sliding engagement with the bushing, tension in the cable is substantially uniform throughout its length and thus the resultant forces on the lever arms is approximately equal. Correspondingly, the forces on the two pivotable arms and associated support assemblies is approximately equal, whereby binding or racking of the support assemblies is minimized as the support surface is raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hon Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jay R. Machael
  • Patent number: 5694864
    Abstract: A scissor lift table includes a pivot element, a first scissor element and a second scissor element having respective first ends and respective second ends, the center portions of the scissor elements being operatively joined with one another at the pivot element such that the scissor elements are pivotable counter to one another about the pivot element. A table plate is supported by the pair of scissor elements and a base supports the pair of scissor elements and has a top side. A drive arrangement is operatively connected to the scissor elements for pivoting the scissor elements counter to one another. The drive arrangement includes a geared motor; a horizontal threaded spindle, the geared motor operatively engaging the spindle at the end portion thereof; and a spindle nut operatively engaging the spindle at the body portion thereof, wherein one of the geared motor and the spindle nut is mounted on the pivot element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Johann Stamm
    Inventor: Ernst Langewellpott
  • Patent number: 5673628
    Abstract: A table for supporting and securing a portable computer in a vehicle comprises a table top with adjustably positionable clamping members and an articulated arm secured at an upper end to the underside of the table and at a lower end to the interior of the car, typically the floor. The clamping members are slidingly secured along the sides of the table to permit sliding advancement of the clamping members relative to and along the sides to which they are attached. Opposed clamping members are retractable and extendable relative to one another. The table is removably securable to the vehicle and collapsible upon itself to permit it to be positioned out of the way when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Shane M. Boos
  • Patent number: 5649493
    Abstract: A table includes a table support; a slide guide secured to the table top; a sliding member received in the slide guide for displacements relative to the table top and parallel to its main plane; a stationary table support; first and second link bars articulated to the table support and the sliding member. The first and second link bars together form a link bar guide. A coupling bar is articulated to a mid region of one of the first and second link bars and to a component affixed to the table top. This construction provides that a pivotal motion of the parallel linkage guide causes a displacement of the sliding member relative to the table top in its main plane and also causes a height-changing displacement of the table top relative to the table support transversely to its main plane, while the table top remains in an unchanged position relative to the main table top plane. Further, a height-arresting device is provided for immobilizing the table top in any height position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Heinrich Oelschlager Metallwarenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Blume
  • Patent number: 5632209
    Abstract: A lift table that consists of a base and a table attached on the right and left by pairs of scissor links. The table is raised through the use of a compression spring. The spring is compressed through the weight of the load on the table, thus creating a lift table which maintains a set height for the load on the table. The spring is positioned with one end attached to either the top or bottom end of one of the pair which form the scissor-link mechanisms, and with the other end connected to the other link, which intersects the first. One end of the spring is attached to a screw slider mechanism which is adapted to move along the length of the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Bishamon Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuji Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5593118
    Abstract: A furniture frame, especially a table frame, that includes a support having upright support parts. Intermediate link members are pivotably connected to the support parts. A carrier member is provided that carries a panel and has carrier parts that are pivotally connected to the intermediate link members. The carrier member is movable between a lower position of use and an upper position of use in which the support parts, the intermediate link members, and the carrier parts extend upwardly and together with the panel enclose a free space. At least one connecting member is provided and has a center portion as well as end portions that are pivotably connected to the intermediate link members at pivot locations. The end portions extend upwardly from these pivot locations, and the center portion in the upper position of use, extends at least substantially in a region beyond the free space when viewed in the direction of the pivot axes of the furniture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Krause GmbH & Co. KG Zweigniederlassung Weilheim/Teck
    Inventor: Karl Kneile
  • Patent number: 5588377
    Abstract: A convertible table can be conveniently configured into either a coffee table or a dining table. The convertible table includes a table bottom unit supported by four legs and a table hinge secured to the table bottom unit via four lower hinge brackets. A table top unit is secured to the table hinge via four upper hinge brackets. The hinge moves between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to vertically move the table top unit away from the table bottom unit and back into contact with the table bottom unit, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Fahmian
  • Patent number: 5398622
    Abstract: A dual worksurface support is provided for electronic data processing equipment and the like, and includes two separate worksurfaces adapted to support different pieces of equipment thereon. The worksurfaces are interconnected by a linkage assembly which permits vertical adjustment of one of the worksurfaces with respect to the other, and includes left and right hand linkages located at the opposite sides of the respective worksurfaces, which rotate about at least one horizontal pivot axis. A rigid stabilizer bar has its opposite ends fixedly connected with the two linkages at locations concentric with the horizontal pivot access, such that rotation of one of the linkages is transmitted through the stabilizer bar to the other linkage to ensure that the opposite sides of the adjusted worksurface move vertically together without sagging or binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Lubinskas, Timothy H. Schipper, Roger E. Doane, Jeffrey A. Musculus
  • Patent number: 5375900
    Abstract: A cover for the open bed of a pick-up truck is movable between a horizontal closed position and a horizontal open position by linkage and a remotely activated motor where the linkage and motor are integrated with the cover. The cover locks the tailgate in a closed position and includes a tail light and domelight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Accura Fiberglass Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kornel J. Tessenyi, Martin T. Lane
  • Patent number: 5375514
    Abstract: A mechanism for dual-height tables, counters, or the like, in which the top lifts and pivots upward and outward on pairs of links attached to the top and to link housings attached to the table or counter base. Each pair of links comprises a pivot link and a locking link. The pivot link has holes at each end which ride on pins or the like attached to a bracket on the top and the pivot link housing on the bottom. The locking link is similarly arranged at the top, with a hole for a pin attached to a bracket. The bottom end of the locking link has an elongated slot, through which a pin is inserted to fasten the locking link to the locking link housing. When the top is in the lowered position, the pin is in the end of the slot closest to the end of the locking link. As the top is raised, both links pivot on the pins in the link housings. When the top has reached its most-forward pivot position, the locking link rests on a forward stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert I. Dann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5339749
    Abstract: First and second sliding bodies are guided along a first axis on linear guide rails. A linkage connects a table to the first and second sliding bodies. The linkage moves the table parallel to the linear guide rails when the first and second sliding bodies are displaced the same distance. The linkage moves the table perpendicular to the linear guide rails when one of the sliding bodies is moved a different distance from the first sliding body. The perpendicular distance can be either the Z axis or the Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Hihasuto Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Hirose
  • Patent number: 5323712
    Abstract: A table moving apparatus includes a reference table, a object movable holizontally to generate a driving force acting holizontally, a lever member receiving the driving force to swing round a fulcrum and change the driving force to a vertical force, and a movable table receiving the vertical force to move vertically. The height of movable table on the reference table can be made relatively low. Pitching and rolling errors can be reduced. When the ratio of the lever member is of the reduction type, the resolution of the movable table can be made high or good. When the ratio of the lever member is of the enlargement type, the movable range of the movable table can be made large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Nobutaka Kikuiri
  • Patent number: 5230289
    Abstract: An articulated, manually adjustable keyboard support apparatus including an elongated, transverse support member, first and second arms pivoted to the support member and a keyboard platform or tray subassembly joined to lower ends of the arms. The transverse support member is joined to a beam by a first vertical hinge. The beam is pivoted to a slide by a second vertical hinge. The slide is received in a track. Springs counterbalance the weight of a keyboard positioned on the platform subassembly. A palm rest subassembly is adjustably mounted on the platform subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: William R. George, Wade D. McNary, Chris Tacklind, Rickson Sun
  • Patent number: 5143417
    Abstract: A shelf for a platform of a fold-down camper is provided, having an end frame with a first and second leg pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the platform and adapted to pivot from a first position substantially parallel to the platform to a second position substantially perpendicular to the platform for supporting an awning. Disposed between the first and second legs, and pivotally coupled thereto, is a shelf. The shelf is oriented so as to be substantially parallel to the platform and that relationship is maintained throughout the movement of the awning support by at least one leg interconnecting the shelf to the platform. All of the supports for the shelf are pivotally coupled and parallel to each other so that the shelf remains parallel to the platform. The shelf is available to store personal belongings or ornamental objects of the occupants without interfering with the occupants while reclined on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Starcraft RV, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Philley, Homer Ratliff, Ira H. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5102340
    Abstract: Dental teaching and practicing apparatus for the simulation and practice of dental-clinical working or operating procedures, such as are generally employed for the education and training of dentists and their assistants. The apparatus which represents or incorporates a patient-simulator can be individually positioned, especially with consideration being given to limited space or place conditions, whereby during non-use thereof the apparatus can be brought into a space-saving stored position, and can also be set up in such a manner that within an unchanged assembly, it is comfortable for either a right-handed or left-handed person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Frank Berlinghoff, Hans-Walter Lang
  • Patent number: 5005492
    Abstract: A table mechanism for lifting and lowering a table top through a parallel link mechanism. In the table mechanism of the invention, which does not cause an increase in costs even when an initial position of the table top is set low in spite of having a cover for coversing side surfaces of a parallel link mechanism, there is given a difference of elevation in the fitting position of the parallel link mechanism on the sides of the table top and of the floor in combination with front and rear links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Yokogawa Medical Systems, Limited
    Inventors: Sumihito Ogino, Ryo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5002293
    Abstract: A mobile painter's service cart having an upper frame and a lower frame interconnected by parallel scissors-type linkages. The linkages on opposite sides of the cart are connected by transverse axles and a latching arm engages one of the axles to latch the linkage in adjusted position. The upper frame has a paint tray which can be covered by a pivoted cover having opposite support surfaces. A reversible hinge is provided to enable the cover to be reversed on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: John C. Gottselig
  • Patent number: 4974899
    Abstract: The body of a recreational vehicle (RV) is configured to have a stowage compartment within the body's interior but separate from the interior occupant space. The stowage compartment contains a tank which serves water use fixtures in the interior occupant space. The stowage compartment is disposed adjacent the sidewall of the RV body and an opening is provided through the sidewall from the stowage space to the exterior. This opening is closed by a door. When the door is open, the tank can pass through the opening into and out of the stowage space. The tank can be either a fresh water tank containing a supply of fresh water for use at sanitary fixtures in the RV or alternatively it can be a waste water tank of either the gray water or black water type which collects waste from the water use fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventor: Charles L. Sargent
  • Patent number: 4926760
    Abstract: A self leveling table for holding articles on the table at a constant level regardless of the number of articles on the top of the table with the self leveling table including a pair of scissor arms that are restrained from closing by a set of springs whose compression force can be adjusted, the scissor arms pivotally mounted in the table with one end of the springs including a cam bar with a pair of cam followers for engaging cam surfaces on the scissors arms to smoothly control the raising and lowering of the self leveling table when materials are added or removed from the table and spaced lifting surfaces on the self leveling table, to permit an operator with a forklift to move the self leveling table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Allen J. Sack
  • Patent number: 4825780
    Abstract: A multi-level table for student activity use, such as in science or art labs, includes a top which may be adjusted relative to a base in either a raised or a lowered position. In either position, the table top is rigidly secured to the base for stability and the adjustment between positions is accomplished without removing the top from the base. Folding seats may be folded into a very tin profile for storage beneath the table top when not in use. A novel upright support is also disclosed which may be removably mounted onto the table top for use in supporting equipment used in laboratory work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventors: Ronald M. Maxwell, Arthur W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4817220
    Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a physical therapy bench has great lifting height due to levers extending at an angle with each other in one end position which are made to coincide approximately midway in their movement, said movement being permitted to continue in said levers passing each other and in their other end position again extending at an angle with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: A/S SABA Medical
    Inventor: Rolf Guttormsem
  • Patent number: 4757989
    Abstract: A portable martial arts device for rigidly holding one or more boards to receive a karate blow or the like. The device comprises a freestanding framework and a board holder mounted on the framework for rigidly holding parallel edge margins of one or more boards thereby to position the boards for receiving a karate blow or the like. A mechanism is provided for mounting the board holder on the framework for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis thereby to permit adjustment of the angular position of one or more boards in the holder. The framework is adapted for adjustment of the height of the board holder, thereby permitting adjustment of the height of boards in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: William J. Bauer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4753408
    Abstract: An adjustable attitude speaker stand including a base in the form of a pair of laterally spaced apart elongated rails having longitudinal slots formed therein. A pair of posts rise upwardly from the slots and are coupled thereto by followers for forward and rearward movement relative thereto. The upper extremities of the post are also formed with generally vertically extending slots and braces are pivotally connected to the rear extremities of the rails and include followers coupled with such post slots such that the posts may be adjusted forwardly and rearwardly at both their top and bottom ends. A pair of support arms project cantileverly forwardly from the lower portion of the post for receiving and cradling a load speaker such that adjustment of the posts will vary the attitude of such arms to direct sound from the speaker at selected angles from a range projecting generally horizontally across the room to a upward angle of about 45.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: David Warren
    Inventor: Jaci Wailes
  • Patent number: 4744712
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a loading system for loading semiconductor wafers into a diffusion tube. The combination of a track and a loader trolley designed for the track is disclosed, along with mechanisms for coarse and fine adjustments of the height of the loader platform of the loader trolley. These adjustments can be made without any shims or spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Ron Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4712653
    Abstract: An energy-recycling scissors lift includes a platform, base and a pair of scissors linkages, each having a first and second scissors legs. One end of each second scissors leg is pivotally attached to the base and the other end translations along the platform. One end of each first scissors leg is pivotally attached to the platform and the other end translates along the base. A bridge structure connects each of the second scissors legs together. A sealed gas cylinder, attached to the base and the bridge structure, moves the platform to an extended position above the base. Energy is stored in the sealed gas cylinder as the platform and supported object descends to a retracted position. A compensating device is attached to the scissors lift to compensate for the overforce caused by the sealed gas cylinder. One form of the compensating device adjusts the position of the sealed gas cylinder to vary the force exerted on the platform. Other compensating devices are equalizing springs and spring reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Lift-R Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Franklin, Archibald D. Evans, Walter J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4662286
    Abstract: A convertible table extendible from a low to a high position comprising a rectangular deck having cut-outs in its four corners, a frame surrounding the deck, folding leaves pivoted to the deck and constructed to fit within the frame when they are folded, four arms attached at their respective ends to a combination mounting bracket hinge and to one of four respective legs, and a mechanical linkage for raising and lowering the table by moving the top of the legs diagonally along rods mounted beneath the deck. When the table is in the high position, extensions fixed to the arms pass through the cut-outs in the four corners of the deck and raise the leaves up relative to the frame. The leaves can then be rotated and unfolded to form a full sized top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Castro Convertible Corporation
    Inventors: John Barabas, Ralph Bocella
  • Patent number: 4655466
    Abstract: A cart having a frame, front and rear wheels, and a handle. A pair of elevating link mechanisms are mounted on the frame, each comprising a pair of arms pivotally connected to each other at intermediate positions thereof, rollers are provided on both ends of each of the arms, lower rollers are mounted on rails provided on the frame. A carrier is engaged with upper rollers of the link mechanisms by guide rails. A hydraulic jack is vertically provided on the frame, a ram of the jack engages with a ram receiver supported on two corresponding arms at lower portions thereof and rotatable about lateral axis. A pump is provided for supplying liquid to said hydraulic jack. The elevating link mechanisms are extended by projecting the ram of the jack for elevating the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Hanaoka Sharyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 4644875
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for use in supporting a keyboard in a desired adjustable position relative to a CRT unit at a work station. The mechanism is adapted for attachment to the downwardly facing surface of a suitable horizontal support arranged at various levels or distances from a floor; and is characterized as being capable of mounting a keyboard for horizontally directed movements between storage or retracted and use or extended positions and for vertically directed movements into maximum upper and lower use positions in opposite directions from an intermediate or reference position normally assumed by the keyboard when in its storage position, wherein means are provided to automatically move the keyboard from its upper position into its intermediate position incident to movement of the keyboard horizontally towards its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Weber-Knapp Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Watt
  • Patent number: 4640488
    Abstract: A seat suspension featuring a weight-responsive, height-adjusting mechanism which is advantageously employed in a seat intended to be installed in a smaller sized vehicle is disclosed. The seat suspension includes a pair of shock absorbers arranged at the lower portion of X-shaped links with its height being substantially the same as that of the lower portion of said links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4638610
    Abstract: A theatrical stage, comprising a plurality of side-by-side, screw-operated shearlegs tables, each such table having its own operating mechanism connected to the operating vertical screw. The screw is pivotally connected to the shearlegs members by dual transmission members, by which movement of the table platform is made almost linear in relation to the rotation of the screw. The vertical movement of the platform of the shearlegs tables is synchronized by employing as operating mechanism, electro-hydraulic step motors for each table, with a brake mounted on each screw for arresting rotary motion of the step motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Elevator GmbH
    Inventor: Urho Heikkinen
  • Patent number: 4625657
    Abstract: Mechanisms are disclosed for use in supporting keyboards in desired adjusted positions relative to a CRT unit supporting table or work station. A first form of the mechanism provides a retracted position for a keyboard, wherein it is disposed beneath a table top and recessed rearwardly of a front end thereof. Additional forms of the mechanism are adapted for use with work stations of the type having a generally U-shaped work surface, wherein the keyboard is intended to be supported on a shelf arranged between the opposite end, forwardly protruding surface areas of such work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Weber-Knapp Company
    Inventors: Carl H. Little, Richard L. Watt
  • Patent number: 4624437
    Abstract: A body-weight adjusting device for a seat suspension is provided including an X-shaped link mechanism constituting the seat suspension, a combination of pinions and rack gears and a pair of tension springs. Vertical movement of an operation lever causes rotation of the pinion gears and simultaneous rotation of the intermeshing rack gears, to thereby increase or decrease the tension of the tension springs. In response to such tension variation in the tension springs, the X-shaped link mechanism is raised or lowered corresponding so as to permit a selective adjustment of the seat suspension to accommodate the weight of a seated occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4611783
    Abstract: A body-weight adjusting device for a seat suspension is provided including a combination of bell cranks, tension springs and a connecting rod. Vertical movement of an operation lever results in an increase or decrease in the tension of the springs (depending upon the starting position of the lever) in response to which the seat suspension mechanism is raised or lowered correspondingly so as to permit a selective adjustment of the seat suspension in accordance with the weight of a seated occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4607578
    Abstract: A positioning mechanism comprising three pantagraphs supporting a table on a base. Each pantagraph is constructed of four links connected into the form of a quadrilateral. The table is positioned to permit with six degrees of freedom by regulating the angle of inclination of each of the six lower links of the pantagraphs with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirochika Inoue, Ken-Ich Yoshida, Yasushi Kida, Akira Takemoto
  • Patent number: 4577821
    Abstract: A lifting table comprises at least two pairs of scissor arms pivotally interconnected by means of joints and adapted to cooperate in raising and lowering a table in relation to an underlying base portion by means of at least one longitudinally extensible power transmission device, for example a hydraulic cylinder. A carrier member coupled with the power transmission device transversely of the longitudinal direction thereof, is inserted through an oblong hole in a first scissor arm and adapted to cooperate with a sloping slideway on the second scissor arm, said slideway being adapted, on displacement of the carrier member from an initial position in which the scissor arms are in one plane, to provide a lifting of at least the first scissor arm into a position in which a substantial moment arm has been established between the carrier member and the joint between the scissor arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Torbjorn Edmo AB
    Inventors: Torbjorn Edmo, Per-Olof Sehlstedt
  • Patent number: 4571087
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically sonicating microtiter trays and arrays of test tubes, vials, and other small sample containers. An inverted cuphorn on an ultrasonic transducer introduces sonic energy through an extended fluid bath, on a one-by-one basis, into sample containers partially immersed therein. Stepped or continuous movement sample container positioning is by an x-y positioning table driven by reversible motors under the direction of an electromechanical controller. The dwell time of each sample container in the sonic energy field is selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventor: David F. Ranney
  • Patent number: 4558648
    Abstract: A scissors mechanism supports a platform, and is coupled to a sealed gas cylinder or other energy-storage device in such a way that the cylinder tends to lift the platform, and an article on the platform--such as a television set, a bar, office equipment, a tabletop, etc. The lift may be enclosed in a compact cabinet so that the article on the platform is concealed when down, and accessible when up.Energy released in lowering the article is stored in compression of gas within the storage device, and subsequently reused in raising the article. Compensation is provided for the strongly varying mechanical advantage provided by the scissors mechanism, so that the stored energy can operate smoothly on the article throughout the entire operating range of the scissors, making possible the use of the energy-recycling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Lift-R Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Franklin, Archibald D. Evans
  • Patent number: 4550666
    Abstract: A data-processor stand has a platform for the display screen which is mounted on a vertically adjustable upright from a base while the keyboard can be placed upon a second platform connected to the support formed at the underside of the first platform by a linkage whose link member can be vertically adjusted by a screw spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Firma Svoboda Entwicklung AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Svoboda
  • Patent number: 4437411
    Abstract: A multi-purpose table is adapted for use in schools, and particularly in science or art labs, as a desk or laboratory table. The top of the table may be adjusted in height either to a sitting height or to a standing height. The top may also be placed in either horizontal or sloping position at either adjusted height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: General Equipment Manufacturers
    Inventor: Ronald M. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4384533
    Abstract: An ironing board has adjustable legs providing a multiplicity of heights of the ironing surface to suit the height of the ironer. The ironing board is compact and may be folded flat for easy storage in confined spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Ironees Company
    Inventor: David Lehrman
  • Patent number: 4303018
    Abstract: A convertible table which is moveable from a high position to a low position and vice-versa may function, for example as a dining table and as a coffee or lounge table. The tabletop is supported by a centrally located leg extending between the table top and the base of the table. The table leg includes at least three outwardly collapsible walls each including an upper panel and a lower panel, these panels being hinged together and to the table top and base respectively. In the high position of the table and panels are biased into alignment with one another and a device is provided to move at least one of each of the panels of each pair of panels outwardly against the biasing force to permit the walls constituting the central table leg to collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Inventor: Edmund J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 4273306
    Abstract: An adjustable-height support apparatus such as an adjustable-height table or bed, including a platform which is supported by a pair of leg supports, which cross each other, each leg support comprising a pair of legs pivotally connected at one end with respect to the platform for sliding movement, the opposite end being arranged to contact a support surface; a strut being associated with each leg, the associated strut being pivotally connected at one end to the platform and the other end being pivotally connected at a location along the leg, both legs of each pair being connected together for movement in unison, and actuating means, e.g. a ram or a screw member associated with both leg supports for slidably moving the legs relative to the platform to lower or higher the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Pek S. Chang
  • Patent number: 4249749
    Abstract: A scissors type mobile tool cart for supporting a tool box on a platform that can be raised or lowered to various heights. The tool cart has a safety locking mechanism which prevents collapse of the cart and which must be manually operated to change the height of the platform which is supporting the tool box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Leroy Collier
  • Patent number: 4186937
    Abstract: A backrest device for a motorcycle rider that may be positioned forward to provide a backrest for one rider who is the operator of a motorcycle, and may be swingably repositioned to provide a backrest for a passenger who rides in tandem with the operator on the seat of the motorcycle. The backrest device has a cushioned backrest and a single pair of arms pivotally secured at opposite ends to the backrest and to an upright of a sissy bar. In a forward or extended position, a snubber prevents further backward tilt of the backrest. In a rearward or collapsed position, locking means secures the arms to the upright of the sissy bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Sargent B. Schultz
  • Patent number: 4148264
    Abstract: A universal table having utility at different elevations which includes a top, leg means and brace means. The pair of leg means are pivotally mounted to the top and to a secondary member located vertically downwardly from the pivotal connection to the top. Each pair of leg means extends angularly upwardly and inwardly to the point of connection with the top and has pivotally secured thereto, at a point intermediate the ends, a brace means which extends upwardly and outwardly and has its upper end portion pivotally connected to the table top. The brace means may alternatively be composed of two aligned pivotaly connected brace means or a pair of telescopically interconnected members such that when a table is in a lower position, the brace members are in a semi-folded condition or telescoped. In the upright position, the pivotable brace members are aligned and the telescopic brace members would be extended to their maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Inventor: Diomedes Caravias