Intermittent Drive Patents (Class 108/21)
  • Patent number: 11540651
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotatable platform riser system used for capturing imagery of objects from one angle or multiple angles with a seamless pure white background without reflections or shadows. The rotatable platform riser system comprises a turntable platform; a rotatory drive mechanism operably coupled to the turntable platform for rotating the turntable platform along its vertical axis; a riser comprising a substantially round open top and a substantially round bottom, an upright wall extending from the bottom to the top defining volume of the riser, the riser mounted or resting on the turntable platform at the bottom; and a riser platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the riser platform having a diameter same or larger than the diameter of the top of the riser, the riser platform mounted or resting over the top of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Allen, Jasper Michalczik, Jeremy Fissell
  • Patent number: 11266232
    Abstract: An automatic height adjustment system includes an adjustable desk frame, a first drive assembly operable to control a height of the adjustable desk frame, an adjustable monitor mount, a second drive assembly operable to control a viewing height of the adjustable monitor mount, a transceiver, and a first controller communicatively coupled to the first drive assembly and to the transceiver. The first controller is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a first communication based on the detection of a position of a user from a computing device and to transmit, via the transceiver, a second communication to the first drive assembly to control the height of the adjustable desk frame and movement of the adjustable desk frame and the adjustable monitor mount are synchronized such that an adjustment of the height of the adjustable desk frame causes a corresponding adjustment of the viewing height of the adjustable monitor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CKnapp Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Chance Knapp, Brandon Meyer, Micah Fehr
  • Patent number: 11251643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of linear actuators, and in particular, to a linear actuator for wireless charging. The linear actuator for wireless charging of the present invention includes a wireless charging plug, a power-supply control box, a motor linear actuator, and a wireless remote control, and wireless inductive charging is performed between the wireless charging plug and the power-supply control box by using a wireless charging module so as to realize charging of a storage battery and power supply to the motor linear actuator. The power-supply control box and the motor linear actuator can move freely without being limited by cables. Moreover, as the confinement of cables is removed, the structure is simple, and the use becomes more convenient. In addition, the wireless remote control is further used to send control commands to the power-supply control box to realize wireless control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Hanwan Zhong, Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 11089865
    Abstract: A monitor mount includes an adjustable frame assembly and a height adjustment system, which has a drive assembly, a controller, and a sensor. The drive assembly is operatively connected to the frame assembly to control a viewing height of the monitor mount and the controller is communicatively coupled to the drive assembly to control the drive assembly. The sensor is in communication with the controller, which controls the drive assembly to adjust the viewing height of the monitor mount based on a signal received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: CKnapp Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Chance Knapp, Brandon Meyer, Micah Fehr
  • Patent number: 11079662
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotatable platform riser system used for capturing imagery of objects from one angle or multiple angles with a seamless pure white background without reflections or shadows. The rotatable platform riser system comprises a turntable platform; a rotatory drive mechanism operably coupled to the turntable platform for rotating the turntable platform along its vertical axis; a riser comprising a substantially round open top and a substantially round bottom, an upright wall extending from the bottom to the top defining volume of the riser, the riser mounted or resting on the turntable platform at the bottom; and a riser platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the riser platform having a diameter same or larger than the diameter of the top of the riser, the riser platform mounted or resting over the top of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Allen, Jasper Michalczik, Jeremy Fissell
  • Patent number: 10689241
    Abstract: Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Dresser, Slawomir Kielian, Anthony Caringella
  • Patent number: 10680462
    Abstract: A high frequency oscillator has a high frequency generation part, an oscillation part, a matching unit, rectification element parts and switch parts. The oscillation part oscillates high frequency power generated by the high frequency generation part. The matching unit is arranged between the high frequency generation part and the oscillation part, and has one or more capacitors and matching circuits having difference characteristics so as to perform matching between the high frequency generation part and the oscillation part. The rectification element parts and the matching circuits are arranged in one-to-one correspondence. The rectification element parts rectify high frequency power supplied from the high frequency generation part to the oscillation part. The switch part is connected to the corresponding rectification element part to switch the corresponding capacitor connected to the corresponding matching circuit through the corresponding rectification element part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sugino, Takashi Ohira, Naoki Sakai, Satoshi Kitabayashi, Shinji Abe
  • Patent number: 9383057
    Abstract: Systems for repositioning objects, such as, for example, food items in a refrigerator, are provided. The systems may include a platform having a support surface upon which the objects are supported, an electromagnet positioned beneath the platform, a motion system coupled to electromagnet, and a control system electronically and/or communicatively coupled to the motion system and the electromagnet. The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface and to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnet in coordination with said movement to reposition the objects. Related methods of repositioning objects are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Mateus Daczko, Gordon W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20150071757
    Abstract: Systems for repositioning objects, such as, for example, food items in a refrigerator, are provided. The systems may include a platform having a support surface upon which the objects are supported, an electromagnet positioned beneath the platform, a motion system coupled to electromagnet, and a control system electronically and/or communicatively coupled to the motion system and the electromagnet. The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface and to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnet in coordination with said movement to reposition the objects. Related methods of repositioning objects are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mateus Daczko, Gordon W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20150007756
    Abstract: A table (TBL) with a height-adjustable tabletop (PL) comprises an electrical drive (EA) for adjusting the height of the tabletop (PL) and a braking mechanism (BR) for selective prevention of a downward movement of the tabletop (PL). A self-locking of the drive (EA) is designed in such a manner that the tabletop (PL) moves downward in the event of a defined load on the tabletop (PL). The table further comprises an energy accumulator (BAT, FE), wherein the table (TBL) is designed in such a manner that energy resulting from a downward movement of the tabletop (PL) is stored at least in part in the energy accumulator (BAT, FE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Kollreider
  • Publication number: 20140246008
    Abstract: A cooking appliance is disclosed, comprising a wall-mounted cooking chamber, i.e. oven, with a bottom-opening door and separate countertop control panel, which facilitates use by individuals with disabilities, injuries or limited mobility, such as wheelchair users. The oven is wall-mounted, at a convenient distance, above a kitchen countertop, leaving a useful area of countertop underneath. Advantageously, it includes a low profile motor driven lift mechanism, housed against the wall beneath the oven and comprising guide rails for lowering the door to counter level and raising it to the closed, cooking position. The door provides a platform for items to be cooked. When lowered to counter level, a user can slide dishes between the platform and the adjacent countertop, without need for lifting as in a conventional stove or wall-mounted oven. An easy to reach, counter-level control unit enables the user to control oven functions including raising/lowering the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: John Palmer Martin
  • Publication number: 20140096706
    Abstract: A sit/stand workstation includes a worktop that includes a powered drive and is moveable between a sitting height and a standing height. An electronic controller offers the user different operating modes, each with varying levels of automation. In one such mode, the user inputs a value that represents a desired percentage of standing time over a given period of time. The controller then uses user-profile information and the inputted value to create an initial custom height-adjustment schedule for the user. During use, the controller moves the worktop up and down following the schedule and uses sensors, such as a pressure mat, to detect how well the user follows the schedule and biometric indicators that convey fatigue and also energy. In response to this monitored user-information, the controller changes time, duration, and/or frequency of the schedule to better meet the abilities and fitness of the user and also to help encourage the user to continue regular use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Labrosse, Michael Xinjie Chu, Scott Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20100031856
    Abstract: A wireless actuator has a structure in which movement of a movable table (2) can be controlled on a base (1) without connecting a power supply cable or a signal cable to the movable table, and even when the plurality of movable tables are provided, each of the movable tables can be independently controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo Shoda, Tomoyuki Oizumi
  • Patent number: 7577346
    Abstract: An image sensing module. A movable frame is disposed in and moves with respect to a fixed base. A support base is disposed in the movable frame and moves with respect to the fixed base. An image sensing unit is fixed to the support base. A first guiding mechanism combines the movable frame with the fixed base and moves with respect to the fixed base along a first direction, moving the support base with respect to the fixed base along the first direction. A first coil is disposed on the support base. A first magnet is disposed on the fixed base and opposes the first coil. A first Hall member is disposed on the support base and beside the first coil. When the first coil is energized by a voltage, a magnetic force is generated by the first coil and first magnet, moving the movable frame along the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jian-Chao Liao, Ching-Jung Tsai, Wen-Hung Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090078167
    Abstract: An electrically adjustable piece of furniture, such as a table or armchair comprising at least one actuator and/or lifting column driven by an electric motor for adjustment of the piece of furniture. The adjustment is executed via a control with touch keys. It is characteristic that touch keys are located on the back of an element in the piece of furniture, and that indications for the touch keys are provided on a visible and accessible surface above the touch keys. The touch keys can, however, also be inlayed in an element of the piece of furniture providing possibility for operation from several sides of the element. This provides many variation possibilities for designing the control. Very simply, the indications can merely be painted directly onto the surface, while they, more sophisticatedly, can be inlayed symbols in wood, metal etc., alternatively be a plate mounted on or inlayed in the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kent Ellegaard
  • Patent number: 6494005
    Abstract: An inner leg telescopically fits within an outer leg and includes a motor coaxially mounted to an end remote from the outer leg. A drive screw is coupled to the motor shaft and extends through a drive nut in an axially extending drive nut riser. As the motor rotates the drive screw, the inner leg extends and retracts from the outer leg. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive nut riser is a hollow cylindrical tube extending substantially the length of the outer tube to position the drive nut near the intersection between the inner and outer legs when fully extended. Such an arrangement allows a motor to be coaxially mounted within the inner leg and, therefore, concealed and provides the desired extension and retraction of the legs for adjustment to different operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Suspa Incorporated
    Inventor: Dean A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6123223
    Abstract: A vending machine featuring rotating stacked carousels for the display and sale of floral and plant arrangements is disclosed. The vending machine is capable of carrying out both cash and credit card transactions and includes a certified credit card terminal for connecting to the credit card processing network. The present vending machine includes an integrated microprocessor to control the mechanical motion and position of the stacked carousels, accept payment from either cash or credit cards, maintain accounting records, provide printed receipts, and to control on-line modem communications with credit approval sources as well as dial-up auditing of machine's inventory. A significant feature of the certified credit card terminal is the ability to transact purchases in both an off-line and on-line mode and the ability to enter bad credit card numbers into a credit card file when purchase is attempted with an invalid card number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5735587
    Abstract: A climate cabinet, turntable and use of the turntable. The climatic cabinet (1) can be loaded automatically and manually and has a conventional door (3) and a controllable door (2) as well as a turntable (4) which is connected via a releasable coupling (9) disposed in the interior of the climatic cabinet (1) with a positioning drive (5) and is seated on the floor of the climatic cabinet (1). The controllable door (2) is movably seated on two guide systems (6, 7) perpendicularly and parallel with the loading side (21). The positioning drive (5) is controllable by a higher system or by a user. The turntable (4) has a support shaft (45), tray disks (41) and spacer sleeves as well as spacer tubelets (47, 46) for spacing the tray disks apart, also positioning elements (51) for receiving storage pieces (50). The turntable (41) is suitable for use in a device, for example a climatic cabinet (1), or outside of this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignees: Liconic AG, Heraeus Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Cosmas Malin, Harry Sawatzki, Jurg Gentsch, Gunter Helwig
  • Patent number: 5363774
    Abstract: An X-Y table assembly including a first, second and third tables all fabricated from a sheet metal by bending is provided. Each of the first, second and third tables includes a bent section formed with a guide groove, and two associated guide grooves of any adjacent two of the tables are located opposite to each other to define a guide groove in which a plurality of rolling members are provided. Thus, a linear relative motion can be provided between the first and second tables in X direction, and another linear relative motion can be provided between the second and third tables in Y direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Anada, Yukio Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5152099
    Abstract: Particularly for use in wintertime, a plant rejuvenator is provided in the form of a wall-hung shelf that is internally covered with reflective material. Along the rear wall of the shelf, in front of the reflective material, is positioned an array of fluorescent lamps. Within the shelf, in front of the fluorescent lamps, is placed one or more potted plants; each plant positioned on an automatically rotating pot-base. Covering the front of the shelf is a partially transparent folding door. When closed, the door reflects some 90% of the light impinging upon it, but lets through the remaining 10%. A ventilation fan is arranged to maintain the temperature within the shelf at an optimum level. An automatic watering and feeding arrangement maintains the soil of each potted plant such as to promote effective plant growth. The light provided in intense enough to sustain a high degree of plant growth. The automatic rotation of the pots provides for even exposure to light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
  • Patent number: 4890008
    Abstract: This invention relates to a type of multi-function automatic revolving Christmas tree base. Its rotation directions can be changed automatically by means of a DC motor transmission to drive the revolving cylinder of the Christmas tree, which drives a two-way exchanging mechanism to change the polarities of the input current from the DC motor, so that the DC motor can rotate in positive and reverse directions. On the outer walls of the revolving cylinder are two conductive copper collars in connection with outer power source. Part of the two conductive copper collars is extending upwards through the wall of the revolving cylinder and in connection with another socket, which can serve as the power source of the lamps on the Christmas tree. Therefore, when Christmas tree is turning in one direction, there is no worry of the winding and knotting of the power cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Ven-Chung Chu
  • Patent number: 4609232
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing floppy disks and other panel-shaped objects. The apparatus includes a rotatable storage carousel for floppy disks and a mechanism for selectively dispensing disks from the carousel, and includes a motor movable between two operative positions to alternately provide motive power to rotate the carousel and drive the disk dispensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. Florence
  • Patent number: 4572017
    Abstract: A system for substantially filling a cubicle container including its corners with frangible material discharged from a fixed offcenter hopper outlet including means for rotating the container under the outlet at a variable rate, relatively slower during corner passage and relatively faster during side passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Robogate Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Cristiano Rossi
  • 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: 4216866
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for racking sheet materials characterized by an open-sided generally box-like rack having opposed sets of horizontally-disposed guiderails arranged in stacked relation one above the other to define tray tracks along the inside of the front and rear walls thereof. Slat-bottomed double-ended trays are mounted on the tracks for independent movement from a retracted position essentially centered within the rack to either one of two extended positions overhanging a side of the latter. Tray transfer means are provided for each tray accessible in the center of one end of the rack operative upon actuation, to drive a particular tray in either direction between its retracted and extended positions. A tool carriage is mounted on vertically-disposed tracks on the end of the rack with access to the tray transfer means for movement therealong into alignment with any of the tray transfer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: McCallin Steel Storage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Fahey, George P. McGannon