Counterbalanced Patents (Class 248/292.11)
  • Patent number: 10514729
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide a computing device. One example computing device includes an enclosure and a support member rotatably connected to the enclosure at a first end of the support member, via a shaft disposed within the enclosure along a perimeter of the enclosure. The computing device includes a panel connected at a second end of the support member opposite the first end. As an example, the panel is to enclose the enclosure when the support member is to rotate towards the enclosure. When the support member is to rotate via the shaft, the support member is to wrap around the perimeter of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Quijano, Owen Richard, Jonathan D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 10422445
    Abstract: A conduit support device may include a support leg that may be movably coupled to a boom arm with a vertical pivot and a horizontal pivot. The vertical pivot and horizontal pivot may be disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the boom arm. An offset weight may be removably coupled to the boom arm. The offset weight may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center of balance, and the center of balance may be closer to the first end than to the second end. The first end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively closer to the boom arm, and the second end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively farther from the boom arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: James S. Butcher
  • Patent number: 10357687
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for obtaining metrics associated with a user's athleticism are disclosed. The user performs a workout using the apparatus, and the workout is scored based on a scoring system. The scoring system may be objective, thereby facilitating score standardization, and individual users for which scores have been recorded may be ranked by the system. Individual users may associate their system profiles with one or more positions for one or more sports. The rankings may be filtered by position and sport to facilitate identification of one or more users of interest, such as for a college recruiting purposes or professional sports team drafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Charlie Lee Amos, III
  • Patent number: 9027894
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes an arm assembly attached to a support assembly such that the arm assembly is positionable adjacent to an article of furniture such as a desk or work surface. A mounting device is attached to the arm assembly that is sized and configured to retain a display device. A vertically adjustable attachment mechanism attaches a first end of the counterbalance mechanism to the arm assembly or support assembly. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and configured such that a vertical position of the first end of the counterbalance mechanism is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Sapper, Ronald Snyder
  • Patent number: 8931748
    Abstract: An extension arm including an articulating portion that approximately counterbalances the mass of the articulating portion and any objects connected thereto, for example an electronic device, throughout the positional range of the articulating portion. In some embodiments according to the disclosed inventive concepts a spring coupled to a cable is used, the cable being routed along a bearing surface and then attached within the articulating portion. In some embodiments, the bearing surface may be located on a pivotable member that rotates in correspondence with the articulating portion. In various embodiments, the spring may be located within the articulating arm, a base portion in operative engagement with the articulating portion, or entirely external to the extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., David VanDuzer
  • Patent number: 8899540
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism including: a housing having a first aligned pair of through holes and a second aligned pair of through holes; a pivot nose having a third aligned pair of through holes, a fourth aligned pair of through holes and an aligned pair of arcuate slots; an energy storage device having first and second spring mounts and at least one spring, the first spring mount having at least one first flange and a pivot flange having a fifth through hole, the second spring mount having at least one second flange and a sixth through hole and the at least one spring includes first and second ends, the first end is secured to the at least one first flange and the second end is secured to the at least one second flange; a first pivot pin disposed in the first aligned pair of through holes and the third aligned pair of through holes; a stop member disposed in the second aligned pair of through holes and the aligned pair of arcuate slots; a second pivot pin disposed in the fourth aligned pair of through holes
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Weber Knapp Company
    Inventors: Brent A. Honsberger, Warren A. Waxham
  • Patent number: 8899125
    Abstract: A mechanical arm assembly comprises an arm rotatable about a pivot, a first force generating device for maintaining the arm at a datum, and a second force generating device for compensating for the first generating device to maintain the arm in positions other than the datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Robarts Research Institute
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bax, Aaron Fenster
  • Patent number: 8864092
    Abstract: A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Newville
  • Patent number: 8777172
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes an arm assembly attached to a support assembly such that the arm assembly is positionable adjacent to an article of furniture such as a desk or work surface. A mounting device is attached to the arm assembly that is sized and configured to retain a display device. A vertically adjustable attachment mechanism attaches a first end of the counterbalance mechanism to the arm assembly or support assembly. The vertically adjustable attachment mechanism is sized and configured such that a vertical position of the first end of the counterbalance mechanism is adjustable via movement of at least one component of the vertically adjustable attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Sapper, Ronald Snyder
  • Patent number: 8720838
    Abstract: The present application teaches an extension arm including an articulating portion that approximately counterbalances the mass of the articulating portion and any objects connected thereto, for example an electronic device, throughout the positional range of the articulating portion, via the operation of a counter-balancing mechanism. In some embodiments according to the disclosed inventive concepts, the counter-balancing mechanism employs a spring coupled to a chain at a first end, the chain being connected at its opposite end to a pivoting member with which it interacts to support the articulating portion of the extension arm and any objects connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., David VanDuzer
  • Patent number: 8613415
    Abstract: A dish lifting device configured to secure to an object and support a communication dish. The dish lifting device can deploy a communication dish connected with a pivoting planar segment. The dish lifting device can stow the communication dish for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Sean K. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8608119
    Abstract: A display stand comprises a mounting element couplable to a display element and a first support member coupled to the mounting element to enable angular movement of the display element relative to the first support member. The display stand also comprises a second support member rotatably coupled to the first support member to enable elevational movement of the display element relative to the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stacy Wolff, Memphis-Zhihong Yin, Paul Doczy
  • Patent number: 8360376
    Abstract: An articulating mount has a hollow support arm with a compression spring inside of it. The spring is on a threaded rod and held at one end by a nut. At the other end, the spring rests against a washer. The washer rests against an indentation in the tube. One end of the threaded rod is connected via rotation links to an adjustment cross inside a housing. The housing has a threaded captive adjustment screw that is attached to both the housing by way of an adjustment pin and to the adjustment cross by its external threading. The housing is secured to a steel support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Oasys Healthcare Corporation
    Inventors: Marcin Gawelek, Ryan Theakston
  • Patent number: 8336839
    Abstract: An arrangement for transferring a post assembly carrying medical equipment thereon between first and second support structures. The arrangement includes a positioning arm which is supported at one end on the first support structure and at the opposite end is configured for supporting the post assembly. The positioning arm cooperates with a receiver assembly provided on the second support structure. A freestanding cart and wheelchair are also provided which are configured to accept the post assembly from a support structure such as a patient bed, to allow the patient to ambulate with the associated medical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Gianni R. Boccoleri, Wojciech Timoszyk, Shibu Korula
  • Patent number: 8256725
    Abstract: A support stand comprises an elevating support; a monitor bracket; and a support member; the elevating support comprising a first and a second chasses, a pluralities of supporting blocks, an elastic member, a first and a second pivot subassemblies, a resisting member, a roller, and a pressing block; the first chassis comprises a resisting wall opposite to the second pivot subassembly; the elastic member is between the resisting wall and the pressing block, two ends of the elastic member resist the resisting wall and the pressing block, the first pivot subassembly is fixed to the plurality of supporting blocks connected to first ends of the chasses, the second pivot subassembly is fixed to the plurality of supporting blocks connected to second ends of the chasses; the resisting member is connected to the plurality of supporting blocks, the roller is assembled with the pressing block and rotatable against the resisting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li, Zhi-Guo Sun
  • Patent number: 8256729
    Abstract: In a support for holding and positioning a utility load in space having a base (10) and an elongated supporting arm (12) which between its longitudinal ends is swingably supported on the base (10) for swinging moment about a vertical first axis (24) and about a horizontal second axis (30) which intersects the vertical first axis (24), the supporting arm (12) carrying on one side of the second axis the utility load and on the other side of the second axis carrying a counterweight compensating for the utility load, the utility load being arranged on a first connector arm (14) which is pivotally supported at one end of the supporting arm (12) for moment about a third axis (36), the counterweight (18) being arranged on a second connector arm which is swingably supported on the other end of the supporting arm (12) for movement about a fourth axis (38), the third and fourth axis being parallel to one another, the spacing (Ln) between the engagement point (N) of the utility load and the first connector arm (14) and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guido Koch, Reinhard Pfeuffer
  • Patent number: 8220765
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism counterbalances an eccentric mass on a rotating shaft supported by a frame. A first pulley is coupled to and concentric with the shaft. An arm is coupled to the shaft to rotatably support a second at a first distance from the first pulley. A third pulley is fixedly coupled to the frame at a second distance from the first pulley. A fourth pulley is rotatably coupled to and concentric with the third pulley. A spring is fixed at a first end to the frame and has a second end that is coupled to the fourth pulley such that the spring provides a restoring force as the fourth pulley is rotated. A first cable has a first end that is coupled to the fourth pulley and a second end that is coupled to the frame through the third pulley after passing over the first and second pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8196883
    Abstract: An adjustable arm supports a device housing with respect to a base and allows the position of the device housing to be adjusted as desired. The adjustable arm has rigid segments joined by pivot joints, with passages therethrough to allow wires to be strung through the arm segments and joints so as to be shielded by the arm. At least one joint is a dual-pivot joint having two joint elements that rotate with respect to each other about a joint pivot axis, each joint element in turn being pivotably attached to an adjacent arm segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce D. Hirschhorn
  • Patent number: 8181927
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lever arm that couples to a pivot point on one end and a display on the other end. The lever arm rotates around the pivot point through a lever arm range of motion, and the weight of the display produces a display torque around the pivot point that varies as the lever arm rotates through the lever arm range of motion. The apparatus also includes a spring that couples to the lever arm using a cable. The spring produces, through the lever arm, a spring torque around the pivot point that is equally opposite of the display torque throughout the lever arm range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy Samuel Farrow
  • Publication number: 20120061543
    Abstract: An adjustable flat-panel display mount is described. The display mount includes a mounting plate for mounting with a surface, such as a wall. A front mount is included. The front mount is formed to attach with a television display and affix the television display with the display mount. A swing out apparatus is pivotally connected between the mounting plate and the front mount. The swing out apparatus includes a set of bars that, together with the mounting plate and front mount, form a four-bar linkage. The swing out apparatus is formed to swing the front mount between a retracted position and an extended position, such that motion from the retracted to extended position moves the front mount, and attached television display, out and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Landa Juan
  • Patent number: 8069598
    Abstract: An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board. The adjustable display board system also comprises a display board, a linear actuator unit, and one or more pivot arms. The linear actuator unit includes a movable actuator rod and is coupled to the one or more pivot arms, which in turn is coupled to the display board. Motion of the actuator rod is converted to raising and lowering of the display board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jorge Garcia, Sam Minnich
  • Patent number: 7938471
    Abstract: A deck board includes a board body arranged in a luggage area of a vehicle so as to be capable of being moved between an upper position and a lower position. The board body in the upper position separates the luggage area into upper and lower areas. The deck board further includes a front support portion that is rotatably connected to the front side of the board body so as to support the front side of the board body. Further included is a support pin that pivotally supports the fore end portion of the front support portion on the opposite side of the board body, so that a hinge portion can rotate. The deck board further includes a tension spring arranged to bias the front side of the board body toward the support pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Karaki, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Mikihiro Kito
  • Patent number: 7905460
    Abstract: Improvements are provided for hubs for wall mounting systems for screens, and in particular to a hub for a wall mounting system for a flat panel screen, such as a plasma display or television screen, which enables the screen to be tilted. The hub comprises a casing, means for attaching the hub to a screen bracket, means for attaching the hub to an arm of a wall mount, and a tilt member. The tilt member has a sliding member which is located within an arcuate cavity in the casing such that the sliding member and casing are slidable relative to each other to enable a screen attached to the mounting system to be tilted about a horizontal pivot axis. The arc is defined by the cavity having its centre, which forms the pivot axis; offset from the centre of gravity of the screen. The hub further comprises a compression spring located within the casing and biased to provide a counterbalancing force so that the screen remains stationery in any position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Path Products Limited
    Inventors: Alan Woods, David Lees
  • Patent number: 7891631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting structure, includes a retractable connecting unit, a bottom pivotal shaft device, a top pivotal shaft device and at least one linking device. The retractable connecting unit is that a slide engaging sheet is provided on top of a fixed engaging sheet, and an adjusting member is provided between the fixed and the slide engaging sheets, a bottom end and a top end are respectively provided at the bottom portion and the top portion of the retractable connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Ta Lee, Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 7883063
    Abstract: A device comprising a monitor and a monitor support stand. The monitor support is configured to hold the monitor in a plurality of fixed locations. The monitor support includes a spring, a spring counterweight balance, and a cam. The spring is configured to support a weight of the monitor. The spring counterweight balance is coupled to the spring, and is configured reduce a force required to adjust a tension of the spring. The cam is coupled to the spring counterweight balance, and has a plurality of positions, wherein each of the plurality of positions is configured to adjust a weight range of the monitor that the spring can support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Teodros Mesfin, Ernesto Ramirez, Kurt Heggland
  • Patent number: 7740190
    Abstract: A boom breakaway assembly for a spray boom used by a vehicle. The boom breakaway assembly includes a reciprocating system having a first position and a second position, a retention system, and a bias system. In the first position, the bias system applies a maximum effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system applies a holding force upon the spray boom to maintain the spray boom in a desired outward position. In the second position, the bias system applies a minimal effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system reduces or disengages the holding force upon the spray boom, thereby allowing the spray boom to move from the outward position to a breakaway position when the spray boom encounters an obstacle. The bias system returns the reciprocating system to the first position once the spray boom clears the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: John Peterson, Steve Seubert, Dave Friesner
  • Patent number: 7533856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tripod head, in particular a camera tripod head, whereby the return moment for balancing the tipping moment generated by the tipping moment exerted by the camera may be generated as near as possible to a sine sine curve with a compact construction. Essentially stationary return springs (17) are used for the above. The tilting movement of an arrangement (5) supporting the camera is transmitted over a carrier (26) by a cable (9), whereupon the pressure springs (17) are compressed and generate the necessary return moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Berthold Mollenhauer
  • Patent number: 7497408
    Abstract: A monitor apparatus including a monitor and a base to support the monitor. The monitor apparatus further includes a first link provided between the monitor and the base; a second link provided between the monitor and the base adjacent to the first link; a base bracket combined to the base having first and second lower supporting parts to rotatably support lower parts of the first and second links, respectively; a connecting bracket rotatably combined to the monitor having first and second upper supporters to rotatably support upper parts of the first and second links, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-su Lim, Sang-kyeong Ha
  • Patent number: 7374137
    Abstract: A directional support structure for use with solar panels, flat satellite antennas, and the like items that are directed toward a point in space. The support structure includes a mounting plate with an extension tube extending outwardly therefrom, pivotally secured to a mounting bracket permitting rotational azimuth alignment of the mounting plate. At least one locking turnbuckle is attached between the extension tube and the mounting bracket to provide locking and vertical adjustable alignment of the mounting plate. The base member includes an attached first flange positioned along an upper end of the base member, an attached flaring positioned on the lower end of the mounting bracket, and an unattached second flange positioned over the flaring, securable to the first flange with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Staney
  • Publication number: 20080017773
    Abstract: A tilt mount lighting assembly comprises a bracket and a lighting mechanism secured to one end of an elongated frame. The bracket comprises a mounting device, one or more guide plates, a pivot mechanism and a locking device. The elongated frame is located between the guide plates and the pivot mechanism is inserted through the guide plates and elongated frame so as to provide an axis of rotation for the elongated frame. The bracket is configured such that, when the locking mechanism is removed, the elongated frame rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST FABRICATION, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas K. Hall
  • Patent number: 7225933
    Abstract: A mounted storage device includes a mount for mounting the device on a vertical surface. A load arm is supported on the mount and structured to support an object thereon. The load arm is movable between a load position for loading the object on the load arm and a store position for storing the supported object. The storage device also includes a force device connected between the mount and the load arm that urges the load arm in a direction from the load position to the store position. The storage device further includes a resistance damper connected between the mount and the load arm that resists movement of the load arm in both directions between the load position and the store position. The resistance damper includes a plurality of damper members that creates the resistance by at least one of friction and compression tension between the damper members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Gear Up Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Pollock, Alexander O. Bally, Stephen L. Cechner
  • Patent number: 7195220
    Abstract: A support arm for stored devices, which is pivotably seated in a holder fastened to a fastening surface and can be horizontally adjusted into a pivoted-in position and a pivoted-out position. In the pivoted-in position the support arm extends approximately parallel with the fastening surface and in the pivoted-in position extends perpendicularly with respect to the fastening surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Paul Root, Markus Neuhof
  • Patent number: 7055791
    Abstract: A counter-balancing mechanism is provided that includes a support for supporting an article to be tilted about a horizontal axis, and an annular cam movable with the support, wherein the cam has a cam surface which varies in height in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the support. A cam follower is loaded by a resilient member, whereby, as the support rotates, the cam follower and resilient member cause a return force to be exerted on the cam surface to substantially counteract the torque caused by the rotation of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ronford-Baker Engineering Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6523796
    Abstract: A pivot mounting assembly is provided including a pivot arm (5) hinged to a pivot base (3) for mounting a load in a vertically adjustable manner. A first force-providing device (13) is hinged with its first operative end to the pivot arm and is supported with its second (17) operative ends on the pivot base for providing an antitorque moment to at least partially compensate for a torque imparted by the load on the pivot arm. The pivot base is provided with a support surface (27) in which the support location (49) for the second operative end is shiftable. A second force-providing device (36) is provided for generating a shifting force the second operative end of the first force-providing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Heinz Abramowsky, Gunter Grubauer, Michael Wirth, Jörg Bröckel, Roland Brenner
  • Publication number: 20020121577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a pivotable support arm (2) and a balance weight (AG), in which the balance weight (AG) acts via a cable pull (24) for the weight compensation of the load (G), the balance weight (AG) being arranged in the area of the vertical upright column (21) of the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Publication number: 20020100851
    Abstract: A pivot mounting assembly is provided including a pivot arm (5) hinged to a pivot base (3) for mounting a load in a vertically adjustable manner. A first force-providing device (13) is hinged with its first operative end to the pivot arm and is supported with its second (17) operative ends on the pivot base for providing an antitorque moment to at least partially compensate for a torque imparted by the load on the pivot arm. The pivot base is provided with a support surface (27) in which the support location (49) for the second operative end is shiftable. A second force-providing device (36) is provided for generating a shifting force the second operative end of the first force-providing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Heinz Abramowsky, Gunter Grubauer, Michael Wirth, Jorg Brockel, Roland Brenner
  • Patent number: 6419196
    Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted mounting systems for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical and horizontal axes. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and gas springs, offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Steve A. Nistler, Donald M. Voeller, Dennis M. Scheller
  • Patent number: 6398324
    Abstract: A bracket can selectively engage and disengage with a base in order to selectively secure and release a user station (e.g., a laptop computer configured to interface with a computer system) for access by a user (e.g., a system administrator). The use of the bracket enables a user station assembly to store the user station within a computer device cabinet in a compact manner, and subsequently unfold the user station assembly from the computer device cabinet for convenient access. In one arrangement, a user station assembly, includes a base, a support frame and a bracket which is pivotably attached to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Claprood
  • Patent number: 6364275
    Abstract: The disclosure related to a rotary counterbalancing mechanism comprising a rotatable input (19, 22), a pair of aligned linearly movable outputs (24, 25), means (23) to convert rotation of said input into sinusoidal oscillation of said outputs between minimum and maximum displacement positions and 90° out of phase with each other and spring means (29) for resisting said oscillating movement of the outputs away from said minimum positions. The means to convert rotary motion of the input into linear movement of said two outputs comprise a rotatable cam (23) mounted to rotate about a fixed axis and the outputs comprise two cam followers (30) engaging the cam on opposite sides thereof and mounted for linear movement along a common line of action with each other which passes through the axis or rotation of the cam, said spring means (29) acting on the respective followers biasing the followers towards the cam to resist rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Vitec Group, PLC
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6302278
    Abstract: A combination of a bicycle and a display rack therefor, the bicycle has a frame and a plurality of wheels on the frame. The rack having a frame, a mount portion of the frame arranged to be coupled to a ceiling of a building, a linkage having a hanger such that the bicycle can be coupled to the hanger and wherein the linkage is moveable between a first raised position for display and a second lowered position for providing access to the hanger and a cylinder and piston within the mounting portion for retracting the linkage from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond Dueck
  • Patent number: 6247673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support stand with a carrying arm (3), a standard (4), and a support stand foot (6), where a functional housing (5) serving as counterbalance is secured to the standard (4). The dimensions of the foot (6) of the support stand are such that said foot exhibits a preferred direction of support (15) that affords increased security against tipping and exhibits a permitted area of support lateral to the preferred direction of support (15). The swivel capability of the carrying arm (3) on a horizontal plane is limited by a stop (9), in such a way that the carrying arm (3) cannot swivel into a position perpendicular to the direction of support and cannot swivel outside of the permitted area of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Bryan Bees
  • Patent number: 6199812
    Abstract: A swivel arm assembly for connecting a surgical microscope to a stand comprises a microscope interface connected to a suspension device by a swivel arm. The swivel arm includes an approximately isosceles two-armed support lever and an approximately isosceles two-armed operating lever pivotal relative to the support lever about an axle connecting the vertices of each lever. An upper shaft at an upper end of the support lever and a lower shaft at a lower end of the support lever are coupled connected to respective upper and lower operating ends of the operating lever by toggle joints, whereby moments arising at one shaft are transmitted to the other shaft at a 1:1 ratio. The swivel arm is guided for motion in a vertical plane by a parallel carriage guide having a first and second orthogonal carriage guides, and an adjustable carriage guide connects the upper shaft to the suspension device to permit the center of gravity of loading to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Rolf Schuepbach
  • Patent number: 6186458
    Abstract: A support arm has a support structure and an arm structure connected to the support structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a horizontal axis. A device is provided for adjusting the elevation of the arm structure by pivoting it about the horizontal axis. A support base is connected to the arm structure through a pivotal connection for pivoting relative to the arm structure about an axis that is parallel to the horizontal axis. A support member is connected to the support base through a pivotal connection for pivoting about a vertical pivot axis, and auxiliary structure such as an air extraction arm may be connected to the support member. A linkage between the support base and the support structure maintains the pivot axis of the support base parallel to a vertical axis as the elevation of the arm structure is adjusted, and avoids the auxiliary structure from swinging under the influence of gravity to a neutral position different from that desired by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Henning Hansen