Counterbalance Weights Patents (Class 248/364)
  • Patent number: 10151966
    Abstract: A camera slider has a base and a tubular hollow arm pivotally attached to the base. A counterweight carriage is supported on the arm on carriage rollers. An electric drive motor moves the counterweight carriage linearly on top of the arm. A slider counterweight is movable from a first position, wherein the counterweight carriage is at or adjacent to a first end of the arm and the slider counterweight is at or adjacent to a second end of the arm, and a second position wherein the counterweight carriage is at the second end of the arm, opposite from the first end, and the slider counterweight is at or adjacent to the first end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10146108
    Abstract: A camera slider has a base and a tubular hollow arm pivotally attached to the base. A counterweight carriage is supported on the arm on carriage rollers. An electric drive motor moves the counterweight carriage linearly on top of the arm. A slider counterweight is movable between ends of the arm to maintain the arm in balance. A telescoping locking strut allows the arm to be held at a wide range of elevation angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 9810918
    Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function may include a movable module holding an optical element, a support body including a body part surrounding the movable module, a gimbal mechanism including a movable frame having elasticity and configured to swingably support the movable module between the movable module and the support body, a spring member connected to the movable module and the support body for holding posture of the movable module, and a shake correction drive mechanism configured to swing the movable module. When a natural vibration frequency of the movable frame is “fa”, a natural vibration frequency of the spring member is “fb”, and a vibration frequency band of a movable body on which the support body is mounted is “fw”, the natural vibration frequency “fa” and the natural vibration frequency “fb” are shifted from the vibration frequency band “fw”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Minamisawa
  • Patent number: 9074342
    Abstract: The work vehicle includes a main body frame, a counterweight, a first beam member, and a first cover member. The counterweight is placed at a rear portion of the main body frame. The counterweight forms a concave portion that is recessed rearwardly from a front surface side of the counterweight and extends to a top surface of the counterweight. The first beam member extends across the concave portion and is attached to both side ends of the counterweight. The first cover member is provided on a top surface of a first frame portion including the first beam member and the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Taichirou Kitatani, Toshiharu Kurosawa
  • Publication number: 20150129643
    Abstract: A welding spinner has a base; a wheel with a mounting face for an implement to be welded; and a cam arm laterally connecting the wheel to the base and mounted to rotate between the base and the wheel to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A method of using the welding spinner includes rotating the cam arm relative to the base to adjust the height of the wheel relative to the base. A counterweight device and a removable chuck are disclosed and may be used with a welding spinner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: 1202858 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor Darren Gaudreault
  • Publication number: 20150090065
    Abstract: When the mass of the first moving body is defined as M1, the mass of the second moving body is defined as M2, the distance between a first intersection point of a perpendicular line from a rotation center of the rotation axis to the first moving body and a first gravity center of the first moving body when the distance between the first intersection point and the first gravity center in the first moving body is the shortest is defined as L1, and the distance between a second intersection point of a perpendicular line from the rotation center of the rotation axis to the second moving body and a second gravity center of the second moving body when the distance between the second intersection point and the second gravity center in the second moving body is the shortest is defined as L2, M2=(L1/L2)×M1 is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke KISHI
  • Publication number: 20140151522
    Abstract: An automatic balancing structure of a medical balancing stand includes an elastic member arranged in each clearance C. In a normal state, a lever and a turn plate turn together through the elastic members, to follow a rotative movement of a lateral arm. When an imbalance occurs on the lateral arm, the lateral arm produces torque with which a contact part of the lever presses and deforms one of the elastic members to activate a corresponding one of switches S1 and S2. The activated switch outputs an imbalance detected signal to an adjustment unit, which resolves the imbalance. The switches S1 and S2 are simple to downsize the automatic balancing structure and are effective to carry out balance adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MITAKA KOHKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masao DOI, Toshio YAMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8662460
    Abstract: A weight adapter bracket is provided for a drawbar support frame having a cylinder coupling member for coupling to a hydraulic cylinder. The coupling member has a slot for removably receiving an end of the cylinder. The adapter bracket includes a lug which extends from a flange. The lug is removably receivable by the coupling member, and the flange is adapted to engage and support a weight. A coupling bore extends through the lug and bracket bores extend through the coupling member. A coupling pin is insertable through the coupling bore and the bracket bores and to releasably hold the bracket in the coupling member. A pin bore extends vertically through the bracket, and a further coupling pin is removably insertable through the pin bore. The further coupling pin is adapted to engage a weight which is mounted on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Heimbuch, Deepak Bhoir
  • Patent number: 8602374
    Abstract: A floor-mounted household appliance including at least one balance weight suitable for preventing the floor-mounted household appliance from tipping over, in particular, by a shift in the center of gravity of the household appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, the balance weight may be provided with two opposing surfaces for force absorption that may occur when the appliance is clamped by a gripper when transported or moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Michael Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl, Ernst Stickel, Martin Stickel
  • Publication number: 20130153734
    Abstract: A weight assembly that attaches to a cover; that, when used with a plurality of weight assemblies of the same type spread evenly around the edges of a cover will hold the cover in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Joshua Ryan Lamano
  • Publication number: 20130043367
    Abstract: A weight balance module and a gravity center adjustable storage device using the same are provided. The weight balance module is disposed on a bottom face of a storage device and includes a balance plate and at least one balance piece. The balance plate has a plurality of predefined areas. The balance piece is selectively disposed on one of the plurality of the predefined areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ho-Ching Huang, Hui-Chen Wang, Yi-Chun Tang
  • Publication number: 20130037681
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BLOEMER, MEISER & WESTERKAMP, LLC
    Inventor: Bloemer, Meiser & Westerkamp, LLC
  • Patent number: 8347546
    Abstract: A telescopic outrigger for use with fishing vessels. The outrigger of the instant invention has multiple tubes that are circular in shape and each include a means for securing to an adjoining tube and locking in a position relative thereto. The circular shape allowing for ease of sealing the connecting components from the elements. An internal locking mechanism for positive interlocking of adjoining tubes can be accessed externally for ease of servicing. The extension of the adjoining tubes by the locking mechanism allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a deployment position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rupp Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Rupp
  • Patent number: 8284470
    Abstract: A mirror is disclosed for use in a limited rotation motor system, wherein the mirror includes a body, an aperture within the body, and a high density material within the aperture. The body, formed of one or more materials, has an exposed mirror surface and is mountable with the limited rotation motor system for rotation with respect to an axis of mirror rotation. The aperture is positioned at least proximate to a portion of the axis of mirror rotation. The high density material is provided within the aperture such that it is capable of movement within the aperture, and the high density material has a density that is greater than a density of the material of the body of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Cambridge Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Brown, Adam I. Pinard
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110309226
    Abstract: A safety anchor device for limiting movement of a person or arresting a fall of a person working at height, and in particular to an inflatable safety anchor device that may be positioned at a high point and then inflated with a liquid to provide a dead-weight anchor device. A dead-weight anchor device for securing a line to a person working at height comprises an attachment for a line that is provided on a top surface of a flexible-walled container. The container has an internal volume that may in use be inflated with a quantity of water to provide an anchoring dead-weight and subsequently deflated by letting water escape. The container has a plurality of flexible walls, including a pair of walls that are internally connected by drop threads that limit the separation between said pair of walls when the internal volume is inflated by water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CHECKMATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Oliver Auston
  • Publication number: 20110210624
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: BLOEMER, MEISER & WESTERKAMP, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Westerkamp, Daniel Meiser
  • Publication number: 20110017007
    Abstract: A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Patent number: 7575208
    Abstract: A holding device with a securing sheet for mounting onto a wall. The device comprises a base means and a holding means connected with said base means for supporting a foreign article. An impervious securing sheet is connectable air-tightly onto the wall and extends outwardly beyond a backside of the base means. A friction plate is connected to the base means and the securing sheet. If the friction plate and the securing sheet pull away from the wall, a negative pressure prevents the article from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Yung-Huei Lan
  • Patent number: 7573225
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus that irradiates an energy beam to a substrate includes a projection optical system that projects the energy beam to the substrate, and a support device having a flexible structure to support the projection optical system. According to one embodiment, the flexible structure includes three flexible rods that support the projection optical system from an upper side of the projection optical system. According to an embodiment, extended lines of the respective rods cross at a reference point of the projection optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Akimitsu Ebihara
  • Publication number: 20090106991
    Abstract: A support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level is disposed in a main body of the laser level for supporting the counter weight with a laser module mounted therein in the main body. The support assembly includes a fixing unit and a universal bearing. The fixing unit is disposed in the main body and the universal bearing is mounted in the fixing unit. The counter weight has a shaft portion formed on an upper end thereof and connected with the universal bearing. The counter weight is swingingly supported in the main body by the universal bearing. Basing on the structure, the present invention has a simple structure for easy assembly and disassembly, thereby being manufactured, maintained and corrected conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Hsin-Chih Tung
  • Patent number: 7461824
    Abstract: A stand arrangement (100) for a medical-optical instrument includes a first link (104) which is pivotally journalled on a holding unit (101) with a first rotational joint. The stand arrangement further includes a second link (107) which is rotatably connected to the first link (104) via a second rotational joint (106). In a forward section (108) of the second link (106), a take-up unit (110) for medical-optical equipment (111) is held with a third rotational joint (109). The take-up unit (110) includes a front link (112) which is coupled to a device for force transmission (115). This device is rotatably journalled on the second rotational joint (106). In the stand arrangement (100), a device is provided for coupling the holding unit and the device for force transmission. This device for coupling includes a flexible force transmitting element (133) which can be loaded in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Martin Poxleitner, Roland Brenner, Klaus Abele
  • 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: 7000873
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Patent number: 6957794
    Abstract: An improved structure (stand) for providing flexibility for holding and mounting components, such as microscopes and cameras, in order to eliminate disruptions from undesirable vibrations and tilting of the mounted component. The stand uses a vertical stand member, and a horizontal arm member movably positioned in both vertical and horizontal orientations relative to the stand member. Adjustable brackets and associated clamps are utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Landreville, Roger R. M. Bertrand, Robert Blouin
  • Patent number: 6922033
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus for controlling the opening of a cover over a barbecue grill includes a motor for opening and closing the cover over the barbecue grill, with the motor connected to the cover by a coupling rod. The cooking apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a counterweight attached at the rear of the barbecue cover. The cooking apparatus also comes with a remote control for transmitting control signals to the motor. The remote control transmits start and stop signals to the motor, or alternatively, the motor operates only during the transmission of control signals to the motor. The remote control may also transmit signals to control flow of a combustible gas. The barbecue cover opener is removable from the barbecue grill. Control of the motor allows movement of the cover to stop at any point within the full range of the cover being opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventors: John T. Ziegenhorn, Eric A. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030134117
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: James Burch Branum, Keith James Carnes, Billy Mack Humelsine, Carl Steven Nichols
  • 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: 6168034
    Abstract: A self righting bottle or combination bottle and holder that prevents leakages otherwise resulting in drips, spills, and stains on floors, floor coverings and carpets, particularly permanent stains on various floor coverings. Preferably, it keeps the nipple clean by avoiding such leakages for prolonged periods, thereby preventing nipple contamination by other substances proximate to the nipple end of the bottle. The self righting bottle includes a container with at least one sidewall, a weighted bottom having an outwardly facing convex surface, the bottom having a center of mass situated so that, in cooperation with the convex surface, the bottle self rights itself into an upright position from a prone position after being tipped on a level surface into the prone position. The self righting bottle may be configured or molded as a clown, cartoon or face character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel R. Perrone
  • Patent number: 6053461
    Abstract: A remote control stand for supporting a remote control above a floor surface so that the remote control is easily retrievable by a user. The remote control stand includes a base with a tubular post upwardly extending from the base. The post has a top end with an opening into the lumen of the post. A first end of an elongate flexible member is extended into the lumen of the post through the opening of the top end of the post such that a second end of the elongate flexible member outwardly extends from the top end of the top post. A weight is disposed in the lumen of the post and coupled to the first end of the elongate flexible member. The second end of the elongate flexible member is designed for attaching a remote control thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Robert C. Goss
  • Patent number: 5947158
    Abstract: An insulated air duct includes a flexible, reinforced, inner tubular core; a layer of partially compressed flexible, resilient fibrous insulation surrounding the core; and a flexible jacket, preferably with a longitudinally extending seam, spaced outwardly from the core and enveloping the layer of partially compressed fibrous insulation. The layer of partially compressed fibrous insulation is formed from a resilient blanket of air laid, randomly oriented, entangled fibers. The resilient blanket may have a low binder content or be binderless with the fibers unbonded and, possibly, lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Gross, Michael Dean Peterson, Blake Boyd Bogrett
  • Patent number: 5850828
    Abstract: Barbeque apparatus includes a firebox cantilevered outwardly from a base and a counter-weighted lid pivotally secured to the firebox. The counter-weight for the lid is movable in a portion of the base. A counter-weighted grill is pivotally secured to the firebox. The barbeque apparatus may be conveniently operated by a user in a wheel chair. The firebox includes a heat shield to protect users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas J. Valentino
  • Patent number: 5429378
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to high chairs for children and but more particularly to a high-stand whereby a child standing in a container at counter top level can observe the activities of adults. This invention provides a molded shell apparatus having a receptacle therein which allows a child between the ages of six to thirty months to observe adult activities at the adults working level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Maxie Durel-Crain
  • Patent number: 5377945
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mount for redressably mounting a sign thereupon comprising a bracket member fixedly attached to an end of an elongate support member having essentially an angled cross section. The bracket member is mounted to a structure such as a bridge with the support member disposed generally horizontal relative to the ground such that the vertex is directed downward to display essentially a V shape. A tubular rotatable member having a square cross section is coaxially and rotatably mounted about the support member with a weighted pendulum swingably depending downwardly from the bottom wall of the rotatable member and with a sign support member extending upwardly from the top wall thereof to which a sign is fixedly attached. The support member provides two pivot points upon which the rotatable member rests with the sign in an upright position to substantially minimize swaying of the sign back and forth in the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Michael E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 5320320
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for use in screen printing operations. The clamping apparatus has an angle iron having an upright back, a lower lip bound to the upright back, and an upper lip bound to the upright back. At least one clamp slide assembly is slidably disposed on and along the upper lip of the angle iron. The clamping apparatus is pivotally secured to a silkscreen table in order for readily engaging a silkscreen frame. A method for positioning a printing screen over a screen table which includes clamping with a pair of clamp slide assemblies a silkscreen frame of a printing screen against the lower lip of the angle iron. The silkscreen frame may be easily elevated as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Carl D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5242029
    Abstract: The invention is a poolside descending scaffold having an apron bar which is extendable by an apron arm extender fitted into its two end pieces, which are rectangular box girders of light metal or steel. End pieces are affixed to the extender by pad bars with threaded internal pins. The pad rods carry pads which are of sufficient area to prevent rotation of the apron bar. The pads may be simple flat metal pads or may be eccentric blocks or screw pads useful in leveling the apron bar. The apron bar has a weight basket at its distal end and a hinge bracket at its poolside end. The hinge bracket holds a descending bar at a position along its length determined by a pin through one of a set of holes in the descending bar and through holes in the hinge bracket. The descending bar has ladder pins to ease the climb between poolside apron and scaffold plank, and a bumper bar on a threaded pin which can also serve to affix the plank bracket to the descending bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Frank V. Marcella
  • Patent number: 5186196
    Abstract: A holder for an individual open top beverage container with an umbrella pivoted to the holder which is biased to a protective position over the top of the container when the holder is supported on a table or the like and is tilted out of the way when the holder is tilted to drinking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: Karl Gorka, Curt J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5141195
    Abstract: A counterweight handling device for construction equipment such as cranes in which a counterweight can be elevated to a predetermined height by using particulate hydraulic components then supported on a mounting frame. The counterweight may be supported by a pair of rectangular rotating blocks mounted on the counterweight mounting frame and which slide through a pair of vertical grooves in vertical position into supporting hollows in the counterweight bottom and turn through 90.degree. so as to support the counterweight by blocking the vertical grooves. Alternatively a pair of sliding pins mounted on the counterweight mounting frame may be extended into inverted V shaped notches on the counterweight bottom so as to support the counter weight. The counterweight can then be fastened on the counterweight mounting frame. Later the counterweight can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Toda, Jun-ichi Shimizu, Kobayashi Nobuyuki, Hideyuki Izumi, Tsuruo Hamamoto, Norio Nakajima, Shigeru Kojima
  • Patent number: 5108036
    Abstract: Hand-held equipment, for example a herbicide applicator, comprises a handle member 24 and an operative portion 4 extending away from the handle member 24, the equipment further comprising a counterbalancing weight 22 which is releasably and/or displaceably attached to the handle member in such a position as to be capable of counterbalancing the weight of the operative portion. The equipment preferably is an applicator for agrochemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Nomix Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: David C. Gill
  • Patent number: 5054162
    Abstract: An apparatus for offsetting a constant force over a range of movement, includes a power spring or clock spring, defined by a length of resilient material wound in a spiral, the opposite ends of which are attached relative to one of the force and a fixed point, and to a pulley. The pulley is substantially coaxial with the spring and has a rounded outer contour defining a progressively varying slope proceeding axially along the pulley. A flexible cord wraps around the pulley and leads to the other of the force and the fixed point. The opposite (inner and outer) ends of the spring can be mounted such that the inner end of the spring is fixed relative to the fixed point and the outer end of the spring is attached to the pulley. The constant force can be the weight of a window sash, movable vertically in a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy G. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5000331
    Abstract: A light-weight bottle stabilized against knockdown or tipping over comprising in combination, the bottle and a lead weight which weight is wrapped around the base of the bottle and wherein at least the surface contacting the bottle is covered with a cushioning material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Instruments For Research and Industry I.sup.2 R. Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Conlon, David S. Marston
  • Patent number: 4976450
    Abstract: A mechanic's mobile tool chest comprising: a plurality of cantilevered horizontal pivotal tool trays mounted on a chest containing a plurality of drawers enclosed within inwardly recessed top, rear, and side panels. The top panel having a top opening, with the rear and side panels having an outside and top opening. The tool trays are pivotally mounted on posts which are vertically extendible from corners of the chest for positioning the tool trays in an elevated position over vehicle fenders or similar structures. A plurality of cantilevered, horizontal pivotal arms are also mounted on the posts for mounting articulating lamps to illuminate a working area. The chest is mounted on a base with a plurality of wheels and a counterweight attached to prevent over-turn during normal operating conditions with the pivotal tool trays extended. The tool chest may also comprise a door which opens to approximately 260 degrees from either side with inside recessed stowage trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Laurence M. Ellefson
  • Patent number: 4958592
    Abstract: A plural substrate CVD apparatus for diamond crystal production utilizes spaced apart vertical, parallel, planar substrate panels with an electrical (direct current, D.C.) resistance filament heater therebetween. A hydrogen-hydrocarbon gas mixture flows between panels to come into contact with the heater and the panels to cause diamond crystal nucleation and growth on the substrate panels. The apparatus includes means for maintaining the spaced relationship of the heater from the substrate surfaces, comprising a rod member attached to one end of the heater and tensioned by a cable passing over a pulley member and attached to a weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Anthony, Robert C. DeVries, Richard A. Engler, Robert H. Ettinger, James F. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 4957258
    Abstract: A stand for motionably mounting advertisements, such as placards or the like. The stand comprises a foot-structure (1) placed on the ground and a mount (4) for advertisements such as placards, signs or the like resting on the foot-structure (1) by means of a pendulum support having an approximately horizontal swing axis. A pendulum weight (8) is attached to the mount (4) or the advertisement below the swing axis of the pendulum support. Preferably the pendulum support is equipped with an adjustably pressed brake-disk or a return spring means (11). The return spring means advantageously delivers a return force and frictional damping only beyond a predetermined value a deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Esselte Pendaflex Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Roman Tiedemann
  • Patent number: 4952953
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for displacing a camera (3) along a track (1), the camera being supported by a carriage (4) which can be moved along the track. The invention eliminates the disadvantages of prior art devices in which the track is supported at both ends. According to the invention the track (1) is instead centrally supported in one point, conveniently a standard type camera stand (2). This has been made possible thanks to the fact that the combined weight of the camera (3) and the camera carriage (4) is balanced by the weight of a counterweight (6) which is positively governed for movement along the track in the opposite direction of the travel direction of the camera unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Johan Ridderstolpe, Johan Osterman
  • Patent number: 4919380
    Abstract: A rotationally and translationally pivotable balancing structure is disclosed, which may comprise a variety of functional elements, such as beverage container holders, lamps, racks, dispensers, and the like. The balancing structure comprises an elongate member on portions of which are mounted a functional element and a counter-weight, in spaced relationship to one another. Associated with the balancing member is a pivot structure comprising (i) an omnidirectional fulcrum having a base structure reposable on a support surface, such as a table-top or arm chair top surface, for areal contact therewith, and (ii) a support arm joined to the elongate member and mounted on the omnidirectional fulcrum, to permit rotational and translational pivotable movement of the elongate member relative to the support surface on which the omnidirectional fulcrum is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Kelyx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Ely, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4849778
    Abstract: The camera support system includes a support column and a boom arm mounted for pivotal movement on the support column by means of a fulcrum unit. The boom arm includes extension members which are detachably interconnectable thereto for selectively changing the length of the boom arm. The extension members when not used in the boom arm being optionally interconnected in the support column to increase the height of the column. The fulcrum unit is interchangeable with an interface unit for directly mounting a camera to the top of the support column for monopod type operation. A base assembly for the support column of the system includes interchangeable feet, rollers or casters whose heights can be individually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Panavision, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 4630796
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus having a hydraulically controlled counterweight. A flexible roll diaphragm seals each piston to each cylinder in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Kayser, Walter Schmedemann
  • Patent number: 4588123
    Abstract: A mailbox which includes a hollow supporting base extending therefrom. The base and mailbox are integrally molded into a unitary structure which positions the box at the correct delivery height. The box may have a false bottom to support the articles of mail, integrally formed handle, and means for supporting/positioning a flag. The integral base and box are stable and self-righting when the hollow base is filled with ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Randolph L. Plew
  • Patent number: 4520977
    Abstract: A document feeder is mounted for pivotal movement about a side edge portion of a copier/duplicator between a first position over an exposure station or platen of the copier/duplicator and a second position away from the exposure station so that individual documents sheets, books or the like can be manually placed directly on the exposure station for copying. As the feeder moves from its first position to its second position the feeder first pivots about one axis and then, subsequently, about a second axis offset further from the platen than the first axis. Thus the feeder is stepped away from the edge of the copier exposure station to provide a relatively large area that is available for receiving a book or large document on the exposure station for copying. A counterbalancing arrangement is provided for balancing the weight of the feeder as it moves between its two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald C. Holzhauser, James A. McGlen, Gary P. Lawniczak