Horizontally Movable Support Surface Patents (Class 248/424)
  • Patent number: 7735162
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a toilet between a position where it is accessible to a person of restricted mobility and a storage position when not in use. The apparatus comprises two cooperating platforms, a first platform which rests on the floor of a room which houses the apparatus and a second platform. The first platform has a guide along an edge, and the second platform has an edge that is slidably received in the guide, and is supported so that it is capable of limited translational movement without rotation relative to the first platform. A physically impaired person can occupy a chair on the first platform, and can slide the second platform relative to the first to move a portable toilet on the second platform between a position in which it can be used and a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Ringholz
  • Patent number: 7735798
    Abstract: A seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail fixed to a vehicle seat and supported by the lower rail so as to be movable relative thereto, and a lock mechanism including multiple lock portions provided on the lower rail along a longitudinal direction thereof, a spindle provided on the upper rail and having a rotation axis that extends in a longitudinal direction of the upper rail, and a lock member rotating about the rotation axis and engageable with or disengageable from the lock portions. The spindle is supported by a recess portion formed in a surface of the upper rail in an inwardly extending manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 7731146
    Abstract: An in-line node locking mechanism for supporting and locking a node within a rack system such forces applied on a node by the node locking mechanism generate consistent output forces. The in-line node locking mechanism utilizes dual swivel nuts and an in-line loading arrangement that evenly distributes forces along the length of a rail system to create evenly distributed forces and avoid the creation of stress points. An actuating screw causes the node locking mechanism to adjust between unlocked and locked positions. In the unlocked position, the mechanism causes the node to be lowered and move freely along the in-line rail system. In the locked position the mechanism causes the node to securely abut the rack system thereby locking the node within the rack system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Lee Colbert, Eric James Mckeever, John Allan Shurdalsvold, Daniel A. Wright
  • Patent number: 7722006
    Abstract: A catch device of a lengthwise adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle seat comprises a first pair of rails and a second pair of rails, each having a bottom rail and a seat rail. A first detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail and comprises first detent openings and first detent webs. A first stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the first detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises two stopper teeth for engaging the first detent openings independently of one another and for disengaging therefrom together and is associated with the seat rail of the first pair of rails. A second detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail of the second pair of rails and comprises second detent openings and second detent webs. A second stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the second detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises a stopper means for engaging and disengaging the second detent openings and is associated with the seat rail of the second pair of rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burkhard Becker
  • Patent number: 7717392
    Abstract: A simple, compact and easy-to-assemble slide rail unit is provided. The slide rail unit reliably restrains right and left rails from sliding even when the right and left rails are installed onto the vehicle floor at an inclination angle different from each other in a longitudinal direction thereof. The slide rail unit includes a slide rail member having an upper rail member and an upper rail member slidably engaged with each other and a lock lever rotatably pivoted to the upper rail member so as to engage with/disengage from an engagement portion formed on the lower rail member. The slide rail unit also includes an operation lever connected to the lock lever within the slide rail member. Between the lock lever and the operation lever, a leaf spring member is disposed for connecting the lock lever and the operation lever therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imasen Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sakakibara, Mitsunao Koumura
  • Patent number: 7708330
    Abstract: A device for mounting a driving robot in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having two driver's seat tracks and a floor, utilizing the two seat tracks of the driver's seat for anchoring purposes, the device including: a length-adjustable adapter plate that engages into both seat tracks in a hook-like manner; at least one first locking element for locking the adapter plate in the seat tracks; and at least one second height-adjustable locking element for bracing the adapter plate against the vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Staehle
  • Patent number: 7702126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system to measure an orientation of one or more vehicle supporting surfaces of a vehicle lift system, and to measure and compensate one or more vehicle measurements relative to the vehicle supporting surface of the vehicle lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Patent number: 7690317
    Abstract: A computer workstation includes a worksurface moveable a first distance between first and second worksurface positions and a monitor support coupled to the worksurface. At least one of the worksurface and the monitor support is automatically moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support. The monitor support is moveable a second distance between first and second monitor positions as the worksurface is moved the first distance between the first and second worksurface positions, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. A method of adjusting the position of a monitor support on a computer workstation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, John C. Groelsma, Jeffrey A. Weber
  • Patent number: 7677520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal guide for an automotive vehicle seat with a surrounding rail (20), a surrounded rail (50), a free longitudinal channel (72) being formed between said rails and a first lateral encompassing area (68) and a second lateral encompassing area (70) located diagonally opposite said first lateral encompassing area being provided, with said surrounding rail (20) forming an outer grip around said surrounded rail (50) and the roll bodies (73-75) being disposed in a respective one of said areas, with guide channels for the roll bodies (73-75) being formed between the rails in the encompassing areas (68, 70). One guide channel (76) only is formed in the first encompassing area (68) while two guide channels (77, 78) are formed in the second encompassing area (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burckhard Becker
  • Patent number: 7669825
    Abstract: A seat sliding apparatus for vehicles is provided. The seat sliding apparatus includes a track and a guide bracket with legs connected to stepped locking pins to regulate the locked state of the locking pins which engage the track. In one embodiment, the track includes through-holes which are engaged by the locking pins. Accordingly to another aspect of the apparatus, a plastic bushing is provided to prevent horizontal/vertical floating of the locking pins, thereby minimizing the play of the locking pins and prevent floating. The apparatus also may simultaneously prevent a half-locked state of the locking pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Bok Sung
  • Patent number: 7661637
    Abstract: The invention is based on a seat attachment apparatus, in particular for attachment of a seat to a floor in an aircraft, having at least one horizontal attachment means and at least one vertical attachment means which can be moved in a horizontal longitudinal direction relative to the horizontal attachment means and having an operating means which can rotate, as well as a transmission unit for transmission of a rotary movement of the operating means to a linear movement of the vertical attachment means in the horizontal longitudinal direction. Preferably, the operating means has at least one rotation axis which includes an angle greater than zero with the horizontal longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marsel Mejuhas, Jürgen Doll
  • Patent number: 7658360
    Abstract: A seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail fixed to a vehicle seat and supported by the lower rail so as to be movable relative thereto, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes multiple lock portions provided at the lower rail along a longitudinal direction thereof, a lock member provided at the upper rail and rotating about a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper rail so as to be engageable with or disengageable from the lock portions, and a bracket for supporting the lock member in a direction of the rotation axis. The seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle further includes a deflection preventing member for preventing a deflection of the bracket in the direction of the rotation axis and being integrally provided at the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 7641164
    Abstract: A power seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle floor, a second rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle seat and slidably supported relative to the first rail, a screw shaft screwed to a nut member which is fixed to the first rail, the screw shaft including an end portion and a stepped portion, a washer engaged with the stepped portion of the screw shaft, a gear member to which the end portion of the screw shaft is inserted, a fastening member provided at the end portion of the screw shaft, and a gear box fixed to an end of the second rail. The gear box includes a support bracket, a gear housing, and a plate. The stepped portion of the screw shaft is arranged in such a manner that the washer is connected thereto in the gear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7631850
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for supporting a cooling device (30) thereon includes a bracket (10) and a saddle (20) carrying the cooling device (30) thereon. The bracket (10) defines two opposing rails (12), (13) and a washboard-like member (14) extending along a direction in which the rails (12), (13) extend. The saddle (20) includes a positioning member (26) engaged in the washboard-like member (14) to position the saddle (20) to the bracket (10) and two blocks (24) slidable on the rails (12), (13) of the bracket (10) under condition that the positioning member (26) is disengaged from the washboard-like member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsieh-Kun Lee, Chun-Chi Chen, Shi-Wen Zhou, Ping-An Yang, Meng Fu
  • Patent number: 7628370
    Abstract: Mounting techniques and systems are detailed. Such techniques and systems are particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, useful for connecting vehicle seat tracks to fixtures for dynamic testing. No holes need necessarily penetrate central portions of the base plates of the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft LLC
    Inventors: Fabrice Morel, Robert W. Trimble, Monique Le Roux, Klay E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7607613
    Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a payload to a support track are disclosed. In one embodiment, a seat track configured for use with an interface assembly includes at least one elongated support. The seat track also includes an engagement member coupled to the elongated support and having a plurality of coupling apertures disposed therethrough. Each coupling aperture may be configured to receive at least one of a clamp arm and a fastener of the interface assembly and further configured to be engaged with the at least one of the clamp arm and the fastener in an unsecured position. The clamp arm may be extractable from the coupling aperture in a first position and may not be extractable from the coupling aperture in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Martin R. Grether, Raymond R. Reed, Douglas W. Hackett
  • Patent number: 7597303
    Abstract: A vehicle power seat slide device includes a first rail fixed to a vehicle, a second rail fixed to a seat and slidably supported by the first rail, a nut member fixed to the first rail by means of a bracket, a screw shaft rotatably supported by the second rail and screwed into the nut member, a driving mechanism supported by the second rail for driving the screw shaft so as to rotate, the screw shaft being rotated by the driving mechanism relative to the nut member, the second rail being moved so as to slide relative to the first rail by means of the shaft screwing into the nut member, the nut member including a protruding portion fitted into a fitting hole, which is formed on the first rail, the nut member being supported by the bracket, and the bracket fixed to the first rail together with the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kimura, Yoshitaka Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090236487
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a platform telescoping system which comprises a platform, a first supporting arm, a second supporting arm, a telescopic driving mechanism which comprises a first power output, end and a rotational driving mechanism which comprises a second power output end. The first power output end is integrated with the second supporting arm and causes the second supporting arm to move in a first direction, and the second power output end is integrated with the platform and causes the platform to pivot between a first position and a second position. The second supporting arm telescopes with respect to the first supporting arm for adjusting the position of the platform. The space occupied by the platform telescoping system may be reduced while its functions enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiyuan SHI, Xiaohong CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090230275
    Abstract: A fore-aft positioning adjuster adapted for use with an object, such as a seat, includes a locking mechanism, and an actuator employing an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, and configured to selectively cause the mechanism to release, so that the object can be repositioned, as a result of the change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Patent number: 7581706
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) system suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to latching and unlatching vehicle seat tracks. The system including any number of configurations to support any number of operations, including but not limited to push-push, pull-pull, push-pull, and pull-push operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Kennedy, H. Winston Maue, John F. Nathan
  • Patent number: 7556234
    Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle seat includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, a support bracket for supporting the vehicle seat, an upper rail fixed to the support bracket and slidably supported on the lower rail relative to the lower rail, a nut member fixed to the lower rail, a screw shaft engageable with the nut member and rotatably supported on the upper rail and a gear device supported on one end of the upper rail through a holdong bracket to transmit a rotational force from a power source to the screw shaft. The upper rail is movable relative to the lower rail in a front and backward direction relative to the seat by the engagement of the screw shaft with the nut member. The holding bracket is fixed to the upper rail and the support bracket for supporting a gear case of the gear device over a circumferential area of the gear case on front, rear, upper and lower surfaces in cooperation with the first support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadao Ito, Makoto Sakai, Eiichiro Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20090092441
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that may be used to movably connect a device to a support. The apparatus may be a mechanical arm with multiple connections that allows the device to move into various positions and orientations. The connections may include a coupling attached to a connection assembly that movably secures the coupling to an elongated member. Each of the connection assemblies may provide a pivot point which allows rotation upon a sufficient force and provide a mechanism for removably securing a coupling at desired increments. The device may be an instrument or fixture for dental or medical use, such as an operating room light, a dental examination light, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a mirror, delivery head, etc. The support may be attached to a surface such as a ceiling or floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Austin Everett Unsworth, Gary DeCarr, Nathan Hemmer
  • Patent number: 7510161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal guiding element for a motor vehicle seat, comprising two rail-type guide elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the seat, and a guiding device by which means one guide element can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the seat in relation to the other guide element. According to the invention, a first sliding guide (3, 4) is formed by a guiding slide (3) provided on one rail (1) and a guiding pin (4) provided on the other rail (2), and the second sliding guide (5, 6) is formed by a guiding pin (5) provided on one rail (1) and a guiding slide (6) provided on the other rail (2). The two sliding guides are successively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Matthias Fischer, Jochen Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7506856
    Abstract: In a seat slide device applicable to an automotive vehicle, a lock mechanism includes: a lock arm disposed on an upper rail to be pivotable around a pivotal center axis; lock pawls formed on the lock arm along the elongate direction of the upper rail; lock holes formed on a lower rail and the upper rail, the lock pawls being inserted through the lock holes to lock the upper rail with respect to the lower rail; a pair of slits formed at predetermined front-and-rear positions of a side surface of the upper rail; and a bearing bracket, the bearing bracket and the lock arm being disposed within an enclosed space between the upper rail and the lower rail and including a pair of bearing portions and both ends of the lock arm and the pair of bearing portions being disposed within inner spaces defined by the pair of slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Ikegaya, Takuji Soga
  • Patent number: 7506855
    Abstract: Non-protruding seat track apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a track includes an elongated support having a support surface and an engagement surface. The support surface is adapted to engage a lower surface of a floor panel, and the engagement surface is adapted to be coupled to a payload assembly. The engagement surface is at least one of flush with and recessed below the lower surface of the floor panel when the support surface is engaged with the lower surface. The engagement surface may have at least one of an engagement slot and an attachment aperture disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Gina C. Pischke, Martin R. Grether, Todd Evan Jones, Cory M. Hitchcock, Paul R. Fortado
  • Publication number: 20080283712
    Abstract: A seismic damper includes upper and lower brackets, and a link mechanism. The upper bracket is formed with an upper hole. The lower bracket is formed with lower and intermediate holes. The link mechanism includes a support link, and first, second, and third pivot joints. The support link has first and second ends, each of which is formed with a through-hole, and an intermediate portion, which is formed with a through-hole. The first pivot joint extends through the upper hole in the upper bracket and the through-hole in the first end of the support link. The second pivot joint extends through the lower hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the second end of the support link. The third pivot joint extends through the intermediate hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the intermediate portion of the support link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Feng Su
  • Patent number: 7431256
    Abstract: A seat slide device comprises a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail supporting a seat, a lock and unlock mechanism including a main lock plate and a sub lock plate for maintaining the upper rail so as to be slidable on the lower rail, the main lock plate rotatably supported by a first bracket fixed to the upper rail, the sub lock plate rotatably supported by a second bracket fixed to the upper rail, an engaging hole formed on the lower rail, and a claw portion formed on the sub lock plate so as to contact to an upper surface of the engaging hole in order to press down the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamada, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Toshiyuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20080238231
    Abstract: The application includes various embodiments of devices and methods for mounting a motor within an image forming apparatus. The motor is mounted on a frame and positioned to engage and drive a component within the image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the component is an imaging unit. The frame includes an opening to receive the motor. A locating member is attached to the frame and extends into the opening to contact the motor and provide accurate positioning for engagement with the component. The locating ring provides for a press fit with lower forces. Additional fasteners may fixedly connect the motor to the frame and maintain the accurate positioning provided by the locating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, Harald Portig, Brian Reed Spencer, Joseph Edwin Domhoff, David W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7422186
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and a power seat adjuster assembly for a vehicle seat. The power seat adjuster assembly includes a track assembly having a lead screw and a lead screw constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Kropfreiter, Thomas Rorabacher, John R. Sims, Ryan Kadlec, Vien Le
  • Patent number: 7404537
    Abstract: A device for guiding two sub-assemblies of a motor vehicle displaceable in relation to one another. Said device comprises two guide elements positioned at a distance from one another in a transversal direction that is perpendicular to the guide direction and two guide units, in which a respective guide element is mounted so that it is displaceable in the guide direction. The guide elements are intercoupled and stops are allocated to the guide elements on the guide units, said stops limiting a displacement of the guide elements in relation to the respective guide units in the transversal direction, perpendicular to the guide direction. A first of the two guide elements in the allocated guide unit is mounted perpendicularly to the guide direction with a negligible displacement margin. The second guide element is mounted in the allocated guide unit with a greater displacement margin in the transversal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Bernhard Schrimpl, Andreas Schmid, Martin Schwarz, Günther Fletzberger
  • Patent number: 7389911
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting apparatus comprises three elongated members, a mounting bracket and a mailbox attachment bracket. A first one of the elongated members is movably attached to a second one of the elongated members for enabling the first and second elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The second one of the elongated members is movably attached to a third one of the elongated members for enabling the second and third elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The mounting bracket is attached to the first one of the elongated members. The mounting bracket is specifically configured for being attached to a mailbox support structure. The mailbox attachment bracket is attached to a third one of the elongated members. The mailbox attachment bracket is specifically configured for mating with a base portion of a mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Francis Ruocco
  • Publication number: 20080128576
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an image measuring platform, the apparatus includes a horizontal base (11); a measuring platform (21) movable on the horizontal base; a support arm (12) extending in the Z-axis direction secured to the horizontal base; two parallel sliders (435) extending in the Z-axis direction fixed on the upper ends of the support arm; a first bar (411) for controlling the measuring platform to move in X-axis direction; a second bar (421) for controlling the measuring platform to move in Y-axis direction; a first cantilever (314) and a second cantilever (315) vertically attached on the two parallel sliders; a charge coupled device lens (31) fixed on the first cantilever and the second cantilever through a lens clamp (312) and a locking cap (313); a first screw handle (414) engaged with the holes of both sides of a first bracket (413) secured on the horizontal base, a first male screw thread (415) formed outside the first screw handle, and a first female screw thread (416) corresponding to the f
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, SEN ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20080116346
    Abstract: A multi-purpose work apparatus is provided having a base portion with at least two rollers attached thereto, an adjustable support member coupled to the base portion, a tray coupled to the adjustable support, the tray comprising a plate with a curved perimeter portion defining a storage region, and an electrical outlet coupled to the adjustable support, the electrical outlet having a water-resistant electrical cord attached thereto for providing power to the electrical outlet, wherein a user can store tools, supplies, and other objects within the storage region, can plug power tools into the electrical outlet box, and can adjust the adjustable support to position the tray at a convenient work height. The apparatus can include at least one accessory holder attached to the tray, such as a cup holder, a hammer holder, a paint brush holder, and a hook. The outlet can be a ground fault interrupter circuit outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Angela McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20080100113
    Abstract: A mounting rail assembly for a drive motor coupled to operate a vehicle mechanism includes a vehicle frame member. A mounting rail is secured to the vehicle frame member and has a plurality of spaced apart first attachment features. A drive motor has a second attachment feature and is selectively attachable to any of the first attachment features of the mounting rail to provide a desired motor mounting location relative to the vehicle frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Scott T. Kropfreiter, Vien Le
  • Patent number: 7357051
    Abstract: A ratchet-type adjustment device for the ratcheting displacement of an adjustment body with respect to a fixed base element having an oblong actuating element, where the actuating element can be displaced along linear toothed portions, which are fitted to the adjustment body on either side of the actuating element, and latched into the first linear toothed portion, acting as driving toothed portion, by first ratchet elements, the adjustment device furthermore comprising at least two second ratchet elements mounted pivotably on the fixed base element, which ratchet elements can be latched into the second linear toothed portion, acting as blocking and braking toothed portion, to block a displacement movement of the adjustment body with respect to the fixed base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Holger Raum
  • Patent number: 7341233
    Abstract: In a chair having a base, a seat defining a fore-to-aft longitudinal axis, a seat back and a tilt control mechanism, a horizontal adjustment mechanism is provided for allowing fore-to-aft movement of the seat relative to the seat back. The mechanism includes a first plate adapted to be coupled to the seat; a second plate adapted to be coupled either directly to the base or to the tilt control mechanism, the second plate being slidably coupled to the first plate such that the two plates can move relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the seat; an intermediate element positioned between the first and second plates for facilitating relative sliding movement therebetween, and a handle positioned between first and second plates that selectively positions the first plate in relation to the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Kevin McMains
  • Patent number: 7330349
    Abstract: A docking apparatus includes a port replicator (50), a base (30) for supporting the port replicator thereon, a fixing member (60), a resilient member (80), and a button (10). An accommodating hole (51) is defined in the port replicator, and a hole (351) is defined in the base corresponding to the accommodating hole of the port replicator. In use, the resilient member drives the fixing member upwardly to extend through the hole of the protrusion to engage in the accommodating hole of the port replicator thereby fixedly attaching the port replicator to the base. The button 10 is to drive the fixing member to retract from the accommodating hole of the port replicator to release the port replicator from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Da-Long Sun, Chang-Jiang Hou
  • Patent number: 7318573
    Abstract: A seat sliding device comprises a lower rail fixed at a stationary part and extending in a seat longitudinal direction, an upper rail fixed at a seat and slidably guided by the lower rail, a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking a slidable movement of the upper rail to the lower rail in order to adjust a position of the seat relative to the stationary part, the lock mechanism being attached at the upper rail, and a memory mechanism for returning the seat, which has moved to a forefront seat position from an occupant's seated position during a walk-in operation, to the occupant's seated position, the memory mechanism having a memory rail positioned at a distance from at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail and a memory slide configured to be fixed to the memory rail and to be slidably movable relative to the memory rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Hideo Nihonmatsu
  • Publication number: 20080001050
    Abstract: Mounting techniques and systems are detailed. Such techniques and systems are particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, useful for connecting vehicle seat tracks to fixtures for dynamic testing. No holes need necessarily penetrate central portions of the base plates of the tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Fabrice Morel, Robert W. Trimble, Monique Le Roux, Klay E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7293752
    Abstract: A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of a vehicle includes a first track and a second track that is moveable with respect to the first track. The seat track assembly further includes a latch mechanism associated with the second track, and the latch mechanism is operative to inhibit relative movement of the tracks. The latch mechanism includes multiple triggers that are each pivotable between a locked position in which the trigger is engaged with the first track, and an unlocked position in which the trigger is disengaged from the first track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter R. McCulloch, Joseph J. Grajewski
  • Patent number: 7261270
    Abstract: A monitor stand includes an upper support member (100) for supporting a monitor thereon, and a lower support member (200). The lower support member comprises a fixed piece (270), a slidable piece (210) slidably attached to the fixed piece for supporting a notebook computer connected to the monitor, the slidable piece being slidable in a first direction, a clutch (243) movable between the fixed piece and the slidable piece in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction to selectively engage the fixed piece so that the slidable piece is tightly held in place relative to the fixed piece, and a button (250) enabling the clutch to be disengaged from the fixed piece so that the slidable piece is free to slide relative to the fixed piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Zhi-Qiang Li, Jian Hu
  • Patent number: 7256891
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a population of particles is set forth. The apparatus includes an emitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, such as from a laser, and a particle chamber disposed in a path of the electromagnetic radiation beam. The apparatus also includes a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered by or otherwise received from the particle chamber. A sensor alignment unit supports the sensor along a detection axis and allows adjustment of the position of the sensor along orthogonal axes lying in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the detection axis. In one embodiment, the sensor alignment unit includes a first support platform and a first adjustment mechanism disposed to adjust the position of the first support platform along a first orthogonal axis. The sensor alignment unit also includes a second support platform that supports the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Domack, Santos E. Vargas
  • Patent number: 7252278
    Abstract: A vehicle seat linkage assembly includes a rod. The linkage has a first link with an aperture and a second link adjacent but spaced from the first link and having a slot. Additionally, a drive nut is adjacent the rod. The drive nut has a body portion, one end, another end and an aperture engaging the rod. The one end is inserted into the slot and the another end is inserted into the aperture. When the nut is disposed into the slot and aperture, the nut is rotated to engage the slot and the aperture so that the nut cannot be disengaged from the first link and the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Pascal E. Garrido
  • Patent number: 7207541
    Abstract: A locking device of a longitudinal adjustment device of a vehicle seat is provided with a catch bar with periodically arranged snap openings and snap studs that is assigned to a bottom rail of the longitudinal adjustment device and is further provided with a locking unit assigned to a seat rail of the longitudinal adjustment device. The locking device has at least two licking pins that can be inserted into the snap openings independent of one another, they can be disengaged only jointly. The locking pins are arranged in a guide member which has a pin bore for each locking pin. The guide member is provided with an area facing the catch bar. Projections projecting toward the catch bar are arranged on this area and extend as a continuation of the pin bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Klaus Kautzner
  • Patent number: 7204467
    Abstract: In a longitudinal adjuster (1) for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, with a first seat rail (3), a second seat rail (4) adapted for sliding movement relative to the first seat rail (3), and an engagement member (8) arranged on the second seat rail (4), the first seat rail (3) includes a stop plate (15) with first stop surfaces. The first stop surfaces cooperate with second stop surfaces of the engagement member (8) for limiting the movement of the seat rail (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Strubel, Reinhard Goy, Ulf Schäffling, Jürgen Krebs
  • Patent number: 7198241
    Abstract: A system is provided for mounting a computer component. The system has at least one rail with first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion defines a recess. The second mounting portion has at least one detent. The system also has first and second supports. The first support has an extension extending into the recess and allows sliding of the first mounting portion relative to the first support. The second support defines at least one aperture that receives the detent and limits sliding of the second mounting portion relative to the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Linsys Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Helgenberg, Kenneth J. Neeld
  • Patent number: 7168671
    Abstract: A low profile seat suspension includes a bottom frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, and a top frame located above the bottom frame for supporting a seat cushion and seat back thereon. A substantially fully collapsible scissors linkage is interconnected between the bottom frame and the top frame enabling the bottom frame and the top frame to move relative to each other substantially in parallel. A biasing arrangement is disposed between the top frame and the bottom frame and has a preload force urging the top frame away from the bottom frame. A first adjustment mechanism is located in the top frame and selectively enables fore and aft adjustment of the top frame relative to the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, James R. Brzenk, Matthew C. Horn
  • Patent number: 7168674
    Abstract: A seat track repair device is disclosed for an aircraft seat track which has a rail, a support member depending from the rail, a first arm extending in a first direction laterally away from the support member and a second arm extending in a second direction laterally away from the support member, the first direction being opposite to the second direction. The seat track device includes an elongate member having a first and a second end. The elongate member has a replacement rail which has an upper and a lower extremity. A first wing extends laterally away from the lower extremity of the replacement rail and a second wing extends laterally away from the lower extremity of the replacement rail and away from the first wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel S McFarlane
  • Patent number: 7107693
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for precise angular positioning of an object. A first pivot arm and a second pivot arm each is pivotally mounted with respect to a base. A pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the first pivot arm and allows the first pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, within a particular plane. A second pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the second pivot arm and allows the second pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, and also within either the same plane or a different plane as the plane within which the first pivot arm pivots. Support structures maintain each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm within the particular plane or planes. An interconnect flex member connects the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. With a relatively small base and thus overall apparatus, an input movement, such as a linear input of about 10 mm can be translated into an output movement of about 7200 radians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ivan N. Nesch, Timothy I. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7090188
    Abstract: A track assembly (24) is provided for use on an automotive seat assembly (10) for providing forward and rearward movement of a seat assembly within a comfort range (C) of seating positions and a forwardly extended position (D) in a vehicle. The track assembly comprises a lower track and an upper track slidably coupled to the lower track. A locking mechanism is coupled between the upper and lower tracks and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the upper track to the lower track. A seat dumping mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper track for automatically actuating the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions to extend the track assembly between the forwardly extended position (D) and a predetermined position (E) within the comfort range (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Severini, Alan Kam Lun Chan, Edilbert Delgado Yu