Tool Attached Patents (Class 248/52)
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Patent number: 10632581Abstract: A workpiece conveying apparatus for a pressing machine includes an arm unit including: a first arm; a second arm; a workpiece holding portion configured to hold a workpiece; a first arm drive mechanism; and a second arm drive mechanism. A pipe or the like arranged on an outer side of a second joint is supported at one side thereof by the first arm, and is supported at another side thereof by the second arm. When the first arm and the second arm are bent and stretched between a folded state and an extended state for workpiece conveyance, the pipe or the like is deformed utilizing a holding angle between the first arm and the second arm so that the pipe or the like is arranged so as to prevent swing of the pipe or the like about the second joint at the time of the workpiece conveyance.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: AIDA ENGINEERING, LTD.Inventor: Keisuke Takeda
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Patent number: 10575632Abstract: A cable management system includes a support having a peripheral edge defining a central opening and a longitudinally extending channel having a laterally extending bottom shelf and an upwardly extending retainer wall. At least one of the bottom shelf and retainer wall have a pass-through opening formed there through. The channel is positioned adjacent to a portion of the peripheral edge of the support with the retainer wall laterally spaced apart from the portion of the peripheral edge so as to form a gap there between defining a mouth of the channel. A door is moveably coupled to the support. The door is moveable between a first position, wherein at least a portion of the central opening defined by the support is uncovered, and a second position, wherein the portion of central opening defined by the support is covered. A worksurface assembly and method of use are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Hyun Yoo, Lin Lih Goh, Ming Yoong Tham, Michael Held
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Patent number: 9800037Abstract: An access module for providing access to an opening in a table, includes a grommet mounted to the table within the opening and including a top flange spaced apart from a work surface of the table, such that a flange space of the opening is defined from the work surface of the table to the top flange of the grommet; and a bezel mounted to the grommet and including a flange that is only located in the flange space.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ditto Sales Inc./VersteelInventors: Jerald W. Nichols, Aaron C. Owens
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Patent number: 9257218Abstract: Methods and tools for positioning cables using magnets during assembly of a consumer electronic product are described. Methods described are well suited in the manufacture of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, computer tablets and the like. Methods involve attaching magnetic components to cables and to one or more surfaces within the enclosure of the electronic devices. During assembly, the magnetic components on the cables magnetically couple with corresponding magnetic components on the surfaces within the enclosure. In this way, the cables can be secured in certain positions and out of the way during the assembly of the electronic device. In some instances, the cables can remain magnetically secured after assembly and during the operation of the electronic device. In other instances, the magnetic components are decoupled after assembly thereby releasing the cables from their secured positions during operation of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Derek W. Wright, John Raff
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Publication number: 20150129724Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support device configured to support an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first face and a second face including a recessed portion or a projecting portion. The support device includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to support the electronic device. The second member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, the first position being a position at which the second member is engaged with the recessed portion or the projecting portion to suppress moving of the electronic device, the second position being a position at which the second member is configured to be separated further from the second face and at which the electronic device is configured to be permitted to move.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Yoshinori Kohmoto, Jun Watanabe, Ryo Saito, Hirotaka Mitsushio
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Publication number: 20150105757Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system is disclosed including a hand-held surgical instrument, an end effector configured to perform at least one function, and a shaft assembly arranged for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical instrument. The shaft assembly includes a linkage having a proximal housing and a distal housing at least partially received within the proximal housing. The distal housing is rotatable relative to the proximal housing and configured to selectively interconnect the end effector to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly further includes a wire extending through the linkage having a central portion disposed within an annular groove defined between the proximal and distal housings. The central portion of the wire is annularly wound within the annular groove to define a coil. The coil is configured to at least one of radially expand and contract upon rotation of the distal housing relative to the proximal housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Justin Williams
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Publication number: 20150097089Abstract: The present teachings provide for a wire harness mounting assembly including a first retention member, a first guide member, a second retention member, and a second guide member. The first retention member and the first guide member are each configured to be spaced apart from the second retention member and the second guide member to suspend a wire harness across a space defined therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventors: Dwayne R. Taylor, Aaron Martin, Jeffrey Basinski
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Patent number: 8770537Abstract: Disclosed therein is an apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for a construction machine having a hydraulic pipe clamp fixing a plurality of pipes to a boom structure, including: a lower clamp (20) having a mounting hole (21); a clamp position setting member (22) for fixing the lower clamp (20) to one side of the boom structure (100) through a clamp support member (23) coupled to the mounting hole (21); an upper clamp (30) coupled onto the lower clamp (20) and having an interference prevention groove (31) in which a head portion (23a) of the clamp support member (23) is placed; and vibration-proof members (41,42) attached to the interiors of the clamps (20,30) to absorb vibration of the pipe (10). When the pipes (10) are assembled or disassembled, the lower clamp (20) is fixed to the boom structure to set the positions of the pipe and the clamp, and thus the assembly is greatly improved.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventor: Joon-Seog Go
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Patent number: 8746631Abstract: An article carrier robot includes: a horizontal base; a horizontally movable unit supported by the horizontal base so as to be movable in a horizontal direction; a robot main body supported by the horizontally movable unit; at least one of wiring and piping introduced into the robot main body from the horizontal base; and a restriction unit supported by the horizontally movable unit so as to be swayable about a pivot provided to the horizontally movable unit. The restriction unit is configured to restrict deformation of a part of the at least one of wiring and piping.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiko Hashimoto, Toshiaki Yoshida, Tetsuya Yoshida
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Patent number: 8342458Abstract: The present invention relates to corded electric devices and more particularly to corded electric devices that move their location such as an electric lawn mower. The present invention is a device for handling the electric cord of a device such as an electric lawn mower or some other movable platform to which electric power is provided (a lawn mower is a movable platform having a device for cutting grass such as spinning blades). The present invention manages the position of a cord as the platform on which it is mounted is moved.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Daniel Robert Shepard, Britta Shepard
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Patent number: 8203313Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
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Publication number: 20120103125Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first shaft base, a second shaft base rotatably connected to the first shaft base, a wire harness, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the wire harness. The first shaft base defines a first through hole along a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft base defines a second through hole. The clamping mechanism includes a main body connected to the second shaft base, and a locking member engaged with the main body. The second shaft base rotates relative to the first shaft base around the longitudinal axis. The main body further comprise a clamping portion on an end thereof, and the clamping portion is capability of radial deformation. The locking member resists the clamping portion to clamp the wire harness. The wire harness extends through the first through hole, the second through hole, and then the clamping mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventor: CHAO-QIANG LIU
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Patent number: 7973516Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
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Publication number: 20110011988Abstract: The present invention relates to corded electric devices and more particularly to corded electric devices that move their location such as an electric lawn mower. The present invention is a device for handling the electric cord of a device such as an electric lawn mower or some other movable platform to which electric power is provided (a lawn mower is a movable platform having a device for cutting grass such as spinning blades). The present invention manages the position of a cord as the platform on which it is mounted is moved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Daniel Robert Shepard, Britta Shepard
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Patent number: 7837157Abstract: A kink protector for a line which is led outwardly through a wall opening in a connecting sleeve of a hose or a pipe. The kink protector has a mounting cap which encloses the line, and a support helix which is integral with the cap and surrounds the line and which is resilient in bending. An outlet stub is provided at the connecting sleeve and is connected with the wall opening and into which the mounting cap can be pushed with at least axial fixing of the line in mechanically positive and detenting manner for the line.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Truplast Kunststofftechnik GmbHInventors: Georg Peter Linhart, Christian Norbert Linhart
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Patent number: 7694918Abstract: A wire clamp for protecting a wire in a reciprocating machine includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member configured for slidably sandwiching the wire therebetween. The upper clamping member or the lower clamping member is pivotably mounted to the reciprocating machine. When the wire bends to travel during reciprocating movement, the upper and lower clamping members are pivoted with the wire to prevent the wire from being sharply bent which leads to stress concentration. Thus, fatigue of the wire will be reduced and a life span of the wire will be prolonged.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bing-Jun Zhang, Lian-Zhong Gong
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Publication number: 20090224109Abstract: The articulated robot 10 has a sixth articulation 30 that rolls, a welding gun 32 connected to the sixth articulation 30, a cable 44 having one part connected to the welding gun 32, the other part being connected to a first support portion 48, and a flange 42 connected to the welding gun 32 and overhung in the diameter direction on the basis of a roll axis J of the sixth articulation 30. The flange 42 has a second support portion 52, having a larger diameter than a mechanical portion 40 around the roll axis J, for supporting a part of the cable 44. The second support portion 52 supports the cable 44 almost in parallel to the roll axis J. The second support portion 52 is provided at the opposite position of a C-shape member 38 on the basis of the roll axis J.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatsugu Hasunuma, Tadashi Oba, Keiichi Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090101761Abstract: A hand-held electrical power tool has at least two shell sections (5a, 5b) arranged in the tool housing (3) and forming a feed opening (6) therebetween through which a power supply cable (7) is inserted, and an elastic flexural protection member (8) which surrounds the power supply cable (7) radially outwardly for securing same in the housing (3) and which is formlockingly secured, over a radial collar (9) provided in a housing interior, in recesses (10) between the two shell sections (5a, 5b), with clamping ribs (12) being provided in at least one (5a) shell section (5a) on an inner side of a respective recess (10) for at least forcelockingly securing the power supply cable (7) on the at least one shell section (5a).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Stefan Hammerstingl, Holger Cecchin, Michael Lanzinger
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Patent number: 7454852Abstract: An apparatus composed of: a steam generating base delimited by a periphery; a fabric smoothing appliance; and a cord connecting the base to the appliance, the cord having a length, a transverse width and a transverse height, the base being provided with a cavity for storing the cord, the cavity having an elongated form and extending in length along the periphery of the base, and the cavity being provided with at least one opening for the introduction of the cord into the cavity. The cavity is defined by a sheath extending in length as a prolongation of the opening for receiving the cord, and the cavity has a transverse cross section adapted to permit passage and maintenance of the cord in the form of a single loop extending along the length of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: SEB, S.A.Inventors: Christian Giovalle, Christophe Turck
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Patent number: 7429701Abstract: A cord retaining apparatus includes a receptacle for receiving a head of a cord. A brack is mounted near the receptacle including an upper stop. An arm is pivotally attached to the bracket. A first length of the arm extends distal from the receptacle and a second length of the arm is substantially perpendicular to the first length. The arm is movable into and out of a position in which the second length is behind the head of the cord preventing removal of the cord. The upper stop prevents the arm from moving into a position where the arm does not naturally fall into the position behind the head of the cord.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Eugene Kushnir, Marius Popescu
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Patent number: 7360929Abstract: A luminaire including a housing and a multi-purpose mounting feature formed at an interior of the housing, where the mounting feature is configured to receive and retain a mount for mounting of the luminaire on a vertical surface, and where the mounting feature is configured to receive and retain an electrical cord, to direct the electrical cord at least partially along a length of the luminaire, and to conceal the electrical cord from view.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.Inventors: David Pfund, James A. Melling
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Publication number: 20080042017Abstract: A directional bushing is provided for a pinned joint of an articulated structure such as a front end loader used with a work vehicle. The bushing has an annular ring portion and an oblong flange portion. The flange portion extends angularly outward from one side of the ring portion so as to form a wider rounded end. The flange portion is thicker at the area adjacent to the ring portion so as to provide additional support to the ring portion under load, and tapers to a more thin profile at the rounded end. The bushing is surface welded to the structure at the pinned joint with the flange portion oriented in the direction of the greatest load when the structure is articulated, so that the load is more evenly distributed over a wider area, thereby preventing weld failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Peter Sutherland Sharpe, Scott Robert Jamieson
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Patent number: 7229051Abstract: A support device for supporting at least one medical wire adjacent a supporting surface. The support device comprises a plate-shaped holder portion defining a peripheral edge, the holder portion comprising a support slot defining a loading opening made in the peripheral edge of the holder portion, a holder well made transversely in the holder portion spacedly from its peripheral edge, and a channel made transversely in the holder portion and extending between the holder well and the loading opening. The holder well is dimensioned such that it is broader than the medical wire the support device is destined to support. The support device further comprises attachment means connected to the holder portion for attaching the support device to the supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Robert Mailhot, Jr.
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Patent number: 7219767Abstract: A serving utensil, used for serving food on a salad bar, is attached to a retractable tether device. The retractable tether device is coupled to the under surface of a sneeze shield extending over the food on a salad bar, effectively elevating the retractable tether device and the serving utensil above and/or over food on the salad bar.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventor: Harry Steinbok
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Patent number: 7168973Abstract: A retaining system including a power cord retaining system and a cord plug retaining system for use with a power tool. The power cord retaining system is configured for accommodating an extension cord and includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. The plug retaining system is configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the receptacle and includes a contact portion for engaging a plug or a cord, and an attachment device for attaching the contact portion to the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Credo Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph Z. Wascow, Robert Hollis, Jason Schickerling, William H. Schultz, Peter Domeny
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Patent number: 6655648Abstract: An air conditioning or heat pump condenser assembly has a base mounted on a molded plastic pad. The pad is mounted on four, auger-type stabilizer rods screwed into the ground. Nuts threaded onto upper ends of the rods in recesses in the top of the pad, fix the pad to the rods. The condenser assembly base is positioned on the pad to cover the nuts on the stabilizer rods to make the nuts inaccessible once the condenser base is in place on the pad. Vibration isolators are disposed between the pad and the base. A portion of the pad, usually centrally located thereon, is provided with extra thickness to receive security screws installed from above through the base of the condenser assembly and into the pad. The security screws are a thread cutting type enabling installation by the installer at a plurality of possible locations above the security area, some or all of which may be obscured enough by equipment on the condenser base to obscure and delay or prevent removal thereof by a thief.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Stuart W. Harris
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Patent number: 6588052Abstract: A vacuum cord and hose holder has a base with a vacuum cord and hose support, which includes a pair of oppositely disposed wings protruding upwardly therefrom to support the vacuum hose and cord; on one wing is the cord hook; a standard hose extension to facilitate storage of the extra-long shop vacuum hose and a mount which provides for a means of attaching the vacuum cord and hose support to the vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
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Patent number: 6578800Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for fixing a cable guidance hose to a device, such as in particular a robot. In order to ensure an optimum, damage-free fixing of a cable guidance hose and in particular the cables guided therein, the cable guidance hose (19) is held in axially fixed manner and at least one holding part (8, 21) connected thereto is held in axially fixed, non-rotary manner on the device (R).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventor: Karlinger Stefan
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Patent number: 6543730Abstract: The pneumatic structural component includes an essentially cylindrical airtight hollow body with radius rh and length rh and two caps, made from a flexible, but low-stretch, preferably textile material. The hollow body on its side exposed to the loading carries a pressure rod of length Lh, which is secured against sideways buckling and, at both its ends, carries a node. At least one pair of tension elements is joined to the pressure rod in the nodes. Tension elements run screw-shaped and contra-rotating in a whole number of circuits around the hollow body and intersect each other at positions, which lie on a surface line opposite to the pressure rod. The pressure rod, the surface line and the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, referenced A define a plane E in which the engaging loads and forces lie.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
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Patent number: 6536063Abstract: In a guide channel structure, for instance for an energy transmission chain, designed for fastening on a substructure which, as on a crane with pivotable jib, for example, displays a stationary section and a section pivotable about a first axis of rotation (8), a stationary structural element (6) for fastening on the stationary section of the substructure and a movable structural element (7) for fastening on the pivotable section of the substructure are provided, as well as an intermediate structural element (9) located between the two structural elements (6, 7), which is connected to the movable structural element (7) in a manner permitting pivoting about a second axis of rotation (10), where the parts are coupled by a control device in such a way that, when pivoting the substructure, the movable structural element (7) and the intermediate structural element (9) move past each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbHInventor: Günter Blase
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Patent number: 6186450Abstract: An interface cable support arrangement to assist in the unimpeded operation of a user hand-operated input device connected to a computer system by an interface cable. A base is included having a sufficient mass to provide stability even when a supported interface cable of the input device is moved by the user within a predefined limited region or area. A support rod having a curved upper section is rotatably mounted on the base to enable the support rod to swivel, as required, with the motion of the interface cable as the input device is operated by the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Felix J. Maillaro
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Patent number: 6105687Abstract: A portable power tool comprises a housing (10), a motor, a handle (11), and a connection device for fixed connection of a terminal end of a flexible power supply line (16), wherein a support device (17) is mounted on the housing (10) for supporting the power supply line (16) at a support point (A) located at a certain distance from the terminal end (15) of the line (16), which support device (17) is swivelled relative to the housing (10) about a first axis (x--x) substantially coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the power supply line (16) at the terminal end (15) of the latter and about a second axis (y--y) extending perpendicularly to the first axis (x--x) as well as to the longitudinal direction of the power supply line (16) in the support point (A). Between its terminal end (15) and its support point (A), the power support line (16) is routed in a free loop (19) large enough to avoid a detrimental sharp bending thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools ABInventor: Gunnar Christer Hansson
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Patent number: 6003804Abstract: A storage system for organizing, handling and storing small electrical appliances with powercords and adapters, in an orderly and efficient manner for ease of access, and especially for handling and storing loose powercords. The system comprises a powercord storage tool, and an appliance storage container. The powercord storage tool provides efficient means for gripping, winding and retaining a powercord. It also provides means for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to an electrical appliance, and alternately for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to the outside of the appliance storage container. The appliance storage container provides storage of the appliance inside, and a rack on the outside for attaching and holding the tool, with powercord wound thereon, onto the outside of the container. The tool also provides manual guiding and direct sensory feedback to the operator of the tension on the powercord while it is being wound onto the powercord storage tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: James E. Vara
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Patent number: 5957721Abstract: A retainer for an electric cord on an electric power device or the like includes a handle with a slot or passageway through the handle. The handle is loop shaped and has a hook inside the loop spaced from the slot or passageway. The slot or passageway is oriented vertically, as are the hook and the handle itself. A cord may be passed through the vertical passageway and around the vertically extending hook such that the cord is twisted ninety degrees between the passageway and the hook.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventors: John F. Searle, Joseph A. Juratovac, R. Reade Harpham
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Patent number: 5913495Abstract: The auxiliary support concerns an auxiliary support for vibration data collector sensor comprising a telescopic rod 1, on which forward end is attached fork 4 made from an U-shaped bent flat rod which open ends are to be fitted with part (5) provided with the center opening (5c) in which is fitted and fastened the vibration sensor (8).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Companhia Vale Do Rio DoceInventors: Fabio Cesar Maciel Thom, Joao Bosco Sales Pinheiro, Acy Carvalho Almeida, Carlos Alberto Cavalcanti Ignacio, Miguel Angelo Salles Teles, Joao Joaquim Da Silva, Cosme Pereira
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Patent number: 5901712Abstract: A curling iron attachment is provided to assist in storing the electrical cord of a curling iron. The curling iron attachment includes an elongated rod receiving member, a cord wrap member extending upward from the rod receiving member, and a tongue attached to the lower portion of the cord wrap member. The elongated rod receiving member is inserted between the heating rod of a curling iron and the clamp piece of the curling iron. The tongue is capable of engaging the tip of the clamp piece. The electrical cord of the curling iron is then wrapped back and forth between the cord wrap member and the thumb lever of the curling iron. The plug is then tucked into the cord windings.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventor: Lawrence A. St. Peter
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Patent number: 5821458Abstract: A substantially rigid strain relief bracket is provided for use with an electrical appliance having a power cord which extends from a handle and is attached to the handle through a conventional flexible strain relief device. The strain relief bracket can be attached over the flexible strain relief device at the end of the power cord adjacent to the handle. The strain relief bracket can be permanently attached for movement to the power cord or strain relief device or, alternatively, can be removably secured in a desired position relative to the handle to enable a user to extend the power cord away from the appliance to avoid interference between the appliance and the power cord. The strain relief bracket includes a substantially rigid, hollow tubular section having a proximal end and a distal end. A spacer arm extends from the proximal end of the tubular section and terminates in a jaw which can be used to secure the bracket in one or more cutouts provided in the end of the appliance handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Orcon CorporationInventor: Michael David Wenzel
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Patent number: 5816736Abstract: The invention is directed to a robot arm assembly including a plurality of elongated elements for attachment with a tool carried by the robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly includes a robot arm, an arm clamp assembly clamped around the robot arm, and at least one elongated element clamp. The elongated element clamp is connected to a mounting pad on the arm clamp and carries the elongated elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Flex-Cable, Inc.Inventor: Erwin K. Kroulik
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Patent number: 5730397Abstract: An electric lawnmower cable supporting device including a mower handle clamp adapted for securement to a U-shaped handle of a lawnmower. An adjustment clamp is secured to the mower handle clamp. An arm portion is secured to the adjustment clamp for extending over the head of a person operating the lawnmower to extend an extension cord freely over the user's head.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventor: Phillippus Rudolf Van Niekerk
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Patent number: 5727745Abstract: A storage system for organizing, handling and storing small electrical appliances with powercords and adapters, in an orderly and efficient manner for ease of access, and especially for handling and storing loose powercords. The system comprises a powercord storage tool, and an appliance storage container. The powercord storage tool provides efficient means for gripping, winding and retaining a powercord. It also provides means for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to an electrical appliance, and alternately for attaching the tool, with powercord on it, to the outside of the appliance storage container. The appliance storage container provides storage of the appliance inside, and a rack on the outside for attaching and holding the tool, with powercord wound thereon, onto the outside of the container. The tool also provides manual guiding and direct sensory feedback to the operator of the tension on the powercord while it is being wound onto the powercord storage tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: James E. Vara
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Patent number: 5711055Abstract: A cord strain relief apparatus attaches to an electrical device and includes an adjustable electrical-device-attachment assembly and a tether assembly connected to the electrical-device-attachment assembly. A handle assembly is connected to the tether assembly, and a pig tail element is connected to the handle assembly. The electrical-device-attachment assembly includes a strap and a rigid base member which includes a non-round bottom surface, a channel for receiving the strap, and tether-connection portions for connecting to the first tether assembly end of the tether assembly. The tether-connection portions of the rigid base member are comprised of wall portions of the rigid base member. The handle assembly includes a pair of duplicate handle housing portions each of which includes a pair of half-circle cord-receiver notches located along a transverse mid-line and each of which includes two pairs of auxiliary half-circle tether-receiver notches.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventor: Todd N. Quick
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Patent number: 5702075Abstract: An ironing table has an ironing board with a top surface, a vertical wall depending from the periphery of the top surface, and a bottom. The ironing board is adapted to receive an ironing board cover assembly over the top surface and the vertical wall. The ironing table has an apparatus having a mounting bracket and a cord support mast adapted to support an electrical cord of an electrical appliance. The apparatus is attached to the bottom of the ironing board with the mounting bracket, which in parts extends upward above the height of the top surface of the ironing board and which is spaced from the vertical wall of the ironing board. The cord support mast is in turn, supported by the mounting bracket, and has a cord receiving portion. The mounting portion has a lower support and a side support. The supports are hingedly connected to each other to enable the cord support to pivot between a raised position and a collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: David LehrmanInventor: David Lehrman
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Patent number: 5694813Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed having a base which is secured to a ground support surface. A robotic manipulator is pivotally mounted to the base about a predetermined axis. The base and robotic manipulator, furthermore, form a channel therebetween around at least a portion of an outer periphery of the base and the robotic manipulator. An elongated flexible tube is positioned in the channel and one end of the tube is secured to the base while the other end is secured to the robotic manipulator. The tube forms a guide for wires and/or conduits extending between the base and the robotic manipulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Nachi Robotics Systems Inc.Inventor: Timothy James McLaughlan
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Patent number: 5644844Abstract: A filament trimmer comprises a lower housing, an upper handle and a single handle tube connecting the two together to form a completed trimmer. The handle tube has approximately the same length as the length of the lower housing, and the upper handle has approximately the same width as the lower housing, to allow the three-part construction of the trimmer to be packaged in a box of minimum size. The upper end of the lower housing has an S-shaped cord channel, with an adjacent open chamber or space next to and below the cord channel, such that the electrical cord passing downwardly into the lower housing from the handle tube will naturally form a downwardly protruding loop that is easily received in the lower housing when the handle tube is pushed down into the lower housing during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventor: Anthony N. Pink
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Patent number: 5620336Abstract: A cable retainer (6) for retaining an electric power cable (26) for a portable electrical appliance (10) comprises a substantially L-shaped hook member (8). The substantially L-shaped hook member (8) comprises two arms (16,22), the first of which arms (16) is secured to the wall (14) of the appliance (10) within an aperture (12) formed in the wall (14), the securing point (20) being located in the wall of the aperture and the second of which arms (22) is a return arm and extends into the body (24) of the appliance (10). The cable retainer is particularly suitable for use on a portable electric appliance such as a grass trimmer, a hedge clipper or a vacuum cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: John Worthing
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Patent number: 5580021Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a manually manipulated power tool which, upon actuation of the power tool momentarily relieves the tension supporting the power tool and enables the power tool's weight to be utilized to augment the axial force required to perform work such as screwdriving, drilling and grinding. A sensor mechanism which is part of the invention may also be used to obtain similar benefits from prior art suspension mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventor: David D. Gillanders
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Patent number: 5560581Abstract: The hinged support base comprises a support element shaped semicubically and exhibiting two quadrilateral faces, which are of like dimensions, two triangular faces, of like dimensions, a diagonal face affording a hemispherical cavity, and a terminal element exhibiting a head portion which is partially spherical and which is housable in the hemispherical cavity. The hemispherical cavity of the support element exhibits a plurality of partially cylindrical recesses. The support element further comprises a lock-tooth for the head portion. The support element also exhibits elongate projections on each quadrilateral face thereof and isolated projections on each triangular face thereof; and further exhibits a plurality of holes for connecting screws for connection thereof to at least one like support element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: IDROS S.R.L.Inventor: Luigi Cassone
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Patent number: 5531333Abstract: A storage system is provided for interfaced storage of powercords with electric appliances and electric adapters. The system comprises an powercord storage tool and an appliance storage bin rack. The powercord storage tool provides means for gripping, winding and retaining an electrical powercord; means for interfacing with and attaching to said electrical appliance; and means for interfacing and attaching to said appliance storage bin rack; as removable means for receiving, handling and retaining an electrical appliance and its powercord, for typical small electrical appliances, without change or modification to the appliance. The storage bin comprises a container for holding the appliance, and a rack for holding and retaining the powercord storage tool. The storage tool includes a retaining member comprising a pair of flanges attached one to each end of said retaining member. One of said flanges is rotatably attached to the end of said retaining member by pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventor: James E. Vara
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Patent number: 5524327Abstract: A malleable clip for reversible application to a power line which connects a power tool to a power source to alter the angular relationship and/or offset distance of the power tool with respect to the power line. Malleable clips comprise one or more malleable links adjustably coupling a plurality of adjacent circumferential clips end-to-end. The malleable links have lateral bending compliances which may be substantially unequal. One or more resilient links may also be present between adjacent circumferential clips in a malleable clip. The lateral bending compliances of the resilient links, if two or more are present, may be substantially unequal. Malleable clips may additionally comprise adjacent circumferential clips adjustably coupled by substantially longitudinally fenestrated malleable links which facilitate adjustment of the link lateral bending compliance.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Mednext, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Mickel, Stewart W. Willason
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Patent number: RE47125Abstract: An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Inventor: Norman R. Byrne