Constant Thrust Patents (Class 248/571)
  • Patent number: 11112096
    Abstract: A portable light includes an elongate body, a plurality of extension poles slidably received in the body and movable out of the body between an extended position and a retracted position, a light head pivotably coupled to one of the extension poles, and a head assembly housing fixed to the body and having an opening to receive the light head when the extension poles are in the retracted position. The portable light also includes a collar positioned around a portion of the body and movable between a first position and a second position, a handle coupled to the collar for movement with the collar, and a plurality of legs pivotably coupled to the collar. The legs are collapsed against the body when the handle and the collar are in the first position and are expanded apart from the body when the handle and the collar are in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle Harvey, Ross McIntyre, Michael Halverson, Eric Mackey, Justin Dorman
  • Patent number: 10738914
    Abstract: A sliding pipe supporting arrangement (2) adapted to receive and support at least one pipe or jacketed pipe assembly comprising main support means (9) comprising at least one opening to support a pipe. The arrangement further comprises an assembly of spring arrangement (6) and ball transfer unit (7), coupled to the main support means so as to isolate differential displacement in lateral and vertical direction of the pipe. The assembly unit comprises a top plate (3), middle plate (4) and a bottom plate (5). The spring arrangement further comprises a plurality of springs positioned in between the top plate (3) and the middle plate (4) facilitating the vertical displacement of the pipe. The ball transfer unit (4) also comprises plural rollers positioned between the bottom plate (4) and middle plate (5) facilitating lateral displacement of the pipe and an expansion joint arrangement (8) placed in between pipe lengths of a pipe to attenuate the axial displacement of the said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignees: INSTITUTE FOR PLASMA RESEARCH, INOX INDIA PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Nitin D. Shah, Ketan D. Choukekar, Mohit Jadon, Uday Kumar, Biswanath Sarkar, Hitensinh B. Vaghela, Rajkumar L. Panjwani, Bhumika H. Joshi, Hardik R. Vyas, Vijay S. Gehani, Hiren V. Kanzaria, Darshan M. Dodiya, Dhara G. Prajapati, Manan R. Thekdi
  • Patent number: 10113609
    Abstract: A vibration isolating device that is adapted for an elastic coupling of a first component to a second component and for vibration isolation in predetermined frequency ranges between the first and second components, the vibration isolating device comprising at least a first and a second elastically deformable plate that are attached to each other in at least two separate connecting points, the first elastically deformable plate comprising a first curvature and the second elastically deformable plate comprising a second curvature, wherein the first and second curvatures are respectively located in a region between the at least two separate connecting points and arranged such that a gap is defined between the first and second elastically deformable plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Moritz Buesing
  • Patent number: 9416911
    Abstract: A stand for an electronic display. The stand includes a brake mechanism to selectively fix the position of the display at a desired vertical position. An actuator proximate an outer edge of the display to selectively lock and unlock the brake mechanism. A brake mechanism locked and unlocked by tilting a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Segar, Jeffrey R. Mensing, Shaun C. Lindblad, Saeb Asamarai, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Patent number: 9101220
    Abstract: A smart seat mechanism of an exercise equipment includes a parallel four-link rod cushion module having a cushion with an electrically adjustable height position, a lead screw, a lift tube, and an electric motor. The smart seat mechanism is operated together with an electronic control panel having a built-in program, so that a user can adjust the height of the cushion freely according to the user's figure and height and the comfort of use. The electric motor is set by the built-in program of the electronic control panel, such that the cushion is descended to the lowest position automatically before/after exercise, to facilitate the user to get on/off the exercise equipment. The electronic control panel is operated with the built-in program and has a plurality of quick memory keys provided for a specific user to adjust the height of the cushion quickly and automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 8757580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a height-adjustable pedestal comprising a height adjustable pedestal platform, a spring device that provides a spring force according to a corresponding spring characteristic, and a lever mechanism that is interconnected between the spring device and the pedestal platform in such a way that the spring force is transferred by the lever mechanism to the pedestal platform in the form of a lifting force that counteracts the weight force of the pedestal platform, in order to facilitate the height-adjustment of the pedestal platform, wherein the lever mechanism is configured such that it at least partially compensates for a variation of the spring force that occurs according to the spring characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Tever Technik GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Andreas Volke, Günther Volke
  • Patent number: 8493722
    Abstract: A vibratile display device includes a back plate, a panel assembly and at least one flexible pin. The back plate has a plurality of first fixing holes. The panel assembly is fixed to the back plate and includes a base and a display panel. The base has a carrier portion and a plurality of lugs extending outward from the carrier portion. Each lug has at least one second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing holes. The display panel is disposed on the carrier portion of the base. An insert portion of the flexible pin is inserted into the first fixing hole of the back plate, and a neck portion of the flexible pin is inserted into the corresponding second fixing hole. A lean portion of the flexible pin is located between the base and the back plate. A top portion of the flexible pin protrudes a surface of the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yuan-Yu Chien, Kuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 8474783
    Abstract: A connection structure of a vehicular engine mounting and a front plate of a front wheel cowling is disclosed. The engine mounting includes a damper assembly, an upper mount bracket and a lower mount bracket. One end of the upper mount bracket corresponding to the front plate of the front wheel cowling is provided with a lug, and the lug is of a “Z” shape and includes a first locating plate, a second locating plate and a transitional plate. The first locating plate and the second locating plate is connected with each other via the transitional plate, and the first locating plate abuts against the front plate of the front wheel cowling and is fixed thereto by bolts. The second locating plate and the transitional plate are protruded into the locating hole in the front plate of the front wheel cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chongqing Lifan EFI Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhimin Hu
  • Patent number: 8403286
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing device includes a top bracket, a side bracket, and a pivoting member. The top bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The side bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive the top bracket. The pivoting member includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The pivoting member is rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the side bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hsing Cheng, Hsing-Yi Hu, Wuu-Jyi Lin
  • Publication number: 20120160984
    Abstract: A gravity compensation apparatus is provided, including a force output device, an axis and an arm with the axis as rotational center. The present invention is to output a force via the force output device to the arm when the arm contacts the force output device. When the arm rotates in the first or second quadrants, the contact point between the arm and the force output device will change continuously so that the force rotation speed of the force output device, the effective length of the lever arm and the force-applying angle will also change accordingly. Through appropriate design, the generated torque value can show a non-linearly increasing curve approximately to a sin function between 0-90°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Po-Sen Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20120112035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a height-adjustable pedestal comprising a height adjustable pedestal platform, a spring device that provides a spring force according to a corresponding spring characteristic, and a lever mechanism that is interconnected between the spring device and the pedestal platform in such a way that the spring force is transferred by the lever mechanism to the pedestal platform in the form of a lifting force that counteracts the weight force of the pedestal platform, in order to facilitate the height-adjustment of the pedestal platform, wherein the lever mechanism is configured such that it at least partially compensates for a variation of the spring force that occurs according to the spring characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Tever Technik Vertriebs-und Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. Beratungs KG
    Inventors: Andreas Volke, Günther Volke
  • Publication number: 20120037785
    Abstract: The invention provides a spring arm device, comprising: a parallelogram linkage mechanism composed of a mobile side, a fixed side in parallel with the above-mentioned mobile side, an upper arm and a load arm respectively connected with the mobile side and the fixed side; a spring, one end of which is connected with the fixed side or the upper arm while the other end is connected with the mobile side or the load arm or the hinge joint between the mobile side and the fixed side; a pull rod used for installing the above-mentioned spring; a copular axle used for positioning the above-mentioned pull rod and a retainer used for installing the above mentioned copular axle; wherein, the above-mentioned retainer is positioned on the mobile side, or on the load arm or on the hinge joint between the mobile side and the load arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MOVCAM TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hongbing XU, Jingxing SANG
  • Publication number: 20110303818
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable lift strut includes a support tube, a guide rod fixedly attached at the support tube, an extension tube that is extendable and retractable relative to the support tube and guide rod, and a biasing element that biases or urges the extension tube towards an extended position relative to the support tube. The biasing element may be a compression spring having a coiled wire formed of a shape memory alloy material. The biasing element provides a substantially constant biasing force over substantially the entire range of extension and retraction of the extension tube relative to the support tube. A locking mechanism may be disposed in the extension tube and may be selectively actuatable to lock relative to the guide rod to limit movement of the extension tube relative to the support tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: GRAND RAPIDS CONTROLS CO., LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bach, Mark G. Tomandl
  • Patent number: 8020831
    Abstract: A suspension for suspending of a turbine engine from the structure of an aircraft using a beam with an attachment device which attaches to the structure and at least one link rod articulated via one end to a journal secured to the beam and via the other to a fitting secured to the turbine engine is disclosed. This suspension is one wherein the journal is mounted on the beam via a flexible coupling formed of two preloaded laminated, elastomer and metal, cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sebastien Dron, Gilles Lucien Fontenoy, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Patent number: 8011856
    Abstract: The invention is a means to eliminate thermal or pressure walking of a pipeline by applying a constant axial force to the pipeline through the interposition of a constant-thrust device between a point fixed to the pipeline and a point on a foundation, which pair of points are otherwise unconstrained relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mendel Nock
  • Patent number: 7874223
    Abstract: Constant force mechanisms and adjustable constant force mechanisms are described having two movable sliders constrained along two perpendicular axes and each abutting a resilient member. The mechanisms are adapted to produce an output force that is constant for a given input force. However, when an equilibrium position of one of the two resilient members is adjusted for a given mechanism, a different output force will result. Micro-compliant mechanisms are also described in which the resilient members may be made from one or more different elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Sugar, Dhiraj R. Nahar
  • Publication number: 20100108852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant bearer (1) for loads which are displaced, in particular for pipelines and the like, having a fastening part (2), a load-bearing part (3) and a spring system (4) which is arranged between the fastening part (2) and the load-bearing part (3) for generating a carrying force (T) which remains constant over a carrying travel of the load-bearing part with respect to the fastening part, where the spring system (4) has a suspension system (5) for absorbing the load, a compensation device (6) for compensating for changing spring forces of the suspension system (5) over the carrying travel (tw), and a prestressing device (7) for setting a prestressing force (V) of the suspension system (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: LISEGA Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Herlof Hardtke, Heinz-Wilhelm Lange
  • Publication number: 20100006737
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the prestress of an elastic means around a predetermined tension or position can especially be used to adjust the height of and the relief force acting on a weight. A mechanic adjustment unit is connected in parallel to the elastic means to preadjust the value of the predetermined tension comprising a movable portion engaging the connection portion between elastic means and adjustment unit and a force exerting element being attached at said movable portion. The mechanic adjustment unit is in an instable equilibrium position at said predetermined tension or position, the movement of the movable portion being such that the force exerting element adds an adjustment or compensation force upon deviation of the predetermined tension or position of the elastic means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: HOCOMA AG
    Inventors: Gery Colombo, Rainer Bucher
  • Publication number: 20090008097
    Abstract: This invention is a constant-thrust device intended for use in submerged or pressured environments based on a piston-in-cylinder arrangement in which the enclosed chamber is evacuated or gas-filled to comparatively low pressure. The invention extends to boundary envelopes of general shape of which a cylinder is a simple form and to movable boundaries between pressured and unpressured spaces of which a piston is a simple form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Mendel Nock
  • Publication number: 20080210842
    Abstract: A balancing device for a mass, comprising an arm that is adjustable about a pivoting point and with which the mass is coupled, and an adjustable spring system that is coupled with the arm, which spring system comprises at least one spring, wherein the spring system comprises an adjusting mechanism that is connected with the at least one spring, which adjusting mechanism is designed for adjusting the at least one spring so as to aid balancing the mass that is coupled with the arm, wherein a predetermined energy content of the spring system remains substantially the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicants: Technische Universiteit Delft, InteSpring Holding B.V. i.o.
    Inventors: Wouter Dirk Van Dorsser, Justus Laurens Herder, Boudewijn Martin Wisse, Rogier Barents
  • Publication number: 20080142673
    Abstract: A valve tester assembly is disclosed that includes an articulated arm assembly having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the articulated arm assembly being movable away from and toward the first end such that when the first end of the articulated arm assembly is connected to a vehicle, the second end of the articulated arm assembly is movable away from and toward the vehicle. The assembly includes a rotation mechanism that is mounted on the articulated arm assembly toward the second end of the articulated arm for rotating a shaft for exercising a valve. The assembly further includes a moving mechanism that is mountable on a vehicle for moving the first end of the articulated arm assembly away from and towards the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7293755
    Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes two attachment members inter-connected by an elastic member. One of the attachment members comprises a metal tubular member connected to the elastic member, a metal bracket in which the metal tubular member is press-fitted, and a plastic bracket supporting the metal bracket and adapted to be attached to a support body or a vibratory source. The metal bracket has an engagement portion press-fitted with the metal tubular member, and a non-engagement portion offset from the engagement portion in a radial outward direction and held out of press-fitted engagement with the metal tubular member, the non-engagement portion being connected to the plastic bracket with a second elastic member disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyahara, Katsuhisa Yano, Eiji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7208009
    Abstract: A stent and a method for fabricating the stent are disclosed. The stent has an originally flat pattern and connection points where the sides of the flat pattern are joined. The method includes the steps of a) cutting a stent pattern into a flat piece of metal thereby to produce a metal pattern, b) deforming the metal pattern so as to cause two opposing sides to meet, and c) joining the two opposing sides at least at one point. Substantially no portion of the stent projects into the lumen of the stent when the stent is expanded against the internal wall of a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Medinol, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacob Richter
  • Publication number: 20040021044
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mounting for a payload (e.g. a TV/Video camera) comprising a platform (18) providing a mounting face for the payload, means (15, 19) to mount the platform for rotation about a horizontal axis for tilting of the platform to either side of a neutral position in which the platform is horizontal and spring (25) means to provide resistance to the said tilting movement in either direction from said neutral position to counterbalance the payload/platform in any position of tilt. The spring means comprise a torsion spring means and coupling means (21, 22, 24, 24) are provided interconnecting the platform and said spring means with a mechanical advantage which increases automatically with movement of the platform away from said neutral position to compensate for the increasing spring resistance to tilting generated by the torsion spring to counterbalance the camera/platform combination through its range of tilting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5944288
    Abstract: A pipe support hanger having a counterbalance of predetermined load and spring moments about a main pivot through a predetermined range of pipe deflection is adapted for use in vertical and horizontal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Whitney, Frank J. Birch
  • Patent number: 5018700
    Abstract: A suspension system for supporting pipes under generally constant tension comprises a main spring system including a main spring located between a suspension portion and a load-bearing portion for applying spring-biasing forces to the suspension portion. An additional spring system includes an additional spring which compensates for variations in the spring-biasing forces of the main spring through associated cam and cam followers. An auxiliary hydraulically operated mechanism is provided for applying a supplementary predetermined biasing force to increase or decrease the biasing forces of the main springs in response to detected value/parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Lisega GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Herlof Hardtke
  • Patent number: 4757970
    Abstract: A pedestal carrying a television camera and its accessories has constant-torque springs which are housed in a detachable housing. The output shaft of each constant-torque spring is made responsive to the weight of the camera and its accessories, and is connected via a reduction mechanism with a mechanism for winding up a line such as wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Shotoku Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Nakazawa, Naoki Ebimoto
  • Patent number: 4746091
    Abstract: A suspension system for rigidly mounting an object such as a microwave cavity on a support surface subject to limited expansion and contraction. The object is secured in place by three or more support legs radially spaced from a central reference point and angularly spaced from each other, each leg being specially configured to permit limited radial movement of the underlying surface relative to the object, but to resist relative movement in all other directions. The forces applied to the mounted object, therefore, remain fixed regardless of expansion or contraction of the underlying support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Irwin Baker
  • Patent number: 4669584
    Abstract: An inertia stop by which excessive movement between two members may be prevented, includes a unit that may be fixed to one of the members and a further unit that includes a free component and a component that may be fixed to the other of the members, one component being in the form of an externally threaded shaft and the other component being in the form of an internally threaded block that is loosely rotatable on, relatively to, the shaft with the threads engaging so that the free component may rotate relatively to the other between a position in which it is dissociated from the first unit and a position in which is engages with the first unit so that further rotation in that direction is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Babcock Power Limited
    Inventor: Luis Santos
  • Patent number: 4640487
    Abstract: In a pipe support of the constant tension kind, spring means, which through a connecting link acts on a lever pivoted to a carrier, is adjustable relative to the carrier for altering the moment of the spring force about the pivot of the lever by varying the perpendicular distance from the pivotal axis to the central longitudinal axis of the connecting link. Slots in the carrier are engaged by screws which tighten into an end wall of a housing of the spring means to secure the spring means in adjusted positions. By the adjustment the moment of the spring force can be boosted, changes in the load moment of a supported pipe, e.g. as a result of pipe ratchet, can be readily compensated for, as also can deviations of the rating of the spring means from a mean manufacturing specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Anthony J. Salter
  • Patent number: 4577819
    Abstract: A self-balancing boom apparatus includes a vertical support post, a boom pivotally mounted to the support post, and a spring which produces a force along a force axis to counteract gravitational forces on the boom. A spring force coupling mechanism couples the spring force to the boom at a point between the pivot axis and the distal end of the boom. The spring force coupling mechanism is constructed and arranged for vertical movement on the support post, causing the spring force to vary as the boom is pivoted. The force coupling mechanism includes a pair of horizontally extending cam members engaged by a pair of rollers which are attached to the boom and moved to vary the distance between the force axis and the point of application of the force inversely with variation in the spring force as the boom is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Richard C. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4557459
    Abstract: A load counterbalancing mechanism wherein the mechanically actuated interaction of two independent spring systems, one of which is adjustable, provides the necessary counterbalancing forces to balance the torque forces set up by a load being raised, lowered or tilted about a point on which it is pivoted. Various loads are therefore accommodated by the adjustable spring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: W. Vinten Limited
    Inventor: Richard A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 4387876
    Abstract: A constant force generator mechanism is described, comprising a rigid first link adapted to be fixed to a support, a rigid second link mounted for pivotable movement to the first link by a first hinge joint, and a spring link hingedly mounted to the first link by a second hinge joint and hingedly mounted to the second link by a third hinge joint. The spring link is one having a linear spring rate and a zero free length whereby, upon pivotting the second link with respect to the first link, the spring link generates a force whose component parallel to the first link at any given point on the second link is constant through the entire range of pivotable movement of the second link.Also described is a chair having a seat continuously adjustable by the above constant force generator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Advanced Products Beer-Sheva Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger H. Nathan
  • Patent number: 4387886
    Abstract: A vise with conventional fixed and moveable jaws, a cylindrical support secured to the lower side of the fixed jaw, a mounting for attaching the vise to a bench or the like, a tube accommodating the cylindrical support for sliding and rotational movement, and a clamping arrangement on the mounting for clamping the tube and cylindrical support in place, is also provided with a gas spring within the tube. One end of the gas spring abuts the cylindrical support at its axial center while the other end abuts the sidewall of the tube exerting an upwardly directed force at an inclined angle which counteracts and offsets the tilting moment caused by the cantilevered jaws. The tube is formed with a portion of decreased diameter engaging the cylindrical support in the clamping zone, minimizing contact and friction, and preventing sticking or canting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Schlegel GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schlegel, Arthur Wilke, Rolf Birkert
  • Patent number: 4351245
    Abstract: A counterweight system is disclosed, which is advantageously used for counterbalancing the table top of a vertically-adjustable drafting table. Obviously, the counterweight system could be used for other applications. When used in a drafting table of the type including a frame and a table top provided with vertical legs guided for up-and-down movement within the frame, cables are attached to the lower end of the two legs and are trained over a common pulley and attached to said pulley, which is freely rotatably mounted within the frame. A spiral-shape cam member is fixed to one side of the pulley and an additional cable which is attached to the pulley is trained over the cam member and attached at its other end to one end of tension springs, the other end of which is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Inventor: Joseph L. Laporte
  • Patent number: 4328944
    Abstract: A deflecting load supporting apparatus comprising a base; a load receiving lever element pivotably mounted onto said base; at least one buckling element disposed in engagement with said base and said load receiving lever element so as to undergo a predetermined buckling displacement under at least a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Popper Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Jakhin B. Popper
  • Patent number: 4304387
    Abstract: A tube or pipe for the conduction of hot fluid is suspended in the vertical by means of an anchor, pivotally linked to the long arm of a two-arm lever which is pivoted on the tube or pipe and has its second, short arm linked to a pivot-near point of a one-arm lever, and is in line with a rod extending between this one-arm lever at right angles thereto and axially along the pipe or tube to a remote connection point on the tube. The long-arm portion of the one-arm lever is spring-biased; the compression of the spring varies with vertical displacement of the tube or pipe, but the two-arm lever is pivoted by exactly the same amount when the tube is displaced and when, upon expansion, the one-arm lever is pivoted, which pivot motion is transmitted upon the two-arm lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Pischzik, Johann Schneiderat
  • Patent number: 4277044
    Abstract: An instrument supporting arm is consistently uniformly counterbalanced over its entire excursion of adjustment with springs and spring holder guided by cams which alter arm length-to-moment ratio and force angles to compensate for spring extension forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: American Optical Corporation
    Inventor: W. Duane Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4265147
    Abstract: A working pit with an articulated tool arm assembly is provided for an automobile assembly line. A tool carried by the arm assembly is used to perform assembly operations in an automobile moving either longitudinally or transversely along the line. The articulated arm is mounted on a trolley which is movable longitudinally of the working pit along tracks adjacent a side wall of the pit. The tool arm can pivot horizontally toward and away from the pit wall and can pivot vertically to enable a tool holder at the end of the arm to move from a position at or below floor level to a position in the path of an automobile body moving along the assembly line above the pit. The tool holder enables the tool to rotate through a path of 360.degree. and to tilt. The articulated arm is especially designed for use with a nut runner to tighten nuts and bolts underneath the automobile body, but can also be used with other tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: D. W. Zimmerman Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Albert D. Fox
  • Patent number: 4206898
    Abstract: A spring support of the constant spring force type suitable for supporting pipes in installations where the pipes are liable to move laterally while in use, as for example in the case of pipes through which steam is conveyed, is arranged so that the pipe or other load which the support has to carry in use can be attached to a pivoted lever of the support at various positions at different distances from the pivot. The load is attached through load connecting means to a carrier which is variably positioned on the lever. By adjusting the position of the carrier the turning moment produced on the lever by any one of a range of loads can be arranged to be equal and opposite to the turning moment produced by the spring force which acts on the lever. The facility for adjustment has the manufacturing advantage that a standard form of lever can be produced for supporting a range of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Salter Support Systems
    Inventor: Colin J. Salter
  • Patent number: 4163041
    Abstract: A support arrangement is used for elastically mounting a monolithic ceramic honeycomb structure within a housing in an exhaust gas pipe and consists of a holding angle and a molded part formed of a soft, flexible material. The holding angle is rigidly secured to the inner surface of the housing with one of its legs extending along the wall of the housing and the other extending radially inwardly from the inner housing surface. The molded part is rigidly secured to the inner end of the other leg of the holding angle and extends from its point of rigid securement in generally the same direction as but spaced inwardly from the one leg of the holding angle. At its end opposite the end secured to the holding angle, the molded part is bent radially outwardly into sliding contact with the inwardly facing surface of the holding angle. The combination of the holding angle and molded part form a cavity which may be filled with a heat-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher
    Inventor: Gerhard Gaysert