Screw Patents (Class 248/650)
  • Patent number: 11378872
    Abstract: A projector stand includes an elevator member fitted to a strut such that the elevator member can be raised and lowered, a guide plate fixed to the upper end of the elevator member, a slide member horizontally movable along the guide plate, and a three-axis adjustment mechanism provided or the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: IZUMI-COSMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Seki, Shuhei Kameda, Teruyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 10587770
    Abstract: In an optical scanning device, an optical deflector includes a base plate, a rotor having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the base plate, and a polygon mirror fixed to the rotor. The polygon mirror has a plurality of reflecting surfaces tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of rotation. Protrusions protruding from a bottom surface of a frame have bearing surfaces at respective distal ends thereof; and the bearing surfaces are in contact with the base plate. The bottom surface includes a first region on which a first protrusion is disposed, and a second region on which a second protrusion is disposed, and a distance between the first region and a scanning plane containing optical axes in cross sections taken along a sub scanning direction of a scanning lens is different from a distance between the second region and the scanning plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Kusuda
  • Patent number: 10542174
    Abstract: A flatbed scanner document scanner includes a large format document scanner body accommodating a rectangular rigid frame with an upwardly facing plane face and a rectangular transparent plate for supporting a large format document. The rectangular transparent plate overlies the upwardly facing plane face all around the metal frame. The scanner also includes a movable carriage configured to move along and below the rectangular transparent plate and carrying a line camera extending across the rectangular transparent plate. The rectangular transparent plate and the metal frame are bonded together by a hard glue seam that runs on the upwardly facing plane face of the metal frame. A predetermined deflected shape can be formed when the bonded plate and frame are turned upside-down. The rectangular metal frame can deform under its own load to a cambered shape, a flat shape or a less deflected shape when turned upright in a normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Global Scanning Denmark A/S
    Inventor: Bo Kjær Olsen
  • Patent number: 10330076
    Abstract: A rotor blade of a wind turbine, wherein the rotor blade includes a first rotor blade segment and a second rotor blade segment is provided. The first rotor blade segment is connected with the second rotor blade segment by at least one bolted joint. The bolted joint includes a first attachment unit, which is attached to the first rotor blade segment, and a second attachment unit, which is attached to the second rotor blade segment. Finally, the bolted joint includes a threaded fastener which connects the first attachment unit with the second attachment unit. Furthermore, the invention is also related to a wind turbine including at least one such rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S
    Inventors: Peder Bay Enevoldsen, Steffen Frydendal Poulsen
  • Patent number: 9207112
    Abstract: The apparatus serves for weighing and has a placement surface (3) for the object to be weighed. The placement surface (3) is provided by a placement element (2) which is supportable by at least two carrying elements (6) with respect to a steepening surface. The carrying elements (6) are configured identically relative to one another. Each of the carrying elements (6) has at least one load cell (17) for weight acquisition and a levelling device for height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SECA AG
    Inventor: Walter Aschke
  • Patent number: 8579242
    Abstract: An elevating mechanism for a projection apparatus includes a bottom cover, a resetting element having a first elastic member, a sliding mount, a screw stud sleeve, a screw stud, and a second elastic member. The sliding mount is disposed on a first side of the bottom cover and leans against the resetting element, and the sliding mount has an opening, at least one slot and a thread structure. The screw stud sleeve has a plurality of engaging teeth engaging within the slot. The screw stud has a thread structure and the thread structure of the screw stud meshes with the thread structure of the sliding mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Chang Huang, Fan-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 8276859
    Abstract: An equipment mounting and aligning device including a base having an upwardly facing convex portion and a swivel pad having a downwardly facing concave portion, the swivel pad being pivotally supported on the base by means of the complimentary concave and convex portions which, when joined, interact to allow the swivel pad to pivot to compensate for a piece of equipment's bent or irregular mounting feet and for uneven mounting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Reliability Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: John Phillip Caddell
  • Patent number: 8002224
    Abstract: An adjustable support which includes a housing constructed of a sidewall wherein a column is positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the sidewall and wherein the column defines threads. A leg is also provided which is constructed of another sidewall which defines other threads wherein the other threads are dimensioned to engage the threads defined by the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: BK Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Hamann
  • Patent number: 7744050
    Abstract: A self-leveling foot for an appliance of the type that includes a base to be seated on a floor; a rod affixed to the base and projecting upwardly therefrom; an elastic element having a lower end seated on the base and a tubular sleeve, slidably mounted and guided around the rod, and having a lower portion seated on the upper end of the elastic element and an upper portion to be mounted under a lower frame portion of the appliance, so as to apply on the base, through the elastic element, a respective portion of the appliance weight. The foot of the present invention may further comprise a dampening means mounted between the parts of rod and tubular sleeve, so as to exert a braking force against the relative axial movement between said parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Buratto de Toledo, Adelcio Braz, Antonio de Oliveira, Wladimir Alex Magalhaes Barcha, Douglas Alex Resende Pereira, Erico de Oliveira Munhoz, Jorge Oyama
  • Patent number: 7597294
    Abstract: A leveling system for household appliances comprises appliance feet which are arranged at the underside of the household appliance and which are adjustable in height at least partly by an actuation member and therefore make it possible to adjust the height of the household appliance and/or to adapt to unevenness in floors. According to the invention, the actuation member is a traction element and the appliance feet which are adjustable in height by the traction element have, in each instance, a cylindrical housing which is fastened to the underside of the household appliance and in which there is arranged a piston which carries the appliance foot plate, and the piston has a receptacle for the height-adjustable arrangement of the shaft of an appliance foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: A-Z Ausruestung und Zubehoer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Lotz
  • Patent number: 7588386
    Abstract: Leveling and aligning device by which the distance at which a member is supported with respect to a base may be altered and firmly locked in the given adjustment without creating stresses in either the body of the member and the base or the device by itself. The leveling and aligning device allows continuation of the adjustment process even in case of inadvertent disengagement of components of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Automation
    Inventors: Grzegorz Kielczewski, Elik Gershenzon, Bogdan Berlinski
  • Patent number: 7571887
    Abstract: A support (10) is disclosed for use with food service equipment. The support has a tubular upper portion (11) and a tubular lower portion (12) telescopically mounted within the upper portion for adjustable vertical movement. The upper portion has a support body (15) and a steel, externally threaded stud (17). The lower portion includes a plastic, tubular foot (20) having a channel (21) with a t-shaped portion defined by a first portion (22) and a second portion (23). The lower portion also includes a t-shaped metal insert (25) mounted within the t-shaped portion of the channel. The insert is threaded onto the bottom end of the threaded stud for threaded vertical movement along the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Burl M. Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 7503531
    Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism suitable for a keyboard is provided, and the keyboard is placed on a flat surface and has a casing. The height adjusting mechanism includes a fixing piece, a cylinder, a first gear and a second gear. The fixing piece is disposed on the casing and has a container and at least a supporting part that extends into the container. The cylinder has at least a spiral guide on its sidewall and the supporting part slides along the spiral guide when the cylinder rotates. In addition, the first gear is assembled to the cylinder so that the first gear and the cylinder can rotate simultaneously. The second gear and the first gear are meshed with each other so that the second gear can drive and rotate the first gear to adjust the relative distance between the casing and the bottom of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Chi Lee
  • Patent number: 7287732
    Abstract: An improved leveling device having a unique elongated adjusting leg and locking hub which permits the secure leveling of an appliance without the use of extraneous tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas W. Balistreri
  • Patent number: 7185863
    Abstract: Mountings for a temperature control unit for a vending machine are provided, wherein the interior of the vending machine is divided by a partition into a storage cabinet and a machinery compartment and in which the temperature control unit is inserted to and removed from the machinery compartment from a front side of the vending machine. The mounting includes a movable support means for supporting the temperature control unit movably in a vertical direction, and an operation means for actuating the movable support means only by an operation in the front side of the vending machine. Further, methods for attaching and detaching such units from said mountings are provided. The method for attaching and detaching the unit may be significantly facilitated, and an improved seal between the unit and the partition may be readily achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6832555
    Abstract: An aligning apparatus for heavy loads, in particular a printing unit, includes at least one support plate, which is rotatably mounted on a base plate screwed to an erection surface and can be positioned on the base plate with regard to its horizontal position by means of adjusting screws. Each support plate interacts with a vertical adjusting screw which is provided for adjusting the vertical position of the printing unit and can be fixed to the printing unit, each vertical adjusting screw being designed with a spherical end which is supported on the plate in a spherical recess designed with little play or as a locating fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Josef Göttling, Thomas Hartmann, Godber Petersen
  • Patent number: 6783472
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for permanently mounting a basketball goal assembly is provided. The mounting assembly may include a base plate with holes configured to fit over retaining members, which may take the form of J-bolts. The mounting assembly preferably has a shorter span of base plate material located between holes on the front side of the base plate, so that bending of the base plate is reduced and vibration of the backboard is not sufficient to disturb game play. The span may be shortened by providing an intermediate support member underneath the base plate, positioned between the front holes, by making the front holes closer together, by affixing the pole toward the front end of the base plate, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the front holes are elongated to form slots so that the front end of the base plate can rest on the ground while the basketball goal assembly is pivoted into position over the retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, David C. Winter, Brandon C. Smith, Charles Monsen
  • Patent number: 6766996
    Abstract: A manipulator for a test head comprises a base and a tower having vertical tracks. The tower is mounted on the base. A vertical shaft is mounted on the base adjacent to the tower. An outer carriage is in engagement with the vertical tracks. The outer carriage is movable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical tracks. The inner carriage is in engagement with the vertical shaft. The inner carriage is moveable relative to the tower along a vertical axis of the vertical shaft. A spring is disposed between the inner carriage and the outer carriage. The spring supports the outer carriage. An arm is coupled to the outer carriage. The arm is adapted for supporting the test head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Reid-Ashman Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Somers
  • Patent number: 6729590
    Abstract: A device for leveling an object on uneven or sloping floors. The device is comprised of a housing with a substantially hollow portion having a worm gear, a driven gear, and an elevation shaft with threads on at least a portion of the shaft's external surface. The worm gear operably engages the driven gear, which in turn operably engages the elevation shaft. When the worm gear is rotated in opposite directions, concomitant rotations of the driven gear cause the elevation shaft to move axially up or down, thereby providing leveling motions to an object to which the device is attached. A pad may be attached to one end of the elevation to prevent scratching the surface on which the object rests. The hollow portion of the housing is configured to provide at least one load-bearing surface such that no separate bearings are required with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20040079855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for supporting microfabrication tools, and in particular, to microfabrication tool pedestals including adjustable supports. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pedestal for a microfabrication tool is provided. The pedestal includes a frame constructed and arranged to support the microfabrication tool and a plurality of supports movable along and connected to the frame. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a supporting for a microfabrication tool is provided. The method includes providing a pedestal comprising a frame constructed and arranged to support the microfabrication tool and a plurality of supports connected to the frame, and laterally repositioning the supports relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: William D. Strabel
  • Publication number: 20030146355
    Abstract: A leveling mount is disclosed for equipment in temporary or permanent installations wherein the supporting surface can be a non-level planar surface. A ball and socket support stud provides a self-leveling adjustment of support. An elastomeric removable mount base pad provides non-skid means. Limited swivel and radial movement of the ball and socket support stud are maintained. The leveling mount base can engage a support stud affixed to the supported equipment. A ball retaining agent provides a security lock against removal of the ball from the ball socket from sock or impact. The ball retaining agent alternatively is adjustable to limit range of swivel from 15° from the vertical and to lock limited swivel and rotary movements of the ball and socket stud into fixed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Burr
  • Patent number: 6461002
    Abstract: A latching mechanism includes an aperture surface through which a threaded rod may pass. Half of the surface of the aperture is smooth and fixed in place relative to a housing. The other half is threaded and formed from an internal module that is slidable within the housing. The internal module is biased by a spring towards the fixed portion of the aperture surface. Flaring tabs on either side of the internal module support the internal module within the housing to ensure that a minimum of contact is established between the housing and the internal module so as to present a smooth latching/unlatching action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Min Su
  • Patent number: 6450475
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of platform of a scanner and calibrating the depth of field of an opto-mechanic module of the scanner. The device includes an exposed driving element for moving a supporting element of the platform. A first embodiment includes a nut incorporated with an exposed flange for turning, and a stud fixed on a lower base. A second embodiment includes a driving slant element movably mounted on the lower case and activated by a screw exposed outwards; and a driven portion formed on an upper case that support the platform. The devices are simple in structure and easy to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jenn-Tsair Tsai, I-Chang Lu, Jone-Nun Chen
  • Publication number: 20020084401
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of platform of a scanner and calibrating the depth of field of an opto-mechanic module of the scanner. The device includes an exposed driving element for moving a supporting element of the platform. A first embodiment includes a nut incorporated with an exposed flange for turning, and a stud fixed on a lower base. A second embodiment includes a driving slant element movably mounted on the lower case and activated by a screw exposed outwards; and a driven portion formed on an upper case that support the platform. The devices are simple in structure and easy to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jenn-Tsair Tsai, I-Chang Lu, Jone-Nun Chen
  • Patent number: 6352232
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for bolting to one another two structural elements 12, 14 while maintaining a spacing G between the two elements. The method comprises forming a through bore 24 in a first element 14, placing an annular bush 22 within the bore 24 of the first element 14 to project from the first element 14 into contact with the surface of the second element, locking the bush 22 in relation to the bore in the first element 14 and securing the structural elements to one another by means of a bolt 18 passing through the annular bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme J. Yorwarth
  • Publication number: 20020008187
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a moveable machine foot providing a sealing function between a threaded spindle and a corresponding support plate of the machine foot. Bacteria can be trapped between these two elements, in particular when liquids come in contact with the threaded spindle, drip downwardly and come close to the gap, since these liquids can then fill the gap, with residual contamination being formed in the adjustment range between the threaded spindle and the support plate located next to the floor. It is therefore an object of the invention to prevent the incursion of liquids between these two elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Bernhard Ganter
  • Patent number: 6296222
    Abstract: A fixture for guiding drills for forming holes to receive fasteners for affixing a machinery mount anchor in position. Such fasteners are usually obliquely related to the vertical and the drill guide fixture is firmly supported upon the machinery mount anchor base and includes drill guides angularly related to the vertical to permit fastener holes to be accurately drilled in the support surface in alignment with the anchor base fastener openings. Threaded retainers and angle producing elements permit the drill fixture to be temporarily firmly positioned on the machinery mounting base during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Unisorb Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne H. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 6138979
    Abstract: An isolating foot pad for heavy equipment provided with an elastomeric dampening base and an inverted metallic cylindrical member in the base. A bolt is positioned in said cylindrical member with the shaft of the bolt extending upwardly to engage the heavy equipment. The side movement of the head of the bolt is constrained and the angular movement of the bolt shaft is also limited by a retaining ring in the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Morman
  • Patent number: 6070840
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a support leg on a floor. The apparatus includes an ankle member extending from a bottom of the leg, a foot member, a heel member, and an adjustment device. The foot member includes a rear portion and a front portion which has a surface for engaging the floor. The ankle member is pivotally attached to the rear portion. The heel member extends downwardly from one of the rear portion of the foot member and the ankle member. The adjustment device interconnects the ankle member and foot member and is adapted to allow the foot member to be rotated through and fixed at various angles relative to said foot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Errol S. Pearsons, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 6024330
    Abstract: A floor anchor and leveler system for an electronic equipment rack has a leveler shaft welded or otherwise rigidly attached at the upper end to a perpendicular base plate. A leveler foot and jam nut threads onto the leveler shaft. A threaded bolt extends coaxially through the leveler shaft and engages a floor plate which is rigidly attached to the floor using anchor bolts or other means. The jam nut and leveler foot are loosely threaded onto the leveler shaft, sufficiently high to allow the caster to contact and roll on the floor. The rack is positioned on its casters until each of the floor anchor and leveler systems, which are each attached to an underside of the rack, is located and centered above its corresponding threaded floor plate anchor hole. After positioning the rack, a tie-down bolt is installed coaxially through each leveler shaft and loosely engages the threaded floor plate and anchor hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Mroz, John S. Corbin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5842678
    Abstract: A machinery mount 10 for positioning a machine on a mounting surface 13 comprises a base plate 12 and an upwardly projecting dimple 22 defining curvilinear outer surface 38, an interior cavity 56, and a hole 24 through an upper portion thereof A stud 11 includes an upper threaded portion 16 projecting upwardly from the base plate 12 for passing through the aperture in the machine base 19, and the lower shaft portion 26 passing through the hole 24 in the dimple portion. A washer 30 is secured to a lower end of the lower shaft portion 26 for preventing the lower shaft portion from passing upward through the hole 24 in the dimple 22. A stud support 42 is secured to the stud and includes a central passageway 21 for receiving the lower shaft portion 26 of the stud, and a lower curved surface 36 for sliding engagement with the curvilinear outer surface 38 of the dimple 22, such that the stud 11 may pivot with respect to the base plate 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Paul A. Svejkovsky
  • Patent number: 5794912
    Abstract: A vibration isolation mount pad insert for supporting heavy equipment wherein the insert is vertically adjustable and a constant horizontal natural frequency is maintained at all vertical positions of the pad. The constant horizontal natural frequency vibration absorption characteristics are maintained at all insert positions by shaping the insert elastomeric body. Constant horizontal vibration control is achieved by maintaining a constant effective elastomeric vibration control mass at all positions of vertical adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Unisorb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne H. Whittaker, Kevin C. Putman, John R. Richter
  • Patent number: 5749550
    Abstract: Adjustable rear leveling systems for refrigerators and other appliances are described. In one embodiment, the leveling system includes a rear rail having notch embossed pads. Rail leveling units are mounted to the rear rail at the pads. Each rail leveling unit, in the one embodiment, includes a rail bracket which mounts to the rear rail. Each leveling unit also includes a leveling link and a link arm. The leveling link is rotatably secured to the rail bracket by a first pin, and a leveling roller is engaged to the leveling link by a second pin. A first end of the link arm extends through a keyed opening in the leveling link and a second end of the link arm has a threaded opening extending therethrough. An adjusting screw extends through an opening in a front rail of the appliance, and a threaded portion of the adjusting screw extends through, and into threaded engagement with, the threaded opening in the second end of the link arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Wade Lee Jackson
  • Patent number: 5660362
    Abstract: Pivoting leveling stand has a base with an outer, horizontal boundary; a pivot, downward of and in contact with the base, and positioned inwardly of the outer horizontal boundary of the base; and at least three leveling machines in contact with the base placed outwardly of the pivot. The pivot is capable of contacting an underlying support surface, and the leveling machines are attachable to an underlying support. As an option, from the base, preferably above the pivot, a fixture, for example, an upright rod such as for attaching a sensitive rotating viscometer, may be attached to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Tannas Co.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Selby, Michael A. Tubbs, Robert H. Seer, Gregory C. Miiller, Kevin J. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5553825
    Abstract: A novel mechanical camper jack for mounting on a camper body is disclosed. The jack has an outer jack housing, which mounts to the camper body, and is slidably telescoped over a jack leg. Extension and retraction of the camper jack leg is accomplished with rotation of a lead screw that is threaded through a plastic nut mounted within the jack leg. Rotation of the lead screw is effected by the operation of a right-angled gear assembly, disposed within the jack housing. The gear assembly is operated with a hand crank, which is detachably mounted to the jack via a socket assembly. In one embodiment, the hand crank is provided with a ratchet and paul mechanism. The socket is implemented so that the coupling between the hand crank and the gear assembly occurs completely within the jack housing. In this way, the socket extends through the wall of the jack housing in a manner so as to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the jack housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5511760
    Abstract: Machine leveling device constructed with two bodies (16 and 18) which distance in between can change slightly while maintaining rotational relationship to provide a locking function between the adjusting screw (32) and mounting element (12). The bottom of adjusting screw (32) having convex spherical segment that mates with concave spherical segment of annular disk (38) so that full surface contact is obtained with the mounting surface (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Goro Kambara
  • Patent number: 5442882
    Abstract: A universal slope compensator for use in installing a substantially horizontal surface comprising ballast blocks on a pre-existing surface having a slope, the slope compensator assembly being capable of achieving a wide range of slope compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: John Repasky
  • Patent number: 5292095
    Abstract: A furniture levelling device comprises a foot height-adjustable by an adjustment mechanism of lead-screw and nut-screw type housed in a seat provided in a part of the furniture item and operable from the interior of the furniture item. The adjustment mechanism is operationally connected to a remote control device operable from the interior of the furniture item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Camar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 5199738
    Abstract: A landing gear for semitrailers includes a two speed double reduction gear assembly having fewer, smaller, and simpler parts, resulting in a compact double reduction gear assembly and cost efficient landing gear unit with a unique clutch-shifting mechanism to provide for shifting from one ratio to another. The double reduction gear assembly is disposed on and about in-line input and output shafts further resulting in an easy to crank and shift landing gear unit capable of achieving standard crank handle turn to vertical leg travel distance ratios. The low gear or low speed ratio of the landing gear unit can be varied within a broad range during manufacture, if desired, generally without increasing the overall size or complexity of the two speed double reduction gear assembly. The landing gear can further include a universal mounting feature and is durable and simple to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Jost International of Grand Haven Michigan
    Inventor: Ervin VanDenberg
  • Patent number: 5190255
    Abstract: A device for securing components (2) to frames, such as furniture frames. The device includes a first block (5) having a first face (8), a second opposite face (10), and a hole (6) passing through its center. An impression (9) is made in the first face to engage at least a portion of the circumferential perimeter of a frame. A second block (11) also has a first face, a second opposite face, and a hole passing through its center aligned with the hole (6) passing through the first block. That face (12) of said second block which is to lie in opposition to the first face (8) of said first block also has an impression (9') complementary to the impression (9) in the first face. A pin (7), rigid at one end with the component (2), passes through the central holes of both blocks to screw at its other end into a furniture part (3) or the like with which the frame is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Pier L. Gianfranchi
  • Patent number: 5141190
    Abstract: A base pad device having a hardened and lapped base pad threaded to a corner of a bottom of a base and an adjustment knob turnably mounted on top of the base, the adjustment knob integral with a socket to non-rotatably receive a rectanglar head of the base pad for a height adjustment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Mu C. Wu
  • Patent number: 5040758
    Abstract: A level adjustment device (10) comprises: a foot or base element (12) with a shaped part (20) and a threaded shank (24); a hollow, cylindrical operation or driving element, provided with female threaded parts and with a crown gear axially at one end; a support element (16) engaging in a stable manner the cylindrical operation element for axial movement and having an operation window (40).By introducing the tip of a cross-pointed screwdriver of an usual type through the operation window, the cylindrical hollow element is rotated, thus moving it and the support axially along the foot element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Fiorello Giovannetti
  • Patent number: 5014945
    Abstract: A leveling device for stabilizing furniture positioned adjacent a wall and resting on carpeting comprising an insert in the form of a plate with a nose forming an angle having a jack embedded in the vertical nose of the angle. The jack comprises U-shaped legs that puncture carpeting and padding and rest on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventors: Larry D. Miller, Michael A. Billingsley
  • Patent number: 5000416
    Abstract: An alignment positioning mechanism for correcting and compensating for misalignment of structures to be coupled thereby. The mechanism comprises a power screw 12 with a base portion 13 and a threaded shank portion 14. A mounting fixture 18 is provided for rigidly coupling said base portion to the mounting interface of a supporting structure with the axis of the screw perpendicular thereto. A traveling ball nut 40 threaded on the power screw 12 is formed with an external annular arcuate surface 41 configured in the form of a spherical segment and enclosed by a ball nut housing 50 with a conforming arcuate surface 51 for permitting gimballed motion thereon. The ball nut housing 50 is provided with a mounting surface 53a which is positionable in cooperable engagement with the mounting interface of a primary structure to be coupled to said supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Peter M. Fantasia
  • Patent number: 4930741
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting is provided for use between the foot of a machine and the floor where the machine is located, as well as a method for adjusting the height of the foot. The mounting comprises a bearing member and a compressible cushion member which supports the bearing member, as well as an adjustable member which maintains the bearing member in spaced relation with the supporting member. A lifting member is interposed between the bearing member and the supporting member and is extendable to move the supporting member away from the bearing member without reducing the deflection of the cushion member. The portion of the adjustable member between the bearing member and the supporting member may be readily altered while the load of the machine is borne by the lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Vibro Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon E. Young, Michael L. Young, Jerry D. Folkens
  • Patent number: 4930270
    Abstract: A building system which utilizes flooring supported by adjustable posts and individual beams extending between the posts which may be temporarily supported in excavations to enable the floor to be erected, and then adjusted for level. The excavations are subsequently filled with concrete to form footings. The posts may extend upwardly beyond the floor beams to form wall supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Aldo Bevacqua
  • Patent number: 4846436
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting is provided for use between the foot of a machine and the floor where the machine is located, as well as a method for adjusting the height of the foot. The mounting comprises a bearing member and a compressible cushion member which supports the bearing member, as well as an adjustable member which maintains the bearing member in spaced relation with the supporting member. A lifting member is interposed between the bearing member and the supporting member and is extendable to move the supporting member away from the bearing member without reducing the deflection of the cushion member. The portion of the adjustable member between the bearing member and the supporting member may be readily altered while the load of the machine is borne by the lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Vibro Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon E. Young, Michael L. Young, Jerry D. Folkens
  • Patent number: 4796791
    Abstract: A vehicle console is provided and consists of a base unit that will hold drinks, store a removable trash receptacle and contain an additional storage area for various articles. The vehicle console also includes a leveling mechanism and drink holding gripping devices therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventors: Ray J. Goss, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4721275
    Abstract: A steady leveling device for a tall narrow piece of furniture is provided and consists of an L-shaped bracket mounted to a corner of a base of the furniture and a threaded rod having a point that is adjustable in the bracket so that the point can penetrate through carpet, underlayment and dig into floor underneath to stabilize the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Inventors: David B. Benton, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4719991
    Abstract: A lubricant distribution system which includes a standard oil storage tank, a pump, a retractable hose reel for discharging the lubricant, and a saddle bracket for mounting the reel to the covered upper surface of the tank. The bracket is configured to facilitate attachment of the reel to a lubricant containing tank in an operative system by connecting to the tank at the ventilation cap fitting of the tank, and to be supported and leveled upon the tank with adjustable feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Prestolite Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Philip H. Diehn, Timothy P. Dunigan, Jr.