Single Patents (Class 267/74)
  • Patent number: 11933077
    Abstract: A combination lock for electronic devices may include a main body, a digit lock core, a key lock core, a control unit, a driving block, a switching unit, and two engaging units. The combination lock can be locked/unlocked through the digit lock core and the key lock core, and also when the combination lock is locked on the electronic device, the main body can be axially rotated to enable a digit wheel of the digit lock core to be faced to the designated direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Jason Su
  • Patent number: 11906013
    Abstract: A device for absorbing kinetic energy of a vehicle or any other moving body includes at least one bundle of straps formed by at least one strap having at least one first strand and at least one second strand secured by a connection means capable of being progressively destroyed by a tensile force intended to be applied on the first strand of the strap. The device also includes at least one anchoring means suitable for connecting the kinetic energy absorption device to a structure on which is intended to be installed. The anchoring means is arranged downstream of the bundle of straps with respect to a deployment direction of the strap under the tensile force intended to be applied on the first strand of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: CURTISS-WRIGHT ARRESTING SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Armand Brielle, Paul Ryan, RĂ©gis Lambert
  • Patent number: 11886029
    Abstract: Cable managers are provided. A cable manager includes a body configured to be selectively engaged with a loose end of a first cable, wherein the body defines an effective unbiased length, as measured in an unbiased state, and an effective biased length, as measured in a biased state, and wherein the effective biased length is greater than the effective unbiased length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Mark Vogel
  • Patent number: 11871725
    Abstract: Described are attachment devices coupleable to an animal crate having at least a portion of at least one wall formed from a mesh network having a plurality of openings. The attachment device comprising includes a base member and a spring-loaded crate attachment member coupled to the base member. The spring-loaded crate attachment member includes a first slider piece and a second slider piece. A first force is applicable to at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece to move the at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece to an insertion state. A spring force biases the at least one of the first slider piece or the second slider piece from the insertion state to an expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Diggs Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Hoge, Isaac Haverlick, Zel Crampton, Courtney Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11814865
    Abstract: A pool cover spring wrap is described. The pool cover spring wrap can comprise a substantially rectangular member having two sides and a fastener. Various types of fasteners may be used. In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a first fastener element and a second fastener element. When the first fastener element is engaged with the second fastener element, the rectangular member forms an encircling member having a first opening on a first end of the encircling member and a second opening on a second end of the encircling member remote from the first opening. The pool cover spring wrap can be wrapped around the spring coil and the faster elements can be attached to affix the wrap to the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: JDSports WM, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Wenke
  • Patent number: 11805923
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure for a children bounce chair, comprising a base module, two telescopic support assemblies, a plurality of bounce assemblies and a table and chair module, wherein the telescopic support assemblies are assembled on the base module, one end of the bounce assemblies is respectively assembled on the corresponding telescopic support module, and the other end of the bounce assembly is respectively assembled on the table and chair module, so that the children bounce chair can be easily assembled, used or disassembled and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TUNG TZU INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-I Lai, Yen-Wen Lai, Wei-Jia Lai
  • Patent number: 11807343
    Abstract: The application relates to a floatable foundation structure for an offshore structure including at least one floating body arrangement and at least one mass arrangement. The mass arrangement is connected to the floating body arrangement by at least one holding rope in a coupling state. Further, in the coupling state for coupling the floating body arrangement to the mass arrangement, a coupling section of the holding rope is arcuately guided around a contact section of the mass arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignees: RWE Renewables GmbH, Stiesdal Offshore Technologies A/S
    Inventors: Daniel Bartminn, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 11761577
    Abstract: A seismic bracing yield fuse includes at least one housing member, and a fuse member housed within or mounted externally to the at least one housing member. The fuse member is configured to undergo ductile yielding in a length dimension upon application of a tensile force along the length dimension of the fuse member, and the at least one housing member is configured to accommodate a change in length of the fuse member resulting from the ductile yielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Masek, Paul W. McMullin, Blake C. Larsen
  • Patent number: 11754105
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present specification is to provide a connecting device for cables, in which a connecting portion and a length adjusting portion for connecting the cables are provided to be separated from each other, and a cable of a seat side and the connecting portion are easily attached to and detached from each other. According to one embodiment of the disclosure disclosed herein, proposed is a connecting device for cables, connecting a first cable connected to a folding unit of a seat of a first direction side and a third cable connected to a switch portion at a second direction side opposite to the first direction, the device including: a connecting portion; and a length adjusting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Daechang Seat Co., Ltd-Dongtan
    Inventors: Myung Soo Lee, Jeong Soo Kim, Jun Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 11730985
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure for a tether line includes a helical spring and a first connector for securing a first end of the helical spring to a first fastener (such as a support cable section, an eye bolt or an eye nut). The first connector has an externally threaded portion for threadedly receiving the first end of the helical spring. A sleeve is provided on the connector, extending over at least part of the first end of the helical spring and the external threaded portion of the connector, for retaining the helical spring on the connector. Additionally or alternatively, the connector includes a tapered portion extending from the inner end of the externally threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Alf Kristian Fjelldal
  • Patent number: 11725690
    Abstract: A fastener for securing together articles, such as pull-tabs of a zipper, includes a gate arranged to slide in a channel in a body between a closed position, in which the gate closes the mouth of a recess in the body, and an open position, in which the mouth is open. A fixture at one end of the gate is provided for connecting a tether. A latch member prevents the gate from sliding from the closed position when in the locked position and is resiliently urged to the locked position and configured so that, in use, the latch member is pressed and moved to the unlocked position when a user grasps the body and, in the unlocked position with a tether connected to the fixture, tension in the tether tends to slide the gate to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MRM HK Limited
    Inventor: Luke Ritchie
  • Patent number: 11696372
    Abstract: A spring induction heater assembly is shown and described. The device has a quench tank incorporated into the design. A motor and drive mechanism provide rotation of a spring about one axis from a first position used for loading, to a second position for heat treatment with an induction coil and a third position where the spring is released dropped into a quench tank. Another rotational system is operational to rotate the spring on a spindle in the second or horizontal position while the spring is located between at least two legs of an induction coil. The induction coil provides even heating to the spring coils thereby providing desired changes to the material properties. The quench tank can have an automated system to remove the springs from the quench tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Willard W Schultz, Jeffrey C Osborn, Ronald N Check, Gary M Gariglio
  • Patent number: 11575228
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a strain relief formed in helical shape and formed with a U-shaped channel. The strain relief can be used around a cable of a component or a spool extension of a fiber tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Willey, Curtis B. Carlsten, John C. Cochran
  • Patent number: 11535309
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a tailgate bracket securable to a vehicular tailgate, a support bracket securable to a vehicular bed, a torque shaft, and a crank. The tailgate bracket includes a socket. The support bracket includes a support. The torque shaft is supported by the support for axial rotation. The torque shaft includes a tailgate-side head and a crank-side head. The tailgate-side head and the socket are configured to make a head-and-socket connection with one another. The crank-side head includes an external profile. The crank includes a shaft-side base and an actuator-side base, a load arm extending therebetween, and at least one of a dogleg along the shaft-side base, the load arm and the actuator-side base, and an embossed rib extending along the load arm. The shaft-side base includes an internal profile. The external profile and the internal profile are configured to make a shaft-and-hub connection with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Heins, Nicholas Ozog, Takashi Nishio, Yoji Nagashima
  • Patent number: 10905618
    Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus including a proximal module to be attached to a proximal part of a user, a distal module to be attached to a distal part of the user, the distal module configured to slide relative to the proximal module, and a connecting module configured to detachably connect the proximal module and the distal module is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn Baek Lee, Byungjune Choi, Jongwon Lee
  • Patent number: 10548636
    Abstract: A force adjustable spring distractor device having an elongated, relatively thin guide plate, a force adjusting rod member having first and second oppositely threaded portions, first and second anchor bodies mounted on the guide plate and the threaded portions of the rod, first and second distractor bodies mounted on the guide plate and the rod, and first and second distraction springs connecting the anchor bodies to the distractor bodies, whereby rotation of the force adjusting rod results in separation of the anchor bodies and elongation of the distraction springs, thereby imparting a separation force to the distractor bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher B. Gordon, Thomas S. Johnston, Jr., Michael Mantia
  • Patent number: 10364576
    Abstract: An anchor for a cable or rod includes a ferrule or other spring stop, to which one or more springs or arms are coupled. The spring stop may be attached to an end or other region of the cable to enable the cable to be tensioned against a support structure. The one or more springs or arms may be, for example, one or more coil springs, one or more conical coil springs, two or more cantilever springs, or one more arms. The anchor is twisted or pushed through a hole in the support structure from a first side to a second side and contacts the surface of the second side. A ferrule spring stop may be swaged to the cable or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Joel Duane Herman
  • Patent number: 10093362
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate latch is provided. The latch having: a first portion; a second portion; a linkage for rotatably securing the first portion to the second portion, wherein the second portion is rotatably secured to the first portion for movement about a vertical axis with respect to the first portion; and a latching mechanism for releasing the second portion from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Eduardo Estrada
  • Patent number: 9669250
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to function as an exercise belt having two (2) adjustable ends formed as hooks and operable to be secured about sides of a chair or a seat in a motor vehicle. The adjustable ends further include a threaded means to allow both adjustable ends or either adjustable end to be threaded in or out to achieve a desired length. The desired length is selectively adjustable so that a user may isometrically push against the exercise belt while seated and have the exercise belt provide resistance to exertion provided by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: David E. Moore
  • Patent number: 9333896
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to an apparatus that may be used as a chain tensioner. The apparatus comprises an attachment element, such as a hook, that is rotatably coupled to a locking plate. In use, the apparatus is operative to take on a plurality of locked states and an unlocked state. Each of the plurality of locked states is characterized by the locking plate being pressed into a cavity of a locking body in a manner that prevents the locking body, and, by extension, the attachment element from rotating. The unlocked state is characterized by the locking plate being outside the cavity, and thereby free to rotate. The attachment element is therefore capable of being swiveled between, and locked into, multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Davis Aircraft Product Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Dunmire
  • Patent number: 9324461
    Abstract: An annulus spacer for a fuel channel assembly of a nuclear reactor. The fuel channel assembly includes a calandria tube and a pressure tube positioned at least partially within the calandria tube. The annulus spacer includes a garter spring configured to surround a portion of the pressure tube to maintain a gap between the calandria tube and the pressure tube. The garter spring includes a first end and a second end. The annulus spacer also includes a connector coupled to the first end and the second end of the garter spring. The connector allows movement of the annulus spacer when the pressure tube moves relative to the calandria tube during thermal cycles of the fuel channel assembly. The annulus spacer further includes a girdle wire positioned substantially within the garter spring and configured to form a loop around the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
    Inventors: Reza Ziaei, Gordon Rife, Donald Ray Metzger
  • Patent number: 8912472
    Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a spring having a helical or beehive shape. The apparatus has a rotation support system and an induction heating system. The rotation support system is designed to support the spring while the spring is heated by the induction heating system. The induction heating system has an induction coil system having a coil system. The coil system has a spaced region designed to receive the spring and to heat the spring while the spring is supported on the rotation support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Kurylo, Mehieddine Rababeh
  • Patent number: 8800972
    Abstract: A vibration insulation damper (10, 50, 60) insertable into an internal circumferential portion of a coil spring (20) and extending in an axial direction thereof, the vibration insulation damper is provided with an elastic body (14a, 14b, 64a, 64b) having a conical or pyramid outer circumferential surface formed so as to be shortened in distance with respect to the axial direction toward an end portion thereof in the axial direction, and a rib (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f) protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the elastic body to be brought into pressured contact with the internal circumferential portion of the coil spring when the elastic body is inserted into the internal circumferential portion of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: F-Tech Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikiyo Sugimoto, Yoshiya Nakashima, Fumikage Yamanaka, Hidemasa Shukuri
  • Patent number: 8740196
    Abstract: A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Rodger Elrod
  • Patent number: 8602950
    Abstract: A spring connector that includes a loop is used in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector of this disclosure includes a handle to aid a user to fasten one end of a spring to a stationary hook or post. The handle is a solid body generally symmetrical about a central axis, and has a large diameter base end and an opposite small diameter end, the base end having a transverse slot therein intersecting an axial bore through the solid body. The transverse slot has a curved bottom shape receiving a bottom portion of the connector loop. A user can grip the handle and install the loop over a hook or post without putting a finger in the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Savarino
  • Patent number: 8581157
    Abstract: A band heater assembly for heating an object includes a band heater that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the object. The band heater includes a cable and a band. The cable includes a resistive element, a first cable end and a second cable end. The resistive element generates thermal energy based on a current received from a power source. The first cable end and the second cable end are connected to respective ends of the band heater assembly. The band is connected to the cable and transfers a first portion of the thermal energy to an exterior surface of the object. At least a portion of the cable is exposed from the band heater to contact the exterior surface when the band heater assembly is connected to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Backer EHP Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Springer, Ronald R. Barnes, Robert Cockrell, Lucas L. Fowler, Alvin L. Slayton
  • Patent number: 8562075
    Abstract: An energy absorber element comprises an absorber portion having first and second distal ends and having a first elongate element and a second elongate element facing the first elongate element and connected to the second element solely at the first and second distal ends, a first anchor point secured to the first distal end of the absorber portion, and a second anchor point secured to the second distal end of the absorber portion, wherein each of the first and second elongate elements includes a succession of straight-line segments parallel to one another and at least one circularly-arcuate segment such that at least two successive straight-line segments are connected together by one of the at least one circularly-arcuate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Olivier Honnorat, Thomas Manfredotti
  • Patent number: 8469165
    Abstract: An interconnecting strut includes two coaxially arranged strut elements which may be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the interconnecting strut, two end stops defining the mutual displaceability of the two strut elements, as well as damping elements, which when a specific permissible displacement is exceeded, damp the displacement movement of the strut elements before reaching the end stops, in which the damping elements consist of a material which is plastically deformable in the occurring force range, the damping elements being compressed for damping the displacement movement in the longitudinal direction and, at the same time, being subjected to a cross-sectional enlargement transversely to the longitudinal direction, due to the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Susanne Versluis
  • Patent number: 8322694
    Abstract: A vibration isolator is described for inhibiting transfer of vibration to an apparatus during evacuation thereof by a pump. The isolator comprising a bellows for isolating from the ambient atmosphere fluid drawn from the apparatus by the pump. A first flange is connected to one end of the bellows for mounting the isolators the apparatus, and a second flange is connected to the other end of the bellows for mounting the isolator to the pump. The bellows surrounds a resilient element, preferably a helical tension spring, which is substantially co-axial with the bellows. The resilient element has a first end located proximate to the first flange and connected to the second flange, and a second end located proximate to the second flange and connected to the first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Barrie Dudley Brewster, Andrew Waye
  • Patent number: 8186489
    Abstract: In a pull arrangement including a housing with a guide structure movably supporting a carrier element which has a park position at one end of the guide structure and a rest position at the other end and a reversing structure is provided at the other end of the guide structure and a tension spring extending around the reversing structure is connected with one end to the carrier element and the opposite end to the housing for moving the carrier element to the end position, the tension spring comprises an area of high spring stiffness where it extends around the reversing structure and an area of low spring stiffness where the spring is connected to the housing away from the reversing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: GĂ¼nther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20110187032
    Abstract: A resilient element having an elongated body of an elastic material through which a rope of a corresponding elongated and flexible tension element winds undulating, wherein a spring force being generated by the body at stretching of said undulation when applying a tension force in the tension element. The body having at least one S-shaped portion with at least three essentially traverse legs, in which two adjacent legs alternately are joined with each other at one side of the elongated the body and having an opening at the other side of the elongated body, wherein the tension element is intended to be introduced through said opening and undulates alternately over and below, respectively, adjacent legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Bohman
  • Patent number: 7784772
    Abstract: A spring system has a first pulling part with a first fastening element connected by a tension spring to a second pulling part with a second fastening element. The pulling parts are moveable relative to one another so as to increase or relieve stressing on the tension spring. A damping device damps the movement of the pulling parts in relation to one another. A cylinder is fastened on the first pulling part and a piston 3 is axially displacesably arranged therein, subdividing the interior of the cylinder into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber. A piston rod connected to the piston is arranged on the second pulling part. The interior of the cylinder is connected to the surroundings via one or more restrictor openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Knopp, Karl-Heinz Darscheid, Stefan Bonnekessel, Rainer Massmann, Rolf Mintgen, Torsten Rickenberg, Jörg-Erwin Scheuer, Dirk Schweinberger, Daniel Herbst, Joachim Völlinger
  • Patent number: 7677523
    Abstract: A gravity compensation device partially or completely compensates a force exerted by a basic mass (10) on a balancing device (12) at a first distance from an axis of rotation (13) by using a force generating device, such as spring (14), exerting a counterforce on the balancing device at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance, the second distance, or both are selectable for providing the desired gravity compensation. One or more pulleys with an angle-variable radius may be used. The gravity compensation device does not add substantial mass to the basic mass, and is simple in design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Joep Stokkermans
  • Publication number: 20080230967
    Abstract: A spring having telescoping capabilities is provided. The spring includes a spring body having an inner diameter and a first spring end that defines a first spring opening. The spring further includes a first elongated member having first and second ends. The first elongated member is slidably received within the spring body such that the first end of the first elongated member is retained within the spring body and the second end of the first elongated member protrudes from the first spring opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Peter Richard Smullen
  • Patent number: 7162399
    Abstract: A pneumatic device selection system has a computer, first through sixth databases connected to the computer and storing data of at least pneumatic devices, a coordinate input unit and a keyboard connected to the computer, for entering input data based on an input action of an operator into the computer, and a display unit connected to the computer, for displaying information from the computer. The pneumatic device selection system functionally has a first selection processor for selecting a cylinder operating system based on input data from the coordinate input unit or the like, and a second selection processor for selecting a shock absorber based on input data from the coordinate input unit or the like and/or a selection result from the first selection processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Huping Zhang, Mitsuru Senoo, Naotake Oneyama
  • Patent number: 7146946
    Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device includes a first rotor that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft of an engine; a second rotor that is relatively rotatable by a predetermined angle within the first rotor, and is secured on the end face of an intake or an exhaust camshaft; and a tension spring that acts as an assisting spring for adjusting a relative position between both the rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishiki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Yudate, Hiroyuki Kinugawa, Akira Sakata, Makoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7000908
    Abstract: A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Costello, Jason M. Sicotte, Lauren Akey, Raymond C. Brunet
  • Patent number: 6948218
    Abstract: A spring clip device for use with leashes and dog runs to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury to pets and their owners. The spring clip assembly includes a closable clip member, a swivel portion, a housing, a sleeve member and a resilient member. The closable clip member is adapted to be connected to the collar of the dog or other animal and is pivotally connected to the housing by use of the swivel portion. The resilient member is positioned within the housing and biases the sleeve member within the housing. The sleeve member is adapted to telescope outward from the housing and compress the resilient member in the event that a force greater than biasing force of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Boss Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Donze
  • Patent number: 6485004
    Abstract: This invention is a lift kit for conventional trailers which include a foldable tailgate or trailer ramps mounted for pivotal movement about a gate or ramp axis from a transport position wherein the gate or ramps are elevated for transport to an unload position wherein the gate is lowered to permit removal of objects carried on the trailer, which incorporates a heavy duty helical elongated spring having a plurality of coils with one end fixedly mounted at the trailer end, and at the other end of the spring an adjustment which resists the force of gravity as the gate or ramps move from its upper travel position to its lower unload position which is fixedly mounted to the trailer gate or trailer ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Rocco Licata, Cheryl Lynn Licata
  • Patent number: 6419211
    Abstract: A manipulator comprising a linkage with at least two links (1, 4) which have ball joints (3, 6) at their ends, and a spring device (10) which exerts a tensile force between the links. The spring device (10) comprises a first drawing device (11) with a first angle device (18), a second drawing device (12) with a second angle device (19), which are arranged, displaceable in parallel, side-by-side, and a spring member (13) arranged between the angle devices. The tensile force arises by the spring member exerting a compressive force against the angle devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Hakan Hvittfeldt, Jan Larsson, Pierre Mikaelsson, Fredik Persson
  • Patent number: 6345583
    Abstract: A bi-directional shock absorbing apparatus for attenuating undesirable dock movement, wherein two independent rods, one associated with a dock and the other with a fixed object, receive forces from the raising and lowering of the dock and transfer these forces to the respective ends of a coiled spring providing a balanced, bi-directional dampening affect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: Willie L. Thackston, June M. Thackston
  • Patent number: 6098970
    Abstract: A spring having a helical body with opposed ends and two flexible safety cables each of which is coupled to one of said opposed ends, with the two flexible cables extending in opposite directions pass the center of the helical body, terminating in an attachment thereto. The helical body includes a plurality of coils with one end of each of the cables being coupled to one of the plurality of coils. The attachment includes an elliptically shaped journal through which one of the plurality of coils passes, thereby pivotally attaching the cable thereto. In one embodiment, a threaded boss is disposed at each end of the helical body. The threaded boss has a plurality of recesses, each of which is adapted to receive on of the plurality of coils. In this fashion, the threaded boss threadably engages the helical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Winston Lowe
    Inventor: Winston H. H. Lowe
  • Patent number: 6062157
    Abstract: A spring apparatus for use with hauling elements such as mooring ropes. The apparatus has a spring element (1) in the shape of a tension screw spring which has an intermediate section having a diameter considerably larger than that of its end sections (3). A certain predetermined maximal tension load, and a certain predetermined maximal stretch of the spring element are positioned at the intermediate portion, which, due to its larger diameter, has a lower spring constant, while the end-sections with their smaller diameters and larger spring constants are not stretched. The apparatus also comprises an attachment element (6) attached to an end section and preferably attachment elements attached to each of the end sections. The attachment elements are designed to hold sections of the hauling elements (10). In addition, the hauling element acts as a stretch limiter which prevents the spring from being deformed by overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Ewes Stalfjader AB
    Inventor: Karl-Gustaf Derman
  • Patent number: 5937676
    Abstract: A suspension system of a washing member is comprised of two rods each connected with an upper main suspensor and a lower main suspensor and a secondary suspensor disposed at adjacent ends between the individual rods. The secondary suspensor is comprised of a creased hollow cylindrical rubber casing and a sponge encompassing the rubber member. The suspension system reduces vibration of a water basket to a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Un-Su Jeon
  • Patent number: 5832861
    Abstract: A boat mooring apparatus having an elongated tubular housing wherein the housing is adapted for positioning between a boat and a dock while providing positive control in two directions. Adjacent each end of the housing a pin is utilized to secure an elongated helical spring within the housing. End caps, each including a pair of spaced apart cable guiding apertures, are provided at each end of the housing. At one end of the housing, a cable, looped through the apertures in an end cap, engages the elongated spring within the housing. In a similar manner, another cable is looped through the apertures of the other end cap and engages the other spring within the housing. In use, either cable is suitable for convenient attachment to a boat cleat or to a dock cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: BHT, Inc.
    Inventor: James Taylor
  • Patent number: 5694879
    Abstract: A mooring apparatus having an elongated tubular housing wherein the housing is adapted for positioning between a boat and a dock while providing positive control in two directions. A pin for fixing an elongated helical spring within the housing is disposed adjacent the dock engaging end thereof. An end cap, including a pair of spaced apart cable guiding apertures, is provided at the dock end of the housing. A cable, for engagement of a dock stanchion or piling, is looped through the end cap apertures and around the pin for slideable movement thereabout. A second cable, looped through a pair of guiding apertures in an end cap at the boat end of the housing, engages the elongated spring at the end opposite the fixed end, the second cable being adapted for attachment to a boat cleat. Bumpers, fixed at each end of the elongated housing help pad points of contact between boat, dock and apparatus, thereby substantially reducing shock to the inner housing of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: James Taylor
  • Patent number: 5622297
    Abstract: The holster includes two opposing barrel support strips adjustable in length and joined together at their forward ends through two over-lapping right angle legs adjustable in width and joined together by a selectively releasable connector to form a muzzle stop, and joined together at their rearward ends by a length of a sheath enclosed coil spring adapted to encircle the hand grip and to bias the barrel toward the muzzle stop. The two barrel support strips each have a forward portion and a rearward portion joined together by selectively releasable connectors and adjustable in length through a plurality of aligned holes on at least one portion. The holster includes a plurality of eyes to facilitate attachment to a shoulder harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Safariland Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Rogers, Norman E. Clifton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5540417
    Abstract: A vehicle supplementary spring assembly is adapted to supplement the spring force provided by a leaf spring of the vehicle. The spring assembly includes an elongate coil spring which forms an axially extending passage having a wall of helical configuration defined by the inner surface of the coils of the coil spring. A first anchoring insert is configured to be in threaded engagement with the wall of the passage and is adapted to be screwed into one end of the coil spring. A first connector member is connected to the anchoring insert and is adapted to connect the supplementary spring assembly to a first reaction point on the vehicle. A second connector member is connected to the other end of the coil spring and is adapted to connect the supplementary spring assembly to a second reaction point on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: William W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5490662
    Abstract: The invention is a kit of parts to be retrofitted to a type of garage-door spring that functions in extension and may break near its retention hook, which may be an integral hook formed by bending of the spring material itself. The kit of this invention improves safety by reducing the chance of the spring-retention hooks' breaking. The kit has two major parts which are easily assembled together and attached to an existing spring without the use of tools. A disk-shaped centering clement contacts the spring coils at least at three positions on its rim, thereby distributing stress over a significantly larger area than the conventional integral retention hooks. The disk has an aperture, a notch, and a flat. A hook element fits through the notch and aperture, and a dogleg portion of the hook element extends beyond the disk's rim contacting the spring's end to help prevent the spring from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Michael A. Wright
  • Patent number: 5445364
    Abstract: A load counterbalancing coiled wire spring assembly adapted to provide predetermined nonuniform bending stress induced torsional load supporting force in response to load induced longitudinal spring wire displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: William Calvin Johnston
    Inventor: Edward C. Tibbals, Jr.