Common Actuator Controls Vertical Adjustment And Relative Movement Of Parts Patents (Class 297/71)
  • Patent number: 10835441
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for an X-ray dental imaging system includes a head rest and a chair separate from and spaced from the head rest. The chair has a seat portion and a back rest coupled to the seat portion. The chair further includes a locking system that locks a position of the back rest relative to the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PALODEX GROUP OY
    Inventors: Sami Vartiainen, Jorma Savolainen, Markku Huovinen, Wycliffe Raduma, Antti Korpela, Antti Karhunen, Markus Rintamäki, Juho Malin, Saku Leponokka
  • Patent number: 10813457
    Abstract: A recliner or lift and recliner chair is provided having a recline or lift and recline chair mechanism with preferably with at least one recline or lift-recline actuator that controls a reclining movement or a lifting and reclining movement. The chair mechanism has a recline or lift-recline base, a seat and a back connected thereto. For additional functionality, a cradle assembly is provided in order to provide a cradling movement to the recline or lift-recline base. The cradle assembly can be provided by a system of standoffs and pivot connections, which can be direct or use links, or can be configured with a track and roller or slide system in order to achieve a desired cradling movement. A cradle actuator is connected between the cradle base and the recline or lift-recline base. A controller is provided that controls movement of the cradle actuator and preferably at least one recline or lift-recline actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Golden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Kiwak, James Olcheski, James M. Kosco, W. Edward Pollard
  • Patent number: 10327553
    Abstract: A recliner or lift and recliner chair is provided having a recline or lift and recline chair mechanism with preferably with at least one recline or lift-recline actuator that controls a reclining movement or a lifting and reclining movement. The chair mechanism has a recline or lift-recline base, a seat and a back connected thereto. For additional functionality, a cradle assembly is provided in order to provide a cradling movement to the recline or lift-recline base. The cradle assembly can be provided by a system of standoffs and pivot connections, which can be direct or use links, or can be configured with a track and roller or slide system in order to achieve a desired cradling movement. A cradle actuator is connected between the cradle base and the recline or lift-recline base. A controller is provided that controls movement of the cradle actuator and preferably at least one recline or lift-recline actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Golden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Kiwak, James Olcheski, James M. Kosco, W. Edward Pollard
  • Patent number: 9375088
    Abstract: An apparatus that supports a person in a variety of positions so that a tattoo artist can comfortably apply a tattoo to the skin of the supported person is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be articulated to cause a person's legs and arms to be optimally positioned and supported to receive a tattoo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: InkBed, Inc.
    Inventor: Cosmo J. Andoloro
  • Patent number: 8783764
    Abstract: A seating unit includes: a base; a frame with arms on opposing sides; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a reclining mechanism, a lift mechanism and a power unit. The reclining mechanism interconnects the frame, the seat, the backrest, and the at least one ottoman, and comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and configured to move the seating unit between (a) an upright position, in which the backrest is generally upright and defines a first backrest angle relative to horizontal, the seat is generally horizontal, and the at least one ottoman is retracted below the seat, (b) a TV position, in which the backrest substantially maintains the first backrest angle, and the at least one ottoman is extended in front of the seat, and a fully reclined position, in the at least one ottoman remains extended on front of the seat, and the backrest defines a second backrest angle relative to horizontal that is shallower than the first backrest angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110193373
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Jason Allan Bryant
  • Patent number: 7540565
    Abstract: The present invention is a chair having a first seat portion operably associated with a second seat portion, with the first seat portion disposed in the same plane as the second seat portion, and an actuator for moving the first seat portion relative to the second seat portion. When the actuator is actuated, the first seat portion will pivot relative to the second seat portion such that the first seat portion is located in a different plane compared to the second seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: William D. Lipford
  • Publication number: 20080122269
    Abstract: A safety dental chair includes a chair having a back and seat portions, the back portion having front and rear surfaces and upper and lower ends. The safety dental chair includes an automatic external defibrillator and a CPR safety board removably coupled to the chair back portion adjacent its rear surface. A vitals monitor may also be coupled to the chair which includes a pulse oximetry finger clip, a blood pressure cuff, and at least one display. The vitals monitor includes programming for determining pulse oximetry using data received from the pulse oximetry finger clip, for determining blood pressure using data received from the blood pressure cuff, and for actuating the display to present the oximetry and blood pressure. The safety dental chair may include a headrest constructed of memory foam for supporting a patient's neck and the patient's airway open. The chair may be automated for adjusting its position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Noele R. Tatlock
  • Patent number: 7083235
    Abstract: A convertible piece of upholstered furniture can be converted via motorized conversion aids from a seat function into a bed, by way of any desired number of intermediate stages, and vice versa. All movable parts can be fully stressed by a person during conversion, even when a person is sitting or lying on the piece of furniture. These changes can take place even when the piece is being used by a person, whereby each movable part of the piece of upholstered furniture can be changed by means of a motor drive having a control. The footrest and the seat part are configured so that they can move out of a base frame with their metal fittings. A lever construction arranged on the metal fitting of the footrest and a motor drive adjusts the height and angle of the footrest and moves the piece of furniture to the various positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Eberhard Grimm, Hans Fiedler, Karl Becher
  • Patent number: 6716144
    Abstract: The present invention provides and exercise device and methods designed to assist the exerciser in all abdominal strengthening exercises by use of an adjustable resilient means to provide resistance and absorb impact for the exerciser's eccentric range of motion, while supporting or boosting exerciser's concentric range of motion. This device offers maximum support for the exerciser's hips and back through the full range of abdominal exercises. The device includes a seat member and back member pivotally connected so that the seat and back provide a horizontal platform for the exerciser's use in a full range of abdominal exercise. When the preferred embodiment is not in use, the back member and seat member fold together for ease of storage or portability. A second embodiment offers the advanced exerciser adjustable foot positioning and back member positioning and is supported by an external frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Tessema Dosho Shifferaw
  • Patent number: 6634043
    Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Orthopedic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve R. Lamb, Russell E. Klein, Michael C. Demaria, Stephen L. Hoel
  • Patent number: 6155645
    Abstract: A rest chair comprises the following features: a seat portion is hingedly supported at a foot portion about a horizontal axis; at the seat portion a foot rest is hingedly linked around a horizontal axis from a position folded under the seat portion into an unfolded foot resting position; the arrangement is made such that the seat portion and the foot rest are pivotally adjustable in common by body pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Achim Bedrich
  • Patent number: 6056363
    Abstract: An apparatus which will largely prevent irritated ligaments, and sore necks and backs arising from spending long hours at a computer terminal by allowing the user to position themselves in multiple comfortable positions is disclosed. The apparatus for use with a monitor and keyboard comprises: a base; a carriage slidably mounted on the base; a seat member having rear, and front side portions, said seat member carried on the carriage; a back member having a lower side portion pivoted to the rear portion of the seat member; a leg member having an upper side portion pivoted to the front side portion of the seat member; an arm member carried by the carriage, said arm member having a front end portion adapted to carry the keyboard; a monitor arm carried by the carriage; and motorized threaded screws used to move the carriage on the base, and move the back and leg members relative to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Lee W. Maddox
  • Patent number: 6015130
    Abstract: The hydraulic device for raising and lowering seat of the barber's chair has a main housing section and a lower section. A sliding plunger is slidably mounted in a sleeve extending between the lower section and the top cover of the main housing section. An oil pump is operative to force the oil contained with the main housing section into a channel in the lower section to the bottom of the sleeve for raising or lowering the sliding plunger. The seat of the barber's chair is mounted to the top of the sliding plunger. The joint between the lower section and the main housing section is permanently sealed with a metal compound by welding, brazing or soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Rudolf Kigel
  • Patent number: 5076644
    Abstract: A reclining elevator chair having a power ram operably connected to both a recliner actuator means for moving a seat-footrest assembly between upright and recline positions in a first mode of operation and an elevator lift means for lifting and tilting the seat-footrest assembly to assist exit from the chair in a second mode of operation. The power ram has a base end and a screw end, the base end is detachably connected to the frame of the chair and the screw end is attached to a crank arm operationally connected to both the recliner actuator means and the elevator lift means. The base end of the power ram can be re-engaged with the frame without loss of synchrony between the power ram and the recliner actuator means and the elevator lift means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: El Lyn Metal Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: B. Guy Northcutt
  • Patent number: 4852939
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lift base for converting a manual reclining chair to a powdered lift and reclining chair. The base is readily attached to the reclining hinge and drives the hinge parts as well as the chair frame. A simplified base linkage uses linkage plates as a common pivot mount for link connections inbetween the base and the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Orthokinetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Krauska
  • Patent number: 4722505
    Abstract: A mount for a record player with variable antivibration controls that make it possible for the user of the player to separately establish an optimum antivibration setting depending on the conditions of the specific surface that the player is resting on and on the overall acoustical conditions with respect to footstep and acoustical feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4711486
    Abstract: A barber shop or beauty parlor chair for back shampooing, i.e. the shampooing of the hair and scalp of the head of a person seated in the chair, from the rear of the person, by tilting the chair into a reclined and substantially horizontal position, so that the person or customer's neck may be readily fitted onto the shampoo bowl. The present chair features pivoted frame members manipulatable by an integral hydraulic cylinder, so that the chair is adjustable from an upright position into a reclined and substantially horizontal position, whereby back-shampooing of the head of a person sitting in the chair may readily be accomplished. The chair features pivoted frame members which are pivoted by activation of the upper plunger of a hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Takara Company
    Inventor: Kunio Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 4586749
    Abstract: A pair of link plates, each pivotally connected at one end to a seat base and each pivotally connected at their other ends to a seat plate and seat supported thereby, constrain the seat plate and seat to a rearward and upward movement, or a downward and forward movement, with respect to the seat base. The plunger, of a hydraulic cylinder pivotally carried by the seat base, is pivotally connected to the seat plate so that when actuated it induces movement of the seat plate to its rearward and upward position. A seat back is pivotally connected to the seat base and to armrests carried by the seat plate so that movement of the seat in the upward and rearward direction moves the seat back to a downward position aligned with the seat. A footrest linkage is connected between the seat back and a footrest connected to the seat so that movement of the seat back into its downward position moves the footrest into an upward position aligned with the seat and seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Takara Company, New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 4541671
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having a contoured upper body support with an integral lumbar support area. The lower body support is curved at the knee and likewise contoured for patient comfort. The upper body support is pivotally attached to the lower body support at a point simulating the pivotal location of the human hip. A drive linkage raises the toe area of the lower body support simultaneously with, but only for the initial reclining movement of the upper body support, maintaining the oral cavity in fixed relation to the head support. Arm supports are upwardly rotatable from a down, locked position to an up, unlocked position. The patient support has automatic recline and sit-up mechanisms with emergency stop circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Broadhead, Lawrence A. Wilbur, Ivan E. Sams
  • Patent number: 4527976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dentist chair with a chair top carrying at least a chair seat. A chair bottom contains a height-adjusting system for the chair top, and at least one apparatus adaptable at the chair bottom which requires various supplies, such as air, water, electric current, which by means of supply lines are brought into the apparatus through the chair bottom from a connection box at the floor. For hookup of the apparatus the chair bottom contains a hookup portion which contains coupling means both for mechanical coupling and for coupling of the various other supply lines. The apparatus is connectible to the supply lines through a counter-piece which matches the hookup portion of the chair bottom and which, for mechanical coupling of the apparatus contains counter-coupling means which can be brought into engagement with the coupling means and which then establishes the proper required connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Behringer, Klaus Stockl, Rolf-Juergen Weiland
  • Patent number: 4479678
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve is disclosed, for controlling the position of a ram in a partly-extended condition. The valve has a combination of rubbing seals and diaphragms, for smooth operation and reliability. A spring-loaded plunger presses the diaphragm against the mouth of a port, to seal off the port. A piston with rubbing seals lifts the plunger from the diaphragm, to open the port. The piston seals rub against plastic, for freedom from water contamination problems, while the diaphragm provides the high integrity seal needed to control the ram position. A particular application of the valve is to the air control of dentist's chair, medical table or medical chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Robert M. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4083600
    Abstract: A dental chair having a backrest and a seat each of which is angularly adjustable about a common horizontal axis. A motor drives a linkage system which simultaneously angularly adjusts both backrest tilt and seat inclination to positions ranging from one in which the chair supports the patient in substantially sitting position, to one in which the patient is reclining with his head below the rest of his body. As compared to the seat, the angular motion of the backrest is relatively uniform over the range of adjustment, whereas most of the angular motion of the seat occurs during the middle 50% of the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Inventor: Emil Hirth
  • Patent number: 4047758
    Abstract: A cushioned counter-balanced reclining dental chair has an underslung carriage which tilts with respect to a support to position a patient's heat at a desired work height. The angle of tilt is established by manual positioning which is facilitated by counter-balancing of the carriage, and is maintained at the desired tilt angle by a telescoping strut joined from the shoulder region of the recliner to the base. A shoulder support retains the patient's shoulders at a fixed distance from the tilt axis, independent of variations in height among patients. A buttocks engaging depression, which becomes more pronounced as the tilt of the carriage is increased to provide higher head positions, prevents the patient from sliding. The buttocks engaging depression's position is adjustable along the carriage to accomodate various body lengths, while at the same time maintaining the patient's shoulders in a shoulder cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Inventor: Kenneth Jack Whitehill
  • Patent number: 4007960
    Abstract: A reclining elevator chair having a tiltable back, an extendible leg rest, and means for raising the seat and simultaneously tilting it forwardly to assist arthritic or other partially disabled persons in leaving the chair. A power-driven ram tilts the back and extends and retracts the leg rest in one mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the same ram raises the seat and tilts it forwardly. The first mode of operation occurs when the ram is retracted below a predetermined length and the second mode of operation occurs when the ram is extended beyond the predetermined length. When the ram is equal to the predetermined length, a portion of the mechanism which tilts the back and extends and retracts the leg rest abuts against a portion of the seat frame and transfers the force of the ram from the back and leg rest to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Inventor: Edward J. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 3934931
    Abstract: A dental chair which comprises a seat, a back inclinable relative to said seat, first means for effecting inclination of said back, second means for pushing the front portion of said seat upward, and third means operable in response to overinclination of said back beyond the normal inclination thereof to drive said second means so as to raise the front portion of said seat relative to the rear portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takahiro Matsui, Osamu Uwamori
  • Patent number: 3934928
    Abstract: An operatory-type chair having a seat to which a back rest is pivotably connected for movement between upright and rearwardly extending positions by an electric motor interconnected to said back rest by a rotatable screw driven by said motor. Movement of the back rest is controlled by limit switches which stop the motor when either limit of movement is reached, the invention comprising an adjustable program switch included in said control system which operates to stop the motor when the back rest reaches a desired position intermediately of the opposite limits of movement thereof, as controlled by said limit switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1973
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Philip C. Johnson