Structurally Installed Including Relation To Feature Thereof Patents (Class 33/333)
  • Patent number: 11897733
    Abstract: A sensing device for a crane detecting unsafe operating conditions includes an inertial measurement unit for measuring pitch and yaw of a hook of the crane attached to a load. The inertial measurement unit is adapted to measure deviation of the hook of the crane from a plumb position and activate an alert element if the deviation of the hook exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas Bedgood, Dean Dobson, Alex Kuiper
  • Patent number: 11361419
    Abstract: Techniques for measuring a monument, including obtaining a set of two or more images of a monument environment, detecting a set of markers in the set of images, wherein the set of markers are positioned on a plane level with respect to gravity by a leveling device, and wherein the leveling device is configured to automatically level the markers, generating a virtual representation of the monument environment with respect to gravity, mapping the monument to a virtual representation, determining one or more slopes and dimensions of the monument based on the mapped monument and the gravity plane, and outputting the one or more slopes and dimensions of the monument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Rieker Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward P. Denigan, III, Manoj Kumar Vajjara Ravichandran, Peter John Hanchette
  • Patent number: 10970943
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus to provide a vehicle force indicator responsive to one or more of: an amount of tilt of a motor vehicle, an amount of acceleration and/or deceleration of the motor vehicle and a correlation of tilt and speed with location of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy Robert Hay, II
  • Patent number: 10698042
    Abstract: A system and method that compensates for local disturbances in magnetometer measurements for working equipment. For example, compensating for magnetometer disturbances caused by a stick, boom, and bucket of an excavator. The compensation is performed by generating or obtaining a magnetic model of movable members, determining the position of each of the movable members, calculating an estimated magnetic disturbance, and modifying the magnetometer measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Damien Dusha
  • Patent number: 10586787
    Abstract: A light emitter, comprising light emitting devices mechanically interconnected by a common substrate and an interconnection submount. The light emitting devices are electrically interconnected by the submount to provide an array of serially connected subsets of light emitting devices, each subset comprising at least three light emitting devices electrically connected in parallel. Also, a light emitter comprising first light emitting devices mechanically interconnected by a first common substrate, and second light emitting devices mechanically interconnected by a second common substrate, the first light emitting devices being mechanically and electrically connected to the second light emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven
  • Patent number: 10561549
    Abstract: A patient bed is provided in a healthcare facility having a network including a real time locating system (RTLS) and an electronic medical records (EMR) computer. The patient bed includes bed control circuitry that is configured to receive at least one protocol messages from the EMR computer and, in response to the at least one protocol message, enables at least one bed safety protocol in which at least one bed condition is monitored by the bed control circuitry. The bed control circuitry generates an alert in response to the at least one bed condition being in an undesirable state and no caregiver being present in the patient room as determined by the RTLS and communicated to the bed circuitry. The bed control circuitry suspends monitoring the at least one bed condition in response to the RTLS indicating to the bed control circuitry that at least one caregiver is present in the patient room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly F. Walton, Jennifer A. Gunn, Kiana M. Dezelon
  • Patent number: 10279744
    Abstract: A mirror-attached imaging apparatus includes a semi-transmissive mirror through which at least some incident light can pass, an camera configured to capture a subject by receiving light passing through the semi-transmissive mirror, and a support configured to attach the semi-transmissive mirror and the camera to a vehicle body. The semi-transmissive mirror is movable relative to the support, and the camera is attached to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Arata Hirano, Woojung Kim
  • Patent number: 10003863
    Abstract: An electrical activity monitoring device based on an RFID sensor device attachable to a power cable of an electrical device for monitoring the electrical status of the electrical device. The device comprises an antenna element which performs the dual functions of magnetically coupling with an electrical pulse generated in the power cable in response to a change of electrical power state of the electrical device and to wirelessly transmit data to an RFID reader. An electrical activity monitoring apparatus is also provided for monitoring the electrical status of at least one electrical device connected to a power supply network by a respective power cable provided with an RFID sensor device. The electrical activity monitoring apparatus comprises an RFID reader for communicating with the RFID sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: THOMSON Licensing
    Inventors: Ali Louzir, Jean-Yves Le Naour, Jean-Luc Robert
  • Patent number: 9836966
    Abstract: A driver assist system incorporated in a display device is disclosed. The system comprises an accelerometer and a controller in communication with the accelerometer. The controller is configured to receive at least one acceleration signal from the accelerometer and calculate a direction of rotation of the display device. The direction of rotation is utilized by the controller to calculate a drive side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: John C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9500479
    Abstract: A simplified distance meter comprises a frame, at least two wheels installed in front and rear of the frame, rotation detectors for detecting rotation of at least one wheel, and tilt detecting means installed on the frame, wherein amount of rotations of the wheels is obtained by the rotation detector, and tilting of the frame corresponding to the amount of rotations is acquired by the tilt detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Kaoru Kumagai, Satoshi Yanobe, Jun-ichi Kodaira
  • Patent number: 9354055
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area. A blocking element located within a buffering area located between the reservoir and the indicating area is configured to impede travel of the indicating media from the reservoir toward the indicating area when the tilt indicator is in an activated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Branch
  • Patent number: 9298285
    Abstract: Stylus tip configurations may reduce shadow effect of the stylus tip on capacitance measurements by reducing capacitive coupling between undesired portions of the stylus tip and the capacitive sensing surface. Additionally signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a stylus on a plurality of capacitance sensing electrodes may be improved by reducing the self capacitance between the stylus tip and the receive electrodes of a mutual capacitance touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rishi Mohindra, Oleksandr Hoshtanar, Hans Klein
  • Patent number: 8959784
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Richard S. Schubert
  • Publication number: 20140218874
    Abstract: Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shayan Malek, Jared M. Kole, Nicholas Ian Lubinski
  • Publication number: 20140202014
    Abstract: There is provided a flexible display capable of improving an angle-measuring accuracy using different kinds of sensors and a method of measuring an angle thereof. The flexible display includes a first sensor unit disposed in a first region and including different kinds of sensors, a second sensor unit disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region and including different kinds of sensors, and an angle-measuring unit measuring a folding angle between the first region and the second region in response to sensing signals outputted from the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Jae-Won Choi, Chan-Sung Jung
  • Patent number: 8671582
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Branch
  • Patent number: 8627575
    Abstract: A hook pose detecting equipment and a crane with the hook pose detecting equipment, in which the hook pose detecting equipment comprises an angle measuring apparatus for obtaining the angle between an axis in a second coordinate system and the corresponding axis in a first coordinate system, an acceleration measuring meter for obtaining the acceleration of the hook in a predetermined direction, a processor for building the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system, and an output equipment. The first coordinate system is relatively fixed with a predetermined location, and the second coordinate system is relatively fixed with the hook. The processor obtains the pose parameters of the hook in the first coordinate system according to the angle obtained by the angle measuring apparatus and the acceleration obtained by the acceleration measuring meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Hunan Sany Intelligent Control Equipment Co., Ltd., Sany Automobile Manufacture Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiujun Tang, Dezhi Yang, Bin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8499465
    Abstract: A system and method for calibration of golf shots is provided. Specifically, a tool for providing a reference target superimposed over a magnified image of the cup for calibration purposes is provided. An optical putter calibration tool may include an eye lens; an object lens; a target lens; a beam splitter; and a target reticle. The eye lens, the object lens, the target lens, the beam splitter and the target reticle may be integrated in a shaft of a golf club, such as a putter, for providing a simultaneous magnified view and projecting a reticle image. Comparison of the reticle image and the magnified view may provide a reading of a playing surface characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Todd Kuta
  • Patent number: 8480392
    Abstract: A level adjustment device includes a main body, four shaft seats, two adjusting elements, two actuating gears, and a supporting plate. The main body has a side surface and an upper surface connected to the side surface. The main body defines two slots in the side surface. Each two shaft seats are positioned at two opposite sides of a corresponding one of the slots and extend outwards from the side surface. Each of the adjusting elements includes a toothed portion and a supporting portion, the toothed portion movably received in the slot and the supporting portion protruding out of the upper surface. Each of two actuating gears is rotatably sleeved between two corresponding shaft seats and meshes with the toothed portion. The supporting plate is supported on the two adjustment elements above the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 8397393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120272538
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements to rapidly adjust the trim of a watercraft are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a sensor to quickly detect changes in the trim angle of a watercraft and a driver adapted to effect rapid changes in the trim angle. For example, many embodiments include large hydraulic pumps and hydraulic connections to adjust the angle of a trim adjuster such as the angle of trim tabs, an outboard motor, or a stern drive. Some embodiments implement high torque electric motors or high capacity pneumatic systems. The drivers may, for example, effect changes in the angle of the trim adjuster within two seconds. In one embodiment, the driver may effect a change in the trim angle within one second or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Clay Moore
  • Publication number: 20120266469
    Abstract: A device and method for arranging a display allows for the easy installation of a display in a home entertainment system. The flexibility of modern home entertainment/theater systems that include a digital display device permits many different installation options. Thus, the invention facilitates the installation of such a display by aligning a viewing screen with an image from a projection display device on both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: MONDO SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chul CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20120255188
    Abstract: A hook pose detecting equipment and a crane with the hook pose detecting equipment, in which the hook pose detecting equipment comprises an angle measuring apparatus for obtaining the angle between an axis in a second coordinate system and the corresponding axis in a first coordinate system, an acceleration measuring meter for obtaining the acceleration of the hook in a predetermined direction, a processor for building the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system, and an output equipment. The first coordinate system is relatively fixed with a predetermined location, and the second coordinate system is relatively fixed with the hook. The processor obtains the pose parameters of the hook in the first coordinate system according to the angle obtained by the angle measuring apparatus and the acceleration obtained by the acceleration measuring meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: SANY AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURE CO., LTD., HUNAN SANY INTELLIGENT CONTROL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiujun Tang, Dezhi Yang, Bin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8220172
    Abstract: A receiving device, in particular for a sensor, grading instrument or the like, including a housing with a housing upper part in which the grading instrument can be arranged. An intermediate part is provided by which a holding position and/or a mounting position can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Gregor Seidel
  • Publication number: 20120176277
    Abstract: Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shayan Malek, Jared Kole, Nikko Lubinski
  • Patent number: 8140285
    Abstract: A compass system includes a magnetic field sensor for measuring an ambient magnetic field and a magnetic field generator, corresponding to the magnetic field sensor, configured to generate a reference magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor is configured to measure the reference magnetic field. The compass system further includes a control circuit operably connected to the magnetic field sensor and magnetic field generator, wherein the control circuit is configured to process the ambient magnetic field and the reference magnetic field measurements to determine an absolute reference field strength for use in calibrating the compass system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Jason L. Reene
  • Publication number: 20110119940
    Abstract: An inclinometer configured to be coupled to a structure and measure an angle of inclination of the structure with respect to a reference plane comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an indicator. The first layer includes a transparent portion and a scale representing angles located proximate to the transparent portion. The second layer includes an opening that defines a path. The first layer is coupled to a first side of the second layer such that the transparent portion extends along the path. The indicator is movably disposed in the path. The indicator moves along the path as the structure moves between a first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the reference plane. The indicator cooperates with the scale to indicate an angle of inclination of the structure with respect to the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Robert M. Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 7934321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Egresson, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7856727
    Abstract: The system is used to determine the position of a tool mounted on a digging machine. It includes a monitoring appliance and several independent position-detecting devices each including a face equipped with attachment elements to be held flush against an articulated component of the machine, a wireless communication module remotely sending data to the monitoring appliance, an independent electrical power supply source, a processing unit, and an electronic module with angular position sensors. The devices are distributed so that each is on a different articulated part of the machine. They need no cables, and are easy to fit. The signals emitted by the devices are received by the monitoring appliance, which calculates a setpoint for positioning the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Agatec
    Inventors: Dimitru Mircea Chiorean, Gianmarco Bonetti, Albert Gamal
  • Patent number: 7854069
    Abstract: An azimuth angle measurement system includes a rotatable ring, a wire coupled at a first end to the ring, a length measurement device configured to measure a length of a portion of the wire that extends from the ring, and a control system configured to determine an azimuth angle based on the length of the portion of the wire extending from the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Meng Gao
  • Publication number: 20100257896
    Abstract: A necklace worn device for displaying short moving or static images in continuous loop based on the detection of the motion of wearers comprises a housing and a circuit board assembly. The housing is provided with a transparent window on one side thereof. The circuit board assembly provided detachably in the housing includes a pixelated display for displaying images, a non-volatile flash memory for storing images and other additional data, a microprocessor for processing the stored images and setting parameters, at least a motion detection switch activating the necklace worn device, a wireless transmitting and receiving unit for sending or receiving images, at least a rechargeable battery for power supply, and at least a control button for controlling the wireless transmitting and receiving unit and setting the parameters. The pixelated display is preferably an organic light emitting diode display and is provided under the transparent window of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: David Michael Zakutin
  • Patent number: 7802370
    Abstract: An antenna feed angular alignment tool for an antenna feed and method of use. The tool having a body with a bore between a first end and a second end; a capsule, retained within the bore, having a first material and a second material enclosed within a cavity of the capsule. Coupling feature(s) integral with the body, proximate the first end are configured to rotationally couple with the antenna feed. The first material and the second material having different densities are movable within the capsule, indicating when the capsule and thereby the tool are aligned with a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Lewry, Junaid Syed, Keith Tappin, Graeme Thomson
  • Patent number: 7765703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning structures. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tapered member and a plurality of segments. The tapered member has a first end and a second end, a diameter that increases from the first end to the second end, and the diameter has a first center. The each of the plurality of segments has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of segments define a tapered channel capable of receiving the tapered member, wherein the outer surface has an outer diameter with a second center corresponding to the first center, and wherein movement of the plurality of segments to the second end increases the outer diameter with the second center remaining in around a same location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary Mark Buckus
  • Patent number: 7735230
    Abstract: A head-mounted navigation system may include an image sensor configured to sense one or more objects forward of a person and to generate image information representative of the one or more objects. A bearing sensor may be included and configured to detect bearing and to generate bearing information representative of the bearing. Securing apparatus may be included and configured to secure the bearing sensor to the person. The securing apparatus may be configured to secure the bearing sensor to the torso of the person, such as to his or her back. A processing system may be included and configured to receive the image information and/or the bearing information and to generate display information representative of the one or more objects and/or the bearing. A display may be included and configured to receive the display information and to display visual information representative of the one or more objects and/or the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NOVATAC, Inc.
    Inventor: Laszlo Barany
  • Patent number: 7665218
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the azimuth of a tube having a bore axis includes a centering mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a flexible member for defining a bore axis projection of the bore axis; a tensioner fixed to one end of the flexible member, and a pair of adjusters connected to the tensioner, the adjusters for moving the tensioner along a respective pair of axes that are perpendicular to the bore axis projection, the axes of the adjusters being mutually perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Robert P. Pinto
  • Publication number: 20090299229
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, JR.
  • Patent number: 7610688
    Abstract: A shoe with a leveling instrument for detecting a relative height and a gradient of a ground to step thereon with the shoe, includes an outsole disposed at a lower portion of the shoe, an upper disposed at an upper portion of the outsole, an x-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth (i.e., an upper strip portion or welt) of a front end portion of the outsole or the upper, a top surface thereof being externally exposed, and a y-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth of a side portion of the outsole or the upper thereof, a top surface thereof being externally exposed. Accordingly, the shoes having the leveling instrument can detect the relative height and the gradient around the ground stepped by a user, whereby helping to correct a swing posture of a golfer, conduct a measurement operation of various engineers in architectural and civil engineering etc., and correct a walking posture of a walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Ji Hae Yun
  • Patent number: 7607631
    Abstract: A frame leveler is disclosed that automatically levels picture frames, and mirror frames. A pivotable, weighted bob is used as a gravity reference to control a lock that unlocks the extension of a cable on the side of a frame that is tilted up with respect to the other side, when the frame is not level. The extensible cable is let out until the frame is once again level, at which point the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending further. When the frame side is tilted down with respect to the other side, or the frame is level, the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending on that side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Arnold L. Newman
  • Patent number: 7574812
    Abstract: An example pivot plate leveler includes a first plate having one of a protrusion and a cavity and a second plate having the other of the protrusion and the cavity. The first plate is pivotable with respect to the second plate to provide a level surface. An appliance is received on the level surface. In one example, the protrusion and the cavity are spherical. The protrusion is at least partially received within the cavity to provide a pivotable connection between the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Dabrowski, Steven Michael Gwozdek
  • Patent number: 7562458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Louis Clark, Jr., Michael David Johnson
  • Patent number: 7544902
    Abstract: A lift measurement system is provided for determining a position of a load during a lift operation. The system includes a display that includes a scale and encloses a movable indicator that moves relative to the scale. A linkage is in communication with the load and the scale, such that movement of the load is translated to movement of the indicator relative to the scale to provide an indication of the position of the load. A plurality of displays and linkages may be installed at various load support zones such that the relative position of the corresponding indicators provides feedback related to the orientation of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Frantz D. Stanford
  • Patent number: 7426788
    Abstract: In a saddle-type vehicle having at least three wheels, a tilt angle sensor layout structure is provided which ensures that a tilt angle sensor is minimally influenced by a centrifugal force or vibration of a vehicle body while the vehicle is turned, and the tilt angle sensor is protected against flying stones and the like. The vehicle includes an engine, and a fuel injection system for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to the engine, with a steering mechanism including a steering shaft provided on the front side of the vehicle body. A plurality of frame members constituting the vehicle body frame supporting the steering mechanism are connected in the shape of a frame loop in vehicle side view, and the tilt angle sensor for detecting the tilt angle in the left-right direction of the vehicle body is attached to the loop-shaped portion of the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Hasegawa, Seiji Hanafusa
  • Publication number: 20080163506
    Abstract: An example pivot plate leveler includes a first plate having one of a protrusion and a cavity and a second plate having the other of the protrusion and the cavity. The first plate is pivotable with respect to the second plate to provide a level surface. An appliance is received on the level surface. In one example, the protrusion and the cavity are spherical. The protrusion is at least partially received within the cavity to provide a pivotable connection between the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Dabrowski, Steven Michael Gwozdek
  • Publication number: 20080155843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe with a leveling instrument for checking out a relative height and a gradient of a ground including an outsole formed at a lower portion thereof, an upper of leather formed at an upper portion thereof, an x-direction leveling instrument formed at the girth of a front end portion of the outsole or the upper of leather, a top surface thereof being exposed to outside, and an y-direction leveling instrument formed at the girth of a side portion of the outsole or the upper of leather thereof, a top surface thereof being exposed to outside. Accordingly, the shoes having the leveling instrument can grasp the relative height and the gradient around the ground stepped by a user, whereby helping to correct a swing posture of a golfer, conduct a measurement operation of various engineers in architectural and civil engineering etc., and correct a walking posture of a walker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ji Hae Yun
  • Patent number: 7392593
    Abstract: The angle meter and spirit level apparatus can be affixed to a ladder and used to determine the angle at which the ladder is placed. The apparatus is also self-verifying in that it provides a way to know that the apparatus is operating properly. The apparatus also allows for a ladder or other similar device to be used as a carpenter's level or mason's level to determine true horizontal and also to determine the slope from the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rivers, Frederick Diggle, III
  • Patent number: 7370429
    Abstract: A device adapted to be integrated with a wall hanging for indicating an off-level condition is provided. The device includes a series electrical circuit including a power supply and a signal element connected with the power supply, wherein the signal element is capable of generating a perceptible output (such as a visible light or audible sound). The device also includes a level indicating switch connected between the signal element and electrical ground. The level indicating switch is capable of connecting the signal element with electrical ground only when the device is oriented at least at a selected acute angle relative to a substantially level condition such that the signal element generates the perceptible output only when the wall hanging is oriented in an off-level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Floyd E. Hall
  • Publication number: 20080052929
    Abstract: A level indicator for a snow plow assembly has a reference wand and a pendulum guage pivoted to the reference wand. The reference wand has a bend at a top end with a reference mark to lie over the pendulum. The pendulum guage has a counterweight to dampen its swing and has an indicator. The indicator aligns with the reference mark in a level position of the snow plow assembly and the swing of the pendulum is limited by interference with the reference wand between extreme positions where the snow plow assembly is tilted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 7272892
    Abstract: A device and method for arranging a display allows for the easy installation of a display in a home entertainment system. The flexibility of modern home entertainment/theater systems that include a digital display device permits many different installation options. Thus, the invention facilitates the installation of such a display by aligning a viewing screen with a projector device. Moreover, the invention allows the installation of a flat panel display, such as an LCD or PDP, at a proper viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mondo Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chul Chung
  • Patent number: 7200947
    Abstract: A fully adjustable masonry block tool for lifting, transporting, laying and leveling concrete block, webbed block corner block whether flat or rock faced with an attached leveling system. Tool is designed to center on and support a cement block of substantial weight, while giving more control to block layer. This invention in its entirety is a one piece unit which will be shown and described in further detail in claims, drawings and pictures of unit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Victor Michael Kern
  • Patent number: 7182148
    Abstract: A tool has a housing; a display unit attached to the housing; and a motion detection unit operably coupled to the housing and to the display unit, wherein the motion detection unit is configured to detect linear and rotational motion of the housing, to generate a first display signal indicative of the linear motion of the housing and to provide the first display signal to the display unit, and to generate a second display signal indicative of the rotational motion of the housing and to provide the second display signal to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: William Szieff