Retainer Extends Through Aligned Recesses Patents (Class 403/108)
  • Patent number: 11877977
    Abstract: An improved walker includes an adjustable frame with angled portions that provide an ergonomic interface and enhanced stability for a user. The front of the walker includes a wishbone front support frame. Rather than incorporating multiple front legs extending from the top of the walker to the floor, the wishbone front support frame provides clearance on either side of a center front column. This clearance allows users to position, or maneuver, the walker close to adjacent objects. The handrail portions of the walker are pitched at a downward angle running in a direction from the rear to the front of the walker. This pitch moves the operating position of the user close to the front of walker providing a safe and stable operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Beale Van Varick, Donald Samuel Strum, George Benjamin Wintner, Ryan Crist, Gregory P. Allison
  • Patent number: 11864478
    Abstract: A shovel includes a shovel blade, a handle assembly with a tubular section and hammer section, where the hammer section is configured to axially slide within the tubular section to function as an impact hammer. A locking assembly locks the hammer section in one of an extended position and a compressed position relative to the tubular section. Releasing the locking assembly allows the hammer section to axially slide within the tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: YEISER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: John O. Yeiser, IV
  • Patent number: 11821457
    Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are rapid-release anchors and fittings for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle. The embodiments described and claimed herein utilize a surface-mountable anchor capable of releasably engaging with a fitting. The anchor has channel with an open top end and an open bottom end that allow the anchor to be received and removed in both directions, up and down. The anchor includes a locking mechanism that is configured to permit single-handed insertion of the fitting into the anchor. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising multiple anchors and fittings that serve as brackets for the securement of larger devices, cabinets, handles and other pieces of equipment within a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: VALEDA COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Girardin, Roberto Ansourian, Jonathan Garcia
  • Patent number: 11707140
    Abstract: A base unit includes first and fourth connectors that are obliquely positioned relative to each other such that a first connector of a first base unit is engagable to a fourth connector of a second base unit. The present base unit further includes second and third connectors that are obliquely positioned relative to each other such that a second connector of the first base unit is engagable to a third connector of the second base unit. A set of base units may form a self-standing playyard enclosure or one or more of the base units may be clamped by the jaws of a bracket that in turn is pivotably engaged to a wall mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Gary T. Schultze, Matthew A. Willms
  • Patent number: 11692572
    Abstract: A frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal frame members and a vertical frame member coupled together via a T-shaped joint. The T-shaped joint may be constructed of plastic to facilitate attachment and detachment to the adjacent frame members and to resist galling and corrosion. The T-shaped joint may also be relatively small to improve the appearance and water containment of the frame pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Intex Marketing Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 11370256
    Abstract: A hitch tightening pin system is designed to attach a draw bar to a hitch receiver tube and prevent relative motion between the draw bar and receiver tube. The pin system has an elongate tapered shoulder bolt that has a larger and smaller outer diameter with a tapered surface extending between the larger and smaller outer diameter. The system includes an expansion sleeve that has arcuate portions. The expansion sleeve can slide onto the smaller outer diameter with the arcuate portions facing the tapered surface. A nut tightens to move the arcuate portions radially outwardly to apply force to the inside surface of a draw bar. The application of force causes the draw bar to be held tightly to the receiver tube and reduce or eliminate looseness or rattling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Carl J. Borkholder
  • Patent number: 11312482
    Abstract: A component alignment system for an aircraft includes a first component having a first surface including first shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the first surface. The component alignment system also includes a second component having a second surface including second shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the second surface. The first shaped projections are complementary to the second shaped projections such that the first surface is translationally and rotationally constrained relative to the second surface when the first and second shaped projections are in an interlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Bennett Bacon
  • Patent number: 11296473
    Abstract: A connector support assembly is configured to securely retain a mating connector during an assembling process of an electrical connector. The connector support assembly includes a universal base, and a plurality of inserts configured to be interchangeably retained by the universal base. Each of the inserts includes a base connection interface that is configured to be retained by the universal base, and at least one shell connection interface. The shell connection interface(s) of at least two of the inserts are configured to retain different sized shells of different mating connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Eerik J. Helmick
  • Patent number: 11118361
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly is provided comprising an inner tubular member and at least one outer sleeve that receives at least a portion of the inner tubular member. The outer sleeve may longitudinally telescope with the inner tubular member to move between a non-expanded position and at least one expanded position. In some embodiments, the inner tubular member comprises a first locking component and the at least one outer sleeve comprises a second locking component that interlocks with the first locking component to secure the outer sleeve in the non-expanded position and/or at least one expanded position. Related methods for making a sleeve assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: STARRETT CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Riley Starrett
  • Patent number: 10502266
    Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement in a motor vehicle drive train, having a radially inner shaft and a radially outer hub, which are joined together in torque-transmitting manner by a plug-in toothed gearing with play, in which the plug-in gearing, and shaft outer teeth cooperate with hub inner teeth. In order to avoid gear teeth clattering, and to provide a freedom from play in the plug-in gearing, a spring element is provided, with which the shaft and can be braced against each other. In order to produce the freedom from play, the hub includes a support portion against which the spring element is supported with a spring force, building up a tilting moment by which the hub can tilt with respect to the shaft in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Michael Buck, Oliver Kleemann
  • Patent number: 10464203
    Abstract: The present invention is a telescopic extension which can be used to extend the reach of a tool and enables to use such a tool in elevated position. The telescopic extension includes a pole portion and a tool holding portion coupled to the pole portion. The pole portion includes an outer tube and an inner tube which can be reversibly locked together relative to each other to fix a variable length of the pole portion during use. The tool holding portion includes a cradle and a circular fitting pivotally connected with the cradle. The circular fitting is adapted to hold the tool in the telescopic extension, and further the pivot arrangement between the circular fitting and the cradle allows to rotate the tool to be set in a desired angle in the telescopic extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Cruz Osuna
  • Patent number: 10448559
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting an attachment to a support structure of a machine is disclosed. The assembly includes a holder on the support structure of the machine and a cam element to lock the attachment to the support structure. The cam element is rotationally connected to the support structure and rotates between an unlocked position and a locked position. As disclosed, in the locked position, the cam element extends through an opening along a backside of the holder to engage an indent surface on a backside of an attachment arm to secure the attachment to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Syd A Hager, Seth D Hager
  • Patent number: 10066759
    Abstract: A locking pin assembly having a body including a wall defining an interior space and having at least one aperture therethrough for allowing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior environment. A barrel defines a bore and has an outer wall with external threads. A pin travels longitudinally within the interior space of the body and the bore of the barrel. A spring actuated assembly maintains an end of the pin in an extended position relative to an end of the barrel when no force is applied to the pin and allows the pin to retract relative to the end of the barrel when a force is applied to the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Darrell Robert Krueger
  • Patent number: 9950907
    Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Wes Moore, Charles H. Russell
  • Patent number: 9855179
    Abstract: A securable rail guide contains a guide rail, a runner rail arranged in the guide rail and able to travel along the guide rail, and a securing unit which is embodied to fix the runner rail in position in the guide rail in a releasable manner. A locking unit is arranged on the guide rail and is embodied to secure the runner rail in a locked position, and an unlocking unit is arranged on the runner rail. The locking unit and the unlocking unit are parts of the securing unit. The unlocking unit is operatively connected to the locking unit such that an actuation of the unlocking unit releases the runner rail to allow a free movement along the guide rail. This configuration provides a separation of the locking and unlocking mechanisms, as a result of which an independent configuration of the stability of the overall locking mechanism is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Fabian Fliege, Wolfgang Neuber
  • Patent number: 9695812
    Abstract: A reciprocating pump assembly having a power end housing and a fluid end housing and a cylinder having at least a portion within the power end. A plunger assembly reciprocates between the power end housing and the fluid end housing of the pump assembly, the plunger assembly having a crosshead, a first section limited to movement within the power end and a second section moveable within the fluid end housing. The pump assembly also includes a seal housing disposed within the cylinder, the seal housing having a proximal end adjacent an entrance to the cylinder, and a distal end disposed within the cylinder. A power end seal is secured to the seal housing proximate the distal end and a fluid end seal is disposed within the fluid end housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Dille, David Arnoldy, Wesley D. Freed
  • Patent number: 9416682
    Abstract: An augmentor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an alignment assembly disposed along an axis having a base and a plate. The base includes a plurality of grooves. The plate includes a plurality of flanges in mating engagement to the plurality of grooves. A first component and a second component are attached to the alignment assembly. The mating engagement of the plurality of grooves and the plurality of flanges is arranged to provide incremental adjustment to define a position of the first component relative to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez, Joey Wong
  • Patent number: 9249821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stop screw (1) having a stop buffer part (2), which at a region located opposite of the stop screw (2) comprises a substantially spherical protrusion (2a). At a region located opposite of the stop buffer part (2), the stop screw (1) comprises a recess for receiving the substantially spherical protrusion (2a) of the stop buffer part (2) in order to form an articulated connection between the stop screw (1) and the stop buffer part (2). In order to limit the articulated connection between the stop screw (1) and the stop buffer part (2), the stop screw (2) comprises a screw contact surface (1a) and the stop buffer part (2) comprises a stop buffer part contact surface (2b) located opposite of the screw contact surface (1a), wherein a resetting element is provided for resetting the stop buffer part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ERWIN HALDER KG
    Inventor: Stefan Halder
  • Patent number: 9161465
    Abstract: In a quick-release fixing structure for an electronic equipment, the electronic equipment includes a plurality of holes and a snap slot, and the quick-release fixing structure includes a substrate, a turning element and a plurality of fixing elements. The substrate includes a plurality of grooves and a port, and each groove includes a first groove hole and a second groove hole interconnected to the first groove hole, and the second groove hole is greater than the first groove hole. The turning element is coupled to the substrate and includes a bump exposed from the port and snapped into the snap slot. Each fixing element is passed through each first groove hole and fixed to each hole. The turning element can be turned to push the electronic equipment to move each fixing element into each second groove hole, and separate the electronic equipment from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GRAND-TEK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Jung Chen, Yu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 9102051
    Abstract: A retractable rod structure of a hand tool includes an inner rod disposed along an axis. One end of the inner rod is provided with a tightening seat. The tightening seat has a tightening surface on a circumferential side thereof. A tightening ring is fitted on the tightening surface. An outer rod is fitted on the inner rod. The outer wall of the tightening ring is against the inner wall of the outer rod. The outer rod is turned to bring the tightening ring to turn simultaneously. Through the guide of the tightening surface, the tightening ring is tightened between the tightening surface and the inner wall of the outer rod, like a wedge, such that the outer rod and the inner rod can be positioned at any desired position to adjust the length of the retractable rod structure of the hand stool in a stepless way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8668257
    Abstract: A foldable bracket of a chair contains a positioning rod, a first rotating rod, a connector, a second rotating rod, and a supporting plate. The positioning rod is connected with the chair. The first rotating rod is rotatably coupled with the positioning rod. The connector is joined with the first rotating rod. The second rotating rod is rotatably coupled with the connector, and the supporting plate is connected to the second rotating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8640735
    Abstract: A waste water lifting installation has a collection container and a pump assembly. The pump assembly is fastened on a flange plate which closes an opening on the upper side of the collection container. The flange plate, on a first side edge which faces the middle region of the waste water lifting installation, is releasably fixed on the collection container with a single locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Holding A/S
    Inventors: Luca Casalini, Alessandro Iacoponi, Ralf Schomäcker
  • Patent number: 8434739
    Abstract: An adjustable demolition leverage tool capable of removable and adjustable connection to various rotationally and positionably adjustable tool heads being specifically shaped to achieve various demolition tasks. The tool heads are configured so the distance between the two side edges of a tool head may be extended or reduced and the angle of the leading edge of the tool head with respect to the handle of the leverage tool may also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: John Connolly
  • Patent number: 8221582
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a plasma reaction chamber used in semiconductor substrate processing. The assembly includes an upper showerhead electrode which is mechanically attached to a backing plate by a series of spaced apart cam locks. A guard ring surrounds the backing plate and is movable to positions at which openings in the guard ring align with openings in the backing plate so that the cam locks can be rotated with a tool to release locking pins extending from the upper face of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Patrick, Gregory R. Bettencourt, Michael C. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 8136780
    Abstract: An electronic device holder is revealed. By the electronic device holder, an electronic device is supported in a preset position so that users can operate the electronic device conveniently. The electronic device holder consists of holding units on tow sides thereof and a connection member connecting the two holding units. By the stopping and clipping of the two holding units, the electronic device is held and supported firmly in a preset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Jow Tong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 8066445
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the length of a tension tie mounted on a deployable antenna based on a cable network structure includes a cable retainer provided with a retaining hole, a cable being connected to the cable retainer; a retaining case coupled to the outer periphery of the cable retainer and provided with a plurality of retaining holes; and a retainer positioned inside the cable retainer and configured to extend through the retaining hole of the cable retainer and through one of the retaining holes of the retaining case so that the cable retainer and the retaining case are prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Changsoo Kwak, Man-Seok Uhm, Dong-Hwan Shin, In-Bok Yom
  • Publication number: 20110002731
    Abstract: A latching device for insertion into a tube provides two large flat buttons one on each side to lock the tube relative to an outer tube or to two parallel plates. A tubular housing with open ends slides into the tube between the side walls of the tube with the ends of the housing substantially butting inside surfaces of the side walls. The buttons are mounted on respective slide members mounted in the housing spring biased apart so that the buttons can be depressed. One or two set screws acting as stop members can be inserted after the housing is moved to the required location in the tube to prevent depression of the buttons to a position inward of the inner surface of the tube so that the housing is held in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jan Vetesnik
  • Patent number: 7648306
    Abstract: A turnbuckle device (11) for clamping concrete shell elements (1, 2), having two claws (12, 13), which may be displaced toward one another, and a wedge (18) or the like, the claws (12, 13) having legs (14, 20; 41), the legs (14, 20; 41) having contact surfaces (30, 31; 43) extending in a plane to rest on struts (7, 21; 50) of frames (5, 6) of concrete shell elements (1, 2), the legs (14, 20; 41) having lugs on their free ends (16, 22; 40), which are capable of engaging behind depressions (9, 15) in frames (5, 6) of concrete shell elements (1, 2), is characterized in that an extension (17; 42; 44; 45) is provided on a lug (16; 40) of a leg (14; 41), which extends away from the contact surface (30, 43) at least partially perpendicularly to the plane of the contact surface (30; 43) of the leg (14; 41). The mounting of the turnbuckle device is thus made easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schwörer
  • Patent number: 7591401
    Abstract: Design for construction of a wearable tray system is disclosed. The wearable tray system is adjustable in multiple dimensions including width, length, positioning of trays and multi-functional tilt wrist rests. ‘Wave-grip’ technology is utilized to provide for secure tool-free incremental lengthening and shortening of structural members. Further, multiple lockdown systems are disclosed for removably securing various objects to the trays of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence Sandler
  • Publication number: 20080069631
    Abstract: Furniture connectors and modular furniture systems are disclosed. The furniture connectors may be configured to include furniture-engaging portions that are inserted into grooves that extend along connection sides of furniture members. The furniture connectors can include at least two furniture-engaging portions and may include elongated connecting elements extending from the furniture-engaging portions. The elongated connecting elements may be fastened to furniture members to connect multiple furniture members together in a secure manner in a variety of assembly configurations. The modular furniture systems disclosed may use easy-to-assemble connectors and strong, reversible connections that may permit disassembly and reassembly, optionally, into a different furniture configuration than the one disassembled. Expandability without disassembly or part removal may further augment the versatility of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Dolf Zillmann
  • Patent number: 7150578
    Abstract: A clamp system for attaching accessory devices to a railing structure includes a first clamping jaw member and a second clamping jaw member designed to clamp on a railing structure. An accessory mounting device includes a cylindrical collar portion with a plurality of diametrically aligned holes arranged around the circumference. One of the clamping jaw members has an opening, sized to receive the collar portion and one pair of holes that can be aligned with the holes of the collar portion. When the mounting device is in a desired orientation, a pin is inserted through the aligned holes to hold the orientation. A locking nut is mounted on a threaded portion of the collar portion and, when tightened, tends to withdraw the collar portion against the pin, firmly securing the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Carmen R. Porco
  • Patent number: 6948877
    Abstract: A striding shank fixing device includes an insert tube, a guide tube, and an adjusting member. The guide tube has plural position holes, and the adjusting member has a hole for the guide tube to pass through and a position projection to fit in one of the position holes to secure the adjusting member with the guide tube at an adjusted location. A thumb screw screws through the adjusting member to press a driving strip to push forcefully against a vertical side of a wall to secure the shank fixing device striding on the wall so the shank of a parasol may be inserted in the insert tube and stabilized by a thumb screw screwing through the insert tube and pressing against a driving block in the insert tube and pressing against the shank to support the parasol stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Albert Chong-Jen Lo
  • Patent number: 6824218
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest and height adjustment mechanism. The adjustable arm rest has a fixed member having a housing, a vertically adjustable member having a post slidably disposed in the housing, and a sleeve disposed intermediate the post and the housing. The height adjustment mechanism can include a camming slot formed in the post, an angled slot formed in the sleeve member on opposite sides of the camming slot, a locking pin positioned through each of the camming and angled slots, and a bushing projecting into the angled slot and defining upper and lower regions thereof in which the locking pin can be held. The locking pin is movable between respective notches responsive to upward vertical movement of said post such that the vertically adjustable member is held at a height corresponding to each notch until further upward vertical movement of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrik R. van Hekken
  • Patent number: 6485222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping clip fastening for mounting hinges, locks or the like structural component parts in a thin wall, such as a sheet metal cabinet door or sheet metal housing, projection proceeds from the structural component part to be fastened, penetrates an opening formed in the thin wall and is grasped by a clip that is supported on two oppositely located edge areas of the opening, wherein the clip is pulled in the direction of the projection by f a clamping screw. The part of the structural component penetrating the opening forms an offset on two oppositely located surfaces which are grasped by the clip, which offset receives the respective clip end and whose surface passes in the direction of the structural component part via an inclined surface into a surface contacting the interior face of the opening, which surface is approximately flush with the outer surface of the leg of the clip located in the offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 6412843
    Abstract: A collapsible and telescopically constructed shovel. A scoop configured main body has a tubular member extending outwardly therefrom that slidably receives an elongated member of a handle. A latch pivotally mounted to the tubular member includes a pair of ridges extending into slots of the handle member and further includes a pair of hook shaped distal ends to secure the latch in either an erected or collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Remco Products Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Wade Burbrink, Kevin Eugene Ackeret, Trevor Scott Brown
  • Patent number: 6146044
    Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Robert John Calvet
  • Patent number: 6076424
    Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Wald Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David K. McMurtrey, Dennis P. Pawsat
  • Patent number: 5950997
    Abstract: A strut construction for holding aircraft cowlings in a raised position, comprises first and second telescoping members which are relatively shiftable between a collapsed inoperative strut position wherein the members are nested together, and an almost fully extended operative load-bearing position wherein the members are only partially nested, the relative shifting of said telescoping members to their partially extended operative position causing a blocking of any collapsing movement. The strut has a spring-charged collar which is slidable on one telescoping member between blocking and unblocking positions, and the collar has a latch which is responsive to its manual shifting to its unblocking position against the spring-action thereof, for holding the collar in an unblocking position. Such shifting unblocks the telescoping members, thereby to enable them to be relatively shifted to their collapsed position only after the cowling has first been raised to the full extent of its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph R. Metz
  • Patent number: 5924814
    Abstract: An expandable column 10 is accommodated in an accommodating hole 12a so as to freely advance therefrom and retract thereinto. The expandable column 10 has a plurality of holes 11 disposed thereon in the advancing and retracting direction thereof. An actuating piece 13 extends from an end of a fixed frame 12 in the advancing and retracting direction of the expandable column 10. The actuating piece 13 has elasticity and is formed to be swingable using the connecting portion thereof with the fixed frame 12 as a fulcrum and further has a pin 14 formed thereto and engaged with holes 11. The expandable column 10 is positioned by the engagement of one of the holes 11 with the pin 14 and the engaged state of both the hole 11 and the pin 14 is released by the swing motion of the actuating piece 13, so that the expandable column 10 can be expanded and retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5887664
    Abstract: An adjustable depth control mechanism for use with earth penetrating equipment. The invention includes a hub and spindle assembly for use with an adjustable depth gauge wheel, which is mounted on a support axle. It may also include a position indicator that an operator can readily view to determine the relative position of the depth gauge wheel and, accordingly, the depth setting of the ground penetrating disc. The indicator rotates to certain positions that correspond to the depth to which the disc is allowed to penetrate into the ground. Preferably, both the position indicator and the adjustment mechanism of the assembly are located internal to the depth gauge wheel and are covered and protected by the rim of the wheel from contamination by soil and crop residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Whalen, Ronald Eugene Chenoweth
  • Patent number: 5823623
    Abstract: A guide sleeve for neck rests on vehicle seats adapted to slidingly accommodate a rod carrying a neck rest, the sleeve comprising an enlargement adjacent to the upper end thereof which extends transverse to the axis of the sleeve, a slider element slidably guided within the enlargement and including a manually operable portion extending outwardly of the enlargement. A pin-shaped metallic locking element is positioned in the slider element adapted to cooperate with the rod on the side opposite to the manually operable portion whereby an axial displacement of the rod is prevented. A spring element of the locking element acts on the slider element to bias the pin element towards the rod, the spring element being formed by a bent elongated spring portion of the pin-shaped locking element which is supported by a rear wall of the enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: ITW-ATECO GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 5644993
    Abstract: There is provided an adjustable shelving device that is safe and easy to use. The shelving device has a frame, a plurality of shelves, a means for attaching the shelves, support bars and a means for linking more than one shelving device together. Each upright leg defines a plurality of laterally spaced holes, the holes in one upright leg are horizontally aligned with the holes in the other upright leg. The means for attaching shelves comprises a plurality of tubular oval brackets and a plurality of arms. The inside diameter of the oval bracket is substantially similar to the outside diameter of the upright legs. The plurality of shelves are adjustably mounted on the plurality of arms and are positioned in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the upright legs. The oval brackets further have a bracket locking means positioned on the inside surface near the first end and the back of the bracket. The bracket locking means are engageable in the plurality of laterally spaced holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Balt, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Dohnalik
  • Patent number: 5596910
    Abstract: The locking device for an adjustable vehicle seat with a snap-in bar extending parallel to an adjustment direction and having locking members and locking gaps arranged periodically. The locking device has a locking unit pertaining to said snap-in bar which is shiftable in the adjustment direction along said snap-in bar. The locking unit has more than two ratchet teeth, which:are independently movable in a locking direction extending across the snap-in bar,are elastically preloaded in the locking direction,can be disengaged simultaneously,are arranged one behind the other at equal distance in the adjustment direction,are of the same construction,each have two lateral flanks designated to be contacted with the lockings, with at least one of the two lateral flanks having a partial area located at the front in locking direction, which extends at an acute angle to the locking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Bauer, Burckhard Becker, Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Ulrich Karthaus
  • Patent number: 5586811
    Abstract: An adjustment device is provided for selectively positioning a structural member as for example, an office chair arm relative to the seat. The device includes a planar support member and a retaining member which are joined to encase a bearing through which a slidable structural member is adjusted. A detente element in the bearing engages one of a plurality of apertures in the structural member to allow the structural member to be releasably locked in a selected position. The adjustment device can be used on other members which slide for ease and convenience during positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Lino E. Tornero
  • Patent number: 5547116
    Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying various articles such as skis and ski poles, bicycles and luggage. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicle moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of the way when access to the rear of the vehicle is desired. One form of illustrated carrier, for carrying (1) skis and ski poles and (2) bicycles, includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding those articles. Another form of illustrated carrier, for carrying luggage, simply extends rearwardly and supports a horizontal platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Richard A. Eckhart
  • Patent number: 5449100
    Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying objects such as skis and ski poles. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicles moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of way to the side when access to the rear or the vehicle is desired. The illustrated carrier includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding the skis and poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Richard A. Eckhart
  • Patent number: 5435396
    Abstract: A hand cultivating system for loosening or tilling select portions of the soil in a garden or plot. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a hand cultivating implement wherein there is provided a longitudinal handle member having first and second ends, the first end having affixed thereto a tined cultivator member including a plurality of tines in general longitudinal alignment with the handle member. Also affixed to the handle member, connected to the handle member in a position in the medial or upper medial area of the handle, disposed generally toward the second end of the handle, is a laterally emanating torque handle, configured to allow the user to partially rotate the handle and tined cultivator member about their longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Reginald R. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 5433235
    Abstract: A foldable and lockable walker is disclosed that includes a pair of locking members provided on the cross-brace and cooperatively engaged to the horizontal portion of the side supports. The locking member receives a spring biased pin to lock the side supports against relative movement with respect to the cross-brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Guardian Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zivko Miric, Leo Zatulovsky, Cuong Bui
  • Patent number: 5426994
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Khalifa, Kenneth Budowick, Roger A. DeWulf
  • Patent number: 5384927
    Abstract: A security rail attachment for a bed comprises a post with an adjustable foot at the lower end, a rail portion mounted within the post and rotatable about the vertical axis of the post and an attachment rail which extends across the end of the bed and includes clamping elements for clamping to angle irons along the sides of the bed. The rotatable rail portion can be latched at four 90.degree. spaced positions by notches in the base of a vertical post of the rail portion which cooperate with a transverse pin in the post. The rail portion can therefore project outwardly from the bed at right angles thereto for assisting the occupant in standing or can lie along the side of the bed to assist the occupant by preventing falling from that side of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Canadian Aging & Rehabilitation Product Development Corp.
    Inventors: Steve Mardero, Raymond Fulford, Harry Van de Mosselaer