Rotatable Members Resiliently Biased To One Position Patents (Class 403/111)
  • Patent number: 11627858
    Abstract: The present concept a cleaning device comprises; a pole assembly adapted to be detachably connected to a pole end; a head assembly adapted to be detachably connected to a pad; a resilient joint connected at a pole portion to the pole assembly and at a head end to the head assembly, wherein the resilient joint includes a flexible neck disposed between the pole end and the head end. The cleaning device is moveable between a normally retracted position and an extended position, wherein the retracted position the pole assembly pivots about the flexible neck relative the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Samuel Hattin
  • Patent number: 11619084
    Abstract: Friction hinge (21) for the pivotable connection of two components, comprising at least one first hinge sleeve (24) which is arranged in alignment with at least one further hinge sleeve (22), a shaft (11) which runs through the hinge sleeves (22, 24), and at least one friction spring for exerting a friction torque on the movable shaft (11), wherein at least two mutually aligned friction springs (10, 10?) are connected to the first hinge sleeve (24) via radial shoulders (16, 16?) and exert a friction torque on the shaft (11) mounted in the further hinge sleeve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: OTTO GANTER GMBH & CO. KG NORMTEILEFABRIK
    Inventors: Rudolf Kienzler, Patrick Rombach
  • Patent number: 11597064
    Abstract: The invention relates to pressing tongs or crimping pliers (1). The pressing tongs or crimping pliers (1) comprise a fixed pliers jaw (4) and a movable pliers jaw (6). A closing motion of the movable pliers jaw (6) can be initiated by pivoting a movable hand lever (9) via a toggle lever drive (11). According to the invention, a further lever (48), especially in the form of an additional hand lever (49), is provided. The further lever (48) is coupled to the movable pliers jaw (6) in such a way that when the further lever (48) is pivoted, an opening motion of the pliers jaw (6) into an insertion and/or removal position can be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: WEZAG GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Glockseisen, Roman Zinser
  • Patent number: 11479150
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a motor vehicle seat may have a seat rail that can be connected to the vehicle seat, and a floor rail, which can be connected to a vehicle floor and on which the seat rail is displaceably guided. The longitudinal adjuster may have a drive device for adjusting the seat rail relative to the floor rail along the longitudinal direction. The drive device may have a spindle fixed to the floor rail or to the seat rail. A rotatable spindle nut may be mounted on the spindle via a thread engagement. An electric motor may be operatively connected to the spindle nut for driving the spindle nut. A drive-side output shaft of the electric motor may be oriented parallel to the spindle. The floor rail has a cut-out and the electric motor is at least partly arranged through the cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Keiper Seating Mechanisms Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Erik Sprenger
  • Patent number: 11426861
    Abstract: A compact and portable door pull for sanitary use that provides a method of opening a door so the user doesn't need to touch the door handle thus lessening the likelihood of any germ/bacteria transmission. The device consists of an outer case which is gripped and an extension/slide-out component, or pivoting extension component, both having a thumb bump to manually actuate the extension. Both extensions have a hook on the end which engages the door handle and allows the user to pull the door open without touching the handle. Once the device is disengaged from the door handle, the user retracts the extension by manually reversing the extension action using the thumb bump. The device can then be returned to its original storage location (i.e. pocket, purse, backpack or diaper bag) for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Sheryl A Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 10575863
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of knee ligament balancing for knee replacement procedures. The disclosure provides a system of components to implant to achieve ligament balancing. In addition, instruments and methods are provided to achieve the desired balance of the ligaments before final fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: J. Dean Cole
  • Patent number: 10385574
    Abstract: A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Scott P. Thompson, Mark Lyle Goth
  • Patent number: 10227804
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a device may include a deployable rolling joint having a first deployable joint member, a second deployable joint member, and a plurality of flexures coupled to the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member. The deployable rolling joint may move from an undeployed state to a deployed state in which the first deployable joint member forms a convex surface portion and the second deployable joint member forms a convex surface portion. When the deployable rolling joint is in the deployed state, the convex surface portion of the first deployable joint member may roll with respect the convex surface portion of the second deployable joint member, and the plurality of flexures may hold the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member together as the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member roll across each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Larry L. Howell, Todd Nelson
  • Patent number: 10064724
    Abstract: A device for strengthening new joints in animals after joint replacement surgery includes a flexible bone anchor that connects to the new implant material on one end and to cortical bone on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Richard J Hansen
  • Patent number: 9427876
    Abstract: A robotic joint assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a rolling flexure joint joining the first structural member to the second structural member to provide at least one degree of freedom between the first and second structural members. The rolling flexure joint includes first and second flexible hinge members each having one end secured to the first structural member and an opposing end secured to the second structural member. The first and second flexible hinge members cross one another between the first and second structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Annan Michael Mozeika, Mark Robert Claffee, Martin Buehler
  • Patent number: 9243434
    Abstract: The hinge structure of a console box including a brake shaft and a braking device, arranged in a place displaced in the axial direction of a hinge shaft and disposed on one side of the hinge shaft. When opening and closing a lid, the drive shaft and the hinge shaft rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the lid, while a friction plate between the brake shaft and a braking plate is pressed against the rotating end face and the stationary brake plate, which is secured to a storage box, and a predetermined friction force can be produced continuously. Due to the friction force, the lid can be rotated under the influence of a moderate extent of rotational resistance when opening and closing the lid, and the position of the lid can be kept in the place where the lid stopped rotating within a rotatable range of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Moriroku Technology Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Koarai, Takuya Uehara
  • Patent number: 8950967
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an articulated joint usable in e.g. robotics and rehabilitation, consisting of a first and second body, rotatably connected to each other, and comprising a third body, equally rotatable around a rotation axis, wherein the third body acts as a lever arm. This lever arm is connected via a spring to a pre-tension mechanism, which may be mounted on the second body, while the rotation of the lever arm with respect to the first body is controlled by an actuator. This construction leads to a joint wherein the position can be controlled independently from the compliance of the joint, thereby yielding a mechanism with improved characteristics compared to existing designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventor: Ronald Van Ham
  • Patent number: 8801320
    Abstract: A joint device connects a first and second members and allows pivotal motion of one or both members. The joint device includes a housing having a slide surface and a guide surface. First and second rotating members are supported for rotation by the housing to pivot one or both members. A slide member carrying a spring is supported for movement on the slide surface with rotation of the rotating members. The spring is coupled to the first rotating member, and has an arm arranged for movement along the guide surface as the slide member moves along the slide surface. The spring member imparts a bias torque on the first rotating member, where the bias torque magnitude changes as the slide member moves along the slide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koncept Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ng
  • Patent number: 8734043
    Abstract: Through pivot (1) has a stator (2) and a rotor (3). The rotor is capable of turning relative to the stator about an axis of rotation (A) and is capable of accepting a through shaft aligned with the axis of rotation. The rotor is connected to the stator by a plurality of webs (4) capable of being deformed to allow the rotor to rotate, and in that in a condition of rest the webs form an angle of inclination relative to a radial direction passing through the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Xavier Jeandot, Yannick Baudasse
  • Patent number: 8727292
    Abstract: An angle adjustment device, include a fixed portion; a movable portion; a connection portion which rotatably connects the movable portion to the fixed portion; and an elastic member which is arranged between the movable portion and the fixed portion and restricts rotational movement of the movable portion with kinetic friction generated between the movable portion and the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: NEC Access Technica, Ltd., NEC Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Namie Sugiyama, Keisuke Hatomi
  • Patent number: 8628052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus having a display body, comprising: a connecting member combined with the display body at an upper end part thereof and having a swivel part at a lower end part thereof; and a base having a swivel supporter where the swivel part is inserted and supporting the swivel part to be rotatable. Thus, the present invention provides a display apparatus which is swiveled stably and smoothly with a slim structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-kyun Lee, Young-bok Kim
  • Publication number: 20130340366
    Abstract: A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel M. Gray, McGurty M. Lisa, Wert David Bryan, Strawn Maxwell Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120328358
    Abstract: A rotational joint is provided that comprises a first member, second member, rotational shaft member, rotational biasing member and stop ring. The first member has a pair of sidewalls that face each other. The second member has a pair of plate members each disposed proximate to the outer-facing sides of the sidewalls. The rotational shaft member is fitted into shaft holes in each of the plate members and the sidewalls. The rotational biasing member is disposed around the rotational shaft member and its one end is engaged with the first member and the other end with the stop ring fixed to the rotational shaft member. The first member is rotatable with respect to the rotational shaft member that is fixed to the second member. The rotational biasing member and stop ring are disposed between the sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro AKIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20120321374
    Abstract: A universal joint with a positioning structure contains: a base including a fitting segment disposed on one end thereof and a receiving groove fixed on another end thereof; a tool set including a driving segment formed on one end thereof and a knob mounted on another end thereof; between the receiving groove and the knob being defined an engaging structure; wherein the base includes a fixing structure, the fixing structure includes at least one pressing member fixed on a wall thereof and a sliding sleeve fitted on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the sliding sleeve includes an abutting face and a chamber to control the pressing member to press the knob, the base also includes at least one connecting segment disposed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the sliding sleeve includes at least one coupling segment fixed on the inner surface thereof to engage with the connecting segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Hwang Ray
  • Publication number: 20120237284
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly may be provided. The breakaway assembly may comprise an upper joint connecting a boom tip to a structure (e.g. a plate.) The breakaway assembly may further comprise a first hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure and a second hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure. In addition, the breakaway assembly may comprise a pressure assembly connected to the boom tip and a lower joint connecting the pressure assembly to the structure. When a force is applied to the boom tip (e.g. from either side, fore or aft), the pressure assembly may be configured to oppose the force and one of the first hinge and the second hinge may be configured to release in response to the boom tip rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Petrus Henricus Johannes Bouten
  • Patent number: 8250712
    Abstract: A hinge having a plurality of movable axes enabling eccentric movement of an object connected to the hinge, and a connection member with a first hinge axis for enabling a first object to rotate about the first hinge axis, the connection member including a plurality of movable axes enabling eccentric movement of the object. The plurality of movable axes includes a central axis, a second hinge axis and a third hinge axis, and when the hinge or connection member moves with respect to the second hinge axis and the third hinge axis, the central axis moves. The hinge or connection member can be used in a portable terminal having a main body housing, where the folder rotates with respect to the first hinge axis towards or away from the main body housing, and the folder can rotate with respect to the first hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jin-Soo Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Shin-Chul Kamg
  • Patent number: 8162276
    Abstract: A combination clip and hook (clip) for use generally in suspending articles, which is rotatably movable about a rotary joint between a first position in which two opposing, rotatably joined portions of the overall clip structure are oriented together to form a continuous, enclosed shape that can be secured around another, and a second position in which the two portions of the structure are rotated out of the enclosed shape, and into, for example, a S shaped hook where one portion of the structure supports the item and the other portion can be applied to another supporting member. The joint between the two portions can define a spring-loaded rotating pivot assembly with at least two indexing positions opposed by 180 degrees. The rotary joint can be constructed with a pair of confronting male and female wedge and detent inserts that are biased toward each other by an embedded spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Clipsy, LLC
    Inventors: Farvardin Fathi, Imraan Aziz, Michael J. Strasser, Thomas E. King
  • Patent number: 7905066
    Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson STrong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Pryor, Lisa M. McGurty, William F. Leek, Richard I. Proctor
  • Patent number: 7762735
    Abstract: An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a socket having at least three ball support points to constrain a ball, and a yoke rotatably coupled to the socket, the yoke having an axis of rotation that intersects the ball when the ball is positioned in the socket, the yoke rotatable to a closed position in which the yoke captures the ball in the socket, and the yoke rotatable to an open position in which the yoke does not capture the ball in the socket. According to some embodiments, the yoke is biased in the closed position such as, for example, by a spring. The yoke may be rotationally coupled to the socket at one or more locations, and the axis of rotation may intersect the ball when the ball is in the socket either through the center of the ball or at an off-center location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cedar Mesa Design Company, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Brittin Clayton, III, Richard Adams
  • Patent number: 7740190
    Abstract: A boom breakaway assembly for a spray boom used by a vehicle. The boom breakaway assembly includes a reciprocating system having a first position and a second position, a retention system, and a bias system. In the first position, the bias system applies a maximum effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system applies a holding force upon the spray boom to maintain the spray boom in a desired outward position. In the second position, the bias system applies a minimal effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system reduces or disengages the holding force upon the spray boom, thereby allowing the spray boom to move from the outward position to a breakaway position when the spray boom encounters an obstacle. The bias system returns the reciprocating system to the first position once the spray boom clears the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: John Peterson, Steve Seubert, Dave Friesner
  • Publication number: 20090060641
    Abstract: An exemplary rotatable joint (100) used for a mechanical device includes a socket (10), a rotatable arm (20), a supporting shaft (13), a fastening member (15), an adjusting member (16), and a resilient module (18). A pivot hole (212) is defined in the rotatable arm. The supporting shaft includes a first shaft portion (130) and a second shaft portion (132). A threaded hole (131) is defined in the first shaft portion and the first shaft portion extends through the pivot hole. The second shaft portion is fixed to the socket. The fastening member includes a threaded portion (152) for engaging in the threaded hole of the supporting shaft. The adjusting member is disposed at the threaded portion of the fastening member. The resilient module is disposed between the rotatable arm and the adjusting member for providing an axial resilient force. The axial resilient force is fine tuned by moving the adjusting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen, Zheng-Qiang Song, Gang Cheng, Bing-Jing Xu, Meng-Hua He, Jian-Jun Li
  • Patent number: 7290342
    Abstract: A circular saw assembly of the type that includes a motor housing, a handle coupled to the motor housing, a generally circular saw blade disposed within a blade housing at a first end of the motor housing, and a foot member through which the blade extends for guiding the saw assembly along a work surface, where the circular saw assembly including a depth of cut locking system and an angle of cut locking system. The depth of cut locking system includes an arcuate bracket with an arcuate slot, and an engagement member extends through the slot and is operatively connected to the motor housing and slideable in the arcuate slot. The angle of cut locking system includes a bracket having an arcuate slot and an engagement member movable in the slot and configured to the bracket. A biasing member is provided to bias the engagement member, and at least one detent recess is provided to retain the engagement member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: James R. Hartmann, Ralf Bocka, Joseph Z. Wascow
  • Patent number: 6758624
    Abstract: Presented is a trailer incorporating a device that allows the detachable coupling of the ball coupler and safety chains of a trailer for remote storage of these items, while incorporating a security feature that allows only the original ball coupler and safety chains to be connected. This deters the unauthorized towing or theft of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Productivity Paradigm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Hugh Thompson, James Kevin Hays
  • Patent number: 6430777
    Abstract: A pivot device has a seat and a pivotal axle pivoted with the seat. The pivotal axle has a retaining shoulder, a retaining portion and a pivot portion respectively formed at two ends of the retaining shoulder, a threaded end formed at one end of the pivot portion, and multiple positioning holes defined in the retaining portion to receive screws for fastening the pivotal axle to screen. The seat comprises a flat portion defined with multiple retaining holes, a plate formed at a first edge of the flat portion, a hole defined in the plate, and a pivotal ring formed at a second edge being adjacent to the first edge. The threaded end and the pivot portion are inserted into the pivotal ring and the hole through multiple washers and elastic rings, and then a free end of the threaded end is fastened with a nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 6394688
    Abstract: A wiper arm that can be pivoted out of the way, in particular for motor vehicles, having a fastening part (2) and a hinge-part (3), which are joined together via a wiper arm hinge (4) in such a way that the hinge part (3) can be pivoted out of the way about the wiper arm hinge (4), thereby reaching a locking means (14), and further having a tension spring (8) and a hoop spring (9), wherein the hoop spring (9) has clamping segments (9.3, 9.4), and that the fastening part has an extension (13) with bearing faces (14.1, 14.2), on which the clamping segments (9.3, 9.4) of the hoop spring (9) rest in the position pivoted out of the way of the hinge part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Godelieve Kraemer
  • Patent number: 6305043
    Abstract: A paint applicator (20) has a base (21), a handle (22) mounted on the base for pivotal movement between first and second angular positions in a plane substantially parallel to the surface being painted about a first axis (y-y), an adapter (23) mounted on the handle for pivotal movement between extended and retracted positions in a plane substantially perpendicular to such surface about a second axis (z-z), and a spring (24) acting between the base and adapter for urging the handle to move toward a null position intermediate the first and second positions and for urging the adapter to move toward its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Robert F. Rosnak
  • Patent number: 6269560
    Abstract: A sweeping assembly for a machine having a handle generally comprising a first implement pivotally connectable to the handle; a strut assembly including a first arm member operatively connectable to the handle, a second arm member and a spring device operatively interconnecting the first and second members, and means for yieldably biasing the second arm member into a predetermined position relative to the first arm member; and a second implement mounted on the second arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Rockland Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel S. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6267373
    Abstract: A bearing structure has first and second support members in which first and second stepped small-diameter portions of drive and nip rollers are rotatably mounted by bearings. The first and second support members are disposed in respective first and second holes defined in a side wall and have respective first and second inner engaging teeth and respective first and second outer engaging flanges which are held against respective opposite surfaces of the side wall to retain the first and second support members on the side wall against removal. The first and second support members thus firmly retained in position on the side wall can reliably bear thrust forces from the drive roller and the nip roller. The drive roller and the nip roller and the bearings can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Takata
  • Patent number: 6154925
    Abstract: A tilting hinge, includes a bracket having mount plate portion and a bearing plate portion bent at a right angle in relation to the mount plate portion and in which a bearing hole is formed. A rotating shaft has a mount portion, a large-diameter portion and an externally threaded small-diameter portion supported rotatably in the bearing hole. A first friction washer is provided between the large-diameter portion and one side of the bearing plate of the bracket and has a hole in which the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft is inserted. A second friction washer is provided in engagement with the other side of the bearing plate and has formed thereof a hole in which the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft is inserted. A spring washer provided in engagement with the second friction plate and has formed thereof a hole in which the small-diameter portion of rotating shaft is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumiaki Miura
  • Patent number: 6048125
    Abstract: An article includes an articulation pin (4) engaged in first and second elements (2,3A), to secure the same together, with a tongue and groove respectively formed in the elements and pin to prevent relative rotation. A blocking arrangement fixes the second element and the pin to prevent relative rotation when they are in a predefined relative axial and angular position. The first and second elements (2,3A) and also the pin (4) cooperate so that the application of a force between the first elements (2) and the second element (3A) at least equal to a predetermined threshold, when the pin (4) and the second element (3A) are in the predefined relative axial and angular position, produces a relative axial movement between the pin and the second element, freeing the blocking arrangement so that the pin is free to rotate in the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Emile Droche, Eric Leverger, Olivier Dordet
  • Patent number: 5913351
    Abstract: A tilt hinge designed small in size and capable of gaining a great torque, comprising a bracket to be mounted on an apparatus body side, a rotating shaft so constituted as to be mounted on an opening-closing body which is rotatably mounted on a bearing section of the bracket, a first friction plate interposed to rotate together with the rotating shaft while being inserted into the center section between the large-diameter portion of the rotating shaft and one side of the bearing section, a second friction plate mounted on the other side of the bearing section with the rotating shaft being inserted into the center section, a nut mounted to press the spring washer on one end of the rotating shaft toward the bearing section side, a retaining washer interposed between the nut and the second friction plate with the rotating shaft being inserted into the center section, and a spring washer interposed between the retaining washer and the friction plate with the rotating shaft being inserted into the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumiaki Miura
  • Patent number: 5894632
    Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Friedrich Fischer
  • Patent number: 5807009
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling comprises an input member, an output member a chamber associated therewith, within the chamber a charge of cured silicone composition in crumb form and a spring biased piston for compressing the charge to an extent sufficient to permit the compressed silicone to convey rotational motion from the input member to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Dow Corning S. A.
    Inventors: Robert John Michael, Rene Louis Mathieu Andre Paquet
  • Patent number: 5772351
    Abstract: A pivot joint including a mounting frame, a pivot bolt inserted through a hole on the mounting frame, and a lock nut screwed up with the pivot bolt to hold the mounting frame and the pivot bolt together, permitting the pivot bolt to be turned about its longitudinal center axis, wherein the pivot bolt has a collar stopped against the mounting frame at one side opposite to the lock nut; two washers are mounted around the pivot bolt and retained between the mounting frame and the lock nut; a plurality of corrugated plate springs are mounted around the pivot bolt and retained between the washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Chih Ching Industry Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Gen Ching
  • Patent number: 5733059
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling a cutting tool (12) to a vehicle (14) such as a tractor that permits the cutting tool (12) to pivot to a released position when it contacts an obstruction (38) and that returns the cutting tool (12) to its cutting position at a controlled speed after the cutting tool has cleared the obstruction is disclosed. The coupling apparatus (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally coupled to the vehicle (14) and fixedly coupled with the cutting tool(12) and a rotary actuator (18) for pivoting the frame (16) and the cutting tool (12) between their cutting and released positions at a controlled speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Edward E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5634241
    Abstract: An energy storing spring joint (100) for use between two parts movable with respect to each other and joined by the energy storing spring joint is capable of storing energy in such a way that energy is stored in a displacement path and is released in very precise and predetermined manner, with a variable force over the path of displacement, when the parts move in the opposite or backward direction in the path of displacement. At least one energy storing member (50) or at least two energy storing members (50) connected sequentially or at least two different energy storing members (50) connected in parallel are mounted in or on the energy storing spring joint (100) and may be moved by or loaded with energy when one of both parts (30, 40) is moved relative to the other part. The energy storing member(s) (50) may be locked against releasing their energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Friedrich Fischer
  • Patent number: 5564664
    Abstract: The suspension (1) permits of the almost frictionless swinging into equilibrium position of an instrument (53) fastened to an instrument holder (5). For the balancing of the weight or the swinging into the position of equilibrium, the spherical end (7) of the instrument holder (5) is raised. In the raised position, there is an approximately punctiform resting surface between the holding part (3), the suspension (1), and the instrument holder (5). After the instrument has swung into the equilibrium position, the spherical end (7) of the instrument holder (5) can be held clamped fast over a large surface by turning the shaft (19) which has eccentric disks (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Max Oschwald
  • Patent number: 5555711
    Abstract: A lawn rake incorporating a spring element which is adapted to provide a "throwing" capability in the rake head. The spring element urges the rake head into a position at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the rake handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Richard G. Costa
  • Patent number: 5492296
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an adjustable stand for an optical viewing apparatus such as a surgical microscope pivotable about a pivot axis. The adjustable stand and the optical viewing apparatus conjointly define a center of gravity which can shift to produce an unwanted unbalancing torque when accessories are added to the microscope and/or when there is angular movement about the axis. The adjustable stand includes a mounting bracket for attaching the stand at a desired location; a pivot shaft defining the pivot axis; a carrier holding the pivot shaft and an elastically deformable energy storage device mounted on the shaft for releasing stored torque energy in response to the shift to balance the unwanted unbalancing torque. An adjusting device is provided for loading the storage means with a predetermined torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventor: Klaus Biber
  • Patent number: 5482394
    Abstract: A winding spring is preset in a connector, with its winding portion fit at an attaching shaft of the connector, in such a manner that its one end is engaged with the connector and its other end on the side of the fitting lever is engaged with a provisional locking protrusion provided on the connector. The fitting lever is rotated around a supporting shaft of the connector so that a sharp tip of a locking releasing body provided on the fitting lever releases the other end of the winding spring from the provisional protrusion, and the other end of the winding spring, because of its resilient returning operation, is engaged with a locking portion provided at the exterior of the locking releasing body. Thus, the winding spring can be mounted in the connector so that its lever side engagement end is surely engaged with the fitting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Shinchi, Toshifumi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 5480076
    Abstract: A retractable clothes hanger (10) having a pair of garment support arms that can be positioned in either a normal, extended position or a retracted position. When the arms are retracted, the clothes hanger can be easily inserted and removed from a narrow necked garment such as a turtleneck sweater. The first and second garment support arms are integrally attached to a first and second inner section respectfully with each inner section having a first and second engagement end. The two engagement ends, which are designed to rotatably intermesh, include a plurality of hook bores that when intermeshed, a notch is formed. A hinge spring is then inserted into the notch which normally biases the two garment support arms in their extended position. Into the plurality of bores is inserted the hanger support hook which in addition to functioning as a hanger hook also rotatably secures the two garment support arms. Two push nuts are positioned to secure the hook to the two garment arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Siegel, Scott O. Ganaja
  • Patent number: 5405411
    Abstract: An artifical ankle joint for use as an ankle between a foot prosthesis and leg prosthesis in an artificial limb. The artificial ankle joint includes a foot plate attached to a foot prosthesis, a leg plate attached to a leg prosthesis, a stem assembly and bearing assembly connected between the plates in which the bearing is a spherical bearing oriented vertically and including an inner race connected to the leg plate about an axis generally horizontal when the ankle joint is in use and an outer race connected with the stem assembly. Resilient structure extends between the plates for providing a degree of resistance to relative movement of the plates and includes a heel spring enclosing the stem assembly and a toe spring spaced from the heel spring with both the toe and heel springs extending between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Allen J. McCoy
  • Patent number: 5342015
    Abstract: Rear view mirrors for a tractor are mounted on elongated arms which may be adjusted laterally to change the lateral spacing between the mirrors and the tractor, which automatically swing rearwardly or forwardly upon striking an obstruction, and which may be quickly and easily folded to and held in a compact storage position extending longitudinally of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignees: Steven Brownlee, Farmer's Factory Company
    Inventors: Paul Burton, Steven D. Brownlee
  • Patent number: 5037231
    Abstract: A joint device, wherein a shaft is supported by a base member, and can rotate in a first direction and a second direction. Two coil springs are mounted on the shaft. The first coil spring has an end fixed to the base member. The inner diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft. The first coil spring is wound around the shaft in the first direction. The first coil spring is wound tightly around the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the first direction. An arm is attached to the shaft. The arm twists the free end of the first coil spring in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the first coil spring. The second coil spring also has an end fixed to the base member. The free end of the second coil spring is twisted when the shaft is rotated in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the second coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5024283
    Abstract: A tiltable element, e.g. an operator's cab, is resiliently supported on a body frame by a plurality of pivotable mounting devices. Each device comprises a pair of parallel bracket members and a support element. The support element and the bracket members have coaxial openings therethrough with a generally cylindrical shaft positioned in the openings. The shaft has first and second externally threaded end sections and an intermediate section. The diameter of the first end section is greater than the diameter of the intermediate section so as to form a first shoulder therebetween. The opening in one bracket member has internal threads to matingly receive the threads on the first shaft end section. An annular shell has an inner diameter at least as large as the diameter of the intermediate shaft portion and less than the diameter of the first shaft end section. An annular resilient sleeve is mounted between and in contact with the annular shell and the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Komatsu Dresser Company
    Inventor: Jack M. Deli