Pivoted Patents (Class 403/330)
  • Patent number: 7419464
    Abstract: A rotor mounting structure arranged in a centrifugal separator. A cylindrical shaft having elastic tongue pieces provided substantially equidistantly on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the cylindrical shaft is provided at the distal end of a drive shaft; the tongue pieces have hooks; a shaft accommodation orifice accommodates the cylindrical shaft is formed in the center of the rotor; elastic tongue piece insertion grooves mate with the elastic tongue pieces of the cylindrical shaft; the rotor is joined to the cylindrical shaft, while bending the elastic tongue pieces; and in a state in which the rotor is completely joined to the cylindrical shaft by engaging the hooks of the elastic tongue pieces with the upper edges of the grooves of the rotor by the elastic force of the elastic tongue pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Souichirou Matusima
  • Patent number: 7400508
    Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis of an information handling system may include a chassis and a retention member. The chassis is suitable for receiving a device and has a first side and a second side, the first side being generally perpendicular to the second side. The retention member is configured as a cam assembly and is mounted to the first side of the chassis, thereby enabling the retention member to exert a force against a device to secure the device to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Kevin A. Patin
  • Patent number: 7367745
    Abstract: A securing assembly for a bike and a bike trailer includes a securing body provided with a gap defined in the securing body and composed of two plates each provided with an elongated hole and a cutout to respectively correspond to and align with the elongated hole and cutout of the other plate of the securing body and a hook pivotally and movably received in the gap. When the hook is at a first position, the hook is able to close opening of the cutout in the securing body so as to confine movement of a free end of the rod after the free end of the rod is received in the cutout and when the hook is at a second position, the hook is able to open the cutout to release the confinement to the free end of the rod to allow the free end of the rod to escape from the securing body to allow disengagement between the bike trailer and the bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Mei Lu
  • Patent number: 7357593
    Abstract: A tube connector for connecting one tubular section to another tubular section. A hook apparatus is joined to a first tubular section and a latching apparatus joined to a second tubular section. The latching apparatus of the second tubular section removably engages the hook apparatus of the first tubular section forming a sturdy joint able to hold up under vigorous activity. The latch and hook are easily joined and locked into place. The second tubular section covers the engaged latch and hook joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Brian A. Florence
  • Patent number: 7185568
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that allows the use of a standard ratchet wrench with a square male drive on one end that attaches to a normal socket and a square female drive on the other end which attaches to a normal socket wrench. The apparatus then provides a wrench slider component to provide increased length to reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Vance
  • Patent number: 7077277
    Abstract: A foot assembly includes two first legs each having a first ring provided with a first limiting recess defined in an inner face of the first ring and a first finger extending from the inner face of the first ring, two second legs each having a second ring and a second limiting recess defined in an inner face of the second ring to movably receive therein the first finger of the first ring and two joints each having a third ring, a tube and a tubular extension formed on a bottom rim of the third ring to extend into the first ring and the second ring. The joint has a second finger to be movably received in the first limiting recess such that the first leg is able to align with the second leg for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7046517
    Abstract: A cooling system hinge mounted to a portion of an enclosure of an electronic system to which a cooling device may be releasably and pivotably attached in at least an open position to permit access to components within the electronic system and a closed position to permit installation of a cover to close the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Long, Paul J. Gwin, Rolf A. Konstad
  • Patent number: 7007567
    Abstract: A shift lever apparatus is provided in which, after a slider has been assembled at a case, a link is assembled to the case while an intrusion shaft is inserted into a hole. For assembly of the link to the case, an assembly pawl provided at the link is resiliently deformed and inserted at an assembly portion which is provided at into the case. The assembly pawl includes an engaging protrusion that is engaged with a surrounding area of the assembly portion by resilient force of the assembly pawl. A blocking member is pre-positioned to interfere with the assembly pawl when the engaging protrusion is engaged with the surrounding area to block release of the assembly pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Kako, Noriyasu Shamoto, Haruyuki Kanda
  • Patent number: 6999320
    Abstract: An expansible and detachable housing of electronic device has two half-housings and two base plates with a detachable pivot element respectively connected to the bottom plates. Whereby, when the two bottom plates are formed a plane, the two half-housings are formed an extension state, or when the two bottom plates is caused to be perpendicular to each other, the two half-housing bodies is allowed to assemble to form a complete housing, or when the two bottom plates are separated, the two half-housings is formed a separation state. Therefore, the present invention can allow each electronic element to be assembled easily and to be maintained conveniently. Furthermore, electronic elements can be conveniently assembled in the two half-housing bodies separately at two different locations according to needs, and then, integrated into a whole body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: First International Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Yuan Fan
  • Patent number: 6948687
    Abstract: A clamp having a clamp base that is attachable to a flat or sloped roof. A clamp top is releasably attachable to the clamp base. The clamp top includes a pedestal that is snap-fittingly engaged to the clamp base. The pedestal is made in two parts that are interconnected by an interconnecting wall that is releasably engaged by a locking member that forms a part of the clamp base. The header of a solar collector is confined in a space defined by the clamp base and clamp top. In a barrel tile application, a plurality of feet are attached to the bottom of the clamp base. At least one foot abuts the tile on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the tile. The bottom of each foot is contoured to match the convex surface of the tile. No feet are needed where the roof covering is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Heliocol USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Shatzky
  • Patent number: 6935805
    Abstract: A reusable self-aligning precision latch, including a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, and an interface cone. A lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment. A drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engages a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven. A flexure ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with a pivoting clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body are equalized. A motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Richard A. Colleluori
  • Patent number: 6932428
    Abstract: A furniture assembly includes: a first seating unit with a stationary support; a second seating unit with a stationary support; and a connector that is configured to interconnect the first and second seating units such that respective lateral portions thereof are adjacent. The connector includes: a first component attached to the stationary support of the first seating unit; a second component attached to the stationary support of the second seating unit; and interconnecting structure attached to the first and second components that (a) prevents relative horizontal movement of the first and second seating units when the first and second seating units are in an interconnected condition, and (b) permits relative vertical movement of the first and second seating units when in the interconnected condition to separate the first and second seating units. This configuration can enable the rapid interconnection and separation of adjacent seating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6908222
    Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Janice J. Schnipke, Thomas S. Donthnier, Lilian Chen, Gongpu Yan
  • Patent number: 6767155
    Abstract: A high stability ball-in-cone type latch mechanism is taught that is particularly useful for large deployable optical systems. It provides a nearly perfect kinematic mount between structural or optical elements and can easily be remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Calvin E. Abplanalp, Richard A. Colleluori
  • Patent number: 6705795
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism for connecting a cooling device with a component to be cooled and carried by a connector is disclosed. The attachment mechanism includes a plate, a bore that connects with a portion of the cooling device, a hinge that can be removably hinged on the connector, and a latch assembly that includes tilt relief profiles that allow the latch assembly to pivot on the plate so that a latch profile on the latch assembly can be removably latched on the connector. The latch assembly further includes a spring locator and a spring that are positioned within a slot in the latch assembly and hold the spring pre-loaded in compression. When the latch assembly is tilted on the plate, the latch profile is pivoted outward to facilitate latching onto the connector. After latching onto the connector, the spring is further compressed and exerts a load between the cooling device and the component to be cooled such that contact resistance is reduced and thermal transfer is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Shankar Hegde
  • Patent number: 6669398
    Abstract: A lock portion for a connector which is adapted to disengageably lock connector housings which are adapted to be engaged with each other by locking an engaging portion provided on the male housing with a latch portion provided on the female housing, characterized in that flexible lock arms which are fixed on a horizontal wall of the female housing so as to extend in an engaging direction includes the latch portion at an opposite side, and a disengaging lever portion which is connected at its one end to the latch portion so as to extend along the lock arms, and which rotates with the latch portion around a support portion which is abutted movably against the horizontal wall by pushing a finger touch portion for lock disengaging operation in a backward end, whereby a locked condition will be disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimi Wada, Kazuto Ohtaka, Shigeru Tanaka, Naoto Sugie, Toshinori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6666612
    Abstract: A pivot has identical first and second members partially engaged in each other and mobile in rotation relative to each other about a common axis, against the action of at least two return leaf springs each having first and second ends anchored in the first and second parts, respectively, by being wedged inside them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignees: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, Be System Etudes Cao Realisations
    Inventors: Eric Pascal Jean Lorigny, Eric Lionel Meizel
  • Patent number: 6634254
    Abstract: A device for fixing a hub on a shaft, especially for fixing a steering wheel hub on a steering column, using a fastening screw. The screw extends crosswise to the shaft, is guided in the hub and has a cone-shaped section for engaging in a channel or groove is the shaft. When the hub is laid axially on a stop of the shaft, the axis of the screw is situated higher up than the center of the channel or groove of the shaft while the hub rests on the shaft above and below the channel or groove, with a positive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Hung Hodac
  • Patent number: 6607327
    Abstract: A fastening device for the backseat of a bicycle having an actuatable fastener, a backseat, and a loaded bag is disclosed. The actuatable fastener of the fastening device includes a fixing plate, a spring and a clipping plate. The surface of the fixing plate, near to the edge thereof, is provided with a through hole each, and a pair of hook sections is provided below the fixing plate. The bottom edge of the hook section is provided with a peg hole, and the clipping plate is located between the hook sections, the bottom section of the clipping plate is provided with a peg hole, and a peg body is used to mount the fixing plate, the clipping plate and the spring into an integrated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Ping Ho
  • Patent number: 6582150
    Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis includes a chassis suitable for receiving a device. The chassis has a first side and a second side, the first side oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. A retention member is mounted to the first side of the chassis to enable the retention member to exert a force against a device, thereby applying the force from the retention member to the device and to the second side of the chassis, thereby securing the device in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, David D. Williams, Daniel C. Castillo, Jorge A. Moriel, John J. Daly, James Foster Knutson
  • Patent number: 6494822
    Abstract: A cutting tool retention mechanism, for example, typically used to retain a tool holder in a tool pocket of a tool changer magazine. A horizontal machine tool apparatus typically contains a plurality of tool pockets attached to a movable tool changer magazine and the mechanism of the present inventions provides an affirmative mechanism for retaining tool holders so that they do not separate from their respective tool pockets unless removal is desired. More particularly, a pair of opposed pivotal fingers each include a latch which can engage with or disengage from the internal groove of a tool holder to perform this function. Spring bias can be provided to encourage this affirmative engagement of the latches with the internal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Unova Ip Corp
    Inventor: Mark Frederick Hopkins
  • Patent number: 6478503
    Abstract: A locking device for a handrest of a stroller includes two connecting tubes secured to the front of the stroller and two pairs of locking members. The pairs of locking members are movably received in a respective one of the tubes; the locking members have lower button parts passing through lateral holes of the tubes to show, and are pivoted to the tubes from middle portions with upper engaging portions being movably received in recesses of inner sides of the tubes. An elastic member is disposed between lower parts of each pair of locking members to bias the upper engaging portions towards the center of the tube. Thus, a handrest having engaging protrusions at two ends can be locked with the tubes by means of passing the engaging protrusions into the tube to engage the upper engaging portions of the locking members. The handrest becomes removable from the tubes when the lower button parts are pressed inwardly of the tubes to disengage the upper engaging portions from the engaging protrusions of the handrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Pao-Hsien Cheng
    Inventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6457179
    Abstract: A helmet mount for a night vision device with a goggle horn for attachment to the helmet mount is disclosed. The helmet mount includes an adjustable socket assembly for mounting goggle horns with varying dimensions therein, and a break away latch assembly in the lower socket that allows a goggle horn to be removed if a certain predetermined force is applied to the night vision device. Additionally, the helmet mount includes a vertical adjustment system for changing the vertical position of the night vision device relative to the user's eyes. The vertical movement can be achieved by either a rack/pin system or a gear drive system. Also provided is a locking mechanism that allows the night vision device to be easily changed from the stowed or in use position by compressing an activation button that disengages the locking mechanism and allows the night vision to be flipped up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6332748
    Abstract: A latching device is provided for coupling a vehicle tool carrier with a variety of tools such as a bucket. The device serves to releasably secure the tool with the carrier once the carrier has been positioned with the tool. The latch includes a handle-actuated pawl and an over center linkage to retain the latching device in either its latched or unlatched position. A spring serves to hold the link in its over-center position. The pawl swings laterally to minimize interference with the carrier and tool structures and simplify activation by the operator from his seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Arthur Doering, Donald Rodney Flatau
  • Patent number: 6308922
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting an object on a floor. The support assembly includes a support bracket releasably mounted to the leg member. The support bracket and leg member are adapted so as to permit the support bracket to be rotated between at least three positions relative to the leg member. In one preferred embodiment, one of the support bracket and leg member comprise a post member and the other of the support bracket and leg member comprises a socket shaped to receive the post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoff A. Hollington, Dean D. Achterhof, Eric Cammenga, Michael L. De Pree
  • Patent number: 6290425
    Abstract: The disengageable clamp of a cable car or chair lift has a control lever 17 carrying the movable jaw 14, articulated on the fixed jaw 13. At least one flexion leaf spring 23 is interposed between the clamp body 10 and the control lever 17 in order to force this lever into the clamp closure position. Two leaf springs can be disposed on each side of the clamp body 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Pomagalski S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Cathiard, Bernard Roux, Daniel Michel, Jean Souchal
  • Patent number: 6224072
    Abstract: A household cart has a wooden or molded plastic rectangular base for carrying household items. Four caster assemblies on the base are close to the four corners of the base. A U-shaped handle has hooks for carrying household items approximately halfway between side edges of the base, about equidistant from front and back edges of the base. The handle can be positioned either transversely or longitudinally of the base. In the handle transverse position, legs of the handle fit into a first pair of receptacles located between (1) the casters close to the base back edge and (2) the cart transverse center line. In the longitudinal position, the legs fit into a second pair of receptacles located along a longitudinal center line of the base. The receptacles of the first pair are spaced from each other by the same distance as the receptacles of the second pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: David Weck, Erwin M. Frey
  • Patent number: 6174110
    Abstract: A shoring leg is provided with a latch for use in maintaining an end plate of the shoring leg and a jack collar in a predetermined position relative to each another. The latch comprises a latch member having a slot to receive a mounting bracket which mounts the latch member for pivotal movement relative to the mounting means from a latching position to a release position. The latch member defines a recess adapted, when in the latching position, to receive part of the leg end plate and a corresponding part of an adjacent collar of the jack to retain the end plate and collar in the predetermined position. The latch member is biased into the latching position by a coil spring acting between the leg and the latching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: SGB Services Plc.
    Inventor: Demetrios Georgiou Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6063018
    Abstract: A centrifuge including a drive head attached to a rotation shaft and a rotor adapted to be removably mounted on the drive head in a rotational driving position and which is coupled thereto during rotation of the drive head. The centrifuge includes elements for axially locking the rotor to the drive head by applying to the rotor an axial retaining force that increases with the rotational speed of the drive head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Jouan
    Inventor: Jean Claude Letourneur
  • Patent number: 6022166
    Abstract: A self locking forkbolt for pivoting the end of a pivoting seat back frame to a vehicle body includes a pin that is locked into a slot by the end of a hook that swings on a pivot axis across the slot, from an open to a closed position. A locking lever fixed to the hook moves with the hook, and a cam lever pivoted to the same pivot axis, located on to of the locking lever, has a striker edge that is engaged by the pin first as the pin is pushed into the slot. The force transfer connection between the cam lever and the hook/locking lever is indirect, consisting of a spring that is compressed by the pivoting cam lever to, in turn, push on the hook. The locking lever pops into a latched position as the hook swings closed, and the spring remains at least slightly compressed, reducing rattle of the pin within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., David A. Sedlak, Joseph Michael Johnson, Reginald Leo Mc Donald
  • Patent number: 5829499
    Abstract: In a wood planing machine, two pairs of spaced front and rear pillars extend upwardly from a bed at opposite end portions of the latter. Each of two upright threaded rods is mounted stationarily on a respective one of the opposite end portions of the bed between a respective one of the pairs of spaced front and rear pillars. An upper housing has opposite end portions through which the front and rear pillars extend slidably. Each of the opposite end portions of the upper housing has a transmission gear that is mounted rotatably thereon and that has a respective one of the threaded rods extending threadedly therethrough. The upper housing further has a horizontal coupling rod mounted rotatably thereon. The coupling rod is provided with a pair of driven members that engage the transmission gears on the upper housing. The wood planing machine is further provided with a locking unit to permit locking of the upper housing at a desired height relative to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Juei-Seng Liao
  • Patent number: 5807013
    Abstract: A connecting fitting releasably connects two platelike furniture members. The connecting fitting comprises two connecting member which are adapted to be secured to respective ones of the furniture members. A first connecting member is pin-like and has a head and a shank, and the second connecting member is in the form of a casing with a cylindrical shell. A spring loaded locking member is situated within the casing. The casing has an opening in its cylindrical shell through which the head of the first connecting member is insertable. The locking member is adapted for releasably engaging the head of the pin-like connecting member when in the inserted position. A latch is situated in the casing to obstruct movement of the locking member biased by the spring. The latch is provided with a resilient abutment lever which the pin-like member strikes when it is inserted into the casing and by means of which the pin-like member moves the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Klaus Brustle, Erich Rock
  • Patent number: 5778582
    Abstract: A sign device having a rear plate and a front plate. The rear plate has a first connecting part, and the front plate has a second connecting part. The connecting parts are engageable to connect the rear and front plates. One of the two connecting parts is provided on one end of a rocker member having a partially elastic area at the other end. The two connecting members may be disengaged by acting on the elastic area. The connecting parts may also serve as hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: A/S MODULEX
    Inventor: Klaus Peter Rath
  • Patent number: 5707166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (10), the brushneck (12) of which, connected to an exchangeable brushhead, is deflectably held, in a reversible, resilient manner, on a hollow handle (14) by a swivel joint (18) surrounded by a sealing element (16). The brushneck (12) is provided at its coupling end (20) facing the handle (14) with an articulated head (22). The handle exhibits at its coupling end (24) facing the brushneck (12) an articulated fork (26), between whose fork legs (28, 30) an articulated head (22) of the brushneck (12) is fitted-in and connected by a swivel axle (32). The sealing element (16) consists of a pressure-elastic material. The articulated fork (26) is itself of tension-elastic configuration, so that the sealing element (16) is held by the articulated fork (26) under elastic pre-tension between the mutually opposite coupling ends (20, 24) of the handle (14) and of the brushneck (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Jeannet, Robert Leutwyler, Werner Leutwyler
  • Patent number: 5664792
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns a tool fixing mechanism including a hollow grip and a resilient clip body. The grip has a front end and a rear end. The front end is formed with a slot, while the rear end is formed with a cross-shaped socket. Two windows are respectively formed on the top and bottom walls of the rear end of the grip. The resilient clip body is located in the cross-shaped socket of the grip. The resilient clip body is formed with two lugs extending out of the windows of the grip. Therefore, if a user depresses the lugs, the resilient clip body is closed or stretched open so as to fixedly latch or release a tool inserted in the slot of the front end of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Hans Tseng
  • Patent number: 5622444
    Abstract: In a connecting arrangement on first and second parts which are to be connected, the first part carries an extension and the second part has an opening into which the extension engages when the parts are in the connected position. The extension has an aperture. A projection extending into the opening in the second part engages in the aperture when the parts are in the connected position. An arresting tongue projects into the aperture in the extension. When the two parts are brought together the arresting tongue is pivoted by the projection into the position in which it bears against a region of the boundary wall defining the opening in the first part and thus secures the parts in the connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Krupp Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Oddbjorn Gronnevik
  • Patent number: 5570968
    Abstract: In order to simplify the design of a clamping device (1), in particular for securing an axially displaceable rod (3) in optional adjustment positions, in which a rolling body (17) is supported at a housing (5) enclosing it for clamping purposes, the rolling body (17) is arranged in a lever head (9) of a lever (6) having at its end remote of the lever head (9) a push button (11) which is guided out through the housing (5) and the rolling body (17) contacts a portion of the wall of the housing (5) constructed on its inner side as an oblique plane (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Sonor Johs. Link GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Sassmannshausen, Werner Sassmannshausen, Anke Kleindienst
  • Patent number: 5560253
    Abstract: A shift lever assembly for a manual transmission is disclosed. A boss of a shifting lever is supported for rotation by a shift shaft on a lever retainer. A boss of a selecting lever is supported for rotation by a support shaft parallel to the shift shaft on the lever retainer. A boss of a shift lever is supported for selecting operation about a select shaft at right angles to the shift shaft on the shifting lever. Shifting operation of the shift lever is transmitted via a select arm and an end ball portion thereof to an engagement portion of the selecting lever to cause rotation of the selecting lever about the axis of the support shaft. The shift lever is formed integrally with its boss, the select arm and the ball portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Tsuda Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Ishikawa, Michiyuki Murakami, Yoshitaka Sogo, Mitsuyuki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5525000
    Abstract: A releasable coupling assembly is provided for rib members or other members having a flat stock or bar-like configuration. The releasable coupling is provided for members which are at least partially overlapping one another, with the opposing mating surfaces of the members preferably being planar. One member carries a retaining clip defining a pocket for receiving the other rib member. Various embodiments are provided in which moveable or stationary pins extend into the pocket to engage the cooperating rib member to engage the rib member to prevent dislodgement from the overlapping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Todd Belobraydich, Jeffrey A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5421649
    Abstract: A movable base board for an optical scanner includes a handle being disposed on a rectangular opening formed on the bottom of the movable base board. A concave recess is formed on the handle for hand grasping. The handle is fixed on the movable base board by means of latch studs and snap pin engaging with openings formed on the movable base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ting Shia
  • Patent number: 5409321
    Abstract: A quick release clamp includes a handle pivotally fixed on a U-shaped bracket via a pin. The U-shaped bracket has a central hole at a base therein and two plates integrally and perpendicularly extended from two sides of the base. A bolt device having a head portion and a rod portion is threadedly engaged with a nut by a lower end of the rod portion with the rod penetrating the hole of the U-shaped bracket and the head portion being slidably received in the U-shaped bracket. A transverse hole is formed in the head portion of the bolt device for receiving a middle portion of the pin. The pin has a recess formed at a middle portion thereof suitable to receive a peripheral portion of the transverse hole of the head portion of the bolt device. The pin is rotatable in concert with the handle thus allowing the bracket to be manually moved close to or away from the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao F. Chen
  • Patent number: 5382109
    Abstract: Interengageable male-female style coupling device with a pivotally movable lock plate having an entrance/egress aperture with a tapered entering surface. The tapered surface both facilitates engagement of coupling members and acts to securely fasten the coupled members in locked position. The device is particularly suited for "gooseneck" or "neckover" coupling devices commonly used in tractor-trailers hauling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Hammerblow Corporation
    Inventor: Oscar W. Nyman
  • Patent number: 5368409
    Abstract: A mechanism for releasably latching an assembly which is pivotable between first and second side frame members in a machine, comprises a pivot rod mounted transversely between the first and second side members and pivotally biased away from the assembly. First and second levers are rigidly secured to the pivot rod at opposite ends of the pivot rod, and first and second latching members are independently and pivotally mounted to the first and second side frame members adjacent to the first and second levers respectively. The first and second latching members are biased towards the assembly. Each of the first and second latching members includes a notch for receiving a connecting rod in the assembly. Each of the first and second levers includes a guide pin for urging the first and second latching members away from the assembly when the first and second levers pivot towards the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Marzullo, Curtis Mrozinski
  • Patent number: 5351740
    Abstract: A new attachment plate is provided for securing components of panel assemblies to a mounting post, the attachment plate incorporating a securing hook together with a locking tab. The attachment plate includes a projecting hook which mates with a slot in a mounting post structural member. The hook is of a lesser length than the slot in the post, and a further projection as a locking tab is provided on the attachment plate which also enters the slot and restrains reversed relative movement between the plate hook and the post slot, so as to limit or prevent undesired disassembly of a panel from the post. The application of an upward impact to the plate causes a cam surface on the locking tab to contact the upper end of the mounting post slot. This deflects the locking tab out from the slot, to enable removal of the hook from the slot, for panel disassembly from the post. Also provided is a hooked supporting plate incorporating pairs of flexible presser tabs, to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: G. D. Hanna Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald D. Hanna
  • Patent number: 5332330
    Abstract: A connector has a first connector member and a second connector member. The first connector has a pair of left and right shutter members at its left and right side ends. Each of the left and right shutter members has an eject portion which presses the second connector to separate the first and second connectors in accordance with a pivotal movement of the shutter member. The eject portion has a pair of connector press portions which are exposedly projected along front and rear outer surfaces of the first connector. The connector press portion is able to press front and rear outer edge portions of a surface of the connector opposite the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5327978
    Abstract: A telescoping draft link assembly includes a hollow first tractor-coupled link and a second implement-coupled link slidably received by a channel in the first link. A pocket is formed in the first link next to the channel. A plate is pivotally mounted in the pocket and is pivotal from a release position wherein the plate is entirely received in the pocket to a locking position wherein at least a portion of the plate projects into the channel. The second link has a notch formed therein, an end of the notch forming a shoulder which is engageable with the plate to releasably hold the second link in the retracted position. A spring is biased to urge the plate towards its locking position and a knob is attached to the plate so that an operator may pivot the plate to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronald D. Bremner
  • Patent number: 5318346
    Abstract: A structural support shell for a tilt-back chair has a back portion, a seat portion, and a flexible compression zone extending between the back and seat portions in an integrally molded, one-piece unit. The chair has a base with a recline control and pivoting recline control lever. The seat portion of the shell is fixed to the base and the back portion of the shell is fixed to the recline control lever. The flexible compression zone provides a simplified construction for an ergonomic chair design having an effective axis of rotation between the back portion and seat portion which is located above the seat portion, forward of the back portion, and generally adjacent to the hip joints of a seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Roossien, David C. Pugh, Dale M. Groendal, James E. Massey, Robert M. Scheper, Daniel P. Beemer, James P. Steffens, Duane F. Nagel, Bruce M. Smith, Douglas A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5288161
    Abstract: Quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting an extension pole to a tool handle include an adaptor attached to an end of the extension pole having a smooth cylindrical outer end portion axially slidable into and out of an internally threaded bore in the tool handle. A bearing support is provided for the cylindrical outer end portion when fully inserted into the bore. Also, a non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool handle when the cylindrical outer end portion is fully inserted into the bore to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and a releasable latch prevents the cylindrical outer end portion from being withdrawn from the bore unless released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventors: Howard Graves, Richard L. Barker
  • Patent number: 5287946
    Abstract: A child's portable climbing apparatus is disclosed, having first and second climbing members. The first and second climbing members each have spaced, opposing parallel support beams and spaced, horizontal climbing bars secured to the opposing parallel support beams. The first and second climbing members are pivotally joined by a top horizontal climbing bar secured to the beams at a location offset from the longitudinal centerline, to enable the first and second climbing members to be folded into parallel alignment for ease of transportation and storage. At least one safety bar is removably secured between a selected climbing bar on the first climbing member, and a selected climbing bar on the second climbing member to adjustably position and releasably secure the climbing apparatus in a variety of heights and angular climbing positions. A safety catch is preferably used to secure the safety bar during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Henry C. Mayo
  • Patent number: 5281045
    Abstract: A movable member positioning mechanism in which the number of components of lock and click mechanisms is decreased, and the number of assembling steps is decreased accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Yuichi Ichikawa