Patents Examined by Alvin C. Chin-Shue
  • Patent number: 10640220
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide is disclosed. The inflatable evacuation slide includes an inflatable tube having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end and an anti-kiting device disposed proximate the second end of the inflatable tube, wherein the anti-kiting device may include a suction surface panel having a first side portion attached to an outer surface of the inflatable tube and a second side portion attached to the outer surface of the inflatable tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy C. Haynes, Jim McEwen
  • Patent number: 10633876
    Abstract: A furling crane loading platform (1) comprising: a cantilever support base (3); a first stage (2A) pivotally coupled to the cantilever support base (3); and a second stage (2B) pivotally coupled to first stage (2A). In an unfurled configuration (2B) the first and second stages provide a substantially horizontal crane loading surface extending from a building edge (11). The platform is configurable into furled configuration (2A). The platform may further comprise a third stage pivotally coupled to the second stage, fourth pivotally coupled to the third stage, hydraulic actuators (16), controller for controlling the stages in a sequence, sensor for sensing the configuration of the stages, detachable cantilever support beams (4) with a downward transition portion (19), props (5) to prop the cantilever support beams against an under surface of a floor slab and lockout mechanism (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TRUE POWER PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Liggins
  • Patent number: 10633872
    Abstract: A framework platform element, in particular for scaffolding, includes a framework platform body made from sheet metal material and extending in a longitudinal direction, with a stepping surface region providing a stepping surface on a top side and with side panel regions connecting to the stepping surface region in transition regions, formed by shaping the sheet metal material in two edge regions of the stepping surface region and situated at a distance from one another in a transverse direction. At least one side panel region has an end profile region, formed by shaping the sheet metal material, in an end region spaced apart from the transition region in a vertical direction, wherein in at least one transition region and/or in at least one end profile region, at least one curved shaped region is provided. A radius of curvature is less than or equal to a material thickness of the sheet metal material in at least sections in at least one curved shaped region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Wilhelm Layher Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Kreller
  • Patent number: 10617900
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, tractive assemblies coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a turntable rotatably coupled to the chassis, a platform coupled to the turntable and configured to support an operator, and a control console. The control console includes a base section coupled to the turntable and a movable section that is movably coupled to the base section. The movable section includes an operator interface configured to receive commands from the operator to control one or more systems of the vehicle. The movable section of the control console is selectively repositionable relative to the base section between a stowed position and an operating position. The operator interface is configured to be accessed by the operator when the operator is supported by the platform and the movable section is in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Linsmeier, Russ Litscher
  • Patent number: 10619417
    Abstract: A pass-through cable grab system which allows a workman wearing a harness to move up and down a ladder on a tower or similar structure while being protected from falling by a vertically extending safety cable attached to the tower. The system includes at least one standoff bracket having a rear end secured to the tower and a forward end secured to the cable. A cable grab assembly includes a housing that can move vertically up and down the cable and further includes a brake mechanism. A lever extends from the housing and is connected to the workman through a lanyard. In the event of a fall, the lever moves downwardly activating the brake mechanism. The housing includes a vertically extending slot which allows the cable grab assembly to pass over the forward end of the standoff bracket as the cable grab assembly moves up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Patent number: 10618786
    Abstract: The aerial lift platform includes a control station, a floor including a positioning zone for an operator maneuvering the control station, and a railing. The platform includes a protection device located on a surface of the railing. The zone and the protection device each extend on either side of a plane perpendicular to the first surface of the railing. A width of the protection device, measured perpendicular to the plane, is larger than 30 cm. The protection device is movable between: •—a retracted position, in which a protrusion height of the protection device relative to the railing, measured perpendicular to the floor, has a value below 10 cm, and •—a protection position, in which the protrusion height has a value above 30 cm. The railing includes an opening for accessing the platform, which can be at least partially obstructed by closing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: HAULOTTE GROUP
    Inventors: Sebastien Parot, Philippe Luminet
  • Patent number: 10612210
    Abstract: A ladder includes: a front connecting member and a rear connecting member at a top step, respective upper ends of which are connected to a lateral side of a vehicle body in a pivotally movable manner and are juxtaposed with a predetermined space therebetween in a vehicle front-back direction; a front connecting member and a rear connecting member which are provided at a step under the top step, and respective upper ends of which are connected in a pivotally movable manner to both ends in the vehicle front-back direction of a step board. The front connecting member and the rear connecting member at least at the top step among steps positioned above a lowest step are rigid members. The front connecting member and the rear connecting member at the lowest step among steps positioned under the top step are elastically deformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Tsutsumi, Takehito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10609919
    Abstract: A tree stand that is easier to hang, has leveling adjustability, multiple configurations and improved comfort. The stand has a platform with a top, a bottom and a peripheral edge. A pivoting hook is mounted to the peripheral edge to encompass a tree trunk and rotates 180 degrees to allow optimal tree stand position. Two supports extend from the underside of the platform to additionally engage the tree trunk and allow for leveling of the tree stand. A sling chair is removably bolted to the top of the platform, which may be formed from 1×1 square tube and wire mesh so that the sling chair is positionable in a plurality of locations. The sling chair is aligned along a first axis that is perpendicular to a second axis extending from the tree trunk through the platform to improve user comfort, access and visibility in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Jerry S. Burkett
  • Patent number: 10602738
    Abstract: A mobile hunting blind mounted on a trailer comprises a trailer frame having a pair of wheels on which is mounted a shack and a winch for deploying the shack to an operating position. A frame portion stands upwardly adjacent the forward end of the trailer frame and a base of the shack is supported at the top for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the trailer fame such that, in the first storage position, one side wall of the shack is generally horizontal and lies on the trailer frame with the base standing generally upwardly from the trailer frame and such that in the second operating position the base extends generally horizontally from the top of the upstanding support frame position with the side walls extending upwardly from the base. A ladder supports the edge of the base remote from the axis from the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: James A. McLeod
  • Patent number: 10604982
    Abstract: A bi-fold door stop controls movement and travel of lead and pivot doors in a set of vertically hung bi-fold doors. The bi-fold door stop has at least two non-parallel surfaces that each may act upon one or both of the lead and pivot door stiles to limit movement in two directions. Movement transverse to the track longitudinal axis is limited when the bi-fold door is either fully open or fully closed, while parallel movement is controlled by limiting the extent that the bi-fold door may be opened. At least two non-parallel surfaces are provided that each may act upon one or more of the lead and pivot door stiles, while an additional surface may act upon the face of the pivot door. The bi-fold door stop may be fabricated as a single part using common molding operations, and acts directly on the door panels, thereby preserving bi-fold door hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Robert J. Dodds
  • Patent number: 10576310
    Abstract: A fall protection device includes a frame, a rotation unit, a safety belt, and a braking unit. The rotation unit is rotatably disposed in the frame; the safety belt is wound up on the rotation unit, and adapted to be pulled to drive a rotation of the rotation unit. The braking unit includes a braking plate, a braking block, and a stopper. The braking plate is connected to the rotation unit, rotates with the rotation unit coaxially. The braking block is pivotally connected to the braking plate, and includes a stopping part. The stopping part of the braking block can be spun out by a centrifugal force produced by a rotation of the braking plate, and abuts against the stopper to limit the rotation of the rotation unit. The braking block includes an abutted part. The stopper is disposed in a movement path of the abutted part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: YOKE INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Hung
  • Patent number: 10569111
    Abstract: A post system for use in fall protection includes a connector to connect to a structure and a support in operative connection with a lifeline to maintain the lifeline at a first height above the structure. When a first threshold force is experienced on the lifeline, the support is operable to lower the lifeline to a second height which is lower than the first height. The ratio of a change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to a change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline (or the ?L/?H ratio) is less than 1. The ratio of the change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to the change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline may also be less than 0.5 or less than 0.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Montgomery, Justin Shane Patton, Preston L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10563457
    Abstract: A hand-powered photovoltaic module hoist having a sled that slides along a ladder, and a pulley assembly mounted at the top of the ladder with a first cord to lift the sled and a second safety release cord to permit the sled to descend down the ladder. The sled is not attached to the ladder and the pulley assembly is a removable frame that is hung onto rungs of the ladder such that the hoist can quickly be installed on a standard ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. West, Benjamin T. Materna, William P. Buchanan, Kathryn A. Pesce, Dana K. Noyes
  • Patent number: 10563413
    Abstract: A scaffold that is quick and easy to assemble while still implementing safety measures. The scaffold can include end caps that resist or prevent users from falling off the ends of the scaffold. The end caps are quickly assembled to the scaffold with a removable rod and pin mechanism. Moreover, to prevent a user from falling off the front or back of the scaffold, a pole and a mid-rail connector can be connected to the scaffold across the front or back, respectively, between an upper barrier and a lower platform. The pole can be inserted through connectors that are coupled to the scaffold, and can also be connected to mid-rail brackets for additional structural stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: David DuPree
  • Patent number: 10549975
    Abstract: A land vehicle assembly is provided with a platform for an operator workspace. A control panel is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the land vehicle. A caution switch is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the control panel to provide a signal to the control panel indicative of a caution event. A cable is connected to the caution switch to extend across the control panel. The cable is spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the flexible member actuates the caution switch without significantly obstructing the control panel. A manual force upon the flexible member expands the operator workspace. The control panel is programmed to control a mobile operation of the land vehicle, and discontinue the mobile operation of the land vehicle in response to receipt of the caution event signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Terex South Dakota, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Wicklund, Dax Wells, Denis Korolev, Greg Hieronymus, Mitch Ely, Adam Hailey, Chad Hislop
  • Patent number: 10549417
    Abstract: A sawhorse having quick release deployable supports. The sawhorse includes a stretcher body having deployable supports pivotally mounted to the stretcher body. The deployable supports pivot with respect to the stretcher body from a storage position wherein the first and second supports are generally parallel to the stretcher body and a deployed position wherein the first and second supports are generally perpendicular to the stretcher body. A single lock mechanism locks the first and second deployable supports in the storage position and releases the deployable supports to the deployed position. Either the first or second deployable supports can be arbitrarily pivoted from the deployed to the storage position, with the other deployable support being pivoted from the deployed to the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AFFINITY TOOL WORKS, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Ursell, Kenneth Neilson
  • Patent number: 10538205
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for ascending to the driver's cab of a telescopic handler or the like, including: a ladder (10) which in turn includes at least two parts (11, 12) of which at least one is movable; and an automatic device (3) for moving the movable part (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Manitou Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Iotti
  • Patent number: 10533328
    Abstract: A foldable quad-chord truss which can be connected end-to-end with like trusses. Each pair of chords are rigidly attached, and connector members intermediate the ends are swivelly attached to the chord pairs to effect the folding into a compact shape for transport and storage. The connector members are adapted for attachment to connector members of beams which may extend perpendicular to a parallel pair of the trusses and attached thereto. The laid trusses and beams is overlaid with sheets of corrugated sheet metal which overlap each other along their adjacent edges. While standing on a sheet of laid sheet metal adjacent ends of an already laid pair of trusses, another truss can be held adjacent the edge of the sheet metal for attaching an end of the other truss along only one side so that it can then be swung outwardly into a position wherein the other end of the other truss can also be attached to rigidly connect the trusses end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10526802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing and using segmented and integrated solutions for scaffold extensions are disclosed. An example embodiment comprises: a standard scaffold support component including at least one post element; and a scaffold extension including a runner element and a bracing element coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component to produce a modified scaffold support component with a scaffold extension. The scaffold extension can be a one-sided scaffold extension or a two-sided scaffold extension. The scaffold extension can be coupled to the post element of the standard scaffold support component with a hinged and swingable coupling. The scaffold extension can be integrated into the post element of the standard scaffold support component. The scaffold extension can be integrated into a retrofit scaffold support component configured to be coupled to the standard scaffold support component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Curt Wylde
  • Patent number: 10519671
    Abstract: A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: Gary E. Tompkins, Anthony J. Granzotto