Patents Examined by Derek J. Berger
  • Patent number: 5967470
    Abstract: The doll stand has a base, a vertical support part between the legs of the doll when in use, a carrying part and holding parts. A coupling part connects the carrying part to the vertical support part. The carrying part is a single manufacture with a coupling part extending downwards from its middle section and holding parts which project upwardly from its end. The carrying part is bandaged onto the doll, and the doll and carrying part are placed on the vertical support part. The lower end of the support part is either attached to a visible base plate or, in an embodiment without the base plate, in or below a presentation plate. The legs can be moved and the doll can be rotated either mechanically or by hand. The holding parts may include tension straps, brackets, and it may be formed as a seat bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Franz Guschlbauer
  • Patent number: 5967467
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a fixture which enables ready, accurate and positive preliminary mounting of an electric line part in completely one operation without the need for any screwing operation, regardless of a change in the width and height of the channel flanges of a channel rail and also, enables ready and positive permanent securement of the electric line part, and which allows an operator to extremely easily, positively and efficiently carry out this type of operation without the need for any skill.A means for clamping electric line parts according to the present invention comprises a fixture body 1 having a part attached to a channel rail 4, a bolt 2, and a clamp 3 threadedly engaged with the bolt 2. The clamp 3 includes a central nut 3B, pivot pins 8, 8 mounted to the nut 3B, a pair of right and left clamping elements 3A, 3A pivotable about the horizontal pivot pins 8, 8, and a protrusion 8a extending outwardly from one side of the nut 3B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Yoshio Onishi, Masakatsu Onishi
  • Patent number: 5967473
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably attaching a first component, such as a wheel speed sensor, to a second component, such as a part of a wheel suspension, comprises a mounting device having first and second regions, and an intermediate region located between the first and second regions, the first component being mounted on the first region of the mounting device, and an attachment element, such as a screw, which connects the second region of the mounting device to the second component. The mounting device is shaped so that its intermediate region is spaced away from the second component. Upon tightening of the attachment element, the intermediate region of the mounting device is brought into contact with the second component by elastic or plastic deformation of the mounting device, whereby the position of the first component is fixed in relation to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventor: Gunther Singbartl
  • Patent number: 5964445
    Abstract: A load counterbalancing system with a constant load displacement force includes a load element, a position transducer and an actuator element. An environmental force acting upon the load element is counterbalanced by a support force provided by the actuator element. The environmental force is assumed to be a predetermined function of the position of the load element, and the actuator element applies the support force to the load element as defined by the predetermined function. The invention allows an operator to move the load element through its entire range of motion with a constant applied force, and to place the load element statically at any position in the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: LTX Corporation
    Inventors: Anatoly Pikovsky, Andrew Roemer, Roger Plante
  • Patent number: 5964442
    Abstract: A cross wire linked between master and slave lock bars of a vehicle seat adjuster assembly has a normally fixed length, but can lengthen when needed to accommodate a wide build condition of the parallel seat tracks. The fixed length of the cross wire is set so as to accommodate every condition but for master lock bar opening at wide build, when the slave lock bar will fully open before the master lock bar has fully opened. At that point, and only at that point, a central, integral coil spring in the cross bar, which is preloaded to match the fully open return spring force of the slave lock bar, stretches and allows the whole cross wire to effectively lengthen. The master lock bar can then be fully opened without overstressing the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Daniel Wingblad, Gary Paul Parko, Robert Paul Adams
  • Patent number: 5964435
    Abstract: A durable and portable gun support that is particularly well adapted for use in a hunting blind or stand. The gun support provides a gun rest and support brace that may be hooked over a wall or the bottom of a window opening to give the operator a flat top surface on which to rest a gun. The flat top surface may be adjusted to orient the gun laying on the gun rest toward the expected field of view for firing. This generally correct orientation allows the operator to more quietly, quickly, and accurately aim and fire the gun. The gun support also provides a camera mount that allows the operator to conveniently secure a camera to record activities occurring within the field of view. The gun support may also be employed in two alternate positions to provide convenience of operation and stability during firing for the operator of a two-handed gun. In a first alternate position, the gun support can be oriented with its flat surface generally vertical to support a gun being held in a kneeling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Harold R. Peltier, Chad Peltier, Joyce A. Peltier
    Inventor: Harold R. Peltier
  • Patent number: 5964434
    Abstract: A fireproof cable loop forming strap of substantial width has pockets at each end and may have one intermediate pocket to receive front and rear spreader bars which project beyond the lateral edges of the strap. The projecting ends of the bars are configured to be received in hook tabs projecting from the face of a hanger plate or yoke. The rear spreader bar interfits with the plate or yoke and is preassembled therewith so it cannot be removed. The fireproof strap may be formed of fireproof cloth and has folded and sewn lateral edges in addition to the pockets. The hanger plate or yoke may be mounted directly to a variety of structures or surfaces. With an angle flange and intermediate fasteners the hanger may be secured to a wide variety of structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Lynch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5964437
    Abstract: A body of soft, pliable material is used to form a mounting support for securing objects to a substantially flat surface. The body has substantially parallel inner and outer major faces. The inner face is formed to have a slight concavity but is sufficiently soft and pliable to conform to and thus secure itself to roughened surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin
  • Patent number: 5964436
    Abstract: A chair base includes a leg assembly having a plurality of radially extending legs, and a leg cover adapted to cover the legs. The tubular legs have a top surface divided by a centerline and have apertures offset from the centerline. The leg covers are adapted to cover the legs, and the leg covers include downwardly extending off-centered bosses for engaging the apertures. Each of the tubular legs has an end with aligned vertical holes therein. A sleeve-like pintle receiver is located in the aligned vertical holes and flared at its top and bottom to hold the pintle receiver in the tubular legs. The leg assembly includes a tubular center hub. The plurality of radially extending tubular legs each have a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposing sidewalls, the top and bottom walls each having an arcuately shaped end engaging the center hub. A pair of ring welds extends continuously circumferentially around the center hub for welding the arcuately shaped ends of the top and bottom walls to the center hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Robert S. Grooters, Kurt R. Heidmann, John L. Hendricks, Michael A. Kolarik, Brian H. Root, Bruce G. Rose, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5964444
    Abstract: The traffic light assembly includes a mounting pole, and two arms attached to the pole by straps and a breakaway cap, thereby securing a traffic light housing to the mounting pole. The breakaway cap secures the traffic light housing to the arms and provides for the breakaway function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: James J. Guertler
  • Patent number: 5961087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing mechanism to be used for mounting a flagpole for advertisement having a flag. The fixing mechanism according to the present invention comprises a suction part and adjustment handle wherein the mechanism can be simply and easily fixed on or separated from a show window or a display stand having a smooth surface by the simple suction of a suction part formed at the back, a fixing mechanism of a flagpole being integrally constructed on the upper side of a fixing hole enabling to rotate in both directions. As this fixing mechanism can be attached on the surface of a display stand or a shop, it can be mounted without giving any inconvenience to passersby on a sidewalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Yoo-Sun Lee
  • Patent number: 5961084
    Abstract: The invention comprises a computer storage system for use with a desk on a floor, in which the desk has an upper horizontal surface. The system includes an upper horizontal computer monitor receiving surface having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side being engagable with the upper horizontal surface of the desk, and the upper side operable to receive a computer monitor or printer. The system also includes a lower horizontal computer receiving surface operable to receive a computer, and a vertical connecting portion connecting the upper horizontal computer monitor receiving surface with the lower horizontal computer receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Kim J. Brand, Rex Townsend
  • Patent number: 5961092
    Abstract: A telescopic mast is provided for deployably mounting a satellite dish to a vehicle. The telescopic mast preferably is secured to a rear surface of a truck cab or other vehicle. The satellite dish is deployable via extension of the telescopic mast. The telescopic mast includes a base tube secured to the back of the vehicle and a shaft telescopically mounted within the base tube. The shaft has a dish carrier portion adapted to carry the satellite dish. The shaft is telescopically movable between a first position wherein the dish carrier portion is higher than a roof of the vehicle, and a second position wherein the dish carrier portion is lower than the roof of the vehicle to thereby protect the dish carrier portion from exposure to wind generated by movement of the vehicle to protect the dish carrier portion from road debris. A releasable locking device selectively prevents telescopic extension and retraction of the shaft with respect to the base tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Satellite Mobile Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin R. Coffield
  • Patent number: 5961088
    Abstract: A device for securing and adjusting the lengthwise position of a removable and reversible seat for a vehicle. The device includes a pair of C-shaped tracks secured to the floor of the vehicle with each track having an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The upper compartment of each track accommodates a slider that is connected to each leg of the seat of the vehicle and includes a locking device having teeth. The slider is displaceable relative to the track so that the slider can be manipulated between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lower compartment accommodates a plate having parallel rows of perforations that are engaged by the teeth of the locking device in the locked position and are released from engagement in the unlocked position. The configuration of the track and slider arrangement provide the device with a strong leg-slider connection as well as good resistance to tearing free from the floor of the vehicle in case of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Irausa Ingeniera, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Chabanne, Jean Duchateau
  • Patent number: 5957425
    Abstract: A breakaway safety sign support post for obtaining predictable and reliable separation of an upper post section from a lower post section anchored in a substrate, when the post is struck by a vehicle. In a specific construction, the lower post section is adapted to be imbedded in the ground, with an upper end projecting a predetermined limited distance above the surface of the ground. The upper, post section is secured in overlapping, parallel relationship with the lower post section and is secured thereto with frangible fasteners to define a breakaway joint. The post sections each have a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape, including a longitudinal center web with a plurality of holes spaced uniformly along its length, and outwardly divergent side walls at opposite sides of the web, terminating in laterally outwardly projecting flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Marion Steel Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Conway, Frederick Mauer, IV
  • Patent number: 5957426
    Abstract: A mechanical seat suspension between upper and lower supports comprises a scissors arms linkage and a support pivot assembly allowing height adjustment to multiple positions. The pivot assembly carries most of the seat load and comprises a pair of lever arms, a pair of bell cranks, a height adjustment latch including multiple height adjustment detents, a pair of latch supports and a pair of tension springs to provide height-adjustable suspension. The seat suspension also preferably includes a damper such as a shock absorber. The latch includes a plurality of detents which alternatively work to adjust the height of the seat. A moveable pin is disposed within the latch support to engage a detent of the latch to establish the adjustable height of the seat. The moveable pin is moved into a disengagement position by lifting the seat to its maximum raised position whereby an abutment surface on the latch forces the moveable pin rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Cole T. Brodersen
  • Patent number: 5957422
    Abstract: A strip display assembly capable of being suspended from an existing commercial shelving construction and suitable for supporting high volumes of small impulse merchandising in addition to the merchandise carrying ability of the existing construction. An elongate body includes an upper end, a lower end, a front planar face and a rear planar face. A bracket secures to the upper end of the display assembly and suspends the assembly in vertical fashion from the shelving construction. A plurality of corrugations extend an axial length of the elongate body and separate the front and rear planar faces according to a selected thickness to provide reinforcing and rigid support to the display assembly along the axially extending direction. Pairs of spaced apart apertures are formed through the front and rear planar faces of the body at spaced apart intervals along the axial length of the body. A plurality of merchandise support members are provided which are individually attachable to the strip display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas M. Shea
  • Patent number: 5957424
    Abstract: A device for the vertical arrangement of a pole or post-like object is disclosed. A securing device is disposed at the ground end and includes a substantially cylindrical, elongated mounting mandrel which projects upwards from the free upper side of the securing device. This mandrel can be inserted into an accommodating bore in the underside of the pole or post-like object. A support plate on which the underside of the pole or post-like object rests, has at least one securing projection that protrudes upwards from the support plate and penetrates the material of the pole or post-like object. The mounting mandrel is substantially thinner than the accommodating bore in the underside of the pole or post-like object such that a play is provided between the outer periphery of the mounting mandrel and the inner circumferential area of the accommodating bore seen substantially over the entire axial extension of the mounting mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Klaus Krinner
    Inventor: Klaus Krinner
  • Patent number: 5954309
    Abstract: A bracket made of an aluminum alloy for fixing an elastic mount to one of two members to be elastically connected to each other through the elastic mount interposed therebetween. The bracket is formed by extrusion, and has at least one aperture formed therethrough so as to extend in the direction of extrusion. A first succession of recessed and raised portions are formed on at least a part of a fixing surface that is fixable to the elastic mount, and a second succession of recessed and raised portions are formed on at least a part of an exposed surface thereof which is exposed to the atmosphere upon fixing of the bracket to the elastic mount. The recessed and raised portions extend in the direction of extrusion, and are formed alternately in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Rentaro Kato, Sadao Kokubo, Shunta Ushioda
  • Patent number: 5950968
    Abstract: A wire holder has legs and wire holding pieces which are formed integrally with a holder body. The wire holding pieces are formed in a manner such that there is no gap when the holding pieces are projected on a first plane which contains the holder body, and that there is a gap when the wire holding pieces are projected on a second plane which intersects the first plane. The wire introduced into a wire holding space is held in position. The wire holder can be automatically mounted on a circuit board, and the wire holding operation by means of the wire holder can be performed easily and securely. A wire holder assembly has a lead frame formed with a plurality of holes which are arranged at regular intervals and into which feed teeth of an automatic loader are engagedly fitted individually, and a plurality of wire holders of the aforesaid type arranged at regular intervals on the lead frame. This assembly is adapted for the attachment of the wire holders to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kyoshin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyotaro Sato