Patents Examined by Ingrid Weinhold
  • Patent number: 6679461
    Abstract: A support device is provided herein and includes a support structure which has a recess therein. The support device optionally further includes a plate which has a depression therein. The plate is disposed on the support structure, where the depression of the plate is disposed at least partially within the recess of the support device. An elongate strut is disposed within the depression of the plate, where the elongate strut is coupled to the plate. A support device optionally includes support structure having a cut out or a recess therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pipe Pier
    Inventor: Patrick A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6672692
    Abstract: Automatically restoring device for slide rail assembly, including a fixed unit, a horizontally slidable receptacle and an automatically restoring section. The fixed unit includes a pair of fixed rails. The horizontally slidable receptacle includes a pair of movable rails. The automatically restoring section is disposed at one end of the fixed rail. One end of each movable rail is formed with a push section. The automatically restoring section includes two slide way bodies, a deflection body and a resilient body. When the push section of the movable rail inward pushes the deflection body, the deflection body is deflected by an angle to engage with and drive the movable rail so as to automatically restore the movable rail to its home position and lock the movable rail therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Chan Weng
  • Patent number: 6663077
    Abstract: The invention provides a sucker structure comprising a sucker body made from flexible materials including a base portion having a central blind hole being of a T-shaped cross-section; a rim portion having an annular projection, a recess and a flat outmost edge; and a declining intermediate portion connected between the base portion and the rim portion, wherein the recess is located between the projection and the declining intermediate portion; a supporting disk including an annular edge portion comprising a first annular groove for engaging the annular projection of the sucker body therein and a second annular groove outside of the first annular groove; a sealing filler engaged with the semi-circular groove; a threaded rod including a rod body with a male thread thereon and an flange at one end thereof, wherein the flange is inserted into the central blind hole of the base portion of the sucker body and formed as an integral with the sucker body; and an adjusting nut member engaged with the threaded rod by a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dejun Zou
  • Patent number: 6644603
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an open wire channel for cables or the like wherein the bracket is formed from a sheet of metal and includes a part for supporting the channel and first and second clip members for laterally holding the channel and which clip members extend upwardly beyond the supporting part on opposite sides thereof and which clip members are secured by elastic deformation relative to sides of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gewiss France SA
    Inventor: Jacques Bailleux
  • Patent number: 6637718
    Abstract: A flagstaff holder is provided for removable attachment to a vehicle through use of a standard trailer hitch coupling. The flagstaff holder is mounted at the distal end of an adjustable length vertical support which may be raised to provide flag visibility or lowered to a storage position. Illumination means for the flag or banner is provided. A hitch ball may also be provided so that the standard trailer hitch coupling can be used without removal of the flag or the flagstaff holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Wilson
  • Patent number: 6631600
    Abstract: A corner block assembly comprises a corner block and a mortar joint. The corner block has at least two faces arranged in a predefined angular relationship and joined along adjacent edges thereof. Each face has a top flange extending rearwardly from a top edge and at an edge opposite from the joined edge an arm extending rearwardly therefrom. The mortar joint is affixed to the top flanges of the corner block and has at least two legs arranged in a like predefined angular relationship. Each leg has a rear attachment flange for abutting one of the intersecting walls and a front cap spaced from the attachment flange wherein a bottom edge of the front cap abuts at the top of the corner block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, J. Richard Logan, Aundrea Nurenberg, Clyde G. Allen
  • Patent number: 6612532
    Abstract: A suspended note clip for magnetic attachment to vertical surfaces has opposing portions that are squeezable to open substantially planar faces that are otherwise biased together, in grasping fashion, by the bowed shape of the opposing portions. The clip is also usable without attachment to the vertical surface and in non-magnetic attachments to vertical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Paulus
  • Patent number: 6612534
    Abstract: A microphone stand assembly includes an automatically operated anti-rotation arrangement for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the shaft from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: James R. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6612533
    Abstract: An adjustable support is useful to carpenters for installing cabinets and handrails in buildings. The adjustable support comprises a stand that defines a longitudinal axis. An adjuster is threaded into the stand. A carrier rests on the adjuster. The stand provides coarse adjustment, and the adjuster provides fine adjustment, of the carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier is a flat plate that supports a cabinet. A tray secured to the stand stores tools used to install the cabinet. In another embodiment, the carrier includes a cradle that is pivotable to match the angle of a handrail along a stairway wall. The cradle may be offset from the stand longitudinal axis. Alternately, the stand has a working edge that is spaced relative to the cradle such that placing the stand working edge against the stairway automatically positions the cradle at the proper spacing from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Cabinet-Eaz L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian Biles, Peter Fellenz
  • Patent number: 6609693
    Abstract: A hanger combination useful for the display of merchandise items has a base plate and a hanger rail. The hanger rail is attached to the base plate such that the hanger rail can be alternatively moved between a retracted hanger rail position wherein the hanger rail is proximal to the base plate and an extended hanger rail position wherein the hanger rail is spaced apart from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Sau Fong Hui
  • Patent number: 6609690
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting free-space optical communications system (FSO) equipment to a window. The apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame member in which a central opening is defined. In one embodiment, the frame member comprises an extrusion that may be cut to a desired length to fit various window widths. The frame member is coupled to a window frame or the window via a plurality of universal mounting brackets. A support that is operatively coupled to the frame member provides a mounting interface to couple to an FSO terminal that is disposed within the central opening. In one embodiment, the support comprises a gimbaled support that enables the FSO terminal to be rotated about a pair of orthogonal spin axes. A valance is provided to prevent undesired access to the gimbaled support and FSO terminal and make the apparatus appear less obtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Joseph Davis
  • Patent number: 6598364
    Abstract: A concrete contraction and expansion joint with a mechanism providing adjustable height, enabling fast, efficient pouring of concrete over layout surfaces, achieving accurate thickness and desired slope of the concrete slab. In a preferred embodiment, the concrete section joint assembly (35) is pre-formed by using longitudinal sections having a channel (37) for holding elastomeric material (42), with the section supported from its underside by shaped support units, each mounted on two threaded studs (24). A specially designed nut (28) threaded on each stud (24) provides height adjustability and by rotation raises or lowers the height of support unit sides. The height adjustment, provided from above the assembly, can be performed before concrete pouring is completed and an upper edge portion of the elastomeric material or the upper edges of the channel are visible with the concrete surface, providing a reference height and slope for the concrete surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Diuk Energy
    Inventor: Gideon Pelles
  • Patent number: 6595476
    Abstract: A support for a fixture for a lighting or other electrical device, on an acoustic ceiling, so that it will be supported firmly without wobbling. In the preferred embodiment it is a rectangular metal box with an open bottom, formed from a single sheet of metal. It is dimensioned and configured so that a mounting box for the fixture can fit inside. The mounting box is prevented from moving by the broad, flat top surface of the invention. There are diagonal rows of large holes through the top side for electrical fittings, and smaller circular holes for support and grounding screws. It can be supported on the beams of the ceiling by screws that pass through slots in its ends, by using fire tie tabs, or by a stab connection. The longer side walls have flanges which rest against the top surfaces of supporting cross pieces for ceiling tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Donald B. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6585195
    Abstract: A curved telescoping trough assembly and method of assembly. The assembly includes first and second trough members. Each trough member includes two upstanding sidewalls extending from a base defining a generally U-shaped trough having an open top and a trough interior for receiving at least one telecommunications cable defining a cable pathway. The sidewalls or the base of the trough members may be curved to create a curved cable pathway. The first trough member having an end which slidably receives an end of the second trough member and a portion of the second trough member so that the trough members create a combined angled cable pathway. The size of the portion of the second trough member received by the first trough member is variable so that the trough assembly may be selectively set at a third angle from a range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Wentworth, Thomas W. Kampf, Alex Watts, Pat Nault
  • Patent number: 6585214
    Abstract: An extended travel lift system including a support frame and a display device frame. First and second arms are connected at first ends thereof by a hinge connector. A second end of the first arm is pivotally attached to a first slide mechanism on the support frame and a second end of the second arm is pivotally attached to the support frame. Third and fourth arms are connected at first ends thereof by the hinge connector. A second end of the third arm is pivotally attached to a second slide mechanism on the display device frame and a second end of the fourth arm is pivotally attached to the display device frame. A biasing mechanism is provided to bias the display device frame to an extended position. A height control mechanism is provided to retain the display device frame in either a retracted position or the extended position. The first and second arms are typically located in a first plane and the third and fourth arms are located in a second plane parallel to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Chief Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Jay Dittmer
  • Patent number: 6585206
    Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a body including a plurality of accessory couplers. A coupler is configured to couple the body to the patient support for pivotable movement about an axis of rotation. A latch is configured to lock the body selectively in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, John P. Biondo
  • Patent number: 6581895
    Abstract: Display stands (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) readily adaptable for target shooting or other useful display purposes, formed and fabricated in their corresponding. patterns (P-1, P-2, P-3) formed from corresponding sheets (S-1, S-2, S-3) of corrugated paper or cardboard. Their corresponding facing members (24, 55, 72) are supported by corresponding flaps or panels (28, 54, 77) while their respective stands (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) are stabilized in a stationary manner by application of wings or straps (30), by wings or straps (58), or by struts or braces (70), respectively. The pairs of wings (30, 58) are fastened together by their respective tabs (36, 65) inserted through corresponding holes (34, 64) in their corresponding wings (30, 58) in the assembling of stands (20-1, 20-2). Niches (78) at the terminal ends (74) of struts (70) in stand (20-3) engage edges (79) of a slot (80) in FIGS. 11-17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney W. Pleasant
  • Patent number: 6581891
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a system for supporting fixtures such as birdhouses, lanterns and feeders from differentiated supports. The apparatus includes a mounting board having front and back major surfaces. At least a first and preferably first and second horizontal rows of a plurality of slots pass through the backplane member from the back to the front major surfaces. A retainer strap is fitted through a pair of slots in each row and is closable to form a circuit, which may be sized to fit around a post, branch or trunk abutting the back major surface of the backplane. A support is pivotally attached to the front major surface and is positionable to provide a ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6578810
    Abstract: Roller receiving steps (12f) are formed in both sides of a bottom portion of a main body portion (12a) in a long lower rail (12). An upper rail (13) is formed by a main body portion (13a) and a vertical wall (13e) protruding upward from a center of an upper wall (13d) and protruding upward from an opening portion (12e). A roller (27) is inserted to a portion between the step (12f) in the bottom portion of the main body portion (12a) and the upper wall (13d) of the main body portion (13a) in the upper rail (13). Circular arc surfaces (27d) are formed in both side portions (27a) of the roller (27). The circular arc surfaces (27d) in both side portions (27a) of the roller (27) are mounted to circular arc surfaces (28) of the steps (12f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Moriyuki Eguchi, Ryo Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6578812
    Abstract: One or more horizontal brackets mounted to a surface provide support, positioning, and locking when one or more hanger bodies with adjustable hooks are attached to the back of a picture or other object so that the hooks grab onto the brackets. The brackets are beveled to provide space for the hooks between the surface and the bracket. The upward and downward facing hooks on the hangers move vertically along screws and hook onto the top and bottom of the horizontal brackets. The downward facing hooks that grab onto the top of the bracket provide support and horizontal positioning by sliding along the length of the bracket. They also position the picture to the desired height and make it level. The upward facing hooks that grab onto the bottom of the brackets lock the picture onto the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Lemire