Patents Examined by J. Franklin Foss
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Patent number: 5580023Abstract: An ophthalmic examination chair having an integrated positioning capability for providing wheel chair access to an associated instrument stand accommodating the examining of disabled patients. The chair has a seat member which is configured to receive a seated patient and is movable from a forward position spacing the seated patient at a predetermined distance from an eye examination target. A lower base member is provided as extending along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end, and as having an upper and a lower surface. An upper carriage member, having a bottom surface and a top surface supporting the seat member thereon, is supported on the upper surface of the base member for movement between the forward and the rearward end thereof along the longitudinal axis to position the seat member at the forward position and at a rearward position providing access to the instrument stand by a wheel chair patient positioned at the predetermined distance from the eye examination target.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: R. H. Burton CompanyInventors: Roy H. Burton, David E. Wood, Kevin W. Intrieri
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Patent number: 5575447Abstract: A multiple strand pot hanger, and in particular, a three-strand pot hanger is comprised of a multiple strand or wire harness coupled to a ring having a plurality of radially extending ears or connection segments coupled to the harness. The ring has an inner diameter which provides an interference fit with the body of the flower pot placed into the pot hanger. The ring may have a permanent nonadjustable inner diameter or may be temporarily and adjustably joined at its opposing ends to accommodate a wide range of pot diameters. In the case of the nonadjustable ring, the opposing ends may be flash welded or connected together by means of a wire wrap. The connection points spaced along the ring and radially extending from it for connection to the wire harness may be comprised of either U-shaped extensions integrally formed as part of the ring, overhand loops, or dihedral radially extending loops in the case where the ring is made from a flat resilient band.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventor: Frederick M. Griffin
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Patent number: 5551659Abstract: An assembly (10) for holding a tree (12) in an upright position above a level surface (14) includes a base (22) for supporting the tree (12). A rim (24) holds a quantity of water (20) on the base (22) and in contact with the tree's trunk end (16). Four retainer pins (60) hold the trunk end (16) centrally on the base means (22). A back-up retainer (32) limits trunk end (16) sliding or twisting while allowing the quantity of water (20) to flow to the trunk end (16). Guy elements (28) engage the trunk (18) of the tree at an elevated position above the trunk's end (16) and resist tree-tipping forces. Clamps (30), disposed at spaced locations around the rim (24), hold the guy elements (28) to the rim (24). Each clamp (30) has a lever arm (118) that adjustably and releasably clamps the guy elements (28) to the base (22) as the lever arm (118) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: HMS Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Hugh M. Sofy
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Patent number: 5544850Abstract: A device (in part 10) for holding a banner in position over a motor vehicle which comprises:1. at least two upright means (11).2. separate prop means (12) attached to the lower portion of each upright means (19, 191); and3. foot means (13, 14) connected to the bottom of each of the upright means and each of the prop means,wherein each foot means may be positioned to one side of a corresponding tire of the motor vehicle, an upright means and a corresponding prop means extending generally upwards across the outside of the tire, whereby a banner may be connected to one upright means and extend above the vehicle to a corresponding second upright means.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Inventor: Alan Fankhauser
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Patent number: 5533704Abstract: A mounting for an electric motor is provided for an electric motor having a fan wheel of a heating or air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. A plurality of support elements made of rubber-elastic material are disposed around the circumference of a pole ring of the electric motor. The support elements are arranged between an adapter and a motor mount. The adapter can be attached to the electric motor so that it is fixed in at least the axial direction and the support elements are positively connected with the motor mount at least in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.Inventors: Claus-Dieter Fischinger, Adem Hizli, Wolfgang Rose, Heinrich Waldmann
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Patent number: 5524858Abstract: A support arrangement for supporting an object above ground level is designed to reduce hazards for passing motorists. The support arrangement includes an above-ground portion rigidly connected to an in-ground portion by a frangible connector assembly. The above-ground portion can include a generally horizontally extending portion for supporting an object in a cantilevered manner. The horizontally extending portion is formed as part of a moveable portion connected to a generally vertically extending fixed portion by a rotatable connector assembly. The support arrangement is designed to bend and break away in a predetermined manner when impacted and, if it does not break, the rotatable connector is designed to permit the moveable portion to be pulled free and thrown clear of the vehicle. If only the cantilevered object is impacted, the object and moveable portion can rotate out of the path of the impacting force. Once the impacting force has passed, the moveable portion will return to an at-rest position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventor: Thomas A. Friend
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Patent number: 5520363Abstract: A positioning system for moving an ophthalmic examination chair used in conjunction with an associated instrument stand between a forward position spaced a predetermined distance from an eye examination target and a rearward position providing access to the instrument stand by a patient in a wheel chair. A lower base is provided as extending along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end, and as having an upper and a lower surface and a widthwise extent configured as being receivable between the wheels of the wheel chair. An upper carriage, having a bottom surface and a top surface configured to receive the examination chair thereon, is supported on the upper surface of the base for movement between the forward and the rearward end thereof along the longitudinal axis to position the examination chair at the forward and the rearward position.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: R. H. Burton CompanyInventors: Roy H. Burton, David E. Wood, Kevin W. Intrieri
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Patent number: 5518214Abstract: A device and method for fastening lighting to a supporting structure. The first fastening element, an anchor portion, includes an adhesive backing to attach to the supporting structure. A second fastening element, a fastening portion, is secured to the anchor portion by a plurality of VELCRO.RTM. loops and hooks, which may also attached to a third fastening element, a disk portion, by an adhesive means. The fastening portion includes a pair of holes for receiving a fastener for securing wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Inventor: Michael A. Spencer
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Patent number: 5513826Abstract: A support assembly for supporting sheathing material sheets during a roofing or re-roofing operation has two brackets for securing at spaced locations on a roof frame. Each bracket has a base member for lying along the incline of the roof, a hook at one, upper end of the base member for hooking over the ridgepole, roof frame member or existing roof sheathing, and an upright member projecting upwardly at the opposite, lower end of the base member for providing a support for storing and cutting a stack of sheathing sheets placed over the base members of the two brackets.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Alden R. Lebaron
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Patent number: 5513829Abstract: A cradle support handler is disclosed herein interfacing between a conventional telescoping lifting device and an automotive component which includes a box-like construction or support having a central opening and outwardly extending arms terminating with support pads and location point registration or indexing pins. The arms are pivotal carried on the box-like support and the pads provide at least three or four point support of the automotive component. The extendable arms provide a wide area of applied load distribution and adaptors may be disposed on the box-like support for accommodating straps, hold-down devices and transmission plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Douglas Hodges
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Patent number: 5511757Abstract: A platen for stacking wheeled articles examples of which are toy shopping carts and comprises a bottom wall and two side portions joined to opposite sides of the bottom wall. The side portions include an outer flange which extends upwardly from the bottom wall, and an inside flange depending from the outside flange which extends downwardly in spaced relation to the outside flange thereby forming a spacing therebetween. The inside flange includes spaced slots in the lowermost edge thereof. A toy shopping cart is received on the bottom wall with its wheels adjacent the side portions. The inner flanges of the side portions are folded over the wheels of the cart so that the wheels are received in the spacing between the inner and outer flanges. The spaced slots on the lower edge of the inner flange engage with the hubs of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Inventor: Michael S. Freelander
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Patent number: 5509628Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard support device for a computer keyboard having a substantially planar key upper plane, comprising a keyboard support having an operator-proximal keyboard support edge and a substantially planar keyboard support top surface; a support bar for maintaining wrist and forearm support during keyboard operations; and a computer mouse platform for holding a computer mouse and for writing by a keyboard operator and for maintaining wrist support during mouse operations. The support bar, which is connected to the top surface of the keyboard support across the operator-proximal keyboard support edge, has a substantially planar bar top surface. The mouse platform is movably positioned upon the planar top surface of the keyboard support and has a substantially planar top surface that is substantially in the same plane as the planar bar top surface. A wedge under the support platform upon a carriage plate connected to articulated linkage tilts the keyboard support at approximately 8.degree.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1995Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Bruce Noble
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Patent number: 5507461Abstract: A spectacle holder, in particular for installation in motor vehicles, comprises a carrier having a bottom wall and a rear wall with spectacle rests, and arranged on the carrier a spectacle support which can be quickly and easily adapted by the user to the size of different types of spectacles by means of an adjusting device.The spectacles can be removed from and inserted into the spectacle holder and the spectacle side pieces can be opened out and folded up in the spectacles using one hand.The spectacle holder is in the form of a standardized assembly and can be built into a wide variety of protective housings; it can be moved by means of an extension mechanism from an inner rest position, in which the spectacle holder is enclosed substantially in the protective housing, into an outer rest position, in which the spectacles can be easily removed from the spectacle holder or inserted therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Ackeret
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Patent number: 5507459Abstract: A mounting device representing a combination paper clip and a pointed mounting member therefor, designed to be appended to a bulletin board or other mounting surface. This novel mounting device is of elongate configuration and involves a resilient wire having a plurality of bends therein, with selected ones of the bends defining a pair of elongate, coplanar loops. A first of the loops is slightly larger than the second of the loops, with the side portions of the second loop residing essentially within the confines of the side portions of the first loop. An article-receiving location is defined between the loops, adjacent one end of the device. The article-receiving location is adapted for receiving a relatively flat item inserted between the loops, with the inherent resilience of the wire tending to hold the flat item in a secure manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Heiko-Roberto Kiera
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Patent number: 5505413Abstract: The stand is collapsible to a compact configuration by virtue of utilizing foot members that pivot and slide on the associated leg members. A tandem version of the stand enables the support of two guitars or other instruments, an extensible post serves to engage the neck of the instrument, and an elliptical end-cap is mounted rotatably on one of the legs to enable facile leveling of the stand.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: James R. Hennessey
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Patent number: 5505421Abstract: A copyholder for mounting on a surface having a base for mounting and pivotal paper holding means comprised of two opposed curved portions forming a paper-receiving channel. The curved portions may have s-shapes.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1995Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Acco U.S.A., Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Marthaler
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Patent number: 5505420Abstract: A stabilizer for precluding periodic oscillating motion of a ceiling fan. The inventive device includes a ceiling engagement plate positionable against a portion of the ceiling. A fan alignment block is securable to the depending cylindrical support of the ceiling fan and engages the ceiling plate. A plurality of adjustment fasteners engaged to the alignment block can be selectively adjusted to engage the ceiling plate to preclude movement of the cylindrical support relative to the ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: Joe K. Brown
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Patent number: 5505412Abstract: An arm board for removable placement on wheel chair arms. The platform of the arm board upon which the wheel chair users arm rests is premanufactured to have multiple mounting locations for mounting members to the wheel chair arm. It therefore can be interchanged between left and right wheel chair arms. According to another aspect of the invention, the board can be slid over a wheel chair arm and arm rest, by utilizing a mounting bracket combination, without removing the arm rest.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Iowa Health SystemInventor: Eugene P. Van Hamme
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Patent number: 5505415Abstract: A tripod of the kind in which the head comprises an arcuate bolt on which the legs are pivoted, the pivots being spaced apart by wedges carried on the bolt. A pillar guide for an article supporting sliding pillar (14), and constructed from symmetrical half-shells, is also pivoted on the head and the pillar has rings for carrying straps (114) at each end. The leg pivots are offset from the axes of the three respective legs so as to facilitate folding the tripod into as compact an assembly as possible which is easy to carry as the center of gravity of the folded assembly can be adjusted by moving the pillar (14) in the pillar guide (18).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: Kenneth S. Brett
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Patent number: 5503356Abstract: The stand of the invention includes a vertically disposed elongate column having a leg assembly at one end thereof and, in the preferred embodiment, a target holder at the other, upper end thereof. The leg assembly includes a leg attachment assembly which is located adjacent the lower end of the column and includes multiple leg-receiving pockets therein. The stand includes plural legs, each leg being received in a leg-receiving pocket. The legs are shiftable between a folded position, wherein each leg is aligned substantially parallel to the column, and an extended position, wherein the leg is operable to support the column in an upright position. A spider structure is provided for maintaining the legs in an extended position. The spider structure includes a spider-structure body, which is rotatably received on the column, and spider-structure arms, which are secured to the spider-structure body and which extend outwardly therefrom for contact with the legs when the legs are in their extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Inventor: Jeff Shelby