Patents Examined by Karen J. Chotkowski
  • Patent number: 5558804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damping mounting comprising a body portion adapted for attachment to a load and including a mounting surface having a resilient member coupled thereto. The resilient member is adapted to exert a substantially equivalent restoring force on the body portion for substantially all directions of the load continuous or discontinuous. This results in the vibration damping being substantially constant over all orientations of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Argus Doss-Desouza
  • Patent number: 5556062
    Abstract: A pipe support apparatus including a length of flexible webbing having a first receptacle formed at one end and a second receptacle formed adjacent an opposite end of the webbing, a first rigid member received within the first receptacle, and a second rigid member received within the second receptacle. Each of the first and second rigid members has a height greater than a thickness of the webbing. The length of webbing defines a pipe receiving surface between the first and second rigid members. Each of the first and second receptacles is a loop having an opening suitable for slidable receipt of the first and second rigid members. The first and second rigid members are cylindrical members which are slidably received within each of the receptacles. The webbing can have a plurality of receptacles formed adjacent one end of the webbing. The plurality of receptacles selectively receives one and only one of the rigid members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: William A. Ellett, James D. Blalock
  • Patent number: 5556070
    Abstract: The signal light alignment device of this invention is a portable alignment device having an upright supporting structure such as a tripod, a reflective head consisting of a center plate having a bracket to attach the head to the supporting structure, a front reflective surface and a back surface, which may also be reflective. The front reflective surface, center plate and back surface are attached together to form a single reflective head. The signal light alignment device is placed in an approaching lane of traffic coming towards the signal light to be aligned in a general position of a driver of a vehicle. The front reflective surface is positioned facing the signal light being aligned at a recommended height above the pavement and at a recommended distance from the signal light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Garry W. Viebrock
  • Patent number: 5556061
    Abstract: A mouse pad apparatus has a molded base, a pad, and a cord retainer. The molded base has a streamline profile and an outer peripheral surface surrounding a well adapted for receiving the pad. The outer peripheral surface has two adjacent sides extending substantially perpendicular to each other and two opposite sides extending arcuately from the adjacent sides. The two opposite sides each has a contoured wrist supporting surface extending outwardly from the well. The cord retainer is between the two adjacent sides. The cord retainer is an open passageway integrally molded in the outer peripheral surface and an molded cover for covering the passageway. The pad is affixed to said base within the well. The well has a depth wherein when the pad is fully registered therein the pad extends substantially co-planar with the adjacent and opposite sides. A plurality of rubber feet extend from an underside of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Mousepad Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 5556066
    Abstract: A mounting pole 2a is independently installed in a place such as a park or a road where the beauty of the environment is an important factor. The mounting pole 2a has a communication mounting part 9a on the top thereof. A communication device 1a for outdoor use has an antenna 3a directly fixed on the top thereof and removably fitted in a groove of the device mounting part 9a. The device 1a has a connector 7a and no wiring thereof is exposed to the outside. The device 1a is electrically connected with the outside device through the connector 7a. In the mounting part 9a of the mounting pole 2a, there is provided a connector 8a at a position suitable for connection with the connector 7a in fitting engagement relationship. Wirings 10a interconnecting the connector 8a and the outside device are all laid through the interior of the mounting pole 2a. Consequently, none of the wirings 10a is exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Negishi
  • Patent number: 5556063
    Abstract: A trash bag retaining band comprising a ring formed of an elastic material sufficiently expandable for allowing a trash can to be inserted therein and sufficiently retractable for frictionally gripping an inserted trash can and with the ring having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a top edge and a bottom edge interconnecting the surfaces, and a handle mechanism coupled to and extended outwards therefrom for allowing a user a firm grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Billy S. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5556071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic vibration-damping mount including a first rigid reinforcing member (1) and a second rigid reinforcing member (2), an elastomeric body (3) which includes, on the one hand, a thick wall (4) joining the two rigid reinforcing members to one another and partially delimiting a working chamber (A), and, on the other hand, a thin wall (5) which partially delimits a compensation chamber (B) connected to the working chamber by a narrow duct (C), the two chambers and the narrow duct being filled with a liquid, the second reinforcing member being a plate one face of which is secured in leaktight fashion to the elastomeric body in order to delimit, together with the latter, the two chambers and the narrow duct, the thin wall substantially exhibiting the shape of a bell only the edge (5.sub.1) of which is secured to the second reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Alain Bellamy, Denis Reh, Andre Girard, Gilles Chenais
  • Patent number: 5555953
    Abstract: A scaffolding system which is attached to a prime mover such as a front end loader or forklift and has "Wings" or platforms extending outward from a "Center Frame" or platform and rotating in relation to it. The surface of the "Wings" upon which workmen stand is made up of individual steps. The tread of each step remains in a horizontal position during "Wing" rotation by using the principle of parallel arms. The "Center Frame" or platform can rotate in relation to a "Base Frame" to level the working surface despite the prime mover sitting on a sloping surface. All working surfaces are equipped with necessary guard rails. Hydraulic controls and emergency shut down switches are located for safe operation by all workmen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Gary R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5556068
    Abstract: An article holding assembly for a pegboard having a plurality of cruciform slotted openings is provided with at least one article-holding support bracket that has a pair of arms each having a resilient U-shaped clip end portion that clamps the support bracket tightly to the pegboard in either a vertical or horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Yakov Gorelik
  • Patent number: 5553825
    Abstract: A novel mechanical camper jack for mounting on a camper body is disclosed. The jack has an outer jack housing, which mounts to the camper body, and is slidably telescoped over a jack leg. Extension and retraction of the camper jack leg is accomplished with rotation of a lead screw that is threaded through a plastic nut mounted within the jack leg. Rotation of the lead screw is effected by the operation of a right-angled gear assembly, disposed within the jack housing. The gear assembly is operated with a hand crank, which is detachably mounted to the jack via a socket assembly. In one embodiment, the hand crank is provided with a ratchet and paul mechanism. The socket is implemented so that the coupling between the hand crank and the gear assembly occurs completely within the jack housing. In this way, the socket extends through the wall of the jack housing in a manner so as to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the jack housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5553821
    Abstract: A counterbalancing unit for a tripod head is assembled along a horizontal shaft. A pair of holders are slidably supported on the horizontal axis and disposed in an inside of a longitudinal member which is perpendicular to a base of a tripod head. One or more compressed elastic bodies are supported between the holders. One or more guide pines are connected with at least one of the holders to move horizontally inward in the longitudinal member together with at least one of the holders when the tripod head is tilted. A rotary member having a cam face at an edge thereof and connected with a strut is rotatably supported on the longitudinal shaft. The rotary member rotates with said strut causing the guide pin(s) to move into the longitudinal member by means of the cam face when the tripod head is tiled. The elastic bodies are compressed between the holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Heiwa Seiki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5553820
    Abstract: A monitor support arm assembly is disclosed comprising a support arm (14), a socket member (38) affixed to a remote end of the support arm, the socket member creating a concave central cavity (84), and an elongate slot (74) extending through support arm and communicating with the socket member cavity (84). An adjustable tray (12), having a concave lower surface (54), seats within the socket member cavity (84) and has an elongate slot (52) extending therethrough that overlaps the first mentioned support arm and socket member slot (74). A friction pad (40) of arcuate shape is affixed to an underside of the support arm (14) and has a through slot (92) that aligns with the support arm slot (74), and a downwardly facing arcuate bearing surface (88). A locking screw shall (98) extends through the friction pad slot (92), and the overlapping support arm and socket member slot (74), and through the tray slot (52) to assemble the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Office Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Karten, Dennis Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5551577
    Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support structure; at least one display bar mounted substantially vertically on the support structure and a plurality of merchandise holders or enclosures disposed in a column along the display bar. Each enclosure includes an end portion having a bore for receiving the display bar and a display portion extending from the end portion and having a bottom panel, side walls and an open upper end. Each holder or enclosure further includes a retaining member configured to engage an adjacent enclosure in the column and permit alignment of the enclosures. The retaining member may be a peripheral flange extending around the bottom of the enclosure, permitting nesting of enclosures in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: KCS Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald M. Hagopian
  • Patent number: 5551660
    Abstract: An improved Drum Stick Holder is particularly useful for assisting musicians in locating and recovering musical accessories. The clamp 8 comprises an opening 10, two semi-circular arms 12, two straight parallel arms 40, and a shaft 38 which ends in a coupling 50. This adjustable fastener makes for easy removal and effective fastening of apparatus to a stand, bar, or rim. The matching coupling 20 allows for clockwise or counterclockwise adjustments by means of a screw 48 and a spring 54 wing nut. A column 56, which is attached by a coupling 20 at one end and a coupling 58 at the other end of a column 56, is joined to a coupling 24. Coupling 58/24 allows for forwards and backwards rotational adjustments by means of screw, spring, wing nut 60/64/22. Coupling 24 is attached to extension arm 28 which ends in a cross bar 36.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Leduchowski
  • Patent number: 5549261
    Abstract: A brace for a gutter including a support which is sized and shaped to fit within a gutter, at least two ferrules and at least one fastener for each ferrule. The at least two ferrules being of a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of said at least one fastener. The support contains at least two sets of holes, each set of holes being defined in said support. One hole is of a first size such that a fastener can pass through it but a ferrule cannot and the other hole is of a second size that both a fastener and a ferrule can pass through. The holes are parallel to each other and the centers of the holes are opposite each other. The ferrule is inserted into said hole of first size allowing the ferrule to pass through it. The fastener is inserted into the hole of second size and passes through the support into the hole of first size and through the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Bert A. Hardin
  • Patent number: 5549271
    Abstract: A vibration canceler includes a dimensionally stable inertial mass that is retained by a spring element made of a flexible material. A metal clamping element is mounted to the spring element and the clamping element and the inertial mass are fastened frictionally to one another through a wall of a recess in said inertial mass. The recess may be tapered in the direction of insertion of the spring element, to ensure a good frictional fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Arno Hamaekers
  • Patent number: 5549269
    Abstract: A gas spring including a housing, and a rolling convolution type flexible gas seal supporting a piston within the housing. The piston has a chamber and a resilient vibration damper unit resides within the chamber for reducing the horizontal stiffness of the gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Maurice Gertel, Robert G. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5549284
    Abstract: A hydraulically controlled engine mounting device for mounting an engine to a body of a vehicle, includes a plurality of hydraulic pressure chambers controlled by a single solenoid valve for effectively reducing vibrations at most frequency vibrations. More particularly, the invention includes first and second hydraulic pressure rooms divided by a partition and communicating with each other by a passageway to dampen vibration of an engine with a fluid friction. A third hydraulic pressure room is formed near the first hydraulic pressure room, the third hydraulic pressure room communicating with the first hydraulic pressure room by a passage-aperture having a solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyosang Lee
  • Patent number: 5549266
    Abstract: A mounting bracket includes a cover plate, a back plate and a deflecting strip depending from the back plate. The deflecting strip directs water cascading down along the back plate away from the wall of the building structure. The bracket further includes a connecting projection formed on the cover plate and a receiving socket formed on the back plate. When mated with each other, the projection and socket allow the cover plate to be positioned in any one of an infinite number of positions, within the connection range, relative to the back plate. The connecting projection and receiving socket are each formed in a position on its supporting component that is laterally offset from a center line bisecting the component. This design placement allows the connecting projection and the receiving socket to be matingly aligned when the cover plate and back plate are brought together for assembly in a working mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: KenTech Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton D. Mitchell, Keith D. Ruby, Ronald W. Miles, Robert L. Naas
  • Patent number: 5547161
    Abstract: The invention relates to the construction and arrangement of wall components which are to be attached to the posts and spars of a basic frame for machines, instruments, equipment and the like. These wall components extend from the middle of one post to the middle of another and are supported on the upper faces of the posts and the spars between them by their folded upper web. The side edges of the web extend to approximately the middle of the face of the post and then run obliquely inwards. A section covering the posts at the top is recessed where the web is supported. Running around the inside edge of the wall component there is a frame-like spacer, the depth of which determines the distance by which the outer wall of the wall component projects beyond the outside of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Bowe Systec AG
    Inventors: Werner Gleich, Fritz D. Rothacker, Dieter Bruckel, Eduard Schmid