Patents Examined by Leslie A. Braun
  • Patent number: 6905035
    Abstract: An apparatus can be used for organizing clothing accessories such as jewelry, neckties, scarves, and other items. The apparatus can hang from a closet rod and has a slidable track so that the items hanging from hooks attached to the slidable track can be easily accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6902070
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6902140
    Abstract: An adjustable support foot comprises a support post, a plurality of retaining plates, a control device and an outer shell. The support post has a base and a screwed axle erected thereon. The retaining plates each provided with a screw thread cover around the screwed axle and are further enclosed by the control device including a retaining cylinder and a control ring. The control device urges the retaining plates to engage the screwed axle or depart from the screwed axle, by which the relative position of the support post in the outer shell can be quickly or mildly changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 6902141
    Abstract: A roller shade mounting system includes a pair of assemblies for limiting sagging in a roller shade tube. The assembly includes a single bearing supported by a shaft to position the bearing at a distance from an end of the tube. Alternatively, the assembly includes a bearing pair supported by a shaft to define spaced support points for applying a reaction moment the roller tube. The assembly further includes an attachment member secured to the shaft at a first end and to the structure at an opposite second end, either directly, or to a mounting bracket secured to the structure. The mounting assembly may further include a deflection adjustment member engaging the attachment member and a fixed support member to provide variable control of roller tube deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6902138
    Abstract: A device for holding pipes including two complementary parts intended for assembly, each having in its assembly face, at least one recess of a semicylindrical overall shape. Upon assembly, the corresponding recesses of the two parts form a shape that roughly corresponds to the exterior cross section of a pipe to be held between the two parts. Each part includes a body having at least one recess and is made of a rigid material. The radius of the recess exceeds the exterior radius of the pipe to be held and is lined with an intermediate half-shell made of an elastic material. The intermediate half-shell is further lined with an inner half-shell made of a rigid material. The interior radius of the inner half-shell corresponds roughly to the exterior radius of the pipe to be held. The two half-shells are secured to one another and to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Amphenol-Air LB
    Inventor: Patrick Vantouroux
  • Patent number: 6899304
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener and a method of forming the fastener. The fastener typically includes a member connected to at least one clip. Preferably, the clip includes a liner that is softer than at least one other portion of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ligon Brothers Manufacturing
    Inventors: Brett Bellmore, Matthew Macker
  • Patent number: 6899234
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6899232
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6899233
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6896233
    Abstract: A support (1) for bearing at least one piece of equipment (2,3,4), in particular video display units and other medical equipment. The support includes a support arm (5), to which the equipment (2,3,4) can be at least indirectly fixed and a fixing device (6), which engages in a connecting section (7) of the support arm (5) for suspending the support (1). The point of engagement (12) can be changed, to displace the center of gravity (16) of the support arm (5) and its load for a predetermined angle of the support arm (5), so that it lies at least approximately below the suspension point, at which the support (1) is suspended by the fixing device (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Mavig GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kuhn
  • Patent number: 6896833
    Abstract: A wall mountable device has a body of predetermined shape for forming a wall feature and a flat, peripheral flange of predetermined width projecting outwardly from the perimeter of the body. The body may be a light sconce or valance, niche, shelving unit, bas-relief, or other wall feature. The flange has a periphery of predetermined shape for mounting in a wall opening of corresponding shape and dimensions with the outer face of the flange flush with the surrounding wall surface, and the seam or joint between the flange and wall opening is finished such that the body appears to be molded integrally with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Bernard L. Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6892993
    Abstract: A load bearing article (1) is described and includes a plurality of elongated shells (20) having a plurality of internal reinforcing ribs (50) fixedly attached within the hollow interior (35) of each shell (20), the shells (20) reside substantially within a common plane and are fixedly attached together by means of an external molded plastic structure (53). Each elongated shell (20) has a plurality perforations (e.g., perforations 38, 41, 44 and 45) having edges. A portion of the plastic material of the internal reinforcing ribs (50) and the external molded structure (53) extends through at least some of the perforations in each shell (20), and the edges of the perforations are embedded in the plastic material extending therethrough, thereby fixedly attaching the internal reinforcing ribs (50) within and the external molded structure (53) to each shell (20). The load bearing surface (87) of the load bearing article (1) comprises (or is defined by at least) the external molded structure (53) (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Lanxess Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6892995
    Abstract: A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle comprising a lower track having a first plurality of apertures, an upper track slidably mounted to the lower track and having a second plurality of apertures. A latch assembly is fixedly mounted to the upper track. The latch assembly includes a plurality of locking fingers projecting through the apertures in the upper track and adapted to be received in at least one of the apertures in the lower track. An actuator moves the fingers between a locked condition engaged with at least one of the apertures in the lower track and an unlocked condition spaced from each of the apertures in the lower track and a biasing member biases the fingers to the locked condition regardless of a relative position between the upper and lower tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Omar D. Tame, Kirk M. Nicola, James Weber, Joseph Severini
  • Patent number: 6889947
    Abstract: Article holder (10) comprises seat member (12) shaped to receive article, gate member (20) hingedly coupled to seat member (12), gate member (20) shaped to cooperate with seat member (12) in closed position so as to grasp article, rotatable handle (22) connected with gate member (20) so as to move gate member (20) between open position and closed position as handle (22) is rotated. Handle (22) has locking means (34, 36, 37, 38) for locking handle (22) when handle (22) is rotated to lock position, wherein handle (22) must be over rotated further than position where gate member (20) is closed to be positioned in lock position. Over rotation causes compressive gripping force to gate member (20) such that gate member (20) continues to grasp article while handle (22) is in lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Frederick William Alberts
  • Patent number: 6889950
    Abstract: A portable music stand intended for tabletop use with adaptability to a tripod support base is provided. The stand has the integral capacity to store orchestral size music scores as well as accessories. Its design provides means to transport a tripod support base, writing utensils and make for easy carrying by way of a removable shoulder strap. Music securing straps and an extended height range capacity make for an improved portable music stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Evanoff
  • Patent number: 6889945
    Abstract: A holder for wine and other beverage bottles is provided which is appropriate for placement on a table top and is so designed as to be resistant to tipping over. The wine holder is comprised of a support base which rests on, and can be affixed to, a table top; a continuous elongated oval shaped vertical support frame which contains a cylindrical wine and coolant receptacle between the arms of the frame and wherein the receptacle can be rotated away from the vertical to access the wine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Edward C. McCall
  • Patent number: 6889853
    Abstract: An earthquake-resistant rack for electrical equipment including a base having access apertures for receiving wires and cable therethrough and mounting apertures for securing the base to a floor upon which the rack is mounted. The rack also includes a pair of vertically extending upright members have lower ends secured to opposite sides of the base, and each upright member has a web, opposing first and second flanges projecting from the web, and openings for mounting electrical equipment thereon, and a cross member extends between upper ends of the upright members. Moreover, the base includes a bottom plate, side channels extending at an angle between the bottom plate and the webs of the upright members, and a central channel extending horizontally between the side channels. The channels provide additional strength and stiffness to the rack, without adding substantial weight to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sanmina Enclosure Systems Division
    Inventors: Andrew Hudz, Irena Borojevic, Anthony C. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6889948
    Abstract: A flange for connecting a fan to a manway which enables the extension of lines from the exterior of the manway through the manway having the fan attached thereto, the flange having a top plate for connecting the flange to the fan, the top plate having a generally circular opening in the center thereof, a bottom plate for connecting the flange to the manway, the bottom plate having a generally circular opening in the center thereof, and a hollow sleeve having a cylindrical wall terminating in two generally circular ends, one of the two ends being connected to the bottom plate at the periphery of the opening in the bottom plate, and the other of the two ends being connected to the top plate at the periphery of the opening in the top plate, the sleeve having at least one opening in the wall for receipt of the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Malcom R. Melancon, Sedgie F. Melancon
  • Patent number: 6889944
    Abstract: A fastener system for securing cable, conduits, pipes, etc., to frames. The fasteners are stackable such that multiple cable may be individually secured in a co-linear route above the wood frame. The system comprises of identical plastic securing blocks, each in the form of a bridge that provides for cables to be nested together, one atop the other. The first or bottom securing block may be nailed or stapled to the wood frame, and the additional fasteners are designed to snap together in a stacked fashion. Several of the plastic securing blocks may be molded together to form a magazine which may be used in an application tool or by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Brandzel, Jeffrey W. Bower
  • Patent number: 6886798
    Abstract: A support for holding an electronics assembly, comprises: (i) a rigid frame (6) that can be secured to the assembly; (ii) one or more cushioning elements (8) for protecting an electronics assembly held by the support against mechanical shocks during handling; and (iii) a plurality of handles (16) to enable the support to be manually lifted. The handles may be employed to lift both the assembly and the support, or they may be used to release the support from the assembly once the assembly is in place in an electronics cabinet. The support protects the assembly during installation in data centres after other packing materials have been discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Cain, Jay Kevin Osborn, John David Schnabel, Denise Silverman, Andrew John Yair