Patents Examined by Michael J. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7011469
    Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and the inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel flat sides. Each flat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: R. Sanderson Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Sanderson, Albert E. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 7010833
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa includes a mounting bracket, a slide bracket and a support arm adapted to be attached to the spa cover. The mounting bracket is adapted to be installed near a top of the spa. The slide bracket is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket. The support arm is pivotably coupled to the slide bracket at a pivot point on the slide bracket. A metal plate may be affixed using a double sided tape on an outside surface of the spa cover, and then anchored to the spa cover. The metal plate may be used to attach the support arm to the spa cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Carlos Duarte, Fred S. Romero
  • Patent number: 7010832
    Abstract: A side pivot hinge includes a joint body for securely mounting a side edge portion of the glass structure, a joint seat, having a joint sleeve, for securely mounting to a border frame, and an angular adjustment arrangement which includes a joint housing securely mounted to the joint body, a supporting shaft rotatably supported by the joint housing to rotatably insert into the joint sleeve to pivotally connect the joint body with the joint seat, and an angular adjustment locker to securely lock up the supporting shaft within the joint housing such that when the joint body is angularly moved with the joint seat for adjustably aligning the glass structure with the border frame, the supporting shaft is locked up at the joint housing in a rotatably movable manner via the angular adjustment locker for retaining an alignment of the glass structure in position with the border frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Mei Li Chen
  • Patent number: 7007341
    Abstract: A door closer includes a closer casing, a pivot unit, and a length-variable damping cylinder. The pivot unit includes a pivot axle, a cam member, and a cam follower member. The pivot axle has a drive end portion that extends into and that is retained rotatably in the closer casing, and a coupling end portion that extends out of the closer casing. The cam member is mounted co-rotatably on the drive end portion of the pivot axle. The cam follower member is disposed in the closer casing, and is acted upon by the cam member. The damping cylinder is disposed in the closer casing, and has one end coupled to the cam follower member and an opposite end anchored to the closer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fu Luong Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Wang
  • Patent number: 6986187
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an appliance includes a claw and a channel pivotably connected to the claw. A link assembly is operably connected between the claw and the channel. The link assembly includes a link connected to the claw and a lever connected to the link. A glide member is connected to the lever and movably engaged with said channel. The glide member is slidably movable between first and second operative positions in response to movement of the channel relative to the claw between first and second positions, respectively. A spring is operably connected to a first end of the lever and biases the glide member into engagement with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventors: Steven O. Cummins, Jeffrey D. Habegger, James J. Collene
  • Patent number: 6976681
    Abstract: A slide ring seal assembly includes a slide ring having an axially extending annular leg. The leg has radially outer and radially inner circumferential surfaces and a free axial end. A plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses are provided in leg at the free axial end thereof. Each recess extends from the radially outer surface to the radially inner surface. An annular sealing body surrounds the leg and is seated thereon. Circumferentially spaced, radially inward-oriented extensions forming part of the annular sealing body and projecting into respective recesses are provided in the leg for effecting a form-locking connection between the slide ring and the annular sealing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Friedberg GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Henning Zutx
  • Patent number: 6973812
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching, e.g., a key ring is disclosed wherein the device facilitates the reversible attachment of various connecting means, such a device having a shoulder connected to a post and such post having at least one aperture running therethrough for attachment of snap hooks, rings etc. Attachment to various desired articles, preferably belts, garments, etc. is accomplished by, e.g., securing the shoulder by adhesive means or through a riveting structure, thereby allowing a post having an aperture therethrough to extend outwardly for easy access by a user. In some embodiments, the attachment device can be loosely attached to a desired article, wherein an attachment of an item via the aperture is sufficient to secure the attachment device to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: David W. Piermattei
  • Patent number: 6968597
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an appliance comprises a channel and a stop connected to the channel. A door mounting lever pivots relative to the channel about a pivot axis on an arc between a first operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a first direction about said pivot axis on the arc and second operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a second direction opposite the first direction about the pivot axis on the arc. A glide is operatively coupled to the door mounting lever, e.g., by way of a spring cam member, and is movable slidably on the stop in response to movement of the door mounting lever. A spring biases the glide into continuous engagement with the stop when the door mounting lever is located in both the first and second operative positions and when the door mounting lever moves between the first and second operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mansfield Assemblies Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Habegger, Steven O. Cummins
  • Patent number: 6968598
    Abstract: A seat back hinge fitting for a motor vehicle seat having a seat carrier and a seat back. The seat back hinge fitting has a lower arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat carrier, an upper arm that is rigidly fixed to the seat back and a forward tilting hinge for swiftly tilting the seat back forward from a position of normal utilization into a forward tilted position. A bearing hole is provided for in one of the two arms. A bearing is pivotally disposed within said bearing hole. A locking device that normally locks a pivot movement of the bearing within the bearing hole is provided. A release means that disengages the locking device when actuated for the purpose of tilting the seat back forward into the forward tilted position is assigned to the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
  • Patent number: 6948216
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail, a bottom rail, and a blind material extending therebetween in addition to an operating element or lift cord extending from the head rail to the bottom rail and an improved anchoring system for securing the lower free end of the lift cord to the bottom rail. The anchor includes a body adapted to be inserted into an opening in the bottom rail with the body having radiating ribs at one end defining passages therebetween such that the lift cord can be selectively wrapped around the ribs in a predetermined manner to secure the lift cord to the anchor at a predetermined location along the length of the lift cord. A cap is provided on the anchor for further securing the cord to the body by pinching the cord between the cap and an internal surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Gaudyn, Stephen T. Wisecup, Terry L. Akins
  • Patent number: 6944911
    Abstract: A Balance Handle includes two types of handle grips, A type having braided rope approximately five and one-half inches long inserted and centered within a length of comparable diameter tubular nylon webbing and B type, a commonly available product consisting of approximately six inch length of heavy rubber tubing inserted and centered within a length of comparable tubular nylon webbing covered with a molded, non-marking rubber sleeve. Two case clamps are stainless steel worm gear clamps, each cut to a length slightly longer than the diameter of a tubular fishing rod case and sheathed in comparably sized tubular nylon webbing of a length approximately one inch shorter than the diameter of the tubular fishing rod case. Both A type and B type handle grip ends are void of rope or tubing and thus flat, enabling them to be cut to a length at least long enough to fit under, up, and over the worm gear housing of the case clamp. Each end of both A type and B type handle grip is squarely melted forming a small T shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: David L. Knoblauch
  • Patent number: 6941778
    Abstract: A lock for a door (10) comprises a casing (11), a bolt (55) operable to extend from or retract into the casing, a pivoted operating handle (36) operable at one side of the door to retract the bolt, lock means (28) for key operation at the other side of the door, and blocking means (81) to prevent operation of the handle to retract the bolt. In a locked closed position of the door, the bolt (55) is extended, and with the blocking means operated, key operation of the exterior lock means (28) both retracts the bolt and also de-actuates the blocking means. At the inside of the door further key operable lock means (39, 40) are provided sokly to operate and, if required to the de-actuate the blocking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6938301
    Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support decks, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Kendall O. Shows, William S. Larisey, Jr., Robert E. Anderson, Daniel C. Hillenbrand, Joe D. McGuinness
  • Patent number: 6931693
    Abstract: A damper mechanism installed on an opening and closing device that has an arcuate plunger with the same radius of curvature of the cylinder it slidably mates with. A torsion coil spring causes the sliding action of the plunger into the cylinder in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Kyosuke Uemura
  • Patent number: 6922869
    Abstract: A damper apparatus is disclosed for damping movement between a first and a second element. The apparatus includes an elongate housing secured to the first element, the housing having a first and a second end. The housing defines a bore which extends between the ends of the housing. A rotor is connected to the second element, the rotor including a first and a second portion. The first portion of the rotor is rotatably disposed within the bore of the housing. A biasing device has a first and a second termination, the biasing device extending between the second portion of the rotor and the housing for rotationally biasing the rotor relative to the housing. A seal is disposed between the first and second portions of the rotor. The seal cooperates with the bore for sealing the bore relative to the second portion of the rotor such that in use of the apparatus, damping fluid sealed within the bore by the seal dampens rotational movement of the rotor relative to the bore when the rotor is rotationally biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Bivens, Joseph J. Bella, Jefferey S. Cascio
  • Patent number: 6921089
    Abstract: A gasket sealing system for providing a gasket seal disposed between a lid removably connectable at a receiving module containing electrical circuitry and/or batteries. The lid includes a perimeter surface that is removably insertable against a rim bordering an opening into the module. A gasket is adapted to bond to the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket includes a first contacting surface having an arcuate shape that deforms upon contact against the module rim. The gasket includes a bonding surface adapted to bond to the shape of the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket is composed of a resilient material that is self-lubricating. When the lid is removed from the rim of the opening, the deformable gasket is disconnected from sealing against the rim of the module without disruption of the integrity of the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Groh, Christopher E. Mainini
  • Patent number: 6918157
    Abstract: A rail structure for doors comprises a track rail body (3) which supports the door wheels (4) which are attached to a door (6) and freely roll on the track rail body (3), a load support member (2) which is extended along the track rail body (3) and supports the track rail body (3) from the bottom side, a cushion member (7) which is disposed between the track rail body (3) and the load support member (2) and absorbs the vibration from the track rail body (3). A convexo-concave fitting part (8) which performs convexo-concave fitting is formed on the bottom surface of the track rail body (3) and on the upper surface of the load support member (2) via the cushion member (7). Purposes of the invention are to prevent vibrations caused by the running of the door wheels (4) from being transmitted to building, and to improve the efficiency of replacement operations for the track rail body (3), and to lower the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Automatic Door Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsufumi Koike
  • Patent number: 6918273
    Abstract: A lock for a door comprises a casing, a bolt operable to extend from or retract into the casing, a pivoted operating handle operable at one side of the door to retract the bolt, lock means for key operation at the other side of the door, and blocking means to prevent operation of the handle to retract the bolt. In a locked closed position of the door, the bolt is extended, and with the blocking means operated, key operation of the exterior lock means both retracts the bolt and also de-actuates the blocking means. At the inside of the door further key operable lock means are provided solely to operate and, if required, to de-actuate, the blocking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6915545
    Abstract: A latch mechanism positioned at the intermediate extents of the adjacent rail components to hold such components in an aligned orientation including a saddle having opposed parallel faces and a central aperture defined in between the opposed faces. Each opposed face has at least an aperture and a plurality of guide slots provided lengthwise of the saddle. The central aperture is adapted to receive opposed rail components therein. Fastening means extend through the aperture to pivotally couple the saddle with the opposed rail components. An urging block is mounted within the central aperture of the saddle at substantially the center portion of the saddle, in between the opposed rail components. Guide pins are slidably mounted within the guide slots, and a flexible strap is provided to connect the guide pins to the urging block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 6912881
    Abstract: The security reversible key with an assigned cylinder (Z) has a blocking groove (BN) with a coded blocking depth (B1, B2, B3), which runs parallel to the axis of the key (x) from the tip of the key to at least the first position (P1) of a row of tumbler pins (A2) on the key. In the assigned cylinder, at least at the rearmost coding position (P1), a pair of tumbler pins corresponding to the blocking groove (BN) with a blocking tumbler pin (BZ) and an extended blocking counter pin (BG) are foreseen, whereby the blocking counter pin (BG) impinges on the cylinder housing (10), if the blocking groove is insufficiently deep and, with this, the complete insertion of a key with an insufficiently deep blocking groove is blocked by the pair of blocking tumbler pins. Simultaneously, the blocking tumbler pin (BZ) with the counter pin (BG) at the position (P1) also serves as coding tumbler pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kaba Schliesssysteme AG
    Inventor: Arno Kleinhaeni