Patents Examined by Michael McDuffie
  • Patent number: 11268709
    Abstract: The vibration-dampening support for an HVAC unit is configured for use with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. The vibration-dampening support for an HVAC unit is a pedestal structure that forms a load path that transfers the load of the HVAC equipment to a supporting surface. The vibration-dampening support for an HVAC unit is an elastic structure. The elastic nature of the vibration-dampening support for an HVAC unit protects the HVAC equipment by absorbing vibrations generated by the HVAC equipment. The vibration-dampening support for an HVAC unit comprises a pedestal plate, a spring housing, a mounting tube, and a compression spring. The spring housing contains the compression spring. The pedestal plate and the mounting tube attach to the spring housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: James Zeeff
  • Patent number: 11247612
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror unit of a vehicle, including a support unit and a housing unit pivotable in a circumferential direction between a plurality of positions relative to the support unit. Furthermore, the adjusting instrument includes a breakable rotation-locked coupling unit for coupling of the housing unit to the support unit. The coupling unit comprises a plural number N of parallel disposed couplings where each coupling has two mutually opposed coupling faces, pressed against each other under spring action and mutually displaceable in the circumferential direction. The coupling faces have a periodic cam pattern engaging in each other, wherein the two coupling faces are mutually breakably rotation-locked and wherein only a limited number M of couplings is in engagement at the same time, with M being less than N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Bartjan Maat, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout, François Roderik Henri Bouaziz
  • Patent number: 11247613
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a support arm adapted to be affixed to an associated vehicle side door and a housing movably mounted to the support arm. A glass assembly is attached to the housing. A bracket is supported within the housing for mounting an actuator, and the actuator is configured to selectively adjust the housing and glass assembly together and in tandem relative to the bracket to adjust a field of view of the glass assembly as viewed by an associated vehicle operator. A pin disposed between the housing and the bracket is configured to transfer an impact or load exerted on the housing into the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Rothschild, Oscar A. Caraan, Matthew Scott Van Oeveren
  • Patent number: 11246431
    Abstract: A hanging apparatus that includes a frame that supports a display item and a bracket for purposes of hanging the hanging apparatus. The bracket may include a body portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion facilitating coupling of the bracket to a backer panel that is part of a stack positioned in a rabbet of the frame. Thus, the mounting portion includes walls that define a mounting channel. Portions of the backer panel are positioned within the mounting channels of the bracket prior to inserting the backer panel into the rabbet of the frame. Fasteners such as turn buttons or flex tabs may be altered into a locked state to secure the stack and the bracket in the rabbet so that the frame can be hung for display of the display item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Lee Pyle, Matthew Scott Kressin
  • Patent number: 11248722
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting a cable hanger on a mounting structure includes a body having a base and a neck, the base having a hollow cavity and including a mounting hole with an overhanging rim, the neck including a threaded bore, the adapter being formed of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ronald A. Vaccaro, Christopher Stockman, Aviral Joshi, Darin W. Piburn
  • Patent number: 11236853
    Abstract: A security apparatus for securely displaying a portable electronic device comprises a base, a holder and a securing portion. The base defines a central bore and comprises a holder engagement portion. The holder comprises an outer surface defining a plurality of vertical channels terminating in a support surface forming a support platform. A holder groove is defined between the support platform and the outer surface of the holder. The securing portion comprises a plurality of projections coupled to each other by one or more lateral braces. Each of the plurality of projections comprises a lateral extension that is configured to contact the support surface and engage a holder groove. Rotation of the securing portion relative to the holder moves each lateral extension of the plurality of projections into the holder channel and secures the securing portion to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Scorpion Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn W. Gulick, Jr., Gary R. Page
  • Patent number: 11208819
    Abstract: Example aspects of an indicator for a compression post, a compression post for a building, and a method for using a compression post are disclosed. The indicator for a compression post can comprise a leg configured to engage a support plate of the compression post; and an indication portion supported by the leg and comprising; a first visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in an uncompressed configuration; and a second visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in a compressed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 11203297
    Abstract: A holder device for a rear-view and/or display device of a motor vehicle having at least one holder plate fixed to a panel or plate-like object, and having at least one securing foot, which is or can be detachably arranged on the holder plate wherein by at least one retaining means fixed to the securing foot or at least partially surrounding the securing foot, which is or can be fixed to a vehicle component spaced apart from the holder plate, which limits a movement of the securing foot in a state in which it is at least partially detached from the holder plate in form fitting and/or force-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Stefan Held
  • Patent number: 11202552
    Abstract: Embodiments of a dishwasher may include a frame defining a treatment chamber for items to be washed, and at least one coupling system for coupling the frame to furniture walls. Each one of the at least one coupling system may include a support element coupled with the frame with the possibility of moving with respect to the frame, the support element being further adapted to be fixed to a corresponding furniture wall by means of a fastening member; and a regulation element coupled with the support element and operable to cause a movement of the frame with respect to the support element after the support element is fixed to the corresponding furniture wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Luca Marzorati
  • Patent number: 11203306
    Abstract: A dashboard attachment device is disclosed for mounting an electronic device within a vehicle. The dashboard attachment device is installed between at least two interior surfaces of a vehicle (e.g., a windshield and a dashboard). The dashboard attachment device may have a wedge shape to fit the intersection between the two interior surfaces. A beam or arm extends away from a base portion of the dashboard attachment device to a mount portion. The mount portion may be used to mount an electronic device that may include one or more sensors directed to the vehicle's environment and/or to position the electronic device in the vehicle operator's field of view to aid the operator (e.g., with navigation). The mount may be interchangeable subject to the interface to the electronic device. The dashboard attachment device may include an adherence point to secure the dashboard attachment device to one or both of the interior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: XIRGO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Hodge, Lynette Ross, Stephen Senatore, Adam Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11197729
    Abstract: A cannula sterile adaptor for a surgical system includes a first portion comprising a rigid material and a second portion comprising a compliant material. one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a depression arranged to receive a clamping arm of a cannula mount of the surgical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 11185176
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in holding an artwork during transportation and storage, the artwork comprising or being mounted within a frame with a plurality of fastening devices secured to the frame, each fastening device having an aperture in a part which protrudes from a side of the frame, the apparatus comprising a substantially flat mounting panel provided with a plurality of retention members; and a plurality of securing devices for securing the fastening devices to the mounting panel, each of the securing devices comprising an engagement part for engaging the fastening device and a locking part which is rotatable about an axis from a first angular position in which it can be located adjacent a respective retention member and a second angular position in which it engages with a respective retention member, whereby each securing device can be used to secure a respective fastening device to the mounting panel by aligning the aperture in the fastening device relative to a retention member of the mounting panel, inser
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CRATEIGHT LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, John Hein, Andrew Nikita Cunynghame Stramentov, Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser
  • Patent number: 11179986
    Abstract: An extension bracket for a slider bar comprising a first curved tubular member affixed to a first end of a slider bar and a second end extending below the slider bar, spaced from a wall of a tractor unit. A second curved tubular member is affixed to a second end of the slider bar and a second end extending below the slider bar, spaced from the wall. There is a tubular cross member affixed to a portion of the first curved member to a portion of the second curved member. There is a tubular mounting member having first and second ends connected, respectively, to the second end of the first curved tubular member and to the second end of the second curved tubular member. The tubular mounting member also has a mid-section between the first and second end sections which is in contact with the wall of the tractor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: James C. Papafagos
  • Patent number: 11167883
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism which supports an inventory divider within a storage bin. The coupling mechanism comprises a joint extension and a holding mechanism. The coupling mechanism is coupled to an interior wall of a supply bin. An inventory divider is inserted into the joint extension and is rotated within the joint extension between and upper and lower position within the storage bin. The holding mechanism of the coupling mechanism retains the inventory divider in the upper position, dividing the storage bin into two compartments. By retaining the inventory divider with a holding mechanism that is not directly connected to the bin, the wear on the holding mechanism is substantially reduced and the inventory divider is more secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Schuldt
  • Patent number: 11167632
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device including: a first mounting member configured to be mounted to one of components of a vibration transmission system; a second mounting member configured to be mounted to an other of the components of the vibration transmission system; a main rubber elastic body connecting the first mounting member and the second mounting member elastically to each other; a bracket attached to the second mounting member, the bracket having a mounting part configured to be mounted to the other of the components of the vibration transmission system; a tubular outer member secured press-fit to the second mounting member; a mass member disposed within the tubular outer member; and a support rubber fixed at an outer peripheral part of the mass member, the support rubber elastically connecting the tubular outer member and the mass member to constitute a dynamic damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignees: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayoshi Yasuda, Yoshinori Watanabe, Naoki Furumachi, Keishi Hatanaka, Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Yuji Matsubara, Kentaro Mori
  • Patent number: 11162633
    Abstract: An electronic device mount includes a rigid cover, a flexible cover, and a frame positioned between the rigid cover and the flexible cover. The frame has a plurality of openings. The electronic device mount further includes a plurality of rocker arms coupled within correspond openings of the frame, and to the flexible cover. The plurality of rocker arms are configured to pivot within the plurality of openings to deflect the flexible cover relative to the frame to define a curved outer surface of the flexible cover. The electronic device mount also includes a plurality of magnets coupled to one of the frame or the flexible cover. The deflection of the flexible cover is self-adjusting to allow for easy mounting of an electronic device to a curved metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11156009
    Abstract: Example aspects of an indicator for a compression post, a compression post for a building, and a method for using a compression post are disclosed. The indicator for a compression post can comprise a leg configured to engage a support plate of the compression post; and an indication portion supported by the leg and comprising; a first visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in an uncompressed configuration; and a second visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in a compressed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 11137105
    Abstract: A monitor arm coupling unit (1) for coupling a flat panel display monitor to an end of a monitor arm (2) of a monitor arm stand (3), comprising a monitor coupling part having a back plate (5) that is provided with mounting provisions arranged in a mounting pattern that in use cooperates with corresponding mounting provisions (6) on the back of a flat panel display monitor. The back plate comprises a central portion and a peripheral edge spaced away therefrom, and a monitor arm coupling piece that is connected to the back plate via an adjustment mechanism (10). An end part of the monitor arm coupling piece is adjustable via the adjustment mechanism between a first position in which the end part of the monitor arm coupling piece is located away from a peripheral edge of the back plate, and a second position in which the end part is located closer to that peripheral edge of the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: VLAAR INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventor: Erik Jacobus Vlaar
  • Patent number: 11130223
    Abstract: Techniques for installing a robotic arm, such as for use in a product packaging environment are described. In an example, a floor-supported plate may define a number of holes to allow connection of the plate to selected locations in the concrete floor. In an example, holes defined in the plate that are in undesirable locations in the concrete floor may not be used to bolt the plate to the floor. In contrast, holes that are in more favorable locations in the plate can be used to bolt the plate to the floor. The floor-supported plate may also be configured with alignment features that assist in connection of one or more supporting or related systems to the plate. Examples of the systems that may be connected to the plate, and/or aligned by contact with the plate, include conveyor systems, case-providing cassette(s), and pallet location and/or alignment guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Joshua A. Burright, Derick Charles Baker, Shawn Lowell Cheney, Arie Edmund Nordwig
  • Patent number: 11129504
    Abstract: A sports towel system has been described that includes a towel, a universal coupling device, and a universal coupler. The towel is coupled to the universal coupling device. The universal coupling device is removably coupled to the universal coupler. The universal coupler includes a pouch that holds a magnet. The magnet is used to removably couple the universal coupler and the towel to a metal surface. The sports towel system can be used by golfers and can be magnetically coupled to a golf cart or a golf club, for example. The universal coupler has a first and a second flap coupled to the pouch. The first flap has a first flap coupling element and the second flap has a second flap coupling element. The flap coupling elements are used to removably couple the universal coupler to the universal coupling device to attach the towel to the universal coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MONUMENT GOLF LLC
    Inventors: Chad Gamblin, Jeff Eggen