Patents Examined by Robert A. Olson
  • Patent number: 5195716
    Abstract: A high stability bearing includes two or more plates each of which has three or more disc shaped bearings mounted on or formed integrally with a surface or surfaces thereof, the disc shaped bearings and adjacent plates being joined together to form a bearing assembly with, the disc shaped bearings being linked or stiffened by the plates to form a stable unit. The disc shaped bearings are preferably constructed from a synthetic or natural rubber material having a shore hardness in the range of about 30 to 80. Each plate or an assembled set of plates can have a skirt which protects the interior of the assembly against the ingress of deleterious matter to the space or spaces between adjacent plates. The assembly can also include the provision of damping within the bearing by incorporating an energy absorbing component or components within or between the layers of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Skellerup Rubber Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Ray G. Tyler
  • Patent number: 5154376
    Abstract: A cable-securing device having a locking head and a flexible strap extending therefrom in the form of a ladder having cross bars extending between parallel side members. The cross bars are larger than the separation of the side members so that they are bent as they lie in the plane of the side members. The device has a projecting locking peg which forms a cable-securing loop when a cross bar is engaged by the locking peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz-Otto Baum, Johann Reindl
  • Patent number: 5154384
    Abstract: A device for hanging picture frames, plates, and the like in the corner between walls having means to adjust the axial length of the device and consequently its distance from the corner before being secured to the respective walls. In addition, once the device is secured against the walls of the corner, means are provided to adjustably position the point where plates and the like are hung from the device along a line extending from the corner and through the device at a right angle to the device. Means are also provided to facilitate fastening the device to the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Patricia J. Owens
  • Patent number: 5152488
    Abstract: Apparatus for holding a small workpiece or probe in a fixed orientation and for translating the workpiece/probe in one, two or three perpendicular directions by various displacement mechanisms. One embodiment uses two curvilinear frames of constant width, across which two other planar frames move for displacement in one direction. A second embodiment uses a flexible sheet frame resembling a parallelogram for displacement in one direction. A third embodiment uses a different parallelogram configuration. These and other displacement mechanisms are combined to allow displacement in one, two or three perpendicular directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: David Richardson
  • Patent number: 5145135
    Abstract: An object support rack comprising a plate adapted for engagement on a wall or other similar relatively flat surface and preferably a vertically disposed surface. The plate of the object support rack has a socket which receives a post. This post may extend angularly outwardly from the plate of the object support rack. In addition, elbows may be provided for changing the angulated position of a portion of the post with respect to the object support rack. A plurality of the object support racks may be mounted in abutting relationship or otherwise, a closely spaced apart relationship on the wall for supporting the plurality of objects. Foam covers extend over the posts and also can extend over a portion of the plates to protect the objects supported thereon. Moreover the object support racks can be mounted essentially in any position on a wall, depending upon the objects which are to be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Russel L. Thompson
    Inventor: Alex Thompson
  • Patent number: 5137242
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for holding spectacles. It is made of a unitary, flexible, resilient polymeric material formed into a receptacle member having a forward section and rear section separated by upwardly projecting, hinged walls. The forward section has a bridge rest and the rear section has a slot. The hinged walls flex outwardly to hold firmly spectacles placed into the device with the temples folded inwardly and inserted into the slot, the bridge of the frame resting on the bridge rest, and the hinged walls extending between the folded temples and the frame. The device is adapted to rest on a flat, horizontal surface or be mounted to a flat, vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Vern M. Reath
  • Patent number: 5135188
    Abstract: A bundling strap, such as used for bundling a group of wires, includes a spring device for grasping a thin rib or the like thereby avoiding the need for drilling a hole according to the customary practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventors: Franklin R. Anderson, John M. Schroer
  • Patent number: 5135194
    Abstract: A wall mounting system wherein a single horizontal rail is attached to a wall structure and suspended components are supported by an undercut forming a cleat on the top of the rail. The supported structures may be cabinets, vertical rails supporting shelving brackets mounted so as to eliminate the view of the mounting system from a frontal observation, a novel insert is provided to aid in suspending members from the horizontal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: McCalla/Lackey Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Laughon, Roy V. Nicholson, Michael E. Barrett, Robert C. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 5129608
    Abstract: A wraparound clamping device for binding together a bundle of elongated parts, e.g. cables, which includes a band section formed substantially into a circle so that butt end surfaces of the band section are opposed to one another. A tongue is formed on one butt end surface and a groove is formed on the other butt end surface creating a strong snap fit. An end band extending tangentially from the circular band section near the butt end with the groove overlaps an end band extending from the other butt end. The circular band section forms a complete ring when the tongue is snapped into the groove. The bundle is enclosed within the circular band section. When the overlapping end bands are secured together and the circular band section is heat shrunk, the circular band tightens the bind around the bundle, the groove is squeeze onto the tongue so as to strengthen the joint of tongue and groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventor: Ross B. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5123625
    Abstract: A resilient material element with graded stiffnesses is disclosed comprising radial substructures carried by the body of the element and separated by radial gaps, these substructures themselves carrying studs of more reduced cross section. When the element is subjected to compression forces in the axial direction, the studs are crushed, then the substructures, which confers on the element sudden increases of stiffness. An additional increase of stiffness is provided when, with the substructures expanded laterally, their facing walls come into mutual abutment, which completely closes the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Paulstra G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Ralf Spaltofski
  • Patent number: 5123624
    Abstract: A torsional damper comprises a pulley hub fixed to a rotary shaft such as the crank shaft of an engine or the like, and a damper mass fixed, by means of a damping rubber, in a cavity formed in the front portion of the pulley hub. A projection is provided on the outer circumference of the damper mass, and a groove is formed in the pulley hub oppositely to the projection to receive a part of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kurata, Hideo Kemuyama
  • Patent number: 5117893
    Abstract: A rolling shutter system employs a variable efficiency bi-directional drive mechanism which permits easy and quick raising of the rolling shutter while protecting against self-lowering of the shutter by reason of its own weight. The system also employs a novel operator for the bi-directional drive mechanism which is characterized by an easy and comfortable to grip bead string which also is attractive in appearance. The bead string is trained about a sprocket wheel, and an overload slip clutch is provided between the sprocket wheel and worm gear drive to limit the amount of force that can be applied to the bead string during raising and lowering of the rolling shutter. Also provided is a novel shutter travel limit and locking device, a novel valance construction and a novel through the wall shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Excel Shutter Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Morrison, Tor H. Petterson, Stephen Bartok
  • Patent number: 5118063
    Abstract: A concession tray for carrying beverages and snacks from a concession sales area to a stadium or theater seat. The concession tray is made of light, inexpensive paper stock or plastic and includes downwardly extending cup receptacles sized for receipt into a chair arm cupholder. The cup receptacles have multiple internal shoulders for receiving and holding different sizes of cups. The tray cup receptacles preferably include left, center and right receptacles for left, center or right mounting on the chair arm. A downwardly depending leg spaced from the cup receptacles maintains the tray level for loading with concession food and beverages. The tray is configured for stacking with the cup receptacles and legs fitting into matching cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: John R. Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5118057
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cable fitting for insertion in a protective enclosure. The fitting includes one or more cable channels and is constructed of a first staging portion for attachment to the electrical enclosure and a second portion which incorporates strain relief features with gripping teeth for clamping the cable. The fitting is designed for use with one or more cables. In use, it is installed in the panel to the staging position depth, the cable or cables are inserted through the fitting and the panel into the box to the desired position for clamping, and the fitting is inserted into the panel to the installed position to lock the fitting to the box and to clamp the cable within the fitting. The fitting may also be fully inserted and the cable or cables installed thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: William B. Martin, John W. Martin, Mark L. Bryan
  • Patent number: 5116003
    Abstract: A hanger for articles of various sizes and shapes comprising a base on which are pivotally supported a pair of opposing article gripping members. The members are supported by the base for pivotal swinging movement about oppositely slanting axes to cause the members to converge into gripping engagement with an article when swinging downwardly under the action of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Karsten H. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 5114107
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a quiver and arrows comprises a holder (100) which includes a primary block (101) and an add-on block (103). The primary block (101) has means (102) for mounting the block to a support surface, a first means (12a") for presenting an arrow, and means (104) for attaching a quiver to the holder. The mounting means (102) comprises a threaded screw (106) movably mounted to the primary block (101) for movement between a first position where a substantial portion of the screw is retracted within the block and a second position where a substantial portion of the screw extends from the block. The quiver-attachment means (104) comprises two tongues (136) movably mounted to the block for clamping a conventional quiver to the block. The first arrow-presenting means (12a") comprises a channel (112a) and a foam pad (110a) which define a slot (13a") adapted to receive and frictionally retain an arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventors: Gary Mahn, Gary Bowman
  • Patent number: 5114105
    Abstract: An electrical box support bracket for adjustably supporting one or more electrical outlet boxes of the kind having parallel mounting flanges on the top and bottom sides. The bracket consists of a plate with a rectangular opening having channels at the top and bottom edges for snugly and slidably receiving the said flanges of electrical boxes. Furthermore, the bracket may have metal tabs for easy and rapid attachment to metal wall studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Young
  • Patent number: 5111943
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes a support member for supporting a plurality of articles. A directory, listing the articles supported by the support member, is operably associated therewith. The directory includes a first area listing a first group of articles and a second area listing a second group of articles. A group location identifier identifies the location of the first and second groups of articles. The group location identifier includes first and second members for identifying the location of the first and second groups of articles, respectively. An article location identifier identifies the location of the articles in at least the first group of articles. The article location identifier is removed from the group location identifier and the articles in the first group of articles. At least a portion of the first area, at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the article location identifier are formed from a first distinctive color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Marley Mouldings Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Ramey
  • Patent number: 5112013
    Abstract: A tie strap structure for electric wiring is provided. The tie strap structure includes a tie strap member having a flexible strap for encircling a bundle of wires and a buckle at one end of the strap for engaging the other end of the tie strap to secure the tie strap in place on a bundle of wires. A cross member is provided on the tie strap intermediate the ends thereof. A mounting bracket is provided including an elongated slot. The cross member is slidably retained in the slot. The slot extends in the direction of the length of a bundle of wires when the tie strap structure is mounted thereon. The fastener extends outwardly from the mounting bracket for reception in an opening provided in a support structure to which the tie strap structure is to be attached. The mounting bracket is slidable with respect to the cross member lengthwise of the bundle of wires to permit alignment of the fastener with the opening without stretching the bundle of wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Tolbert, Glen A. DeGrendel
  • Patent number: 5108063
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable computer mounting arm for mounting a computer to the wall of a patient treatment room allowing in the retracted position the computer to be stored close to the wall and in the extended position electronic information relating to the patient to be accessed through the computer at a point of patient care zone adjacent the patient but spaced from the wall, including a computer mounting bracket, a wall mounting bracket for mounting with respect to the wall of the patient treatment room, support arms extending between and pivotally connecting the computer mounting bracket and the wall mounting bracket permitting the computer mounting bracket to be articulated between the retracted and extended positions, a pneumatic spring to assist in extending and retracting the mounting arm, and a spring mount for mounting the wall bracket with respect to the wall permitting the wall mounting bracket to flex with respect to the wall on the imposition of a force to the computer mounting arm to preve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Clement J. Koerber, Sr., L. Dale Foster, William H. Peck