Patents Examined by Stephen S. Wentsler
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Patent number: 5887837Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
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Patent number: 5884889Abstract: A book support for supporting a book for a reader that includes an arm clearance panel including right and left arm clearance side edges each having a curved arm clearance recess; a book support panel constructed from a transparent material and including two book support ledges extending outwardly from a book support front surface and an elastic book retaining strap secured across the book support front surface; a base panel; a head clearance panel including a curved head clearance recess; a first hinge connected between a book support back surface of the book support panel and a top arm clearance side edge of the arm clearance panel; a second hinge connected between a top book support side edge of the book support panel and a top base side edge of the base panel; and a third hinge connected between the base back surface of the base panel and the top head clearance side edge of the head clearance panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventor: Tom Crosby
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Patent number: 5884881Abstract: A leaning support structure that is lightweight, expandable by a single hand and has a sturdy base without the need for insertion into the ground. The leaning support structure includes first and second elongated support members offset from each other, each support member having upper and lower ends and a predetermined connecting point. A handle may be placed on the upper end of the first elongated support member to cover the offset portion between the first and the second elongated support members, improving the feel and the aesthetic appearance. At the predetermined connecting points, a connector connects the elongated support members. A groove and a female securing portion are located in the upper half of the first elongated support member. A rod, which fits into the groove to limit the relative angle between the elongated support members, and a male securing portion are located in the upper half of the second elongated support member.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventors: Robert Evans Band, Arnold R. Gellman
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Patent number: 5881979Abstract: A telescoping leveler can include a housing having one end securable to a support column of an article of furniture and a threaded bore provided in an opposite end, a cylindrical intermediate member threaded on both an outside surface and an inside surface with the threaded outside surface threaded into the threaded bore of the housing, and a leveling glide having an upper threaded shaft portion that can be threaded into the threaded inside surface of the cylindrical intermediate member. The leveling glide can also have a lower foot portion. Additionally, a plurality of telescoping cylindrical intermediate members can be provided between the housing and the leveling glide. Furthermore, a stop means can be provided to prevent the threaded shaft and the intermediate members from being fully removed out of the threaded bore and threaded inside surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Knoll, Inc.Inventors: Charles P. Rozier, Jr., Michael L. McAllister
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Patent number: 5876011Abstract: A telescoping assembly is attached to a base for supporting the assembly above a floor. The assembly includes nestable elongated members having threaded sleeves configured to tighten the members in place in a nested position and in an extended position. A trouble light hook is attached to a distal end of the elongated member which is most distal from the base when the assembly is in a fully extended position.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: William J. Blasing
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Patent number: 5868367Abstract: A display stand includes a main body of a sleeve-shaped configuration including a first main portion, a second main portion, a pair of foldable side portions pivotably interconnecting the first and second main portions, a first auxiliary portion pivotably connected to the first main portion and extending across at least a part of the open upper end of the tubular formation in the erect condition, and a second auxiliary portion pivotably connecting the first auxiliary portion and depending down from the first auxiliary portion in the erect condition. At least one elastic element is connected to and extends between the lower end of the second main portion and the second auxiliary portion. This element acts directly on the second auxiliary portion and only through the same on the other portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael J. Smith
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Patent number: 5868361Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, including a rail formed as a plurality of separate sections, and splices for connecting the rail sections end to end. In one embodiment, a plurality of supports extend down from one or more rail sections at intervals spaced along the sections. Each support has a generally vertical column and a series of arms extending laterally outwardly from the column along the length of the column at different elevations. The arms of each support cooperate with the arms of the other supports for supporting a series of horizontal runs of data transmission lines and the like at the different elevations. Other embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Sigma-Aldrich Co.Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
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Patent number: 5865410Abstract: A universal staging bracket is supported on the sloping side of a steel ship or the like by means of a base plate having key hole apertures which engage headed studs welded to the side of the ship. A support arm is pivotally mounted on the base plate for disposition in a horizontal position when the base plate is not vertically disposed. A support leg is pivotally mounted on the base plate for pivotal movement to accommodate complex curvatures in the side of the ship and a telescopic knee brace is pivotally connected at opposite ends between the support leg and the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Metal Products Specialists, Inc.Inventor: David J. Horen
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Patent number: 5857656Abstract: A suspension apparatus is provided for hanging a space heater having a generally circular top cover for use in a livestock or poultry house. The suspension apparatus is designed to decrease the distance from a support cable end to the top of a space heater, thereby increasing the clearance between the space heater and the floor of the animal house. The suspension apparatus includes a Y-shaped member having a first arm and a second arm that are substantially equal in length. The Y-shaped member additionally includes a third arm that is shorter than the first and second arms. The first, second and third arms of the Y-shaped member are substantially in a common plane. An extension arm is provided, which is slidably mounted on and in parallel relation to the third arm of the Y-shaped member. The first and second arms of the Y-shaped member and the extension arm are engageable with apertured tabs typically provided on a top cover of a space heater. A hook element is fashioned on the extension arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Sibley Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. O'Herin, Jr., Gary L. Anderson, David R. Andrews
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Patent number: 5857633Abstract: A cup holder for holding receptacles such as cans, bottles and the like includes a housing and a pair of receptacle holding rings rotatably mounted on the housing for movement in different planes between a retracted position in which the holding rings are located in the interior of the housing and an extended position in which the holding rings extend out of the housing. A closure element is also provided for closing the open front of the housing when the receptacle holding rings are in the retracted position. The receptacle holding rings are provided with engaging elements that engage one another when the receptacle holding rings are in the extended position. The engaging elements define a predefined stop position for the two rings in the extended position. Additionally, tabs are provided on one of the rings to prevent the rings from crossing over one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Toyota Technical Center U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Pelchat, II, David Howard Reeder
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Patent number: 5842672Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted support system for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical, horizontal and elevational axis. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and nitrogen gas springs which offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Michael D. Gonnerman, Donald M. Voeller
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Patent number: 5836557Abstract: The invention is a utility tray assembly that is capable of being mounted on a support member of a ladder, such as a shelf or a step. The assembly includes a tray having parallel side walls, parallel end walls disposed normal to the side walls, and a bottom defining a plane and disposed normal to the side walls and the end walls. The end walls have slots therein extending in a direction parallel to the plane of the bottom. The assembly further includes a strap having a body portion and opposing end portions. Each of the end portions includes a slot extending in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strap. A fastener is associated with each end wall and is insertable through the slots in the end wall and the strap for securing the end portions of the strap to the tray end walls in such a manner that the support member of the ladder is captured between the body portion of the strap and the undersurface of the tray bottom.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventors: Harold David Bailey, Keith Alan Bailey
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Patent number: 5833082Abstract: The present invention concerns a document display stand with pockets used to store documents. A connecting device is used to mount each of the pockets on a holder. The connecting device has a guiding device with a beak to prevent the pockets from being mounted to the holder in an upside-down manner. The display stand is modular, flexible and multipurpose, and can accommodate a variety of pocket formats.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Tarifold, S.A.Inventor: Jean-Marc Barthel
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Patent number: 5833202Abstract: A mechanical fastening system is disclosed in which standard micro-optical elements are initially mounted on respective one-piece frames which in turn may be secured in position on a mounting plate. Each frame has a platform to which at least three legs are flexurally joined along respective hinge axes. In one embodiment, the legs include corresponding spherical segments for point-contact with the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the legs include corresponding foot portions connected by a ball-joint for three-degrees of rotational freedom. The one-piece frames may be efficiently manufactured by laser beam cutting or punching a steel sheet. The proposed fastening system enables uni- or multi-dimensional layouts to be created using automatic placing and fastening technologies.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Leica AGInventor: Andreasch Wolfgang
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Patent number: 5826836Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining clip, and in particular to a clip that may be used to mount a component 1 such as a radio through an aperture in a motor vehicle dashboard 54. A spring clip 75 has a base 70 with screw 51 for affixing the clip to a side 2 of the component 1. A ramp section 40 extends from the base and terminates in a shoulder 44 for a sprung engagement of the component 1 against an inner surface 55 of the dashboard 54. A hook 80 on clip 75 engages a bias hole 52 in front part 4 when the clip is being affixed to the side of the component for pretensioning the ramp section 40 to enhance the sprung engagement. The clip has an alignment surface 89 which is dynamically aligned with respect to a reference surface 22 in the front part 4 of the component while the clip is being affixed to the component. The tension pulls the alignment surface 89 forward against a surface 22 of the component 1 to align the shoulder 44 with respect to the front 4 of the component.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Gallichan, Reginald Cook
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Patent number: 5823499Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electric motor, a speed reducer and a coupling member located between the motor and the speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the speed reducer are provided with longitudinally extending grooves having a square or rectangular cross section in which barrel members having the mating cross section are inserted, respectively to absorb any gap therebetween. The box like barrel member has four segments which are brought into resilient contact with the groove.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sadao Ito, Haruo Kato
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Patent number: 5823482Abstract: A wiring device support for supporting electrical devices such as duplex receptacles, switches, Decora switches or ground fault circuit interrupters. The C-shaped wiring device includes a ramp portion on the top inside perimeter of the C, a tapered notch portion on another end of the inside perimeter of the C, and an integral rib extending substantially around the inner periphery of the C. The wiring device support may be used to support an existing electrical device which is loose or has sunken into a wall by loosening the existing electrical device, sliding the wiring device between the electrical device and the electrical box, and retightening the screws.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 5823483Abstract: A utensil holder, supported by a vessel or container, permits a hand held utensil to be held until needed. The utensil for stirring or servicing or other operations is held conveniently above the vessel in a position which permits any residual contents from the vessel on the utensil to fall back into the vessel. A device to securely attach the utensil holder on the container is provided by an inner finger and outer spring arm with an upper stabilizer joined to the bottom end of the spring arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: Garold B. Gaskill
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Patent number: 5820094Abstract: A cup holding device is designed to hold cups therein, and is formed of a case having a storing portion therein; a rotating member rotationally supported by the case and rotating between a storing position for closing the storing portion and a using position; two cup holders axially supported by the rotating member to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a rotating direction of the rotating member and having holding portions for the cups; a guided portion provided at at least one of the two cup holders; a guiding device formed in the case for guiding the guided portion; a first urging member for urging the rotating member to rotate from the storing position to the using position; and a holding member for holding the rotating member at the storing position.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Tsutomu Tanaka
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Patent number: 5820116Abstract: A suction attachable retaining clamp for holding an object such as a molding or mounting bracket against a surface such as a windshield. The suction attachable retaining clamp includes a base member having a pair of attachment arms extending from it. Each attachment arm has a suction cup member attached to its extended end for attachment to the surface of a windshield. The suction attachable retaining clamp also has plunger member having a pair guide arms which are inserted into a guide arm bore in each of the attachment arms. The plunger member also has a plunger arm extending from it through a plunger bore in the base member. A clamping foot at the end of the plunger arm is designed for holding an object against the windshield surface. Also attached on the plunger member is a pull ring for pulling the clamping foot in a direction away from surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Robert W. Haese