Patents Examined by Suzanne Dino Barrett
  • Fastening structure including a bolt having a serration that is press-fit into a bolthole of a flange
    Patent number: 7172379
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii
  • Door lock device
    Patent number: 7171832
    Abstract: A door lock device has a lock mechanism configured to allow and not allow opening of a door in an unlocked state and a locked state respectively, and an input shaft configured to switch the lock mechanism between these states when a force is applied to the input shaft. An output shaft is to be engaged with the input shaft so as to transmit the force to the input shaft. The door lock device also has a positioning mechanism configured to hold the input shaft at a position until the output shaft has been engaged with the input shaft and to allow rotation of the input shaft when the engagement has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Umino
  • Method of handcuff manufacture
    Patent number: 7171829
    Abstract: The handcuff assembly includes a bow pivotally connected to a cheek plate frame assembly which includes a unitized frame that is die stamped from a metal plate and which is overmolded with a polymer overmold. The bow and arcuate cheek arms engage a wrist of a person to be restrained with an envelope of the bow being defined by a conic path with an increasing arc. The bow and cheek arms have rounded inner edge surfaces. The cheek arms have reinforcing ribs. The molded polymer covering surrounding the cheek arms provide a round on the inner edge of the cheek arms which engage a wrist. The unitized frame has interlocking tabs on folded side plates of a base frame. A flat is provided on an outer surface of the bow for lining up a point of contact with a wrist. A removable lockset assembly for locking a pawl relative to ratchet teeth on the bow and including a slideable lock bar is received in the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Lester O. Stener
  • Electric lock with multiple-function spring
    Patent number: 7168276
    Abstract: An electric lock with multiple-function spring, with a locking element, a decoding assembly for a code bearing component, a first actuation element connected to an internal handle, and a second actuation element connected to an external handle both coupled to the locking element by an electromechanical device; the second actuation element comprises a protruding stem that ends with a rotating plate, a rotatable contrast plate that rests freely on a rotatable sleeve coupled to the locking element, the plates and the sleeve being provided with respective notches; the electromechanical device has a motor with a worm screw on its shaft, a slider, coupled to the screw through a spring with one end fixed on the lock body, the central portion engaged on the slider, and the opposite end accommodated between two crests of the screw, and a coupling element for entering notches to couple plates and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cisa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Deo Errani, Luciano Darchini
  • Cable wrap security device
    Patent number: 7168275
    Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Lock device for a box
    Patent number: 7165427
    Abstract: A lock device for a box includes a locking shaft, a lock shell, a lock core, a limiting unit, and a key. The lock shell has a surrounding shell wall that confines a core-receiving space, and that is formed with an insert hole in spatial communication with the core-receiving space to permit removable extension of the locking shaft into the core-receiving space. The lock core is disposed movably in the core-receiving space, and has a surrounding core wall that confines a key compartment and that is formed with a shaft engaging unit. The lock core is rotatable in the lock shell between locking position and unlocking positions. The limiting unit limits rotation of the lock core in the lock shell. The key is inserted removably into the key compartment and is operable so as to drive rotation of the lock core between the locking and unlocking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Yung-Tsai Lai
  • Lock
    Patent number: 7165428
    Abstract: A lock (1) comprises an electronics module (6) which in response to receiving an authorisation signal from an electronic key (8) causes movement of handles (4a; 4b) to release a bolt (19) within aperture (3). Electronic module (6) is replaceable and is retained in place by a latch (16) that may be released by actuation of a mechanical lock (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: ISON Limited
    Inventors: Frederick Bertram Isaacs, Paul Nicholas Roger Michael Isaacs
  • Combination and key operated padlock with indicator
    Patent number: 7159422
    Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Michael O. Misner, Jian-Bing Lu
  • Locking control knob
    Patent number: 7155947
    Abstract: A control knob having a locking mechanism that can be pressure-activated and controlled from the outside by the operator. When activated, the locking mechanism engages a structure on which the knob is mounted, preventing the rotation of the knob. The locking mechanism includes a keylock having a latch that can be turned with a key so as to engage a catch of the knob-housing seat of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Elesa, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Padlock
    Patent number: 7152439
    Abstract: An improved padlock and particular an improved small padlock that has a shackle adjustable to a desired length includes a lock body and a steel cable. The steel cable can run through the lock body to form a closed shackle. The lock body includes a casing, a dial assembly, two pushbuttons, two thrust members and two latch members. Locking and unlocking operations can be accomplished by depressing the pushbuttons. The latch members can engage with the steel cable to form a locking condition, or be moved away from the steel cable to form a unlocking condition so that the shackle range formed by the steel cable and the lock body can be adjusted to meet user's requirements. It overcomes the problem of the conventional padlocks that provide a shackle which is not adjustable and often does not have an adequate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Shu Chang
  • Cart locking device
    Patent number: 7152441
    Abstract: A locking system for a cart having at least one drawer movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking system includes a cam that is movable between a locked position, wherein the drawer of the cart is prevented from moving between the closed and open positions, and an unlocked position, wherein the drawer is released for movement between the closed and open positions. A manually actuated lock mechanism is coupled to the cam and is operable to move the cam between the locked and unlocked positions. An electronically actuated lock mechanism cooperates with the manually actuated lock mechanism to permit automatic operation of the locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Artromick International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Friar, Ryan Scott Crisp, George Clark
  • Error-proofing combination padlock
    Patent number: 7146830
    Abstract: An error-proofing combination padlock has a casing assembly, multiple dials, multiple sleeves, a shackle, a locking bolt and a spring. The dials are mounted rotatably inside the casing assembly. The sleeves are mounted rotatably and respectively inside the dials. The shackle is mounted retractably and pivotally on the casing assembly. A locking bolt is mounted slidably through the sleeves. The error-proofing combination padlock prevents dials from rotating except when the shackle is located in the locking (first) position or the combination-resetting (third) position and avoids a new and unintended unlocking combination arising during a resetting operation of the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Chien-Yung Huang
  • Device for opening a locked door or drawer
    Patent number: 7146834
    Abstract: A device for opening a locked door or drawer, which device comprises; a) means for facilitating the insertion of a key into a lock; and b) means for rotating said key when inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Axis (NE) Limited
    Inventors: Philip William Bull, George Robert Daintree
  • Seat cushion and method for carrying pressure-distributing medium in a seat cushion
    Patent number: 7146666
    Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushion base, a pressure-distributing medium, and a cover. The base supports the pressure-distributing medium. The cover has a pocket for receiving the pressure-distributing medium and covers the base and the pressure-distributing medium therein. A method for carrying the pressure-distributing medium in a personal mobility vehicle cushion comprises the steps of providing a cushion cover having a pocket, inserting a pressure-distributing medium in the pocket, and inserting a base in the cover so that the pressure-distributing medium is positioned above the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Christofferson, Thomas J. Whelan
  • Slide latch
    Patent number: 7146831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lockable latch for securing together a first panel to a second panel or keeper on a second panel or frame. The latch has a housing, a lockplug configured for a key, a lock collar and a return spring. When a user turns a key to rotate the lockplug and thereby lock the lockplug, the lock collar rotates through 90 degrees and a portion thereof occupies the space or gap between an edge of the first panel and a portion of the latch housing configured and dimensioned to receive the edge of the first panel or frame. As a result, space between an edge of the housing and the first panel is taken up by a portion of the locking collar due to rotation of the locking collar in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Antonucci, Robert Neale, Ismael Rodriguez
  • Closing cylinder
    Patent number: 7146833
    Abstract: The description relates to a closing cylinder for closure devices comprising a cylindrical closing housing which can be received in a fixed manner in an opening formed by a handle, closure device or the like, a closing core (18) is rotatably mounted in this closing housing and is axially supported at one of its ends on the housing edge by an edge projection (20) and carries or forms a drive at its other end for a bolt or closure (124), wherein, according to the invention, the drive (124) is held at the end of the closing core (118) in a positive engagement so as to be exchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Lock
    Patent number: 7140210
    Abstract: A lock has a housing with a hole. A lock post has an interior end fixed in the housing and an exterior end extruded out of the housing via the hole. The lock post has a lock portion at the exterior end thereof. Two close posts have interior ends received in the housing and a plate is connected to the interior ends. The close posts are movable relative to the lock post. A control device is provided to the housing for manipulation to move the close posts. An elastic device is provided in the housing with opposite ends against the housing and the plate. A lock mechanism is provided to the housing to be switched between an unlock condition, in which the close posts are free for movement, and a lock condition, in which the close posts are exterior ends thereof extruded out of the housing and are secured threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Chern Hung Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsin Cheng
  • Steering column lock apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7140213
    Abstract: A lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to improved lock bolt motion. The cam can have a gradual ramp surface to extract a lock bolt even in binding conditions of the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Feucht, David C. Janssen, William P. Schuster, III
  • Handcuffs made of dissimilar materials
    Patent number: 7140208
    Abstract: The handcuff assembly includes a bow pivotally connected to a cheek plate frame assembly which includes a unitized frame that is die stamped from a metal plate and which is overmolded with a polymer overmold. The bow and arcuate cheek arms engage a wrist of a person to be restrained with an envelope of the bow being defined by a conic path with an increasing arc. The bow and cheek arms have rounded inner edge surfaces. The cheek arms have reinforcing ribs. The molded polymer covering surrounding the cheek arms provide a round on the inner edge of the cheek arms which engage a wrist. The unitized frame has interlocking tabs on folded side plates of a base frame. A flat is provided on an outer surface of the bow for lining up a point of contact with a wrist. A removable lockset assembly for locking a pawl relative to ratchet teeth on the bow and including a slideable lock bar is received in the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Arnament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, Lester O. Stener
  • Locking cover plate arrangement
    Patent number: 7140212
    Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Knox Company
    Inventor: Dohn J. Trempala