Patents Examined by Teri P. Luu
  • Patent number: 8393590
    Abstract: A vehicle seat rail assembly has a lower rail having a guide groove opening upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, that extends in a direction coincident with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and supported stationary relative to the vehicle body; an upper rail attached to a vehicle seat and guided by the lower rail to slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a cover mechanism that is disposed between a pair of inner walls that define the guide groove of the lower rail and that closes the guide groove. The cover mechanism includes a stationary cover that remains stationary relative to the lower rail and a movable cover that slides relative to stationary cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Hiromasa Hayakawa, Masaharu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8376297
    Abstract: Units or hook assemblies arranged and configured to adequately capture and hold personal items which have some type of handle, rope, strap or the like. Preferred embodiments include a mounting plate for attachment to a restroom stall wall, door or the like. The mounting plate includes an upper end and a lower end. Preferred embodiments further include a first and second hook elements extending outwardly from the mounting plate. Preferred embodiments are arranged and configured to hinder theft of personal items stored on the hook from an over the stall door or wall attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Portz
  • Patent number: 8356719
    Abstract: A crockery basket of a dishwasher for receiving pieces of crockery. The crockery basket includes a bottom; lateral parts that frame the bottom; and at least one row of rods that are arranged on the bottom to hold the pieces of crockery. The at least one row of rods has a base wire and individual rod wires that are attached to the base wire. Each end of the base wire is bent and pivotally mounted on the bottom. When the at least one row of rods is pivoted upright, the base wire is arranged at a distance from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Haltmayer, Mathias Herrmann, Stefan Kasbauer, Claus Köther, Jens Schlichtmeier, Martin Weissenburger, Mark Woldenberg
  • Patent number: 8342462
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member positioned adjacent to first and second elongated substantially vertical member members. The first substantially horizontal member has a channel formed in its rear side. The channel is sized and configured to receive wiring for display devices. The first substantially horizontal member is supported or attached to first and second collars positioned on the first and second elongated substantially vertical members such that movement of the first and second collars adjusts a vertical position of the first substantially horizontal member. One or more display devices, such as LCD screens or computer monitors, may be positioned on the first substantially horizontal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Sapper, Ronald Snyder
  • Patent number: 8342466
    Abstract: A support bracket that is stable in multiple dimensions includes a flat support platform and a coupling flange connected to an end of the support platform. A mount flange is connected to an end of the coupling flange, with a hole being formed in the mount flange. An L-shaped hook member extends away from an edge of the mount flange. The hook member is advanced into a slot in a support substrate and slid until it abuts an end of the slot, with the mount flange disposed flush against the support substrate. A fastener is then advanced through the mount flange and into the support substrate. This combination of structure securely holds the bracket on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: James Toshima
  • Patent number: 8327598
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a modular blocking panel system for a rack. The modular blocking panel system consists of multiple standardized panels which snap-together, or slidably attach to one another, in order to fill openings of any size in a rack. The panels connect to one another so that there is a seal at the junction between the panels. The seal blocks hot air in the interior of the rack from seeping through the panels and mixing with the cold air supply on the exterior of the panels. Multiple panels can be combined to create a single modular panel to cover any sized opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Electrorack Products Company
    Inventors: Robert Scott Shew, Todd P. Schneider, Reginald E. Jonker
  • Patent number: 8322680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust system hanger of a vehicle, in which two protrusions facing and spaced apart from each other are integrally formed at a center portion between both distal ends of the hanger, and the two protrusions selectively contact each other to increase a spring constant, when the shape of the hanger is elastically deformed by external force beyond a predetermined elastic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kichul Park
  • Patent number: 8322545
    Abstract: A shelf for a metal cabinet has a planar member, a ramped member extending from the planar member having a first, curved portion and a second, straight portion. The first, curved portion and second, straight portion are connected via a third, curved portion therebetween. The first curved portion has a first radius, and the second, curved portion has a second radius different from the first radius. The straight portion forms an outer wall of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Metal Fabricating Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Golias, Jr., Gary W. James, Robert J. Golias
  • Patent number: 8317147
    Abstract: A solar light stick holder comprising a single wire having a first end and a second end, a first extension arm and a second extension arm, a connecting base, a first holder-loop and a second holder-loop. The first end and second end each forms a loop for holding the solar light stick. The connecting base comprises at least one screw-loop to secure the holder to a fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Miguel Serrano
  • Patent number: 8317040
    Abstract: A magnetic divider system for forming one or more sub-compartments to isolate and organize articles therewithin in the interior region of a compartment having a ferruginous surface is provided. The magnetic divider system includes at least one rail member for defining one or more sub-compartments in the interior region of the compartment, the rail members having a base portion, a distal portion, and a channel extending therethrough. The magnetic divider system further includes one or more attachment members comprising magnets for fixedly restraining the rail members in the interior region of the compartment. The attachment members are disposed in the channel to magnetically attract the ferruginous surface of the interior region of the compartment to, in turn, restrainably affix the at least one rail member to the ferruginous surface of the interior region of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Lanning
  • Patent number: 8302784
    Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Joseph F. Kologe
  • Patent number: 8302927
    Abstract: A tool and method for holding a rotary lawnmower in a tilted position to expose the underside of its deck for maintenance, comprising a bracket having an anchoring portion and a receiving pocket joined to the anchoring portion, the anchoring portion being adapted to be operatively mounted on a vertical wall or post surface or held down at or near a floor or ground level, the receiving pocket being arranged when the anchoring portion is operatively mounted to receive a horizontal hand grip of the distal end of a lawnmower handle, and a lock member deployable on said bracket to selectively retain or release the hand grip in or from the receiving pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8297566
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. The internal cavity end portion may be of a material that is less subject to creep, and which may have high stiffness. The socket end portion may be made of a softer material that allows for sufficient deflection to allow for mating but is not as subject to creep as this portion is predominantly in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Day Men US, Inc
    Inventor: JoeBen Bevirt
  • Patent number: 8292380
    Abstract: A rack includes a upper frame, a frame post, and a confluence member. The upper frame includes a first pillar and a second pillar connected to the first pillar. A first guiding groove is defined in the first pillar. A second guiding groove is defined in the second pillar. The first guiding groove and the second guiding groove extend substantially along the horizontal plane. The frame post is coupled with a connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A third guiding groove is defined in the frame post. The third guiding groove extends uprightly. The confluence member is mounted between the frame post and the connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A plurality of confluence grooves is defined in the confluence member. The plurality of confluence grooves links the first guiding groove and the second guiding groove to the third guiding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8286922
    Abstract: A carrier includes a main bracket. The main bracket includes a first mounting member and a second mounting member. The first mounting member includes a first sidewall and a first front wall. The second mounting member includes a second sidewall and a second front wall. The first front wall is telescopically extensible relative to the second front wall. A retaining width between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is adjustable in order to couple to various size data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Shin Chou, Zhen-Xing Ye, Zi-Xuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8286808
    Abstract: A vertical file folder rack adapted for mounting on a wall and holding various sizes and shapes of files, posters, drawings and like items. The vertical file folder rack includes a plurality of triangular-shaped wire frames mounted and equally spaced along a length of a rectangular shaped elongated wall base. The wall base is adapted for vertical attachment to a wall. A top portion of each wire frame is pivotally attached along the vertical length of the wall base. A center portion of the wire frame includes a pair of support arms, which extend downwardly and vertically. A lower portion of the wire frame includes a pair of outwardly extending file support arms with an upwardly extending arch-shaped file keeper disposed between the two support arms. A file is received on top of the support arms and held therein between the file keeper and the two support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Setlik
  • Patent number: 8282062
    Abstract: A tilting device is disclosed. The tilting device may include: an arm, on which a tilt-shaft is formed; a tilt-base coupled to the tilt-shaft in a manner that allows tilting; a pulley rotatably coupled to the tilt-base; a wire, which is wound around the pulley, and of which either end is coupled to either side of the arm on opposite sides of the tilt-shaft; and a driving unit, which drives the pulley. An embodiment of the invention enables tilting operations using a smaller driving device, and also allows manual operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sentronix Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Woo Jun, Han-Jin Park, Tae-Ho Yun, Dong-Su Moon, Kyung-Su Park, Jung-Kyu Yim, Dong-Won Choi
  • Patent number: 8276862
    Abstract: There is provided a stand for an image display device supporting a flat-plate-like image display device. The stand for an image display device is provided with: a plane plate member in which the outside dimension is larger than that of the outside frame of the image display device, and the back face may be arranged in such away that the back face contacts the wall surface; a leg portion installed on the opposite side to the wall surface at the lower end of the plane plate member; and an arm member connecting the back face of the image display device and the front face of the plane plate member in such a way that the image display device may be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shusuke Eshita, Hajime Ogura, Hirotaka Tako, Wataru Tajika, Yoshiichi Tokuda, Ichiro Funakoshi
  • Patent number: 8276872
    Abstract: A computer retail display stand includes a base with an adjustable rear locking bracket assembly that can be engaged with an in-store locking bar, adjusted as necessary for the particular configuration of the in-store locking bar. A support platen on which a computer can be disposed for display is rotatingly coupled to the base. Informational material can be supported on a brochure tray that slides into and out of the base at the front of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Linda Lampman, Anthony Ian Lynas
  • Patent number: 8267259
    Abstract: A cup-shaped receptacle designed to engage the neck of a bottle and rigidly support it in a near horizontal position. The receptacle can be incorporated into many common building materials, so an array of the receptacles permits an attractive display of bottles. Bottles are held in place through the force of gravity and by resilient rings or gaskets disposed in the interior of the receptacle that limit vertical and horizontal migration of bottles. The rings also protect foil caps from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wunderwall, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Fisher, Robert W. Thompson