Patents Examined by Terrell McKinnon
  • Patent number: 8870146
    Abstract: A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Vogel, Paul Turner
  • Patent number: 8870139
    Abstract: A novel solar panel mounting system including a strap and one or more supports, having top flanges, attached to each other. The strap is attached between a first point and a second point on a surface. The support is designed to support a solar panel on this surface. The top flange of the support may be parallel to or at an angle to the surface. The strap may be singular or comprised of two straps one above the other. The strap may be attached to the top flange or the bottom or both. The supports may have any cross sectional shape. The strap may be attached to the support at its end or at a distance from the end; or normal to the support or at an angle to it. The length of the support is greater than the width of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Port, Timothy Graves
  • Patent number: 8870138
    Abstract: An attachment device which includes: a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released; and wherein the looping of the length of material to the body portion positions the length of material between the body portion and the frame or part thereof to which the attachment device is attached in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Thule IP AB
    Inventor: Patrick David Maguire
  • Patent number: 8870149
    Abstract: A hold-down assembly for retaining a portable electronic unit within an avionics equipment mounting tray includes a shaft, a locking collar, and an actuator knob. The shaft is coupled to pivot with the mounting tray. The locking collar slides along the shaft to engage the portable electronic unit. The actuator knob includes a knob body, a ratchet plate having detent holes within the knob body, a ball bearing, and a compression spring within the knob body. As the actuator knob is rotated to move along the shaft, the knob body and the ball bearing rotate with respect to the ratchet plate, and the ball bearing is forced against a spring bias of the compression spring as the ball bearing travels between adjacent detent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Rodig
  • Patent number: 8870137
    Abstract: This disclosure of the previously presented invention describes a small sized collapsible frame for use in certain embodiments of said apparatus for adjustably mounting a tablet PC or other personal electronic device, including additional examples of its many adjustment and attachment features. A mounting means, such as a suction cup assembly, is attachable to various surfaces and is connected to a hanger from which cordage or straps descend to the suspended frame. The miniaturized frame features a crossover arrangement of two slats enabling expansion and contraction of either a width or a height dimension of said frame. The invention comprises various swappable stabilizer elements to separately regulate the orientation and attachment of the mounted device(s) to any surface; and herein, the threadable stabilizer cleats that attach to the cordage are described in particular detail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen R. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8870140
    Abstract: A device mount for affixing a device to a surface such as a wall. The device mount has a surface bracket, an articulation mechanism, and a device mount plate. In various embodiments, the device mount further includes a tilt assembly. The surface mount bracket includes an upper surface bracket, a lower surface bracket and a vertical support positioned there between and connected to the lower all bracket and the upper surface bracket. The articulation mechanism has an inner articulating arm pivotally connected to the surface mount bracket and an outer articulating arm is rotatably connected to the inner articulating arm such that it maybe disposed substantially within a void of the inner articulating arm. The tilt assembly is connected to the outer articulating arm and pivotally connected to the device mount plate that is adapted to have a device mounted thereto, such that the device mount plate is selectively tiltable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Stemple
  • Patent number: 8870163
    Abstract: A bracket system for connecting a structural member to an upright member includes a bracket having an attachment portion configured to be operatively attached to a vertical or side surface of the structural member and a cup portion integral with the attachment portion. The cup portion includes a base portion and an interior perimeter surface configured to receive the upright member in an installed position such that the exterior perimeter surface of the upright member is proximate to the interior perimeter surface of the cup portion and the upright member is supported in an orientation which is substantially perpendicular and parallel to the structural member. The bracket may include an adjustable member received through a bracket opening and adjustable to retain the upright member in or allow removal of the upright member from the bracket. The upright member may include a reinforcing face plate interfacing with the adjustable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Regan
  • Patent number: 8864098
    Abstract: A plate carrier for mounting at the upper end of the upper element of a central pole of a plate hoist device includes at least one longitudinal central body formed by two substantially rectangular plates separated by three longitudinal walls forming two central sheaths and two peripheral grooves. Each central sheath accommodates a generally T-shaped transverse arm which includes a longitudinal median branch slidably mounted in a sheath and a transverse tubular part welded to a free end of the median branch. The transverse tubular part extending substantially in a plane of the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: m.b.H Developpement
    Inventor: Marc Bottazzi
  • Patent number: 8864099
    Abstract: A plate carrier for mounting at the upper end of the upper element of the central pole of a “plate hoist” device or the like comprises at least one longitudinal central body having two substantially rectangular plates separated by three longitudinal walls forming at least two central sheaths. Each central sheath accommodates a generally T-shaped transverse arm which includes a longitudinal median branch slidably mounted in a sheath and a transverse tubular part welded to the free end of the median branch. The transverse tubular part extends substantially in the plane of the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: MBH Developpement
    Inventor: Marc Bottazzi
  • Patent number: 8864095
    Abstract: A device is provided for hanging a frame member against a wall includes a crossbar and first and second vertical arms oriented perpendicular to the crossbar. The crossbar has a longitudinal track and a leveling bubble. The first and second vertical arms each have a linear track that extends along the length, and a marker on the rearward surface thereof. The vertical arms are retained to the crossbar by knuckles having a guide for slideably engaging the linear track of the vertical arms and the first vertical arms are retained perpendicular to the crossbar and are longitudinally moveable perpendicular to the linear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. Marks
  • Patent number: 8857612
    Abstract: A length adjustable chain carrying device includes a base member having a fixed length. First and second adjustment members are positioned on an upper surface of the base member and configured to move linearly thereon. An actuator is rotatably mounted to the base member upper surface and situated intermediate the first and second adjustment members, the actuator being operatively coupled to the first and second adjustment members and configured to move the first and second adjustment members in opposite linear directions along the base upper surface when actuated. The chain carrying device includes first and second chain holding members coupled to distal ends of the first and second adjustment members, respectively. Each first and second chain holding member includes an upstanding cylindrical configuration defining a plurality of slots configured to receive a chain thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley G. Crank, Melissa A. Crank
  • Patent number: 8857771
    Abstract: A conduit attachment device is disclosed for use with a trapeze for providing for the placement and suspension of apparatus between existing structural members of an overhead structure. In one embodiment, the conduit attachment device includes a body having four sides formed of a continuous sheet with three bends in an open-ended rectangular box design. A fastening join joins two sides of the continuous sheet. A window including first and second substantially continuous U-shaped engagement surfaces adapted to form a friction fit with a conduit is located at one of the ends. Two sizes of threaded openings are located on opposite sides of the body for mating with two different sizes of threaded suspension rod. Another threaded opening is located in the body for mating with a set screw that further secures the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Randy J. Streetman
  • Patent number: 8857774
    Abstract: A leg-portion attachment structure (100) includes: a support member (110) having a substantially quadrilateral outer periphery and an upper surface on which an apparatus main body (1a) is mounted; two attachment plates (140) provided at two opposite sides on a lower surface of the support member (110). Each of the attachment plates (140) includes caster attachment portions (141) formed respectively on both end sides in a side direction so that casters (130) are firmly attached, first bent portions (142) formed by bending of outer edges in the side direction of the caster attachment portions (141) at predetermined angles, and first coupling portions (143) that are formed by further outward bending of edges of the first bent portions (142) and are firmly attached to the support member (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8851432
    Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Chiasson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas R. Faucher, John Lefavour, Richard Robicheau
  • Patent number: 8851438
    Abstract: A fixture for securing a thin-walled component includes a support having one or more securing devices for securing the component to the support. An inflatable pressure element is adapted to press, when inflated, against a flexible liner located adjacent the thin wall of the component. The inflated pressure element and the liner act to damp vibrations in the component during machining of another side of the thin wall. The liner has at least one stiffening element located opposite a position where a machining operation is performed on the other side of the thin wall. The stiffening element holds the liner away from the thin wall to create a cavity between the liner and the thin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Matthew Marshall
  • Patent number: 8851431
    Abstract: An anatomic support for hand and wrist includes a body having an upper surface, a side surface and an inferior surface. The upper surface has a shape that enables a user that operates a keyboard or the like to place his/her hand on said upper surface so as to have his/her wrist and hand permanently and anatomically supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Lecy Maria Vasconcelos Quiroga, Ricardo da Cunha Fontes, Marco Aurelio Lopes Ramalho, Mario Luiz Novaes Avila
  • Patent number: 8844887
    Abstract: A two-part roof hook is described, which has a base part (1) and a hook part (2) which can be connected to the base part (1) and which has a connecting element (6) on its end (4) for mounting an assembly. The base part (1) is a cut-off portion (X) of an angle section, one angle leg (8) of which is provided with connecting elements (7) for making a connection to the roof substructure. A section wall (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the section is arranged within the angle between the two angle legs (8, 9), which section wall includes an obtuse angle (?) jointly with the angle leg area of the connecting elements (7), serves as a support surface for the end (3) of the hook part (2), and can be connected to the end (3) of the hook part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: HatiCon GmbH
    Inventor: Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 8833721
    Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving thermally isolated retention are provided. In this regard, a representative method for attaching a gas turbine engine component includes using a fastener, varying in diameter along a length thereof, to prevent a portion of a component from being crimped between surfaces to which the component is attached such that the component moves relative to the surfaces responsive to thermal cycling of a gas turbine engine of which the surfaces and the component are constituent parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Sadil, Claude I. Barnett, Jr., Ricky A. Daigle
  • Patent number: 8833712
    Abstract: A pole assembly to be mounted on a supporting platform to support photovoltaic modules includes a supporting pole, a fixing pole pivotably attached to the supporting pole, a first mounting member fixed on the supporting platform, and a second mounting member fixed on the supporting platform. The first mounting member defines a locking slot. A pin is attached to one end of the supporting pole opposite to the fixing pole. The pin is locked into the locking slot of the first mounting member. One end of the fixing pole opposite to the supporting pole is fixed to the second mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng Li
  • Patent number: 8833720
    Abstract: A modular support device includes a plurality of interconnected inner bases each having an upstanding plate member, first and second slidable connecting members extending respectively on two opposite sides of the upstanding plate member, and two first support members each disposed between one of the first and second slidable connecting members and the upstanding plate member. The first slidable connecting member of one of the inner bases is slidably connectible to the second slidable connecting member of the other inner base to adjust a distance between the upstanding plate members. The first support members of each adjacent pair of the inner bases cooperate with each other for supporting an article thereon. The upstanding plate members of each adjacent pair of the inner bases cooperate with each other to sandwich therebetween the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Hsin Liu, Ming-Hui Kao