Patents Examined by Terrell McKinnon
  • Patent number: 8837927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system designed for use with optical devices, such as video cameras. The camera suspension unit includes a platform, outer and middle frames, with the orthogonal intersecting axes of rotation at the midpoint of the unit, rotating drives to rotate the unit about the X, Y and Z axes all controlled by a control unit. The middle frame of the suspension unit is designed as a mechanical parallelogram, having a movable jointed foot, a piston-rod and two cranks, as well as two mechanical links, all of which have an axis of rotation parallel to the middle frame axis of rotation, which is parallel to the Y axis. The outer end of each mechanical link is fastened to a crank while the inner end is fastened to the frame. The inner ends are fastened in a rotatable manner, allowing for the rotation about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Lev Nikolaevich Yevstratov, Vladimir Vladimirovich Kozlov
  • Patent number: 8833709
    Abstract: A mobile base device for a sun umbrella including a base cover. A bearing support is arranged inside the base cover and is hinged with a main lifting arm via a stiffened plate mounted thereon. An outer end of the main lifting arm is screwed to a lifting screw mounted on the bearing support via a lifting screw sleeve and an inner end of the main lifting arm is fixedly coupled to a set of secondary lifting arms through joints. A central portion of the set of secondary lifting arms is hinged with a set of stiffened plates mounted on the bearing support and a lower portion of the outer end of the set of secondary lifting arms is fixedly coupled to a set of casters. Such structure has the advantages of easy movement and fixation as well as practicality and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: MTM International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnson Weng
  • Patent number: 8827227
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electric display device turning base capable of stabilizing and turning a direction of a thin-screen display device. This display device turning base is provided with a first base portion; a mounting and fixing portion; a pair of arc guide rails installed in the mounting and fixing portion in such a manner that a center point of an arc thereof is arranged on a horizontal line passing through a gravity center of the thin-screen display device mounted and fixed to the mounting and fixing portion and extending in a left and right direction; a support roller for supporting the arc guide rails turnably around the horizontal line in a state that the center point of the arc guide rails is arranged on the horizontal line, the support roller being rotatably installed in the first base portion in a standing manner; and an electric drive mechanism for turning the arc guide rails around the horizontal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nagaoka, Katsutoshi Okada, Naoki Asakura, Norio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8827233
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Edwin Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Steven R. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8827216
    Abstract: A tool support system is disclose having a yoke; a plurality of concentric rings having at least one ring pivotally connected to the yoke; a tool fastening mechanism to secure a tool in the support system; and one or more rotation components to permit the tool to rotate within a ring of the support structure. One or more of the concentric rings can be added to the system or can replace one or more concentric rings to accommodate tools of different sizes. The invention includes a method of configuring a support apparatus and a support apparatus kit with various interchangeable parts, and parts that can be built out to varying degrees to permit the support structure to be used on numerous types of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Garrett W. Brown, Anthony D. Sacksteder, Micah Black, David G. Asmann
  • Patent number: 8827222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably mounting a tablet PC or other electronic device for hands-free emplacement in a diverse range of environments. This continuation-in-part application emphasizes varieties of a subcombination apparatus that provides integrated mounting and adjusting means for use either with the present invention or with separate unspecified other devices and objects. The apparatus of the present invention attaches to various surfaces via a mounting means comprising an adjustable suction cup connected to hanger rotatable in multiple dimensions wherein the movement of adjustable parts is regulated by built-in, easily-reversible locking mechanisms. The invention, used with or without the present subcombination apparatuses, enables stable and precise positioning of personal electronic devices in almost any situation where rapid, impromptu, or reversible deployment is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen R. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8827225
    Abstract: A suspension device for suspending a sign or another article from an elongated object, which suspension device (1) comprises:—a base part (4);—a holder (3) connected to the base part;—two gripping shanks (10, 20) which are pivotally mounted to the base part and pivotable in relation to each other to and fro between an open position and a closed position, one of the gripping shanks being pivotable in relation to the base part about a first axis of pivotation and the other gripping shank being pivotable in relation to the base part about a second axis of pivotation, which extends in parallel with and at a distance from the first axis of pivotation;—at least one spring member (5a) acting between the gripping shanks; and—at least one gear mechanism (6a) with a first gear member (15a) rigidly connected to one of the gripping shanks and a second gear member (25a) rigidly connected to the other gripping shank, these gear members being in engagement with each other and arranged to be turned in relation to each other
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Mats Andersson
  • Patent number: 8827088
    Abstract: A support bracket for holding, securing and portioning orthopedic tools and/or devices within a case or tray is described. Multiple support brackets creating a modular system of brackets may be used within the case. Each support bracket is designed to releasably lock within an opening of a floor of the tray or case. The support bracket comprises a support member having opposing sidewall surfaces that upwardly extend from a base portion. A bracket insert, having a bottom wall extending distally from a sidewall, is positionable within a passageway formed within a bottom surface of the base portion to thereby lock the support bracket in position within the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: John D. Krause, Don E. McGee
  • Patent number: 8827214
    Abstract: A clamp is provided, which includes a clamp main body including a plurality of concave members forming a cylindrical body by combining together, and a fixing device provided in any of the plurality of concave members for fixing the clamp to an attachment object; and an approximately arc-like buffer member disposed on an inner circumferential side of the concave member. On one side surface facing the concave member in the buffer member, a leg portion is formed to bulge out, and on another side surface opposite to the one side surface in the buffer member, an approximately concave-like holding surface is provided. Such clamp can hold long bodies with various diameters, and also can attenuate vibrations of the long bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takaya Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8820701
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement is for supporting an outboard motor with respect to a marine vessel extending in a fore-aft plane. The mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts that each have an outer shell, an inner wedge concentrically disposed in the outer shell, and an elastomeric spacer between the outer shell and the inner wedge. Each of the first and second mounts extend along a axial direction, along a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction, and along a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The inner wedges of the first and second mounts both have a non-circular shape when viewed in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-circular shape comprises a first outer surface that extends transversely at an angle to the horizontal and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Eichinger
  • Patent number: 8820686
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for automatic fire sprinkler systems and other objects to be securely attached to the structure of a ceiling of a building, and additionally relates to a mounting clamp for securely gripping the tee of a suspended ceiling in order to mount an object to be held in proximity to the ceiling and a mounting clamp for mounting the sprinkler head of a fire protection system or other type of water system. The system provides means for more rigidly mounting various components of the system to the existing piping and ceiling structure found at an installation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: William E. Hickle, Mark D. Hickle
  • Patent number: 8814111
    Abstract: A portable mast capable of supporting a payload that can be fastened to and detached from an unsteady, inclined or irregular surface of attachment. The improvements include a tensioning cable which exerts pressure on the base of the mast in opposition to the surface of attachment, a guide protecting the cable from abrasion, means for adjusting and retaining tension in the cable when the mast is fastened to the surface of attachment, a base capable of housing the fastener to protect the fastener from corrosion and tampering, a base allowing attachment to and pass-through of existing cords crossing the surface of attachment, and a base having resilient compression to conform to an irregular surface of attachment while maintaining pressure between the base and surface of attachment created by tensioning of the cable. Also disclosed is a mast with mechanical means for increasing cable tension in order to secure its tripod base to a surface of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Steven J Hollinger
  • Patent number: 8814119
    Abstract: An arbor apparatus for use in a counterweight rigging system includes a support structure for supporting counterweight bricks in stacked arrangement. The arbor apparatus can be front-loading with left side, back and right side supports. The arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. The arbor apparatus can also include a gate mechanism. The arbor apparatus can be implemented as a retrofit to existing manual counterweight rigging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Grid Well Inc.
    Inventors: Richard William Boychuk, Jeremy Carl Anderson
  • Patent number: 8814110
    Abstract: A modular tank stand is lightweight and easily transportable, but also capable of supporting the weight of a large bulk storage container filled with flowable material. The modular tank stand includes a plurality of individual tank stand sections which are interconnectable with one another to form a larger support surface sized to receive the bulk storage container. The individual sections include integral, vertically disposed support walls that provide both vertical support for the weight of the bulk storage container and resistance to collapse under shear forces arising from movement of the container. The interconnecting individual sections may be disconnected from one another and reconfigured to fit in a smaller space, such as onto a pallet or within a shipping container, thereby facilitating storage of the disassembled modular tank stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ROTO Engineering GmbH i.G.
    Inventors: David L. Crager, Douglas J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8814122
    Abstract: A slide rail for motor vehicle seat comprising a first profile section, attached to said vehicle, with a cross-section having a bottom and two side parts, a second profile section, guided translationally relative to the first profile section along the longitudinal axis, the second profile section having a cross-section with a web and first and second side flanges, a fixed motorization element connected to the first profile section, a movable motorization element connected to the second profile section, a sensor attached to the second profile section, the sensor being suitable for detecting the presence of the fixed motorization element when the sensor is opposite a portion of the fixed motorization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventor: Christian Couasnon
  • Patent number: 8814107
    Abstract: A fastening device (3) for detachably fastening a medical instrument (2A-2E) to a holding structure (1) includes two crossbeams (4A, 4B), two longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) with a claw (6) for extending behind a holding surface (1A) of the holding structure. A guide (7-9) is provided, by which the crossbeams (4A, 4B) are moved in the direction of the claws (6) of the longitudinal beams during a motion of the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. A clamping structure (12) is provided for moving the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hampe, Holger Stegmann
  • Patent number: 8814224
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system for supporting an enclosure. The system includes a compression fitting that couples an enclosure mounting assembly to a hollow connector tube and provides a substantially sealed pathway between the enclosure mounting assembly to the hollow connector tube. The compression fitting includes at least one coupling body and at least one compression nut. The compression nuts are tightened around portions of the coupling bodies to secure end portions of the enclosure mounting assembly and the hollow connector tube within the coupling bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Lange, Jamie M. Livgard, William J. Nepsha, Nathan P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8814109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8807506
    Abstract: A ratchet stand device includes a base joined to a top member such that congruently aligned openings, allow a post having a plurality of locking teeth on one side wall to be snugly inserted through the aligned openings. A ratchet part is pivotally disposed in a side aperture of the top member. The ratchet member may be released, whereupon, a spring urges the ratchet part back to forcibly engage one of the teeth of the post member. The first position of the ratchet member is safely maintained via a locking rod. The selected position for the post member is maintained irrespective of the weight of an object disposed upon a saddle of the post, until the object is removed and the locking rod is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kai Hsiang Traffic Appliances Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jared Hanlon
  • Patent number: 8807509
    Abstract: The invention provides a securing device for use in securing an object to a supporting surface, and/or for restraining an object relative to a supporting surface. The securing device includes a base (20) having a loading region (28) to which a force is applied by the object. The securing device also includes a first securing member (30) and a second securing member (50) for securing the base to the supporting surface, the base (20) pivotably engaging the first securing member (30) in order for the base to be able to transmit a force to the first securing member substantially without inducing a moment about the first securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Inventeq Technologies
    Inventor: Adriaan Retief Swanepoel