Patents Examined by Terrell McKinnon
  • Secondary load path for gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 9227734
    Abstract: A waiting link to support an engine on an aircraft includes a body portion including a first body portion opening, a second body portion opening, and a space therebetween. A first bearing is received in the first body portion opening and moveable in a generally vertical direction. A second bearing is received in the second body portion opening. The first and second bearings include a first and second bearing opening, respectively, that receives a first and second attachment member, respectively, that secures the body portion to a first and second structure, respectively. A cam is located in the space. The cam is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The waiting link does not provide a load path when the cam is in the first position, and when a primary load path fails, the waiting link provides the load path when the cam is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijun Zheng, David F. Sandy
  • Washer-retaining bracket configuration
    Patent number: 9227578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket configuration for retaining a washer within a washer case which has an opening for inserting the bracket therethrough so that the washer case is mounted to the bracket from above the washer. The bracket configuration specifically includes a hole configured to dispose the washer thereon and insert a bolt therethrough, and a rib formed along an edge of the opening so as to prevent or protect the washer from deviation or disconnection via a clearance gap created between the opening and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shutoh Soh, Fumiyoshi Ohashi
  • Enclosure clamps and clamp systems
    Patent number: 9221587
    Abstract: Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Low profile seat position adjustment system
    Patent number: 9216673
    Abstract: A seat position adjustment assembly including an anchor plate from which a plurality of slide bearings extend slidably received in guide slots formed in a slide plate enabling seat position adjustment and which can also function as a seat mount. Each bearing includes a slide bearing having a slide plate receiving channel and a retainer engagement channel receiving a keeper disposed between the anchor and slide plates anchoring the slide bearing to the anchor plate. Each keeper releasably engages the slide bearing, can straddle the bearing, can function as a spacer spacing the slide plate from the anchor plate, and can function as an upholstery retainer clip that holds part of an outer cover against the anchor plate. A seat latch arrangement can be disposed between the anchor and slide plates releasably retaining a seat removably coupled by the slide bearings to the slide plate in a desired seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company, A Unit of Jason Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth Braun
  • Articulated human arm support
    Patent number: 9204730
    Abstract: An upper body appendage support apparatus having an articulating parallelogram support structure connected to an articulating upper body appendage support structure, the latter accommodating a user's forearm, wrist, and/or heel-of-hand. The apparatus analogously jointed to the human arm and moving synchronously therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Garrett W. Brown
  • Apparatus and method for holding an object on a surface
    Patent number: 9204747
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for securely holding objects, including but not limited to stemware such as wine glasses, an ash tray, coffee mugs, other oversized or small beverage containers, a portable lamp, a portable music player such as an iPod or other MP3 player, a portable computing device including but not limited to an iPhone or other smart phone, an iPad or other tablet computer, a laptop computer, a Kindle or other electronic reader, a vase, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Judd E Starr
  • Rotational supporting device and system
    Patent number: 9204710
    Abstract: A supporting device for an object comprises a support plate, a base plate, a pivot device, and a fastening device. The pivot device allows the base plate to rotate 360 relative to the support plate. The fastening device has a first member and a second member. The first member has a first side including a plurality of projections and a second side including a first adhesive that attaches the first member to the base plate. The second member has a first side including a plurality of projections and a second side including a second adhesive that attaches the second member to the object. The plurality of projections of the first member and the second member removably connect the first member to the second member, and disconnect only after a separation force is applied. Various supporting systems for objects are employed using the supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: HAND E HOLDER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Burns, Daniel Patrick Burns, John Mark Wilson
  • Edge mount positioning apparatus, system, and method
    Patent number: 9188275
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus for positioning items such as an electronic display, a keyboard, and/or a work surface. The apparatus can be attached proximate an edge of a generally planar support member to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a display mount coupled to a support column and configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The support column may be movable with respect to support member between a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, John Cain, Peter Segar, Shaun C. Lindblad
  • Self-retracting hang tab
    Patent number: 9186453
    Abstract: Self-retracting hang tabs for product packages are described. Methods of manufacturing the self-retracting hang tabs are also described. One apparatus includes a frame to house a hang tab, the frame to be at least partially coupled to a surface of a product package, and the hang tab to allow the product package to be hung from a medium when in a deployed position. The apparatus also include a biasing member coupled to the frame and the hang tab, the biasing member to move the hang tab from the deployed position to a retracted position when not under tension. The biasing member is also configured to position the hang tab in a deployed position when the hang tab is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Grady Russell
  • Display stand
    Patent number: 9182071
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display stand including: a base member having a pair of side surface sections, a front end section, and a back end section; a pair of arm sections; first hinge sections by which respective first end portions of the pair of arm sections are connected respectively to the pair of side surface sections of the base member so that the pair of arm sections can be turned relative to the base member; and second hinge sections by which second end portions of the pair of arm sections are connected to a display so that the display can be turned relative to the pair of arm sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre Harper, Kai Halsinger, Dave Sayler, Tze Ming Lee, Thomas Crisp, Takenori Kaneda, Shinya Aoki
  • Tank retaining bracket
    Patent number: 9168189
    Abstract: The gas tank retaining device of the present invention is particularly usable for retaining oxygen cylinders with respect to emergency equipment such as mobile stretchers that need to be transported in vehicles. Security of heavy oxygen or gas tanks is achieved by providing a housing with an access opening and a uniquely configured locking mechanism for retaining a generally cylindrical tank preferably in a horizontal orientation. The locking mechanism is steady state biased in a closed or retaining position for holding the tank within the housing and can be moved to a releasing position responsive to manual manipulation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Michael P. Ziaylek, W. Brian McGinty
  • Window support and method for room air conditioner installation
    Patent number: 9163854
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting an air conditioning unit in a window has a base plate having a front edge and a rear edge and a pair of support legs connected to the base plate and extending from the rear edge, each support leg having an end face that faces in a same direction as the front edge and a support trough connected to the front edge. There are adjustable arms connected to the support trough. These arms are slidable in opposite directions to increase the width of the bracket and fit it exactly to the width of the window frame. When the bracket is positioned in a window frame of a structure, the support trough fits within the window frame and the end faces of the each support leg rest against an exterior of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
  • Concrete anchor
    Patent number: 9163651
    Abstract: A concrete anchor for securing the lanyard of a workman's harness to a fixed position on a concrete surface includes a cylindrical housing having an outer wall with openings therein and a rod that extends above the housing to which a harness can be attached. Hard metal balls within the housing are associated with each opening and are dimensioned so that a portion of each ball can pass through each opening but the entire ball can not pass therethrough. A pair of cones within the housing move the balls radially outwardly as the cones are moved upwardly by the rod which is spring biased upwardly. A visual marker carried by the rod normally lies within the housing but is visible from outside of the housing if said rod has moved up by a predetermined amount. This gives an indication that the anchor has been used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Stand with inserts
    Patent number: 9161647
    Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)
    Inventor: Chi Yin Alan Leung
  • Traveler's laptop workstation
    Patent number: 9157567
    Abstract: A device for holding a laptop that connects to luggage. The device is easy to store and set up having two rigid members, spacer bar, flexible strap and flexible strap closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Anthony Calabrese
  • System and device for preventing corrosion on shelving corner posts
    Patent number: 9155387
    Abstract: An anti-corrosion support device includes a post and a post protector that is disposed about a bottom portion of the post. An interior surface of the post protector is sized and shaped to fit tightly over an exterior surface of the bottom portion of the post. The anti-corrosion support device also may include an adjustment foot that passes through an aperture formed through a bottom portion of the post protector into an attachment member mounted to the post. An anti-corrosion support system includes several of the anti-corrosion support devices, shelf supporting means, and one or more shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Kaluzavich, Michael A. Ward, David Barsigian
  • Universal canopy suspension system
    Patent number: 9151514
    Abstract: A suspension system for the attachment of a multiple bladed fan, connected beneath the roof of a canopy-styled tent or other overhead structure. The system's bracket is comprised of multiple arms that universally grip the frame of the said canopy-styled tent or overhead structure. Suspension is not limited to a fan, but also other embodiments, each powered by a plug or battery. The bracket is manufactured in polymer or like material. The system's fan blades are comprised of foam, rubber, or other soft matter. The suspension system allows the fan or other attached embodiment's height to be manipulated by a process further shown in this application. The system further includes embodiments for lighting, heating, or the mounting of additional embodiments. The suspension system and its embodiments are portable and may be broken down into a self-contained bag or case for easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Canopy Breezes, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Steele Arnold, III
  • Bar soap holder having self-cleaning characteristics
    Patent number: 9138108
    Abstract: A bar soap holder is provided that includes a support base to allow dislodgement of a soap bar without substantial movement of the bar soap holder. The bar soap holder further includes a holder body coupled to the support base. The holder body defines an upper central opening dimensioned for receiving the soap bar. The soap holder body includes a first support surface and an opposing second support surface disposed within an interior region of the soap holder body for supporting the soap bar. The first and the second support surfaces are positioned at a tapered incline angle greater than 25° relative to a horizontal plane. The holder body further defines a drain path from the first and second support surfaces to the reservoir. The bar soap holder further includes a reservoir for collection of soap water that is coupled to the support surfaces by the drain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Henry D. Pixley
  • Wall hanger assembly
    Patent number: 9138083
    Abstract: An improved hanger for mounting mirrors and pictures mounted in frames, the improved hanger having a top end and a bottom end, the top end having a groove disposed parallelledly to the wall on which the mirror or picture mounted in a frame is to be hung, the groove having a flared opening and parallel side walls terminating in a flat bottom wall having arcuate edges where the bottom wall intersects the side walls of the improved hanger, the improved hanger having at least one diagonal aperture there through for the receipt of a fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 4 EVER LEVEL COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph F. Hickey
  • Guides and tab arrangement to retain a card having an edge connector and method of use
    Patent number: 9136621
    Abstract: An arrangement has guides that define passageways for left and right edges of a card, and a tab located in a path of a connector at a front edge of the card. The tab is elastically deformable out of the path by movement of the connector, as the card is inserted into the arrangement. The tab returns to a space behind the connector when the connector moves past a highest point on the tab. The highest point is located between two surfaces of the tab: a ramp-up surface and a ramp-down surface. During movement along the path, the connector slides on the ramp-up surface to elastically deform the tab out of the path, and on further movement the ramp-down surface pushes on the connector as the connector mates with another external connector. Thereafter, presence of the tab keeps the two connectors mated, until the module is removed from the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventor: Wayde C. Jaskela