Patents Examined by Todd M. Epps
  • Patent number: 8672281
    Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Donald Buytaert, Michael S. Popovich
  • Patent number: 8646741
    Abstract: A vehicle seat configured in such a manner that vibration occurring in the seat body can be suppressed without adding a special device such as a dynamic damper. A vehicle seat is configured in such a manner that an upper rail (26) connected to the seat body is slidably supported by a lower rail (28), which is affixed to the vehicle body side, through a pair of slide guides (42, 44) disposed next to each other in the front-rear direction of the seat. The distance (L) between the slide guides (42, 44) is set to be less than the half of the maximum slide amount (S) of the upper rail (26) relative to the lower rail (28). As a result of the configuration, the rigidity of support of the seat body by the vehicle body is reduced to reduce the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction. This enables the resonance frequency of the seat body in the front-rear direction to be shifted from the resonance frequency of the vehicle body when the engine of the vehicle is idling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Ishimoto, Keisuke Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 8646740
    Abstract: A silicone coaster has an opening into which a base of a wine glass or other stemware can be slid into a sleeve or pocket of the coaster. This sleeve holds the coaster to the glass. When the glass is lifted, the silicone coaster also lifts with the glass. The coaster can be made using solid and liquid silicone. Liquid silicone can be vulcanized onto a solid silicone layer. The liquid silicone layers can be placed on the solid silicone in any desired design, including text, and in multiple vibrant colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Funzone, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Nelson, Joy Kovaleski
  • Patent number: 8641006
    Abstract: A hands-free support device and method for supporting an airflow hood relative to an airflow register is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support device operably attached to the airflow hood and configured to support the airflow hood relative to a first surface proximate the register. The support device is configured to engage a second surface spaced away from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: David C. Reichel
  • Patent number: 8628053
    Abstract: This system comprising a base (2) provided in the vicinity of one of its ends with means in the form of jaws (3) for clamping and blocking in position of the system in the rail by pinching the latter between the base (2) and laterally protruding portions (4) of these means in the form of jaws (3), the base (2) and the means in the form of jaws (3) able to be displaced in relation to one another between a mounting/dismounting position of the system in the rail and a blocking position of the system by clamping around the rail, by the intermediary of the means of manoeuvring (6) that can be actuated by an operator, is characterized in that the means of manoeuvring (6) include a slide (7) which can be displaced in the base (2) by the operator and comprising at one end, a surface for manoeuvring (8) by the operator, at the other end, a ramp portion adapted (9) to cooperate with an additional ramp portion (10) of the means in the form of jaws (3) in order to displace the latter in relation to the base between the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: ATTAX
    Inventor: Xavier Marechal
  • Patent number: 8622364
    Abstract: A post support device that enables a rotted base portion of a wooden support post to be removed in situ and the remaining end of the support post to be secured for regained structural integrity, the device having a base adapted to being attached to the surface, elevation support means in cooperation with the base for supporting the post above the base, at least two cover plates, each adapted to covering a portion of the exterior of the post, and each including an elongate flange facing inward towards the post and generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, said flange portion including a leading cutting edge to enable the flange portion to bite into the surface material of the post upon the application of force to the flange to provide a mechanical seal between the flange and the post, first and second fastening means for securing each cover plate to the post and the base and the elevation support means to the post or the filler block if one is used, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Bergman
  • Patent number: 8622355
    Abstract: The present disclosure could generally provide a system for use with a furniture or desk assembly having an extendible leg assembly and retaining system. In one embodiment, the system could be easily and safely adjustable, while maintaining a particular height and overall structural integrity of a furniture or desk system to, for example, withstand considerable weight and pressure exerted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Paragon Furniture LP
    Inventors: Steven Pryor, Robert L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8622363
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having an oscillatory scissor-type stand and a damper that is articulated at two parts of the scissor-type stand which are movable relative to one another. One end of the damper is articulated at a pin that extends in transverse direction of the seat and extends between two structural parts arranged at a distance from one another in transverse direction of the seat at a part of the scissor-type stand. A bearing bushing is arranged with its axial bushing opening on a tubular component part enclosing the pin, wherein the bushing opening has a spherical longitudinal section with the greatest diameters at the two axial ends and the smallest diameter in the middle of the bushing opening. The bearing bushing is enclosed by a bearing ring of the damper having a shorter axial length than the bearing bushing and is arranged on the bearing bushing at an axial distance from the two ends of the bearing bushing so as to be secured against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Ellerich
  • Patent number: 8608120
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Adaptiv Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Chen, Adam Gold
  • Patent number: 8602371
    Abstract: A compound differentially threaded element engages two or more longitudinally severed segments of a mating threaded element to provide differential linear motion. Different thread types may include pitch, thread starts, handedness or thread-form. Combinations of differential threads may be selected to enable fine or coarse linear motion without correspondingly fine or coarse thread pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Twin Turbine Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8602368
    Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces, in particular cable forces in support devices for tent-shaped coverings and the like, has at least one load-absorbing part (9) on a supporting structure (7). The load-absorbing part (9) is provided on a transmission body (17) forming on at least part of its outer surface, a convex transmission surface (21) which transmits the load forces and which is guided on the supporting structure (7) on carrier surface formed from concave surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface (21). A load-absorbing node is formed allowing a ball joint-like mobility of the load absorbing part (9) relative to the supporting structure (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Stahl GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kiefer
  • Patent number: 8596592
    Abstract: A spray gun adjusting device for adjusting painting position of spray gun includes a first axis mechanism and a second axis mechanism slidably positioned on first axis mechanism. First axis mechanism includes a screw rod extending along first direction, a first sliding block, a screw nut sleeved on the screw rod, a first bevel gear fixed to screw nut, a second bevel gear meshing with first bevel gear, and a first driving shaft fixedly connected to second bevel gear, and the screw nut and first driving shaft are rotatably positioned on first sliding block. Second axis mechanism includes a sliding rod along second direction, a second sliding block slidably sleeved on sliding rod, a gear rack fixed to sliding rod, a gear meshing with gear rack, and a second driving shaft fixed to the gear, and second sliding block is fixed to first sliding block of first axis mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man-Cang Li, Feng-Yuen Dai, Yung-Ta Lo
  • Patent number: 8595997
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fastening system for a panel. The fastening system includes: at least two mounting rails which each has a plurality of engaging open cavities formed therein; and a plurality of engaging slide blocks respectively engaging with the engaging open cavities; wherein the panel is disposed on the mounting rails and fixedly connected with the engaging slide blocks respectively. Basing on the engagement structure, the present invention can be fastened on a surface of a mounted object via two rails and provide high tensile strength and simple installation. The present invention can fix different shapes of panel assemblies on a roof, the ground, a wall or a surface of a framework safely, quickly and stably, and the present invention has a simple structure, light weight and low total costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Racworth Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wenqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 8596589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to block style tube and pipe hangers which include polymeric grommets that are used as a dampener or insulator for hanging tubes and pipes and particularly to a post and port arrangement for securing and aligning the silicone grommets during initial mounting and placement. The grommets are typically two opposing symmetrical parts that together define a passage having an inner diameter which directly surrounds and supports the pipe or tube, the post and port arrangement provides a structure and method for connecting the polymeric grommet parts and supporting the grommets on the pipe or tube during installation of the frame and support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Syntiro Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: John Hennon
  • Patent number: 8590639
    Abstract: An articulated pre-skimmer mount for a pre-skimmer associated with a drill bit feed unit comprises a feed mounting arm mounted to the drill bit feed unit. A first end is configured for attachment to the drill feed unit and a second end includes a cylindrical mounting shaft and an axial positioning plate. An intermediate arm has a first end comprising a cylindrical sleeve mounted thereto. The cylindrical sleeve has an inner cylindrical opening configured for sliding engagement with the cylindrical mounting shaft and a mating plate configured for locking, face-to-face engagement with the axial positioning plate. A second end comprises a pre-skimmer mounting assembly configured for attachment to the pre-skimmer, wherein an axial positioning plate and a mating plate are operable to disengage, for rotation of the intermediate arm about an axis of the feed mounting arm for alignment of the pre-skimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Stuart A. Connell
  • Patent number: 8590848
    Abstract: An arm elevation device for lymphedema patients suffering from upper limb swelling. The arm elevation device includes a first and a second base, either of which can be selected by the user for elevating the arm in the proper manner depending on the position of the user's body. A top channel includes a concave and arcuate surface for accommodating the arm of a user. The top channel is straight in order to maintain the arm in a straight orientation and without any bends at the elbow and with minimal bending at the armpit. The arm elevation device includes a foam core surrounded by a fabric cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kim Newlen
  • Patent number: 8582283
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a display device includes a display casing whereon a hole is formed, a shielding wall connected to a side of the display casing, and a bracket wedged inside the shielding wall in a detachable manner and installed on the side of the display casing. An opening is formed on the bracket. The fixing mechanism further includes a screwing component. An end of the screwing component passes through the hole on the display casing and is screwed inside the opening on the bracket. The other end of the screwing component is installed inside a wall mount. The shielding wall is for shielding the end of the screwing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Fu Chen, Bing-Ying Li, Chun-Yi Lin, Ching-Yu Chu, Ku-Chou Wu
  • Patent number: 8572910
    Abstract: A wall-mounting block or frame is used to mount fixtures to exterior building walls having siding. The wall-mounting block includes two major parts, a first or base section and a second or holding section which are both configured as cap-like structures detachably connected to each other with integrated, adjustable connectors. The present design eliminates the need for special hardware to attach the holding section to the base section, and helps prevent awkward mounting situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tapco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Hendricks
  • Patent number: 8573555
    Abstract: The present invention provides capability to instantaneously adjust a height of an operation panel to an optimal height in accordance with a height of an operator with extremely easy operation and slight operating force. The operation panel is attached to a housing side wall of a machine tool in a vertically movable manner, supporting a load of the operation panel by the housing through a gas spring with a hydraulic lock. The operation panel is set to be capable of being vertically adjusted in position by disposing a handling unit which releases the hydraulic lock of the gas spring at the vicinity of the lower side of the operation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yai, Kazuaki Furukawa, Taku Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8573547
    Abstract: A ready to assemble chair base includes three leg components. First and second leg components each include two of the five legs, and a third leg component includes a single leg. A hub portion of all three components includes a portion of the central tapered hole. The hub portions of the first and second components join together with vertical interlocking surfaces slidably locking together in the direction of the axis of the central tapered hole. The hub of the third leg component is formed in the shape of a tenon blade and is inserted into a horizontal mortise slot (perpendicular to the axis of the central hole) formed by the interlocked hubs of the first and second leg components. A gas lift post is received into the center, tapered hole of the assembled base locking all three components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hazzard, Tracy Leigh Hazzard