Patents Issued in July 15, 2014
  • Patent number: 8777283
    Abstract: A hands-free waste collection and disposal device and a method of use are disclosed herein. The disclosed device generally comprises a waste receptacle and a collection tool. The waste receptacle includes an elongated handle, a waste receiving member attached to a second end of the elongated handle, and retractable members connected to the waste receiving member, wherein the retractable members are movable between a bag-supporting position and a bag-release position. The collection tool includes an elongated handle, a rake head connected to a second end of the elongated handle, and a scraper member attached to a rear face of the rake head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: C. Chantal McNair
  • Patent number: 8777284
    Abstract: A gripper system which utilizes two different suction systems is disclosed. This gripper system utilizes one suction system to pick up an item, while using the second suction system to hold the item. In some embodiments, a Venturi device based suction system is used as the first suction system to pick up the item, as this type of system is proficient at picking up items without requiring initial contact to create a seal. In some embodiments, a vacuum based system is used as the second suction system, as this type of system is able to hold items cost effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Schaller, Robert Brent Vopat
  • Patent number: 8777285
    Abstract: A cable capture/release (CCR) device defines an open slot and an annular channel. The CCR device is coupled to a housing at a first pivot point wherein the slot is maintained outside of the housing. A sliding coupler engages the annular channel and extends to an attachment point. A tow point on the housing and the attachment point are aligned along a line of force when the housing is towed, while the first pivot point is out of alignment with the line of force. A trigger is coupled to the housing at a second pivot point. A latch, coupled to the housing at a third pivot point, defines first and second latch elements. The first latch element engages a perimeter of the CCR device and the second latch element engages the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: W. Scott Howell
  • Patent number: 8777286
    Abstract: The present invention provides an unpacking device for glass substrate and which includes a bracket and a plurality of sucking heads mounted thereon. A plurality of altitude sensors is incorporated to trigger an alarm if the altitude sensors are not synchronized during the pickup operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Minghu Qi, Chun Hao Wu, Kun Hsien Lin, Yongqiang Wang, XiandeGuo Li, Zhenhua Guo
  • Patent number: 8777287
    Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: DMS Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin Ludwig, Joel Gray, Olivier Franck Currat, James Blaine Wolford, Brian David Blankstein, Alexander Nathan Garfield, Andrea Ellen Fraga, Saad Ahmad Chaudry, Martin Rathgeber, Leo Chan, Tara Marie Arnold, Alan Yefsky
  • Patent number: 8777288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a roof rack for carrying cargo items with a pickup truck. The device comprises a load bar for supporting cargo items, a pair of telescoping uprights attached to the load bar, and a pair of mounts attached at a first end to the telescoping uprights, and to the side rails of the pickup truck at a second end. The load bar, telescoping uprights, and mounts are movable from an extended position to a folded position. This allows the uprights to be extended for use when carrying cargo items, and folded down for storage. The rack permits a user to transport large items with a pickup truck without requiring use of the pickup bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Abram Johnasen
  • Patent number: 8777289
    Abstract: A seat anchoring system that anchors seats in a seating arrangement in a vehicle is provided. The seat anchoring system includes a base and multiple fastening devices, where the fastening devices are attached to the base and extend away from an upper face of the base. The base has a shape similar to an inside configuration of a mounting rail such that the base is inserted into the mounting rail and positioned to any desirable location along the mounting rail. Further, the fastening devices extend through the mounting rail and attach the seat to the mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CVG Management Corporation
    Inventors: Davey Joe Jones, Gordon Dale Cooley, Ray Miller, Jimmy Akins
  • Patent number: 8777290
    Abstract: A vehicle dashboard instrument assembly includes a gauge faceplate having front and rear faces and a gauge-receiving opening extending through the gauge faceplate from the front face to the rear face, a gauge, a bracket, and a collar. The collar is applied directly against the front face of the gauge faceplate to encircle the gauge-receiving opening, a front end of the gauge is applied to the gauge-receiving opening to locate an outer rim of the gauge directly against the collar, and locate a measurement display of the gauge for viewing near the gauge-receiving opening. The gauge extends rearwardly from the rear face of the gauge faceplate to the rear end of the gauge, and the bracket is coupled between the gauge and the rear face of the gauge faceplate to clamp the collar between the outer rim of the gauge and the front face of the gauge faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Donna J. Boese
  • Patent number: 8777291
    Abstract: A wind screen adapted for use with a motorcycle fairing. The windscreen may be adapted to be removed from the fairing. The windscreen may have a physical configuration adapted to reduce wind on a rider sitting in a more upright position, and to minimize flutter of the windscreen. The windscreen may be adapted to mount in a plurality of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Roadawgz, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan McNeely
  • Patent number: 8777292
    Abstract: A rear roof visor is provided as an apparatus that is designed to prevent sunlight from obscuring a driver's vision through a vehicle's rear window. The rear roof visor accomplishes this by preventing sunlight from being reflected off of a surface positioned underneath the visor. The rear roof visor is constructed utilizing a durable translucent material that allows the driver to see through the visor if needed. The visor is particularly formed and shaped in order to cooperatively function with the vehicle's aerodynamic characteristic reducing disruptive airflow. The rear roof visor attaches to the vehicle through the use of mounting brackets and a mounting lip. The mounting brackets and the mounting lip are specially formed in order to fit a vehicle's particular contours. Additionally the mounting brackets and the mounting lip utilize adhesive couplers in order to securely retain the visor to said vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Francisco
  • Patent number: 8777293
    Abstract: A tonneau cover frame for a pickup truck bed includes a cross-car rail bracket with a predetermined gap for receiving a cross-car bow in a plurality of configurations. The cross-car bow is movable laterally within the cross-car rail bracket to allow for a single cross-car bow in a variety of locations within the tonneau cover frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley R. Garska
  • Patent number: 8777294
    Abstract: A device for container cover support with spat, spar shaft, and spar shaft rotation lock. Rotation of the spar shaft along a non-vertical axis located along the outer surface of the container sidewall causes the spar to rotate upward and alternatively to uncover the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: David William Clark
  • Patent number: 8777295
    Abstract: A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes first and second latches operatively connected to the first and second doors, respectively, and configured to selectively latch the first and second doors to and release the first and second doors from the body. The system additionally includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened and protracted when the first and second doors are closed to seal the opening. Furthermore, the system includes a third latch operatively connected to one of the first and second doors and configured to selectively latch the first door to the second door and release the first and second doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott P. Charnesky
  • Patent number: 8777296
    Abstract: A step unit that guides a sliding door of a vehicle includes a step member and a rail plate member. The step member includes first and second lower rails. The first lower rail has two ends that face toward each other to form a cutout portion in between. The rail plate member is arranged in the cutout portion. The step member includes an insertion hole and an extended portion. The insertion hole is located at a position corresponding to the cutout portion. The extended portion is extended from at least one of the two ends to support the rail plate member against a load received by the rail plate member from the roller. The rail plate member is inserted through the insertion hole from above the upper side of the step member and fixed by a fastening member to the step member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichi Suzuki, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshihiko Ishida
  • Patent number: 8777297
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction device for use on an over-the-road cargo vehicle. The vehicle has a prismatically shaped cargo area, which includes a rear face of the cargo area substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The device comprises a plurality of resilient prongs arranged along a rear edge of the vehicle body, extending from a respective fixed end secured to the vehicle body rearward in a flow-wise direction beyond the rear edge of the vehicle body to a respective free end. Each prong is separated from an adjacent prong in the plurality, and each is flexible to permit deflection, under the influence of airflow over the vehicle at a predetermined speed, above and below a first plane defined by the surface of the vehicle to which the plurality of prongs is secured. Each prong is further resistant to deflecting in a direction parallel to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Sheldon Kent Meredith, Mario Kosseifi, John Pastore
  • Patent number: 8777298
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a windshield and a water chamber extending at the base of the windshield and having a joint. The water chamber is surrounded on at least a portion of its length on the underside by a channel that is at least superficially impermeable to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thilo Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8777299
    Abstract: The invention provides an automated sunroof or hoodroof installed onto the hood of a vehicle. The 3 Stage Hood Roof is centrally positioned on a vehicle's hood and is connected to an internal motor that operates with a push button mechanism located within the car. Pressing the push button engages the motor to multiple positions. In the first position, the hoodroof rotates slightly from its front attachment to the hood of the vehicle and tilts upward toward the rear. The second position retracts the roof completely or partially. The third position lowers the roof so that the roof is recessed from the hood of the vehicle. The fourth stage is a closed position, covering the entire engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Isaac Langford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8777300
    Abstract: A shock absorber housing supporting apparatus for a vehicle installed in a front body including a shock absorber housing disposed between a fender apron upper member provided in an upper portion of a fender apron and a front side member provided in a length direction of a vehicle body and having a beam shape, and a cowl connected to a front side of a front glass and having a panel shape, may include a first supporting device connecting the front side member and the fender apron upper member and covering the shock absorber housing in between them, and a second supporting device connecting the front side member and the cowl and covering the shock absorber housing in therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kyeong Jae Kim, Yun Chang Kim
  • Patent number: 8777301
    Abstract: An instrument panel arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The instrument panel arrangement includes an instrument panel and a ventilation duct housing connected to the instrument panel. A middle region of the ventilation duct housing has, in an impact direction, a flexibility that is at least as great as 0.8 times a flexibility of the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Lummitsch, Andreas Marutschke
  • Patent number: 8777302
    Abstract: There is provided a sunshade apparatus comprising a pair of guide rails, a screen to move along each guide rail, and a roll-up device to send off or roll up the screen. The roll-up device comprises a roll-up shaft having bending flexibility, a pair of end members disposed at both ends of the roll-up shaft, a pair of support members to support each end member, and an abutment member including a push-up portion to bend the roll-up shaft so as to protrude upward and a positioning portion to be disposed on the side of the opening relatively to the roll-up shaft to position the roll-up shaft. Each end member is formed so as to be movable relatively to each support member in an open-close direction when the opening is opened or closed by use of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kanai, Tatsuaki Uehara
  • Patent number: 8777303
    Abstract: A shading system is provided, such as an overhead shading system for a panoramic window of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a holding frame for attachment to a motor vehicle body. The holding frame exhibits a cross member, a first longitudinal member joined with the cross member, and a second longitudinal member joined with the cross member, a transverse strip guided so that it can slide from the first longitudinal member and second longitudinal member in order to activate a shading device coupled with the cross member and transverse strip, such as a roller blind or window shade, for at least partially covering a window opening bordered by the holding frame and transverse strip, and a guide connected with the holding frame, in particular a guiding rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank Annawald, Holger Thums
  • Patent number: 8777304
    Abstract: Transformable furniture is provided, which is a unitary structure which itself transforms between seating and a play space. More specifically, the furniture has first and second frame members which move towards each other to form a couch and away from each other to form a play space, such as a playhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: William Morgan Dixon
  • Patent number: 8777305
    Abstract: A multifunction chair with a floor rocker detachable from a base that is usable as a stool. The floor rocker and base are readily attached and detached by means of a quick-release mechanism having first and second couplers on the floor rocker and the seat plate of the base, respectively. The first coupler includes a rearward projection from a cross-member on the rocker and has left and right side latch mechanisms below the rear portion of the seat of the rocker, the latch mechanisms each having a laterally movable latch bolt. The second coupler is an integral part of the seat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: J Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Jannetides, Adam Anderson
  • Patent number: 8777306
    Abstract: A foldable chair, operable between a seating configuration and a rolling transport configuration, the foldable chair comprising a plurality of legs with a roller secured to the distal end of each leg and the proximal end of each leg secured to a column base. Extending from the column base is a column with a first and second end, the column first end secured to the column base and the second end of the column secured to a first platform or seat cushion. A second platform extends downwardly from the first platform for attaching a carrying case. Also included is a backrest rotatably secured to the first platform such that when the backrest is perpendicular to the first platform two roller elements are fully shrouded. When the backrest is rotated 90 degrees and disposed substantially parallel to the seat cushion the roller elements are exposed for rolling contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Brenda D. Rahm
  • Patent number: 8777307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cup-holding device configured to be retrofitted to an seat arm or other horizontal support structure. The cup-holding device has a basket in a seat-mounting portion wherein there is sufficient rigidity of the structure to hold a cup or similar small item(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jeff Nelson, Jenise Nelson
  • Patent number: 8777308
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing neck injury for use in a vehicle seat, which is connected between a recliner base installed on a back frame and a plate base on which a seat cushion is provided, may include a front connection link that is hinged to a front part of the recliner base at an upper end thereof and to a front part of the plate base at a lower end thereof; and a rear connection link that is hinged to a rear part of the recliner base at an upper end thereof and to a rear part of the plate base at a lower end thereof, wherein the front connection link is pivoted at a greater angle than the rear connection link such that the back frame moves in a forward direction in the event of a vehicle rear-end collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Das Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Ki Lee, Sang Seok Seong
  • Patent number: 8777309
    Abstract: A lumbar support for a vehicle backrest has a rest member with a front surface shaped to support an area of a user's back, and an elastic member behind the rest member; the elastic member has an intermediate portion fixed to the rest member and two opposite ends fixed connected to a backrest frame, maintains the rest member in a rest position and can deform in response to a thrust of the user's back so as to let the rest member move between the rest position and a first position under normal conditions, and then abruptly towards a second position when a thrust of a user's back exceeds a given force value; the force/displacement curve of the elastic member has a slope which is between zero and a given threshold in the section between the first and the second positions, the threshold being equal to 0.5 [N/mm].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Salvatore Demontis, Gianluca Puleo, Fabio Lopez, Giorgio Masoero
  • Patent number: 8777310
    Abstract: Described are seat back assemblies including a seat back with a recess and a bezel assembly having a bezel pivotally coupled to the recess and configured to substantially fit within the recess. Other examples may include a tray table assembly pivotally coupled to a lower section of the seat back. As examples, a protective covering may be positioned between the seat back and the bezel assembly, wherein the protective covering is a full shroud or a partial shroud. The protective covering may be coupled to the seat back via the coupling between the seat back and the bezel assembly without additional fasteners and may also include a shelf positioned below the bezel. Other examples may include an amenity tray positioned adjacent the bezel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka
  • Patent number: 8777311
    Abstract: An infant stimulation and learning apparatus includes an isolation device and an environmental monitoring and control system. The isolation device is constructed as an infant carrier having an isolation canopy hingedly affixed thereto. The environmental monitoring and control system includes an audio-visual display system, media player, fresh air circulation system and infant monitoring system. A video screen, forming part of the audio-visual display system, is mounted to the interior surface of the isolation canopy. The fresh air circulation system includes a blower for conveying air into and through the interior space of the isolation device and a filter for removing particulate matter from the airflow prior to introduction to the isolation device. Means for securing the infant stimulation and learning apparatus in an automobile seat and an infant stroller and an infant restraint are provided. The infant monitoring system transmits video, sound and temperature to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Roberto J. Laurel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8777312
    Abstract: The invention provides a seating apparatus having a reclining movement with a corresponding seat lift movement. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a seating apparatus comprising a base, a curved support bar pivotally connected to the base, a plurality of ramps attached to one of the curved support bar and the base, and a plurality of rollers attached to the other of the curved support bar and the base for interacting with the plurality of ramps. As a user reclines, the plurality of rollers operatively engage the plurality of ramps to lift the seat of the apparatus. The combination of the reclining movement with the corresponding seat lift movement is particularly beneficial for providing an increased level of user comfort throughout a range of seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 8777313
    Abstract: An entertainment seat (10) including a seat back (18) and seat base (24) having a seat architecture for providing structural support relative to a base (floor) and also having two seat motion actuators (92, 94) located toward the front of the seat (10) for providing seat movement in response to a seat motion control system (16) for operating the seat motion actuators (92, 94), the seat (10) also includes armrests (26, 28) which form a portion of the seat back (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Timothy R. Butt, Robert E. Allen, Dinu Moraru, Dustin J. Shedlarski
  • Patent number: 8777314
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has a seat base, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat base and being movable between an upright and a folded position, a spring member connected to the other of the seat base and the seat back, and a follower rotatably connected to the spring member. One of the seat base and the seat back define a cam surface. The spring member is compressed by the follower engaging the cam surface. The follower engages the cam surface when the seat back is in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eckhard Nock, Johannes Barzen, Thomas Buchner
  • Patent number: 8777315
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a high handle seat latch incorporated into a rotating seatback including a body integrated into the seatback and exhibiting a rear facing hook engaging a package shelf supported striker in an upright design position. A lift handle is supported at an upper end of the body and is accessible from a top of the seatback. A linkage interconnects the handle with the hook and is responsive to upward rotation of the handle to rotate the hook to a striker release and forward dump position. A cable actuates the linkage independent of the lift handle to actuate the hook to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stanley D. Pacolt, Paul Dennis Lesperance
  • Patent number: 8777316
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is movable between a first position and a second position and includes a scat back and seat cushion for coupling to a track adjuster for use in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a recliner mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a stow mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and an easy entry mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and stow mechanism, wherein, when the stow mechanism is actuated, the easy entry mechanism is not actuated and when the easy entry mechanism is actuated, the stow mechanism is not actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Tamizharasan Shanmugam, Kurt Siebold, Paul Arthur Gilmore, David D. Sheill, Bruce A. Hiemstra
  • Patent number: 8777317
    Abstract: An armrest device including a stationary shaft 2, fixed to a seat frame, an armrest body 7 in which the stationary shaft 2 is inserted and which is rotatable, a lock spring 3 made of a coil spring tightly wound around the stationary shaft 2, with one end of the coil spring serving as a stationary-side hook 3a locked to the armrest body 7, and the other end of the coil spring serving as a free-side hook 3b A hook-supporting part 12 that supports the free-side hook 3b such that the free-side hook 3b is raised in the axial direction of the stationary shaft 2, a hook-fitting part 13 that enlarges the diameter of the lock spring 3 by dropping the free-side hook 3b on the hook-supporting part 12 downward in the axial direction of the stationary shaft 2, a plate 11 for a hook, where the plate 11 projects from the armrest body 7, and a cam member 5 on the stationary shaft 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Takashi Morimoto, Ken Suzuki, Toshikazu Numazawa, Hideko Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8777318
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for armrests is revealed. The height adjustment mechanism includes a tubular base disposed with positioning holes, an outer sleeve disposed around the tubular base and having an opening arranged at a top end thereof, a strip rack mounted in the outer sleeve and disposed with an insertion slot on a lower part thereof, a pull handle mounted in the strip rack, a positioning member arranged at a lower end of the pull handle and inserted through the insertion slot of the strip rack to be locked in the positioning hole of the tubular base, a press member passed through the opening of the outer sleeve to be connected to a top end of the pull handle, and an alignment member disposed on corresponding surfaces of the strip rack and the pull handle for limiting vertical displacement of the pull handle and the strip rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Atec International Team Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Te-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 8777319
    Abstract: An assembly system permitting separate construction and transport of subcomponents for seating furniture items. The disassembled subcomponents allow for more efficient transportation by eliminating the dead space created by transporting irregularly shaped assembled furniture items. The assembly system includes a seat box having a rectangular frame defining an accessible internal cavity covered by an upper support surface. The assembly system also comprises a back rest having a seat box interface surface and at least arm rest interface surface. The back rest also defines an internal cavity accessible through closable opening for internal access to the arm rest interface surfaces. The assembly system also includes mounting an interface surface to the arm rest for securing the arm rest to the arm rest interface surface of the back rest and the rectangular frame of the seat box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Brandtner, Peter J. Fynboh, Christopher Jon Lejcher
  • Patent number: 8777320
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a ventilation system for a “climate object”, in particular all components with which the user of a vehicle may come in contact in a passenger compartment such as, for example, a steering mechanism for a vehicle, a dashboard, an armrest, a door paneling, a seat cover, a heating blanket, a padding, a cover or a seat, all which include at least one air flow device to guide air through the climate object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Andreas Stoll, Johnathan Zhang, Thomas Fries, Yu Tong, Denise Philipp
  • Patent number: 8777321
    Abstract: A stretching structure in which upholstery material can be installed in a frame body, enough deflection allowance of the upholstery material can be ensured. Upholstery material (14) is installed on the surface of a frame body (13) in a closed-loop shape, and is used as the seat or the backrest of a chair. A cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the sections of the frame body (13) is provided with an upholstery material receiving section (21) having an engaging groove (20) which is open to the back surface side, and a U-shape section (23) having a recessed groove (22) which is open to the surface side inward more than the engaging groove (20). The upholstery material (14) is wound from the surface of the frame body (13) to the back surface side along the outer peripheral surface, and the edge section is fitted in the engaging groove (20) and tied up, thereby installing the upholstery material (14) in such a manner as to cover the surface of the U-shape section (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Masunaga, Sayaka Morio, Ryou Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8777322
    Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The juvenile seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile seat also includes a headrest mounted for up-and-down movement on the seat back relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William R Horton, David Amirault
  • Patent number: 8777323
    Abstract: Various embodiments of restraint harnesses for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, a restraint harness can include a first shoulder web, a second shoulder web, and a torso web. A first end portion of the torso web can include a buckle that is configured to engage a connector at a second, opposite end portion of the torso web. The restraint harness can further include first and second portions of a stiffening material attached to first and second portions of the first and second shoulder webs, respectively. The stiffening material can form the first and second shoulder webs into preformed openings with inverted U-like shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Merrill, Michael J. Walton, Zulma Y. Estrada
  • Patent number: 8777324
    Abstract: A dump bed assembly (18) is provided for coupling to a truck having a chassis (22) for supporting the dump bed assembly (18). The dump bed assembly (18) includes a cargo receiving dump bed (13) coupled to the chassis (22) and movable between a travel configuration and a dump configuration. The dump bed includes a metal skeletal frame (85) including a plurality of frame members that define a plurality of openings (171) between the frame members. A plastic bed (90) comprises at least one plastic bed member coupled to and supported by the plurality of frame members. The plastic bed member extends into the openings defined by the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Joper, SA de CV
    Inventor: James W. Wink
  • Patent number: 8777325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position and/or situation of installation components of a mineral mining installation which has as installation components at least one face conveyor for removing mined material, one shield-type support for keeping a face open, pushing devices for pushing the face conveyor and the shield-type support in active operation, an extracting machine which can be moved along the face conveyor, and a drift conveyor, the position and situation of at least one installation component being determined by a measuring system having a detection unit with measurement sensor and the detection unit decoupled from the movement of the extracting machine, can be or is moved to and fro between two points of the guiding system along at least one installation component at the face such as, e.g. the face conveyor, by a separate guiding system 21; a mining installation relating to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Wesselmann, Marco Ahler, Campbell Morrison
  • Patent number: 8777326
    Abstract: A pick assembly comprising a pick body comprising a shank opposite a front end. The shank may be configured for attachment to a driving mechanism while the front end may comprise a core assembly disposed within an axial bore of the front end. The core assembly may comprise a cutting element bonded to a substrate attached to a bolster disposed within a sleeve which is disposed within the axial bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 8777327
    Abstract: A locking wheel nut cover system for controlling access to wheel nuts used to affix a wheel to a vehicle has a wheel with a wheel rim annular channel. The system has a wheel nut located on an axle stud for securing the wheel to the vehicle. The system has a generally planar round hub cover with a hub cover aperture for positioning in front of a wheel central hub to cover the wheel nuts. The system has a plurality of generally planar elongated locking arms, each having an elongated slot, and a locking arm second end for engaging the wheel rim annular channel. The system has a generally cylindrical keyed lock for engaging the locking arms and the hub cover to secure the system into place for wheel theft protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Adam F. Faux
  • Patent number: 8777328
    Abstract: A rim (1) for a bicycle wheel, having a body (5) with a substantially annular extension and a radially outer portion (6a) shaped for coupling with a tire is disclosed. The radially outer portion (6a) includes an annular bottom wall (12) provided with a hole for an inflation valve, and the annular bottom wall (12) defines a central annular recess (20) and two side annular portions (24) arranged on axially opposite sides with respect to the central annular recess (20). The recess (20) includes, on at least one side, and in at least one circumferentially distal area from the hole with reference to a cross section of the rim (1), a radially inner surface (26) and a radially outer surface (28). The radially outer surface (28) has a different bending radius than that of the radially inner surface (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 8777329
    Abstract: A wheel carrier for a motor vehicle in which the wheel carrier is typically manufactured from aluminum. The wheel carrier comprises a recess (1) for receiving an outer ring (2) of a wheel bearing (3). An inner ring (4) of the wheel bearing (3) is fixed in a hub (15) of a wheel flange (12) of a vehicle axle. An axial end of the outer ring (2) of the wheel bearing (3) abuts against a shoulder of the wheel carrier (6), and a rim section (5) of the wheel carrier (6) is at least partially deformed to abut an opposite axial end of the outer ring (2) of the wheel bearing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Werries, Metin Ersoy
  • Patent number: 8777330
    Abstract: A bicycle axle assembly has a nut member that includes a first part and a second part. The first part has an internal thread. The second part has a projection that is arranged to engage a dropout of a bicycle frame. The first and second parts have first and second anti-rotational structures, respectively, that move relative to each other between an engaged position, in which the first and second parts are non-rotatably engaged relative to each other by the first and second anti-rotational structures, and a disengaged position, in which the first and second mating anti-rotational structures are disengaged such that the first and second parts rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Puat Thiam Lim
  • Patent number: 8777331
    Abstract: A brake booster for use in a hydraulic braking system having a brake pedal, a master cylinder, and a hydraulic control unit includes a housing, a screw drive arrangement positioned at least partially in the housing, a motor coupled to the housing for actuating the screw drive arrangement, and a piston assembly positioned in the housing. The piston assembly and the housing together at least partially define a first fluid chamber having an opening for providing fluid communication with the master cylinder, and a second fluid chamber having an opening for providing fluid communication with the hydraulic control unit. The screw drive arrangement is movable relative to a piston of the piston assembly between an engaged position, in which the first fluid chamber is isolated from the second fluid chamber, and a disengaged position in which the first fluid chamber is not isolated from the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 8777332
    Abstract: A braking control system comprising a first source of pressurized fluid (82a), a second source of pressurized fluid (82b), a modulator (70), a brake actuator (10), and a plurality of valves (84, 94, 96, 98), the modulator (70) having a supply inlet (72) which may be connected to either of the sources of pressurized fluid via a first fluid flow line which extends between a first one of the valves (84) and the supply inlet (72), and a control inlet (78) which may be connected to either of the sources of pressurized fluid via a second fluid flow line and a second one of the valves (94), a delivery port (74) which is connected an inlet (11) of the actuator (10), and an exhaust outlet (76) which vents to a low pressure region, the modulator (70) being operable to move between a build position in which flow of fluid from the supply inlet (72) to the delivery port (74) is permitted while flow of fluid through the exhaust outlet (76) is substantially prevented, and an exhaust position in which flow of fluid between t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Limited
    Inventors: Laurence John Potter, Robert David Prescott, Edward Gilbert Shaw