Rotatable About Vertical Axis Patents (Class 108/103)
  • Patent number: 11944193
    Abstract: The multi-wheel shelving assembly is a gearing system with a central drive gear, multiple planetary-gears, and a third layer of orbiting gears that each have a horizontal shelf attached and which remains level even as respective gears revolve. The shelf-orbiting gears and the planetary gears are radially arranged along concentric circumferential paths and connected to the central drive gear through complementary rotational movements and complementary gear teeth. The multi-wheel shelving assembly includes a framework having a faceplate coupled to the drive gear, an outer peripheral frame member pivotally coupled to the outer layer of orbiting gears and spokes connecting the peripheral outer frame member and faceplate and to which the plurality of planetary gears is pitifully attached. The peripheral outer frame member and, therefore, the plurality of orbiting gears are rotatably coupled to a hub whereas the drive gear is fixed in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Eran Swears
  • Patent number: 11707122
    Abstract: Embodiments of a retention device are described. In an embodiment, the retention device includes a retention base having a stem protruding outwardly from a first surface of the retention base. Additionally, the retention device may include a retention closure configured to engage the retention base, the retention closure having a hole for receiving the stem. The retention device may also include a receiver coupled to the stem, the receiver configured to receive a retention member for retaining the retention closure in engagement with the retention base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Lerin Lockwood
  • Patent number: 11351668
    Abstract: Carousel-type tool holders are provided for holding elongated tools such as hydraulic extrication tools. The tool holders can be equipped with spacers and extension plates that allow the tool holders to be configured to accommodate tools of different shapes and sizes. The tool holders also can be equipped with anti-rotation features that lock the rotating portion of the tool holder against rotation, while permitting the rotating portion to be unlocked quickly and with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 11266309
    Abstract: The eye examination kiosk and method may comprise a structure for rotating and/or translating ophthalmologic examination devices such as an auto-refractor, an auto-keratometer, a corneal topographer, a fundus camera, an external photo camera, a perimeter, a lensmeter, a specular microscope, a retinal and external eye imager, an Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT), or a non-contact tonometer into a position such that they may be used for examination of a patient. The kiosk outer shell may comprise an opening allowing the ophthalmologic examination equipment to perform eye examinations of a patient. Eye examination results are transmitted to a remote location where they are read by a physician, who transmits examination findings and recommendations for follow up treatment to the patient. The results may include the identity of qualified physicians who practice geographically near the patient, or who are qualified to treat a patient for a specific condition indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Globechek Intellectual Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Adam M. Katz, William J. Mallon, David Gary Eldridge
  • Patent number: 11074838
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an image generation system includes a base having a rotor and a motor for spinning the rotor about an axis of rotation, and a display secured to the rotor, wherein a center of mass of the display is situated off of the axis of rotation. Such an image generation system also includes a first counterweight coupled to the rotor and having a first location relative to the rotor, and a second counterweight coupled the to the rotor and having a second location relative to the rotor different than the first location. The first counterweight and the second counterweight are configured to stabilize the display while the display is spun by the motor and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Hsu, Nathan Nocon
  • Patent number: 10610010
    Abstract: A variable height workstation system comprises a base, a variable height platform, a lift mechanism, a lower adjustable pivot assembly, and an upper adjustable pivot assembly. The base is configured to be mounted to a support surface. The lift mechanism is configured to move the variable height platform between a fully lowered and raised position. The lower adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected be to the base and the lift mechanism. The lower adjustable pivot assembly comprises a lower adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate a lower pivot member about its first vertical rotational axis. The upper adjustable pivot assembly is configured to be connected to the lift mechanism and the variable height platform. The upper adjustable pivot assembly comprises an upper adjustable force regulator configured to adjust a force required to rotate an upper pivot member about its second vertical rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FELLOWES, INC.
    Inventors: Tai Hoon K. Matlin, Shawn Michael Applegate, Damian Stadnicki, Robert Day
  • Patent number: 10524564
    Abstract: A telescopic post includes a tube set, a power unit, a rotation unit, a threaded tube unit and a threaded rod unit. The tube set includes internal tube inserted in an intermediate tube inserted in an external tube. The power unit is supported on the internal tube. The rotation unit is inserted in the internal tube. The rotation unit is connected to the power unit so that the power unit drives the rotation unit. The threaded tube unit is connected to the rotation unit so that the rotation unit rotates the threaded tube unit. The threaded tube unit is connected to the internal tube so that the threaded tube unit translates the internal tube. The threaded rod unit is connected to the threaded tube unit and the intermediate tube so that the threaded tube unit rotates the threaded rod unit and the threaded rod unit translates the intermediate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: TCT Nanotec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tiger Wu
  • Patent number: 9883761
    Abstract: A rotary food server assembly for rotatably serving a selected food item includes a bottom disk that may be positioned on a support surface. An upper disk is movably coupled to the bottom disk so the upper disk may support a food item. A processor is coupled to the bottom disk. An actuator is coupled to the bottom disk. The actuator is operationally coupled to the processor so the processor may selectively actuate the actuator. The actuator is operationally coupled to the upper disk so the actuator may selectively move the upper disk. A keypad is coupled to the bottom disk so a user may touch the keypad. The keypad is operationally coupled to the processor so the actuator may move the upper disk to a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Sonja Johnson-Lewis
  • Patent number: 9846319
    Abstract: The driver circuit comprises a first node (J1), which is connected to a first terminal of the Pockels cell (CP), a second node (J2), which is connected to a second terminal of the Pockels cell (CP), wherein the first node (J1) is connected to a first potential (+HV) via a first switching unit (S1) and the second node (J2) is connected to the first potential (+HV) via a second switching unit (S2) and wherein the first node (J1) is connected to a second potential (?HV) via a first resistance (R1) and the second node (J2) is connected to the second potential (?HV) via a second resistance (R2); and wherein the first node (J1) is connected to the second node (J2) via a series circuit comprising a third resistance (R3) and an inductance (L1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: BME Messgeräte Entwicklung KG, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Thorald Horst Bergmann, Fedor Bergmann, Mathias Siebold, Markus Löser
  • Patent number: 9845611
    Abstract: A device and method for securing a structural object, including a bottom tray configured to support thereon a container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, the bottom tray having a vertical wall configured to support the container around a circumference thereof; and a slot integrated into an end of the bottom tray and vertical wall and configured to fit around a pole shaped structural object adapted to be received within the slot, the bottom tray of the slot configured to rest upon a base of the pole shaped structural object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Robert H. Koerner
  • Patent number: 9468292
    Abstract: A shelving connector for coupling an auxiliary shelf within a shelving system includes a coupling sleeve, a support rod, and a bridge member. The coupling sleeve defines and extends between a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end and defines a sleeve exterior surface and a sleeve interior cavity. The sleeve interior cavity is open at each of the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end. The support rod defines a rod exterior surface. The center axis of the coupling sleeve and a center axis of the support rod are positioned to extend substantially parallel to each other. The bridge member is secured to the sleeve exterior surface and the rod exterior surface to statically hold the support rod in a position laterally spaced from and vertically offset from the coupling sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 9466359
    Abstract: A static random access memory comprises a pre-charge unit that supplies a pre-charge voltage to first and second bit lines connected to a bit cell; a capacitor, of which one or the other terminal is selectively connected to a ground terminal; a clamping unit that selectively connects the bit lines with the capacitor to adjust a voltage level of the bit lines; and a mux unit that is included in a unit memory cell including the bit cell, the pre-charge unit, the capacitor and the clamping unit, and activates the bit lines of the unit memory cell in response to reception of a selection signal; wherein the clamping unit connects the first and second bit lines with the capacitor in response to a charge sharing control signal, to induce charge sharing between the first and second bit lines and the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Jong Sun Park, Woong Choi
  • Patent number: 9254029
    Abstract: A swivel base for use with a training aid having a top member and a bottom member, the top member for receiving a training aid and the bottom member for receiving a holder or stand. The top member is coupled to a ball bearing and a mounting member fixedly coupled to the bottom member is rotatably coupled to the ball bearing to allow the top member to rotate relative to the bottom member. A locking mechanism which has a locking pin coupled to the bottom member secures the top member in one or more stationary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Pivot Point International
    Inventors: Denise Podlin, Frans Passage, Leo Passage
  • Patent number: 9072360
    Abstract: Cosmetic and/or personal care compacts having a multi-tiered design. The tiers are able to rotate relative to each other between defined configurations of the compact. When in any one of its defined configurations, the compact has the same overall shape, for example, a prism. The rotation feature also allows the visual impact of the compact to be varied while maintaining the overall shape of the compact, and is a novelty for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ELC MANAGEMENT LLC
    Inventors: Girolama Bueti, Jason Stockmal
  • Patent number: 9016213
    Abstract: A workstation with variable spatial configuration capabilities. It is designed to allow a plurality of office chairs to couple to the workstation and while coupled to the workstation move in tandem with the workstation. Such coupling will allow the workstation as a whole to be portable while still efficiently supporting and effectively organizing the components of a complex computer system. The workstation further comprises of work surfaces whose placement is adjustable in multiple dimensions and provides a solid, yet portable structure to work from, while being flexible enough to allow a user selective variable spatial configuration for the user work environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Fariborz Tajbakhsh
  • Patent number: 9010256
    Abstract: A keyboard and mouse support having a keyboard platform with an elongate slide that extends laterally across the keyboard platform from left to right, the elongate slide having a left end and a right end, a mouse platform, a pivot that pivotally connects the mouse platform to the keyboard platform, which pivot slides and pivots in the elongate slide, and a radial position fixation mechanism for setting at least one radial position of the mouse platform with respect to the keyboard platform, and wherein the radial position fixation mechanism is located on both the left and right sides of keyboard platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brennan
  • Patent number: 8869714
    Abstract: A wheeled mobile work bench which has an adjustable tabletop surface. The tabletop surface removably engages an adjustable rectangular frame which, in turn, is attached atop a pair of upright frame members, each upright frame member being attached to a respective bottom frame component. An electrical box attached to one of the right and left upright frame members is operationally connectable connected to a power cord having a plug. While the mobile work bench is in use, the plug is operationally connectable to a source of standard electrical current to permit use of a power tool plugged into the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Steve B. Barry
  • Patent number: 8839724
    Abstract: A modular medical instrument table and method of using the same is provided. The modular medical instrument table includes a base and at least one support structure rising from the base, the support structure having a substantially vertical axis. At least one arm is removably affixed to the support structure, the arm having a first end proximate to the support structure and a second end distal from the support structure, wherein the second end of the arm is rotatable about the support structure. A shelf is attachable to the second end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig Herman Allen, Gary T. Dane, Jon D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 8752710
    Abstract: A mobile screening device for the screening of soil and other materials has a chassis (1), which is carried by at least one wheel (1.1) or a similar member, and a screen frame (2), which is carried by the chassis (1) and which includes at least one screen (5) that is supplied with material to be screened. The screen frame (2) is pivotable around a primarily vertical turning axis (7) in relation to the chassis (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Magnus Frost
  • Patent number: 8640892
    Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph A. Polizzi, Michael T. Kane
  • Patent number: 8517190
    Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph A. Polizzi, Michael T. Kane
  • Publication number: 20130025506
    Abstract: A keyboard and mouse support having a keyboard platform with an elongate slide that extends laterally across the keyboard platform from left to right, the elongate slide having a left end and a right end, a mouse platform, a pivot that pivotally connects the mouse platform to the keyboard platform, which pivot slides and pivots in the elongate slide, and a radial position fixation mechanism for setting at least one radial position of the mouse platform with respect to the keyboard platform, and wherein the radial position fixation mechanism is located on both the left and right sides of keyboard platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brennan
  • Patent number: 7984883
    Abstract: An exemplary support structure includes a support body, a connecting body, and a rear board. The connecting body is fixed on the support body. The rear board is rotatable relative to the support body. The rear board defines a through hole therein. The connecting body forms a latch protrusion. When the support body is located at a first position, the latch protrusion is capable of passing the through hole of the rear board. When the support body and the latch protrusion are located at opposite sides of the rear board, and the support body rotates past the first position, the latch protrusion resists the rear board and prevents the support body detaching from the rear board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Jun Li, Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen
  • Patent number: 7975969
    Abstract: An exemplary rotatable positioning structure includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a positioning track portion and defining a hole therein. The second element includes a pivot shaft engaging in the hole. The pivot shaft includes a through hole defined therethrough, a restriction portion and a positioning portion. The first element is restricted by the restriction portion of the pivot shaft. The positioning portion and the positioning track portion are capable of making the first element and the second element maintain a fixed position after relatively rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen, Meng-Hua He, Jian-Jun Li, Zheng-Qiang Song, Gang Cheng, Bing-Jing Xu
  • Publication number: 20110100267
    Abstract: A rotary table includes a first plank which has a plurality of fastening portions and a plurality of rolling balls corresponding to fastening portions, and each fastening portion fastens each rolling ball to one side of the first plank, and a second plank which has a first baseboard, a second baseboard, an annular trough and at least one latch portion. The first baseboard and second baseboard have respectively a first trough and a second trough on one side thereof that are joined through the latch portion to form the second plank with the annular trough in a continuous manner at the same plane. The first plank is turnable relative to the second plank through the rolling balls moving in the annular trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Fan-Yi WU
  • Publication number: 20110036275
    Abstract: A table on which to perform a task, the table having two or more differentiated but connected or adjacent surfaces on which to perform the task, at least one surface being rotatable by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Raynard Lewis COVARRUBIO
  • Patent number: 7770336
    Abstract: A multi-tiered rotary workstation comprises at least two rotary work spaces supported at different levels, with associated workstation floors, substantial increasing the amount of work space available within a fixed floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Martinrea International Inc.
    Inventor: Federico Guillermo Jaekel
  • Patent number: 7748537
    Abstract: A removable insert for Lazy Susan type rotatable tray having a base with a continuous side wall, the base supported by a vertical support post. The insert is wedge-shaped and has a curved contour for engaging the tray post and side wall. The insert has a raised perimeter, a variety of optional flat bottom walls with non-slip feet at each corner. The bottom wall may be solid or have circular cutouts having a diameter of about 2½ inches to fit a beverage can bottom end. A lid is provided to fit the raised perimeter. A shelf with attached legs permits stacking of inserts. The insert holds items, such as beverage cans, jars, and canned goods, upright and organized and permits tray spinning for item access without spilling or knocking over the items. The present device is durable, space-saving, and reasonably priced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Dawn Manger
  • Patent number: 7481170
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism useful for swivelly attaching a secondary work surface, such as a computer mouse platform or other accessory work shelf, to a primary work surface, such as a computer keyboard platform or a table or desk, and furniture, such as computer support furniture, having an accessory work shelf swivelly attached to a primary work surface. The mounting mechanism facilitates swivel movement of the accessory work shelf relative to the primary work surface while maintaining a constant but easily adjustable tension. A method for attaching both of said accessory work shelf and said primary work surface to a mounting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Sommerfield
  • Patent number: 7418787
    Abstract: A cutting mat comprises: a baseboard defined with an assembling hole and at least one notch on a side of the assembling hole, a positioning member detachably disposed in the assembling hole, and a cutting board. The positioning member includes a circular body and at least one positioning protrusion formed on a side of the circular body and located in a corresponding position to the notch of the baseboard. The cutting board is formed at the bottom thereof with a circular recess for engaging the circular body of the positioning member, so that the cutting board is rotatably superposed on the baseboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Tsai-Lian Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 7296523
    Abstract: Components can be received within regions of limited access present in an equipment-supporting rack using an installation table including a pair of mounting plates which are pivotally connected to each other at a corner of the respective mounting plates. One mounting plate includes a bracket for fixed connection to the rack, and the other mounting plate includes a surface for receiving a desired component. Rotation of the mounting plate receiving the component relative to the mounting plate fixed to the rack permits the component to be conveniently accessed when servicing is desired, and returned to the region of limited access during normal system operations. A channel is preferably provided to guide and limit movement of the mounting plate which receives the component, and a locking mechanism is preferably provided for securing the mounting plate and the component it receives in desired position during normal system operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Seungyun Yoon
  • Patent number: 7273212
    Abstract: An article support apparatus facilitates article interaction such as game play upon an oblong game table. The article or game support apparatus comprises a support plate, an anchor plate, and an article-positioning assembly extending therebetween. The article-positioning assembly may comprise a plate-extending assembly and a plate-rotating assembly. The plate-extending assembly functions to extend the game support plate away from the anchor plate. The anchor plate is of sufficient mass to interface the game support apparatus with a support surface and prevent the extended game support apparatus from tipping. The support plate functions to support an interactive article such as a gaming device or a common board game. The selected gaming device is supportable atop the game support plate and is thus extendable to separated player stations about the game support surface. The article or game support apparatus functions to enable game play in a spaced player setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Scott L. Kolbaba
  • Patent number: 7147445
    Abstract: A gerotor mechanism is used to guide the rotation of a turntable having a Reuleaux triangle shape. In one version, the mechanism includes a gerotor having three lobes, and the gerotor guide has a guide profile including four recesses for receiving the lobes of the gerotor. Rotation is governed by a 4:3 hypocycloid function. The profiles of the gerotor and the gerotor guide are expanded uniformly from an original hypocycloid pattern so that rotation of the turntable results in execution of the hypocycloid function while retaining the gerotor in controlled contact with the profile of the gerotor guide. A reciprocal of the hypocycloid function yields a “cloverleaf” gerotor. Substantially planar bearing surfaces may be used at the interface of (a) the turntable and the gerotor guide, (b) the gerotor and the gerotor guide, or (c) the gerotor and the underlying support surface. The gerotor guide and turntable may be part of a cabinet or built into a kitchen countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: William L. Krayer
  • Patent number: 6877442
    Abstract: Free-standing table device wherein the table top (1) arranged in the horizontal plane, is double-hingedly connected to a frame (4) which is arranged to stand, possibly on wheels (5), on an underlying base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Âdne Helle
  • Patent number: 6823805
    Abstract: A table (10) for an operating room providing a cantilevered over-patient instrument surface (12) that can be swiveled away from the operating field without moving the base (20) of the table. The instrument surface may have two levels (38, 40) with a variable degree of overlap between the levels to form an instrument surface of a desired area. The instrument surface may further have a curved edge (44) so that the proximity of the instrument surface to the operating field does not change as the instrument surface is rotated relative to its base. A sterile drape (60) covers the instrument surface and extends downward to be attached around the table support structure (14). The drape may be formed of two sections (62, 64) having overlapping tail portions (68, 70, 72, 74). The base may include a footpad (24) for a nurse (26) working at the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Dan L. Becker
  • Patent number: 6662734
    Abstract: A connection device for tables includes a shaft on which a first part and a second part are respectively mounted thereon. The two parts are pivotally connected with each other and have their own connection shafts. Each of the connection shafts is connected to a table top so that the two table tops are pivotable about the shaft as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 6659416
    Abstract: A computer keyboard/mouse support apparatus including a keyboard support having three layers which are rigidly sandwiched together is disclosed. The top layer is for supporting a keyboard while the bottom layer is for attachment to a keyboard arm. The center layer has a surface area which is substantially less than that of the top and bottom layers so that it defines a gap in which left and right mouse extensions pivot between extended usable positions and retracted stored positions. In their extended usable positions, the front edges of the keyboard support and the mouse extensions are flush with each other and define an ergonomic curve. The top surface of each mouse extension also preferably frictionally engages the underside surface of the keyboard support so that the extensions are not easily moved by the user when moving a mouse supported on the surface of the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ergonomic Design Inc
    Inventors: Jack C. Hicks, Randy W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20030167979
    Abstract: A table (10) for an operating room providing a cantilevered over-patient instrument surface (12) that can be swiveled away from the operating field without moving the base (20) of the table. The instrument surface may have two levels (38, 40) with a variable degree of overlap between the levels to form an instrument surface of a desired area. The instrument surface may further have a curved edge (44) so that the proximity of the instrument surface to the operating field does not change as the instrument surface is rotated relative to its base. A sterile drape (60) covers the instrument surface and extends downward to be attached around the table support structure (14). The drape may be formed of two sections (62, 64) having overlapping tail portions (68, 70, 72, 74). The base may include a footpad (24) for a nurse (26) working at the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dan L. Becker
  • Publication number: 20030164120
    Abstract: Free-standing table device wherein the table top (1) arranged in the horizontal plane, is double-hingedly connected to a frame (4) which is arranged to stand, possibly on wheels (5), on an underlying base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Adne Helle
  • Publication number: 20030066464
    Abstract: A connection device for tables includes a shaft on which a first part and a second part are respectively mounted thereon. The two parts are pivotally connected with each other and have their own connection shafts. Each of the connection shafts is connected to a table top so that the two table tops are pivotable about the shaft as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 6543369
    Abstract: A combination bedside and overbed table apparatus includes a base, a column, a table attached to the column, and a lateral support system including a support arm outrigger support for increasing the lateral stability of the apparatus when the table is extended over the side of the base. The table is movable upon the column through a range of vertical and pivotal motion. The table has three basic positions including a bedside position wherein the table overlies the base, an upper range of positions known as “overbed” positions, in which the table is raised, and a reading position, wherein the table is located at a lower elevation than it is in its bedside position to allow ease of placement of the table over a chair or the like to provide a reading table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6276284
    Abstract: A side-by-side robot workcell includes two tables each of which is movable from a work position to a load position. Linkages are connected to the tables and cause the tables to have a slow speed at the time the tables approach either the load or the work position, and a faster speed in the middle of the movement between the work and load positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group
    Inventors: Fred K. Remley, Jan C. Mangelsen
  • Patent number: 6196648
    Abstract: A desk system utilizing a plurality of stanchions that extend into and support overhead cabinets. The system includes a support structure comprising a plurality of support panels to which the stanchions are mounted. The stanchions extend through openings in the work surface and through openings in the lower panel of the overhead cabinet. The stanchions are mounted by means of fasteners to the inside rear corners of the overhead cabinet. The support structure also includes a lower raceway for running electrical and communication wiring, and this raceway is in communication with raceways defined within the stanchions by means of removable cover plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay M. Henriott
  • Patent number: 6158360
    Abstract: A multi-level rotational shelf structure including top and bottom suspension tubes fastened to the surface of a wall with a plurality of shelves between the suspension tubes. Each shelf is supported on a bushing assembly which enables each shelf to pivot about an axis between the top and bottom suspension tubes independently of the other shelves. An upright tube extends between adjacent shelves acting as a spacer and a mount for the bushing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Kuei-Ching Cheng
  • Patent number: 6140847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pulse generation circuit outputting pulses with very short rise and fall times. This circuit comprises two high voltage power supply circuits (1 and 2), each outputting a current into a single load circuit (7) consisting of a single or double Pockels cell, at two different times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Christophe Le Campion
  • Patent number: 5842425
    Abstract: There are provided a plurality of main tables associated with at least one side table which is pivotably connected to two main tables. In storage position the side table is at least partly stored underneath one main table, while in use it is pivotably extended and connected to two main tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: John van der Aa
  • Patent number: 5685719
    Abstract: A system for rehabilitating a speech impaired individual confined to a wheelchair is disclosed. The system utilizes an arm movement actuator attachment which is secured to the arm rest structure of the wheelchair through a rotatable arm support platform mounted on juxtaposed, upper and lower slide rod assemblies providing X- and Y-axis movement for the rotatable platform. The platform is configured to fully support the individual's forearm and elbow to enable the individual suffering from minimal upper extremity mobility to physically contact a touch screen for enablement of interaction with a computer to communicate and therefore socialize with others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Frank Bressler Rehabilitation Research, Inc.
    Inventor: John Willard Bressler
  • Patent number: 5536080
    Abstract: A work station (10) for use in a home, office, hotel or other area having a limited amount of space is disclosed. The unit (10) includes sections (12,14,16) movable between a closed position, wherein the unit looks like an armoire or entertainment cabinet, and an open position, wherein the unit is a complete work station with a desk top (24,26) and storage space (22,23,30) for a computer, printer, phone, chair, fax machine and files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: atelier ADIME Internationale, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Madimenos, Corrine Madimenos
  • Patent number: 5524775
    Abstract: The rotary device includes a center pillar mounted in a pedestal, and rotatable circular plates or shelves mounted to individually freely rotate about the pillar. Vertical partitions are mounted on at least some of the shelves. These partitions extend from the central area of a shelf towards but short of the periphery thereof at which point a perpendicular wing is provided to constitute a guard. The ratio between the length of the partition and that of the wing is adjusted so as to maximize the area of the circular shelf which is used for storing articles and for filing documents, thereby leaving a negligible unused area of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Michel Kaine
  • Patent number: 5269231
    Abstract: A central tubular post pivotally mounts respective right and left shelf plates orthogonally relative to the central post, with the right and left shelf plates having orthogonally and fixedly directed therethrough respective right and left post members. A modification of the invention includes a mounting structure relative to the right and left shelves, as well as auxiliary illumination structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: John I. Johnson