With Illumination Means Patents (Class 108/23)
  • Publication number: 20090223419
    Abstract: A plate stock detection apparatus for detecting plates remaining on a plate pallet (13) on an automatic plate pallet loading system (18) configured to load plates into an imaging device, which includes a plate pallet adaptor (11). The plate pallet is placed on top of the adaptor; and plate pallet stock detectors (15, 16, 21, 31) measure plates left on the plate pallet. A plate pallet elevation system (12) elevates the plate pallet in response to feedback plate pallet stock detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Pavel Korolik, Moshe Beres, Tamir Olpak, Shay Regev, Mark Silverman
  • Publication number: 20080236453
    Abstract: A table top (1) comprising a pellucid top panel (3) and at least one pellucid display panel (13), the display panel bearing a design or script. A light source is provided to illuminate the design or script on the display panel such that it is visible through the top panel permitting the design to have a high visual impact when viewed through the top panel. The table top (1) is suitable for displaying advertising material particularly in a bar, shop, restaurant or club environment. The table top may form part of a table or may be incorporated into a bar or counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Daglish Ford
  • Patent number: 7398572
    Abstract: A decorative pillow desktop system comprises a soft cushion top, which reveals, when opened, a notepad, light and pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Kyrsten Ann Braun
  • Publication number: 20080135681
    Abstract: A flexible configuration system, method equipment and aircraft are disclosed. This system may use a pallet that includes a load bearing member; and a pallet data network system carried by the load bearing member. The data network system includes at least one external data connection configured to connect the pallet data network to an external network; and at least one pallet data connection configured to connect the pallet data network to devices, equipment, workstations, or seats carried by the pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John D. Hearing, Edward A. Froese, Charlotte R. Lin
  • Publication number: 20080121146
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying retail products is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a product tray which itself includes a platform member for supporting one or more products, at least one lighting element and connector means for electrically connecting the lighting element to a power source when the platform member of the product tray is releasably secured to a product tray support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Alistair Gordon Burns, Peter Crown
  • Publication number: 20080121145
    Abstract: Portable floors can have casters on two separate sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Hugh Gene Loebner
  • Patent number: 7237711
    Abstract: An illumination device comprises a housing, a light source, a light transmissive support plate and a sensor. The light source is mounted within a cavity of the housing. The light transmissive support plate is engaged with the housing. The housing and the light source are configured for enabling light from the light source to impinge upon the light transmissive support plate. The sensor is configured for selectively activating the light source dependent upon placement of an article relative to the light transmissive support plate. In one embodiment, the sensor is preferably a force sensitive sensor having the light transmissive support plate engaged therewith. The light transmissive support plate is mounted in a manner enabling force to be applied on the force sensitive sensor by the light transmissive support plate when a corresponding force is applied on a support surface of the light transmissive support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Donald James Manthei
  • Patent number: 6997117
    Abstract: Improved lectern table, made up of a bearing column (1) that rests on a base (2) to be fixed to the floor, while at its upper part it incorporates a board (3) situated in tiltable assembly, having on the rear of the column (1) a support (4) by way of an upwards directed arm on which a module (5) foreseen of a microphone (6) is situated which stands out above the board (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Figueras International Seating, S.A.
    Inventor: José Figueras Mitjans
  • Patent number: 6928932
    Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle holding and assembling table includes a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel has a perimeter edge including a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of a pair of supports is releasably insertable into one of a pair of holes extending into the bottom surface. Each of the holes is adjacent to the back edge. A drawer assembly is mounted on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Trent A. Ferrill
  • Patent number: 6871984
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a light engine includes a base, a sliding seat, a carrier and at least one tilt-adjustig screw. The sliding seat includes at least a supporter, on which the sliding seat is instilled with an arc-shaped stand. The arc-shaped stand has a round surface and includes a slot installed on the round surface, and at least a fixing slot installed at a position adjacent to an end of the arc-shaped stand. The carrier includes a round surface corresponding to the round surface of the arc-shaped stand, a block passing through the slot and at least a fixing screw passing through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Fan-Chieh Chang, Kuo-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 6830356
    Abstract: A magnifying and illuminating apparatus which can both be fitted onto existing lecterns or used as an integral part of an improved lectern and which combines a light source and a magnifying element in order to improve visibility of the viewable material placed under it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: André Larocque
  • Patent number: 6694898
    Abstract: A columnar race game having columns that move in a vertical direction. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the column in the vertical direction. The first column to reach a uppermost point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack D. Cook, II
  • Patent number: 6672557
    Abstract: A laptop computer support board with lamp for supporting a laptop computer and providing light over the computer. The device has a support board on which the keyboard bottom surface rests, a lamp assembly, and a vent portion for allowing dispersion of the heat emitted from the computer. The support board has stoppers secured to the board top surface for wedging the computer in place. The vent portion is positioned between the stoppers, having venting holes extending through the board, and a raised platform extending upward from the board top surface. The lamp assembly is secured to the board top surface and is adjustable and collapsible. Once collapsed, a lamp cover may be placed over the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Jackson
  • Patent number: 6558017
    Abstract: A modular lighting system for illuminating products supported upon various vertically arranged shelves of a display unit includes a housing attached to a first shelf, with the housing including at least one transparent panel which permits an internal illumination source to light products supported upon at least one of the first shelf, a shelf arranged directly above the first shelf and a shelf disposed directly below the first shelf. Most preferably, the light illuminating from the housing is directed so as to effectively, entirely illuminate product support surfaces associated with both the first shelf and the shelf directly below such that the display of products supported anywhere from the front to the back of these shelves is enhanced. This front-to-back lighting function can be achieved in various ways, such as by employing direct, reflective and refractive lighting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Illumitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Riad M. Saraiji, George L. Rusnak, Stephen J. Treado
  • Patent number: 6502519
    Abstract: A columnar race game having columns that move in a vertical direction. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the column in the vertical direction. The first column to reach a uppermost point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack D. Cook, II
  • Patent number: 6450106
    Abstract: A portable display assembly is disclosed including an elongated, curved S-shaped frame having handles extending therefrom. A pair of wheels are operably disposed on an axle attached to a lower end of the frame, and two prongs extend from the lower end of the frame to cooperatively form a supportive base. A plurality of shelves are connected to the frame such that they are capable of being selectively swivelled from one position to another. A lamp extends from an upper end of the frame, and has a pivoting section to enable the lamp to be selectively directed over portions of the assembly. In one form, the frame includes a plurality of interconnecting modular tube segments connected to one another, the shelves are removably connected to the frame, and the lamp is removably attached to the upper end of the frame so that the assembly can be broken down for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jonothon M. W. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6296335
    Abstract: A vertical tubular rod used inside cabinets to support revolving shelves. The rod is made of transparent materials and capable of housing a neon tube inserted therein. The neon tube is electrically powered at the ends of the transparent rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnucci-S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rossano Compagnucci
  • Patent number: 6267064
    Abstract: A furniture unit is provided specially adapted for use in laboratories. The furniture unit includes a pair of spaced-apart uprights and vibration-dampening legs extending from the uprights for stably supporting the furniture unit on a floor surface. A belt-high structural beam comprising two opposing C-shaped beams is fixedly attached to the uprights to rigidly interconnect the uprights in a spaced relationship. A plurality of worksurfaces is provided, each having a pair of cantilever brackets configured to rigidly connect to a side of the belt-high structural beam and to extend laterally therefrom. The plurality of worksurfaces is separately adjustably supported on the belt-high structural beam for vertical height adjustment, with at least one of the cantilever brackets engaging the belt-high structural beam at a location between the uprights. Shelves are attached between the uprights above the plurality of worksurfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Hubert L. Ostertag, Jay D. Bargmann, David R. Appel, George J. Simons, Jr., Mark A. Buchalter, Yasuyuki Hirai, Howard M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6240855
    Abstract: A portable table assembly constructed of plastic and aluminum that may have a built-in shelving system, a lightbox for displaying backlit graphics, and lockable wheels for transport of the closed table and for movement of the open table. The table has no separate parts to assemble and provides for easy mounting of graphics to the front of the assembly. The table has a hinged top, hinged doors, and may have hinged shelves. It sets up in less than fifteen seconds and collapses into a profile less than ten inches wide. It is lightweight and can be shipped by overnight carriers. The portable table assembly can be used to create a smaller lightweight tabletop display, and a stand-alone light box for displaying backlit graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Table Guys, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Pirkl, Robert W. Stimson
  • Patent number: 6179434
    Abstract: A lighting system includes an illumination source arranged within a housing wherein the housing is positioned at a front end portion of a shelf of a product display unit. In a preferred form of the invention, thermal insulation is disposed between the housing and the shelf such that the shelf is thermally isolated from heat generated by the lighting unit. The lighting unit can be attached to or formed integral with the front portion of the shelf so as to act as an extension thereof or arranged beneath the shelf, preferably with an air gap or other type of thermal material barrier therebetween. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit takes the form of an elongated housing which is slidably mounted within a label receiving area of a shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Illumitech, LLC.
    Inventor: Riad Saraiji
  • Patent number: 6170961
    Abstract: A wedding cake layer is highlighted by a transparent plastic light assembly illuminated by a string of miniature electric lights. The light assembly supports a cake on a transparent plastic tray in an elevated position. The light assembly has one or more transparent plastic tubes forming pillars which are affixed between a top plate and a bottom plate. The plates have pillar entry holes such that a looped strand of lights may pass from the underside of the bottom plate to the top side of the top plate and be affixed thereto. The cake tray has downwardly extending feet which are received within cylindrical protrusions on the top plate. The cake tray has a peripheral rim through which the illuminated miniature lights are visible. An inverted cake tray is positioned beneath the bottom plate such that the feet of the inverted tray engage downwardly extending protrusions on the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Joanne J. Knoch
  • Patent number: 6131523
    Abstract: A post with a series of generally parallel grooves defined therein and at least one shelf received, engaged, and supported by any of the grooves. A support frame has a base, a top, and cross-members disposed within and generally coextensive with the tubular post. A generally elastic sheet is disposed about the post to generally conform to the post sidewall and generally cover the grooves.An optional extension bar assembly has a collar receivable within any of the grooves and a bar with notches for receiving hangers. An optional connecting bar assembly has an elongated bar supported by two collars receivable within any of the grooves. Furthermore, there may be provided a holder for product information, and top and bottom housings mounted to the post with each containing a lighting assembly or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Crowley's Caseworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6095056
    Abstract: A scoring table, for use at sporting events involving play between two teams and changing possession of a ball between the teams, includes a table top, support legs, a front section with an integral bi-directional indicating sign having oppositely directed horizontal arrows, and a manually operable switch for selectively illuminating the arrows so as to indicate possession of the ball during the course of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5979337
    Abstract: A portable writing desk which includes a light which can be positioned below the writing surface for illuminating tracing materials or can be positioned above the writing surface for illuminating reading, writing or drawing activities. A portable desk has a removable drawer with a writing surface on the removable drawer. A portable desk also includes a removable board, which has a third writing surface. A cushion is attached which allows for comfortable placement of the writing desk on a person's lap while in a seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Jlyn Clark, Donna Koussa
  • Patent number: 5941176
    Abstract: A new display shelf for displaying model cars thereon. The inventive device includes at least one shelf unit comprising a top panel and a pair of support panels. The top panel has upper and lower surfaces, top and bottom side edges, and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges of the top panel. The upper surface of the top panel has a number of elongate ridges upwardly extending therefrom with the length of each of the ridges extending between the end edges of the top panel. Each support panel is generally triangular and has top, bottom and back edges with the length of the top edge of the support panel extending at an acute angle to the length of the bottom edge of the support panel. The top edge of each of the support panels is coupled to the lower surface of the top panel. The back edge of each of the support panels has a mounting flange extending therefrom which is positioned adjacent the top edge of the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Steve P. Schultz, John Matthews
  • Patent number: 5918932
    Abstract: A piece of illuminated furniture (10) comprises a diffuser (12) built therein that spreads light evenly. A light source (14) is within the diffuser (12) to produce illumination therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: James Morrison, Robert Wisniewski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5911496
    Abstract: A neon tubing display device for creating a free standing table or for using it as an insert in a piece of furniture is characterized as a container member divided into upper and lower chambers by means of a separator plate. A neon tubing configuration is supported in the upper chamber on the top side of the plate and the bottom side of the plate defines the top of the lower chamber which contains a neon tube power supply whose high voltage output is connected to opposite ends of the neon tubing. Another plate serves as a cover for the upper neon tubing containing chamber. In one embodiment a masking plate bearing an artistic layer is interposed between said cover plate and the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P Hojnacki
  • Patent number: 5899146
    Abstract: A cartoon drawer with built-in lamp comprises a disk, a tank formed on the central portion of the disk, a ground glass plate placed upon the tank and covering the tank to allow the light of lamp within the tank to transmit therethrough, a pair of positioning rulers placed on the top/bottom sided of tank respectively, and a pair of fixing plates placed on the outer sides of the rulers to guide the lateral sliding of the ruler. By using this arrangement, the cartoon drawer has a built-in lamp and the user only needs to place the cartoon drawer with the built-in lamp within the aperture of the cartoon-drawing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Lee Chin Kun
  • Patent number: 5876262
    Abstract: A light table having a table top surface fabricated of translucent or transparent polymer material, one surface being of a smooth and planar configuration, while the alternative surface may include a series of integral sockets, and into which various light blocks or game pieces may insert, and be built up into structured configurations. The smooth table top surface may be used with planar light transmitting pieces, tinted to various colors, be either translucent or transparent in configuration, and through their combination can provide both pleasure through their usage, and a source of education to the child regarding light and its transmission and color mixing to attain various coloration. The light blocks may be fabricated as fiber optics, and scintillating fiber optics, or of translucent material, to enhance the transmission of light emanating from the illuminating lamps provided within the interchangeable table top surfaces of this invention. The light table may incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Angeles Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray G. Kelly, Sharon Turnbough, Klaus Moser
  • Patent number: 5816171
    Abstract: A rotating illuminating table with a circular top portion connected to a stem portion which is mounted in a circular base portion. The circular base portion contains light bulbs and a rotational drive for rotating a top surface which is contained within the base portion. Colored glass and beads are randomly located on the top surface. Light shines from the base portion through the colored glass, into and through the top portion. The light shines through a plurality of spokes located on the bottom of the top portion and through glass plates which rest on top of the spokes. The glass plates can be multiple colors providing a specific desired color effect. The light illuminates the objects on top of the table and creates a changing colored pattern on the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Charles K. Fitts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5769000
    Abstract: An outdoor umbrella table can be equipped with a modified central post structure that forms a protective cage for a kerosene lamp light source. The flame generated by the kerosene lamp provides sufficient illumination of the table top surface as to permit use of the table during non-daylight hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Downeast Woodworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean M. Dunfey
  • Patent number: 5758585
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a power track having an electric circuit connected to a power source, and at least one shelf structure including a top panel and containing a light source beneath the top panel to radiate light to the shelf structure immediately below it, the shelf structure being removably fitted to the power track so that the light source is electrically connected to the electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
  • Patent number: 5738018
    Abstract: A table includes a table top that is supported by a set of legs. Each of these legs includes a translucent column adapted to contain a liquid and a bubble source mounted in the column to introduce bubbles in the liquid. A pump is coupled to the bubble sources to supply a pressurized fluid such as air to the bubble sources. The fluid forms bubbles which rise through the liquid and are visible from outside the columns. Preferably, all of the legs of the table include a respective column and bubble source, and the bubbles in the columns are illuminated by light from one or more light sources contained in the base adjacent the lower portion of the legs. Colored filters may be interposed between the light and source and the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Tropical, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Burnett
  • Patent number: 5733032
    Abstract: A mobile light panel stand supports a light panel suited to treat humans who are in need of exposure to light in a manner known as light therapy. The stand has two pair of hinged legs. Each pair of legs has a brace member to provide a solid two-legged assembly. The two two-legged assemblies are connected by collapsible braces which allow the device to fold into a narrow posture for passage through doorways. The base of the opened assembly has an anti-tipping wide stance for use by hospitals where patients may lean on the device for support. One set of legs has an upper extension which supports the light panel between the two two-legged assemblies via adjustable nuts and bolts. The light panel can be tilted by adjusting the adjustable nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Charles J. Bolta
    Inventors: Charles J. Bolta, Francis M. Wile
  • Patent number: 5690415
    Abstract: A modular lighted shelf provides a flexible means for displaying and illuminating various items and quantities of merchandise. The modular lighted shelf provides a means to adjust shelf spacing. The shelves include a lamp which illuminates lower shelves. Electrical power for the lamp may be accessed through the shelf structure, and does not limit shelf placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Stylmark, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Krehl
  • Patent number: 5640912
    Abstract: A combined wire manager and modesty panel for a folding gate leg table is detachably secured to the ends of the table beam. The modesty panel is formed by a cover which engages the wire manager tray by means of a novel clip arrangement which allows entry to the tray without the need for completely removing the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Howe Furniture Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 5638759
    Abstract: A system for setting up a working environment includes base elements of profile bars adapted to stand on a floor surface and pillar elements of profile bars, at least one incorporating a cable duct. The pillar elements are mounted on the base elements. A transverse connecting element is a profile bar and incorporates a cable duct and interconnects the pillar elements at a spacing from each other. Carrier elements of profile bars are mounted to the pillar elements. The pillar elements have substantially U-shaped profile portions including parallel side wall parts, and projections which extend in the longitudinal direction from the side wall parts and face towards each other. Heightwise adjustment is made by a holder having a holding portion introduced into the profile portions of the pillar elements and movable therein for heightwise adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Jurgen Klugkist
  • Patent number: 5638758
    Abstract: A pedestal supply unit for use with furniture, includes a vertically extendable pedestal support, an upper housing carried by the pedestal support and including supply outlets, an encircling shield round the supply outlets and a cover above the shield and so located as to define an opening between the shield and the cover to enable cabling to pass from the unit to adjacent equipment. The cover may be a top which matches the work tops of associated furniture units, and a flexible cable carrier with ball end connectors may be used for transferring cabling between units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: President Office Furniture Limited
    Inventor: Roger John Carr
  • Patent number: 5626084
    Abstract: A shelf and light assembly having a self, a light module and a lens element. The light module is removably secured to the shelf by cooperating engaging structures on the shelf and the light module. The lens element is supported on one side by the light module and on an opposite side by the shelf. The lens element prevents the light module from becoming disengaged from the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Custom Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Kelly, Rodney A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5605393
    Abstract: Table provided with a light emitting plane, for the treatment of pets. The invention includes a light emitting panel formed of a box-like structure, including a light emitting source, a cover for coloring the light; reflecting and diffusing surfaces for reflecting and diffusing the light, a photoelectric device for varying the intensity of the light and a removable cover. The invention also includes a support structure and a device for adjusting a height of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventors: Massimo Cucchi, Oscar Ripamonti, Ivo Zapparoli
  • Patent number: 5604586
    Abstract: A color-matching apparatus for visual on-light evaluation of flexible copies includes a support for at least one copy having a supporting surface being concave as viewed by an observer. An areally radiating illumination configuration emits light of a defined type onto copies and generates a defined intensity of illumination in the supporting surface. The illumination configuration has a radiating surface being substantially convex, as viewed by the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Bahr, Eckhard Kobler, Tobias Muller
  • Patent number: 5542360
    Abstract: A pilot's flight desk for use in aircraft as disclosed. The flight desk provides a planar desk surface supported above the aircraft floor by an upright support attached leg to a base plate which is clamped to the aircraft seat rails. The desk surface swivels and pivots with respect to the upright support and the upright support is pivotally attached to the base plate, thereby allowing for the compact folding of the pilot flight desk. A cup holder and swivel mounted pen light attached to the desk surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: James Fleming
  • Patent number: 5497706
    Abstract: A portable table includes a top surface having a plurality of compartments positioned within a removable block member permitting ease of cleaning and maintenance of the block and the compartments therewithin, and includes pivotally mounted legs mounted to a bottom wall of the table, wherein pairs of the legs are arranged for interconnection to optionally employ a tensioning structure to maintain the legs in an orthogonal relationship relative to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Cheong Ah Yong
  • Patent number: 5429431
    Abstract: A wiring management system for use in a furniture component includes a wiring management assembly with one or more wire pass through subassemblies for routing wiring therethrough. At least one of the pass through subassemblies comprises a plurality of separable covers for concealing an electrical appliance located on a support structure proximate to the pass through subassembly, while providing ready access to the electrical appliance. The pass through subassemblies preferably include a removable rosette piece for routing wiring therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Hon Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ogden R. Olson, Clayton C. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5375536
    Abstract: A simple and elegant activity center and drawing table is described; the preferred example is for children to use in bed, and consists of a drawing surface mounted on a rectangular frame, which is in turn supported on two boxes. The boxes sit on either side of the legs of a bed-ridden child, and are open on the sides for storage. Rolls of paper on either side of the drawing surface supply drawing paper; a window in the drawing surface and a gravity bar to hold a subject design allow tracing; and a latch-and-pivot behind the frame, in conjunction with hinges between the frame and boxes, allow the drawing surface to be raised to predetermined oblique angles. Alternatively, the surface may sit flat and be used as a table. A lip prevents crayons, pencils, or books from sliding off, and all parts near the front are rounded to prevent injury. All the described mechanisms can be easily manoeuvred by a child while in bed, without adult help.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Treff Peters
  • Patent number: 5377085
    Abstract: An enclosed, portable, lighted lap-desk is provided to facilitate reading or writing at night while the rays from the light are confined within the enclosure so as not to disturb others. The invention is particularly suited for use by a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling at night to provide light for reading or writing without interfering with the vision of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: William A. Hermann, Nancy C. Hermann
  • Patent number: 5367959
    Abstract: A device for use in connection with scraping coatings from lottery tickets. The device includes a base surface for supporting lottery tickets for scraping off said coating therefrom, and a moat surrounding at least a substantial part of the base surface for catching the coatings scraped from the tickets. In one embodiment, an advertising display is mounted on the device, which display may be brought into view only upon use of the device. The display may be brought into view by a light source activated by use of the device in connection with the lottery tickets, such as by a switch activated by depression of the base surface, the light source thus illuminating the display upon closure of the switch. In one embodiment the base surface is pivotally mounted in the housing so that application of pressure on the surface causes one side thereof to be pivoted downwardly, causing closure of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Reed Allen, Paul J. Juhasz
  • Patent number: 5309332
    Abstract: A light table is used in connection with an underlying portable light source to illuminate a pattern disposed between the light table and an overlying fabric sheet. The light table includes a portable frame which spaces a translucent upper plate from a lower supporting surface over the light source. The frame also includes a downwardly facing peripheral frame channel which is utilized to clamp the overlying fabric sheet to the light table. More particularly, a plurality of resilient, one-piece hold-down clamps are placed about the periphery of the light table to firmly hold portions of the fabric sheet to the table to minimize relative movement therebetween. The clamps include a lower bracket bent into a resilient arch. The clamps snap into place about the periphery of the light table such that the arch-like lower bracket cooperates with the peripheral frame channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventors: Majorie L. Evans, John R. Evans
  • 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
  • Patent number: RE34266
    Abstract: A computer work station is described in which a work table has a transparent generally horizontal work surface, a keyboard rested upon this table, and a CRT. To make the work station more usable, the CRT is movably suspended beneath the transparent work surface so that the screen of the CRT is visible therethrough. The CRT is preferably mounted for side to side, forward and back, swingable and rotational motion so as to be movable to a variety of positions and angles beneath the transparent work surface whereby its display will be conveniently visible on many portions of the table desired by the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Edward C. Schairbaum