Hinge Patents (Class 16/221)
  • Patent number: 11953950
    Abstract: An articulated hinge that can hold a folded part of a flexible display sheet that deforms following the opening and closing of the first and second casings, and an electronic gear using this articulated hinge, an articulated hinge couples the first and second casings of an electronic gear in a foldable manner by a relative folding motion between the open and closed positions where an articulated hinge is arranged on the back side of a flexible display sheet attached over the inner surfaces of both the first and the second casings is disclosed. The articulated hinge has a frame portion, wherein an odd number (1+2n, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) of vertical frames are arranged in parallel along a width direction, where its shorter-side direction is the width direction and its vertical direction is a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: KEM HONGKONG LIMITED
    Inventor: Tetsuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 11937391
    Abstract: A rotary shaft apparatus includes a base plate and a rotary shaft assembly; the rotary shaft assembly includes a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly and a first supporting member; the first transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the base plate around a first axial direction; the first supporting member is rotatably connected to the first transmission assembly around a second axial direction parallel to the first axial direction, and is movably connected to the second transmission assembly; the second transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the base plate around a third axial direction parallel to the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shenghan Gong, Xuehu Zhang, Bowen Shan
  • Patent number: 11856119
    Abstract: Provided is a synchronizing mechanism of a hinge of an infolding flexible screen of a mobile terminal. The hinge comprises a left rotating bracket, a right rotating bracket, and a middle mounting frame, wherein the left rotating bracket and the right rotating bracket are respectively connected to the middle mounting frame via a rotating connecting structure, and axes of the left rotating bracket and the right rotating bracket are not on the same line but are parallel to each other, and the synchronizing mechanism comprises a horizontally arranged intermediate gear having an axis perpendicular to the axes of the left rotating bracket and the right rotating bracket, and the left rotating bracket and the right rotating bracket are connected to the intermediate gear via gears or racks, so that the left rotating bracket and the right rotating bracket rotate synchronously and reversely. The position of the intermediate gear is lower than the top of the middle mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HANGZHOU AMPHENOL PHOENIX TELECOM PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaowei Shang
  • Patent number: 11855430
    Abstract: The invention relates to a junction box (10) with a base part (20) and a cover part (30) arranged pivotably on the base part (20), wherein a spring element (40) is arranged between the base part (20) and the cover part (30), which is preloaded in such a way that it transfers the cover part (30) from an open position to a closed position, wherein a locking element (50) is arranged on the junction box (10), which element is movable between a first position and a second position, and which in the first position locks the cover part (20) against the spring force of the spring element (40) in the open position and allows the cover part (20) to be transferred from the open position to the closed position in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: METZ CONNECT TECH GMBH
    Inventor: Hermann Stadler
  • Patent number: 11788343
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for controlling access to the insulated glass space of a fenestration unit. A hinge lug is provided including a lug body having a mounting portion, a cam portion defining a curved cam surface, and a retention portion projecting from the cam portion, and a first retention arm extending from the lug body such that the retention arm is elastically deflectable away from the retention lip. A restrictor link is provided including a restrictor link body having a first end and a second end, wherein the restrictor link body is elastically deflectable, a securing lock positioned proximate the second end, and a cap extending from the securing lock, the cap defining an engaging surface operable to engage the lip channel of the sash. A latch system is provided including a latch base with a ramp access aperture and a latch body including a ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Martin Pfitzenmaier
  • Patent number: 11654206
    Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Progressive Sterilization, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Mauzerall, Maryellen Keenan
  • Patent number: 11558966
    Abstract: A display device includes first and second support members arranged along a first direction, a joint part therebetween, a hinge member adjacent to facing sides of the first and second support members that extends in a second direction crossing the first direction, and that includes two rotation axes, and a flexible display module on the first and second support members and the joint part. The joint part includes a first joint unit that extends in the second direction and a plurality of second joint units arranged in the first direction, where the first joint unit is interposed between the plurality of second joint units. The second joint units extend in the second direction, and each of the second joint units has recesses between side and top surfaces thereof and that extend in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jaiku Shin
  • Patent number: 11359427
    Abstract: A holding and opening mechanism for a pivoting element which is mounted to be pivotable relative to a supporting element about a first axle via a joint, with a pivoting arm acting between the pivoting element and the supporting element is provided. The pivoting arm is pivotally mounted about a second axle wherein the free end of the pivoting arm acts on a control surface of a guide element. A torsion spring is provided which acts on the pivoting arm in the direction around the second axle, a fixed part and a part pivotable relative thereto likewise provided, with the one part including the guide element and the other part including the pivoting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timo Liebermann, Klaus-Guenter Eberle
  • Patent number: 11091944
    Abstract: The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include an expandable hinge assembly that rotatably secures a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a hinge assembly positioned between the first portion housing and the second portion housing and that includes first and second rotatable links that are rotatable relative to both the hinge assembly and the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kabir Siddiqui, Scott Schenone, Tim Escolin, John Elstad, Kent Campbell, Thitipant Tantasirikorn, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 11071796
    Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Progressive Sterilization, LLC
    Inventors: Michele Mauzerall, Maryellen Keenan
  • Patent number: 11061436
    Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that have hinged portions. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a first exoskeletal hinge segment secured to the first portion and a second exoskeletal hinge segment secured to the second portion. The first exoskeletal hinge segment can define an arcuate tab that travels in an arcuate cavity defined by the second exoskeletal hinge segment to allow relative rotation between the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel G. O'Neil, James Trzaskos, Krzysztof Jan Luchowiec
  • Patent number: 11001009
    Abstract: There is provided a pressure maintaining and alignment device, comprising a box body that is open at its front side to form an outer opening having a certain depth; a cover assembly for opening and closing outer opening; a pushing assembly disposed on a rear side of box body for selectively clamping a product to be pressure-maintained; and a pressing assembly located at a rear side of the pushing assembly; wherein pressing assembly comprises a pushing rod and a pressing plate, at least one pressing arm extending to above the box body is provided at top of pressing plate, an alignment adjusting assembly is provided between pressing arm and box body, and pressing plate selectively pushes alignment adjusting assembly by the pressing arm under driving of pushing rod, so that the product to be pressure-maintained in the box body is selectively pressed, pressure-maintained and aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SUZHOU RS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiafu Wu, Lei Miao
  • Patent number: 10894502
    Abstract: This disclosure details tie down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces. An exemplary tie down system may include a corner bracket mounted in a corner of the cargo space. The corner bracket may include a plurality of openings for tying down cargo at different heights within the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Vince Anthony Chimento, Robert Reiners, Jeffrey Gray
  • Patent number: 10827645
    Abstract: A fan expansion card includes a first circuit board and at least one first fan. The first circuit board has at least one through-hole. The first circuit board includes a first connection port having a PCI-E interface. Each of the first fans is disposed at a position on the first circuit board corresponding to the through-hole. The first fan is electrically connected to the first circuit board, wherein an airflow generated by each of the first fans passes through the corresponding through-hole. A motherboard module having the above fan expansion card is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Cheng Chen, Tse-Hsien Liao, Chun-Chien Lee, Chih-Hua Ke
  • Patent number: 10750869
    Abstract: A motion furniture side mechanism includes a side plate and a pivotable swing arm pre-aligned with the side plate for insertion of a driver tube using an automated or manual assembly operation. The swing arm includes a pivotable driver arm, and a driver tube socket is defined on the driver arm. One or more bushings disposed between the side plate and the swing arm or driver arm provides a mechanical retainer to prevent the swing arm or driver arm from becoming inadvertently angularly misaligned prior to assembly. The pre-aligned side mechanism allows automated insertion of a driver tube without the need to identify a misaligned linkage or re-align a linkage prior to driver tube insertion. A method of assembly furniture includes providing a side mechanism with a pre-aligned linkage member such as a swing arm or driver arm positioned for driver tube insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Robinson, Rigoberto Marquez, James Floyd
  • Patent number: 10732679
    Abstract: A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a mono barrel hinge having sequential axle rotation about 360 degrees. A dual eccentric shaft hinge element rotates each axle about a cable routed between the axles so that a full 360 degrees of rotation is achieve with a thin height profile. Each axle shaft has a flat face that is maintained adjacent the cable rotating with an eccentric pattern relative to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Chin-Chung Wu, Hsien-Wei Chen, Chih-Ping Chang, Te-Sen Chin, An-Chung Hsieh, Jihun Yeom, Anthony J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10641320
    Abstract: Provided is a shock reducing tape spring hinge including fixing members fixed to at least two objects, respectively, a thin shell type tape spring having both end portions that are fastened to the fixing members, respectively, and a shell-shaped damping plate aligned with the tape spring, the damping plate having both end portions that are fastened to the fixing members, respectively. The damping plate and the tape spring may be configured to connect the at least two objects being spaced through the fixing members, and the damping plate may be configured to reduce a deployment shock occurring when the tape spring is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chang Ho Lee, Kyung Won Kim, Ju Won Jeong, Young Jin Kim, Jung Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 10635142
    Abstract: A laptop computer includes a host, a hinge mechanism, and a display. The host includes a housing and a base disposed in the housing and having a curved groove. The hinge mechanism is connected to the host and includes a rotation element. The rotation element includes a curved portion located in the curved groove. The display is affixed to the rotation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yan-Fong Cheng, Cheng-Nan Ling, Kai-Teng Cheng, Cheng-Wen Hsieh, Fang-Ying Huang, Szu-Wei Yang, Yi-Ta Huang, Pao-Min Huang, Hsueh-Chih Peng
  • Patent number: 10613592
    Abstract: A bendable device includes a base housing, a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, and a plurality of first resilient members. The base housing has two sides that are symmetrical to each other. The first housing is pivotally connected to one of the two sides of the base housing by a first pivot. The second housing is pivotally connected to the base housing and the first housing by the first pivot. The third housing is pivotally connected to the base housing, the first and second housings by the first pivot. The first resilient members are pivotally connected to any adjacent two of the base housing, the first, second, and third housings respectively. The first, second, and third housings rotate about the first pivot relative to the base housing to have the bendable device into a folded state or an expanded state selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignees: Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pin-Chang Chu, Chin-Yao Hsu, Chia-Chen Chen, Cheng-Tai Ho
  • Patent number: 10539978
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a body including first and second bodies and being in one of a first state where the first and second bodies are positioned on the same plane and a second state where one of the first and second bodies is folded with respect to the other, and a display assembly disposed at one side of the first and second bodies, at least part of the display assembly being superposed on the first and second bodies. The display assembly includes a flat area remaining flat in the second state, and a bent area bent in the second state. The display assembly includes a display panel, a first layer provided to the front side of the display panel, and a second layer provided to the rear side of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Haklim Lee, Jongbeom Han
  • Patent number: 10496138
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism including a base, at least one first linking rod, a first linkage member and a driving member is provided. Each of the at least one first linking rod includes a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion. Each of the first linking rod is pivoted to the base via the first pivot portion. The first linking member includes a first engaged portion and a first groove along a first direction. Each of the first linking rod is pivoted in the first groove of the first linkage member via the second pivot portion. The first linking rod is connected to the driving member. When the driving member is located at an unlocked position, the first engaged portion is retracted inside the base. When the driving member is moved from the unlocked position to a locked position, the first linking rod is driven by the driving member, so that the first linkage member is moved along a second direction, and the first engaged portion protrudes from the base. An electronic device is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shu-Hung Lin, Wang-Hung Yeh, Shih-Chin Chou, Hsin-Chieh Fang, Ping-Chu Tsai, Chun-Wen Wang, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 10463523
    Abstract: A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Drew R. Verkade, Jeremy Nathanson, David Rodwell Walters, III
  • Patent number: 10429902
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes a connecting mechanism having a base, at least one locking member, a limiting member, and a driving member connected to the limiting member. The locking member includes at least one locking portion. The second body has a through hole. At least one of a plurality of inner sidewalls of the through hole has at least one locking hole. When the connecting mechanism is located in the through hole and the driving member is in a locked state, the locking portion is protruded from at least one opening of the base and extended into the locking hole. When the driving member is actuated to an unlocked state, the driving member drives the limiting member to move and the locking member moves relative to the base such that the locking portion is retracted into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shu-Hung Lin, Wang-Hung Yeh, Shih-Chin Chou, Hsin-Chieh Fang, Chun-Wen Wang, Che-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 10414296
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom for movement about a seat-back pivot axis relative to the seat bottom between an upright position and a folded-forward position. The occupant support further includes a recliner configured to control movement of the seat back about the seat-back pivot axis relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventor: Wojciech Smuk
  • Patent number: 10358864
    Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a frame with a pair of elongate side members and a pair of elongate cross members extending between the side members. The first side member includes an inwardly-facing frame surface in a region between the pair of cross members and further includes a frame-ledge extending inward beyond the inwardly-facing frame surface. The shutter assembly includes a shutter panel having a first stile pivotally coupled to the first side member of the frame, the shutter panel configured to swing between a closed position and an open position relative to the frame. The first stile includes a shutter recessed surface, and a shutter-ledge extending outwardly beyond the shutter recessed surface. For light-blocking purposes the shutter assembly is configured such that the shutter-ledge is positioned adjacent to the frame-ledge when the shutter panel is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Houston Shutters, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Blackburn, Jennifer Baur
  • Patent number: 10334090
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a first hinge that is flexible and connects the first and the second housings, and a display panel that is continuously flexible. The first hinge overlaps with a first housing wall of the first housing and a second housing wall of the second housing. The first housing includes a first magnetic body. The second housing includes a second magnetic body. When the first hinge is in an open state, causing the first housing and the second housing to be disposed side-by-side, a magnetic force in a first direction is produced between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 10329759
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 10327346
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include at least two rotation shafts arranged substantially parallel to one another. The apparatus may include at least two fixing members. At least one fixing member of the at least two fixing members may be disposed at each side of the at least two rotating shafts. The apparatus may include at least two sliding members. A least one sliding member of the at least two sliding members may connect at least one rotating shaft to at least one fixing member. Each of the at least two sliding members may be disposed on opposite sides of the at least two rotating shafts. In response to the at least two rotation shafts rotating, a distance between the two or more rotating shafts and the at least two fixing members changes in a lengthwise direction. An electronic device and method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventor: Ran Zhang
  • Patent number: 10169929
    Abstract: A system for operating a fleet of off-road vehicles may include a network. A plurality of sensors operatively associated with the fleet of off-road vehicles and connected to the network sense information related to the operation of a plurality of off-road vehicle systems. A processing system operatively connected to the network collects sensor data from the off-road vehicles; combines sensor data from the vehicle systems in accordance with a user-defined event; determines whether the collected and combined sensor data are inside or outside defined limits of the user-defined event; produces an alarm signal for a user when the collected and combined sensor data are outside the defined limits of the user-defined event; and recommends modification of the operation of vehicles for which an alarm signal has been produced. A display system operatively associated with the processing system displays at least information relating to the recommended modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Amelia Walker, D. Bradley Brown, Don Robert Manifee, Connie DeeAnne Puckett
  • Patent number: 10104790
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal comprises a flexible display; a first body positioned at a rear of the flexible display, the first body connected to the flexible display; a second body positioned at the rear of the flexible display, the second body connected to the flexible display and spaced apart from the first body, the second body movable with respect to the first body; a hinge assembly positioned at the rear of the flexible display, the hinge assembly located between the first body and the second body, the hinge assembly connecting the first body and the second body; and a hinge cover positioned at a lateral side of the hinge assembly, the hinge cover between the first body and the second body, wherein the hinge cover has a thinner thickness toward a central portion of the hinge cover from both ends of the hinge cover in a direction from the hinge cover toward the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Haklim Lee, Jongbeom Han, Sunglyong Cha
  • Patent number: 10069284
    Abstract: An irrigation control box can include a housing base having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, and a back wall. The box can include at least one hinge post. An offset hinge assembly can include a hinge assembly frame defining a hinge assembly interior, a first attachment structure positioned at least partially within the hinge assembly interior and configured to releasably attach to the at least one hinge post, and a rotational attachment point. A facepack can include at least one hinge point configured to mate with the rotational attachment point. In some cases, the facepack is configured to rotate about rotational attachment point of the offset hinge assembly with respect to the housing base when the housing base and facepack are each attached to the offset hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Paul
  • Patent number: 10026236
    Abstract: A method of operating a fleet of off-road vehicles may include: Collecting sensor data from the off-road vehicles, the sensor data being related to the operation of a plurality of vehicle systems; combining sensor data from the vehicle systems in accordance with a user-defined event; determining whether the collected and combined sensor data are within or without defined limits of the user-defined event; producing an alarm signal for a user when the collected and combined sensor data are without the defined limits of the user-defined event; and modifying the operation of vehicles for which an alarm signal has been produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Amelia Walker, D. Bradley Brown, Don Robert Manifee, Connie DeeAnne Puckett
  • Patent number: 10027275
    Abstract: An object is to provide a technique capable of making the appearance of the entire roof on which a solar cell module is laid more beautiful. In a solar cell module that includes a front side transparent plate, a rear face sealing plate made of glass, and a solar cell sealed between the front side transparent plate and the rear face sealing plate, the area of the rear face sealing plate is made larger than the light receiving area of the solar cell and the area of the front side transparent plate. That is, the glass plate that seals the rear side of the solar cell expands to the outer side with respect to the front side transparent plate located on the front face of the solar cell module. A surplus region in which neither the solar cell nor the front side transparent plate is present is formed on the front side of the rear face sealing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefan Friedrich, Yuta Minami, Thomas J Moran, Fumihiro Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 9980063
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for integrating a living-hinge in a hearing instrument. A system may include a living-hinge cover for a momentary, multi-function switch. The living-hinge switch may be used for volume adjustment. The system may be used to prevent debris ingress or rattling sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Curtis Johnson
  • Patent number: 9921613
    Abstract: A biaxial hinge has a first hinge portion which includes a first A hinge shaft, a second A hinge shaft, and a first radial direction coupling unit for coupling the first A hinge shaft and the second A hinge shaft. The biaxial hinge also has a second hinge portion which includes a first B hinge shaft and a second B hinge shaft, and a second radial direction coupling unit for coupling the first B hinge shaft and the second B hinge shaft. The biaxial hinge also has an axial direction coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kem HongKong Limited
    Inventor: Ryuta Kuramochi
  • Patent number: 9897136
    Abstract: A hinge of low profile design includes a bearing seat member made of a non-deformable metal and providing an axle hole and a mating connection part that is fastened to a first panel member, a pivot shaft including a disc-shaped head pivotally coupled to the axle hole, a stem extended from the disc-shaped head and suspending outside the axle hole and conical riveting portion located at the distal end of the stem and riveted to a through hole of a second panel member, and a washer mounted around the step and stopped between the bearing seat member and the second panel member for allowing relative rotation between the first panel member and the second panel member smoothly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hanwit Precision Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-De Wu, Chih-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9889036
    Abstract: A joint orthosis includes upper and lower members, and a joint mechanism. The joint mechanism includes a shielding cover and at least one of modular front and rear inserts. Each of the modular front and rear inserts is disposed to limit movement of a joint of a human body in a flexion/extension direction. The shielding cover is removably attached to a mounting frame of the joint mechanism and is configured to conceal and prevent access to the at least one or the modular front and rear inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Plus Meditech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yueh-Hua Chiang, Fu-Lin Chuang, Chien-Min Fang
  • Patent number: 9759476
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance comprises a cabinet, at least one door, and at least one hinge allowing the door to rotate about an axis for opening and closing, and further comprising at least one bracket configured to support the hinge, and at least one flexible tubular element inserted on one side in the cabinet and on the other side in the door. The flexible tubular element is configured to exit through a top wall of the cabinet, and is further configured to enter a cavity of the door by passing through a slot formed in the top wall of the door. The slot partially surrounds the hinge, and the slot is partially under the bracket when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Indesit Comppany S.p. A.
    Inventor: Valter Bazzucchi
  • Patent number: 9669140
    Abstract: A drying rack includes a first rack, a second rack and a movable core member. The second rack is pivotally connected with the first rack. The movable core member includes a receptacle configured to receive an associated cleaning device. The movable core member is operatively connected for pivotal movement with and pivotal movement with respect to each rack so as to change a relative location of the receptacle with respect to at least one of the first rack and the second rack based on a relative position of the first rack with respect to the second rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Charles Paradise, Shelley Palazzolo, Troy Phipps
  • Patent number: 9617782
    Abstract: A hinge for coupling a movable element to a frame that defines an opening that receives the movable element. The hinge includes a frame interface assembly adapted to attach to the frame at one or more attachment points. The frame interface assembly includes a frame leaf and a sealing member, the frame leaf defines a mounting face adapted to abut an exterior surface of the frame and a plurality of spaced apart knuckles. The sealing member defines an attachment point liquid barrier sealing face abutting an interior surface of the frame opposite the mounting face. The hinge further includes a sash leaf adapted to attach to the window sash, with the sash leaf defining one or more knuckles, and a pin assembly including a hinge pin extending through the knuckles of the frame leaf and the knuckles of the sash leaf to couple the frame leaf and the sash leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Ronald Gramstad
  • Patent number: 9507384
    Abstract: A folding device provides a top case having magnetic elements at a top magnetic section and a bottom case having a groove and magnetic elements around the groove at a bottom magnetic section. As the top magnetic section of the top case is disposed at the bottom magnetic section of the bottom case, the top case is configurable at one of a folded position and at least two opened positions with respect to the bottom case. When the top case is at the first opened position, a first stopper and a first magnetic element at the groove of the bottom magnetic section maintain the top case at the first opened position; when the top case is at the second opened position, a second stopper and a second magnetic element at the groove of the bottom magnetic section maintain the top case at the second opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Che-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 9415285
    Abstract: A breakaway basketball rim assembly that deflects from a rest position to a displaced position in response to sufficient forces imposed on the rim. The rim assembly may have a fixed portion coupled to a backboard and a movable portion with a basketball rim. The basketball rim may pivot without the forces to activate the breakaway feature. The rim assembly may also have one or more leveling mechanisms to level the basketball rim assembly in a horizontal position relative to the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jim Jolly
  • Patent number: 9242484
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a pivotal member provided on a casing so as to pivot between a closed position in which the pivotal member covers at least a part of the casing and an open position in which the pivotal member is away from the closed position, a tray member disposed so as to pivot with respect to the casing and to be pressed to the open position by a pivoting motion of the pivotal member toward the open position, and a resetting device that cancels the pressing force of the pivotal member when the pivotal member is made to pivot toward the closed position, to thereby reset the tray member to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Oizumi
  • Patent number: 9201472
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism includes a supporter and a bracket. The supporter includes a body, a pivot hole structure and a guiding portion. The pivot hole structure and the guiding portion are disposed on the body. A slot is formed on the pivot hole structure. A top of the guiding portion is a cam structure. The bracket pivots to the supporter. The bracket includes a frame, a constraining portion and a pivoting portion. A bottom of the frame contacts against the guiding portion and slides relative to the cam structure. The constraining portion and the pivoting portion are disposed on the frame. The constraining portion can contact against the body to constrain rotation of the bracket relative to the supporter. The pivoting portion slidably pivots to the slot. The pivoting portion moves along the slot to contact the constraining portion against the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Wen Chen, Chun-Chiang Lai, Yu-Hsin Huang, Fu-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9025329
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a supporting arm, at least one first hinge, a first coupling member and at least one second coupling member. The first hinge is connected between the first body and the supporting arm. The supporting arm can rotate relatively to the first body through the first hinge. The first coupling member is disposed in the first body. The second coupling member is disposed in the supporting arm. When the second coupling member moves to at least one predetermined position, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are attracted by each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Pei-Yang Sung
  • Publication number: 20150107051
    Abstract: A rotating shaft housing structure of rotating members, including: a main body; rotating shafts for the rotating members; and a common recess which is provided in the main body, wherein the rotating members are attached to the main body via the respective rotating shafts so as to be rotatable, and the rotating shafts are housed alongside each other in the common recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Otoya Sakai, Tetsuhiro Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8999474
    Abstract: A device includes at least one built-in flexible portion (1) between two stiffer portions (10) that are made of a stiff composite material, the flexible portion (11) being suitable for forming a flexible hinge and made of a flexible material including a reinforcing armature that includes at least one connecting layer (13) common to the material(s) forming each stiff portion (10). The device has end surfaces (20) that oppose each other when extended, the opposing end surfaces being arranged to be suited to serve as a longitudinal compression abutment while enabling the thus-made hinge to fold back at least in a direction away from the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
    Inventor: Christophe Casteras
  • Publication number: 20150091322
    Abstract: A tailgate hinge is part of a tailgate assembly and is attached to the rear sill of a pick-up truck bed. The tailgate hinge includes a stationary hinge bracket and a pivotal hinge bracket that are connected by a hinge pin. The pivotal hinge bracket includes a detachment slot. The hinge pin has a pair of flats that permit the hinge pin to pass through the detachment slot when the tailgate is at a predetermined angular orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henry W. Hausler, Andrew Kammerzell, John Comiez, Daniel Clatterbuck
  • Patent number: 8976536
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing that includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled at a first end. The apparatus further comprises a bulkhead secured to a second end of the second housing portion, and a handle pivotally secured to a second end of the first housing portion. The bulkhead includes a distally extending pin and a spring latch. The handle has a hole that is sized and positioned to selectively receive the distally extending pin and allow the handle to close only with the first and second housing portions in a closed position. The handle also has a hook that is captured by the spring latch in response to the handle being closed. A torsion spring may be used to bias the handle to an open position where the handle can be easily grabbed when the handle has not been latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael D. French, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150059127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lid which is pivotably attached by a link at a filling spout (1) of a windshield washing water container. The invention proposes to provide the link with pinions which are received in support eyelets with an intermediary space there between. During injection molding the intermediary space is filled by slides of an injection molding tool so that the lid is injection moldable in one step together with the filling spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: FRANK SOMMER, Andreas Massold