Pliant Or Elastic Hinge Patents (Class 16/225)
  • Patent number: 12065827
    Abstract: A containment system for separating a containment area from an external environment may include one or more panel assemblies, various types of door assemblies, a flexible corner assembly, and other components that form a modular system capable of adapting to various configurations using a minimal number of fasteners, brackets, and/or clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: ABATEMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Blair Lawrence Harber, Adam Brian Hunninck
  • Patent number: 11846130
    Abstract: The present subject matter discloses an integrated hinge structure for plastic boards. The integrated hinge structure has a simplified design that is screw-free and convenient to assemble. It also has a relatively lower manufacturing cost. The integrated hinge structure can comprise a first board and a second board that can be coupled to each other. Furthermore, the first board is divided into a first turning portion and a second turning portion by an embedded groove hinge. The second turning portion is further detachably connected to the second board. The integrated hinge structure further comprises fixation features to render the constructed assembly stable and durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: YIXIANG BLOW MOLDING FURNITURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinglei Jiang
  • Patent number: 11821648
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an air sweeping mechanism and an air conditioner with the air sweeping mechanism. The air sweeping mechanism includes: a mounting portion, the mounting portion being configured to be mounted on a housing of the air conditioner; an air sweeping blade, the air sweeping blade being connected with the mounting portion; and a driving rod, the driving rod being connected with the air sweeping blade, and a position of the driving rod being adjustably disposed, wherein the air sweeping blade and the driving rod are integrally formed, at least part of the air sweeping blade is a flexible portion, and the driving rod drives the at least part of the air sweeping blade to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai
    Inventors: Jiebin Yu, Han Liu, Junhong Wu, Xu Gao
  • Patent number: 11775028
    Abstract: A foldable electronic device is disclosed and includes a first body, a second body, a hinge mechanism, and a cover. The hinge mechanism includes a first rack plate disposed to the first body, a second rack plate disposed to the second body, a first gear shaft meshed with the first rack plate, and a second gear shaft meshed with the second rack plate and the first gear shaft. The cover is movably disposed on the hinge mechanism and covers the hinge mechanism. When the second body rotates relative to the first body, the second rack plate, the second gear shaft, the first gear shaft and the first rack plate rotate in sequence, the first rack plate and the second rack plate abut against the cover, so the cover is away from the hinge mechanism and separated from the first body and the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Po-Nien Chen, Yi-Ting Chen, Tsung-Ju Chiang
  • Patent number: 11758900
    Abstract: A rodent barrier system includes a plurality of panels joined together into an enclosure surrounding a motor vehicle and preventing access to the vehicle by small rodents. The system includes a number of relatively flexible panels that can be bent to define corners of the enclosure. Each of the panels has a smooth outer surface that resists scaling by rodents. The panels also include attachment structures that aid in joining the panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sharp
  • Patent number: 11634934
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly includes: a door frame defining a frame opening and a jamb at one side of the frame opening, the jamb including two frame corners protruding into the frame opening and a jamb brace connecting the two frame corners across the frame opening, the jamb brace defining two spaced-apart hinge holes therethrough; a door movable to selectively provide access through the frame opening, and an elastic cord connecting the door to the door frame, the cord extending sequentially through a first of the two hinge passages, through a first of two passage openings at the jamb edge, through a first of the two hinge holes, across the jamb brace, through a second of the two hinge holes, through a second of the two passage openings at the jamb edge, and through the second of the two hinge passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Lovevery, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Fouts, Thomas Creason Rigby
  • Patent number: 11550368
    Abstract: An electronic device including a hinge module, a first body, a first linking assembly, a second body, a second linking assembly, and a flexible display assembled to the first body and the second body is provided. The hinge module includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft, a first guiding shaft orthogonal to the first rotating shaft, and a second guiding shaft orthogonal to the second rotating shaft. The first body is slidably assembled to the first guiding shaft, the second body is slidably assembled to the second guiding shaft, the first linking assembly slidably assembled to the first guiding shaft connects the first body, and the second linking assembly slidably assembled to the second guiding shaft connects the second body. A deformation of the flexible display drives the first and second bodies to move close to or away from the hinge module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Yi-Ta Huang, Cheng-Nan Ling, Wu-Chen Lee, Wen-Chieh Tai, Kun-You Chuang
  • Patent number: 11527344
    Abstract: A magnetic attraction connection structure includes a main body. The main body has a peripheral edge on which at least one connection surface is defined. The main body is provided with at least one movement space in an interior of the peripheral edge at one side of the connection surface. The movement space is provided with a magnet arranged in an interior thereof. The movement space is of a size that is sufficient to allow the magnet to move in a direction toward the connection surface or to rotate by an angle. In use, the connection surface of the main body is placed in direct contact with another main body at the location corresponding to the magnets, such that the magnets arranged in the two movement spaces automatically move or rotate due to magnetic attraction of opposite magnetic polarities, so as to securely fix the main bodies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Yi-Ching Kuo
  • Patent number: 11499448
    Abstract: A composite fan casing for a gas turbine engine defining a central axis is generally provided. The composite fan casing includes a core having a plurality of core layers of reinforcing fibers bonded together with a thermosetting polymeric resin and having an outer surface. The composite fan casing further includes at least one stiffener integrally coupled to an aft portion of the outer surface of the core relative to the central axis. Additionally, the at least one stiffener comprises an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abhijeet Jayshingrao Yadav, Nagamohan Govinahalli Prabhakar, Nicholas Joseph Kray, Shivam Mittal, Praveen Sharma, Bhujabal Prashant Mahadeo, Ravindra Shankar Ganiger
  • Patent number: 11479103
    Abstract: A battery pack houses battery stacks vertically in a plurality of stages. The battery pack includes a lower casing, a holder formed of leg portions attached to the lower casing in front and back of the battery stacks in the lower stage and a frame attached on upper portions of the leg portions, and a plate member that connects the lower casing and the frame of the holder. The battery stacks in an upper stage are arranged on top of the frame along the length of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakazu Shirooka, Yuna Yagi
  • Patent number: 11266155
    Abstract: Implementations of edible structures may include: at least four walls, each wall having an inner side and an outer side, at least one flexible interior wall support coupled to the inner sides of the at least four walls where the width of the at least one flexible interior wall support is less than the height of any of the at least four walls, a roof having two or more roof sections, wherein the roof is configured to rest on the at least four walls, each roof section having an inner side and an outer side, and at least one flexible interior roof support coupled to the inner sides of the two or more roof sections, wherein the at least one flexible interior roof support is not directly connected to the at least one flexible interior wall support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Jason May
  • Patent number: 11254452
    Abstract: A radiative fin for a spacecraft is disclosed having an end fitting of heat conductive material, configured to be mounted on the spacecraft, a flexible radiative laminate, connected to the end fitting at one end and having an opposite free end, at least one pyrolytic graphite sheet, and at least one heat emission layer in contact with the pyrolythic graphite sheet on at least part of the surface of the pyrolythic graphite sheet, and a flexible rod, extending from the end fitting along at least part of a side of the flexible radiative laminate and being affixed to the latter. The flexible rod is adapted to occupy a folded position and a deployed position and to exert, while in the folded position, a deployment torque adapted to bring the flexible rod back to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignees: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAS, AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE NETHERLANDS B.V
    Inventors: Fabrice Mena, Bruin Benthem
  • Patent number: 11230209
    Abstract: An armrest device is provided in which deformation of an armrest frame is suppressed. The armrest device includes an armrest frame, and a bracket by which the armrest frame is rotatably supported. The armrest frame has, at lengthwise extremities thereof, a base end closer to an axis of rotation and a distal end farther from the axis of rotation. The bracket includes a deformation restriction portion provided protrusively toward the armrest frame, the deformation restriction portion being a portion which faces toward the armrest frame in a direction of the axis of rotation of the armrest frame and which is located on one side of the axis of rotation on which the base end is located, when an armrest is in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidetsune Nonaka
  • Patent number: 11203399
    Abstract: A house is provided. The house includes a base and a roof. The roof is attached to the base. The base has sufficient buoyancy to enable the house to float on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Rayan Omidi
  • Patent number: 11162285
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly includes: a door frame defining a frame opening and a jamb at one side of the frame opening, the jamb including two frame corners protruding into the frame opening and a jamb brace connecting the two frame corners across the frame opening, the jamb brace defining two spaced-apart hinge holes therethrough; a door movable to selectively provide access through the frame opening, and an elastic cord connecting the door to the door frame, the cord extending sequentially through a first of the two hinge passages, through a first of two passage openings at the jamb edge, through a first of the two hinge holes, across the jamb brace, through a second of the two hinge holes, through a second of the two passage openings at the jamb edge, and through the second of the two hinge passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Lovevery, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Fouts, Thomas Creason Rigby
  • Patent number: 11131478
    Abstract: A ceiling inlet unit that assists in bringing air into the interior room of a building. The unit has a housing providing an opening to the attic of the building, the housing having movable blades with brush borders on the ends, pivotally mounted with a continuous hinge in the housing with seals to minimize air leakage when the blades are closed. The housing is designed in such a way to provide optimal air mixing situations through available cross-sectional area at different ventilation stages. The blades are designed to maximize air jet throw during lower ventilation stages, and provide superior total airflow during maximum ventilation stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DOUBLE L GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth Tabor, Dick Streicher
  • Patent number: 10994640
    Abstract: Arm support (12) for an armrest (10), comprising a frame (19) that comprises connectors for the fixed or moveable attachment to a structure, in particular to a structure of a vehicle, wherein the frame comprises longitudinal bars (23, 24) and cross bars (21, 22) that are connected to one another with connectors (25, 26, 27, 28). The particularity is that at least a first type of connector is provided that is connectable with at least one longitudinal bar (23, 24) selected from a set of longitudinal bars of different length, and/or with at least one cross bar (21, 22) selected from a set of cross bars of different length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: James Powell, Joe Cahill, Aaron Cubells, Gary Kosnik, Don Kromm
  • Patent number: 10724279
    Abstract: Pivoting device (1) for a motor vehicle has a holder (50) and a pivoting body (10) which is mounted on the holder (50) via an articulated mounting (31) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (12), wherein the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) are held together by a snap fastening between at least two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) of the articulated mounting (31), and the pivoting device (1) has a blocking element (40). A closing or release of the snap fastening is possible in at least one first angular position of the pivoting body (10) in relation to the holder (50) and the closing or release of the snap fastening is blocked in at least one second angular position by a relative movement of the two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) being blocked in a form-fitting manner by the blocking element (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Zsolt Wilke
  • Patent number: 10694630
    Abstract: A case for a mobile communications device includes a main body and a cover. The main body defines a cavity to receive the device. The cover includes a cover portion selectively covering the cavity and a connection portion to connect the cover portion to the main body. The cover portion is formed, at least partially, of a flexible sheet. A free edge of the cover portion adjacent to the side wall opposite the connection portion is provided with a tab which is an extension of the flexible sheet material forming a cover portion. A stud fastener is fixed to the tab. Either the top, bottom or one of the side walls of the main body has an opening. When the cover portion is in its closed position, the tab moves so that the stud enters the opening and is resiliently deformed to hold the stud in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: TECH 21 LICENSING LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason Roberts, Benjamin Thorpe
  • Patent number: 10676974
    Abstract: An overtravel hinge for a sliding door of a vehicle. The overtravel hinge expands from a collapsed condition, to a partially deployed condition, and to a fully deployed condition. The hinge includes a four bar linkage utilizing an arm to control movement of the overtravel hinge between the collapsed condition and the fully deployed condition. The overtravel hinge, in one embodiment, is used to modify or retrofit a known original equipment manufacturer vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: THE BRAUN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adam D. Wojdyla
  • Patent number: 10676217
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems, methods, and mechanism configurations related to satellite solar panels, including stowing arrangements, deployment sequences, special purpose hinges, hold down and release mechanisms, and associated components for controlled deployment of the satellite solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SPIRE GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: William Joel Spark
  • Patent number: 10501969
    Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulated flexible hinge that is particularly suited for use as an original part or as a replacement hinge on a cooler. The encapsulated flexible hinge is comprised of a flexible woven central reinforcement member having a rubber or polymer coating that has been forced through the reinforcement member to create an outer and an inner rubber coating that encapsulates the reinforcement member. In another embodiment, the inner and outer coating is comprised of the same or two different materials that are vulcanized together after being extruded on either side of the reinforcement member. The encapsulated flexible hinge may take on various shapes, and can be cut into a specific shape if need be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Unhinged Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Steve Patrick
  • Patent number: 10443648
    Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises first and second tape spring elements, wherein each of the spring elements is configured to connect a first element of a space structure to a second element of the space structure. Each of the first and the second tape spring elements is movable from a folded state into an unfolded state by releasing stored strain energy, to deploy the first and the second element of the space structure. The first tape spring element is connected to a first direct current source and configured to conduct direct current of a first polarity supplied to the first tape spring element from the first direct current source. The second tape spring element is connected to a second direct current source and configured to conduct direct current of a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity, supplied to the second tape spring element from the second direct current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS DS GMBH
    Inventors: René Meurer, Claus Zimmermann, Juergen Mueller, Andreas Donner, Andreas Uebner
  • Patent number: 10434912
    Abstract: A brake part for an armrest mount has an elastically deformable edge strip and a hole adjacent the edge strip. The edge strip is made of a predetermined material and forms a slide surface opposite the hole, and an elastically deformable element formed of a material different from that of the edge strip lies between the edge strip and the hole and supports the strip against deformation in a direction toward the hole. The edge strip and the element are depressable elastically in the direction into an expansion space formed by the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Zapf
  • Patent number: 10422169
    Abstract: A flexible hinge assembly for aircraft interior components and the like, including: a first structural component, wherein the first structural component includes a core material and one or more skin layers coupled to the core material; a second structural component, wherein the second structural component includes a core material and one or more skin layers coupled to the core material; wherein the one or more skin layers of the first structural component and the one or more skin layers of the second structural component are one or more of coupled together and integrally formed; and a flexure disposed between the first structural component and the second structural component, wherein the flexure is formed by the coupled together and/or integrally formed skin layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Justin C. Christenson, Charles F. Forster
  • Patent number: 10363971
    Abstract: A vehicle interior substrate attachment system is provided herein. The vehicle interior substrate attachment system includes a fastener coupled to a roof substrate. A retainer is coupled to the fastener and includes a base, a body extending from the base, and an engagement platform defining a receiver to receive the fastener coupled to the body by a hinge feature. The hinge feature is configured to articulate such that the engagement platform is operable between a first position and a second position that is further from the base than the first position. A liner substrate is coupled to the base of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Javier Ortega Garcia, Jesus Man Perez Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10364066
    Abstract: A container apparatus having at least one containment member is disclosed that may include a bottom and at least one sidewall, an interior and an open end. The container may also include a flange that extends around a free end of the at least one side wall, and a plurality of wall members (or castellations) connected to/formed with/that extend from the flange. The plurality of wall members may be separated by ventilation apertures, with the plurality of wall members and the ventilation apertures extending around the perimeter of the free end. A sealing material, such as a removable film, may extend over the open end to enclose the containment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: MASTRONARDI PRODUCE, LTD.
    Inventors: Jeanne Clark, Ricardo Astorga
  • Patent number: 10358851
    Abstract: A compliant hinge for deployable membrane-like structures and other applications is provided. The compliant hinge generally includes a flexible intermediate portion having one or more enclosed contours connected by inner longitudinal segments along a longitudinal axis of symmetry. The enclosed contours are resiliently deformable in response to an in-plane load, including tension and shear forces. The compliant hinge allows for rotation, bending, and extension, and can interconnect rigid panels in tensioned precision structures and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Emil V. Ardelean, Sungeun K. Jeon, Jeremy A. Banik
  • Patent number: 10336512
    Abstract: A closure system can include a body member, cap member, and flexible hinge member joining the body and cap members. The hinge member includes a pair of hinge portions with an opening between them. The hinge portions can include substantially planar segments of uniform thickness, providing hinge portions with uniform thickness along their lengths when the closure system is in open and closed configurations. When the closure system is fully opened, the hinge portions can extend axially between the body and cap members when viewed from above, the substantially planar segments can include end segments that are substantially coplanar to each other and a central segment that occupies another plane parallel to that occupied by the end portions, giving the central portion of the hinge portion an elevated orientation relative to its end portions, or the appearance of a hump when viewed from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: PHOENIX CLOSURES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 10336508
    Abstract: A cover for sealing a container having an interior chamber that holds a quantity of material therein. A first channel provided on a base of the cover receives a rim on the container's side wall. A first sealing member is provided on the base. A second sealing member provided on the lid is complementary to the first sealing member and is engageable therewith when the lid is moved to a closed position. A flexible bridge extends between the base and the lid. One of the first or second sealing members is a protrusion and the other is a second channel. The protrusion may be received within the second channel when the lid is closed. Pressure may be progressively applied to the lid to zipper the cover into a sealed position. When the lid is in the sealed position material cannot be accidentally or purposefully removed from the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: William Battaglia
  • Patent number: 10286147
    Abstract: Provided is an intravenous fluid supply device that automatically extrudes and injects a predetermined amount of an infusion fluid at regular time intervals in a manipulated manner, regardless of the position of an infusion bag, using a microprocessor technology. The intravenous fluid supply device includes an extrusion means and a control means. The control means includes: an input means that sets an extrusion repetition cycle of the motor and a total amount of injection; a detection means that detects a top dead center of a motor fixing plate; a motor driving means that activates the motor; a microcontroller that controls the motor driving means according to a detection result of the detection means; and an LED lighting means that allows for monitoring of the flow of the infusion fluid according to the control of the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Kwan Soon Jang
  • Patent number: 10215311
    Abstract: An anti-crush ring is disclosed for insertion into hollow articles for localized reinforcement. The anti-crush ring comprises a generally annular or ring-like wall structure and at least one expansion hoop inwardly extending from the wall structure. Upon insertion of the anti-crush ring into the hollow article, the at least one expansion hoop is compressed and deformed to urge the wall structure of the anti-crush ring against an inner surface of the hollow article. Also provided is a method of reinforcing the inlet or outlet of a hollow article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ABC GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Michael Stemm
  • Patent number: 10195974
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a frame. The armrest assembly also includes an armrest mounted on the frame for relative rotational movement between a first position and a second position. A stop rod is mounted on one of the frame and the armrest. A detent mounted on the other of the frame and the armrest. The detent includes a first stop indent and a second stop indent. The stop rod is located in the first stop indent when the armrest is in the first position. The stop rod is located in the second stop indent when the armrest is in the second position. The detent includes a deflection arm supported on a detent base. The detent includes an arm space between the deflection arm and the detent base. The detent includes a detent bumper located in the detent space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Xuefei Zhang, Xiangbin Hu, XiaoZhong Wu
  • Patent number: 10167134
    Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses an article carrier for an electrical vaping device. The article carrier may include a base portion, a lid portion and a hinge. The base portion may include a first edge region and the lid portion includes a second edge region. The hinge may include a connector band and first and second anchors. The connector band connects the first edge region of the base portion to the second edge region of the lid portion and may include a recessed top portion and a relieved lower portion. The recessed top portion may include a recess. And the relieved lower portion may include a relief for receiving the first and second edge regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Gavriel Zeitlin, David Rubli, Uzi Malimovka
  • Patent number: 10144572
    Abstract: A dual fluid cartridge assembly includes a cartridge, a flange, and a piston tube. The cartridge defines a channel and includes an flange. The flange defines a cavity that extends from a cavity opening to a cavity base. The cavity opening is positioned within the channel of the cartridge, and the cavity base is positioned external to the cartridge. The piston tube has an extended end, and is positioned at least partially within the channel. The extended end is positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Springhorn
  • Patent number: 10112543
    Abstract: Vehicles, load floor latch assemblies, and latches are provided for selectively securing and accessing a compartment in a vehicle. The load floor latch assembly includes a load floor having an upper surface and a lower surface. The load floor is positionable at a lowered position. The load floor latch assembly further includes a latch rotatable about a pivot axis to a closed configuration for securing the load floor at the lowered position. The latch includes a lower support arm and an upper clamp arm. In the closed configuration the lower support arm supports the lower surface of the load floor and at least a portion of the weight of the load floor is exerted on the lower support arm and applies a torque on the latch to impart a downward force from the upper clamp arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Mejia Perez, Williams Reynaldo Celis Torres
  • Patent number: 10070546
    Abstract: A bendable display apparatus includes a carrying plate, two supporting devices disposed on an inner side of the carrying plate, and a bendable display mounted on an outer side of the carrying plate. Each supporting device includes a hinge module and two buffering modules respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the hinge module. Each buffering module includes an internal connecting member fixed on the hinge module, an external connecting member fixed on the carrying plate and slidably disposed on the internal connecting member, a driving member driven by a spiral track of the hinge module, and a transmitting member driven by the driving member for moving the external connecting member. When the hinge modules are bent, each supporting device is a curved structure and arranged inside of the bendable display, and each external connecting member slides relative to the corresponding internal connecting member toward the hinge module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: FIRST DOME CORPORATION
    Inventor: An-Szu Hsu
  • Patent number: 10061359
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a multi-part electronic device comprises a pair of opposing living hinge elements for connecting first and second parts of the multi-part electronic device. Each hinge element has a first segment, an intermediate segment and a second segment, and comprises a first hinged joint positioned at a junction of the first segment and the intermediate segment and defining a first hinge axis, and a second hinged joint positioned at a junction of the second segment and the intermediate segment and defining a second hinge axis. The second hinged joint is spaced apart from the first hinged joint by a length of the intermediate segment. Each of the first and second hinged joints is configured to permit 180 degrees of rotation. A multi-part electronic device having a double-acting hinge arrangement is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Esa-Sakari Määttä
  • Patent number: 10035532
    Abstract: Disclosed are a foldable joint having an unfolded position and a folded position, and a stroller having the foldable joint. The foldable joint comprises a base rod (1), a first rotary rod (2) and a second rotary rod (3), wherein one end portion of the base rod (1), one end portion of the first rotary rod (2) and one end portion of the second rotary rod (3) are rotationally connected to one another, a slider (4) is slidably arranged on the base rod (1), a driving part (41) is connected to the slider (4), a first guide portion (21) is arranged on the first rotary rod (2), a second guide portion (31) is arranged on the second rotary rod (3), and the driving part (41) is slidably fitted with the first guide portion (21) and the second guide portion (31) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Goodbaby Child Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang Gao, Xiaocong Gu
  • Patent number: 9994320
    Abstract: A door module for a vehicle lavatory that includes a bi-fold door having a first panel and a second panel each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second panels are pivotably connected together by a living hinge. The living hinge includes a hinge member that extends between first and second securing members, wherein the first securing member extends along and is attached to an inner edge of the first panel and the second securing member extends along and is attached to an inner edge of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: C&D ZODIAC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Long, Scott Savian, Ian Geoffrey Scoley, Glen Noda, William Young, Richard McClure
  • Patent number: 9992913
    Abstract: A data center includes one or more racks, one or more computing devices coupled to at least one of the racks, and one or more air moving devices. The computing devices include heat producing components. The computing devices may be inclined in the rack such that the lower ends of the computing devices are at a lower elevation than the higher ends of the computing devices. The air moving devices can move air from the lower end of the inclined computing devices to the higher end of the inclined computing devices such that heat is removed from heat producing components in the inclined computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Phillip Czamara, Osvaldo P. Morales, Peter George Ross
  • Patent number: 9983417
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses includes a spectacles frame and two temples. The spectacles frame has a mounting adapter at each lateral end thereof. A pivot hole and two engaging holes are provided in the mounting adapter. A front end of each temple is provided with two connecting rods and a pivot shaft formed at outer ends of the connecting rods. The pivot shaft is held inside the pivot hole of a corresponding mounting adapter to allow each temple relative to the spectacles frame to be pivoted between a folded position and an extended position. When the temple is at the folded position, the connecting rods are separated from the engaging holes such that the temple can be detached from the spectacles frame. When the temple is at the extended position, the connecting rods are held and positioned inside the engaging holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Wen-Tse Huang
  • Patent number: 9970222
    Abstract: A compliant hinge for deployable membrane-like structures and other applications is provided. The compliant hinge generally includes a flexible intermediate portion having one or more enclosed contours connected by inner longitudinal segments along a longitudinal axis of symmetry. The enclosed contours are resiliently deformable in response to an in-plane load, including tension and shear forces. The compliant hinge allows for rotation, bending, and extension, and can interconnect rigid panels in tensioned precision structures and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Emil V. Ardelean, Sungeun K. Jeon, Jeremy A. Banik
  • Patent number: 9964989
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include a first body coupled to a first housing, a second body coupled to a second housing, and two or more taut flexible bands, wherein the taut flexible bands couple the first body to the second body and allow for timed rotation of the first housing relative to the second housing. In some examples, the hinge is a low profile hinge and can rotate about three hundred and sixty degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Raul Krivoy, Denica N. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9951526
    Abstract: Building panels provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue, at first edge of a first building panel, cooperating with a tongue groove, at a second edge of an adjacent second building panel, for vertical locking of the building panels and a method for producing such building panels. The method includes the step of forming the tongue of material of the first edge. The insertion groove may have a sidewall at a third edge, which is adjacent the first edge, and may be open at a fourth edge, which is opposite the third edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Christian Boo, Stefan Stigert
  • Patent number: 9913534
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base unit configured to hold electronic equipment, a top panel, a first extension arm that is vertically extendable from a proximal position along a selected dimension of the base unit and a second extension arm that is vertically extendable from a distal position along the selected dimension of the base unit, the first extension arm slide-ably coupled to the top panel, and the second extension arm rotate-ably coupled to the top panel. A corresponding method includes providing the apparatus and raising one end of the top panel previous to raising the other end of the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dale H. Anderson, Angel E. Delgado, John C. Elliott
  • Patent number: 9908683
    Abstract: An injection-molded container for dry-storage of goods to be packaged, has a container body (2), which has a container wall (3) and forms a receiving space (4) for goods to be packaged. A desiccant is arranged in the receiving space (4). The container body (2) has, in an end region (5), an opening (6) for removing the goods to be packaged, and a closure (8) for closing the opening (6. The closure (8) has a lid (9) and a hinge (10) which forms a pivot axis (11), about which the lid (9) can be pivoted, in order to move the lid (9) between a closed position and an open position. The lid (9), the hinge (10) and the container body (2) are injection-molded in one piece. The lid (9) and the hinge (10) are formed and arranged on the container body (2) such that in the open position the lid (9) does not protrude beyond the end region (5) of the container body (2). The lid (9) has a sealing section (13), which, in the closed position of the lid (9), is arranged in the opening (6) of the container body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kai Tiesberger, Matthias Schneider
  • Patent number: 9895623
    Abstract: Building sets including a plurality of blocks and a plurality of clips configured to engage a thickness of one or more of the blocks. Each clip includes a base and first and second substantially parallel extensions extending from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which a thickness of a block is receivable. The width of the channel is substantially equal to the thickness of the block receivable within the channel so that the thickness is frictionally retained therein. In one embodiment, the clip includes a plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Building Creative Kids, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Cochella
  • Patent number: 9868371
    Abstract: A power disc style seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a seat base fixed mounted guide disc pivotally connected to a set of pivotal discs. The pivotal discs include an internal disc segment and a seat back attaching member. Within the internal disc is a connection features and linkage that may be actuated by a center shaft that is driven by a motor. When the internal disc is rotated, the desired seat back position is the end result as the motion is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Everett Sollars
  • Patent number: 9868473
    Abstract: A layered panel in which strength of a hinge can be improved regardless of the kinds of substrates configuring a front wall and a rear wall of the layered panel is provided. A layered panel in accordance with the present invention is a layered panel rotatable about a hinge as a rotary axis, characterized by including a front wall, a rear wall, and an intermediate layer interposed between the front wall and the rear wall, the hinge including the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Ishii, Kazuhiko Saeki