Flexible Extensions Patents (Class 191/12R)
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Patent number: 6143985Abstract: In a reproduction machine with modular components movable relative to the mainframe of the machine, a cable controlling system for maintaining a protected electrical cable interconnection when the modular component is moved relative to the mainframe, with a constant force spring system connecting a pulley cable guide to the mainframe to retract the pulley cable guide towards the mainframe when the modular component is moved towards the mainframe, and to allow the pulley cable guide to move away from the mainframe with the substantially constant force when the modular component is moved away from the mainframe, a single bight in the cable of a defined minimum relatively large wrap angle, and a linear cable guide channel member internally confining a substantial portion of the extendable and retractable single bight portion of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Lowell W. Knapp, Sam E. Stewart
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Patent number: 6119836Abstract: The invention relates to a guide channel with long, parallel side elements, between which an energy transmission chain can be laid in the longitudinal direction, where the guide channel is composed of several side elements arranged with their face ends next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the channel. In order to create a guide channel which is of low weight, has a visual appearance and shape which permits versatile use, emits little noise and at the same time possesses great stability, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that side elements (1) display dimensionally stable hollow sections and connecting elements (2) be provided between the opposite face ends of side elements (1), by means of which the side elements can be fastened to each other and to a substructure. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbHInventor: Gunter Blase
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Patent number: 6102173Abstract: A rotary coupling apparatus includes a stationary housing defining a chamber, an elongated hollow shaft extending through the chamber of the housing and rotatable relative thereto, a drum supported about the shaft and rotatable therewith, and an elongated coupling cable for carrying communications elements being disposed in the chamber and interconnecting the stationary housing with the rotatable drum. The stationary housing has a pair of spaced end walls and a circumferential side wall disposed therebetween. The end walls define the chamber therebetween and the circumferential side wall defines an outer periphery of the chamber. The shaft extends through the chamber between the end walls and is mounted to undergo rotation relative to the end walls. The circumferential side wall is radially spaced outwardly from and extends about the rotatable shaft and drum.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Roger Tuttlebee
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Patent number: 6059080Abstract: A wire reel, for attaching to a fixed power source and providing power to a remote location, comprising a spool and a hub plate. The hub plate is mounted to a stationary mounting near the fixed power source. A fixed power cord is attached between the fixed power source and the hub plate. A quantity of extension cord is wound around the spool. A slip ring assembly is mounted within the spool, the slip ring assembly provides a continuous electrical connection between the fixed power cord and the extension cord. The slip ring assembly allows the spool to rotate around the hub plate while maintaining the electrical connection between the fixed power cord and the extension cord so that the extension cord can be let out or reeled in without the need to physically disconnect the fixed power cord from the fixed power source. A metallic main shaft assembly provides an axis of rotation for the spool and can provide a ground connection between the extension cord and fixed power cord.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Enrique Lopez, Sr.
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Patent number: 5961062Abstract: A method of neatly retaining cords, such as electrical cords, in a box, such as a surge protector, utilizes a brace member and two inverted-L-shaped members. The brace member can be mounted on the bottom of the box, so that the two inverted-L-shaped members extend upwards from the bottom of the box. A cord can then be neatly wrapped around the two inverted-L-shaped members, with the horizontal prong of each inverted-L-shaped member holding the cord in place so that it does not uncoil. One of the inverted-L-shaped members is movable along the brace member, to properly accommodate various lengths of cord. Multiple cord retainers may be mounted in a surge protector or other power cord box, each one suitable for neatly retaining a separate electrical cord.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Amanda Herbst Beihl
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Patent number: 5957721Abstract: A retainer for an electric cord on an electric power device or the like includes a handle with a slot or passageway through the handle. The handle is loop shaped and has a hook inside the loop spaced from the slot or passageway. The slot or passageway is oriented vertically, as are the hook and the handle itself. A cord may be passed through the vertical passageway and around the vertically extending hook such that the cord is twisted ninety degrees between the passageway and the hook.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventors: John F. Searle, Joseph A. Juratovac, R. Reade Harpham
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Patent number: 5950954Abstract: A device and method of wrapping an electric cable used for grounding a utility vehicle to minimize its electrical impedance to 60 Hz alternating current. Electrical cable is wrapped around an array of four spools that are arranged so as to form two parallel, closely-spaced planes with the axes of the spools defining the planes. The distance between the spools of each plane is larger than the distance between the planes so that the cable, when wound, forms long, parallel segments. By reversing the direction of the cable and keeping the segments parallel and close to each other, electrical currents induced in these segments cancel each other and keep the impedance in the wrapped cable minimal. Preferably the cable wrapping path begins between the two pairs of spools and continues counterclockwise outside both of the pairs of spools. The path then proceeds between the spool pairs and then clockwise outside of both pairs to the starting point.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Walter S Bierer
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Patent number: 5950272Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a cord fixing apparatus. The vacuum cleaner has a body having a rear wall having an opening, a brush assembly connected to the body through a flexible hose and making contact with a floor, for sucking dust and impurities, a blower assembly which is installed at an inner side of the body, for generating a suction force, an extensible cord for supplying an external electric power to the blower assembly, a reel installed at an inner side of the body, for winding the cord, a rectangular-shaped plate for fixing the cord, a fixing rib for hingedly supporting the rectangular-shaped plate, an elastic material for biasing the rectangular-shaped plate to allow the rectangular-shaped plate to make contact with the cord, and a supporting rib for supporting the elastic material to allow the elastic material to apply a biasing force to the rectangular-shaped plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Suk-Gu Kim, Chang-Woo Son
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Patent number: 5924642Abstract: A cleat for attachment to a device having a power cord. The cleat includes a center support attached to the device for selectively retaining the power cord adjacent to the device. A pair of cord retaining arms extend from the center support in opposite directions. The pair of cord retaining arms are supported by the center support for rectilinear movement between an extended position forming a cord wrapping pocket between each of the arms and the device for retaining the power cord about the center support and in the pockets and a retracted position closing the arms for releasing the power cord from the center support. In a preferred embodiment, the cleat further includes an intercoupling mechanism interconnecting the pair of arms for synchronous movement of one of the arms in response to the rectilinear movement of the other arm. The synchronous movement is movement in a direction opposite and through the same distance as the other arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Rexair, Inc.Inventors: Alan Joseph Krebs, John J. Alberts, III
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Patent number: 5877936Abstract: A circuit body (4) is received in an S-shaped configuration in a receiver (3) in a door. A protector (5) with a connector (6) is outwardly slidably provided inside the receiver (3). A circuit body fixing member (12) is provided at a front portion of the receiver (3), and a guide roller (15) is provided at a rear portion of the protector. The circuit body is wired from the fixing member (12) via the guide roller (15) into the protector and to the connector (6).Alternatively, a circuit body fixing member (12) and a guide roller (23) may be provided at a front portion of a receiver (10), the latter in such a manner as to be positioned inside the protector 27. The circuit body is held down by the guide roller (23) inside the protector.The circuit body is smoothly expanded and contracted with the opening and closing of the door.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Keizo Nishitani, Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Satoru Unno
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Patent number: 5816848Abstract: An arrangement is provided for relocating a wall-mounted electrical outlet. A flexible electrical cord is mounted in a resilient, extensible housing between male and female connectors. The cord is gathered into an appropriate configuration to be extensible upon application of an axial tension force. A two-piece restrictor is slidable along and surrounds the cord in its open position or configuration. In its closed configuration, the restrictor pinches or crimps the cord to prevent transmission of remote tension force to a fixed electrical outlet. A slot in the female connector is arranged to engage an elongated member, such as a screw, protruding from the wall to hold the female connector at a predetermined position along a wall remote from a fixed outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Harry Zimmerman
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Patent number: 5791853Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Craig Thomas Danielson, James Leroy Overacker, Gustave Christian Stern, Martin David Williams
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Patent number: 5720627Abstract: An electrical extension particularly for use in a motor vehicle: a cylindrical cable storage container having two cables coiled therein. The cables are connected in series. The first cable is stored as a plurality of spiral turns arranged in a substantially flat disk in the bottom of the container. The second, less flexible cable is stored as a plurality of coils arranged one on top of the other against the interior wall of the container. The second cable is played out initially from the container for connection to an external power source. The first cable is connected to an electrical unit within the vehicle. The container may be stored behind the grille and under the hood of a vehicle. A operable cover sealed to and over the container may be pivoted to the hood.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Saab Automobile AktiebolagInventors: Per Gillbrand, Olle Wallander
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Patent number: 5669749Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Craig T. Danielson, James Lawrence Overacker, Gustave Christian Stern, Martin David Williams
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Patent number: 5619078Abstract: A primary inductive track or path 450 for a resonant inductive power distribution system is made up from a number of modules 453, each supplied as a pre-built and substantially pre-tuned segment of the track. These modules have more than one capacitor 456, 457 and more than one inductance 458, 459 (generally, the inductance is the intrinsic inductance of the length of track) and each capacitor and adjacent inductor is capable of resonating at its own native frequency. A zero-inductance cable 452, carrying a small fraction of the circulating resonant current (comprising a mis-match or an error current), directly connects the capacitors at poles having equal polarity and tends to constrain the system limiting possible frequencies of resonance.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventors: John T. Boys, Shuzo Nishino
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Patent number: 5593010Abstract: A process for the simultaneous, constantly available provision of amounts of energy and/or signal-transmission media to a plurality of workstations circulating in the shape of an oval is described. A supply line, connected to all the workstations, is circulated with workstations. Energy and/or signal-transmissions are fed through a trailing cable which is connected to a rotary linkage which is capable of travelling back and forth on a rail within the oval in the longitudinal direction of the oval and from the rotary linkage to the supply line.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Hennecke GmbHInventors: Bernd Willing, Frank Gobel
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Patent number: 5550466Abstract: An electronic circuit tester for measuring the response of electrical signals applied to an electronic circuit under test is provided with a pivotable connection for conduit through which cables are routed from a test head coupled to the electronic circuit under test to the remainder of the tester. The test head includes a chassis having a relieved region in which a bracket is selectively mounted. The bracket has first and second legs disposed at a distance from one another, the first and second legs each being provided with an approximately circular hole to provide a bearing surface for pivotable movement. A fitting having first and second approximately tubular arms extending outwardly from an integral transversely depending conduit portion is connected to the chassis with each of the first and second arms rotatably captured in the holes of the respective first and second legs of the bracket when the bracket is mounted to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Julius K. Botka
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Patent number: 5540312Abstract: A charging cord box has a first opening facing a cord outlet lid and a second opening at a substantially right angle to the first opening. A charging cord is passed through the first opening and the second opening. In storing the charging cord in the box, the charging cord can be lowered spontaneously by its own weight. Further, in drawing the charging cord from the box, a base portion of the charging cord is merely bent and no undue external force is applied to the charging cord. Accordingly, damage to the charging cord can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Ogawa, Hiroyuki Sako, Hiroyuki Shimmura, Kenji Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 5524548Abstract: A trolley system is provided which includes a powered tow trolley that travels along a rail, an end trolley that is fixed to an end of the rail, and several intermediate trolleys that travel along the rail between the tow and end trolleys. All trolleys are interconnected with a flexible tow line. Each intermediate trolley is provided with an individual mechanical brake for preventing movement along the rail until the brake is actively released by either a pulling or pushing force exerted on the corresponding trolley. The trolleys may include saddles for supporting for example, a load of cables or hoses festooned between the trolleys that are used for powering a moving machine connected to the tow trolley.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventor: Richard D. Fox
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Patent number: 5445252Abstract: A charging cord for supplying electric current to an electric power storing device of an electric vehicle includes an electrical cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively connected to the electric power storing device and the second end being adapted to be connected to an electrical power supply. A housing is provided for supporting the electrical cable along a predetermined length thereof. The housing includes a plurality of section members pivotally connected relative to each other for permitting limited lateral motion in a single plane to maintain the charging cord a predetermined distance above the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Thomas S. McKee, Takeshi Sakurai
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Patent number: 5406327Abstract: Tensioning device suitable for providing an adjustable and balanced tension to the power-supply and multiplexing cable (1) and to the coaxial video transmission cable (2), these being connected up to a camera turret supported by a carriage (C) for to-and-fro translation in a video surveillance tunnel, each of these two cables (1, 2) being anchored in a fixed manner to the carriage (C), as well as to its point (P1, P2) of penetration into the tunnel, coming from outside the latter, and being rigged up over the pulley of a respective tensioning pulley block (M1, M2) before being anchored to the corresponding bracket (S1, S2) of the carriage (C), these two pulley blocks (M1, M2) being connected by a flexible cablet (3) passing over return pulleys (4, 5, 7) and a roller (6) of a tensioning device.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Dessins Et Techniques De L'IngenierieInventor: Albert Guarnotta
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Patent number: 5343989Abstract: A cable carrier that slides upon itself is provided with pad and padless surfaces or a stainless steel strip therealong. The cable carrier may be connected to a fast moving robotic trolley and manipulative arm assembly in a storage library containing automated magnetic tape cartridges or optical disk cartridges or magnetic disk cartridges. The pad and padless surfaces are made of dissimilar materials, such as stainless steel and plastic respectively. When the pad and padless surfaces slide across one another, there is a minimum of wear and galling of the surfaces. Several arrangements are employed to quickly modify existing carriers to obtain the benefits of this invention. One type of discrete pad can be easily mounted to the existing carrier with double-sided tape and another type of discrete pad can be easily mounted to the existing carrier with tabs. Further, both type of pads are configured with curves to make a smooth transition of pad-to-padless surface or pad-to-pad surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul Y. Hu, David R. Lyman, D. Kenneth Walston
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Patent number: 5332865Abstract: This invention relates to a line guiding assembly comprising a line guiding trough and a line assembly guided therein which includes a plurality of ribbon cables held within an encapsulant and reinforcement channels. The line assembly forms a loop with a lower length and an upper length. A ribbon material either in a drum or coil is provided that fits inside the loop wherein the coil of ribbon material is between the upper and lower lengths of the line reinforced assembly and extends and retracts in the same direction as the movement of the loop and lengths of the assembly. The ribbon material is different from the material of the line assembly and is preferably stainless steel. A double ended system with two line assemblies operating in a single trough is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Theodore E. Jensen
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Patent number: 5318158Abstract: A retainer for a portion of an electric power cord includes a guide that guides the cord into a space between a pair of ears that cooperate with a grooved part of a handle to define two V notch passageways for the cord leading the cord into a groove which wraps around the handle. The floor of the guide defines with the groove a path for the cord past the ears which is substantially in a plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: McCulloch CorporationInventor: Craig A. Seasholtz
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Patent number: 5314047Abstract: The present invention relates briefly to an arrangement for hoisting devices to keep a cable (10) substantially vertically stretched between a derrick or the like and a hoisting device, e.g. a derrick bridle (1), so that the cable will not be able to be depositioned by gusts and other factors. The arrangement includes a set of brackets (12) stretched between and glidably fixed to two opposed hoisting cords (2a, 4a), each bracket (12) being equipped with a ring (13) approximately center, through which ring the cable (10) runs with an increasing inner diameter for each ring (13) from the top downwards. To the cable (10) are fastened a set of elements (14) spaced apart with increasing diameter for each element from the top downwards for each inner diameter of the rings (13) so that each element (14) one by one is restricted to pass a corresponding ring (13) and thereby each hoists one by one a bracket (12) holding the cable (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1993Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Bromma Conquip ABInventor: Erik Nielsen
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Patent number: 5240092Abstract: A moving strain relief support arm, mounted on a machine frame, for a moving flexible coiled power or signal cable surrounding a reciprocating mandrel mounted on the machine frame and connecting to a tool mounted thereon for preventing friction and wear damage as the cable flexes, lengthens, and shortens around the moving mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1992Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventor: James C. Eachus
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Patent number: 5181591Abstract: Two electrical cables of an articulated robot arm are in the form of helical cords which lengthen and shorten respectively during the rotation of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Comau SpAInventors: Mauro Zona, Marco Bettinardi
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Patent number: 5175398Abstract: A cable device for connecting electrical apparatuses with a power source or housing parts of electrical apparatuses with one another has a foldable electrical cable which has a plurality of folds with folding regions therebetween, and fixing elements which fix bending points in the folding regions against turning movements.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: TA Triumph-Adler AGInventor: Robert Hofmann
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Patent number: 5167307Abstract: An improved control assembly is provided for supporting a helically coiled flexible conductor between two components that are movable relative to one another. The control assembly is slidably movable along a support rod in response to movement of one component relative to the other and is floatable upon the support rod to enable the control assembly to maintain proper alignment with the support rod along the length of the rod. In addition, as convolutions of the coiled conductor are discharged over a knob at the end of the control assembly, the control assembly is rotationally indexed around the support rod so that wear of the interior surface of the control assembly is evenly distributed around the internal bore of the control assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventors: Larry E. Purcell, James J. Krannitz
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Patent number: 5149017Abstract: A service transport unit for providing utilities to a parked aircraft, by way of a utility bundle, comprising a box attached to a passenger loading bridge, at least one slider and corresponding utility bundle tracker slidably mounted within the box wherein the utility bundle is fixed to the outboard terminus of the slider. The slider is mounted in the box and affixed to the passenger loading bridge so that it is pulled from within the container by extension of the passenger loading bridge, and pushed back into the box when the bridge is retracted. The utility bundle is passively extended and retracted by movement of the slider. The slider and utility bundle tracker also serve to guide the utility bundle and prevent it from tangling or kinking during movement of the passenger loading bridge.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Teledyne InetInventors: Jay McEntire, Richard Haglund, Ed Johnson, J. Garrett MacFarlane
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Patent number: 5145040Abstract: A cable winding device (16) for stowage of a supply cable (18) connecting for example a central aircraft supply system of an airport to a supply plug connection of an aircraft is proposed. The cable is unwound from or wound onto the cable winding device, which is preferably of the drum type, via a peripheral opening (40). The free end of the supply cable has a plug unit (22), preferably with control functions. To protect the cable, a guide element enclosing at least sections of the supply cable extends from the cable winding device, to which guide element is allocated a centering element extending from the plug unit and surrounding at least in sections the section (20) of the supply cable extending from the plug unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: Manfred Fladung GmbHInventor: Manfred Fladung
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Patent number: 5034570Abstract: A vehicle seat disposed in a vehicle is movable longitudinally in the vehicle. A guide device guides a line, e.g. an electrical or a pneumatic line, between a fixed position in the vehicle and the movable seat and guides it as the seat shifts longitudinally. The line is formed of relatively rigid material with elastic properties which is bendable, e.g. from a stiff, elastic covering over the line. The guide device includes two spaced apart, horizontal, support pieces extending in the longitudinal direction. The line is bent into a U and the legs of the U bear against respective support pieces. The length of the line is such that the line retains its U-shape as the seat shifts longitudinally. The support pieces have respective side walls which define an opening between them through which the line projects to the seat. The front part of the line that is attached to the seat is bent off the support piece at an angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1989Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Saab-Scania AktiebolagInventor: Rolf Johansson
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Patent number: 4982057Abstract: A bat wing for a shuttle car includes a top plate, a lower plate and at least one shieve wheel positioned between the top plate and the lower plate for spacing the top plate a predetermined distance from the lower plate. The lower plate includes at least a first edge, second edge and third edge substantially contiguous to each other and forming the lower plate having a predetermined area. The first and second edges of the lower plate forming a lower edge spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one shieve wheel. The top plate includes at least a first edge, second edge and third edge substantially contiguous to each other and forming the top plate having a predetermined area being greater than the predetermined area of the lower plate. The first and second edges of the top plate forming a top edge spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one shieve wheel and extending outwardly therefrom a distance greater than the predetermined distance of the lower edge from the at least one shieve wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Pyro Mining CompanyInventor: Mark A. Bartkoski
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Patent number: 4955250Abstract: A dual forearmed robotic elbow configuration comprises a main arm having a double elbow from which two coplanar forearms depend, two actuators carried in the double elbow for moving the forearms, and separate, independent end effectors, operated by a cable carried from the main arm through the elbow, is attached to the distal end of each forearm. Coiling the cables around the actuators prevents bending or kinking when the forearms are rotated 360 degrees. The end effectors can have similar or different capabilities. Actuator cannisters within the dual elbow are modular for rapid replacement or maintenance. Coarse and fine resolver transducers within the actuators provide accurate position referencing information.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: John J. Fisher
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Patent number: 4936427Abstract: A rotary coupling for transmitting torque across a plurality of flexible electrical wires is disclosed herein. The coupling generally comprises a tubular assembly for resisting flexure loads applied to the coupling that has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, and a shaft member concentrically disposed within the tubular assembly for transmitting torque. First and second connectors are mounted around the inner wall of the fixed and rotatable portions of the tublular assembly, respectively and the second connector mechanically mounts the rotatable portion of the tubular assembly with the shaft member. A plurality of flexible electrical wires are disposed between the inner wall of the tubular assembly and the outer wall of the shaft member. Each of these wires includes a slack poriton which is loosely wound around the shaft member and connected at either end to the first and second connectors, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Space Industries Partnership, L.P.Inventor: Herbert E. Ferree
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Patent number: 4885996Abstract: An apparatus for a handling assembly comprises at least one carrier member and at least one slide unit displaceably arranged on the carrier member. The slide unit is in operative connection via a cable drag member electrically/pneumatically or electrically/hydraulically with an energy and a signal source. The carrier member is a one-piece cellular structure and has an integrated guideway which, has an inclined position within the carrier member, so that a space-saving arrangement of the cable drag member, substantially protected against external action, is obtained. The slide unit comprises a driving unit, which is arranged in a U-shaped head guided with the lateral legs on the carrier member and is operatively connected with a rack arranged on the carrier member, for linear movement. Protective members are provided laterally on the carrier member. The slide unit together with the carrier member forms a closed system protected against external action or intervention.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Inventor: Gregory C. Hirschmann
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Patent number: 4872622Abstract: A cord winding and storage apparatus (10) including a receptacle member (13) having two receptacle segments (14)(15) joined along a common edge (10) and forming an elongated fluted peripheral slit (21) that will accommodate elongated lengths of cords (100) having different diameters; wherein, the receptacle member (13) has an enlarged central opening (17); and, is further equipped with cushion segments (30) that are adapted to frictionally engage the elbow area of a users arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1988Date of Patent: October 10, 1989Inventor: Ronald N. Mansfield
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Patent number: 4853500Abstract: Apparatus is provided for retrieving an elongated flexible cable-type member such as a thick electrical cable used at airports to supply power to airliners, which stores the cable in a bin in a manner that avoids repeated twisting of the cable and the consequent possibility of jamming. A horizontally-extending roller lies behind a front opening in the bin to support the cable. The roller is able to freely shift from side to side, to encourage the cable to store in repeated figure-8 loops that have no net twist.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1987Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Assignee: Wyle LaboratoriesInventor: Joseph Tydlacka
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Patent number: 4846320Abstract: A power cable hanger for a mine including a roof mounted rail, a carriage travelling on the rail, a plurality of open-sided hooks to support a cable spaced at intervals along the path of the rail, an arm on the carriage to pick up and place the cable on the hooks and to retrieve the cable from the hooks and cable means, independent of the power cable to cause the carriage to travel backwards and forwards on the rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1987Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Assignee: Inco LimitedInventor: Dale M. Clarke
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Patent number: 4828225Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use at an airport for drawing in and paying out an electric cable, which reliably grips the cable even when it is covered with a slippery anti-freeze fluid used at airports. The apparatus includes a motor-driven traction wheel against which the cable is pressed, with the periphery of the wheel being concave and having a radius of curvature about the same as the cable so the cable can closely nest in it. The wheel has closely spaced treads that press through fluid on the cable to grip it, and has a circumferentially extending groove through which fluid can drain. The cable is pressed against the wheel by rollers that have concave peripheries to also closely surround the cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1986Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Wyle LaboratoriesInventors: William Owen, Robert Bell, Douglas Chase, Leonard Briese
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Patent number: 4816617Abstract: A cable handling system for routing a group of cables to a rotatable hub having an arm extending therefrom has a sleeve which partitions the group of cables into side-by-side subgroups. The sleeve is flexible and allows the cables to slide and flex within it. Forward and rearward straps attach the sleeve to a forward position on the arm and a fixed rearward position to hold the sleeve longitudinally in place and subject it to longitudinal and transverse tension. A cable rotator holds the cables next to the hub where they enter the hub area and allows them to pivot in the plane of rotation of the hub as the hub is rotated but does not allow longitudinal sliding of the cables. In the arm area, rigid longitudinal partitions maintain the subgrouping of the cables and the cables are enclosed on the top and bottom to longitudinally support the cables against buckling and facilitate sliding among the cables.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1987Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Charles J. Valosen
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Patent number: 4746766Abstract: A flexing connector for suppressing electromagnetic radiation from an electrical cable connecting moving and stationary elements of a machine has a shield surrounding a signal cable which includes an inner coil of wire wound in a generally helicoidal form with a flat cross-section with the signal cable positioned within the coil. An outer coil similar to the first, but with somewhat larger cross-section and wound with a different chirality, surrounds the inner coil. The coils are made from hardened steel, which is both electrically conductive and ferromagnetic. The two coils and the cable are clamped together on either side of a moving loop extending between the moving and stationary elements so that the coils cannot elongate and spread their windings apart as the connector is flexed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1987Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Assignee: Wang Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Roger R. Soulard
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Patent number: 4700023Abstract: A trackless, center-pivot underground vehicle is described, which has a tractor section, which is driven by an electric motor, which is powered via a sliding contact line, a current collector device, which is movable along the contact line line, and a supply cable, which is electrically and mechanically connected to the current collector device and adapted to be unwound from a reel against a restoring force. An improved mobility of the vehicle and a large width range throughout the range of travel are ensured by the combination of the following features:a. the supply cable is connected to the current collector device by a slip ring member, which is rotatable about a vertical axle;b. a helically winding cable reel is mounted on the tractor section and rotatable about a vertical axle, which is provided with a slip ring member;c. a guide arm is coaxially arranged with respect to the cable reel and adapted to be pivotally movable by hydraulic means; andd.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignees: Metallgesellschaft AG, Maschinenfabrik Hermann Paus GmbH, Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Willi Hillmann, Hermann Paus, Eberhard Drews
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Patent number: 4692569Abstract: In an aircraft cable feed out and retrieval storage apparatus, a storage compartment communicates with an assembly housing, having an inclined wall connecting between the two, with the assembly housing incorporating a base that mounts a pair of friction wheels, one of the wheels being an idler wheel, that is shiftable, and can exert pressure upon the ground cable arranged intermediate thereof, so that upon energization of a motor operatively associated with the other frictional drive wheel, the ground cable can be fed out, or retrieved, as required; the apparatus can be installed suspended to the underside of the passenger tunnel of an airline terminal, supported upon legs for mounting to the ground, or be conveyed upon wheels, and moved through actuation of a handle. The base of the assembly housing is pivotally mounted, or removable, to provide immediate access to its operating components and to facilitate their prompt servicing.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1983Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Inventor: Sol N. Winner
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Patent number: 4679234Abstract: A telephone cord twist restrainer which is comprised of a rudder-like plate which is attached to a coiled telephone cord by means of slotted holes formed in the plate and by two (2) projections extending from the plate which slidably fit, in opposing directions, within the coils of the telephone cord. The plate extends laterally on a single side beyond the diameter of the coils in lengthwise orientation with the coiled cord, where its extending mass provides stability to the coiled telephone cord both through physical contact at nearby surfaces, and by the location of weight of the plate itself outside of the periphery of the coiled telephone cord. Notches may be formed on the projections so as to provide improved retention within the coiled cord, especially when the coiled telephone cord is extended and stretched out close to its maximum limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1986Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Inventor: Donald E. Earwood, Sr.
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Patent number: 4667782Abstract: A system for handling cables and the like comprising a guide track (7) beneath which is fixed a plurality of space-apart retaining units (10). A trolley (8) is slidably mounted on the guide track (7) and accommodates a cable (5) which may be fixed at each retaining unit by pulling the trolley (8) along the track (7). By pulling the trolley in the opposite direction, the cable (5) may be released from each retaining unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1985Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: Eimco (Great Britain) LimitedInventors: Barry Toase, David Grant
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Patent number: 4667460Abstract: An electric lawn mower and power cord combination in which the power cord has a central portion that is self-coiling. This central portion of the cord comprises the predominant length of the cord, and is constructed with an elastic memory, so that, when in its relaxed state, it automatically coils itself into a continuous spiralling helix that is too large to pass under the electric lawn mower. A cord grip is also disclosed that locks the cord to a stationary object to prevent the cord from inadvertently becoming disconnected during use.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1986Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Inventor: Joseph Kramer
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Patent number: 4658465Abstract: A quick release power cord wrap and caster for a canister vacuum cleaner. The caster assembly includes a hook for supporting or retaining a plurality of power cord turns is stored position on the canister. A hook is movable to release the cord and, in the illustrated embodiment, the hook is pivotable on the caster. The hook has a toggle action for locking the power cord in the stored arrangement. In addition, the hook and canister body are provided with shoulders for providing an augmented locking of the hook in the cord stored position. The caster assembly and canister body are arranged to permit snap-fastening of the caster assembly to the canister body without need for separate metal fasteners and the like. The caster assembly itself is arranged to have the portions thereof snap-fastened together without the use of separate metal fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1985Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: James W. Keane, William J. Martin
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Combined passenger loading bridge and utilities conduit between airport terminal and parked aircraft
Patent number: 4620339Abstract: An extensible loading bridge for aircraft having an inboard end connected to a terminal and an outboard end adapted for connection to a parked aircraft. A heat exchanger on the outboard end supplies warm or cold air to the aircraft. Hot or cold liquid is supplied to the outboard heat exchanger from a source at the terminal end of the bridge and extensible supply and return lines convey the hot or cold glycol to or from the outboard heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1985Date of Patent: November 4, 1986Assignee: Air-A-Plane CorporationInventor: Thomas E. Shepheard -
Patent number: RE32687Abstract: An extensible loading bridge for aircraft having an inboard end connected to a terminal and an outboard end adapted for connection to a parked aircraft. A heat exchanger on the outboard end supplies warm or cold air to the aircraft. Hot or cold liquid is supplied to the outboard heat exchanger from a source at the terminal end of the bridge and extensible supply and return lines convey the hot or cold glycol to or from the outboard heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1987Date of Patent: June 7, 1988Assignee: Air-A-Plane CorporationInventor: Thomas E. Shepheard