Material Stored In Loops Or Variable-size Coils Patents (Class 242/388.9)
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Patent number: 11529879Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle rapid charger equipped with a sensor for controlling an automatic pull-out of a charging cable. The electric vehicle rapid charger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body including a connector holder provided on one side of the main body and a cable connection part provided at a first predetermined height; a cable inlet/outlet part including a plurality of rotating rollers and fixedly coupled to the main body at a second predetermined height; a charging cable having a leading end portion in which a connector connected to a connection inlet of an electric vehicle is provided, a rear end portion fixedly coupled to the cable connection part, and an intermediate portion coupled to the cable inlet/outlet part to be inserted between the plurality of rotating rollers; and a control part configured to control a driving of the cable inlet/outlet part according to a charging request signal or a charging stop signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: KLINELEX CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyo Young Lee, Seog Bae Heo, Jong Won Lim
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Patent number: 11401132Abstract: A cord management system for a cabinet or other similar furniture, appliances, or other applications include a conduit. A cord management weight is disposed within the conduit. The cord management weight includes a cord receiving portion and a weight locking feature. The cord receiving portion is configured to receive a portion of an electrical cord of an electronic device. The weight locking feature is configured to selectively prevent translational movement of the cord management weight within the conduit. The cord management weight is configured to be selectively retracted into the conduit and locked into position within the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Andrew L. Smith, Billy Jack Ahola, Alexander V. LeTourneau, Scott R. Krebs, Lawrence E. Duwell, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Peter William Swart
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Patent number: 11332024Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a vehicle charger system, configured to reduce drain current in a connector proximity detection circuit when a charge connector is inserted in a charge socket and a charge cycle is terminated. The circuit arrangement includes a resistor and a switch connected in parallel and arranged in the proximity detection circuit. The switch is configured to be opened when a charge cycle has started, and the switch is adapted to remain open when the charge cycle has terminated and the charge connector remains in the charge socket.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventor: Tapas Anjan Sarangi
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Patent number: 10766736Abstract: A cable retractor enclosure having a weighted cable pulley and cable pulley guide rails. The cable pulley is rotatable about a pivot and configured to translate along said grooves when a cable wrapped underneath is extracted from the cable retractor enclosure. The cable extends outside of the retractor enclosure from its upper end and provides a cable end plug that sits within a retractor module insert. Weights may be attached to the cable pulley in order to leverage gravitational forces, which result in a bias causing the cable to retract back into the enclosure. Friction forces against the extracted cable can be used to prevent the gravitational bias the cable pulley exerts (retraction forces) on the cable by bending the cable to lay flat onto a table surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Kriss Replogle, William Miranda, Albert Pedoeem
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Patent number: 10772223Abstract: A cable retractor enclosure having a weighted cable pulley and cable pulley guide rails. The cable pulley is rotatable about a pivot and configured to translate along grooves when a cable wrapped underneath is extracted from the cable retractor enclosure. The cable extends outside of the retractor enclosure from its upper end and provides a cable end plug that sits within a retractor module insert. Weights may be attached to the cable pulley in order to leverage gravitational forces, which result in a bias causing the cable to retract back into the enclosure. Friction forces against the extracted cable can be used to prevent the gravitational bias the cable pulley exerts (retraction forces) on the cable by bending the cable to lay flat onto a table surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Albert Pedoeem, Kriss Replogle
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Patent number: 10252630Abstract: A retractable cable or hose station can include a guide with a first pulley fixed with respect to a longitudinally extending track. The retractable cable or hose station can also include a trolley configured to travel along the track, where the trolley has at least a second pulley to be positioned in a line with the first pulley generally parallel to the longitudinally extending track. The retractable cable or hose station can also include a flexible cable or hose configured to be looped around the first pulley and the second pulley so that the trolley can be pulled toward the first pulley when a free end of the flexible cable or hose is pulled away from the first pulley. The retractable cable or hose station can include a biasing mechanism for biasing the trolley away from the first pulley to tighten and retract the flexible cable or hose.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Conductix, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin B. Hiebenthal, Martin Blair, Roger Thorpe
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Patent number: 10092473Abstract: A dental chair is provided including a chair assembly comprising a backrest, a seat, and a base; and at least one set of utility ports disposed on the chair, adjacent to the seat, each port having a quick release fitting for receiving a flexible conduit connected to a hand piece.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Bio-Dent, Inc.Inventor: Sargon Lazarof
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Patent number: 10059211Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment includes EVSE control electronics, an EV connector and an HMI circuit, the HMI circuit including a proximity input terminal configured to receive a proximity signal from an EV connector indicating a state of a handle button of the EV connector, a ground terminal, a current source input coupled between the proximity input terminal and the ground terminal, a comparator connected between the proximity input terminal and the ground terminal to provide an output representing a state of the handle button when the current source is activated by the control input and an output terminal to which the output of the comparator is connected, the output terminal being connected to the EVSE control electronics, wherein the state of the handle button is utilized as an input to the HMI circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Matthew L. White, Konstantin A. Filippenko
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Patent number: 10044197Abstract: A portable power source includes a housing and a battery receptacle supported by the housing. The battery receptacle is configured to receive a battery. The portable power source also includes a first power tool battery pack port that is configured to receive a first power tool battery pack. The portable power source further includes a charging circuit coupled to the battery receptacle and the power tool battery pack, and an inverter. The charging circuit is configured to receive power from the battery receptacle and to provide power to the power tool battery pack port. The inverter includes a DC input coupled to the battery receptacle, inverter circuitry, and an AC output. The inverter circuitry is configured to receive power from the battery receptacle via the DC input, invert DC power received from the battery receptacle to AC power, and provide the AC power to the AC output.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Fry, Kyle Harvey
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Patent number: 9914392Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a dolly attached to opposing ends of a first and second trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the dolly, the first trailer, and the second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cross Road Centers, LLCInventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
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Patent number: 9475673Abstract: A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to dampen the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna, Dana Arose
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Patent number: 9434574Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is configured to be mountable to a cable access enclosure in a plurality of orientations.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Soper, Craig Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 9056744Abstract: A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The mechanism further includes a solenoid that is activated locally or remotely by a switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Patent number: 9004247Abstract: A mobile power pack includes a cover over a guide track which includes first, second, third, and fourth turning points. A sliding block defines a sliding groove to receive a ball, and the slotted ball interacts with the guide track. An elastic element is connected to the sliding block. When a cable is pulled out, the sliding block slides from the first turning point to the second turning point. When the pull on the cable is released, the elastic element restores to cause the sliding block to move until the ball reaches the third turning point, to lock the cable in position. When the cable is pulled and released, the sliding block slides until the ball reaches the fourth turning point, allowing the cable to be retracted into the body of the power pack.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.Inventor: Man-Zhong Wang
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Patent number: 8899507Abstract: A conduit reservoir for intake of an electrical or optical cable or of a hose or other conduit to conduct or transmit at least either a fluid, a signal or electric current includes a carrier that can rotate about a predetermined rotation axis, conduit devices on the carrier and a conduit path defined by the conduit devices and having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, such that the conduit path is defined by the conduit devices in such a way that a conduit originally inserted in the second portion of the conduit path, upon a rotation of the carrier in a first rotation direction about the rotation axis, is simultaneously inserted in the first portion and in the third portion (31) of the conduit path. The conduit devices are configured to permit a movement of a conduit along the conduit path.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Omid Abri, Svenia Karge, Julian Verkin
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Publication number: 20140319263Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is configured to be mountable to a cable access enclosure in a plurality of orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: MATTHEW SOPER, CRAIG FITZPATRICK
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Publication number: 20140246534Abstract: A housing device 10 includes a movable pulley unit 20 and a movable pulley holding mechanism. The movable pulley unit 20 is provided so as to be movable relative to the housing 12 in an up-down direction, and is movable among a first position at which a long object is housed within the housing, and a second position at which the long object is pulled out from the housing. Whereas the long object is pulled out from the housing when the movable pulley unit 20 moves upward, the long object is housed in the housing when the movable pulley unit moves downward. Between the first position and the second position, the movable pulley holding mechanism switches between a state where the movable pulley is movable downward and a state where the movable pulley is immovable downward.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akehito Sugiura, Masakazu Ichihara
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Publication number: 20140224914Abstract: A housing device 10 includes a movable pulley 20, (first weights 18), and a guide mechanism. The movable pulley is movable among a first position at which the long object is housed within a housing 12, a second position at which the long object is pulled out from the housing, and a third position which is set between the first position and the second position. The long object is pulled out from the housing when the movable pulley 20 moves upward, and the long object is housed in the housing when the movable pulley moves downward. The first weights 18 are separated from the movable pulley when the movable pulley moves between the first position and the third position, and moves together with the movable pulley when the movable pulley moves between the third position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akehito Sugiura, Takashi Tomoto
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Patent number: 8740127Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, several of the parts are separable to facilitate installation or replacement of a cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Soper, Craig Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 8731362Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing one or more flexible lines such as optical fibers, wherein each fiber has two fixed ends. Optical fibers are arranged in a curved figure-eight pattern lying in three-dimensions on the exterior curved winding surface of a tubular shell. The configuration is guided by winding tracks on either exterior side of shell. The curvatures of the shell and winding tracks are such that the bend of the managed fibers is everywhere equal to or greater than the fiber minimum bend radius.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.Inventor: James Cairns
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Patent number: 8657224Abstract: A retractor for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Publication number: 20130264409Abstract: A retractor for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Patent number: 8469305Abstract: A retractor for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The retractor further includes a cable system that is coupled to a slot formed on the second frame end and configured to provide a substantially consistent retraction speed of the cord.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Patent number: 8469304Abstract: A system for storing multiple cord retractors comprises at least one cord retractor. Each retractor includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cable is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cable section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The system further includes a bracket and a pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Patent number: 8469303Abstract: A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The mechanism further includes a solenoid that is activated locally or remotely by a switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Michael Campagna
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Publication number: 20120247994Abstract: A retractor coil lanyard device for mounting in a pouch of a tool pouch for hand tools includes a tubular housing having a first housing end and a second housing end and a resiliently extensible and retractable coil disposed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing has a predefined length where, when placed within a tool pocket of a tool belt pouch, the first housing end is adjacent a bottom of the tool pocket and the second housing end is adjacent a top of the tool pocket. The coil has a coil body, a first coil end and a second coil end. The coil body is formed from a cord having a predefined diameter where the cord is formed into a helix. The first coil end is retained at the first housing end and the second coil end extends a predefined distance beyond the second housing end and is configured for attaching to a hand tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
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Publication number: 20120048983Abstract: An electric charging system for charging electric vehicles is particularly adapted for use in a parking garage. Parking spaces in the garage are fixed with a charging station so that the vehicles may be charged while they park at the garage. The power cable which connects to charge the vehicle battery is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. Information concerning the power charge is automatically transmitted to the payment station at the exit gate. A point of sale (POS) module is mounted for communication with the power cable. The point of sale (POS) module and the connector are easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle terminal. A retractor for extending and retracting an overhead power cable employs a drive wheel and a clutch which are electronically controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: James S. Bianco, John Fahy
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Publication number: 20110017858Abstract: A fiber wrap and a method of rotating the fiber wrap without twisting a data cable are disclosed. The fiber wrap includes a sun gear, a sun cylinder coupled to the sun gear, a planetary gear in contact with the sun gear, a planetary cylinder coupled to the planetary gear, an outer housing in contact with the planetary gear, and a data cable coupled to the sun cylinder, the planetary cylinder, and the outer housing. The maximum bend radius of the data cable is determined by the equation: 2 ? ?? ? ? DGD ? c ? wherein ? is optical wavelength and ? ? ? DGD = 0.5 ? C s ? ( r R 2 ) 2 ? ? ? ? L c - 0.5 ? C s ? ( r R 1 ) 2 ? ? ? ? L c wherein Cs is the stress-optics coefficient, c is the speed of light, R1 is the bend radius at the end of the wrap motion, R2 is the bend radius at the start of the wrap motion, r is the radii of the sun cylinder and the planetary cylinder, and ? ? ? L = 10 360 ? 2 ? ? ? ? R 2 .Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Associated Universities, Inc.Inventors: Silversun Sturgis, Nathan Joseph Gomes, Pengbo Shen
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Publication number: 20100237178Abstract: A wiring unit is provided for robots having a rotary joint. This unit includes a wiring case, a slide aid contained in the wiring case, and a flexile printed wiring board for electric wiring. The wiring case includes a cylindrical housing and a reel with a cylindrical core member. The reel is relatively rotatable to the housing. The reel and housing are linked with robot's two members requiring the rotary joint. In the slide aid, an annular rotary plate surrounds the core member and is rotatable about the core member. Plural rollers are provided on the rotary plate and self-rotatable. The wiring board has electrical wires and is connected to the core member and housing and is wound and unwound in radially inside and outside spaces of the rollers via the vacant space by moving on and along the rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATEDInventors: Satoru Nakamura, Kazuyoshi Yanagihara, Naoki Shichida
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Patent number: 7748665Abstract: A manager system for managing peripherals of a sump pump having a base and a manager frame. The base has a predetermined characteristic related a sump holding the sump pump. The manager frame is attached to the base at a predetermined ergonomic location with at least one fastener. The frame has a seat for resting the frame against the base and orienting the frame relative to the base. The frame has at least one fastener engagement surface engaged by the at least one fastener to stably hold the frame in the predetermined ergonomic location on the base. The frame has multiple storage locations adapted for storage of multiple sump pump peripherals on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
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Publication number: 20100108377Abstract: A feeding device includes a case, which includes a body receiving a wire harness with extra length portion and a guide tube projecting from the body, a distal-end protector and an intermediary protector both of which are attached to the wire harness. The intermediary protector is inserted into the guide tube so as to be able to move forward and backward freely, and the distal-end protector is projected out of the guide tube, and a bendable portion of the wire harness is exposedly formed between the distal-end protector and the intermediary protector. A hood along a bending outer surface of the bendable portion is provided at the distal-end protector. The extra length portion of the wire harness is received in the body so as to be formed into a loop shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Tomoyasu Terada, Makoto Nagasaki, Akihito Kouketu
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Publication number: 20100083463Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a suction unit for creating a flow of air and a flexible suction hose having a hose inlet at which air may be drawn into the suction hose. The suction hose leads from the suction unit and includes a first hose portion and a second hose portion having a connection to the first hose portion. The second hose portion includes the hose inlet. The suction unit includes a body that at least partially defines a storage volume in which the first hose portion can be accommodated when the first hose portion is in a contracted condition, and from which the first hose portion can be deployed when required. A first roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a first axis that is fixed with respect to the body. A second roller is positioned within the body and is supported on a second axis. The second axis is movable along an arc. A portion of the arc has a focus point positioned on the same side of the arc as the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventors: Bengt Ivar Anders Ivarsson, Gavin Burnham, Reuben Proud
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Patent number: 7617840Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for dispensing and retrieving a length of hose. A housing contains upper and lower roller guides, a brake drum, a ratchet mechanism and a block and tackle assembly. As the hose is pulled out of the housing the upper roller guides move towards the lower roller guides and energy is stored in the block and tackle mechanism. The break drum and ratchet mechanism prevent the hose from being wound into the housing until the release mechanism is activated. One the release mechanism is activated the hose is wound into the housing by the energy stored in the block and tackle mechanism causing the upper roller guides to move away from the lower roller guides.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventor: Robert A Zinda
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Patent number: 6957668Abstract: A waste water disposal system includes a carousel that is driven to extend and retract a hose that is connected on one end to a dumping station and at a second end to pipes connecting to the black and gray water tanks of an RV.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Inventor: Roderick Highsmith
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Publication number: 20030226927Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification a deployment arrangement for elongated flexible members such as hoses and cables connected between spaced stationary and rotatable components includes two spaced cylinders of different diameter having walls defining an annular path in the space between the components and a support assembly on each component for supplying a flexible member into the annular space between the walls in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the component facing the annular space. Each of the support assemblies includes a guide which limits the bending angle of the flexible member at the location in which it is introduced into the annular space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, David B. Berger, Gregory Machinski
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Publication number: 20030095773Abstract: A device for winding an optical fiber cable comprises a case formed in the shape of a box, having an axle hole at a center portion of an upper surface thereof; an insertion hole provided substantially central portion of an upper surface and both of sidewalls so as to insert the optical fiber cable so that it pass through into the case; and a drum further including; a winding drum for winding the optical fiber cable provided rotatably into the case so that the optical fiber cable can be wound with bend in a condition that it is not harmed for the characteristic of the optical fiber cable; a flange one of formed integrally and fixed to an upper part of the winding drum, having a guide part that guides end portions of the optical fiber cable to the winding drum after the optical fiber cable is inserted into the insertion hole of the case; a pair of guide drums one of formed integrally and fixed to an upper part of the flange through the space, capable of inserting the optical fiber cable therein; and a rotationType: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: Toyokuni Electric Cable Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Ichinari, Syuichi Hagiwara
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Publication number: 20020195514Abstract: A dental tubing and cable retraction apparatus is provided to selectively retract and release dental tubing and cabling from a cabinet when not in use, to a work site when in use. The apparatus comprises a single acting pneumatic cylinder, a cylinder rod, an actuator arm connector, an actuator arm and a pneumatic actuator switch. When the cylinder is disconnected from a source of pneumatic pressure, the cylinder rod is freely moving axially within the cylinder; when the cylinder is actuated by being connected to a source of pneumatic pressure, the cylinder rod is extended from the cylinder. The first end of the actuator arm is pivotally connected to the actuator arm connector at the outer end of the cylinder rod. A guide loop is pivotally attached to the second end of the actuator arm, and the dental tubing or cabling is fed through the guide loop so as to be retracted when the cylinder is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Derik Grammenz
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Patent number: 6484959Abstract: A dental tubing and cable retraction apparatus is provided to selectively retract and release dental tubing and cabling from a cabinet when not in use, to a work site when in use. The apparatus comprises a single acting pneumatic cylinder, a cylinder rod, an actuator arm connector, an actuator arm and a pneumatic actuator switch. When the cylinder is disconnected from a source of pneumatic pressure, the cylinder rod is freely moving axially within the cylinder; when the cylinder is actuated by being connected to a source of pneumatic pressure, the cylinder rod is extended from the cylinder. The first end of the actuator arm is pivotally connected to the actuator arm connector at the outer end of the cylinder rod. A guide loop is pivotally attached to the second end of the actuator arm, and the dental tubing or cabling is fed through the guide loop so as to be retracted when the cylinder is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Derik Grammenz
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Patent number: 6338450Abstract: A cable manager has a support member and a bracket that mounts the support member to a ceiling joist of a golf cart shed. A first pulley wheel attaches to the top end of the support member, and a second pulley wheel attaches to a pulley mounting bracket. A coil spring entrained about the first pulley wheel has one end attached to the pulley mounting bracket and the other end attached to the bottom end of the support member. The second pulley wheel is suspended at a lower elevation than the first pulley wheel and moves down against the force of the spring when the power cable entrained over it is pulled down to connect to a golf cart for recharging. While recharging occurs, the lower pulley is fixed to the support member by attaching its bracket to an S-hook that attaches the spring to the vertical support member. When the power cable is released, the pulley moves up but its upward travel is limited by a cable bracket that captures the power cable and holds it in position for easy retrieval for the next use.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventor: Jerry Schwendinger
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Publication number: 20010052442Abstract: An apparatus (1A) for taking up the slack of a wire harness takes up the slack of a flexible, flat wire harness (4) which is accommodated in a housing (2A) having a second side plate (9) formed in an inclined manner with respect to a first side plate (5), and which is drawn out of the housing (2A). This second side plate (9) is provided in such a manner as to assume a gradual downward gradient from a first opening (7) side toward a second opening (11) side. The wire harness (4) which is inserted through the first opening (7) is partially bonded to the first side plate (5), is once folded back toward the introducing side, i.e., the first opening (7) side, in a state in which the curvature of bending is practically nil. The wire harness (4) is then turned back toward the second opening (11) side in a state of being curved arcuately by the resilient action of the wire harness (4) itself, and is drawn out of the housing (2A) through the second opening (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Masashi Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 6216834Abstract: An upright protection container (10) having an upper hatchway (38) which can be closed by means of a hatch cover (36, 36′, 36″) rotatable about an upper horizontal axis (40), is equipped with a withdrawal device (20, 22, 24) provided with a weight (22) and assigned a cable (12) which, at the free end, has a plug (14) intended to be plugged into e.g. an engine heater's socket (46). The hatch cover (36, 36′, 36″) has a ratchet segment (42) in the form of toothed segment in engagement with a ratchet wheel (28′) with a circumferential toothing and incorporated into a combined cable guide pulley-ratchet wheel unit over a certain pivotal angle area (e.g. 30°) of the total rotation (e.g. 90°) of the hatch cover (36, 36′, 36″), between completely open end position and completely closed, down hanging end position, so that the hatch cover (36, 36′, 36″) is blocked in an open intermediate position (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Knut O. Steinhovden