Neon Tube Patents (Class 248/50)
  • Patent number: 9899777
    Abstract: A connection arrangement includes a housing having a connecting portion on which at least one housing contact wedge is formed that has a contact surface that is oriented at a wedge angle to an assembly direction, and a connecting body which can he placed on the connecting portion and on which a connecting contact wedge is provided that has a contact surface oriented at the same wedge angle. A plurality of housing contact wedges is provided on the connecting portion of the housing so as to be spaced apart from one another. A groove for receiving the connecting contact wedge is formed between adjacent housing contact wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Wendt
  • Patent number: 9562626
    Abstract: A tubular element bracket comprises at least one central body elongate along a longitudinal axis, comprising a central portion elongate along the longitudinal axis and a support element configured to receive at least one tubular element, the support element being arranged at one end of the central body, referred to as the upper end, and a fixing plate configured to be fixed to a support, notably of an aircraft. The central portion and the support element are formed in one piece. The support element is in the form of an open fixing collar. The bracket comprises a fixing arrangement configured to make it possible to fix the central body manually and autonomously to the fixing plate by its other end, referred to as the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Etienne Gustin, Adrien Pique, Tyron Billington, Luc Michelet
  • Patent number: 7506993
    Abstract: A fluorescent bulb retaining spring (6) comprises a one piece, sheet-metal stamped and bent part, entirely and seamlessly comprised of one material. The retaining spring (6) can be produced especially simply from one rectangular piece of sheet metal of substantially uniform thickness, with all functional parts and functional regions created by cutting out spring tongues and bending them outwardly from the sheet. Connecting legs between a bulb retainer portion (9) and a fastening portion (8) form an annular region which is closed in force-locking fashion by a crimped connection (29, 31, 32), which can be produced in automated fashion as part of the stamping and bending operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Vossloh-Schwabe Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Kain, Hans-Peter Mews
  • Patent number: 7421258
    Abstract: A compact industrial process transmitter is provided having an electronics module that includes a top surface with a plurality of lead attachment points thereon. At least one of the lead attachment points disposed on the top surface of the compact temperature transmitter electronics module includes a upwardly extending external lead attachment clip. In some aspects, a plurality of upwardly extending lead attachment clips as well as lead attachment points that have a lead wire engaging surface that is substantially flush with or raised above the top surface of the compact temperature transmitter electronics module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk W. Bauschke, Hiep Huu Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080048071
    Abstract: This invention is geared towards the manufacturing and secure shipment of neon signage, which has historically used restraining devices that restrict the view of the neon tube after the sign has been installed. This invention uses clear plastic and mating locking devices to create a new neon tube support saddle with mating tube restraint that holds the neon tube securely in place, yet does not restrict the view of the neon light. Such restraint provides a shippable sign that requires no additional handling. The resulting fast and simple sign installation saves both the manufacturer and the installer time and money, and eliminates the need for repetitive movements that cause stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Levi Luehne, Keith Edward LeMere
  • Patent number: 7167219
    Abstract: An illumination module (40) for emitting light beams includes a substrate (20) having a main inner surface (21), a plurality of pairs of holders (30) integrally formed on the surface and a plurality of linear light sources (40). Each holder defines a pair of adjoining slots (32, 33), each slot having a guiding portion (321, 331) and an adjoining retaining portion (322, 332). The retaining portions of each holder elastically hold one end of a corresponding linear light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Chung-Sung Huang, Sheng-Ming Wen
  • Patent number: 6921053
    Abstract: A two-component pivotal cable support includes a stationary clamp and a movable cradle mounted on the clamp for supporting a cable wherein the clamp is detachably connected to a stanchion of a boat. The movable cradle, which is pivotally mounted on the clamp, is formed with a curved, open channel portion that is arcuate in side elevation. This channel portion serves as a holder for supporting equipment, or, in the present example, a cable. The cradle includes an open frame with opposite sides joined by a cross member wherein the center of the cradle is exposed and the channel portion of the cradle is supported by perpendicular support posts. These perpendicular support posts can withstand excessive amounts of cable weight. The support posts join the cradle with the cross member midway between the frame opposite ends. A cylindrical spindle is perpendicular to the cradle and downwardly depends from the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Gordon Heck
  • Patent number: 6913229
    Abstract: A management system for wiring and/or cabling is disclosed. The wire management system comprises a base socket, a cable guide assembly, and a base pivot. The cable guide assembly may include a base member and a guide member that may be removably mounted to the base socket. The base pivot may be received within the base member for removably mounting the cable guide assembly to the base socket. The guide member of the cable guide assembly includes a plurality of vertically orientated ribs that assist in orientating the wiring and/or cabling in a generally vertical direction with respect to a heat emitting device so as to minimize the surface area of the wiring and/or cabling that is exposed to a heat emitting device, thereby minimizing heat buildup within an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Unitrend, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad A. H. Jelinger
  • Patent number: 6752359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for flexibly fastening a thermally stressed component (2), especially in an internal combustion engine, with a fastening member (12) for receiving the component (2). In order ensure both a secure fastening of the component (2) and a compensation of longitudinal expansions of the component (2) it is provided that the fastening member (12) comprises at least one clamp bracket (4), with at least one rollable intermediate member (5) being disposed between the clamp bracket (4) and the component (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Nagenkögl, Ewald Hundsberger, Rudolf Enzendorfer
  • Publication number: 20040000620
    Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Interlock Structures International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Schipani, Richard K. Strayer, Mark Brauer, Walter Croll, Paul Miklautsch, Patrick M. Hamilton, Charles Austen Angell, Jennifer Dianne Astwood, Shaohui Qiu, Lee Powers, Kyle Gudmunson, Brian Clemens, Brett R. Johnson, Charles Graves
  • Patent number: 6346675
    Abstract: A coupling (1) has a coupling receiver (2) and a coupling counterpart (3) connectable with it, which in the coupling position is held in a receiver depression (6) of the coupling receiver. The receiver depression (6) is arranged in a layer stack (4) with at least two layers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e). Proceeding from the flat surface of the layer stack (4) bordering upon the recess depression (6) to the interior of the receiver depression (6), the lateral boundary wall of the recess depression (6) has at least one cutback, which is formed by a receding layer (5a, 5c) or a receding layer area. The coupling counterpart (3) has at least one lateral guide and/or locking projection (9a, 9b), which engages into a cutback (8a, 8b) of the component (2) in the coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Micronas GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Igel, Hans-Jürgen Gahle, Mirko Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6082697
    Abstract: A soccer goal anchor device used for securing a soccer goal in place and a method for installing the anchor device. The anchor device is used for engaging a portion of a soccer goal frame and securing the frame on top of a ground surface. The anchor device can also be used with other types of goals used on a playing field and other outdoor portable equipment. Also, the anchor device prevents the soccer goal frame from pivoting and falling onto a ground surface or the frame from being moved on the ground surface. The anchor device includes an auger for screwing into the ground surface. An upper end of the anchor device includes a clevis. The clevis is dimensioned to conform to different annular and angular cross-sections of goal frames for a snug and secure fit therearound. The clevis includes two upwardly extending flanges for receiving a portion of the soccer goal frame therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dan J. Grunfeld
  • Patent number: 5797675
    Abstract: An improved tubular bulb supporting clip is disclosed. This clip allows for multiple modes of movement between the bulb supporting portion and the stationary stem of the clip. This structure allows for proper support of the tubular bulb even if the bulb has imperfections therein or the clips are not precisely positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products Corp.
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5575558
    Abstract: A miniature discharge lamp tube holder having clamp, and stake is disclosed. The miniature discharge lamp tube holder snaps to the mid section of a small diameter discharge lamp, and has a stake end that may be inserted into a formed hole in the lamp housing, or may be pressed directly, or with the help of heat, into the body of the lamp housing to thereby securely couple to the lamp housing, and securely clam to the lamp housing. The one piece support is easily installed, and still accurately holds the lamp. The support allows easy insertion and removal of the lamp, acts to dampen lamp vibration, and allows the tube to slide axially during thermal expansion and contraction. The support also minimizes the dark spot caused while holding the lamp, and minimally interferes with projected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Robert J. Schmitt, Jr., Frank P. Kace, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5503353
    Abstract: The anchor comprises a tubular plastic post having an abutment at one end and a mounting element at the other end. In the post is a pair of deflectable integral tabs that are substantially parallel. Each tab has a shoulder. A spring is disposed in the base between the abutment and the shoulders. The spring is inserted by deflecting the tabs outwardly until the spring passes the shoulders, whereupon the tabs snap back to a position precluding retrograde movement of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Adler-Norco, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard G. Degand
  • Patent number: 5464178
    Abstract: A tubular plastic body of a neon tubing support has a bore terminating in a lower opening and in an opposite internally shouldered upper opening. A helical spring is installed in the bore through the lower opening and retained by a plug in the lower opening at one end of the bore and by the shoulder at the other end. A stem unit includes a shaft having a tubing engaging element on one end, and extends into the bore coaxially with the spring and terminates in an integral bulbous portion. The bulbous portion is axially slotted to define legs which can flex toward each other for clearing through the undersized top opening in the body. The bulbous portion has a shoulder and passes axially through the spring to compress some of the convolutions for developing a force causing the shoulder to engage with the convolutions intermediate of the ends of the spring to create a bidirectionally resilient neon tubing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold M. Grinwald, Glen R. Blok
  • Patent number: 5257762
    Abstract: A unitary helical coil spring assembly is inserted in a tubular body to form a neon tube support. The assembly is molded of plastic using a mold comprised of two planar blocks in each of which there are a series of axially spaced apart recesses configured to form half convolutions of a spring and there are projections having rounded ends projecting from between half convolution recesses on each mold block which interdigitate and project into the half convolution recesses in the opposite mold block when the planar surfaces are interfaced so the rounded ends cooperate to form a circular inside diameter of the spring when plastic is injected in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Trame, Mark A. Fredricks
  • Patent number: 5108054
    Abstract: A tube anchor for supporting a neon tube or the like comprises a base, a spring disposed in the base and a stem secured in the base and surrounded by the spring. The stem includes a shaft, a saddle at one end for snappingly receiving a neon tube, and a pair of legs at the other end. The legs are resiliently carried by the shaft so that they can pass through a reduced diameter portion located at the middle of the spring. A barb is resiliently carried by each of the legs. The barbs preclude removal of the stem from the base after the stem is secured in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Adler-Norco, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard G. Degand
  • Patent number: 5072351
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention clamping device comprising a clamp made of resilient metal having a pivot portion inserted into a hole on a glass tube support and a clamp portion generally adapted to the size and shape of part of the outer circumference of a glass neon tube. Another embodiment of the present invention comprising a first member mounted to a glass tube support without a hole and a second member attached to the first member and also having a clamp portion generally adapted to the size and shape of part of the outer circumference of a glass neon tube. The clamp portion of the different embodiments of the present invention can be rotated about a longitudinal axis parallel to the glass neon tube and clamped onto part of the outer circumference of the glass neon tube to securely retain the glass neon tube onto the glass tube support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Robert F. Lane
  • Patent number: 5058838
    Abstract: A supporting assembly for energized tubing includes an elevated post joined to pairs of oppositely facing and laterally spaced apart upper and lower generally C-shaped clamp arms at its top end and to a base at its bottom end. A retainer member is connected to the base and includes a latch element engageable with catch elements on the base and which serve to both limit angular displacement of the base, post and clamp arms while temporarily alternately locking them in either an open or closed position. In the open position, a cable may be inserted between the spaced apart lower clamp arms and a larger diameter portion of tubing inserted between the spaced apart upper clamp arms. Thence, by angularly displacing the post and arms substantially 90 degrees, the pairs of clamp arms are moved into firm engagement with the tubing while captivating the cable therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventors: David C. Velke, Sr., George P. Marsden, Burton C. Leffingwell
  • Patent number: 4997147
    Abstract: A supporting assembly for energized tubing includes an elevated body having a top post section to which is mounted a rotary head having a clamp member base defining a longitudinal axis. A pair of lock arms project upwardly and are axially spaced apart to form a clearance therebetween which extends transversely of the base longitudinal axis. Position control elements on the head and elevated body cooperate to restrict arcuate displacement of the head to and between locked and unlocked positions disposed substantially 90 degrees apart. In the unlocked position, a tubing length may be inserted in the transverse clearance between the lock arms, following which, turning the head approximately a quarter turn swings the lock arms into engagement with the tubing with the position control elements serving to maintain an arcuate biasing force upon the head and lock arms in order to accommodate tubing of various diameters in a positive gripping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventors: David C. Velke, Sr., George P. Marsden, Burton C. Leffingwell
  • Patent number: 4842535
    Abstract: A connector for discharge electrodes of luminous gas tubes includes an insulative barrel receiving a power cable at one end for attachment to a fixed end of a resilient contact member. The opposite end of the barrel is open and threaded, to receive the crimped and headed tip of a gas tube having electrode conductors projecting therefrom. A lock element is applied to the crimped portion of the gas tube end and is axially captured thereon so that following insertion of the tube tip and lock element into the barrel open end, a cap surrounding the gas tube engages the threads of the barrel to radially and axially retain the tube tip within the barrel interior with its electrode conductors firmly biased against a displaceable end of the resilient contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: David C. Velke, Sr., George P. Marsden, Burton C. Leffingwell
  • Patent number: 4666109
    Abstract: An assembly for adjustably supporting a luminous tube of a neon sign comprising a clamp post having a C-shaped end portion for frictionally engaging and retaining an outer surface of a luminous tube therein, a tubular column telescopically receiving the clamp post into one end thereof for movement along the longitudinal axis of the column, a ball-shaped portion on the other end of the column engageable in a semi-spherical socket of a base for positional adjustment of the column and clamp post within a 360.degree. circle of movement, and means on the base for frictionally gripping a support member to provide positional adjustable support of a luminous tube in spaced relation therefrom. The clamp post, tubular column, and base are preferably formed of molded plastic and engage in snap-fit relation. Spring means are provided in the tubular column to bias the clamp post against movement along the longitudinal axis of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Draft Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Fallon, Jerry W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4464648
    Abstract: Visual displays for aircraft parking, particularly a composite signal light display having red, yellow and green lights and an adjacent parking light display for signalling aircraft alignment or misalignment with respect to an aircraft terminal passenger ramp of "gate". The parking light display includes linearly separated green and red neon tubes. The display includes an opaque background panel which is secured upon an air terminal exterior, so as to support simultaneously the red, yellow and green signal lights in vertical orientation and the linearly separated green and red neon tubes in vertical parallel with the signal lights. Misalignment of the aircraft with respect to the terminal gate is visualized by the pilot as the green neon tube being laterally displaced to left or right of the red neon tube. A hand held override switch is provided, such that the ground personnel may activate the red, yellow or green signal lights, so as to signal aircraft advance or stopping, as the gate is approached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Delta Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecil B. Smith, Finis E. Fox
  • Patent number: 4395619
    Abstract: A hair dryer having a quartz glass tube heater to produce radiant heat has a shock mount sub-assembly to resist breakage of the tube when the hairdryer is subjected to drop tests or other selected concussions. The shock mounts include spring members which are flexible and resilient relative to the housing and furthermore have resilient engagement with the tube to allow slight but controlled movement of the tube without breakage regardless of the direction of impact or orientation of the hairdryer when dropped. An internal blower for creating an air flow through this quartz tube heater hairdryer may be included as a safety feature to prevent overheating and to provide nominal air flow for conventional type drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Yamada Electric Industries, Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Harigai