Resilient Support Patents (Class 248/560)
  • Publication number: 20080197263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner comprising: a reflector component; means supporting the reflector component for pivoting with respect to the MCR to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; means for enabling the support means to provide controlled pivoting of the reflector component; a magnet component which causes pivoting of the reflector component when actuated; and means for actuating the magnet component to thereby cause pivoting of the reflector component. Also provided is a scanner comprising a reflective prism for providing a circularized scanning beam, a prism carrier and magnet suspension assembly, and flexure means connected to the assembly to enable the prism to controllably pivot: (1) with respect to the MCR axis to provide a scan which is stationary with respect to the OCR; and (2) with respect to a pitch axis orthogonal to the MCR to provide an orthogonal scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicants: INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bradley J. SISSOM, Rodney C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080173783
    Abstract: An automotive transmission mount comprises a top bracket, a bottom bracket and a polyurethane material overmolding to top and bottom brackets. The top bracket is attachable to a tail shaft of a transmission housing. The bottom bracket is attachable to a cross member of a vehicle frame. The polyurethane material includes a lateral relief hole extending therethrough and being oriented parallel to the top bracket. The lateral relief hole is adapted to deform during compression of the resilient material as a result of relative movement of the top bracket toward the bottom bracket to prevent shearing of the polyurethane. The top bracket and bottom brackets are also interlocked to one another to prevent their separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Donald D. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20080142459
    Abstract: A storage rack comprising a storage unit housing defining at least one aperture extending longitudinally between a forward end and a rearward end. A shock dampener is positioned along an inner surface of the at least one aperture. A puller assembly may also be positioned in the aperture and includes a longitudinal puller body that supports an engagement member adjacent a rear end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Emerson B. Donnell, Daniel Kelly
  • Publication number: 20080142672
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable computer peripheral having an attachable palm rest to be integrated therein which allows the user to maintain a wrist-neutral position when using the portable computer. The portable computer palm rest comprises a computer friendly adhesive and color selective top layer for custom applications and a value-added method and apparatus that provides a safeguard by delivering an extra layer of comfort and protection between a User and his/her Laptop/Notebook/MacBook Computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Quang Tran
  • Patent number: 7387002
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for a pump of a washing machine. The bracket includes a body adapted to twist lock mount onto the base of the washing machine. The pump is adapted to twist lock mount onto the body of the bracket. The bracket includes one or more dampers to dampen vibrations generated by the pump during operation so as to produce a quiet operating washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Clark, Daryl T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080111047
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a rigid computer mouse pad having a flocked “mousing” surface and a non-slip underside. The non-slip underside can be a second flocked surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: HIGH VOLTAGE GRAPHICS, INC.
    Inventor: Louis Brown Abrams
  • Patent number: 7370841
    Abstract: The crisscross fulcrum according to the present invention is formed as a continuous member by fabricating one elastic member in the form of a plate. Therefore, the rocking fulcrum member can be obtained as a precise fulcrum member at a low cost with reduced variations in the spring characteristic and can be easily assembled. Additionally, in the present invention, it is preferable that a heat treatment should be performed on the crisscross spring formed by fabricating the one elastic member in the form of a plate. By the heat treatment performed after fabricating for forming the crisscross spring, the spring characteristic is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignees: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd., Tosei Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Nozomi Takai
  • Patent number: 7362488
    Abstract: The tiltable-body apparatus including a frame member, a tiltable body, and a pair of torsion springs having a twisting longitudinal axis. The torsion springs are disposed along the twisting longitudinal axis opposingly with the tiltable body being interposed, support the tiltable body flexibly and rotatably about the twisting longitudinal axis relative to the frame member, and include a plurality of planar portions, compliant directions of which intersect each other when viewed along a direction of the twisting longitudinal axis. A center of gravity of the tiltable body is positioned on the twisting longitudinal axis of the torsion springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Yasuda, Hidemasa Mizutani, Takayuki Yagi, Yasuhiro Shimada, Futoshi Hirose, Takahisa Kato
  • Publication number: 20080078918
    Abstract: The present invention includes a vibration damping device that has a support for resiliently supporting a fuel pump within a fuel tank via an attaching member. A contact member(s) is disposed between two members that can move relative to each other when the support resiliently deforms, so that the relative movement between two members can be limited by the contact of the contact member with one of the two members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuhito FUJIWARA, Takayuki USUI
  • Publication number: 20080073983
    Abstract: A resilient motor mounting system for use with electric motors including a resilient motor mount including at least two resilient vanes moveable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein each vane including a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end rigidly attached to the motor, wherein each vane projecting radially away from the motor such that the free end for resiliently biased against a mounting surface thereby securely holding the motor in a desired stationary position. Each vane preferably defining a curved shape such that the radius of curvature is increased to urge the vane into the collapsed position and the radius of curvature is decreased as the vane is released into the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: DEZI KRAJCIR
  • Publication number: 20080067777
    Abstract: The wheelchair comprises a seat and two main wheels connected by an axle. A support device, comprising an exchangeable intermediate element consisting of an elastomer element located in the lacuna provided by the spiral turns of a spring, is detachably fixed at one of its end to a chassis of the seat and at its other end to the axle through a center part attached to the middle part of the axle. The center part is arranged to receive the rear ends of the two left and right main frame tubes of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Dauw, Rainer Kuschall, Simon Watterton, Erich Glanzmann, Thomas Markus Kohler, Romain de Jonckheere
  • Publication number: 20080061212
    Abstract: A tank apparatus for use with transporting cylindrical shaped containers comprising a main body sheet like material configured to attach to at least a portion of a tank's outer diameter and a pair of stops incorporated with the main body to prevent movement of the tank or container like object. Many features and variations of the apparatus are disclosed to provide added convenience and adapt to various fields of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Carl J. Conforti, Wayne Edward Shea
  • Publication number: 20080042018
    Abstract: Pipe shoe can include pipe retained by clamp attached to top plate. Acoustic isolation block is disposed for compression between top plate and bottom plate. Top plate is retained to bottom plate by stud(s) and nut(s). Flexible peripheral seal is disposed around acoustic isolation block between top and bottom plates. Pipe shoe can include thermal insulation and/or protective covering over any portion of pipe shoe and/or hot pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Pothanikat, Edward Earl Schauseil
  • Publication number: 20080017779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an individual support device (5) for a container provided with a neck (6), capable of supporting said container by its neck (6), comprising a support member (4) which is capable of being engaged inside the neck (6) of the container and which comprises support elements (7) which are elastically retractable in the radial direction and capable of bearing with friction against the internal wall of said neck (6), characterized in that the support member (4) comprises: a substantially axisymmetric cylindrical base (8) comprising a peripheral channel (9) defined between a central core (10) and an external wall (11) forming a skirt surrounding said core (10) at a radial distance and perforated by at least one row of apertures (12) of circular contour, a plurality of balls (13) forming the aforementioned support elements (7), of equal number to that of the apertures (12) and arranged in at least one row in said channel (9), being located opposite respective apertures (12), the balls
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Christophe Lapert
  • Publication number: 20080001055
    Abstract: A support for a vibrating component of an optical assembly that is adjacent to a frame includes an elastomeric rod having one end that is attachable to the component. A rigid sleeve is fastened to the frame and movable relative to the frame. The sleeve has a bore that opens to an inner end of the sleeve and is sized to receive the free end of the rod therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: HINDS INSTRUMENTS, INC
    Inventor: James C. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 7303185
    Abstract: A damping arrangement or isolator has two terminal members which are connected with each other by a single closed-loop cable band arrangement serving as a damping member. The terminal members each possess at least two eyes to receive the cable strap in the open position of the eyes and means for clamping the cable strap by closing the eyes, said cable strap extending in an alternating fashion from one eye of the one terminal member to an eye in the other terminal member. Accordingly an extremely rapid and simple assembly of the damping arrangement is possible and very even resilient and damping properties are ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sebert Schwingungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Sebert
  • Patent number: 7293755
    Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes two attachment members inter-connected by an elastic member. One of the attachment members comprises a metal tubular member connected to the elastic member, a metal bracket in which the metal tubular member is press-fitted, and a plastic bracket supporting the metal bracket and adapted to be attached to a support body or a vibratory source. The metal bracket has an engagement portion press-fitted with the metal tubular member, and a non-engagement portion offset from the engagement portion in a radial outward direction and held out of press-fitted engagement with the metal tubular member, the non-engagement portion being connected to the plastic bracket with a second elastic member disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyahara, Katsuhisa Yano, Eiji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20070221814
    Abstract: A load bearing assembly includes a molded plastic retainer that supports a load bearing surface over an opening defined by a frame. The molded plastic retainer includes a first portion attached to the frame, a second portion attached to the load bearing surface, and at least one elastic connector integrally molded with the retainer. The elastic connector is oriented such that it includes a crystalline structure having a greater degree of alignment in one direction than in other directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Mark A. Carrier
  • Publication number: 20070187567
    Abstract: A device for vertically displaying diecast model cars including a base and at least one mounting device attached to the base and comprising spring loaded hooks for grippingly engaging the rear wheels of a diecast model car and thereby supporting the diecast model car vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Xsavier Ruane, Rebecca Mac Ruane
  • Patent number: 7254921
    Abstract: A rocking hinge bearing system is provided. The rocking hinge bearing system comprises a first base plate, a second base plate, and a compressible member. A pintle mechanism is required to align the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member and to prevent relative horizontal movement between the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member. A tensioning mechanism inhibits axial separation of the first base plate relative to the second base plate and helps to return the first base plate into its original position relative to the second base plate after rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Lee Osmun, Nien-Yin Chang, Shingchun Trever Wang
  • Patent number: 7223338
    Abstract: The support element (4) is provided with a plurality of connectors (7), (8), (11) which receive corresponding counter-connectors of a blood treatment device. The support element is also predisposed to include a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with the blood treatment device in order to provide an integrated module for blood treatment. An assembly process of the integrated module for blood treatment is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Patent number: 7195217
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for a car shaker vibrator that includes a vibrator mounting member that is pivotally connected by a pivot pin, in a hinged or clevis arrangement, to a wedge member. The wedge member includes the male portion of a Gardner type bracket that is adapted for engaging a mating female portion that is mounted on a railroad car. The vibrator mounting member may be selectively rotated between a first position and a second position. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the first position by a locating pin during the emptying of a railroad car during the selective operation of the car shaker vibrator. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the second position by the locating pin when the dislodgement of the male portion from the female portion is desired together with the selective and subsequent operation the car shaker vibrator. An intermediate position may be provided between the first position and the second position and used when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: 7178795
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle suspension component comprising a support housing having an aperture. A rod is partially disposed within the aperture and displaceable relative to the support housing along a line of travel. A rigid core is fixedly mounted to the rod and moves with the rod. An insulator is disposed about the rigid core between the support housing and the rigid core. The insulator has a number of portions separable from each other and separately placed about the rigid core. The portions each have interlocking sections cooperating with each other to couple the portions together and encapsulate the rigid core such that the rigid core is isolated from the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Huprikar, Nathaniel Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7174244
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is designed such that its equation of motion can be decoupled. Such a suspension system is provided with actuators, and the actuators are optimally controlled to reduce vibration of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeong Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7173747
    Abstract: The tiltable-body apparatus including a frame member, a tiltable body, and a pair of torsion springs having a twisting longitudinal axis. The torsion springs are disposed along the twisting longitudinal-axis opposingly with the tiltable body being interposed, support the tiltable body flexibly and rotatably about the twisting longitudinal axis relative to the frame member, and include a plurality of planar portions, compliant directions of which intersect each other when viewed along a direction of the twisting longitudinal axis. A center of gravity of the tiltable body is positioned on the twisting longitudinal axis of the torsion springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaishi
    Inventors: Susumu Yasuda, Hidemasa Mizutani, Takayuki Yagi, Yasuhiro Shimada, Futoshi Hirose, Takahisa Kato
  • Patent number: 7171940
    Abstract: A heat shield adapted to protect an engine mount is disclosed. The heat shield has a substrate positionable substantially surrounding the engine mount. The substrate has a heat reflecting surface facing outwardly away from the engine mount to block radiant heat transfer to the mount. An attachment member is attached to the substrate. The attachment member is positionable between the engine and the engine mount to fix the substrate in position. The invention further concerns a method including providing a heat shield formed of a flexible substrate, forming the substrate so as to surround the engine mount with the heat reflecting surface facing outwardly from the engine mount and attaching the substrate to the engine mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Rubel, Jr., Richard Paoline, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7156214
    Abstract: Vibration damper includes a cylinder filled with a damping medium in which a piston rod with a piston is guided in an axially movable manner, wherein the piston divides the cylinder into a work space on the piston rod side and a work space remote of the piston rod. A bypass connects at least one of the two work spaces with a first work chamber in a housing in which an axially movable separating piston separates the first work chamber from a second work chamber, the bypass being controlled by a switchable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Sacha AG
    Inventors: Robert Pradel, Helmut Baalmann
  • Patent number: 7143986
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for reducing or eliminating the vibration in an object to allow for easier and more accurate operation of the object. The stabilizing device includes an object bracket, legs, side arms and front arms. The legs and arms move the vibrations away from the object bracket and the object and eliminate or reduce the vibrations. The legs and arms include a core surrounded by damping material. The damping characteristics of the legs, side arms and front arms can be adjusted by selecting damping material having different damping characteristics depending on the type of object to be used with the stabilizing device and the type of vibrations to be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Delbert L. Austin, Rodney Austin
  • Patent number: 7130187
    Abstract: This invention is directed as “a device of hard disk shock-resistance”, mainly consists of an outer frame, an inner frame, and multiple absorbers. With multiple assembly and tool holes arranged in appropriate position, the absorbers are snapped in-between the assembly holes of the outer and inner frames to create a buffer area which protects hard disk from breaking down in severe shocking environments, while it is still convenient to mount and dismount the hard disk with easy unit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ET&T Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Sun
  • Patent number: 7114693
    Abstract: A stable platform supports a cell, the stable platform comprises a lower mainframe, an upper mainframe, and a dampener system. The upper mainframe includes a plurality of recesses. Each recess is configured to receive a cell. The dampener system connects the lower mainframe to the upper mainframe. In one embodiment, the dampener system comprises a dampener element, such as sand, to dampen vibrations between the lower mainframe and the lower mainframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. K. Olgado, Timothy J. Franklin, Avi Tepman
  • Patent number: 7112749
    Abstract: A compliant interface (14,16) for vehicular seat weight sensors minimizes parasitic stresses affecting sensor output. In one embodiment, an integral compliant interface (14) has an annular flange (14a) attached to a post extending from the sensor body with a first compliant member (14r) disposed between the annular flange and an upper elongated flange (14h) of a mounting bracket (14l) and a second compliant member (14s) disposed between the annular plate and a lower elongated flange (14k) to allow pivotal movement of the sensor limited by a motion stop member (14f) of annular flange (14b) engaging the lower flange. An overload cage (14u) may be placed over the sensor and attached to an additional flange (14l) to contain the sensor in the event of a failure of the mount in a catastrophic high speed crash. According to another preferred embodiment, an interface having upper and lower body members are formed with a sensor post receiving bore (16c) for attachment to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. DiPaola, Peter H. Frackelton, David E. Hyland, Timothy M. McBride, Nathan Smith, Chetak Reshamwala, William S. Boyce, Jonas M. Bautista
  • Patent number: 7070157
    Abstract: A mount assembly for use in an automotive suspension system, body mount, cradle mount, or other like device. The mount assembly includes a polyurethane elastomer carrier mounted to a frame and having a peripheral outer rim. A microcellular polyurethane insulator is coupled to the frame and extends beyond the peripheral outer rim. The polyurethane elastomer of the carrier has a first modulus of elasticity. The microcellular polyurethane of the insulator has a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity of the carrier such that the mount assembly can provide two distinct rates of elasticity, or stiffness, for adequately isolating both low amplitude, high frequency vibrations and high amplitude, low frequency impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Huprikar, Tom St. Henry
  • Patent number: 6966535
    Abstract: A table assembly that includes a snubber coupled to both a table and a vibration isolator. The snubber limits relative movement between the table and vibration isolator so that the isolator can more quickly damp movement by the table. The snubber reduces the settling time of the table when subjected to shock and/or vibration loads. The snubber may include one or more rollers coupled to an elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Vyacheslav M. Ryaboy, Worthington B. Houghton, Jr., Herman B. Keil
  • Patent number: 6945731
    Abstract: A flag assembly includes an elongated and rectilinear shaft having opposed end portions situated adjacent a ground surface. The shaft includes a banner attached to one of the end portions having surface indicia imprinted thereon. A protective cover member is provided with a centrally registered countersunk bore situated therebelow. A frusto-conical spring member having axially opposed first and second end portions is conjoined to another end portion of the shaft and extends downwardly away therefrom along a vertical plane respectively. A bushing having a monolithically formed lower portion provided with a tapered diameter is inwardly offset from a diameter of the shaft. The bushing further has an axially registered upper portion operably conjoined to the spring member and cooperating with the shaft such that the spring member can be resiliently adapted between compressed and equilibrium positions to absorb vertically channeled impact forces encountered during installation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Randy T. Vait
  • Patent number: 6910671
    Abstract: A shock mount assembly is provided, which generally includes a spacer and a thimble. The spacer includes a spacer flange and a spacer tube projecting from the spacer flange. The spacer tube includes an inwardly projecting shoulder having an inner diameter. The thimble includes a metal thimble base having a flange and an internally threaded post projecting from the flange. The threaded post has at least one hole passing through a wall thereof. The thimble also includes a plastic hollow thimble stem. The stem includes at least one hole passing through a wall of the lower portion thereof, the hole having a leg extending inwardly from one of the walls thereof. The leg includes a radially inwardly extending tab sized, shaped and positioned to engage the hole passing through the wall of the threaded post in a snap fitted arrangement when the threaded post is inserted into the stem. The stem also includes projecting from a top end thereof a plurality of fingers spaced about a periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Norkus, Randy Michael Bugnacki
  • Patent number: 6903924
    Abstract: A computer keyboard tray includes a tray body formed from a compressible material and a support member, which provides reinforcement to the tray body. Optionally, the keyboard tray may incorporate an attachment assembly, allowing the keyboard tray to be removably attached to a computer keyboard support mechanism. Preferably, the keyboard tray includes a wrist rest which is monolithically formed with the tray body. In an alternative preferred embodiment, an adjustable wrist rest assembly is attached to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jeff D. Tyner
  • Patent number: 6844495
    Abstract: A substantially flexible post having a hollow tubular inner sheath protruding upwardly from the earth and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the fixture post is connected to an electrical junction box disposed in a subterranean location, the second end portion connected to an electrical fixture attached thereto, such that the electrical conductors pass from the electrical junction box, through the inner sheath portion thus safely communicating electrical energy from the junction box to the fixture. Additionally, a spring comprising a coil of wire, wherein the spring surrounds the outer diameter of the sheath portion. The length dimension of the flexible inner sheath portion is longer than the length dimension of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Darrell Pastuch
  • Patent number: 6831765
    Abstract: The tiltable-body apparatus including a frame member, a tiltable body, and a pair of torsion springs having a twisting longitudinal axis. The torsion springs are disposed along the twisting longitudinal axis opposingly with the tiltable body being interposed, support the tiltable body flexibly and rotatably about the twisting longitudinal axis relative to the frame member, and include a plurality of planar portions, compliant directions of which intersect each other when viewed along a direction of the twisting longitudinal axis. A center of gravity of the tiltable body is positioned on the twisting longitudinal axis of the torsion springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Yasuda, Hidemasa Mizutani, Takayuki Yagi, Yasuhiro Shimada, Futoshi Hirose, Takahisa Kato
  • Publication number: 20040226687
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a heat accumulation tank is provided with an elastic member that wraps around a tank main body, and a heat accumulation tank mounting member which wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and holds the tank main body by being tightened in the circumferential direction, and which attaches to a receiving member. The elastic member is a molded part. The length of the elastic member is shorter than length of the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the tank main body. The heat accumulation tank mounting member includes a shift inhibiting portion which inhibits an upward shift of the tank main body. The outside diameter of the tank main body becomes increasingly wider in the upward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shigetaka Yoshikawa, Yoshikazu Shinpo, Katuhiko Arisawa, Isao Goto, Masaaki Iinuma, Toshio Morikawa, Takashi Toyoshima, Yoshio Miyata
  • Patent number: 6816379
    Abstract: The external storage device unit of the present invention comprises a cover for blocking an opening of a main body casing for storing an external storage device. Connectors for a storage device side connected to external connection connectors of the external storage device, and a connector for a main body side connected to a main body connector for a cover side arranged within the main body casing are arranged in a cover main body. The connectors for the storage device side and the connector for the main body side are electrically connected to each other. Signals are transmitted and received between the external storage device and a game machine main body through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Kutaragi, Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6813148
    Abstract: A drive bracket assembly includes a bracket (30) for receiving a disk drive (70) therein, an operating member (40) and a cover (60). The bracket includes first and second side panels (31), a pair of slots (36) is defined in the first and second side panels respectively, for slidably receiving respective screws (80) of the disk drive. An upper hook (34) is outwardly formed on the first side panel. A lower hook (48) is outwardly formed on the operating member. A spring (50) is engaged with the upper hook and the lower hook respectively. The operating member includes a concavity (49) adjoining the slot of the first side panel, for securely receiving one rear screw of the disk drive thereby the disk drive is securely retained in the bracket. The disk drive is withdrawn from the bracket by pressing the operating member to disengage said screw from the concavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Lin Hsu, Li-Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20040200946
    Abstract: Vibration damper includes a cylinder filled with a damping medium in which a piston rod with a piston is guided in an axially movable manner, wherein the piston divides the cylinder into a work space on the piston rod side and a work space remote of the piston rod. A bypass connects at least one of the two work spaces with a first work chamber in a housing in which an axially movable separating piston separates the first work chamber from a second work chamber, the bypass being controlled by a switchable valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Robert Pradel, Helmut Baalmann
  • Publication number: 20040159995
    Abstract: A suspension assembly comprises four springs spaced at four distinct locations. A first plate extends to support each of the springs at each location. An axle is connected to the first plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory D. Pavuk
  • Publication number: 20040140415
    Abstract: Devices are disclosed for attenuating vibration transmission between a first mass and a second mass. An embodiment includes a housing defining a chamber configured to be pressurized with a fluid, at least one first pivot element coupled to the housing and the first mass, and at least one second pivot element coupled to the housing and the second mass. Lateral motion of the second mass relative to the first mass results in movement of the housing. Each of the pivot elements can be a diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas C. Watson
  • Publication number: 20040124572
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for absorbing impact energy to a vehicle. The system provides first and second blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing members, each of the energy absorbing member having opposing first wall and a second walls, at least one rib disposed within each energy absorbing member, that rib being integrally molded from at least the first wall. Also provided is a joint whereby the rib attaches to the second wall such that the first and second energy absorbing members absorb an impact energy. The first and second energy absorbing members are aligned such that the impact energy is distributed between the energy absorbing members and is absorbed by the energy absorbing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Teruo Tamada, Hiroo Inui, Kiyotaka Urakawa, Kenji Ishii, Tadatoshi Tanji
  • Patent number: 6751092
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus mounted with a disk unit, and a vibration and/or shock absorbing member which absorbs vibration and/or shock is provided between the disk unit and a lid member which covers a disk unit accommodating part provided in a housing of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masuo Ohnishi, Toyokazu Hamaguchi, Hiroshi Mutoh
  • Patent number: 6739347
    Abstract: The spindle assembly is self-centered on the end of the cylindrically shaped cartridge filter by a three-point grip on the perimeter. A similar spindle assembly is attached to the other end of the cartridge filter such that its axis of rotation is the same as the axis of rotation for the first spindle assembly. The tip of one spindle assembly is rested on the ground while the tip of the other spindle assembly is held by a user's hand. A pressurized stream of air or water is directed at the cartridge filter with the user's other hand such that the stream causes the whole to rotate. The speed of rotation is brought high enough to fling debris from the filter and thus clean it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Spin Clean Products, LLC
    Inventors: David Edmond Dudley, Joseph D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6739776
    Abstract: A flexible guide for paper sheets exiting the outlet slot of office equipment. The flexible paper guide is easily attachable to a variety of office equipment, which, ordinarily, do not have sheet paper guides. After being attached to the desired office equipment surface, the flexible guide extends over a roll of unprinted material keeping the unused material clean and preventing the printed material from re-coiling and re-entering the material inlet slot. The flexible paper guide has an attachment layer for fastening the guide to the upper surface of the desired office equipment, and is made from a flexible material. The flexible material causes the flexible and tensioned guide to bend, which produces a low angle between the plane of the flexible material guide and the plane of the upper surface of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Victor H. Hinson
  • Publication number: 20040046099
    Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure (33) having a first mounting member (51) for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member (52) elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body includes at least one projection (66) protruding from a flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) toward the vehicle body and located at a position offset from a line connecting centers of attachment holes (64, 64) of the flange to ensure that the flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) and the vehicle body are forced together via the projection (66).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyahara, Shuji Otake, Nobuo Kubo
  • Patent number: 6676769
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a torch for a vertical furnace used in semiconductor processing are disclosed. The apparatus is constructed by two main components of a basket-shaped fixture body and a cleaning bath. The fixture body is formed of cylindrical shape with a top ring, a bottom ring and three support rods connecting the two rings together. The top ring is provided with an outwardly extending flange portion for engaging an opening in a cleaning bath for supporting and suspending the fixture body in the bath. The bottom ring is equipped with a pair of symmetrically positioned, inwardly extending arcuate-shaped flange portions adapted for supporting an edge of a bottom surface of the furnace torch in the cleaning bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: June-Yie Kao, Yie-Min Wu, Ming-Hsun Yang, Chii-Shing Yang