Variable Effective Diameter Pulley, E.g., Fusee, Etc. Patents (Class 248/572)
  • Patent number: 11090015
    Abstract: In this diagnostic X-ray apparatus (1), a radius of a spiral pulley (63) is set to a radius that differs from a radius of an Archimedes' spiral so that a tensile force of the spring member (61) applied to a second wire rope (67b) and a weight on an X-ray generation unit (50) side applied to a first wire rope (67a) are balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Hayakawa, Hajime Takemoto
  • Patent number: 10980500
    Abstract: The axial direction B of the spindle 64 for supporting the movable pulleys 58 and 59 is arranged at a position rotated about the axis of the shaft relative to the axial direction of the spindle 56. The axial direction B of the spindle 64 is arranged in a state of being inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction A when the movable pulleys 58 and 59 are in the lifted position. This allows the movable pulleys 58 and 59 to be automatically moved to a position at which no stress is applied to the first wire rope 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Takemoto, Toru Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 10939883
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus may include a base column, a mobile column, a sliding component, a supporting arm, a lifting system, and a move-coordination system. The mobile column connected to the base column may be vertically movable relative to the base column. The lifting system may be configured to cause the movement of the mobile column. The sliding component connected to the mobile column may be vertically movable relative to the mobile column. The mobile column and the sliding component may be connected via the move-coordination system, which enables the sliding component and the mobile column to move simultaneously according to a predetermined relative motion relationship. The supporting arm may be connected to the sliding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Tang, Xuegang Zhong
  • Patent number: 10631796
    Abstract: A brake apparatus provided on a body of a medical apparatus, the brake apparatus including: a rail unit; a lever unit configured to rotate with respect to a rotational shaft; an elastic member provided on the lever unit at a first end of the lever unit and configured to provide an elastic force to rotate the lever unit; a wedge provided on a second end opposite to the first end of the lever unit, configured to be inserted into the rail unit according to rotation of the lever unit and configured to apply braking pressure on the rail unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pil Yong Oh, Eun Hye Seo
  • Patent number: 10267451
    Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert William Fluhrer, Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Joseph Funk
  • Patent number: 10161558
    Abstract: A lifting device for holding a display is provided. The lifting device has a slim appearance, wherein a width of a frame of the lifting device is 5-30 mm. The lifting device holds the display on a working surface through a plurality of constant force springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chi Lee, Ko-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 9976699
    Abstract: A load-adjustable display support device includes a support frame having opposite frame top and bottom ends, a sliding unit slidable along the support frame, and a load-adjusting unit disposed between the sliding unit and the support frame and including at least one tension spring and an adjustment member. The at least one tension spring can generate a tension force to bias the sliding unit to move between upper and lower limiting positions, where the sliding unit is proximate to the frame top and bottom ends, respectively. The adjustment member is disposed on the support frame and is operable to move a spring top end of the at least one tension spring along the length of the support frame for adjusting a tension of the at least one tension spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Modernsolid Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 9820566
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Hazzard, Robert William Fluhrer, Peter Segar, John William Theis, Mustafa A. Ergun, Scott Trish
  • Patent number: 9267639
    Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun Christopher Lindblad
  • Patent number: 9222616
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a counterbalancing lift mechanism for raising and lowering an electronic display. The lift mechanism includes a moving bracket in sliding engagement with a support bracket. As the moving bracket moves relative to the support bracket, a spring assembly deflects to provide a force to offset the weight of the load. A transition assembly manages the deflection of the spring assembly relative to movement of the moving bracket such that the necessary range of deflection is shorter than the moving bracket's desired range of travel. The lift mechanism also includes a cam assembly to convert the variable force from the spring assembly to a substantially constant force. In some cases the spring assembly, transition assembly, and cam assembly are all mounted to the moving bracket and move with the display. Methods for positioning an electronic display are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Saeb Asamarai
  • Patent number: 9079268
    Abstract: This invention is improved laser ablation of solid samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), ICP mass spectrometry, or flowing afterglow mass spectrometry. A mirror-with-hole eliminates chromatic aberration in sample viewing and allows rad-hardening for radiation hot cell analysis of nuclear waste. Other attributes facilitate comprehensively rad-hardened laser ablation. Additional improvements include large, homogeneous laser spots, long-focus objective lenses, variable laser path length with built-in re-alignment, variable demagnification ratio, higher powered SMR lasers with larger spots enabling sensitive bulk solids analysis, demountable gravitationally self sealing stack assembly sample ablation cells, and laser ablation sample changers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Fry, Steven K. Hughes, Madeline J. Arnold
  • Patent number: 9046213
    Abstract: A lifting device adapted to bear an object is provided. The lifting device includes a body, a sliding member, an elastic member, an adjusting member and a connecting member. The sliding member is slidably disposed at the body moves along a first axis and stays at any position between a highest position and a lowest position. A first end of the elastic member is disposed at the body. The adjusting member is pivotally disposed at the body and linked up to the elastic member. The connecting member is disposed between the adjusting member and the sliding member. Wherever the sliding member is located, total torques generated by a force provided by the elastic member, gravity of the object and the sliding member, friction forces between the body, the sliding member, the elastic member, a fixed pulley and the connecting member are substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8967560
    Abstract: Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Thiem Wong, Saeb Asamarai, John Cain
  • Patent number: 8757580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a height-adjustable pedestal comprising a height adjustable pedestal platform, a spring device that provides a spring force according to a corresponding spring characteristic, and a lever mechanism that is interconnected between the spring device and the pedestal platform in such a way that the spring force is transferred by the lever mechanism to the pedestal platform in the form of a lifting force that counteracts the weight force of the pedestal platform, in order to facilitate the height-adjustment of the pedestal platform, wherein the lever mechanism is configured such that it at least partially compensates for a variation of the spring force that occurs according to the spring characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Tever Technik GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Andreas Volke, Günther Volke
  • Patent number: 8446309
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) generates an output digital value equivalent to the difference between two analog signal values. The ADC 30 receives a first analog signal level, a second analog signal level and a ramp signal. A counter 32 is operable to count in a single direction. A control stage is arranged to enable the counter 32 based on a comparison 19 of the ramp signal with the first analog signal and the second analog signal. A digital value accumulated by the counter during a period when it is enabled forms the output. The ADC can perform the conversion during a single cycle of the ramp signal. The counter 32 can be loaded with a starting digital value representing an exposure level accumulated during a previous exposure period. Techniques are described for reducing the conversion time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: CMOSIS NV
    Inventor: Jan Bogaerts
  • Patent number: 7828255
    Abstract: A supporting rack having a compensating mechanism includes a rack body, an action force compensating assembly, a transmission element and a supporting plate. The rack body has a base and support arms. The action force compensating assembly is provided in the rack body. The elastic element is firmly connected to the base. One end of the dragging piece is connected to the hooking plate. The rotating piece is provided on a distal end of the support arm. The other end of the dragging piece is connected to the rotating piece. One end of the transmission element is firmly connected to the rotating piece and pivoted on the support arm. Via the above arrangement, an appropriate force can be applied to the supporting plate. When the user intends to adjust the supporting plate, the elastic element can generate an effect for compensating the action force, thereby providing a better operation feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Syncmold Enterprise Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Hui Yen, Chun-Lung Chen, Hung-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7677523
    Abstract: A gravity compensation device partially or completely compensates a force exerted by a basic mass (10) on a balancing device (12) at a first distance from an axis of rotation (13) by using a force generating device, such as spring (14), exerting a counterforce on the balancing device at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance, the second distance, or both are selectable for providing the desired gravity compensation. One or more pulleys with an angle-variable radius may be used. The gravity compensation device does not add substantial mass to the basic mass, and is simple in design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Joep Stokkermans
  • Patent number: 7658359
    Abstract: A force adjustment assembly for use within a telescoping subassembly that includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is supported by the first elongated member for sliding motion along an extension axis, the subassembly further including a force equalizer assembly that includes a strand having first and second ends that are supported by the second and first elongated members, respectively, the adjustment assembly comprising a preloader supported by at least one of the first and second elongated members and supporting at least a portion of the strand, the preloader applying a preload force via the strand when the second elongated member is in a fully extended position and an adjuster for adjusting the preload force applied by the preloader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Jones, Kurt Heidmann, Todd Andres
  • Patent number: 7428855
    Abstract: A system for counterbalancing the gravitation moment on a link when the link is supported at a point. A first spring mechanism balances the link about all axes that pass through the support point. The link can be balanced throughout a large range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene F. Duval
  • Patent number: 6557816
    Abstract: A motor mounting structure having a motor and a mounting portion to which the motor is mounted. When an external force resulting from a load acting in a direction orthogonal to a motor shaft is applied to the shaft, a hardness or configuration of an elastic member disposed between the motor and the mounting portion to which the motor is mounted changes. Alternatively, a configuration of the mounting portion may be changed and the motor mounted such that the motor shaft is parallel to a set target mounting direction. Accordingly, an unbalanced load is not partially applied to a driving force transmission mechanism at the time the motor is rotated, and an excessive load is not placed on the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Futoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5741792
    Abstract: Heterocyclic thrombin inhibitors are provided which have the structure ##STR1## wherein n, R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, G, G.sub.x, R.sup.6 ', Ra, Xa, R.sup.6, Rb, R.sub.3, p, Q, A and R.sup.4 are as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Spencer D. Kimball, Jagabandhu Das, Wan Fang Lau, Steven E. Hall, Wen-Ching Han
  • Patent number: 5037059
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic device with a suspension mechanism for suspending an object in a vertically movable manner, using two suspension wires, which can avoid the shortened durability of the suspension wires, and using windup type springs, which can eliminate possibility for the fall of the suspended object due to the breaking of the windup type springs. The suspension mechanism may includes two suspension wires for holding the suspended object; and single threaded corn pulleys, one for each one of the two suspension wires, for winding the respective suspension wires. The suspension mechanism may also includes a plurality of windup type springs for balancing against gravitational force acting on the suspended object; connection between the plurality of windup type springs such that this connection moves when the plurality of windup type springs are put to be not balanced with respect to each other; and mechanism for preventing the fall of the suspended object by detecting motion of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Asano, Kiyoaki Inoue, Shunichiro Nishigaki
  • Patent number: 4953256
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for negating the force of gravity when moving a display cabinet shelf up or down. The mechanism has a torsion spring counterbalance on a shaft extending the width of the shelf and gears at each end of the shaft which engage travelling rack gears attached beneath each end of the shelf. The shelf includes integral guide rails rolling on four bearings attached to the stationary frame of the cabinet. The use of spiral gears compensates for the spring torque variation and provides constant tangential gear force on the shelf regardless of the vertical position of the shelf. Having gears at each side of the moving shelf joined by a common shaft minimizes side-to-side tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gordon O. Salmela, Michael L. Pizzarella
  • Patent number: 4813064
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging scanner system is provided which includes an arm structure mounted to a support structure for pivotal motion about a substantially horizontal arm axis. A source of radiation directs radiation along a beam path. A detector is mounted on the arm structure in alignment with the beam path and is spaced from the source to accommodate placement of a subject under examination therebetween. During pivotal motion the detector thus moves along an arcuate path which lies in a substantially vertical plane. Means are provided for compensating the gravitational torque experienced about the arm axis during scanning motion. The compensating means includes means for producing a predetermined force and a cam mounted for pivotal motion about a substantially horizontal cam axis which is operatively coupled to the force means for converting the predetermined force to a first torque about the cam axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventors: David Jackson, III, Dale A. Havel
  • Patent number: 4768762
    Abstract: The weight of a pivoted body is counterbalanced by a spring acting on a cam connected to that body to pivot therewith. A band, connected to that spring, attaches to the cam and wraps around the cam. The cam's profile is contoured to produce moment arms of various lengths, through which the force of the spring acts, balancing the variable torque of the weight of the pivoted body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Kurt O. Lund
  • Patent number: 4760622
    Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing mechanism for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing mechanism being movable at an inherently variable of force; a first biasing force transmission, connected intermediately of the window sash and the like and the biasing mechanism, for increasing the effective range of movement of the biasing mechanism; and, a second biasing force transmission connected intermediately of the first biasing force transmission and the biasing mechanism, the second biasing force transmission having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing mechanism, to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force. The biasing mechanism preferably comprises a linearly extensible and contractible spring. In one embodiment, both the first and second biasing force transmissions comprise pulley and cable systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: Henry Rohrman
  • Patent number: 4685648
    Abstract: An apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the movable member in a precision instrument includes a resilient member which is coupled, by way of a non-elastic member, over an eccentric surface of a rotatable member to the movable member. Rotation of the eccentric member causes the resilient member to deform an amount proportional to the eccentricity of the member and a nearly constant counterbalancing force may be applied to the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael H. Dobner, Evan A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4389228
    Abstract: A tensioning device is disclosed for maintaining proper tension of a filter bag assembly. The device includes a rotationally mounted cam, a torsion spring urging the cam to rotate in one direction, and a cable trained around the cam opposing the force exerted by the spring. Due to the shape of the cam, the cable force may be exerted at continuously varying distances from the axis of rotation of the cam. The spring, cam, and cable are arranged such that when the spring exerts a relatively high force on the cam, the cable force is exerted a further distance from the axis than when the cam is in a rotational position such that spring force is relatively low. A substantially constant cable force is accordingly exerted. The device is secured between the filter bag and a supporting structure of a baghouse. Constant tension is maintained even if the bag changes in length as the varying spring force is compensated by the cable acting upon the cam at different points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Carl V. Leunig