Helical Spring Patents (Class 248/623)
  • Patent number: 10345122
    Abstract: A mechanical force gauge assembly includes a bracket, a housing, a hand member, a spring, a first ring, and a plunger. The bracket is for mounting to a vehicle frame. The housing is mounted to the bracket and defines a cavity and a housing cutout. The hand member is sized for disposal and translation within the cavity and defines an extension sized to extend through the housing cutout. The spring is disposed within the housing to bias movement of the hand member. The first ring is external to the housing and arranged with the extension to move in a first direction therewith. The plunger receives a force from a vehicle component secured to the vehicle frame. The plunger is arranged with the hand member such that the first ring moves to provide a force measurement reflective of the force received by the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Gardynik, Kevin Joseph Favero, Danny P. Manginen, Daniel Trentin
  • Patent number: 9557784
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a chassis, a carrier for a storage device, and a cover. The chassis includes a panel defining an opening. A supporting frame is received in the chassis and forms two resilient hooks. The carrier is received in the supporting frame and defines two hooking slots engaging with the resilient hooks. The cover is detachably mounted on the panel and includes a covering plate covering the opening. A pulling mechanism extends down from a middle of a bottom of the covering plate and includes two protrusions. When the cover is detached from the panel and rotated to allow the pulling mechanism to extend through the opening, the protrusions engage in the hooking slots and disengage the resilient hooks from the hooking slots. When the cover is pulled outward, the carrier is pulled out of the opening by the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Kai Lin
  • Patent number: 8820700
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan Wade Roach, Nathan Daniel French
  • Patent number: 7913968
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for an object is provided, including a first mounting element, a second mounting element, and a resilient spring located therebetween. An object can be secured to either one of the first mounting element and the second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, a method of manufacturing the mounting assembly is also provided. The method includes the steps of molding a resilient spring directly to the first mounting element, attaching the second mounting element to the spring, and attaching an object to either of the first and second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, another method of manufacturing is provided for manufacturing a plurality of mounting assemblies. In addition or alternatively, the first mounting element can include a base member and a leg member. In one example, the leg member can be movable relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Action Wobble, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Sullivan, Jeffrey Stanley Samson, Robert F. Morton, Cory Price
  • Patent number: 7766299
    Abstract: A support post for a flexible substrate includes a primary base and a secondary base adapted to rest upon the primary base. The secondary base supports an upright substrate support member. The secondary base is selectively secured to the primary base to orient the upright substrate support at such angle as may be required to maintain the flexible substrate in a taut condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Jack S. Titus, II, Shannon Ahern
  • Publication number: 20090236491
    Abstract: A display mounting for an ornamental object includes a spring clip having an elongated spring attached at one end and the ornamental object is affixed to the opposite end to be readily attachable to the bill of a cap, Christmas branches etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Tony Rizzo
  • Patent number: 7549387
    Abstract: A shock absorbing boat seat pedestal having two telescoping tubes located between a boat seat and a boat base. Within the tubes is a coil spring mounted over a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: James Joseph Funk
  • Patent number: 7478790
    Abstract: A support apparatus comprises: a first support member connected to the compressor; a second support member disposed at a predetermined interval from the first support member and fixed to a base; a spring disposed between the first support member and the second support member, of which both ends are contacted with the first support member and the second support member to be supported thereby; and at least one connection member connecting the first support member and the second support member so that the spring is not separated from between the first support member and the second support member. Accordingly, the spring is prevented from being moved or buckled by vibration of the compressor, or both ends of the spring are prevented from being detached from the support members, so that support performance and vibration preventing effect for the compressor can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Hoon Yun
  • Patent number: 7108445
    Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Henriques
  • Patent number: 6798651
    Abstract: A computer with an accessible storage medium drive assembly is provided. The computer comprises a chassis, a cradle and an accessible storage medium drive assembly. The cradle, having a first aligning member, is disposed on the chassis. The storage medium drive assembly comprises a carrier, a cable assembly and a storage medium drive. The storage medium drive, disposed on the carrier, is provided with plural first connectors. The cable assembly comprises a backer board, plural second connectors and a second aligning member corresponding to the first aligning member. The backer board is disposed on the carrier, and the second aligning member is disposed on the backer board. The second connector, corresponding to the first connector, is disposed on the backer board. The storage medium drive connects to the cable assembly by the engagement between the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignees: Wistron Corp., Acer Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Syring, Rex Karl
  • Patent number: 6773768
    Abstract: A spring novelty item which has a head and appendages attached to a body by means of a spring connecting means so as to add dynamic and aesthetic beauty to any garden, kitchen or other setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Exhart Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Weiser
  • Patent number: 6026755
    Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (10) for use in moving a work surface (102) is described. The apparatus includes an upper, lower and center member (12, 14 and 24), a pair of inner and outer cam surfaces (20, 22 and 26) and a pair of inner and outer cam followers (58, 60 and 62). The outer cam surfaces are located on the lower member. The inner cam surfaces are located on the center member. The lower member is telescopingly mounted within the upper member. The top (24A) of the center member is connected to the top (12A) of the upper member. One end of the springs (46 and 47) is mounted in the bracket (48) which is connected by connector arms (50 and 52) to the cam followers. The other end of the spring is adjacent the top of the upper member and the center member. In use, as a force is applied to move the work surface in a given direction, the center member moves into or out of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 6019154
    Abstract: A manufacturing process, such as that used for ultrasonic welding, employs a self-leveling fixture (20) including a base (12) and an operation stage (14) that are separated by leveling devices (16) and 18). The leveling devices include a centrally located spherical plane bearing (16) and one or more spring members (18) disposed about the periphery of the operation stage. In this way, the operation stage can react in response to pressure applied thereto complying to the applied pressure, thus providing a realistic self-leveling feature. After the pressure is removed, the return to a normal position via the spring action of spring (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Ma, Xinpei Lu, Mark S. Bresin
  • Patent number: 5718406
    Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (10) for moving the work surface (100B) of a work station (100) is described. Preferably, the apparatus includes first and inner tubular members (12 and 20), a spring (70) and a cam follower (50). The first member is mounted to the panel (100A) adjacent the work station. The inner member is mounted with the top end (20A) adjacent the underside of the work surface and the bottom end (20B) extending into the top end (12A) of the first member. The sidewalls (12C and 20C) of the first and inner members have first and inner cam grooves (16 and 26), respectively. A dampener (30) is preferably mounted within the inner member. A threaded rod 36 is mounted on the top end (32A) of the body (32) of the dampener and has an adjustment head (36B) which extends through the work surface. The cam follower having rollers (56 and 58) is mounted at the bottom end (34A) of the piston rod (34) of the dampener such that the rollers extend into the first and inner cam grooves, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 5653070
    Abstract: A self-stabilizing system to protect sensitive equipment housed in a rack from shock forces emanating from the structure or foundation on which the rack is placed. The system includes a chassis restable on the foundation having an array of four vertical shafts anchored thereon. These shafts extend through bearings fitted in vertical ducts incorporated in the four corners of the rack whereby the rack is slidable on the shafts. Springs interposed between the base of the rack and the chassis or between the top of each shaft and the upper end of the duct in which the shaft is received, act to resiliently support the rack on the chassis and thereby attenuate the shock forces. Secured to the underside of the rack to raise it above the foundation are isolators whose stiffness characteristics are such as to resist rotational motion and to permit lateral motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Serge Seguin
  • Patent number: 5163445
    Abstract: System for measuring a characteristic of flow of liquid in a vessel of a patient comprising a transducer positioned in a vessel in a patient for supplying ultrasonic energy. The transducer produces a substantially uniform beam which encompasses the vessel. The transducer receives ultrasonic energy back scattered from the red blood cells and provides an electrical output signal. A first moment detector is provided which receives the electrical output from the transducer and provides a first moment signal. Normalization is provided to the output of the first moment detector to provide an electrical output representing a characteristic of the flow of the liquid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Cardiometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christian, Paul D. Corl, Jerome Segal, Ronald G. Williams, Wayne C. Haase
  • Patent number: 5024413
    Abstract: A seat post includes a seat mounting supported for lengthwise-displacement and a compression spring cooperating between the seat mounting and its support. The support for the seat mount has a main part to be secured to the bicycle and upper and lower flanges. The seat mounting includes a channel section which slightably engages the upper flange of the support. A guide rod extends from the seat mounting and is slidingly received in the upper and lower flanges of the support. The spring is located between the bottom of the seat mount and the lower flange. The foregoing construction provides optimum ride comfort that can be achieved with a simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Karel Papp
  • Patent number: 4871300
    Abstract: This invention relates to an insert freely displaceable in a coil spring that at opposite ends abut against spring support formed in a motor compressor unit capsule and a spring support formed by a stator plate. The spring supports project into the opposite ends of the spring to extend toward one another. The opposite ends of the insert are recessed to be of shapes generally corresponding to the adjacent parts of the supports. The insert serves as a transport abutment and permits lateral movement without excessively deforming of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Svend E. Outzen
  • Patent number: 4724279
    Abstract: This invention is a ground supported communication terminal having the ability to flex back and forth in response to an impact from a vehicle or the like so as to prevent and/or minimize damage to the terminal housing and base support structure as well as its internal components. The communication terminal is of a modular design so as to simplify the repair or replacement of parts that may be damaged as a result of a severe impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Larry C. Ayscue
  • Patent number: 4722505
    Abstract: A mount for a record player with variable antivibration controls that make it possible for the user of the player to separately establish an optimum antivibration setting depending on the conditions of the specific surface that the player is resting on and on the overall acoustical conditions with respect to footstep and acoustical feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4676015
    Abstract: A sign stand for supporting signs in windy environments includes a base, a lower staff portion secured to the base, and an upper staff portion for receiving a display sign. The sign stand includes a platform support having a bracket secured thereto. A platform connected to the upper staff portion is pivotally mounted upon the bracket so that the upper staff portion has a range of pivotal motion in a plane. A spring exerts a force to urge the platform toward the platform support and to control the deflection of the upper staff portion whenever a force is applied to the upper staff portion to tend to rotate the platform about the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Custom Stamping & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Theodore L. Stoudt
  • Patent number: 4498657
    Abstract: A sign standard in which flexible means for permitting resilient lateral displacement of the sign is mounted closely below the sign, and means for adjusting the height of the sign above the ground, or other surface or a base, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: William A. Werner
    Inventor: William A. Werner
  • Patent number: 4433767
    Abstract: A drive shaft (30), adapted to be connected to the power takeoff shaft (14) of a tractor, comprises a longitudinally extensible shaft (33) including a tapered head (34) that is movable into and out of meshing engagement with a correspondingly shaped socket (50) on the outer end portion (49) of a driven shaft (48). The driven shaft is carried by an implement (27) and includes an inner end portion (49) connected to the outer, socket equipped end portion by a universal joint (51), the inner end portion being adapted for connection to a mechanism to be driven. A coil compression spring (53), loosely encompassing the universal joint, has opposite ends engaging flanges (54,55) on the inner and outer end portions of the driven shaft to yieldingly hold the driven shaft portions in alignment. A bearing (56) for the outer end portion of the driven shaft is mounted on the implement by mechanism including a spring (60), to enable turns of the tractor and implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Inventor: Charles C. Thor
  • Patent number: 4390171
    Abstract: A compression spring capsule is provided for tubular valve actuating members and incorporates a plurality of helical compression springs arranged in circular relation. Opposed generally cylindrical spring retainers each being receivable in a cylindrical receptacle form opposed receptacles receiving opposed ends of the springs. Spring guide rods are disposed within each of the helical springs with the ends thereof received within the opposed receptacles of the spring retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard H. Geisow