Angular Movement Patents (Class 248/664)
  • Patent number: 10634416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration device (1), comprising a housing (2), in which an inner container is arranged, which inner container bounds an interior (3, 4) for accommodating foods, and comprising a machine chamber (12) separated from the interior (3, 4), in which machine chamber at least components (6 to 11) of a refrigeration circuit of the domestic refrigeration device (1) are arranged, wherein a carrier shell (11) is arranged in the machine chamber (12), on which carrier shell at least one further part (6, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48) is retained in such a way that the at least one further part is connected by at least one snap connection (49) and/or at least one plug-in connection (50, 53) and/or a locking connection (59) without any additional fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Elmar Fähnle, Michael Krapp
  • Patent number: 10549122
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapy delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a therapy delivery system includes a plurality of movable components including a radiation therapy nozzle and a patient pod for holding a patient, a patient registration module for determining a desired position of at least one of the plurality of movable components, and a motion control module for coordinating the movement of the least one of the plurality of movable components from a current position to the desired position. The motion control module includes a path planning module for simulating at least one projected trajectory of movement of the least one of the plurality of moveable components from the current position to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: VISION RT LIMITED
    Inventors: Chieh C. Cheng, David A. Lesyna, Michael F. Moyers
  • Publication number: 20150083886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hair dryer holder for supporting a hair dryer in a fixed position. The hair dryer includes a handle portion and a blower portion. The hair dryer holder includes a base portion for securing the hair dryer holder to a surface and a retainer portion for holding the hair dryer in a fixed position, the retainer includes an opening for receiving the handle portion of the hair dryer and a ring extending at least partially around the opening for supporting the blower portion of the portable hair dryer. The ring further includes a plurality of recessed sections for supporting the blower portion of the portable hair dryer in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: NEXT FUTURE LLC
    Inventors: Ellen M. BROWN, James L. KENNEDY, Julia MCDEVITT, Charles R. PATZER
  • Publication number: 20150052856
    Abstract: There is provided a frame for a horizontal flow-pack packaging machine utilizing a center folded or side sealing machine with twin reel or reel feed form below, suitable for packaging a food product or a non-food product with heat sealable or cold weldable plastic film wound on a reel. The frame is provided with two cantilevered supports arranged one above the other in parallel, the lower support supports the operating mechanical components of the packaging machine and the upper support supports the control group and the pneumatic system of the packaging machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicants: MONDO SERVIZI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Morgan Sbabo
  • Publication number: 20140353459
    Abstract: A fan bracket assembly for supporting a fan assembly from a slanted surface. The fan bracket assembly includes a main body having a peripheral section, an open area sized to hold wiring of the fan assembly and an extension. The fan bracket is affixed to a slanted surface. The fan bracket assembly includes a detachable mounting ball sized and shaped to fit and be retained within the peripheral section. The mounting ball has a surface area extending beyond a horizontal reference line bisecting the mounting ball and a slat extending beyond the horizontal reference line. The extension is positioned within the slot to rotationally restrain the mounting ball. The bracket assembly also includes a down rod attached to the mounting ball for supporting the fan assembly. When the fan assembly is hung from the down rod, the extension remains within the slot to rotationally restrain the mounting ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jack Kerr, JR., Fran Hurley
  • Patent number: 8561958
    Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Chiasson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas R. Faucher, John Lefavour, Richard Robicheau
  • Patent number: 8480050
    Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Chiasson, Henry Maxwell, Thomas R. Faucher, John Lefavour, Richard Robicheau
  • Publication number: 20120305742
    Abstract: A vehicle data recording device with a housing, having a housing front side that faces a user with a housing upper side and a U-shaped supporting bracket for mounting the housing. The housing is connected to a first and a second supporting limb of the supporting bracket such that it can pivot about a pivoting axis. The pivoting axis is arranged above a housing central axis with respect to the height of the housing. A smallest distance between the pivoting axis and a mounting plate, connecting the supporting limb, of the supporting bracket is larger than a largest distance between the pivoting axis and a rear-side housing wall of the housing, so that the supporting bracket can be pivoted through an angle of 180° over a housing rear side, between a first position in a region underneath a housing lower side and a second position in a region above the housing upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten WAHLER
  • Publication number: 20120308308
    Abstract: An apparatus and carriage therefore for installing a foundation support such as a helical anchor or pier. One embodiment includes a base, a boom, and a carriage. The carriage may include a carriage frame and a mount pivotably connected to the carriage frame. The mount may include a rotatable ring in which a motor drive unit may be attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas C. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120055311
    Abstract: A cutting tool has a table for placing a workpiece thereon. A cutting unit is mounted to the table. A support leg device includes a support leg, an operation member and a motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism is coupled between the support leg and the operation member, so that the movement of the operation member is converted into the movement of the support leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shibata
  • Publication number: 20100140444
    Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage can be raised and lowered along the support-frame. The carriage includes a carrier-bar, which may be straight or curved. One or more nozzles are mounted to the carrier-bar by means of a nozzle carrier that moves back and forth along the length of the carrier-bar. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing and rotating the nozzles, and means of adjusting the nozzles towards or away from the workface. Optionally, the invention comprises a work platform mounted on the support-frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Gerard J. MacNeil, Gordon W. MacNeil, David B. MacNeil, Veron Bose
  • Patent number: 7690619
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wolfersberger
  • Patent number: 7543791
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system couples two resonant systems to provide isolation of transverse vibrational motions. The first system incorporates a plurality of tunable inverse pendulum assemblies. The second system incorporates a table of large mass suspended at several points from the inverse pendulum assemblies. The table is further suspended from the pendulum assemblies at each point via an assembly to isolate vertical vibrational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Kyung-Suk Kim, Allan Rydberg
  • Publication number: 20080305894
    Abstract: A pivoting frame assembly for use with a pitching machine. The pitching machine for pitching balls. The pivoting frame assembly for supporting the pitching machine above a ground surface. The pivoting frame assembly having a first portion for supporting the pitching machine and a second portion configured for contacting a ground surface, these first and second portions pivotally connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kim N. Cherry
  • Patent number: 7350965
    Abstract: A Stand for Industrial Mixers is disclosed. The stand includes a tiltable cradle for securely holding a mixer while a worker conducts maintenance on it. The stand further has an integrated seat to accommodate the worker. Furthermore, the stand provides a convenient location to place a lubricating bottle for use in conducting maintenance on a mixer. The stand is provided with casters to make it rollable to enable it to be moved about easily. Finally, the stand provides locations for dispensing and storing tools and materials needed for maintenance on a mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: John Galeczka
  • Publication number: 20080048090
    Abstract: The present gear mechanism includes a base body member (27), a first gear (21, 22) supported on the base body member (27) so as to rotate about a first rotational axis (L2, L3), a second gear (23) capable of being meshed with the first gear (21, 22), a support member (26) supporting the second gear (23) so as to rotate about a second rotational axis (L4) and placed on the base body member (27) so as to be movable in approaching and leaving directions respectively toward and away from the first rotational axis (L2, L3), and a retaining member (32) engaged in a threaded hole formed in the base body member (27) and capable of being turned so as to move in the approaching and leaving directions, and directly or indirectly engaged with the support member (26) to restrain the support member (26) from moving in the leaving direction away from the first rotational axis (L2, L3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Hirooka, Yasuhiko Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6988579
    Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure having a first mounting member for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body. The mount structure includes an elastic waterproofing cover having an axial displacement stopper and a radial displacement stopper. The axial displacement stopper is engageable with an end of a tubular portion of the second mounting member to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of a shaft portion of the first mounting member when the shaft portion is displaced in an axial direction toward the second mounting member. The radial displacement stopper is engageable with an inner cylindrical surface of the tubular portion to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of the shaft portion when the shaft portion is displaced in a radial direction relative to the second mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Miyahara
  • Patent number: 6836335
    Abstract: A multi-axis interferometer includes a mounting block with first and second polarizing beam-splitter cubes contacting first and second faces of the mounting block. A beam-distribution system contacts a third face of the mounting block. The beam-distribution system is thus placed in optical communication with the first polarizing beam-splitter cube and the second polarizing beam-splitter cube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Zygo Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A. Hill, Andrew Eric Carlson, Peter J. De Groot
  • Patent number: 6807062
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a rack component that supports a drop-in chassis. The rack component comprises an over-bent ledge and the drop-in chassis comprises an over-bent ledge. Upon installation of the drop-in chassis to the rack component the over-bent ledge of the rack component serves to support the over-bent ledge of the drop-in chassis. A shape of the over-bent ledge of the rack component promotes an increase of a holding effect between the drop-in chassis and the rack component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Craig Edward Lauchner
  • Patent number: 6654186
    Abstract: An arrangement for fixing an optical component part in position in a device housing, comprising a holder which is connected to a housing and which presses the component part into a cutout in the housing accompanied by pretensioning. The holder is fashioned in one piece from elastic material and is provided with clamps that are formed integral with it, at least one of which clamps presses the component part against a reference plane in direction of one of the coordinates X, Y, Z accompanied by pretensioning, and fastening elements are formed integral with the holder for securing it to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Klarner, Nico Correns, Werner Hoyme, Felix Kerstan
  • Patent number: 6570721
    Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Wayne, Jan W. Broenink, Englebertus A. F. van de Pasch, Marcel H. M. Beems
  • Publication number: 20030057350
    Abstract: The present invention provides a MEM system (10) having a platform (14) that is both elevatable from the substrate (12) on which it is fabricated and tiltable with one, two or more degrees of freedom with respect to the substrate (12). In one embodiment, the MEM system (10) includes the platform (14), a pair of A-frame structures (40), and two pairs of actuators (30) formed on the substrate (12). Ends (46A) of rigid members (46) extending from apexes (40A) of the A-frame structures (40) are attached to the platform (14) by compliant members (48A, 48B). The platform (14) is also attached to the substrate (12) by a compliant member (48C). The A-frame structures (40) are separately pivotable about bases (40B) thereof. Each pair of actuators (30) is coupled through a yoke (32) and displacement multiplier (34) to one of the A-frame structures (40) and is separately operable to effect pivoting of the A-frame structures (40) with respect to the substrate (12) by equal or unequal angular amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel Lee Miller, Murray Steven Rodgers, Stephen Matthew Barnes, Jeffry Joseph Sniegowski, Paul Jackson McWhorter
  • Patent number: 6536736
    Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Wayne, Jan W. Broenink, Englebertus A. F. van de Pasch, Marcel H. M. Beems
  • Publication number: 20030010885
    Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Wayne, Jan W. Broenink, Englebertus A.F. van de Pasch, Marcel H.M. Beems
  • Patent number: 6384993
    Abstract: An adjustable optical device including an optical element, a housing having an adjusting post fixed thereto, the optical element mounted to the housing, the housing adjusting post having a plane of movement, and an adjustment mechanism, the housing flexibly connected to the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism comprising a moving adjusting member in sliding engagement with the housing adjusting post, one of the adjusting member and the housing adjusting post comprising a wedge. The housing adjusting post is urged into movement in its plane of movement in response to relative movement between the adjusting member and the adjusting post, whereby the orientation of the optical element relative to the adjusting mechanism is adjusted by movement of the moving adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan David Bell, James Edward Bowman, Benjamin Joffe
  • Patent number: 6354167
    Abstract: A SCARA type robot with counterbalanced arms and tilting base. This apparatus enables accurate planar movement of a probe. Weak or flexible foundations or footings do not affect positioning accuracy of the probe. Positioning accuracy, relative to the movement plane, of a probe is unaffected by positions of the arms. At any angle of the probe movement plane the counterbalanced arms allow the same size drive motors, torque transmission devices, and drive electronics. These features make the invention very useful for on-site or portable near-field testing of antennas. A manipulator may be used in place of the probe. Most of the benefits will be retained if load variations on the manipulator are kept small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Snow
  • Patent number: 6247676
    Abstract: A rotary positioning device useful for positioning optical devices such as polarizing prisms, or any similar optical device through which light is transmitted and which requires precise rotation thereof. The device is particularly designed to rotate through a limited arc at an extremely fine degree of resolution. The device utilizes cylindrical bearings formed from materials having a spring constant effective to insure lateral stability without experiencing irreversible deformation. In a preferred embodiment, a Beryllium-Copper alloy is utilized for forming the cylindrical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Yanik
  • Patent number: 6170795
    Abstract: An optical device mounting apparatus and method for altering and fixing the angular position of an optical device without substantial linear displacement. The apparatus comprises a kinematic mount which permits precision adjustment and clamping. The apparatus includes a sphere, which either contains an optical device mounted therein or is, at least partially, an optical device itself. A support is placed in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere such that angular displacement of the sphere is possible with substantially no linear displacement thereof. A clamp in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere provides force through the sphere to the support with substantially no transmitted torque. In this manner, precise positioning of the optical device is possible, for example, with an external and removable tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Wayne
  • Patent number: 6120404
    Abstract: A motor mounting apparatus supports a motor relative to a base for relative rotation about a pivot axis to control tension in an endless loop driving element. A driving element emcompasses a drive member driven by the motor about a drive member axis and a driven member coupled to a load and driven by the driving member about a driven member axis to transmit power from the motor to the load. The apparatus includes a threaded shaft rotatable by a user about a shaft axis. The shaft axis is fixed relative to a first of the base and motor. A rider is carried by the threaded shaft so that rotation of the threaded shaft about the shaft axis produces longitundinal translation of the rider along the shaft axis relative to such first one of the base and motor. A rigid link has a first end pivotally coupled to the rider and a second end pivotally coupled to a second one of the base and motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Davis-Standard Corporation
    Inventors: Roger L. Walworth, Richard Boulanger
  • Patent number: 6050915
    Abstract: A motor mounting apparatus supports a motor relative to a base for relative rotation about a pivot axis to control tension in an endless loop driving element. A driving element emcompasses a drive member driven by the motor about a drive member axis and a driven member coupled to a load and driven by the driving member about a driven member axis to transmit power from the motor to the load. The apparatus includes a threaded shaft rotatable by a user about a shaft axis. The shaft axis is fixed relative to a first of the base and motor. A rider is carried by the threaded shaft so that rotation of the threaded shaft about the shaft axis produces longitudinal translation of the rider along the shaft axis relative to such first one of the base and motor. A rigid link has a first end pivotally coupled to the rider and a second end pivotally coupled to a second one of the base and motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventors: Roger L. Walworth, Richard Boulanger
  • Patent number: 5816097
    Abstract: A position control apparatus for a gyroscope mechanically controls a setting position of the gyroscope. The position control apparatus for a gyroscope includes a circular mount for adjusting a setting position of the gyroscope in a predetermined direction, a plurality of tightening screws for fixing the gyroscope to the circular mount by way of several through holes, a plurality of locking screws for fixing the circular mount by way of several open holes formed in a supporting mechanism, a plurality of adjusting screws for adjusting the set position of the gyroscope in a up or down direction, and an adjusting flute prepared at an end of the circular mount, for adjusting the set position of the gyroscope in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Chul Park
  • Patent number: 5760338
    Abstract: A wiring harness clamp for attachment to a stud or bolt (5) has a base plate (4) for attachment to a wiring harness (1) and a holding portion (3) having opposite resilient arms (7a,7b). The facing portions of the arms have teeth (8) for engagement with a thread (11) of a stud or bolt (5). The arms (7a,7b) extend outwardly from the holding portion (3) and are movable away from one another generally parallel to the axis of the harness to release the stud or bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5589903
    Abstract: A panorama head for positioning optical equipment precisely relative to a system of axes comprises an articulated joint for each axis, each articulated joint including first and second joint elements which are coupled with one another for rotation about the corresponding axis and can be clamped selectively in the preselected relative angular position; each articulated joint comprises a kinematic reduction coupling with first and second coupling elements which are fixed to the first and second joint elements, respectively, during rotation about the corresponding axis and are movable between a position of mutual coupling for precision adjustments and a position of mutual disengagement for quick positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co., S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Patent number: 5582386
    Abstract: An adjustable support for an apparatus allows the apparatus to be positioned at a selected inclination relative to a supporting surface, for example, a telephone supported on a table surface. The support includes at least one apparatus foot, wherein one end of the apparatus rests on a supporting surface and the other end of the apparatus rests on the foot. The bottom of the apparatus includes a hinge in which one end of the foot is fastened for rotatable movement. The bottom of the apparatus is provided with at least one stop ledge which is spaced from the hinge, and the apparatus foot is provided with a stop cleat which in a first position abuts the stop ledge. The stop cleat is provided with a lever which, when pressed, causes the stop cleat to move resiliently to one side to pass the stop ledge, allowing the apparatus foot to be moved to a second position relative to the apparatus bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Sven Stauffer, Kjell Ekeblom
  • Patent number: 5473335
    Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna employing a stepping motor and stepping motor controller to move the antenna in fine increments. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member. An antenna is attached to a first support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly and motor driven worm gear disposed between the base member and the support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The worm gear is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is controlled by a stepping motor controller to control incremental movement of the antenna. A second worm gear assembly can be interposed transversly between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movements of the antenna about a horizontal axis. A second stepping motor and second stepping motor controller are used to drive the second worm gear and effect incremental movement of the antenna about the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: John L. Tines
  • Patent number: 5431544
    Abstract: A tiltable fan assembly adapted to exhaust air at a variety of angular orientations. In a preferred embodiment, the tiltable fan assembly includes a generally flat base member adapted to rest on a table top or similar surface. The base member is shaped to include a pair of horizontally-extending, cylindrically-shaped sleeves. The fan assembly also includes a pair of mounting posts, each mounting post being angularly adjustably mounted about its longitudinal axis within its respective sleeves and being appropriately sized to extend out through both ends of its respective sleeve. A rotary switch is angularly adjustably mounted on the outer end of one of the mounting posts, and a cap is fixedly mounted on the outer end of the other of the mounting posts. A pair of gaskets are fitted onto the inner ends of the mounting posts. The fan assembly further includes a fan unit and a neck assembly, the neck assembly being used to couple the fan unit to the angularly adjustable mounting posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventors: Johnson Hsu, Joseph M. Cunning
  • Patent number: 5421092
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a working unit with a motor and a mounting bracket for pivotably mounting the working unit under a kitchen cabinet. The working unit has a housing with a working area at a first face and a decorative second face. In a first position of the working unit, the working area is exposed at a first location. In a second position of the working unit, the working area is concealed by the mounting bracket and the decorative second face is exposed at the first location. Deflectable cantilevered detents are provided to stationarily hold the working unit at the first and second positions until moved by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Victor R. Guilmette, Richard B. Kosten
  • Patent number: 5411238
    Abstract: A tool holder enables a person to remotely operate a manual tool through an elongate shaft. This tool holder is formed with a first tool holder section mechanically connectable to one end of the elongate shaft, and a second tool holder section mechanically connectable to the handle of the manual tool. The first and second tool holder sections are articulated about a given pivot axis to adjust their relative angular position in which they are subsequently locked. Therefore, the tool can be remotely and manually operated through the elongate shaft after the relative angular position between the first and second tool holder sections has been adjusted to facilitate remote manual operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Clement Caron
  • Patent number: 5267775
    Abstract: An automatic tilt mechanism for attaching a monitor to a movable structure, comprising: a hinge having a first leg means for attachment to a monitor, a second leg means for attachment to the movable structure and a pivot joining the first and second leg means so that they can be moved with respect to each other after attachment; a transfer means adapted to move in proportion to movement of the movable structure; and a connecting means for transmitting movement of the transfer means to the hinge so that the first leg means moves proportionally to movement of the movable structure. The invention may further include a reclinable seat back of a seat in a passenger vehicle as the movable structure. The invention may still further include a fixed length sheathed cable as the connecting means. The invention may also provide an automatic tilt mechanism that is driven by motion of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: B/E Avionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lam Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5042774
    Abstract: A multi-axes robot includes a stationary base and one or more detachable arm units. Each of the detachable arm units comprises a pivotal base detachably mounted on the stationary base, and a first arm pivotably supported on the pivotal base, a second arm pivotably mounted on a free end of the first arm, and a tool mounting shaft supported on a free end of the second arm. The angular orientation of the arm units with respect to the stationary base and to each other may be optimally adjusted, so as to select suitable working ranges for each of the arm units and define cooperative working ranges for a plurality of arm units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takekazu Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 5039057
    Abstract: An earthquake resistant, roller-supported, modular, isocentric gantry for supporting and rotating a radiation beam transport and delivery system on an axis of rotation around a stationary patient so as to precisely deliver a treatment beam to a predetermined target isocenter within the patient from several different angles during patient treatment. The gantry is formed of three primary building blocks: a conical inner support structure, an outer segmented, modular truss structure and a ladder truss which may be assembled in the field to form an isocentric gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventors: Rudolf E. Prechter, Benjamin A. Prichard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5033711
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a universal bracket for mounting a fan motor assembly upon a support structure. The universal bracket consists of a plurality of low cost fabricated components and incorporates an optional dual construction whereby the components may be assembled to form a construction adapted for ceiling mounting or, in the alternative, to form a construction adapted for wall mounting. The components permit quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the universal bracket, and, in either construction, a swivel relationship exists between the assembled components permitting limited universal angular adjustment of the supported fan motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Airmaster Fan Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Gregorich, Frank E. Breining, Conard A. Moulton, Stanley J. Riske
  • Patent number: 5033710
    Abstract: An apparatus which integrates the remote positioning and operation of hand-held tools. The apparatus has a base and an elongated tube which is connected to the base at one of its ends via a pivot. The tube has a spirally grooved interior surface. The other end of the tube is adaptively engaged to a threaded elongated cylinder of similar manufacture to the tube. The cylinder can be screwed or rotated in and out of the tube by the use of a screw turn. While one end of the cylinder is engaged to the tube, the other end is connected to a seat that holds the tool. The tool is held in place on the seat either by seat design or by use of a clamp. The seat-cylinder connection may be modular to permit the seat to be changed as required. The operation of the tool, the pivot and the screw turn are controlled by a power control panel located either on the base or the tube of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Antoniadis
  • Patent number: 4917344
    Abstract: An earthquake resistant, roller-supported, modular, isocentric gantry for supporting and rotating a radiation beam transport and delivery system on an axis of rotation around a stationary patient so as to precisely deliver a treatment beam to a predetermined target isocenter within the patient from several different angles during patient treatment. The gantry is formed of three primary building blocks: a conical inner support structure, an outer segmented, modular truss structure and a ladder truss which may be assembled in the field to form an isocentric gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventors: Rudolf E. Prechter, Benjamin A. Prichard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4794847
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for a damper shaft controls the angular position of the damper shaft in accordance with variations in fluid pressure inside of the actuator. The actuator includes a housing, a flexible diaphragm within the housing separating it into a fluid-tight compartment and a second compartment open to the atmosphere. The fluid-tight compartment is provided with a fluid pressure receving port open to a control source of variable pressure. The piston and piston rod are slidably mounted in the second compartment in contact with the diaphragm. The piston rod includes a longitudinally extending rack, and a crank arm rotatably mounted in the housing has a gear segment in meshing relationship with the rack. The actuator shaft to be controlled extends through the housing and is mounted in the crank arm to support the rotary actuator, and the rotary actuator is clipped to an air conditioning duct to prevent it from rotating on the damper actuator shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Kreuter Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Kreuter, Larry G. Odegaard
  • Patent number: 4726633
    Abstract: A computer monitor is provided with a chassis including a base, a rear support fixed to the base and extending vertically upwardly therefrom, and a front support connected to a cathode-ray tube. The front support and the cathode-ray tube are mounted above the base and spaced apart therefrom for pivotal movement of the front support and cathode-ray tube relative to the base and rear support about a pivot axis disposed at the upper front portion of the monitor. The monitor can be releasably maintained in any one of a plurality of angular positions. The monitor housing comprises a first section surrounding the base and rear support and a second section completely detached from the first section and surrounding the front support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Symbolics Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Noble, Richard Leitermann, James E. Kulp
  • Patent number: 4669699
    Abstract: A device for changing angles of a cutter assembly, adhesive ejecting nozzles, etc. relative to articles fed by a conveyor which includes a bracket provided with a U-shaped guide groove and a guide surface formed along the guide groove; a moving piece which moves along the guide groove and on the guide surface; and fixing means for fixing the moving piece, the cutting assembly or adhesive injection nozzles provided on the moving piece may be mounted at any desired angle along the guide groove. The device is further placed on the side of a conveyor such that the distance between the center of the commodity and any position between both ends of the guide groove can be kept consistent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Tetra Pak International Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Yutaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4667922
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting an apparatus such as a microscope or laser to and against a planar surface is disclosed herein. This apparatus includes three specific arrangements for adjusting the positions of three segments of the apparatus so as to adjust the position of the overall apparatus with respect to the planar surface in the x-, y-and z-directions, where the x-direction and the y-direction are both parallel with the planar surface and perpendicular to one another and where the z-direction is perpendicular to the planar surface and the x-and y-directions. Each of two of the three arrangements includes its own means for providing x-, y- and z-adjustments (which includes rotation in the x, y plane) while it is only necessary for the third arrangement to provide adjustments in the z-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ronald W. Cutburth, F. Allen House
  • Patent number: 4653717
    Abstract: A light weight inherently stable and rigid projector stand for multi-axis projection of images onto a common screen by magazine loaded slide projectors, maximizing close proximity of the projection axes, with improved magazine access, and direct support of each projector for pitch axis and roll axis and yaw axis adjustment, the stand being also adjustable for pitch, roll and yaw and unison adjustment of the multiplicity of projection axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Daedalus Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darryl K. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4635894
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture swivel assembly includes a ball bearing race base providing a pair of back-to-back bearing races, one being deeper than the other and includes a ball bearing assembly. In a first configuration, the bearing race base is pivotably mounted to a platform which is to be swiveled with the ball bearing assembly between them in the shallower bearing race, and this assembly is pivotably mounted with respect to a tabletop. In a second configuration, the bearing race base is inverted to support the bearing assembly in the deeper bearing race. The bearing race base is pivotably fastened to the platform, and support pads are carried on the now bottom side of the race base to support the race base in spaced relation with respect to a tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Fournier Accessory Furniture, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg J. Sammons