Single Patents (Class 267/71)
  • Patent number: 11857037
    Abstract: A miniaturized coupling for jewelry includes a male coupling and a female coupling, each of which is millimeter-sized or sub-millimeter-sized and each of which is attached to or suited to be attached to a respective jewelry component. The male coupling has a locking member configured to be inserted into the female coupling through an opening into an interior of the female coupling. A resiliently-biased, snap connector located in the interior of the female coupling, so constructed that when the locking member is inserted into the female coupling it initially moves and then is retained by the snap connector. An actuating pin in the female coupling is configured to move the snap connector to release the locking member and thereby disengage the male and female couplings from each other. The actuating pin has an outer surface accessible at an outer surface of the female coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: NEXT SPACE INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Barnard, Dillon Chen
  • Patent number: 11801713
    Abstract: An apparatus equipped with a moving tool includes a base and the moving tool including a wheel that rolls on a floor surface during movement of the apparatus, and a support unit that is fixed to the base at a position above an upper end of the wheel and that supports the wheel. The base includes a contact portion that is disposed at a position behind the support unit in a moving direction and above the upper end of the wheel, and with which the moving tool comes into contact when the support unit is bent rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventors: Taisuke Endo, Keigo Shinoto
  • Patent number: 11649578
    Abstract: A suspension damper for washing machines includes a control rod that is configured to attach a fixed bracket of a washing machine cabinet and a first cap having an aperture through which the control rod slidingly extends. The first cap is configured to engage a concave portion of a bracket on a drum of the washing machine. A second cap is disposed on the control rod, and a spring is disposed between the first cap and the second cap. The first cap includes at least one water passageway for guiding water along an outer surface of the first cap. An umbrella may be disposed on the control rod to shed water outwardly away from the control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Glen Robert Wilkinson, III, Jonathan David Bruin, David Stuart Atwater
  • Patent number: 11389975
    Abstract: In a spring balancer apparatus, a flange includes a through-hole and a first and second flange member, the first flange member positioned radially inside a compression spring and removably held on another end of the shaft by a first nut member fastened to a first external thread on the shaft, the second flange member including a central hole and removably fixed to an outer periphery of the first flange member from a rear end plate side. The rear end plate of a casing includes an abutting part on which an outer periphery of the second flange member abuts, and an opening through which a surface of the second flange member is externally exposed at a position radially inside the abutting part and radially outside the central hole. At least one of a front end plate and the rear end plate is removably fixed to a cylindrical body of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryuji Takikawa
  • Patent number: 11077550
    Abstract: A robot includes a lower arm mechanism having a first parallel link structure, an upper arm mechanism having a second parallel link structure, a base portion forming a lower side part of the first parallel link structure, a wrist portion forming a distal side part of the second parallel link structure, an intermediate connection portion forming an upper side part of the first parallel link structure and a proximal side part of the second parallel link structure, and an upper arm biasing unit for applying a biasing force against a rotating operation in a direction that the wrist portion descends to an upper arm configuring a lower side part of the second parallel link structure. According to the robot, the range of the portable mass of an object can be expanded without enlarging an arm drive motor and declining an arm operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yoshida, Masataka Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10920473
    Abstract: The present invention prevents or suppresses a grommet from detaching from a ball socket. The grommet that has a cover for covering a harness led and extended outside a cap of the ball socket is configured by including a boot part that covers the harness inside the cap and that is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape opened to an electric motor side, a connection cylindrical part that is disposed inside a harness insertion hole that connects the boot part and the cover and in which the harness is inserted, and a falling-out prevention part that is formed in the boot part that engages the cap and that restricts the movement of the boot part toward the harness insertion hole side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventors: Mikio Yamagata, Hideaki Nagata
  • Patent number: 10371313
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. A load relief tie rod comprises a body, a rod, and at least one pin extending from and perpendicular to the rod. The body has a cavity extending longitudinally through a cylindrical section of the body and two obround slots in the cylindrical section. The rod is configured to extend longitudinally within the cavity. The at least one pin extends through the two obround slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Darren Carl McIntosh
  • Patent number: 10018237
    Abstract: The towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus provides for an apparatus designed to be inserted between a pulling vehicle and a towed roping dummy when practicing team roping from horseback. The apparatus provides for modulation of jerks and forces on the dummy that cause strain on the vehicle, dummy and horse, as well as providing for more consistent speed when being towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: John Nolan McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9829907
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a pedal effort for a vehicle may include a housing having a first end that is opened and a second end that is rotatably coupled to a pedal member, an elastic body inserted into the housing, a slider contacting the elastic body and configured to be slid along a length of the housing, cover plates coupled to the slider and contacting an outer peripheral surface of the housing so as to guide movement of the slider, and a lever protrusion rotatably coupled to the pedal member, having an end portion rotatably coupled to the slider, and configured to rotate together with a pedal depending on rotation of the pedal, to slide the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kyung Chang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Sik Kim, Jong Hee Han
  • Patent number: 9784306
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a shank having an inner abutment proximate to an inner extremity, and an outer abutment proximate to an outer extremity. A connector includes an inner loop that encircles the shank between the inner abutment and the outer abutment and that is movable reciprocally along the shank, a first portion that extends outwardly from the inner loop to a second portion that extends from the first portion past the outer extremity and the abutment to a third portion that extends inwardly and forwardly from the second portion to a pivotally mountable outer loop. Tensioned compression springs encircle the shank between the inner abutment and the inner loop, and act between the inner abutment and the inner loop urging the inner loop toward the outer abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 9554559
    Abstract: The towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus provides for an apparatus designed to be inserted between a pulling vehicle and a towed roping dummy when practicing team roping from horseback. The apparatus provides for modulation of jerks and forces on the dummy that cause strain on the vehicle, dummy and horse, as well as providing for more consistent speed when being towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: John Nolan McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9491898
    Abstract: A length adjustable lifting strut (1) for a hitch linkage of a tractor has two connection elements (11, 12) for connecting the lifting strut (1) to components (43, 44) of the hitch linkage. A fine adjustment mechanism 17 is provided on the lifting strut (1) to finely adjust the length of the lifting strut 1. A quick adjustment mechanism (21) is provided to adjust the lifting strut (1) length and is retainable in at least two discrete positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Laubner, Achim Schröder, Wolfgang Adamek, Marc Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9097307
    Abstract: A connecting rod including two non-connected rod elements coaxial with a longitudinal axis which are offset along the longitudinal axis, and an energy-absorption device that absorbs energy by plastic deformation. The energy-absorption device includes a coaxial hollow tube with a wall which deforms plastically when subjected to an axial compressive force exceeding a certain threshold, a coaxial pin having ends immobilized with respect to the rod elements in the event of tensile forces, and a sleeve fitting over the two facing ends of the rod elements which are positioned one on each side of the energy-absorption device, the sleeve being slidable with respect to one rod element in order to allow the hollow tube and/or the pin to deform and absorb energy. The sleeve limits a range of deformation so that a breaking point of the energy-absorption device is not reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Nicolas Boulet, Laurent Barizza
  • Publication number: 20150054208
    Abstract: A compression spring is disclosed, which is configured to be used for various applications, and in particular for operate accessory linkages. Furthermore, a compression spring retention system is disclosed including a compression spring and a housing in which the compression spring is fixable. The compression spring includes a length of coiled wire having substantially a circular cross-sectional area, wherein at least a first end of the compression spring is formed as a retainer device that is configured to be compressed while being mounted into a recessed chamber of the housing and to expand when inserted into the recessed chamber in a way that the compression spring is fixed at the recessed chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jan ROJKO
  • Patent number: 8912472
    Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a spring having a helical or beehive shape. The apparatus has a rotation support system and an induction heating system. The rotation support system is designed to support the spring while the spring is heated by the induction heating system. The induction heating system has an induction coil system having a coil system. The coil system has a spaced region designed to receive the spring and to heat the spring while the spring is supported on the rotation support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Kurylo, Mehieddine Rababeh
  • Patent number: 8844913
    Abstract: A piston rod (15) and a first piston (13) are arranged in the interior of an external cylinder (11) and internal cylinder (12); a second piston for absorbing the change of volume of operating fluid (24) is also arranged therein. Also, a first return spring (18) for returning the piston rod (15) to the interruption position is provided and a second return spring (20) for returning the operating fluid 24 into the high-pressure chamber (25) by pressurizing the second piston (14) is provided. In addition, the air in the interior of the buffering device (10) is withdrawn by a vacuum pump (38), and operating fluid (24) is thus introduced in a degassed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima, Hirokazu Takagi, Tooru Inoue
  • Publication number: 20140162797
    Abstract: A swing spring comprises a first plate or top, a second plate or bottom, guide rods extending between and connected to the first plate and the second plate, a third slider or slider plate slidable along an axis along the guide rods between the first plate and the second plate, a compression spring captured between the third plate and the second plate, a first hook rotatably coupled to the first plate by a thrust bearing and extending in a first direction along the axis, and a second hook coupled to the third plate and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction through the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: John Brian Priest
  • Patent number: 8528708
    Abstract: An air damper is provided which can exhibit an appropriate braking force in accordance with an input load. There is provided an air damper including: a tubular cylinder 1 in which both end portions are opened; a piston 2 which moves within the cylinder 1; and a cap 3 which closes a one-end opening of the cylinder 1, wherein the cylinder 1 has an annular seal surface 4 formed on a circumferential surface of the one-end opening, wherein the cap is mounted on the one-end opening side of the cylinder 1 so as to be moveable or deformable along an axial direction of the cylinder 1, wherein the cap is brought into contact with or separated from the seal surface 4 in accordance with a pressure change due to a movement of the piston 2 within the cylinder 1, and wherein a first orifice 14 is opened in a base plate 12 of the cap, characterized in that: a second orifice having an inlet area smaller than the first orifice is defined between the cap 3 and the cylinder 1 during an operation of the first orifice 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Sakai, Tomoyoshi Ohnuki, Takao Nagai
  • Patent number: 8469165
    Abstract: An interconnecting strut includes two coaxially arranged strut elements which may be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the interconnecting strut, two end stops defining the mutual displaceability of the two strut elements, as well as damping elements, which when a specific permissible displacement is exceeded, damp the displacement movement of the strut elements before reaching the end stops, in which the damping elements consist of a material which is plastically deformable in the occurring force range, the damping elements being compressed for damping the displacement movement in the longitudinal direction and, at the same time, being subjected to a cross-sectional enlargement transversely to the longitudinal direction, due to the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Susanne Versluis
  • Publication number: 20130117968
    Abstract: A retractable pulling rod utilizing an elastic extension device, comprising: a pulling rod set, a plug set, and elastic extension device. The pulling rod set is provided with a first socket, a second socket, and a third socket, sleeved onto each other through their ends of small diameters, and each is provided with at least a positioning hole. A first plug and a second plug are disposed respectively at bottom ends of first socket and second socket, to dispose a protrusion tenon of elastic extension device in an indentation slot inside second socket. Through using elastic extension device to assist steel beads of first plug and second plug to position in or detach from positioning hole, retractable pulling rod is extended or retracted smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chen-Chuan WU
  • Publication number: 20130099433
    Abstract: A recoil spring assembly includes a rod which has a flange at one end and a groove spaced apart from the flange. A first collar receives the rod and is mounted adjacent to the flange. A compressed spring engages the first collar. A second collar receives the rod and engages a second end of the spring. A pair of retainer clips is releasably received by the groove to retain the second collar to maintain compression of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: TIMOTHY D. WODRICH
  • Publication number: 20120280440
    Abstract: A reset spring device for a one-log splitter single-action hydraulic cylinder comprises a spring guide, reset spring, bearing, curved transmission lever, and guide seal. The spring guide has a first end and second end, the reset spring housed within the spring guide, the bearing housed within a portion at the first end, the spring abutting the bearing, the guide seal disposed at the first end of the guide, the transmission lever positioned outside the spring guide and engaged with the bearing. The transmission lever having a curved protrusion operably engaged through a longitudinal opening on the spring guide and through a groove on the bearing. A piston rod pin is connected to the lever. During operation, when a cylinder is pushing forward, the lever compresses the spring through the bearing; and when a handle is released, the log splitter ceases operating, the cylinder is reset by each reset spring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Jiashan Superpower Tools Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yuxin Lu, Zhongcheng Peng, Laichao Lu
  • Patent number: 7950632
    Abstract: A damping device, which is provided between a handle and pole tube of a sport pole such as a ski pole, combines the action of a helical compression spring (17) with that of a gas compression spring, whereby a rod-shaped body (5) can be displaced inside a tube (3). An elastic insert (13), which is subjected to the action of the helical compression spring (17), is provided at the end of the rod-shaped body (5). The rod-shaped body (5) is pressed into the tube (3), e.g. when the pole is placed against the ground, and the insert (13) deforms and tightly abuts against the tube (3) from the inside whereby forming a gas compression spring. The damping action is progressively increased inside the tube (3) by the friction of the deformable insert (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Komperdell Sportartikel Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Thomas Roiser
  • Patent number: 7916825
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel assembly having a vase-like compression spring adapted to increase the internal volume thereof wherein when the vase-like compression spring is inserted into a cladding tube, it has a relatively smaller volume occupied inside the fuel rod when compared with the existing coil type compression spring, such that the vase-like compression spring can ensure a sufficient space portion receiving the fission gases generated during the operation of the fuel rod, thereby increasing the burn-up performance of the fuel rod and the mechanical integrity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kepco Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ho Lee, Yoon-ho Kim, Kyou-seok Lee, Kyu-Tae Kim, Jung-min Suh, Nam-Gyu Park, Kyong-bo Eom, Joon-kyoo Park, Jin-sun Kim
  • Patent number: 7845476
    Abstract: A roll stabilizer for a vehicle includes a resilient member operatively connected between a movable end and a fixed end, and structure for activating and deactivating operation of the stabilizer by affecting compression of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Beck, Jason K. Trotter, Dennis M. Mark, Robert K. Dutzi, Eric B. Jipp
  • Patent number: 7799002
    Abstract: An improved safety hypodermic syringe includes a reciprocal tubular needle sheath disposed on the exterior of the syringe body, a latch mechanism engaging the syringe body and the sheath to latch the sheath in a needle-covering position after delivering contents from the syringe body, and a spring engaging the syringe body and the sheath and expandable to move the sheath to cover the needle point, where the spring is a non-uniform helical spring having multiple 360° turns each turn uniformly spaced from adjacent turns, each 360° turn comprising first and second alternating angled portions, the first of the alternating angled portions being at a first angle to a plane perpendicular to an axis through the center of the helical spring and the second angled portions being at a second lesser angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Protectus Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. B. Dillard, III
  • Publication number: 20100042053
    Abstract: An improved safety hypodermic syringe includes a reciprocal tubular needle sheath disposed on the exterior of the syringe body, a latch mechanism engaging the syringe body and the sheath to latch the sheath in a needle-covering position after delivering contents from the syringe body, and a spring engaging the syringe body and the sheath and expandable to move the sheath to cover the needle point, where the spring is a non-uniform helical spring having multiple 360° turns each turn uniformly spaced from adjacent turns, each 360° turn comprising first and second alternating angled portions, the first of the alternating angled portions being at a first angle to a plane perpendicular to an axis through the center of the helical spring and the second angled portions being at a second lesser angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: John A. B. Dillard, III
  • Publication number: 20090322001
    Abstract: A spring counterbalance mechanism balances a load with a spring. A cable has a protrusion fixed to the cable midway between two ends of the cable. The two free ends of the cable are fixedly coupled to one of the load or the spring, and a cable attachment is coupled to the remaining member. The cable passes through the cable attachment such that the protrusion is captive in the cable attachment and is movable between two stops in the cable attachment. The cable forms two segments each of which couples the spring to the load. The two segments of the cable pass over a pulley. A sensor coupled to the pulley senses rotation of the pulley allowing cable breakage to be detected by the anomalous rotation of the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Osborne Luke, Giuseppe Prisco
  • Patent number: 7549249
    Abstract: The inline reverse action, spring-loaded fishing tackle device of the invention is a simple but effective device used inline with any fishing rod and lure that aids in the capture of fish. The device is comprised of a cylindrical shaped casing divided into two interior chambers which house a unique reverse action, spring mechanism that automatically maintains a constant counter force on the fishing line against the tugs and pulls caused by the erratic movements of a caught fish, whereby not only helping to hook the fish but also preventing any slack in the fishing line that could cause the loss of said fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Tamian
  • Publication number: 20080216447
    Abstract: A positioning device for adjusting a horizontal position of a window frame is disclosed herein, which includes a tube-shaped seat having a chamber defined therein and a limit slot formed on a side wall thereof; a lifting tube, in which an end of the lifting tube is received in the chamber of the seat, a screw is inserted through the limit slot and screwed into a fixing hole on a side wall of the lifting tube, whereby the lifting tube can be fastened on the seat, and a portion of the lifting tube is exposed from a top of the seat; an upper board mounted on the other end of the lifting tube; and an elastic member sleeved into the lifting tube and having both ends respectively pressed against the seat and the upper board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Tian-Tsz Hung
  • Publication number: 20080111289
    Abstract: A wave spring, in which a multiply annularly wound spring comprises a wave portion in which peaks and troughs are alternately formed in a winding peripheral direction and a ring-like mounting portion that is substantially flat in the winding peripheral direction, with an inner periphery or an outer periphery of the mounting portion being mounted upon engaging with an outer periphery or an inner periphery of an member to be mounted, wherein the outer periphery or the inner periphery of the mounting portion is provided with an engaging urging portion which enables engagement through elastic contact with respect to a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUMURA KOHKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6976565
    Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Meernik, Joseph D. Mc Cleary, Kenneth J. Baron, Jenne-Tai Wang
  • Patent number: 6948218
    Abstract: A spring clip device for use with leashes and dog runs to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury to pets and their owners. The spring clip assembly includes a closable clip member, a swivel portion, a housing, a sleeve member and a resilient member. The closable clip member is adapted to be connected to the collar of the dog or other animal and is pivotally connected to the housing by use of the swivel portion. The resilient member is positioned within the housing and biases the sleeve member within the housing. The sleeve member is adapted to telescope outward from the housing and compress the resilient member in the event that a force greater than biasing force of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Boss Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Donze
  • Patent number: 6841900
    Abstract: In a reciprocating device having a moving element, a stator and a flexing suspension for coupling the moving element and stator and for maintaining the moving element on axis, the flexing suspension comprising: at least one flexing element locating the stator relative to the moving element by directly engaging features of the flexing element to mating features of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Clever Fellows Innovation Consortium
    Inventor: John A. Corey
  • Publication number: 20040145101
    Abstract: The present invention includes a suspension apparatus with telescoping tubular elements, and a mechanical spring in parallel with an air spring chamber, positioned in one of the tubular elements, providing a mechanism for adjustment of the air spring pressure, the weight of the apparatus, and resistance of the apparatus to compressive shocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J. Olds
  • Patent number: 6669178
    Abstract: An air damper suitably used in the glove box of an automobile comprises a cylinder having a first open end and a second end, a guide cap covering the first open end, and a piston moveable in the cylinder. A compression coil spring is inserted into the cylinder between the piston and the guide cap. The coil spring forces the piston toward the second end of the cylinder in the free state. The piston has a hook piece, which is threaded with a string. At least one end of the string is taken out of the cylinder via the guide cap, and connected to the glove box. The guide cap has a stopper means projecting inside the coil spring and toward the piston. When the glove box is opened and the string is pulled out of the cylinder, the piston moves toward the guide cap. The piston then strikes the stopper means of the guide cap before the coil spring is fully compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ookawara
  • Publication number: 20030183994
    Abstract: A damper spring strut has a cylindrical steel tube with a polymeric spool mounted therein for supporting an annular foam polymeric friction element which is coupled to a support rod. A compression spring extends between an end block of the cylinder to bias the spool toward one end of the cylinder. The support rod coupled to the spool extends through an aperture in an end cap of the cylinder for attachment to an object to be supported, such as a washer drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: D. Stuart Atwater
  • Publication number: 20030141638
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air damper for mobile furniture parts, such as drawers or doors, consisting of a cylinder that is open at one end and a piston with seal that is movable in the longitudinal direction in this cylinder and that is connected to a ram. According to the invention, there is a small drilled hole provided in the outer wall of the cylinder near the closed end section of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 6578833
    Abstract: A pull-in device for a string includes a tubular cylinder, a piston adapted to move inside the cylinder, an urging spring for elastically urging the piston inside the cylinder in the direction of one terminal part of the cylinder, and a string to be pulled in or pulled out with the movement of the piston. The device is characterized by a plurality of hooking parts, each capable of slidably hooking the string, that are formed on the piston as mutually opposed across the center of the piston, a hooking part capable of slidably hooking the string that is formed on a cap adapted to close the other terminal opening part of the cylinder, one terminal part of the string pulled out of the cylinder, intervening points of the whole length of the string hooked serially on the hooking parts and as folded back, and the other terminal part of the string fixed on the cylinder or piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Oomi Arisaka
  • Publication number: 20020158382
    Abstract: A pull-in device for a string includes a tubular cylinder (1), a piston (2) adapted to move inside the cylinder (1), an urging spring (3) for elastically urging the piston (2) inside the cylinder (1) in the direction of one terminal part thereof, and a string (4) to be pulled in or pulled out with the movement of the piston (2). The device is characterized by a plurality of hooking parts (14) each capable of slidably hooking the string that are formed on the piston (2) as mutually opposed across the center of the piston (2), a hooking part capable of slidably hooking the string (4) that is formed on the cap (6) adapted to close the other terminal opening part of the cylinder (1), one terminal part of the string (4) pulled out of the cylinder (1), intervening points of the whole length of the string (4) hooked serially on the hooking parts (11) and (14) as folded back, and the other terminal part of the string (4) fixed on the cylinder (1) or piston (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 6419211
    Abstract: A manipulator comprising a linkage with at least two links (1, 4) which have ball joints (3, 6) at their ends, and a spring device (10) which exerts a tensile force between the links. The spring device (10) comprises a first drawing device (11) with a first angle device (18), a second drawing device (12) with a second angle device (19), which are arranged, displaceable in parallel, side-by-side, and a spring member (13) arranged between the angle devices. The tensile force arises by the spring member exerting a compressive force against the angle devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Hakan Hvittfeldt, Jan Larsson, Pierre Mikaelsson, Fredik Persson
  • Patent number: 6367785
    Abstract: A tubular cylinder has a first end and a second end. A piston is movable in the cylinder. A compressed coil spring resiliently biases the piston toward the first end of the cylinder. A string transmits a damper function, caused by a movement of the piston, to a body to be moved. The string slideably wraps over the piston, and extends the length of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Isao Nakabayashi, Seiji Sawatani
  • Patent number: 6345583
    Abstract: A bi-directional shock absorbing apparatus for attenuating undesirable dock movement, wherein two independent rods, one associated with a dock and the other with a fixed object, receive forces from the raising and lowering of the dock and transfer these forces to the respective ends of a coiled spring providing a balanced, bi-directional dampening affect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: Willie L. Thackston, June M. Thackston
  • Patent number: 6241229
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing of plate-like workpieces (9) includes a machine frame with a work table (8), and a coordinate guide (10) by which the workpiece is movable above the work table (8). A guide rail (11) of the coordinate guide (10) is mounted on the machine frame to be movable in one coordinate direction (y) and movably carries at least one workpiece support (12) in the other coordinate direction (x) The guide rail (11) projects in the direction (x) beyond at least one side of the work table (8) to provide an overhang facing the work table (8) on which is provided a workpiece support. Between the overhang of the guide rail (11) and the machine frame is provided a self-supporting plate 16,17 reinforcing element which is movable with the guide rail (11) to support it on the machine frame against distortion and displacement and its surface provides workpiece support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Stephan Bundschu, Werner Erlenmaier, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 6220583
    Abstract: An air damper of the present invention is provided with a cylinder whose one end is closed and other end is open; a piston which is movable along an axial direction of the cylinder within the cylinder in a state where an end of a string is connected to the piston; a recess groove formed in a peripheral surface of the piston; an O-ring seal between the cylinder and the piston and movably fitted to the recess groove; a coil spring butted against one of a pair of flanges defining the recess groove of the piston for biasing the piston toward the one end of the cylinder; a hook provided on one of the pair of flanges, the end of the string being attached to the hook; and opposed notches formed by notching portions of the pair of flanges of the piston corresponding to opposite sides of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiichiro Ito
  • Patent number: 6183015
    Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Smithson, David Blackadder, John Taylor, Andrew Downie, Joe Harte, Andrew Park, Elizabeth Rees
  • Patent number: 6158374
    Abstract: A shock absorber device is provided for use in absorbing sea surges in mooring and marine towing applications at sea. The device includes a unitary anchor member disposed in a housing. The anchor member includes a rod having an eyelet at one end thereof for attachment to a shackle and a plurality of laterally extending flange members spaced along the length thereof for securing the member in the housing. A unitary piston member, including a rod including a flange or piston plate at one end thereof and an eyelet at the opposite end, is mounted in the housing so as to enable rotation of the piston member about the axis of the rod of the piston member. A coil spring surrounds a portion of the rod of the piston member. The piston member and coil spring are received in a cavity in the housing such that a first end of the coil spring abuts the flange of the piston member and the opposite end of the coil spring abuts an inwardly facing end wall of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: E-Zsea Surge, LLC
    Inventor: William F Free, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5974852
    Abstract: A lifter unit is provided for use with a transfer die of the type used to form sheet metal components. The lifter unit functions to appropriately position a stamping between the upper and lower die assemblies and is easily accessible from the top of the lower die assembly. The lifter unit is fabricated from standard components and is readily adaptable to a wide range of transfer die designs. As such, the lifter unit of the present invention is a standardized item that can be quickly utilized by a die designer to provide a part positioning feature in a transfer die running in a transfer press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel F. Nieschulz
  • Patent number: 5937676
    Abstract: A suspension system of a washing member is comprised of two rods each connected with an upper main suspensor and a lower main suspensor and a secondary suspensor disposed at adjacent ends between the individual rods. The secondary suspensor is comprised of a creased hollow cylindrical rubber casing and a sponge encompassing the rubber member. The suspension system reduces vibration of a water basket to a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Un-Su Jeon
  • Patent number: 5884827
    Abstract: A spring interposed between a golf bag and a carrying strap for the golf bag. The spring will flex when the golf bag is carrying the golf bag thereby reducing the amount of stress placed on the shoulder of the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Cobi Stein