Spring Counterbalance Patents (Class 362/402)
  • Patent number: 11629812
    Abstract: An articulating arm assembly for a passenger seat includes a static portion attachable to the passenger seat, a rotation portion attached to the static portion such that the rotation portion is pivotable about a rotation axis, an arm body attached to the rotation portion, such that the rotation portion and the arm body are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a wiring portion disposed inside the arm body and extending from the arm body into the rotation portion. The wiring portion extends parallel to the rotation axis from the rotation portion toward and into the static portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Eric O. Freienmuth, Matthew K. Zemler
  • Patent number: 10786318
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a link of a counter balanced arm is disclosed including, a hollow housing with a cylindrical cavity having an open end and a closed end with a small opening to allow cables to pass through; a first pivotal joint near the closed end of the hollow housing; a second pivotal join near the open end of the hollow housing; a compressible spring assembly received through the open end by the cylindrical cavity of the hollow housing; and a plug coupled to the open end of the cylindrical cavity of the hollow housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8845145
    Abstract: A reflector assembly and method for installing into a collar. The reflector assembly includes a reflector, a frame surrounding and being coupled to a portion of the reflector, and one or more connectors coupled to the frame. Each connector includes a base portion coupled to the frame, a first finger, and a biasing portion. The first finger and the biasing portion extend in a generally upward direction from a portion of the base portion; however the first finger is angled away from the reflector while the biasing portion is angled toward the reflector. The biasing portion exerts a force on the side of the reflector when the first finger portion is compressed inwardly towards a side of the reflector. The reflector assembly is installed into a collar by inserting the reflector assembly into the collar and allowing first finger to compress toward the reflector and then away from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Amos Tam, Grzegorz Wronski
  • Patent number: 8485713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp holder with bayonet lock that provides interior illumination in kitchen equipment or similar devices, particularly in domestic ovens, and it is characterized in that it consists of (i) plastic or porcelain body (2) with screw ring housing (10) and terminal rivet hole (12) on its inner surface, and mounting recesses (13), mounting protrusions (13a) and positioning wedge (11) on its outer surface; (ii) mounting frame (3) with circular inner and outer diameter and located on the plastic or porcelain body (2), and having springy mounting pins (14) seated at an angle of 180° from each other on its inner side, springy mounting hooks (14a), locking pins (15) and locking springs (16); and (iii) glass enclosure (1) located on the mounting frame (3) shaped in almost semi-spherical form and equipped with a glass enclosure flange (7) on the bottom part, fixing slots (8) in pairs and locking track (9) below the glass enclosure flange (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Suavi Atalay
  • Patent number: 6918689
    Abstract: An auxiliary light assembly is provided for a tractor having a front-mounted implement. The assembly includes a lower support and an upper support pivotal with respect to the lower support. The lower support has a cylindrical member which is attached to a frame. Detent recesses are formed in an upper end surface of the lower support. The upper support has a lamp housing attached to an end of a support rod, and a detent member. The detent member is selectively received by the recesses to releasably hold the upper support in selected positions relative to the lower support. A bushing member is received by the support members to maintain axial alignment thereof. A spring is received by the support members, and is biased to urge the support members towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Keith Jonathan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6918686
    Abstract: An assembled lamp retaining device comprises a lamp seat, a limiting structure and a lamp rod. In the limiting structure, a pin passes through an upper locking hole of the lamp seat, a limiting block and a tension spring above the limiting block so as to confine the limiting block and the tension spring to the lamp seat. A vertical surface of the limiting block is formed with a through hole and a lower end thereof is protruded with a buckling sheet. One end of the buckling sheet is an inclined surface and another end of the buckling sheet is an inclined stepped surface. The tension spring is between two vertical sides of the limiting block. Thereby, the limiting block is positioned; and thus, the lamp rod can be assembled or detached from the lamp seat easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6860630
    Abstract: A lamp assembly device with a detachable lamp rod is disclosed. A lateral side of the wire winding box has a via hole. An end surface of the lamp seat has a recess and near a front edge of the lamp seat is installed with a groove. A recess is communicable to the groove. A free end of the elastic piece is locked into the groove so as to buckle with the lamp rod. A front end of the lamp rod is installed with an end portion which exactly inserts into the inserting seat. A block of the lamp rod exactly passes through the recess. An end portion of the lamp rod inserts into the inserting seat so that the lamp seat is conductive to the lamp rod. Thereby the lamp rod and lamp rod are detachable so as to reduce the volume in transfer and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6814473
    Abstract: A lighting structure includes a wire collector, a lamp head, a base and a balancing device. The wire collector includes a first supporting rod and a second supporting rod which are respectively integrally formed. The balancing device includes a first hinge, a first cord, a first elastic element, a second hinge, a second cord and a second elastic element. The first and second hinges respectively drive the first and second cords to tense or release the first and second elastic elements, while the first and second elastic elements hold the first and second supporting rods. A channel is formed on each of the first and second supporting rods for receiving a power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gingko Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 6805477
    Abstract: An assembled lamp with a detachable lamp rod and lamp seat is disclosed. A wire winding box has a via hole and a bottom of the wire winding box has through hole. A portion of a lamp seat has a penetrating hole. One side of the lamp seat is formed with an embedding hole. A distal end of the lamp seat is locked with an inserting seat. The lamp rod is exactly inserted into the end portion in the lamp seat for electric conduction. The lamp rod is formed with a limit groove. The buckling elastic piece is protruded with an embedding end. After the lamp rod inserts into the lamp seat, the embedding end resists against the locking hole to prevent the lamp rod from protruding out. Thereby, a user can assembled the lamp rod and moreover, the lamp is detachable for storage and transfer with a smaller volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6793380
    Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Steris Inc., Ondal Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Kupfer
  • Patent number: 6758585
    Abstract: An articulated stand having an adjustment mechanism featuring a hinge-and-wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an articulated, adjustable stand comprising an upwardly extending arm, a downwardly extending leg pivotally attached to the upwardly extending arm, a wheel rotatably mounted to a first end of the downwardly extending leg, and a spring element connecting the first arm member and the second leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Erik S. Chan
  • Publication number: 20040105271
    Abstract: A lighting structure includes a wire collector, a lamp head, a base and a balancing device. The wire collector includes a first supporting rod and a second supporting rod which are respectively integrally formed. The balancing device includes a first hinge, a first cord, a first elastic element, a second hinge, a second cord and a second elastic element. The first and second hinges respectively drive the first and second cords to tense or release the first and second elastic elements, while the first and second elastic elements hold the first and second supporting rods. A channel is formed on each of the first and second supporting rods for receiving a power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 6676281
    Abstract: A rail lighting system includes an adapter having contact members with elongated portions. A body having an opening for a rail receives the contacts such that the elongated portions extend adjacent the rail. A wedge includes members that engage the contacts to urge the elongated portions toward the rail. The wedge is secured to a cap that threadedly engages the body. The rail includes at least one conductor in opposite end portions of the rail with respect to its depth. The conductors of the rail may include a single conductor or, alternatively conductors on opposite sides of the rail. A lighting fixture spring clip includes sets of opposite tangs including a first set having V-shaped end portions to engage a notched lamp base and a second set having curved end portions for engaging an enclosure barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sea Gull Lighting Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Bray, Stefano Caposecco, Andrzej Duljas
  • Patent number: 6663266
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a supporting device clamped or standing on a table or surface; a main arm pivotally mounted on the supporting device; a cantilever pivotally secured to the main arm; a lamp device having a lamp and a lamp shade pivotally connected to the cantilever; and a linear restoring spring set resiliently retained between the supporting device and an adapter secured at a distal (outer) end portion of the cantilever for securing the lamp device with the adapter, with the linear restoring spring set linearly concealed and built in the cantilever and the main arm for forming a compact appearance of the lighting fixture and for statically balancing the weight of the lamp device in order for optionally positioning the lamp device at a desired orientation or position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Nan-Jung Huang
  • Publication number: 20030227776
    Abstract: A linear suspension projector lamp assembly, comprising an upper rack providing a space for electrical connection and winding; a lower rack having an electrical box for assembly of lighting fixtures and lighting accessories, on two sides of an arm rod being provided for a cord end of the cord to fasten and tie on, a counterweight unit, installed between the racks, for insertion and assembly by two cord ends for respective tying purposes, and provides a work space for assembling of a locator, the locator can be operated single-handedly to fasten or loosen the cord, to adjust a lighting height position and obtain better positioning and stabilizing effects, to carry a larger or a heavier lighting fixture, meanwhile, by assembling various types of racks and counterweight unit, in combination or in replacement of all types of lighting fixtures and lighting accessories, to compose various types of linear suspension projector lamp assembly for consumer's optional purchase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Lin
  • Publication number: 20030210553
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a supporting device clamped or standing on a table or surface; a main arm pivotally mounted on the supporting device; a cantilever pivotally secured to the main arm; a lamp device having a lamp and a lamp shade pivotally connected to the cantilever; and a linear restoring spring set resiliently retained between the supporting device and an adapter secured at a distal (outer) end portion of the cantilever for securing the lamp device with the adapter, with the linear restoring spring set linearly concealed and built in the cantilever and the main arm for forming a compact appearance of the lighting fixture and for statically balancing the weight of the lamp device in order for optionally positioning the lamp device at a desired orientation or position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nan-Jung Huang
  • Publication number: 20030161159
    Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: STERIS INC. & Ondal Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Kupfer
  • Patent number: 6543914
    Abstract: Stand arrangement, in particular for medical examining and surgical microscopes, having a support foot (1), an upper part (2a), which can be rotated with respect to the support foot (2) about a vertical axis (A), and a boom (3), mounted pivotably thereon, for holding the microscope (9). The lamp housing (11) is arranged on a carrier (10) connected to the boom (3) and thereby serves to balance the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 6488387
    Abstract: An adjustable height grow light for easy manual adjustment of the vertical position of the light fixture. The light includes a light stand having two vertical supports and a horizontal support connected to the vertical supports and defining an interior channel containing the operative elements of the light. Hanging from the vertical support is a light fixture adapted for holding at least one grow light. A ribbon torsion spring is secured within the interior channel of the horizontal support member on a ribbon spring axle. In series are first and second axles secured with the interior channel of the horizontal support, and first line and second lines are connected to the ribbon torsion spring at one end and to the light fixture at the other end. The first line is routed over the second axle and looped back to and over the first axle; the second line is routed over the second axle only. The ribbon torsion spring has a tension rating that permits easy manual positioning of the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hydrofarm
    Inventor: Peter Wardenburg
  • Publication number: 20020093824
    Abstract: Spring clips for holding lamp shades such as but not limited to fragile globe and funnel shapes, onto lamp fixtures include elongated types clips that connect to the stem beneath the socket of the lamp fixture. The longitudinal clips springably expand within the neck and lower interior expanding portion of the globe shade, securely holding the latter in place to the lamp fixture. The spring clips have great applicability to the light fixtures on ceiling fans offering a secure fastening system that prevents accidental dislodging of the fragile shade when vibrations from the spinning fan occur. The spring clips allow the shades to be more easily put in place over the overhead type light fixtures as compared to the traditional method of using side screws to support and secure the shades. The clips can have hook or barb ends which prevent the accidental release of the shade from the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: King of Fans, Inc., Florida Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Bucher
  • Publication number: 20020064048
    Abstract: Stand arrangement, in particular for medical examining and surgical microscopes, having a support foot (1), an upper part (2a), which can be rotated with respect to the support foot (2) about a vertical axis (A), and a boom (3), mounted pivotably thereon, for holding the microscope (9). The lamp housing (11) is arranged on a carrier (10) connected to the boom (3) and thereby serves to balance the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 6328458
    Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm about a main pivot axis. A rod extends within an interior region of the second arm. A link is coupled to the rod to the first arm for pivoting movement about a link pivot axis that is spaced apart from the main pivot axis. A spring extends within the interior region of the second arm. The spring exerts a force on the rod and the link to counterbalance the surgical lighthead. A space filler includes an outer cover coupled to the first arm and formed to include a first slot and an inner cover nested within the outer cover and formed to include a second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Bell, Dennis C. Coon, Thomas M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6074075
    Abstract: A high mast lighting system includes an elongated vertical mast having upper and lower ends, an annular lamp support ring surrounding the mast and having a plurality of lamps removably mounted thereon, a mechanism for raising and lowering the ring along the mast between the upper and lower ends, and a centering device for centering the ring on the mast when moved by the moving mechanism between the upper and lower positions. The centering device includes a plurality of resilient members equally spaced around the inner circumference of the ring and paired with a plurality of contact members. Each resilient member is secured to two locations on the inner circumference of the ring and spans the inner circumference of the ring so as to form a substantially linear chord when the ring is centered on the mast. Each contact member resiliently contacts the mast with a centering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Staniec
  • Patent number: 6027233
    Abstract: The invention concerns a form of lighting decoration hanger structure. It refers especially to a bow form such as those supporting structures used in fishing rod as an arm of uphold. It includes the light hood, the supporting arm, spring lever and its foundation. The axis of the light hood is fixed on the upper end of the supporting arm. The foundation has a protruding fixed base. The lower end of the supporting arm is connected to the fixed base. The main point is that the spring lever located between the light hood and the fixed base. The spring lever has, on its upper and lower end, a ring-like circle and a transition spring. There is also a base lock situated at the fixed base of the foundation. This base lock has a fixed lock on it. The ring-like circle on the upper end of the spring lever is capped on the connector piece between the connector of the light hood and the supporting arm or it could be connected to the upper end of the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Chen
  • Patent number: 6012821
    Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus includes a first arm and a first clevis appended to the first arm and having a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The arm assembly also includes a second arm formed to include an interior region and a second clevis appended to the second arm and having a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The surigcal lighthead is supported by the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Yeaney, John M. Bulko, Frank L. Martyna, Thomas M. Peterson, Michael A. Taft
  • Patent number: 5971572
    Abstract: A device for the angular positioning of a mass with respect to a horizontal support axis includes a support arm intended to carry the mass and the mounted angularly displaceable about the support axis and the balancing device for balancing the arm connected thereto and cooperating with an elastic return member adapted to apply to a point of the support arm a mass balancing moment opposed to the moment generated by the weight of the mass. The assembly of the balancing member and the elastic return device is mounted oscillating on an oscillation axis parallel to the support axis and situated at a fixed distance therefrom so as to be orientated permanently towards the point during angular displacements of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: ALM
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Rouchon, Alain Verdier
  • Patent number: 5613771
    Abstract: The invention provides illumination and may provide magnified viewing of an object using a means which may be located directly in front of a seated or reclining individual, while providing for the means to pivot out of the way for easy egress from the sitting or reclining position. The invention provides a counter weight at a fixed radius for stability, and to facilitate the user's easy assessment of whether the counterweight will contact or interfere with nearby objects. The use of the fixed radius counterweight provides utilities that are not achieved when using a variable radius counterweight, or a weighted base configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Michael M. Siverling
  • Patent number: 5586820
    Abstract: A table, desk or wall-mount lamp is disclosed which is adjustable by being rotatable and also directable into several continuous directions for focusing the light onto an object and for focusing the intensity of light towards the object which is to be illuminated. The adjustability of the lamp is achieved by rotating parts of the lamp about three different axes and by sliding a portion of the lamp. One rotation is brought about by a tension wheel which is easily controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Andrew K. Klink
  • Patent number: 5396409
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is disclosed which includes a base, a lamp arm mounting adapter on the base for pivotally mounting a lamp arm thereto, with the lamp arm itself having a first pair of hollow support tubes mounted on the adapter for pivotal movement on a vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane and having a arm support pivotally mounted on their opposite ends for pivotal movement on a vertical axis on a horizontal plane. A second pair of arms having inner and outer ends are pivotally mounted on their inner ends to-the arm support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis in a verticals plane. A counterbalance spring is connected between the arm support and the second pair of arms and a lamp head is pivotally connected on the outer end of the second pair of arms for pivotal movement at least about a horizontal axis in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Luxo Lamp Corporation
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 5339233
    Abstract: A lamp assembly including a mid-angle trapezoidal open frame having four corners pivotably connected to an upper arm, an upper wiring tube, a lower arm, and a lower wiring tube, a triple-terminal connecting frame pivotably connected to the upper arm and the upper wiring tube to hold a lamp shade, swivel device revolvably fastened to an axle holder on a lamp stand to hold the lower arm and the lower wiring tube, a first retaining spring assembly to adjustably hold the lower arm and the lower wiring tube in a desired angle, and a second retaining spring assembly to adjustably hold the upper arm and the upper wiring tube in a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Roger Yang
  • Patent number: 5333103
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is disclosed which includes a base, a lamp arm mounting adapter on the base for pivotally mounting a lamp arm thereto, with the lamp arm itself having a first pair of hollow support tubes mounted on the adapter for pivotal movement on a vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane and having a arm support pivotally mounted on their opposite ends for pivotal movement on a vertical axis on a horizontal plane. A second pair of arms having inner and outer ends are pivotally mounted on their inner ends to the arm support for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis in a vertical plane. A counterbalance spring is connected between the arm support and the second pair of arms and a lamp head is pivotally connected on the outer end of the second pair of arms for pivotal movement at least about a horizontal axis in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Luxo Lamp Corporation
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 5170975
    Abstract: Two arm sections are interconnected by a connection to provide an articulated arm. The connection includes mating gear wheels with one such wheel on each of the two arms. The connection also includes side pieces for providing a fixed distance between the respective axes of the gear wheels. The side pieces include an extension which constitutes a lever. As the angle between the sections of the articulated arm, varies the lever moves to increase or decrease the tension in a spring that counterbalances the varying forces on the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Alan Chadwick
  • Patent number: 5147132
    Abstract: A swivel means for lighting fixture includes: a swivel base having a lower post secured on a supporting base of a lighting fixture, an upper bracket having a collar rotatably mounted on the swivel base as packed by a packing sleeve sandwiched between the supporting base and the collar and having an upper post secured with a lampshade provided with an illuminator in the lampshade, a tensioning spring resiliently holding the collar of the upper bracket on the swivel base, whereby upon a swinging rotation of the lampshade secured with the upper bracket and the collar about a horizontal axis of the swivel base, the lampshade will be angularly rotated to adjust its inclination angle about a horizontal axis longitudinally formed in the swivel base to be optionally angularly positioned on the swivel base as frictionally held on the swivel base by the packing sleeve and resiliently held on the swivel base by the tensioning spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Sangara Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 5065297
    Abstract: A study lamp wherein the electric bulb is supported in an etheral fashion on a structure which is both rigid and lightweight, comprises a base, a boom having one end connected to the base by means of a hinge and the other end arranged to hold a bulb socket, the boom being made up of three thin plate-like elements which are a sliding fit inside one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: PAF S.r.l.
    Inventor: Angelo Santambrogio
  • Patent number: 5025359
    Abstract: A counterbalanced arm for a lighthead has an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion adapted at one end to be connected to the lighthead and at the other end for articulation about the upper arm portion, and a pivot assembly connecting the upper arm portion to the lower arm portion. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the lower arm portion pivots with respect to the upper arm portion. A lever mechanism is positioned so that a first end is positioned on one side of the pivot axis and a second end is positioned on the opposite side of the pivot axis, with the first end being pivotally secured to either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion. A pull rod is positioned within either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion and is pivotally attached to the second end of lever mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Raja Saluja, Arthur T. Nagare
  • Patent number: 5016153
    Abstract: This articulated arm lamp comprises a base for supporting first and second mutually articulated arms; the second arm furthermore supports, at one end, a paraboloid which contains a light source; first and second arms are supported by a flexible element which is also simultaneously adapted to conduct electric current from the base to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Artemide S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ernesto Gismondi, John T. Bissell
  • Patent number: 5003442
    Abstract: A lighting assembly having a series of telescoping tubes is mounted in a box, and an interior spring urges the tubes to extend out of the box into a use position. A light on the free end of the tubes simulates a candle. One end of cable within the spring is connected to the free end of the tubes, and the other cable end is wound on a drum connected to a brake/motor combination. When the brake is released, the cable unwinds and the tubes extend in response to the urging of the spring. When the tubes are to be retracted, the motor winds the cable back onto the drum. A group of assemblies are mounted in the box and their cable drums controlled by a common drive shaft. Drums of different diameters are provided to determine the extension of the cables, and hence the tubes, to thereby provide lighting fixtures of different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Jeremiah J. Harris Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred J. Gallo, James S. Crossley
  • Patent number: 4770384
    Abstract: An improved movable stand has a parallel crank arm assembly which includes a pair of parallel arm members and first and second brackets positioned at opposite ends of said arms. Each of the parallel arm members is pivoted at its ends to their adjacent brackets to thereby define a parallel crank. One of the arm members is shaped into a tubular configuration in order to enclose therein the other arm member, whereby the movable stand can have a single-arm-like appearance of aesthetic appeal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kuwazima, Toshinori Tanaka, Noriyuki Yamada, Akio Kato, Masao Okada
  • Patent number: 4744019
    Abstract: A counterbalanced arm assembly is disclosed which includes a mounting bracket and a first arm pivotally connected to the mounting bracket along a first pivot axis. The first arm includes an inner arm located within it which is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket along a second pivot axis. A spring carrier is located near the first pivot axis and a tension spring is connected between the carrier and the bracket. The spring carrier includes a lower end defining a pair of spaced bearing surfaces located respectively to engage a pair of bearing surfaces on the bracket, with the spring biasing the bearing surfaces into engagement and providing the counterbalancing forces for the arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Jac Jacobsen A/S
    Inventor: Jessan C. Krogsrud
  • Patent number: 4692849
    Abstract: A novel examination light that utilizes a quartz halogen lamp and dichroic reflector to produce heat free white light, mounted on a versatile support arm that is moveable in a vertical arc through any angle about a support axes and is counterbalanced by a unique spring and friction arrangement that allows it to remain, drift free, at any location. The arm is mounted on a vertical pole affixed in a castered base and is rotatable through a horizontal circle of almost two revolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Allan D. Le Vantine
  • Patent number: 4651263
    Abstract: A sun tanning canopy is carried on an arm extending from a sleeve slidably engaging a vertical support column for heightwise movement up and down the said column, the sleeve and canopy being supported by a counterbalancing device consisting a coiled constant tension spring the upper free end of which is secured to the top of the column and the lower coiled end supported by abutment means secured to the said sleeve, whereby the heightwise position of the sleeve in the column can be varied by the application of slight upward or downward pressure on the sleeve or canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Michael R. Hancock
  • Patent number: 4600009
    Abstract: Improvements in the air circulatory system, counterbalance system, an integrally contained facial tanning unit and an audio console, all of which form components of an ultraviolet light generating tanning system, are disclosed. The air circulatory system utilizes cooling air intake vents, a series of exit fans and a pair of channeled panels having a plurality of apertures formed therein. A series of air baffles or dams are mounted beneath the panels. The facial tanning unit utilizes a series of separate facial ultraviolet lamps, each operatively connected to a separate ballast. The counterbalance system uses a pair of pivot arms mounted in parallel fashion, an axle coupled to and extending between each of the arms, and a pair of torsion springs, each of which is wound around and offset from opposite ends of the axle. The audio console has a housing shaped to match the contours of the tanning system and utilizes a set of controls positioned in an inverted fashion for greater accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventors: Sharon D. Kramer, John Kramer, Donald Kramer, Clark Kramer
  • Patent number: 4494177
    Abstract: An articulated task lamp for exemplary use as a counterbalanced drafting table lamp including pivotally interconnected base assembly, lower support arm, upper support arm, and lamp head, and counterbalance linkage operable within said lower support arm and base assembly and provided a novel connection to the upper support arm. The counterbalance linkage includes a torsion counterbalance spring in the base assembly having a force transmitting connection to a link member which is pivotally interconnected to a compensating link pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to the base assembly, the other end of said compensating link being pivotally connected to an elongated link member carried and operable within the lower support arm and having its other end pivotally connected to a crank member enclosed within a mid joint means providing a pivotal connection and force transmitting connection between the upper and lower support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Plan Hold Corp.
    Inventor: Charles Matthews
  • Patent number: 4429355
    Abstract: The luminaire raising and lowering system includes a mast head in which a plurality of sets of pulleys are located. A carrier ring containing a number of lighting fixtures is suspended from the top head mast by a plurality of cables associated with respective ones of said sets of pulleys. Those cables are connected to a main winch cable through intermediate linkage means which compensate for differences in the length of said plurality of cables and enable the carrier effectively to "float". Means are also provided to monitor the tension on the main winch cable thereby preventing accidents due to undue slackness of the main winch cable or mispositioning of the same on the winch reel. Four cable and three cable systems are disclosed. Novel latching means are provided to take the load off of the suspension cables when the carrier is at the top of the pole in normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Union Metal Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John S. Garchinsky
  • Patent number: 4316238
    Abstract: A frame attached to a ceiling supports a horizontally reciprocal carriage. A light fixture is supported by the carriage. A flexible conductor has one end connected to the fixture and an intermediate portion extending around a part of said carriage so that movement of the carriage in one direction lowers the fixture and movement in an opposite direction elevates the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Kidde Consumer Durables Corp.
    Inventors: Donald A. Booty, David Weisburg
  • Patent number: 4228488
    Abstract: The luminaire raising and lowering system includes a mast head in which a plurality of sets of pulleys are located. A carrier ring containing a number of lighting fixtures is suspended from the top head mast by a plurality of cables associated with respective ones of said sets of pulleys. Those cables are connected to a main winch cable through intermediate linkage means which compensate for differences in the length of said plurality of cables and enable the carrier effectively to "float". Means are also provided to monitor the tension on the main winch cable thereby preventing accidents due to undue slackness of the main winch cable or mispositioning of the same on the winch reel. Four cable and three cable systems are disclosed. Novel latching means are provided to take the load off of the suspension cables when the carrier is at the top of the pole in normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Gar Design Research, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Garchinsky
  • Patent number: 4213172
    Abstract: Movable stand for lampholders comprising an articulated parallelogram member associated with one end to a supporting base and carrying, at the other end, a lampholder. In order to balance the articulated parallelogram friction means are provided acting on a rod member of the articulated parallelogram. The friction means comprise a pair of shoes, arranged opposite each other and having a substantially mating shape to the shape of the rod member whereon the shoes are acting. The pair of shoes is supported by a pair of leaf springs pivoted at their other ends to an opposite rod member to the rod member whereon the shoes are acting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventors: Antonio Scattolin, Sergio Bernardi
  • Patent number: 4165530
    Abstract: An articulated arm supporting structure for a lamp is disclosed, in which the combination of three arms with a couple of friction discs and a pull spring is such as to permit the entire arm assembly to be desirably positioned while balancing the entire structure by means of resilient and frictional forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: I Guzzini S.P.A.
    Inventor: George J. Sowden
  • Patent number: 4160536
    Abstract: An equapoised arm assembly is counterbalanced by springs enclosed within tubes that are components of the arm assembly. The arm assembly has a lower pair of parallel arms which are pivoted at their lower ends to a swivel bracket that turns about a vertical axis in a fixed bracket. Each of these arms is pivoted at its upper end to a floating bracket that is pivoted to a similar upper pair of parallel arms. An article support bracket is mounted upon the other end of the upper pair of arms and may include a universal joint assembly. The arms are tubular and each pair forms a parallelogram by virtue of the pivotal connections with the respective brackets. A coil spring is enclosed within one arm of each pair of arms to exert a counterbalancing effect upon its pair of arms. A nylon shoe is connected to at least one end of each spring and is slidable within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1979
    Assignee: Jac. Jacobsen A/S
    Inventor: Jens C. Krogsrud
  • Patent number: 4107769
    Abstract: A hollow lamp arm swingably connected to a support at a first point and having an internal concentric rod swingably connected to the base at a second point spaced from the first point. A bearing on the rod is slidably received in the arm and helical counter-balance compression spring is supported between the bearing and the support. The bearing has a spherical race inside connected to the rod so that the rod can swing relative to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Satinder K. Saluja