Rotatable Patents (Class 403/164)
  • Publication number: 20100051772
    Abstract: An installation apparatus configured to install a projector includes: a first supporting unit having a member to be placed on an object used for installation; a second supporting unit extending downward of the object from the first supporting unit and supporting the projector under the object; and a connecting portion having a plurality of connectors configured to connect the projector arranged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Sakamaki, Naoya Nishimura, Saeko Inoue, Genta Kawabe
  • Publication number: 20090257818
    Abstract: An angle adjustment device, include a fixed portion; a movable portion; a connection portion which rotatably connects the movable portion to the fixed portion; and an elastic member which is arranged between the movable portion and the fixed portion and restricts rotational movement of the movable portion with kinetic friction generated between the movable portion and the fixed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicants: NEC ACCESS TECHNICA, LTD., NEC ENGINEERING, LTD.
    Inventors: Namie Sugiyama, Keisuke Hatomi
  • Publication number: 20090245929
    Abstract: A connection element comprising a first retaining element and a second retaining element adapted to be connected by a rotary bearing such that the retaining elements can be freely rotated relative to each other about 360°, characterized in that a first annular rotary bearing portion has a first outer annular portion and a first inner annular portion concentric to the outer annular portion, the first outer annular portion at the inner circumference having a first locking portion of limited length in circumferential direction, a second annular rotary bearing portion has a second outer annular portion and a second inner annular portion concentric to the outer annular portion, the second inner annular portion being matingly accommodated by the first inner annular portion, an annular circumferentially extending locking portion of the second outer annular portion within the first outer annular portion gripping behind the first locking portion when the rotary bearing portions are plugged together substantially in an
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Alexander LIMPERT
  • Publication number: 20090245924
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the system includes a tubular female end portion of the first pole section and a male end portion of the second pole section that is insertable into the female end portion. Additionally, the system includes a locking nut including a body portion and a neck portion and is threadingly engaged with the male end portion. Furthermore, the system includes a biased locking sleeve assembly that includes a locking sleeve having an internal cavity such that the locking sleeve fits over the locking nut neck portion, and a biasing device located within the interior cavity of the locking sleeve for applying opposing forces to the locking nut and the locking sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Whitling, Gregory Francisco, William Dale Jones
  • Publication number: 20090208274
    Abstract: A swivel coupling device includes a base member having a stem extended from a carrier, and a channel formed in an outer peripheral portion of the stem, and a swivel member includes a passage formed in a support member, and an inner peripheral groove formed in the support member and communicating with the passage of the support member for forming an endless pathway between the support member of the swivel member and the stem of the base member when the stem is engaged into the passage of the support member and for receiving bearing members which prevent the support member of the swivel member and the stem of the base member from being disengaged from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Feng Chia Liang
  • Patent number: 7478968
    Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle has an oblong basic body via at least one fastening element, wherein the basic body is a hollow extruded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Georg Wolf, Frank Budde
  • Publication number: 20080279619
    Abstract: A safety device for connection between a tongue of a trailer and a hitch of a vehicle includes an elongate arm and first and second ball joint sections located at opposite ends of the elongate arm. Each ball joint section includes a bearing cage formed in the elongate arm and a spherical bearing member positioned within the bearing cage. One of the spherical bearing member connects to the trailer tongue and the other spherical bearing member connects to the hitch. In this manner, relative movement between the trailer tongue and hitch causes rotation of the first and second spherical bearing members during towing along uneven surfaces to maintain a safety connection between the trailer tongue and hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Buddy Miller, Mary D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080205976
    Abstract: Through pivot (1) has a stator (2) and a rotor (3). The rotor is capable of turning relative to the stator about an axis of rotation (A) and is capable of accepting a through shaft aligned with the axis of rotation. The rotor is connected to the stator by a plurality of webs (4) capable of being deformed to allow the rotor to rotate, and in that in a condition of rest the webs form an angle of inclination relative to a radial direction passing through the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Xavier Jeandot, Yannick Baudasse
  • Patent number: 7398984
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension member of a vehicle suspension system is adapted for supporting a frame of vehicle. The suspension member interconnects first and second components of the vehicle, and enables movement of the first component relative to the second component when the vehicle is in motion. The suspension member includes an elongated swivel link assembly having first and second opposite ends. The first end is operatively connected to the first component of the vehicle, and the second end is operatively connected to the second component of the vehicle. The link assembly swivels about a longitudinal axis defined by the suspension member. The swivel range is greater than 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Detroit Speed & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle G. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20080111339
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting together two objects comprises: a body for attachment to a first object and having a concave surface and a corresponding convex surface; a clamp for attachment to a second object and having a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, the first and second jaws being configured to engage respectively the concave and convex surfaces of the body when applying a clamping force thereto, wherein at least one jaw comprises at least one tooth configured to bite into the body as the clamping force is applied, thereby resisting movement between the body and the clamp. A chair, in particular a wheelchair for disabled persons, has one or more rests mounted on apparatus as detailed above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Specmat Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Suddaby, Sean Patrick Nelson
  • Patent number: 7270345
    Abstract: The assembly incorporates two plates. There are annular protrusions on one plate and a matching annular groove on the other. A central bolt and washer holds the plates in engagement while permitting rotation of one plate relative to the other. The cooperating annular grooves and protrusions transfer loads between plates. Ninety degrees of rotation causes the jack assembly to rotate from the vertical stowed position to the horizontal towed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Bernhardt Goettker
  • Patent number: 7241263
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a system for rotatably coupling a shaft to a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to a housing that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to a housing without the use of adhesive or epoxies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Boulais
  • Patent number: 7241071
    Abstract: A fastener for joining two pieces of rebar together in a rebar grid used to reinforce subsequently poured concrete is described. The fasteners include two clamp pieces that in certain embodiments completely wrap around a piece of rebar and are tightly secured thereto. Further, each clamp piece can swivel or rotate up to 360 degrees relative to the other clamp piece such that two rebar pieces intersecting at any angle can be coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Jiffy Clip, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Carraher, Terry Daniel Newton
  • Patent number: 7156114
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device for the canopy of a hang umbrella includes a cantilever divided into a left-sectional cantilever and a right-sectional cantilever, with a connecting plug inserted in between the interiors of the left-sectional and the right-sectional cantilever. The left-sectional cantilever is secured with one end of the connecting plug and the right-sectional cantilever fitted around the other end of the connecting plug by a tightening bolt. By so designing, the outer portion of the cantilever, which is connected with the canopy, can be rotated and adjusted in different angles. Thus, the canopy of the hang umbrella can be adjusted and turned forward and backward as well as leftward and rightward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Chong-Yi Lo
  • Patent number: 7150578
    Abstract: A clamp system for attaching accessory devices to a railing structure includes a first clamping jaw member and a second clamping jaw member designed to clamp on a railing structure. An accessory mounting device includes a cylindrical collar portion with a plurality of diametrically aligned holes arranged around the circumference. One of the clamping jaw members has an opening, sized to receive the collar portion and one pair of holes that can be aligned with the holes of the collar portion. When the mounting device is in a desired orientation, a pin is inserted through the aligned holes to hold the orientation. A locking nut is mounted on a threaded portion of the collar portion and, when tightened, tends to withdraw the collar portion against the pin, firmly securing the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Carmen R. Porco
  • Patent number: 7014230
    Abstract: An improved structure hoist-use base hoisting ring comprised of a U-shaped clevis movably suspended from the two sides at the lower end of a cylindrical base mount as well as a circular top mounting bushing at the upper section and a bottom mounting bushing at the center section having an upwardly projecting neck and a passageway that are situated over the top and bottom lateral surfaces of a bore through the interior portion of the cylindrical base mount, enabling the installation of a bolt into the top mounting bushing center section and downward through the bottom mounting bushing and the fastening and positioning of its threaded section into the threaded hole of a weight at the lower end. Among the features of the present invention, an annular recess is disposed along the top surface and center section of the cylindrical base mount that provides for the nesting of a flat planar bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Hung
  • Patent number: 6953212
    Abstract: A hoist ring assembly adapted to be arc welded directly to an object to be lifted. A hoist ring mount is provided with the assembly having a generally radially extending flange portion integral with the proximal end of a generally cylindrically bearing portion. The perimeter of the flange portion is welded directly to an object to be lifted by means of a peripheral weld boundary. The bearing portion has a circumference. The length of the peripheral weld boundary is greater than the length of the circumference, thereby reducing stresses applied across the weld while maintaining the load capacity of the assembly after welding. A conventional lifting loop is pivotally mounted to a collar member. The collar member is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical bearing portion of the hoist ring mount. The lifting loop assembly, comprising the lifting loop and the collar member, is detachably mounted on the welded-in-place hoist ring mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: CBC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony J. Alba
  • Patent number: 6871455
    Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Norman Frank Cockman, Silas E. Winn
  • Patent number: 6851702
    Abstract: A novel mounting bracket for an inflatable curtain is described. The mounting bracket includes a pair of attachment plates for engaging respective sides of the inflatable curtain. One plate includes an opening through which a fastener may be positioned to secure the bracket and attached inflatable curtain to the interior of a vehicle. A bushing having an inner surface and an outer surface is positioned within the opening in the mounting plate. Flanges extending from an outer surface of the bushing maintain the bushing within the opening. The outer surface of the bushing is smaller than the opening which allows the bushing to rotate freely within the bracket when a fastener is used to secure the mounting bracket to the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David Henderson, Kurt Petersen
  • Patent number: 6845592
    Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Extech Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele
  • Patent number: 6824324
    Abstract: A system for pivotably coupling components. The system comprises a pivot structure having a head, a body, a deformable retention feature and a stop. The stop is positioned to limit movement of a cooperating deformation tool to ensure predictable pivot spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas T. Hardt
  • Patent number: 6779940
    Abstract: A fastening device for pivotably fixing one end of a linear drive to a support part includes a first fastening half disposed at an end of the linear drive and a second fastening half arranged on the support part. The linear drive has an installation position and a functional position, the installed position being inclined at an angle with respect to the functional position. One of the fastening halves includes a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The U-shaped or L-shaped section includes a bolt extending transversely with respect to an axis of the linear drive. The bolt has two mutually parallel, flat outer surfaces, the outer surfaces being disposed on two opposite sides of the bolt and extending parallel to a bolt axis. The other fastening half includes a cylindrical bolt socket having a radial bolt-insertion opening in an insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Frank Amrhein, Bernhard Schenk
  • Publication number: 20040114994
    Abstract: In a rotary joint A including a power slip ring 21 and an electric signal slip ring 31 both for passing electricity between a stator 1 and a rotor 6, for the purpose of avoiding penetration of water droplets into the surroundings of the slip rings 21 and 31 to prevent the occurrence of an accident due to electric leakage, a plurality of circumferentially extending annular passages 30, 30, . . . are formed in axially aligned relation between the stator 1 and the rotor 6, and water passages 12 and 13 are constituted by the annular passages 30, 30 other than one of the annular passages 30, 30, . . . which is located towards the power slip ring 21 and the electric signal slip ring 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Mikio Tsutsumi, Hitoshi Momoda, Yoshitaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6709183
    Abstract: A joint having a metal or plastic core and a metal or plastic outer shell. The core has two studs extending in a direction of an axis of rotation and arranged vertically at 180° from each other. The outer shell consists of two half shells, each having a reinforcing segment. A bore with a bore base is provided on each reinforcing segment. Two cup-shaped elastomeric pads are located between the core and the outer shell and are insulated from one another. The elastomeric pads surround the studs which penetrate the bore in the reinforcing segments. A ratio of the stud diameter to the pad thickness is specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix AG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Meyer, Jörg Frohn
  • Patent number: 6669394
    Abstract: An attachment for attaching the upper end of a swing device to a raised top bar. The attachment includes a pair of arcuate slide sections having opposite ends in mating engagement to form a circular slide, a U-bolt having a pair of parallel threaded end segments connected by a curved bridging portion slidably engaged in the slide, a generally V-shaped saddle bracket whose arms have first ends connected by a saddle, spaced-apart second ends containing through holes for receiving the end segments of the U-bolt and a pair of opposing sliders projecting from the bracket arms for slidably engaging in the slide, and at least one nut for threadedly engaging an end segment of the U-bolt. The attachment enables a chain or other swing suspension device that is secured to the bracket to pivot 360° around the top bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, William H. Ziegler, Jr., Steven Hanson
  • Patent number: 6637969
    Abstract: A swivel for placing utility product with horizontal directional drilling techniques comprising a head piece and a tail piece rotationally mounted on the head piece. A bearing assembly of oppositely disposed units with high thrust capacity and self-alignment properties is mounted on a stub shaft integral with the head piece and enclosed by a shell body associated with the tail piece. A gap between the head piece and shell body is sealed with a metal face seal assembly. A juncture between the shaft and main part of the head piece is shaped to avoid a stress riser condition and a thrust washer has a configuration complimentary to the juncture to transmit forces between the head piece and bearing assembly. A joint between the tail piece and shell body is locked with a weld bead technique that enables the unit to be refurbished with reduced labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Robbins Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Crane, David Long
  • Patent number: 6612631
    Abstract: A trench plate connector comprising a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the trench plate connector, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a stud, and can be locked onto the stud with a nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the trench plate connector to thereby secure or remove the stud of the trench plate connector from the trench plate. Each arm of the large-diameter skirt member can be impacted with a hammer, for example, to apply substantial rotational forces onto the trench plate connector for tightening or removal thereof. A unique double-threaded stud is used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Actek
    Inventor: Fred R. Pearl
  • Patent number: 6578889
    Abstract: A forged trench plate connector having a forged steel unitary eye member and a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the trench plate connector, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a double-threaded stud used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the trench plate connector to thereby secure or remove the stud of the trench plate connector from the trench plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Fred R. Pearl
  • Patent number: 6554524
    Abstract: A connector for towing cable or conduit in which one head includes a socket for the mating reception and separation of an aligned matching projection presented by the other head with the opposed aligned surfaces of socket and matching projection in sliding fit, a spring-loaded ball assembly presented by one head such that only a minor portion of the spring-loaded ball protrudes beyond its opposed aligned surface to register within a matching groove formation in the opposed aligned surface of the other head, and a set screw regulating the spring-loading of the ball so that displacement of the ball from the groove formation and separation occurs only when the tensile load applied to the mating heads exceeds the load imposed upon the ball; and with one head including a swivel shaft providing a connection to the other head and supported for rotation therewithin upon a combination of dual thrust bearings at both ends including one or more of a three (3) piece needle bearing, a flanged Permaglide™ bearing or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Veneta Industries INC
    Inventor: Jackson A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6550730
    Abstract: A retaining device for a replaceable hanger frame comprises a main supporting post and a retainer. The retainer encloses the main supporting post, and a buckle sleeve in the enclosing sleeve. A lower end of an inner surface of the enclosing sleeve is installed with a cambered groove. The buckle sleeve is formed by two opposite wave-like cambered sheets which are assembled to the interior of the enclosing sleeve. The wave-like cambered sheet of the buckle sleeve is installed with a plurality of stop ribs. The wave-like cambered sheets have outer tips which resist against the enclosing sleeve. A concave space formed on the outer surface of the buckle sleeve and an inner surface of the enclosing sleeve provides a margin for compressing and deformation as the main supporting post is engaged. Thereby, the enclosing sleeve and buckle sleeve are positioned to a predetermined position of the main supporting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Yi-Fa Hong
  • Patent number: 6478350
    Abstract: A lifting ring for a load, comprising a carrying loop, a pivoting body and a smooth cylindrical pin. A peripheral groove is formed near the free end of the cylindrical pin and a radially expandable retainer ring is inserted in the groove. The pin is engaged and locked axially in a cylindrical housing integral with the body of the load. The cylindrical housing comprises a peripheral channel opposite the groove of the pin, in which the expandable retainer ring is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: SHBL S.A.
    Inventor: Georges Zuliani
  • Patent number: 6461071
    Abstract: An auxiliary tool for cable hauling capable of restraining a tip end of a cable, which is exposed due to cutting on a cable laying site, with a restraint force enough to withstand a hauling force, and being applied even on a laying site where pipe size is small. A tension member (51) is exposed and is inserted into and received in a tip end receiving section (2a) and further is inserted through one of insertion holes (41) of a restraint member (4) and held back to be inserted through an other insertion hole (41). The tension member (51) thus held back is held on itself to be subjected to clamping with a first clamping member (42b). The tip end receiving section (2a) and a connection section (2b) are screw-engaged with each other in a state in which the restraint member (4) is received in the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Takayasu Kanemura
  • Patent number: 6457896
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling having a loop for receiving a connecting element. The loop includes a material reduction region. The material reduction region is formed as part of the loop such that the loop breaks at that region when placed under a pre-defined load. The coupling may be of fixed or swivel configuration. The material reduction region has dimensions less than the remainder of the loop such that-when the selected load is reached, the loop will break in that region. This design is particularly suited for those conditions when an underwater connecting element, such as a rope tied between an underwater lobster trap and a floating buoy, comes in contact with a marine animal. If the animal is of sufficient size, such as a whale, to apply the selected load to loop breakage, the connecting element will be released and the possibility of entanglement with the marine animal will be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Eric deDoes
  • Patent number: 6447358
    Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of building elements which each are provided with hinge parts, a first type of hinge parts comprising a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped shaft part of a building element, a second type of hinge parts comprising a claw device consisting of two elastic fingers extending outwards from a building element at a distance from each other, so that the two elastic fingers between them form a track which is narrowed at the distal end of the fingers with respect to the building element, so that the rod-shaped shaft part may be pressed into the track through the narrowed part of the track, said hinge parts additionally comprising a third type of hinge parts being provided with a shaft stud which has an external diameter corresponding to the thickness of the rod-shaped shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Kaj S. Mikkelsen, Hans Damgård Nielsen, Kim Pagel, Carsten RØN, Erik Fuglsang, Erik Bach
  • Patent number: 6416125
    Abstract: A vehicle seat connection (18) has particular utility for mounting a headrest support assembly (14) on a seat back frame (12). The connection assembly (18) includes first and second plastic seat components embodied by first and second connectors (50, 52) that are injection molded in situ over enlarged flanges (56, 58) of first and second ends (44, 46) of a connector link (42) which has an intermediate portion (48) extending between its ends. The connector link is movable with respect to both the first and second connectors (52, 52) to move the headrest upwardly and forwardly upon rearward movement of a vehicle seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Suresh D. Shah, Mladen Humer
  • Patent number: 6398447
    Abstract: A unitary eye bolt comprising a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the unitary eye bolt, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a stud, and can be locked onto the stud with a nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the unitary eye bolt to thereby secure or remove the stud of the unitary eye bolt from the trench plate. Each arm of the large-diameter skirt member can be impacted with a hammer, for example, to apply substantial rotational forces onto the unitary eye bolt for tightening or removal thereof. A unique double-threaded stud is used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Actek Manufacturing & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Fred R. Pearl
  • Patent number: 6375380
    Abstract: A connector assembly suitable for use with a leveraging system is disclosed. The assembly includes two connector components, each having an attachment component receiving portion and a pin-coupling portion. The pin-coupling portions cooperate, in an assembled connector assembly, to define a closed pin-receiving orifice passing through the connector assembly. The assembly can be quickly coupled to and from a fixed pin structure, thereby facilitating changing of an attachment component such as a knob hook. Additional features include a releasable securing device that secures the connector components into a connector assembly. Also, inclusion of a rounded transitional surface on each connector component permits use, and quick attachment, of the assembly in environments wherein space is otherwise unduly restricted around the pin to be coupled. A method for using the connector assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Snyder, David E. Wilson, Gerald L. Rammelsberg, Richard H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6349985
    Abstract: A hoist ring assembly is secured to a load plate. The assembly comprises an elongate central stud having a threaded shank portion at the top and is attached to a load plate at the bottom end. A rotatable ring is located above the load plate and secured about the stud by an upper nut on the upper threaded portion of the stud. A bail is pivotally secured to the ring. The load plate is securable against the ring. An intermediate integral transverse collar is provided on the stud and the load plate is attached to the other end of the stud by use of a lower nut engaging a threaded portion on the lower end of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: John Alexander Aston
  • Patent number: 6322276
    Abstract: A pressure release mechanism has a securing end, a detaching end and an activation piston. An inner cylinder and an outer cylinder in communication with the inner cylinder are defined in the securing end. A concave annular recess is defined in the inner periphery of the outer cylinder. A spring is compressed in the inner cylinder. The activation piston has a first extension and a second extension respectively extending from opposite ends and an annular groove defined to receive therein an O-ring. Multiple holes ate radially defined in the detaching end to receive balls. A cylinder in communication with the outer cylinder of the securing end is defined in the detaching end, and an axial hole is defined in the detaching end to communicate with the cylinder and the external environment. When the activation piston is movably received in the detaching end cylinder and the securing end outer and inner cylinders, the balls in the holes are held in the concave annular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Ruey-Shan Liu
  • Patent number: 6293600
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated ring for lifting loads, specifically through the attachment of a ring or rings to the load in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the ring and the direction of lifting form an angle of 0 to 90 degrees between them, comprising an attachment stud (13) designed to be assembled with one extremity bolted to the load being lifted and a ring (11, 12) moveable with respect to the stud (13) at the other extremity of the stud (13), the stud (13) being an anchor bolt having a head. A bushing (15) is provided with a flange (16) at one extremity, the flange extremity (16) being, in the assembled state, distant from the head of the anchor bolt (13). An attachment (14, 31) to attach the ring (11, 12) is provided and adapted to be pushed onto the bushing (15) and to attach the ring (11, 12) moveably to the bolt (13) and maintain it in position in cooperation with the flange (16) of the bushing (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: S.H.B.L.
    Inventor: Marc Lecourt
  • Publication number: 20010018804
    Abstract: A remote center compliance system having a variable center having an upper plate and a lower plate, and a plurality of elastic bodies installed between the upper and lower plates, includes a plurality of lower rotary plates, each having a rotation axis parallel to a center axis passing the center of the lower plate and the center of the upper plate, and coupled to a lower end of each of the elastic bodies and coupled to the lower plate to be capable of rotating, and a plurality of upper rotary plates, each being coupled to an upper end of each of the elastic bodies and concurrently coupled to the upper plate to be capable of rotating about the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate, in which a center axis of each of the elastic bodies is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate to which each of the elastic bodies is coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Sang-cheol Won, Sang-cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 6250608
    Abstract: A rotatable hitch (30) is secured to crosshead channels (10) on an overhead sheave (40) and includes a sleeve (50) and a connecting rod (60) disposed within the sleeve (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Ridley
  • Patent number: 6199925
    Abstract: A high load capacity hoist ring assembly that can be installed to achieve the required tensile value in the mounting shank member without the use of a torque multiplier or hydraulic tensioning device. The assembly comprises a shank member, a compression member, a lifting loop having a transversely disposed pivot structure captively engaged by a retainer flange. Uniquely the retainer flange includes a plurality of threaded holes adapted to accept bolts which when torqued with a conventional torque wrench combine to achieve the required tensile value in the mounting shank. Load Capacity ratings start at about 10,000 lbs and can well exceed 100,000 lbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: CBC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony J. Alba
  • Patent number: 6182331
    Abstract: The invention is a box hinge comprising a pair of identical hinge members pivotably secured by a sequestered pin captured within a bore in each hinge member. The identical hinge members are cylindrical with a rounded end from which a spherical quadrant has been removed and which has been partially and centrally bored. Each bore extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hinge member and perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat surface of the remaining spherical quadrant. The pin box hinge is formed by inserting one half of the sequestered pin in the bore of each hinge member such that the flat surfaces of both spherical quadrants are coplanar. In an alternative embodiment, the pin sequestration bores are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hinge members, which rotate about that longitudinal axis. Jigs for preparing boxes and lids to receive the hinges, and methods of installation, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: George D. Hessenthaler
  • Patent number: 6174101
    Abstract: A rotating joint is provided for a profiled crossbeam with an inner cable duct. The joint includes an upper part and a lower part which are screwed to each other. The opposite front faces of the upper and lower parts have mounting flanges. The central rotating area of the upper and lower parts does not have a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Joachim Niehaus
  • Patent number: 6168341
    Abstract: A device for use with a hinge in which two rigid elements (104, 105) may be placed in various relative angular positions, wherein the elongate part (109) to be protected and guided consists of a section or tube inserted through two mutually facing channels (111, 110) in respective ones of the rigid elements (104, 105). The device includes a movable member (107) arranged between said rigid elements (104, 105) and at least rotatably movable about a rotational axis of said hinge. The member further includes a hole (108) through which said elongate part (109) may inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: Richard C. Chene, Dominique V. Delamour, Olivier J. Rodi
  • Patent number: 6152639
    Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention describes a structure which allows free movement of a cable of an electric tool. The structure is installed at the end of the handle of the electric tool and generally includes a seat cover, a cable clamping tube, and a cable tail stop. The seat cover includes a connecting chamber connected to the cable clamping tube. The cable is passed through the cable tail stop which passes through the inner and outer spaces of the handle. Hence, the cable may turn relative to the electric tool at any bending angle and the relative position between the cable and the electric tool may be easily arranged. Furthermore, the cable will not be easily damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 6123480
    Abstract: A device (10) for preventing a swing from being wrapped over a crossbar (18) of a swing set includes a base (12) and a sleeve (14) rotatably carried by the base (12). The base (12) includes a pair of collars (20) that each have a seat portion (22) bounded by a shoulder (26) at one edge. The collars (20) are attached to the crossbar (18) so that the seat portions (22) abut and cooperate to form a seat (42) that is bounded by the shoulders (26). The sleeve (14) rides on the seat (42) between the shoulders (26). The sleeve (14) is non-concentric and includes a tab (60) that angularly extends radially outwardly from the sleeve (14). The tab (60) has a hole (62) that accepts a bolt (64) that connects a chain (16) of the swing to the device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Little Tikes Commerical Play Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Petty, Michael Francis Vercell
  • Patent number: 6116807
    Abstract: A socket pivotally retains the end of a rod that is inserted axially into the socket from either axial direction comprises a lever and two annular retaining clips. One clip is inserted into a hole in the lever from one side and the second clip is inserted into the first clip from an opposite side. The second clip has two sets of fingers at opposite ends that have lugs that engage an internal collar of the first clip to retain the clips in assembly with the lever. The second clip also has two more sets of finger at opposite ends that have catches that engage indents in the rod end to retain the rod end in the socket. The catches and indents are shaped so that the rod end can be inserted into the socket from either axial direction and retained in the socket irrespective of the axial direction of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Adam Dzurko, Frank Joseph Arabia, Jr., Donald Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 6113019
    Abstract: A gear changing mechanism for a fishing reel has gears that directly and immediately come into contact with one another without an independent intermediate clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jewell