Spring Biased Manipulator Patents (Class 403/325)
  • Patent number: 7542650
    Abstract: A telecommunications infrastructure includes first and second trough members for routing signal-carrying fibers. A coupler is used to releasably couple the first and second trough members together. The coupler includes a first pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the first trough member to the coupler, and a second pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the second trough member to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Telect Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Ellison, James Patrick Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7534066
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking coupling system (1) for overhead aligned rails (4, 5) of which at least one rail (4) is displaceably arranged and comprises a first coupling part (2) and a second coupling part (3), each of said coupling parts (2, 3) is arranged at end parts of said rails (4, 5) and arranged for interlocking, when said rails (4, 5) are in aligned position, wherein each of said coupling parts (2, 3) comprises a pivotal gate member (23, 33), and said first coupling part (23) comprises a locking bolt member (21) with a tapered end part (214) adapted to engage with a pin (334) projecting from said gate member (33) of said second coupling part (3) and said locking bolt member (21) is adapted to engage with a recess (234) in said pivotal gate member (23), and both said gate members (23, 33) are activated by displacing said locking bolt member (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: V. Guldmann A/S
    Inventors: Søren Lolk, Henning B. Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7534065
    Abstract: A device for locking, an electrical device to an accessory part has a guide configured to guide the accessory part in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked the electrical device and a removal position in which it is removed from the electrical device, the guide having a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at the location a force acting on the accessory part moves the accessory part into a safety position in which the accessory part is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marcin Rejman, Wolf Matthias
  • Patent number: 7523529
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an engagement mechanism employed in a first assembly part and a cooperating second assembly part. The engagement mechanism comprises a pivot member assembled in the first assembly part; and an elastic member having a double-wedged surface at an endmost portion thereof which extends outwardly from the projecting portion of the first assembly part. The elastic member is employed to provide an elastic force of maintaining the projecting portion extending outwardly from the first assembly part to engage with the second assembly part. The present invention, via the design of the double-wedged surface of the projecting portion, facilitates easy engagement or disengagement of the engagement mechanism, and overcomes the problem of having to provide extra disengagement arrangement in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Chi Yang, Yue-Jun Hu, Mike Cai, Li-Ming Le
  • Patent number: 7510345
    Abstract: A pivoting side mount (26) which may used, for example, to attach a pelvic stabilization device (21) to a wheelchair. The pivoting side mount (26) includes first and second pivot brackets (152, 150) that are rotatably connected to one another and a spring (154), such as a rubber spring, for limiting the rotating movement of the two brackets relative to one another. A quick release assembly (28) is also provided. The quick release assembly (28) includes a receiver (30) and a body (40) that fits into the receiver. The body (40) includes one or more latches (42) that are biased outward and that snap into notches (44) in the receiver (30) when the body (40) is placed in the receiver (30). A release plate (46) is provided for releasing the latch or latches (42) from the notches (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Bodypoint Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Kosh, John N. Tilden
  • Patent number: 7503722
    Abstract: A positioning device for clipping apparatus includes a hollow body which has an open side on one side that holds a track portion and an anchor portion on another side. The body houses a sliding member having a clipping unit and a harness arm. The harness arm is connected to the track portion to form a displacement path of the sliding member. The clipping unit includes an upper clipping portion and a lower clipping portion. The upper clipping portion is driven by the sliding member to move close to the lower clipping portion. A linking means connects an elastic element to the anchor portion and the sliding member so that the elastic element can be stretched and retracted against the displacement path of the sliding member to provide a returning elastic force to the sliding member. Thereby the sliding member can be positioned rapidly on each displacement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 7461995
    Abstract: A socket retainer for retaining a ball of a support post. The socket retainer includes a body with a channel formed therein for receiving the ball. A rotatable pin is disposed in the body substantially perpendicular to the channel. The pin has a cutout formed therein which corresponds to a diameter of the ball. The cutout aligns with the channel to allow entry of the ball into the channel. A spring is disposed at the pin for preventing an unintended rotation of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Burnley
  • Publication number: 20080298885
    Abstract: A pivot assembly may include first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. The first subassembly may include a latch mechanism displaceable between locked and unlocked positions. The second subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to the frame member and may be rotatable relative thereto. The second subassembly may include a power pivot assembly and a cam member. The power pivot assembly may be drivingly engaged with the cam member and operable to rotate the cam member in a first rotational direction to a first position where the cam member urges the latch mechanism into the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: WARN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan Yoder
  • Patent number: 7448823
    Abstract: A spring loaded quick release pin and tubular receiver with a retainer pin configured to secure the quick release pin in a shackle, clevis, yoke or forked rod end. The receiver is welded to a shackle or cast with the shackle as a single body. One end of the quick release pin has aligned J slots that engage the retainer pin positioned in the receiver with a clockwise twist. The other end of the quick release pin has a cap and a spring loaded sleeve that biases the cross pin against outside of the second leg of the shackle. The spring bias keeps the short leg of the J slot engaged with the retaining pin. The quick release pin is removed with a push and counter clockwise twist. The invention includes a kit with a receiver, a bushing and a quick release pin for installing or retrofitting existing shackles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Fred Silva
  • Publication number: 20080259547
    Abstract: A plasma display device and a coupling boss coupleable to a chassis base of the plasma display device. The coupling boss includes an attaching head at one end of a boss cylinder. The attaching head has a horizontal cross-sectional area larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of the boss cylinder. A supporting jaw is proximal to the attaching head and protrudes from the boss cylinder. An undercut is provided between the attaching head and the supporting jaw, the undercut having a volume substantially the same as a volume of the supporting jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Myoung-kon Kim
  • Patent number: 7429271
    Abstract: In a clamping freewheel having a sleeve (5) which encloses a shaft (7, 9) and in which the shaft (7, 9) is mounted in an axially displaceable manner, having rolling elements (6) which are arranged in chambers, formed between shaft (7, 9) and sleeve (5), in such a way that they roll in a first direction for a relative rotation between shaft (7, 9) and sleeve (5), whereas a torque acting in the opposite direction leads to the clamping of the rolling elements (6) in their chamber, having a transmission element (11) arranged on the shaft (7, 9), and having an actuating element (16) for the axial displacement of the transmission element (11) arranged on the shaft (7, 9), the function of the axial displacement is separated from the function of the clamping by virtue of the fact that the shaft (7, 9) consists of a hollow shaft piece (7) and an inner piece (9) axially displaceable therein, but mounted in a rotationally locked manner, and that the actuating element (16) and the transmission element (11) are arranged o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Otto Bock HeathCare IP GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Lueder Mosler, Martin Hillmann
  • Publication number: 20080213039
    Abstract: A spring fastening member includes two arms that can be engaged in a tube. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are respectively disposed at two corresponding sides of the spring fastening member in a direction away from the two sides of the spring fastening member when the two arms of the spring fastening member are forced to being parallel to each other. At the two corresponding sidewalls as viewed in a radial section of the tube, a first hole and a second hole are respectively disposed there for allowing the first protrusion and the second protrusion to be inserted there through. A first distance is defined between central axes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, a second distance is defined between central axes of the first hole and the second hole, and the first distance is not equal to the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Hong-Bin Xu
  • Publication number: 20080199252
    Abstract: The invention relates to coupling mechanism, in particular for medical instruments, having a coupler plug and a coupler socket for inserting the coupler plug, where the coupler socket and coupler plug can be secured to one another by at least one spring-loaded catch connection, where the catch connection can be actuated by a safety mechanism and can be released by the coupler plug inserted into the coupler socket. To create a coupling mechanism that is simple to operate and ensures secure catching connection of the components and that are to be connected with one another, it is proposed with the invention that the safety mechanism should be configured as a spring-loaded catch element positioned in the coupler socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Sebastian Frey, Michael Sauer
  • Patent number: 7413370
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling assembly for mounting an accessory tube to a mounting base having a stem connecting a ball to the base. The assembly includes a cylindrically shaped main body having a cavity formed therein for receiving the ball. A coupling sleeve has an orifice and a profiled cutout formed in the circumference of the sleeve. A spring is disposed on the main body and abutting the sleeve. A guiding mechanism is fixed to the main body and interacts with the orifice for compressing the spring and mounting the sleeve on the main body. The guiding mechanism aligns the cutout with the cavity when the sleeve and the main body are positioned in a receiving position for receiving the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Burnley
  • Patent number: 7410135
    Abstract: By providing a hand holdable, reusable, holding system which enables users to insert any small diameter, shaft supporting pyrotechnic device, such as a sparkler, into an aperture and be assured that the shaft of the pyrotechnic device is securely locked to the holding system for protecting the individual from harm, an easily constructed, easily used holding system is attained which is capable of enabling any elongated, small diameter wire or shaft to be quickly inserted into the holding system and securely lockingly engaged therewith. In this way, the pyrotechnic material which is adhered to the upper portion of the elongated shaft or wire is easily held by the user in a safe and effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Dibble, Robert Budnik, Eric Wider
  • Patent number: 7395578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint apparatus of car windshield wiper arm, which comprises a gripping cabin and a chassis; wherein, said gripping cabin having a hollow opening perforates through at the junction of the top surface and the front side; a vertical elastic hook is erected at the center of said hollow opening; and a pair of snap-on lugs are outwards respectively protruded at two junctions in the left side and right side of said gripping cabin with the rear side. By means of said vertical elastic hook and two snap-on lugs buckling engagement with the front tab and two bottom flaps on the head of said wiper arm, the rigging joint between of said wiper and said wiper arm become more securely firm; Besides, in the practical operation of dismantling and replacing worn wiper by new one, the separation of said wiper from said wiper arm can be easily, simply and rapidly accomplished by directly applying force on said vertical elastic hook with only one finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 7370841
    Abstract: The crisscross fulcrum according to the present invention is formed as a continuous member by fabricating one elastic member in the form of a plate. Therefore, the rocking fulcrum member can be obtained as a precise fulcrum member at a low cost with reduced variations in the spring characteristic and can be easily assembled. Additionally, in the present invention, it is preferable that a heat treatment should be performed on the crisscross spring formed by fabricating the one elastic member in the form of a plate. By the heat treatment performed after fabricating for forming the crisscross spring, the spring characteristic is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignees: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd., Tosei Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Nozomi Takai
  • Patent number: 7367249
    Abstract: A quick release device of a socket wrench has a press rod and a push rod disposed in a socket plug so that the push rod can press against the press rod and the press rod can be pushed and returned toward either side. Thus, a locking steel ball can be tightly pressed or released, and a socket and the plug can be quickly released and replaced in a laborsaving manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Che Ming Chiang
  • Patent number: 7360743
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a spacing defined by first and second guiding surfaces, the spacing being sized to receive the terminal end of a trough member into the spacing. One or more springs are carried on the couplers and may be at least partially disposed within the spacing between the first and the second guiding surfaces. The springs urge the terminal end of the trough member against the coupler upon insertion of the terminal end into the spacing. One or more locking elements are coupled adjacent to the springs to move between a locking position and a released position. The locking elements may slide longitudinally or move perpendicularly to the couplers. A first trough member may be released from the couplers independent from a second trough member coupled to the couplers. Methods for use of the couplers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Timothy J. Haataja
  • Publication number: 20080056816
    Abstract: A quick connect closure for connecting first and second structural members, said quick connect closure comprising a female part adapted to be connected to said first structural member and comprising a pair of opposite spring legs, and a closure pin adapted to be mounted to said second structural member so as to be rotatable about an axis of said quick connect closure and comprising a drive portion, a shaft-like intermediate portion and a closure body, said closure pin being adapted to be axially inserted into said female part in order to provide for a locking connection between said closure pin and said female part when said female part and said closure pin are in at least one locking position with respect to each other, and said spring legs of said female part cooperating with said closure body of said closure pin such that the closure pin is automatically rotated into said at least one locking position when the closure pin is in a rotational position spaced from said at least one locking position at the tim
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Rainer Sussenbach
  • Patent number: 7329066
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising and methods relating to a quick disconnect pin having a locking member, a first body segment and a second body segment wherein the first and second body segments are rotatably coupled to each other, and relative rotation between the body segments about an axis causes translation of the locking member relative to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Victor M Pineiros, Bobby Lamar Waits, Fernando De La Fuente
  • Patent number: 7296855
    Abstract: A chair has a chair body, a rest, an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the rest and including a securing element solidly connected to the chair body and having a free end with a slot, a threaded bolt extending through the slot and screwable into a thread in the rest, and a hand wheel to which the threaded bolt is rigidly connected, so that securing of the rest to the end portion of the securing element in clamping fashion is effected, a clamping sleeve has a throughbore through which the threaded bolt reaches in an assembled state and an end face with diameter greater than a width of the slot, a plurality of detent elements lockingly engageable by the end face of the clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve or the detent recesses have at least one oblique face, and a pressure-generating device builds up a pressure force between the hand wheel and the clamping sleeve and has at least one force component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clamping sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Interstuhl Bueromoebel GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Werner Link
  • Patent number: 7296926
    Abstract: A mixing implement includes a body having a mixing portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion having an upper shaft receiving opening formed therein and a side opening that leads to the shaft receiving opening, the shaft receiving opening having a drive pin receiving recess, the side opening and the drive pin receiving recess located substantially diametrically opposite each other with the side opening at a height corresponding to at least part of the drive pin receiving recess. A retainer is movably coupled with the connecting portion through the side opening and biased into an inward position in which an inner portion of the retainer is normally positioned within the shaft receiving opening, the retainer movable to an outward position in which the inner portion of the retainer is at least partially retracted from the shaft receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Janice J. Schnipke, Neal H. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 7293934
    Abstract: A telescopically adjustable pipe includes an outer tube, an inner tube, an inner bushing, a sleeve, a push member, a mounting bracket, a positioning member, and a retaining member. Thus, the positioning member is moved by movement of the push member and is detachably locked in the respective positioning hole of the inner tube to lock the inner tube in the outer tube, so that the inner tube is locked in and cannot slip from the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ho Cheng Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 7290342
    Abstract: A circular saw assembly of the type that includes a motor housing, a handle coupled to the motor housing, a generally circular saw blade disposed within a blade housing at a first end of the motor housing, and a foot member through which the blade extends for guiding the saw assembly along a work surface, where the circular saw assembly including a depth of cut locking system and an angle of cut locking system. The depth of cut locking system includes an arcuate bracket with an arcuate slot, and an engagement member extends through the slot and is operatively connected to the motor housing and slideable in the arcuate slot. The angle of cut locking system includes a bracket having an arcuate slot and an engagement member movable in the slot and configured to the bracket. A biasing member is provided to bias the engagement member, and at least one detent recess is provided to retain the engagement member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: James R. Hartmann, Ralf Bocka, Joseph Z. Wascow
  • Patent number: 7284928
    Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly used for hand powered tools which consist of two separate units: a quick disconnect receiving assembly and an implement head attachment. When used together they will allow for a quick connection and release between a tool head and a handle. The first unit is a female receiving unit (quick disconnect receiving assembly) which consist of a exterior cylindrical shaped body throughout. One end being of cylindrical shape (handle sleeve and handle end) to receive a round to oval shaped handle and the opposite end having a hex shaped interior body (hex shaft receiver and hex shaft end). The second unit making up the quick disconnect assembly device is a male hex shaft implement head attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Ricardo Perez, John Oldham
  • Patent number: 7255179
    Abstract: A cultivator sweep assembly having a sweep adapted for releasable attachment to a shank of a mobile agricultural apparatus. The sweep assembly includes a sweep having a more narrow profile, and a coupling attached to a tapered end portion of the shank and disposed between the sweep and the supporting shank. The sweep includes a stem portion that defines a housing configured to frictionally receive and engage the tapered end portion of the shank. The end portion of the shank having the coupling attached thereto is slidably received within the housing until a projection of the coupling is received through a top opening of the housing. The projection received through the top opening indicating that the end portion of the shank is sufficiently received within the housing of the sweep, and that the sweep is mounted to the shank with sufficient force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Lorne R. Pollard
  • Patent number: 7231695
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically locking ship containers. The apparatus has a housing having a pair of housing halves which are symmetrical to each other, an operating element having a pair of operating element halves which are symmetrical to each other and assembled with each other in the housing, and upper and lower lockers which are assembled with each other in the operating element. By operating the upper and lower lockers using a weight of a container, it is possible to lock and unlock containers loaded on a ship to and from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Se-Jong Park
  • Patent number: 7217060
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a centering axle having an engaging member defined at one end thereof, a sleeve encompassing a portion of the centering axle, and a clutch device that securely receives the sleeve and permits rotation of the centering axle and the sleeve in only one direction. The centering axle defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves, and the sleeve defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves corresponding to the grooves of the centering axle in an opposed manner. Each pair of opposed grooves of the centering axle and sleeve define a narrow passageway that accommodates a ball bearing that is slidable along the longitudinal axis of the centering axle and between the sleeve and centering axle. The ball bearing in each passageway permits longitudinal movement of the centering axle relative to the sleeve and prohibits rotation of the centering axle relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Gudni Ingimarsson
  • Patent number: 7210871
    Abstract: A swiveling fitting for multi-directional movement includes a housing having a bore therethrough to accommodate a button shaft. A ball housing receives at least a portion of the button shaft. The ball housing has at least one ball recess to accommodate at least one ball. A locking sphere receives at least a portion of the ball housing. The locking sphere has at least one groove to accommodate the at least one ball, and a baseplate for moveably securing the locking sphere. The baseplate is releasably securable to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Taco Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen O. Slatter
  • Patent number: 7198306
    Abstract: A spring-biased locking bolt with an operating button and a bolt connected with the operating button is described, wherein the bolt is spring-biased and movable in a sleeve. The sleeve is screwed into a corresponding opening in a machine part or an item of furniture, wherein the bolt can engage in the opening. The locking bolt has an optional catch that fixes the pulled-out bolt in its raised position. A sleeve section oriented in an axial direction is formed on the operating button, wherein the longitudinally movable and spring-biased sleeve engages with its polygonal shoulder with the polygonal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Ambs
  • Patent number: 7186048
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for coupling nestable drive shanks of a tool includes a housing presenting a locking pin movable between a normal locking position and a release position. First and second bias means cooperate to urge a free end of the locking pin in extension outside the housing so as to extend between aligned shank apertures and join the same. Upon user disengagement of one bias means on the locking pin, the locking pin is urged to a release position towards a location within the housing so as to withdraw the pin from the aligned apertures. The latching mechanism enables drive shanks to be connected at user selectable lengths therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Troy L. Robins
  • Patent number: 7179012
    Abstract: A lock joins two bodies together. The first body has a first hole and the second body has a second hole, and the lock includes a rail on the first body adjacent to the first hole, two spaced-apart cradles movable on the rail, a spring between and attached to the two cradles that urges the two cradles toward each other, a plunger that moves perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spring through the first hole, where the plunger has a locking end that moves into the second hole to join the bodies together. The lock has two levels that are each hinged to a different one of the cradles and to the plunger and that cause the locking end of the plunger to retreat from the second hole to unlock the bodies when the cradles move toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Navreet Kainth
    Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
  • Patent number: 7175137
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a spacing defined by first and second guiding surfaces, the spacing being sized to receive the terminal end of a trough member into the spacing. One or more springs are carried on the couplers and may be at least partially disposed within the spacing between the first and the second guiding surfaces. The springs urge the terminal end of the trough member against the coupler upon insertion of the terminal end into the spacing. One or more locking elements are coupled adjacent to the springs to move between a locking position and a released position. The locking elements may slide longitudinally or move perpendicularly to the couplers. A first trough member may be released from the couplers independent from a second trough member coupled to the couplers. Methods for use of the couplers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Timothy J. Haataja
  • Patent number: 7134802
    Abstract: A latch assembly to connect a component to a rack. The assembly comprises a latch spring and a lever that are connected to a component. The latch spring is moveable between an engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the latch spring is engaged with a catch that is connected to a rack. In the disengaged position the latch spring is disengaged from the catch. The lever is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a latched position and an unlatched position. The rotation of the lever from the latched position to the unlatched position moves the latch spring from the engaged position to the disengaged position in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Alan B. Doerr, Minh H. Nguyen, Kelly Kennedy Smith
  • Patent number: 7128493
    Abstract: A device includes a box with holes in its wings to fit setscrews and holes to insert pivots fixed to part of a piece of furniture to be attached with a handle mounted on an inside of the box that slides lengthways. This handle has holes, mounting holes and oval holes to insert the setscrews and lower wedges to drive heads of the pivots bringing two parts of the furniture to be assembled together and securing them and a spring to move the handle on the inside of the box and a lid to close the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Maria Alarcon-Lopez
  • Patent number: 7118301
    Abstract: The connection assembly for boxes includes a connection support which connects integrally a base plate and a cover plate which faces to the base plate upwardly via a predetermined space; a rotary shaft member which is supported pivotably by and perpendicular to the base plate and the cover plate; an engage piece which is installed into the predetermined space at a horizontal state, capable of rotating with the rotary shaft member together; a return spring, a center part thereof wound around the rotary shaft member and both ends thereof supported by a spring pressure part of the rotary shaft member and an engage piece of the base plate; a lock piece for the engage piece, an end part thereof which is supported pivotably by a fixed shaft which is provided at one side of the base plate, having an engage part which projects from an upper surface of the base plate; and a spring which is attached to the fixed shaft, capable of biasing the lock piece to an engagement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Toguchi
  • Patent number: 7073971
    Abstract: An apparatus for detachably mounting a device to a rail. The rail has generally oppositely facing first and second edges, each having adjacent front and back faces. The apparatus includes a bracket on the device. The bracket has a recess for receiving the first edge of the rail. The recess includes a lip for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the first edge. The apparatus also includes a clamp on the device. The clamp has a resilient wing for resiliently engaging the front face of the rail, proximal to the engagement between the rail and the lip. The apparatus further includes a latch for engaging the back face of the rail adjacent the second edge against the bias of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: EGS Electrical Group, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Edward Schurr, Jay John Bolante, John Harty Brandenburg, Dale Charles Corel, Carlos Delgado, Jamie Kim, Maureen Patricia White
  • Patent number: 7066678
    Abstract: A locking method and device applicable to lock a linearly retractable device includes a locking plate in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. In the first direction, the locking plate is movable in a release position and a safety position. In the second element, the locking plate is movable in a latched and an unlatched position. When the locking plate is in the safety position, it is unmovable from the latched position to the unlatched position so as to prevent any unintentional force to release the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Chia Huang
  • Patent number: 7055919
    Abstract: A lock fitting arrangement for a knock down drawer for removably fastening the front panel of the drawer to side of the panels is presented. The lock fitting is made up of a holding plate having a mounting member and a fitting member. The mounting and fitting members are orthogonal to each other. A locking assembly with a housing and a spring-loaded lock is held in its unlocked position via a tapered step against a shoulder by a biasing spring, and a lever pivotably mounted within the housing to urge the lock for engaging the tapered step with the shoulder when desired. A locking projection is mounted on a second wall and cooperates with the lock to which it is removably attached to the first wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Harn Marketing Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Lian Lam Harn, Yan Lam Harn
  • Patent number: 7048464
    Abstract: One first aspect of the invention relates to a connection device for the bottom (1) and lid (3) of a box with side-panels (2). The device comprises one or more first attachment means (5) firmly connected to the bottom (1) and lid (3) and one or more attachment means (6) firmly connected to at least one side panel (2). Connection means (7) are also provided for connecting the bottom (1) and lid (3) to the side panel (2) ny interaction with the attachment means (5, 6). Each connection means (7) consists of a clamp with a resilient body (7.1), a first hook (7.2) being arranged at one end and a second hook (7.3) being arranged at the other end. The first attachment means consists of a first rail (5), arranged along an edge on the bottom (1) and lid (3) respectively, equipped with connection means consisting of one or more slots (5.4). The second attachment means consists of a second rail (6) arranged on a side panel (2) essentially parallel to the edge of the side panel (2). The first hook (7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Foldy Pac Supply BV
    Inventor: Lennart Ronnquist
  • Patent number: 7036522
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated pneumatic valve assembly including a valve body having a pressurized air supply inlet port in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air, an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with at least one active pneumatically operated device, and a pass-through port. The pass-through port is adapted to be in fluid communication with and provide a pass-through of the supply of pressurized air to the inlet port of at least one other valve assembly such that the valves are mounted in series with respect to the supply of pressurized air. A latching assembly is also provided that is supported upon the valve body and is adapted to engage and be operatively retained within an aperture in a mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
  • Patent number: 7029196
    Abstract: A system for joining two components includes a rotatable locking member having a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a pair of diametrically opposed first sectors having a first radius, and a pair of diametrically opposed second sectors having a second radius larger than the first radius. A shaft is attached to and extends axially from the locking member. One of the components has a cavity and an opening for inserting the locking member into the cavity. The other component has a receptacle for holding an end of the shaft opposite the locking member so that the shaft holds the two components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
  • Patent number: 7021852
    Abstract: An open ring-like device for holding articles such as plastic cards and keys is formed so that its ends are opposed to one another and includes tips at the ends. The distance between the tips is less than the thickness of an article. Articles can be inserted into the device by pushing the edge of an article against the tips to spread the tips apart. The article is slid in between the tips to fit a tip through a hole in the article to hold the article on the device. The device allows for the insertion or extraction of articles without a separate step of opening or closing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sherrette, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Turner, III, Bernadette A. Turner, Ted J. Sprinkle, Sheryl L. Sprinkle
  • Patent number: 7013765
    Abstract: A sectional adjustable socket tool handle, which controls the movement of an axial rod along the axial direction of an external pipe. The tool includes a plurality of grooves, a coupler for engaging the plurality of grooves, such that a latch member on the external pipe is latched into the groove under normal conditions, and the coupler can move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the external pipe. When the coupler moves to the first position, the coupler will press against the latch member to prevent the axial rod from moving. When the coupler moves to the second position, the coupler will release the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gourmet Equipment (Taiwan) Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. H. Chang
  • Patent number: 7013766
    Abstract: An extension structure for a tool includes a main body, a drive rod movably mounted in the main body, an elastic member mounted in the main body and urged between the main body and the drive rod, and a rotation control member rotatably mounted on the main body and rested on the drive rod, so that the drive rod is moved in the main body by rotation of the rotation control member. Thus, the extension structure is assembled easily and quickly and has a rigid construction without detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Tian-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 7000928
    Abstract: A third wheel collapsing device for a golf club cart includes a third wheel support frame having a U-shaped frame fixed pivotally with a third wheel and a hollow support arm fitted therein with a fit block. The support arm and the fit block respectively have insert holes and connecting holes. A support base assembled on the support arm has a pivotal shaft under the bottom and a threaded hole before the pivotal shaft for receiving an elastic lock member, which has an engage rod biased by a compression coil spring and controlled by a user. The support base has a fastening frame fixed with the lower end of the main frame of a golf club cart. When the engage rod is pulled and removed from the first insert hole of the support arm and the first connecting hole of the fit member, the third wheel support frame can be transversely collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 7001137
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the securing of an implement to a lifting arm, particularly to a front loader, where the implement and the lifting arm can be fastened to each other by a movable locking bar, which can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position, and can be brought from the locking position into the unlocking position by a remotely actuated hydraulic cylinder. It is proposed that the locking bar can be arrested automatically in the unlocking position, with it then being possible for the hydraulic cylinder to be deactivated. The locking bar is located such that it can be brought into the locking position from its arrested position by moving the implement by another remotely actuated hydraulic cylinder such that the locking bar engages the lifting arm and is moved to a non-arrested position from where it is automatically biased back into its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Laurent Perrin, Emmanuel Berthod, Sebastien Portet, Philippe Ostermann
  • Patent number: 6979262
    Abstract: Locking apparatus adapted for releasably holding a first member, which can be, for instance, a relatively heavy member or device such as a crop residue spreader, in one or more predetermined positions relative to a second member, which can be, for instance, a fixed structure of an agricultural combine, which apparatus when locked and actuated or moved into an unlocking mode will automatically unlock when any forces urging the apparatus to remain in the locked condition are overcome or removed or are otherwise absent, and which when actuated or moved into a locking mode, will automatically lock the members together when in or moved to one of the predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Randall A. Maro, Bryan S. Claerhout
  • Patent number: 6935805
    Abstract: A reusable self-aligning precision latch, including a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, and an interface cone. A lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment. A drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engages a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven. A flexure ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with a pivoting clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body are equalized. A motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Richard A. Colleluori