Angular And Linear Patents (Class 403/59)
  • Patent number: 5853051
    Abstract: Top link assemblies for a construction machine are typically used to adjust the pitch angle of a cutting edge of a blade. The present top link assembly has substantially co-planar first and second adjustment plates with each including a pair of slots therein. Joint upper and lower surfaces are defined between the first and second adjustment plates. Upper and lower spacer plates are disposed on the joint upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and each include a pair of openings coaxially aligned with the slots within the first and second adjustment plates. A threaded portion of a bolt extends through the upper spacer plate, first and second adjustment plates and lower spacer plate through the co-axially aligned openings and slots. A nut is tightened on the threaded portion at any one of a plurality of positions along the pair of slots and the desired pitch angle of the cutting edge may be adjusted by loosening the nuts and repositioning at any one of the plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Buchanan, John M. Dickerson, James E. Johnston, Francis G. Snekhaus
  • Patent number: 5819959
    Abstract: Truss bars are pivotally joined together through locking slip sleeves and are locked at selected splay angles relative to one another by a locking splay bar. The truss bars support columns of audio equipment cabinets with lengths of cabling attached to pivotal plates locked into mounting brackets installed in the side walls of the cabinets. The columns of cabinets are tilted by cables connecting a pull back clip installed on the bottom most cabinet of each column to the rear of an extension bar removably mounted to each truss bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew T. Martin
  • Patent number: 5794908
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pivotably mounting a wheelchair to a platform includes a pivot assembly pivotally connected onto the platform, the assembly including a connecting mechanism releasably interconnecting a portion of the wheelchair with a platform wherein the connecting mechanism includes a universal joint yoke, a quick release universal joint coupler and a quick release pin interconnecting the yoke with the coupler wherein the yoke is connectable to the connecting mechanism and the coupler is connectable to the portion of the wheelchair. The portion of the wheelchair which cooperates with the coupler may be either a frame portion thereof or an axle of the wheelchair or vice-versa. The quick release pin permits easy connecting or disconnecting of the wheelchair to the pivot assembly and the pivot assembly allows for a 360.degree. freedom of motion of the wheelchair about the pedestal of the pivot assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Paralyzed Veterans of America
    Inventors: Garvin Lane East, Johnnie Bruce Scott, III
  • Patent number: 5759206
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a prosthesis or the like on an appendage of the human body, the apparatus having a first assembly adapted to be mounted on the prosthesis; a second assembly adapted to be mounted on the appendage; and an adjustment assembly operable to link the first assembly and the second assembly for selective adjustment, relative to a predetermined axis of reference, in both lateral deviation and angulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: David E. Bassett
  • Patent number: 5733061
    Abstract: A clamp having an attachment mechanism for holding and positioning a second object attached to the clamp relative to a first object secured by the clamp. The clamp includes a clamping member for securing the first object and an attachment mechanism for holding the clamp to the second object. The clamping member includes a scrape preventive mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a positioning member for positioning the second object relative to the first object without detaching the second object from the clamping member. The attachment member is hand operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Child
  • Patent number: 5722296
    Abstract: A ball joint connects a swinging shaft and a bell-crank provided on a change lever for transmitting a swinging movement of the change lever in a select direction to the bell-crank. The ball joint includes a ball having a pair of flat surfaces for defining a width smaller than the maximum diameter of the ball, a ball hole which is formed at one end of the bell-crank and in which the ball is rotatably fitted, a shaft hole which formed in the ball so as to open through both the flat surface and in which the swinging shaft of the change lever is slidably fitted. A rotation of the ball in the ball hole permits a relative swinging movement between the swinging shaft and the bell-crank. A sliding movement of the swinging shaft in the shaft hole permits an axial displacement of the swinging shaft with respect to the bell-crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Yukio Nishigai, Shigeo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5715853
    Abstract: A structure which is easy to be assemble and can firmly combine a rib with a stretcher of an umbrella is disclosed. The structure comprises a fastening and a link. The fastening has a body defining a passage for receiving a rib of the umbrella and a locating piece integrally extending from an outer periphery of the body. The locating piece defines a slot perpendicular to and in communication with the passage. The link has a block. The block defines a front end and a rear end, a first plate integrally extending outwardly from a bottom of the front end, a second plate integrally extending outwardly and upwardly from a top face thereof at the front end, and a pipe integrally extending from the rear end thereof for receiving a stretcher of the umbrella. The block further defines two concave side walls extending between the front end and the rear end thereof to conform with the outer periphery of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Asia Umbrella Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-chin Lin
  • Patent number: 5709360
    Abstract: A ratcheting articulable monitor support system accommodates storage and presentation of an associated monitor, and is usable with a base and a monitor-mounting member. The system includes an arm with a first end and second end, wherein the first end is pivotally mounted to the base allowing rotational movement of the arm about a first axis and in a first plane. The arm has a range of rotational motion as a result of the pivotal mounting, and that range is characterized as having an arm-rotational-movement-restricting subrange. The system also includes a ratchet member fixedly attached to the arm intermediate the first and second ends, which ratchet member includes a body with a first subregion having arm-rotational-movement-restricting structure. A detent member is also included adjacent the ratchet member and fixedly attached to the arm intermediate the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5704729
    Abstract: A sliding and swiveling device that includes a sliding plate having a surface for supporting an attachment unit such as a chair and two laterally spaced sliding portions. The device further includes a holder which has a pair of laterally spaced sliding sections that are in a sliding relationship with respect to the two sliding portions of the sliding plate. The holder also includes a sleeve portion which is dimensioned for receiving a sleeve member in a swivel relationship. The device also features a first locking assembly for releasably locking the sliding plate and holder against rotation with respect to the sleeve member. A second locking assembly is provided for releasably locking the sliding plate and holder against longitudinal sliding. The device features a handle member and an assembly for triggering a release of the first locking assembly upon adjustment of the handle member in a first direction (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Garnett Carnahan, Caroline Carnahan
  • Patent number: 5667179
    Abstract: A ratcheting articulable monitor support system accommodates storage and presentation of an associated monitor, and is usable with a base and a monitor-mounting member. The system includes an arm with a first end and second end, wherein the first end is pivotally mounted to the base allowing rotational movement of the arm about a first axis and in a first plane. The arm has a range of rotational motion as a result of the pivotal mounting, and that range is characterized as having an arm-rotational-movement-restricting subrange. The system also includes a ratchet member fixedly attached to the arm intermediate the first and second ends, which ratchet member includes a body with a first subregion having arm-rotational-movement-restricting structure. A detent member is also included adjacent the ratchet member and fixedly attached to the arm intermediate the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 5639173
    Abstract: A linkage support system for interconnecting first and second structures in a manner which allows deformation of the first structure while mitigating the transmission of structural loads to the second structure has a spherical bearing for attaching a first portion of the first structure to a first portion of the second structure; and at least two link assemblies for attaching a second portion of the first structure to a second portion of the second structure. Each of the link assemblies has a link member extending generally from the first structure to the second structure, a pivot pin for attaching the link member to one of the first structure and the second structure, and a second spherical bearing for attaching the link member to the other of the first structure and the second structure. The first spherical bearing cooperates with the link assemblies to mitigate the transmission of structural loads to the second structure when the first structure is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Norman Eng
  • Patent number: 5626054
    Abstract: Device for absorbing lateral forces generated as a result of a linearly reciprocating pin causing rotation of a scotch yoke, the device including a guide block guided along a guide rod, the guide block carrying a yoke engaging pin as well as having opposed connector-receiving cavities; connectors linking each cavity with opposed rod members, each connector having opposed curved surfaces and one or more flats intermediate adjacent such surfaces, the guide block positioning a plurality of annular members each having an arcuate surface slidably receiving one such curved surface, said block also including a locking device for engagement with each connector flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Bettis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Rembert, Robert W. Milner
  • Patent number: 5625940
    Abstract: A compliance device for robot assemblies is provided which permits the automation of tooling operations that generate significant reaction loads, such as automatic riveting and the like. The compliance device includes a compliance control assembly and a tool isolation assembly. The compliance control assembly is an air cylinder having a tubular piston rod. An elongated shaft extends through the tubular piston rod and an axial bore in the piston of the air cylinder. The shaft is affixed to an end plate of the cylinder and includes a position locator cone affixed to its free end. The position locator cone is housed in the tool isolation assembly which is a cylindrical housing having a tool support end and a position locator end. Equally spaced-apart, radially-oriented rollers are affixed to an inside surface of the locator end of the tool isolation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Budd Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Butt, Jim Herring
  • Patent number: 5598742
    Abstract: An auxiliary steering device having a steering pedal allows a main steering system to be controlled by either the hand-operated steering wheel or the foot-operated steering pedal. The device has a lift lever for enlarging the reciprocation angular motion of the steering pedal by leverage, a lever body for turning the direction of the reciprocation angular motion into the right-angled direction and transmitting the reciprocation angular motion to a crank lever, and a connecting rod for converting the angular motion of the lever body into a rotating motion of a drive bevel gear cooperating with a steering drive shaft of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Ki W. Kim
  • Patent number: 5586830
    Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed including a shelf (80) mounted to a lift tube (76) of a lift sub-assembly (74). An adjustment cone (88) is secured to the lower end of a rod (86) having its upper end pivotably secured to a handle (82) in turn pivotably secured adjacent the upper end of the lift tube (76). The lift tube (74) is slideable in cylindrical inner surfaces (58) of top and bottom bushings (50, 68) separated by positional spacers (66) having inner surfaces spaced from the lift tube (76). Indexing spacers (26) are slideably received and stacked end-on-end inside a vertical tube (18) below the bushings (50, 68) and the positional spacers (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture, Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Wanek, James C. Dotta, Brian Konkel, Duane Herold
  • Patent number: 5556217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auger mount device for coupling an auger to a vehicle such as an excavator, skid steer loader, or the like, having a dipper stick and a bucket link. The auger mount device comprises a mounting plate having a dipper end, an auger end, and a pivot aperture adjacent to the dipper end. The pivot aperture is suitable for mounting the auger mount device to the boom. A fin is attached to the mounting plate. The fin defines a slot suitable for attachment to the bucket link. The auger is mountable to the auger end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Charles Deyo, Verne C. Watts, Wally L. Kaczmarski
  • Patent number: 5470088
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer comprises a frame having at its one end a hitch assembly for connecting the bicycle trailer to a towing bicycle and at its other end a ground-engagable wheel. The hitch assembly comprises a clamp part for clamping non-rotatably to a seat supporting part, for example the seat post, of the towing bicycle, a universal joint portion fixedly attached to the trailer frame and a releasable fastening attaching the clamp part to the universal joint portion. The universal joint portion permits pivoting of the trailer, in use, about generally vertical and horizontal axes which are spaced apart, preferably with the second pivot axis between the first pivot axis and the trailer frame. The clamp part may comprise a generally U-shaped member having a cylindrical bight portion and a bolt member extending through aligned holes in end portions of the U-shaped member to urge them together and clamp the seat supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Delbert J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5429119
    Abstract: A hand-held compact diagnostic device is provided with a pair of instrument heads each requiring an independent source of illumination. The instrument heads may be rotated into a fully extended position and once therein, may be smoothly turned through 360 degrees in consecutive ninety degree intervals to accommodate any preferred orientation desired by the user. Each instrument head is biased in the fully extended position and a rotated closed position. Each instrument head is also adjustably biased to an aligned position for proper closure by the interaction of an adjustment collar with a pair of ball detents. The adjustment collar further biases each head in three additional positions at ninety degree intervals for use when fully extended. A pair of central terminals maintain continuous contact between each rotatable head of the device while a pair of radial terminals are in electrical contact only when the instrument head is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Griffin, William R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 5405347
    Abstract: This invention provides for the angular and lateral adjustment of a pair of fixator rods in an infinite number of planes. The angular adjustment member may be rotated about a center axis of the connector such that the connected fixator rods may be angled relative to one another in any plane called for. Similarly, the lateral adjustment may be rotated about the center axis of the connector such that the two fixator rods may be shifted laterally relative to one another in any direction. The adjustable connector provides for the adjustment of the fixator rods after the rods have been connected to the bone pins. Therefore, after a surgeon has reduced and stabilized the fracture, minor adjustments can be carried out to fully align the bone fragments without disconnecting the fixator rods or the bone pins. After all adjustments have been made, a series of locking bolts or pins can be engaged to hold the adjustable connector in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Lee, Thomas Russell, Aniruddha Nazre
  • Patent number: 5394943
    Abstract: A subsurface shutdown safety valve spool piece for installation on underground salt dome cavern storage wells having a cased wellhead at ground level for product input and removal, a cased wellbore and a tubing string extending to the cavern storage area which forms an annular space between the wellbore and the tubing string for product removal. The spool piece includes a tubular casing for mounting between the wellhead casing and the cased borehole, a hanger for suspending the tubing string, seals for sealing the annular space, piping communicating with the annular space above and below the annular space seals and a remotely operated piping valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Donald R. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5391013
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignees: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH, GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Michael Ricks, Norbert Hofmann, Friedholm John, Werner Krude, Dieter Jost, Peter Harz, Jorg Bensinger
  • Patent number: 5380233
    Abstract: A toy figure includes a hollow body having coupling openings formed in its upper side walls and bottom wall, the openings having inwardly tapered conical faces with peripherally spaced longitudinal channels. A magnet slab housed in the body is sandwiched by yoke plates which closely confront each opening. A coupling member having a circular base section with a ribbed conical face engages each opening and includes an inner portion of magnetic material engaged by the yoke plates to releasably retain the coupling members in the openings. An arm is attached to each coupling member for angular movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the coupling member base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Kiyomi Numoto
  • Patent number: 5376090
    Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing bone screws, pins or the like incorporates a rotary joint between the bone-screw fixing region of the coupling and a ball-joint connection region of the coupling, whereby an extended range of angular adaptability and fixation are achievable, as compared to the more limited range of angular articulation achieved by the ball-joint action alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Orthofix S.r.l.
    Inventor: Dietmar Pennig
  • Patent number: 5320623
    Abstract: A clamping coupling for fixing of bone screws or pins, and connecting these bone screws or pins to an external fixator, includes an additional transverse clamping coupling to achieve better external-fixator anchorage when fractures extend up into the joint (condyle) of the femur. A selectively adjustable asymmetric arrangement permits fixed settings parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femur, while a lateral offset takes into account the natural lateral offset of the centerline of the condyle of the femur with respect to the longitudinal axis of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Orthofix S.r.1.
    Inventor: Dietmar Pennig
  • Patent number: 5303520
    Abstract: A brace for use in the construction industry includes a pivoting joint and attachment brackets for securing rafters to wall members. An upper bracket attaches to the rafters, a lower bracket attaches to the wall members, and the pivoting joint acts to accommodate the roof pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: George Gozdziak
  • Patent number: 5269034
    Abstract: A surgical head clamp having a C-shaped frame with a fixed head engaging pin on one side and a pair of head engaging pins on the opposite side. The opposite side of the clamp also has a rotation mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the pair of head engaging pins and a translation mechanism for linearly moving the pair of head engaging pins with respect to the fixed head engaging pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Ohio Medical Instrument Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Day, Charles Dinkler
  • Patent number: 5257871
    Abstract: An articulated robot has a pincer-like attachment with a central part and two pivoting parts articulated to the central part, the attachment serving to connect the robot to a support beam in a fixed or slidable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Comau SpA
    Inventors: Mauro Zona, Marco Bettinardi
  • Patent number: 5257873
    Abstract: An apparatus for movably connecting proximal and distal workpieces such as the limbs of a doll or mannequin is disclosed. A first shank has a first positioning means at one of its ends and a second shank has a second positioning means at one of its ends. The first positioning means and second positioning means are movably connected by means of a joint molded therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Abbat
  • Patent number: 5240341
    Abstract: Joint for mechanically connecting, on the one hand, a scanner for symbol codes and, on the other, a processing device for processing the signals produced by the scanner, for varying through a first angle the relative position of the scanner and the processing device at least provided with an at least partially conical axle for providing a first rotational axis, which axle is movable disposed in an at least partially conical recess in a supporting block, and further provided with at least one resilient element for pressing the axle in the recess. For varying the relative position of the scanner and the processing device about a second rotational axis, the joint is provided with a disc-shaped element which is connected to the axle through an arm. At least the disc-shaped element and the arm are preferably made hollow for passing a cable through the inside of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Opticon Sensors Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Ke-Ou Peng
  • Patent number: 5232265
    Abstract: A mechanism for vertical adjustability and securement of a backrest of a chair on the upright support of the chair having a housing which includes first and second housing members, and a pair of link assemblies, pivotally connected and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A resilient sleeve is carried by one of the link assemblies and is engageable against the upright support when the link assemblies are in the locked position to grip the upright support between the sleeve and a rod to prohibit vertical movement of the housing with respect to the upright support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Shepherd Products U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Estkowski, Christopher G. Estkowski
  • Patent number: 5213434
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for an electric toothbrush drive mechanism, including an electric motor and a movement converter which is arranged between the motor and a plug-in shaft and sets the plug-in shaft in radial and longitudinal movement, the motor and converter being arranged in a housing, and the plug-in shaft, which is supported in a bottom surface of the housing, has a free end that penetrates the bottom surface, the plug-in connector is detachably connected with the housing and the plug-in shaft is engaged in an installed state with a connecting rod arranged on the inside of the plug-in connector, and an end of the connecting rod remote of the plug-in shaft is in a working connection with a radial drive, the connecting rod and radial drive being connected with one another by an elastically deformable spiral, and the connecting rod, spiral and radial drive being constructed so as to form one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 5165647
    Abstract: Equipment for a holding serum container is disclosed as including a vertical stem having in its lower end a hook to hold a serum container, the stem being horizontally displaceable by means of a slider which travels within a rotatable tubular structure linked to a hanger to eventually rotate the equipment which may be fixed to a room or vehicle ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Jose P. Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 5108213
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for connecting a support rod that supports medical accessories to a medical table, the clamping assembly having independently operable adjustments for releasably securing the assembly to the rail of the medical table; controlling the rotational positioning of the support rod; and regulating the longitudinal displacement of the support rod. The assembly includes a cam handle that regulates a camming surface. When the cam handle is rotated the camming surface translates a locking lug within an aperture of the assembly until the locking lug engages the rail of the medical table whereby the assembly is secured to the rail. The locking lug may be released from the rail by rotating the cam handle in the opposite direction. The rotational movement of the support rod relative to the housing of the assembly is controlled by the interaction of a toothed locking ring disposed upon a shaft extending from the housing and a set of circumferentially disposed teeth fixed upon the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Edgewater Medical Equipment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Shields
  • Patent number: 5090839
    Abstract: In a supporting device for the steering mechanism of a clearing saw it is possible to turn the steering mechanism from a working position to a transport position by securing the steering mechanism between two washers (15,16) provided with a cylindrical recess (17). The washers have oblong, arched grooves (21,22) penetrated by screws (19,20) threaded in the body (10) of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Ulf W. Naslund
  • Patent number: 5047063
    Abstract: An adjustment device for artificial limbs includes a hollow cylindrical member having an open upper section and an open bottom end, and a plate member disposed on and covering the open bottom end. A coupling member is received in the hollow cylindrical member and has a top plate portion to cover a central through opening of the plate member, and a downwardly extending post portion projecting from the top plate portion and having a diameter smaller than the central through opening. The post portion extends through the central through opening of the plate member. The hollow cylindrical member is laterally movable to adjust the position of the post portion in the central through opening. The post portion extends into a sleeve member. A mounting member has a cylindrical portion with an upper surface which is provided with a concave recess. The sleeve member is tiltably received in the concave recess so as to guide the post portion in an inclined position relative to a vertical axis of the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Sen-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 4993862
    Abstract: A clamp assembly suitable for simultaneously adjusting the positions of support rods on an operating table extension in a split wishbone surgical retractor apparatus. Two independently rotatable disks are coaxially stacked on a base and tightened together by a bolt and T-shaped fitting extending through central openings of the base and disks. Channels formed between the disks and the base loosely receive the rods, and aligned bores in the base and the fitting loosely receive the extension. As the bolt and fitting are tightened, the rods and extension are clamped in fixed relative positions. The disks are interlocked at discrete angular positions by a pin and holes for adjusting the spread between the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Pilling Company
    Inventor: Samuel Pelta
  • Patent number: 4958816
    Abstract: A stirrup assembly for an examination table includes in a single unit mechanism for adjusting both longitudinally and laterally the positions of limb support bars associated with the table. The limb support bars may be locked with a mechanical interlock in various lateral positions and frictionally fixed against longitudinal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Chaney, John H. Oldiges, Bart L. Milbourn
  • Patent number: 4954005
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a first support member which is connected to the arm of a robot and which supports a second support member for precision universal tilting and axial and/or rotary movement from an aligned normal position. The second support member supports robotic tooling, and a set of springs or springs and ball members or fluid actuated piston bias the support members to the normal position. An electrical control circuit is effective to stop movement of the robot arm in response to minute tilting or axial or rotary movement of the second support member in the event the tooling or article carried by the tooling is accidentally hit or overloaded. A set of semi-circular rings and auxiliary springs are attached to the support members for producing a substantial biasing force towards the normal position, and a set of construction balls and corresponding seats are used to establish a precision normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Process Equipment Company
    Inventors: Harold E. Knasel, David A. Grigsby
  • Patent number: 4929073
    Abstract: An optical element (10) is mounted and aligned with minimum strain and distortion within a support (12) to which at least three mounts (14) are attached and spaced 120.degree. about the periphery of the optical element. Each mount comprises a spherical disc (16) spherically contacting a spherical surface (30) on a seat (20) which is linearly moveable within a housing (18). Each disc abuts and supports the optical element. Any loading exerted on the support causes the discs to rotate with respect to the seats and the seats to reciprocate with respect to the annular disc-retaining housings to prevent such loadings from being transmitted to the optical element, thereby enabling the optical element to maintain a chosen, strain-free orientation with pressure on the spherical disc being evenly distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: John A. La Plante, Robert D. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4881765
    Abstract: The vertical slide in the latch linkage of an exit device is coupled for vertical movement together with a channel inside the door stile. The channel holds a pair of blocks having inclined surfaces held in touching relation and relatively slideable. The vertical latch-operating rod is attached to the first of the blocks and the other block is secured to the channel by a horizontally disposed threaded adjusting element. The side walls of the channel restrict the first of the blocks from lateral but not vertical movement. The other block is restricted from lateral movement only by the threaded element, and turning the threaded element moves that block from side to side in the channel to raise or lower the first block as the inclined surfaces slide. This changes the effective length of the rod. The turning of the threaded element may be done from the outside of the door through an access hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Heid
  • Patent number: 4865484
    Abstract: A single release, multiple axis coupling device for securing and positioning patient support equipment during orthopedic surgery. The coupling device can be released from or securely locked into a rigid position by a single rotation of an actuator shaft. The released or locked configuration is achieved by a rotational movement of the actuator shaft and a reciprocal axial movement of a cylindrical piston assembly. By displacing the cylindrical piston assembly within a housing chamber, either two or three movable coupling members can be rigidly secured to or released from the support shaft upon which the coupling assembly is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 4796846
    Abstract: The retaining device comprises a holder block operatively associated with a clamping mechanism. The retaining device is displaceably and selectively securable along a guide rail by means of the holder block. A surgical instrument is carried by a support rod which is axially movable up and down and positionally securable in the clamping mechanism. The arresting of the holder block at the guide rail and the support rod in the clamping mechanism is effected by a tensioning or tightening member, such as a tensioning nut or spider acting upon both the holder block and the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Automated Medical Products, Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Meier, Nash Aussenberg
  • Patent number: 4765766
    Abstract: An applicator for particulate compositions having a horizontally oriented apertured dispensing container, wheels on either side, and an improved upright handle apparatus. The handle apparatus includes a yoke with a cross member, a mounting bracket affixed to the cross member, a pivotably attached slide mount which is preferably a support tube, a slidably mounted elongated handle, and lock members on the mount and handle for selectively securing the handle member in the slide mount in either an upright use position or a horizontal carrying/storage position. The lock members are preferably spring-loaded button members with buttons receivable in a lateral opening in the support tube. A socket in the bracket base provides rigid connection of the handle member to the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Racine Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Heitmann, Goeffrey B. Rench
  • Patent number: 4741642
    Abstract: An improved joint for connecting an end effector to a robotic arm is described. The joint includes a spring for supporting the weight of the end effector, a plurality of ball and socket locating members, and a plurality of ball plungers. The ball plungers are located adjacent a platform connected to the robotic arm to effect a snap-like trip point when struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Phase 2 Automation
    Inventor: Richard J. Carlton
  • Patent number: 4653302
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling stand, in particular with rolls comprising grooves provided with essentially radial repetitive notches for the production of ribbed, threaded and similar bars, stand being provided with a device for angularly adjusting the roll position, which is operable in an immediate and simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Pomini Farrel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Forni
  • Patent number: 4640175
    Abstract: A support leg for a bass drum is provided. A circular surface is provided on the base member attached to the drum which has a positioning member thereon. A shaft means projects from the center of the circular surface, one end of which is attached to the base member. Inner and outer block members surround the shaft and have mutually facing surfaces for holding the leg member. The inner block has a mating circular surface which slidably mates with the circular surface of the base member and another positioning member which mates with and engages the positioning member. A means, is provided on other end of the shaft, for releasably engaging the outer block and urging the blocks together. A first spring means between the blocks has a spring pressure for urging the blocks apart. A member connects the blocks for setting and holding a predetermined gap between the blocks. A second spring means is provided between the inner block and base member and has a spring pressure for urging the inner block and base apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 4576501
    Abstract: A clamping or coupling apparatus for clamping an extension rod telescopically extendable from a tubular member includes two separate and independent clamping adjustments. The clamping apparatus is adapted to rotate freely relative to the tubular member, yet is prevented from axial movement relative to the tubular member. The extension rod is adapted to extend linearly relative to the clamping apparatus, but is prevented from rotating relative to the clamping apparatus. In this manner, a first clamping adjustment inhibits the axial movement of the extension rod relative to the clamping apparatus, so that the extension rod is prevented from axial movement and rotational movement relative to the clamping apparatus. A second clamping adjustment prevents the clamping apparatus from rotating relative to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Bernard E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 4547092
    Abstract: An improved clamp for releasably and adjustably securing accessories, such as hanger rods for parenteral solution containers, to medical tables. The clamp has a generally cylindrical body comprising two main sections arranged in axial alignment: a base section and a cup section. Annular rows of intermeshing teeth are provided along the opposing end faces of the respective sections to prevent relative rotation of those sections unless such movement is accompanied by slight axial separation. The cup section includes a chamber terminating in an enlarged end opening that rotatably receives the cylindrical shank of a first operating knob. The knob is threadedly supported upon a hollow stem which is joined at one end to the base section and which extends axially through the chamber of the cup section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Hamilton Industries
    Inventors: Gary V. Vetter, Leonard J. Yindra, Wilbur E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 4477004
    Abstract: A parcel rack for use on a vehicle such as a bicycle includes a frame structure defining a planar area for supporting parcels and the like. The frame structure has at a first end thereof attaching structure to attach the frame structure to the frame of a vehicle. A bracing structure is provided to brace the frame structure with respect to the vehicle frame. Attachment units removably connect the bracing structure to an end of the frame structure spaced from the first end thereof. The attachment units enable the bracing structure to be removed from the frame structure and to be fixed thereto at a varying positions with respect thereto and to extend in varying directions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Fratelli Barro, Giovanni E Luigi, S.r.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Barro
  • Patent number: 4472079
    Abstract: An articulated stinger attachable to a pipelaying vessel and constructed of a plurality of elongated multi-leg segments arranged in end-to-end relationship and interconnected by flexible joints. Each flexible joint is comprised of at least three components: two sockets, each in abutting ends of the multi-leg segments, and a socket-filling member. The stinger may be arranged inclined to the horizontal as in conventional pipelaying practice, or vertically for J-method pipelaying. A resilient element may be carried within the sockets to yieldably restrain relative movement between the socket and the socket-filling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Carl G. Langner