Ball And Socket Patents (Class 403/90)
  • Patent number: 11850340
    Abstract: A breast pumping assembly for a forward-leaning chair is provided. The assembly allows for a breast pumping mother to be optimally positioned and comfortable while pumping breast milk, leading to quicker and more effective pumping. The breast pumping assembly and the chair are adjustable to adapt for different sized mothers and changing body size and shape as pumping progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: RESTFUL PUMP, INC.
    Inventor: Micolene Boddie
  • Patent number: 11820298
    Abstract: Described herein is a mount assembly for mounting a device to a surface, including: a socket assembly; a mounting element including a unitary mounting ball receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly to position the mounting element relative to the socket assembly, where the socket assembly includes a resilient member configured to define a socket to receive and engage the unitary mounting ball, the resilient member configured to permit the unitary mounting ball to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; and the socket including at least one formation and the unitary mounting ball including at least one complementary formation, the at least one formation and at least one complementary formation configured to interact to inhibit rotational movement about a roll axis of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: PORTABLE MULTIMEDIA LTD
    Inventors: Robert Grant, Graham Lambert, Ceri Hill
  • Patent number: 11713834
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a platform on the ground; a pivot member connected to the platform; wherein the pivot member defines a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; and at least one rotator connected to the pivot member; wherein the at least one rotator pivots about the pivot axis in relation to the platform. The disclosure also relates to an omnidirectional roller apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a stand mounted on the ground, wherein the stand has a frame; a bearing mounted on the frame; a rotational shaft mounted to the bearing, and a Mecanum wheel mounted on the rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventor: Pablo Esteban Guerra
  • Patent number: 11592123
    Abstract: A slope adjusting and locking pipe hanger, and more particularly, a bracket style pipe hanger that includes a plastic or elastomeric insert that is configured to be rotated to a specified angle to adjust, align and secure a pipe at a percentage of slope to place at an angle for gravity drainage and to a series of interlocking tongue and groove ridges and indentations to adjust and secure the percentage slope of a pipe in place for gravity drainage. The pipe hanger provides for supporting a pipe in either a horizontal or vertical orientation along a ceiling, floor, wall, panel or equipment frame. The pipe hanger further provides a smooth contact surface to prevent bacterial build-up and other contaminants from collecting. The pipe hanger is therefore suitable for use in sterile clean room environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: John Hennon
  • Patent number: 11565377
    Abstract: An embodiment of a vise may include a clamping structure having a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw positioned relative to the first clamping jaw, and a quick adjust jaw guide to maintain the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. The quick adjust jaw guide may include a driving element to apply a force to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw, wherein the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: JS Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Hanlon, Li Qiang Yuan
  • Patent number: 11542969
    Abstract: A clamp includes a first clamp body portion arranged for removable coupling about a generally cylindrical support structure to a second clamp body portion. The first clamp body portion includes a first clamp structure containing a first generally semi-spherical floating bushing, the first generally semi-spherical floating bushing coupled to the first clamp structure. The second clamp body portion includes a second clamp structure containing a second generally semi-spherical floating bushing, the second generally semi-spherical floating bushing coupled to the second clamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ubicquia, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Root, Ian B. Aaron
  • Patent number: 11372228
    Abstract: A rotatable adjustment device for a riflescope or other optical device includes a drive screw that is threadably coupled to a rotating spindle and constrained so that the drive screw translates along the axis of rotation of the spindle. The adjustment device further includes a stop screw that also translates along the axis in response to rotation of the spindle until the stop screw contacts an adjustment stop to limit further rotation of the spindle in the first rotational direction. Lost motion is reduced or avoided by a compliant gap between the drive screw and stop screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Davis, Gabriel Isaac Applekamp
  • Patent number: 11229457
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a capture portion and an anchor portion opposite the capture portion, and a receiver assembly in a pre-assembled configuration that includes a receiver, a retainer, and a pressure insert. The receiver has an internal cavity for receiving the capture portion through a bottom opening and an axial bore with inwardly facing interference wedging surfaces. The pre-assembled retainer is configured to separate to receive the capture portion of the bone anchor within the internal cavity during its uploading through the bottom opening, after which the pre-assembled insert is downwardly deployable with tooling, prior to the installation of an elongate rod and closure, until an outer surface of the insert comes into forced interference wedging contact with the interference wedging surfaces of the axial bore so as to inhibit the pressure insert from moving back up within the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Roger P Jackson, James L Surber
  • Patent number: 11149943
    Abstract: A tool for holding a torch having a fuel containing cylinder at one end and a flame directing nozzle at an opposite end. The tool has a base with first and second parts arranged in a cooperative stacked relationship relative to each other and defining a spherical socket therebetween. The second part of the base has an open top. A positioning receptacle is seated and rotatable within the spherical socket defined by the base. The receptacle has a spherical outer surface and a cylindrical blind cavity opening to the spherical outer surface of the receptacle so as to receive and releasably hold a lengthwise portion of the fuel containing cylinder therewithin. A manually operable, spring biased assembly is mounted in operable combination with first and second parts of the base and is operable in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Radoslaw K. Buchowiecki
  • Patent number: 10890210
    Abstract: An articulated arm includes an arm segment, the segment attachable to at least one other segment of the arm; a ball-and-socket joint at a distal end of the arm segment, a ball of the joint including a plurality of indentations that are distributed over at least part of the surface of the ball; a rod that is slidable within the arm segment, the rod including at least one pin at its distal end, each pin of said at least one pin being configured to be inserted into an indentation of the plurality of indentations that is aligned with that pin; and an actuator mechanism that is configured to apply a distal force to slide the rod distally to insert each pin of said at least one pin into an indentation of the plurality of indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Noga Engineering & Technology (2008) Ltd.
    Inventors: Amit Yurman, Itay Roded, Eitan Yehud, Shay Raviv
  • Patent number: 10835227
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor with an oximeter sensor at its tip and a force sensor coupled to the retractor. The retractor system also includes a system unit which can send signals to and receive signals from the oximeter sensor via optical fibers. The oximeter sensor measures oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor, and the force sensor measures an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor. Another retractor system has a closed loop control arrangement with a positioning mechanism which moves the retractor based on measurements of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. Heaton, II, Alex Keller, Robert E. Lash, Jimmy Jian-min Mao
  • Patent number: 10816372
    Abstract: The present application discloses monitoring system, which includes a mounting base and a monitoring device. The mounting base includes a base, a first cover, a second cover and a fastening member. The base includes a ball shaft and a first wire accommodating portion located in the ball shaft. The first cover and the second cover are sleeved on the outside of the ball shaft. The second cover includes a second wire accommodating portion, an outer screw thread and a connecting portion, and the outer screw thread is adjacent to the connecting portion. One end of the fastening member is connected to the first cover, and the fastening member is screwed to the second cover. The monitoring device includes a housing connected to the connecting portion of the second cover, and a wire accommodated in the first wire accommodating portion and the second wire accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Sing Jiang
  • Patent number: 10485587
    Abstract: Modular devices, assemblies, and methods for coupling one or more fixation elements, such as bone fasteners and/or elongate rods. The device includes at least one coupling element having a body portion for receiving a bone fastener and an extension portion extending transversely from the body portion. A locking assembly is received in the coupling element and includes a locking member, a clamp portion, and a ring portion, wherein the locking member is configured to contact an upper portion of the clamp portion and the ring portion is configured to at least partially surround a lower portion of the clamp portion. When unlocked, the bone fastener is moveable within the clamp portion to allow for polyaxial movement of bone fastener relative to the coupling element, and when locked, the bone fastener is fixed relative to the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Jeff Nichols, Khiem Pham
  • Patent number: 10398215
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is provided. The cosmetic applicator comprises a grip, a holder shaft that extends from the grip, an applicator region that is connected to the holder shaft by means of an articulation, and a ball stud. The applicator region pivots at a desired angle of up to 90° arounds its axis, and is adjusted to any desired angles off a longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator in any direction around the axis, and the ball stud has a stopper or a protrusion at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: AA R&D LLC
    Inventors: Yoon H. Kim, Asher Kim
  • Patent number: 10363070
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The shank upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. The retaining member and attached shank are pivotable with respect to the receiver until locked in place with respect to the receiver. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and compression insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Roger P Jackson, James L Surber
  • Patent number: 10126124
    Abstract: In a surveying device having a base for positioning the surveying device and a pitch component having an optical beam path for surveying a target, the pitch component is radially and axially mounted and is rotatable in relation to the yaw component in a yaw component, which is movable in relation to the base, on the basis of a rotation body chucked in a self-centering manner in two cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Josef Müller, Stefan Petkov, Benjamin Schöll
  • Patent number: 10105169
    Abstract: A locking clip for retaining a fastener in a bone fixation plate is provided. An embodiment of the locking clip comprises a flexure member and a body member coupled to the flexure member, the body member comprising a locking tab, the locking tab configured to provide an axial limitation to motion of the fastener in a non-rotationally-ratcheting manner, the flexure member resiliently flexible to permit displacement of the locking tab to allow passage of a fastener head of the fastener. An embodiment comprises a bone fixation plate assembly comprising a bone fixation plate and a locking clip. An embodiment comprises a locking fastener assembly comprising a fastener and a locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Leith Medical LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Leak, Thomas G. Smith
  • Patent number: 9855079
    Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A cross connector system for use during a spinal fixation procedure is provided. The system includes at least one bridge defining a coupling bore and having a pair of downwardly extending arms for coupling to a first bone engaging member. The system includes a contoured bar having a first end offset from a second end, and a bore having a central axis. The system includes an expansion ring received within the bore, and a locking device received through the expansion ring and the coupling bore. The locking device is operable in a first state in which the contoured bar is movable about the central axis of the bore and in a second state in which the contoured bar fixed relative to the central axis of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew L. Keiser, Laurie G. Sanders, Scott Harrington
  • Patent number: 9839536
    Abstract: A leg prosthesis wherein the prosthesis shaft and the transtibial part are connected by a prosthesis shaft adapter. The prosthesis shaft adapter is constructed as a compact one-part component with a liner (sleeve as inner prosthesis shaft adapter) of the amputation stump and with a rearward extension for the prosthesis receptacle connection. The prosthesis shaft adapter is designed such that, in addition to the rearward extension of 1 cm to 10 cm, the prosthesis receptacle connection is also angled and laterally offset. Advantageously, the leg prosthesis according to the invention has a relatively low weight due to the prosthesis shaft adapter as a connecting element. The leg prosthesis operates absolutely safely and can be efficiently produced. The fabrication of a leg prosthesis with an individual biomechanical fit to the patient is significantly facilitated, which also results in fewer faulty prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventor: Stefan Bergande
  • Patent number: 9763698
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes: an anchoring element having a shaft and a head; a receiving part having a top end, a bottom end, and an accommodation space for accommodating the head, the accommodation space having a lower opening at the bottom end, a sleeve-like insert piece configured to be positioned around a portion of the head, wherein a lower edge of the insert piece extends past the lower opening when the insert piece is seated in the receiving part; a pressure member configured to contact the head to exert pressure onto the head; wherein when the head, the insert piece, and the pressure member are arranged in the receiving part, the insert piece is tiltable with respect to the receiving part and with respect to the anchoring element, and wherein the anchoring element and the insert piece can be locked at respective angles relative to the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Tobias Hägle
  • Patent number: 9677601
    Abstract: A pivoting joint assembly includes a base, a plate, and at least one bolt. The base has one or more semi-spherical sockets with each socket having a centrally-positioned hole extending through the base. The plate has one or more semi-spherical sockets recessed within the plate with aligned semi-spherical protrusions extending from the plate. The plate has a hole extending through a central portion of each of the plate's sockets and a corresponding protrusion aligned therewith. Each protrusion is partially fitted in a corresponding socket in the base. Each bolt has a head and a post extending from the head. The head includes a semi-spherical portion adjacent to the post. The post extends through aligned holes in the plate and base. The post is coupled to the base such that the semi-spherical portion of bolt's head nests within one of the plate's sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Joseph W. Jacquemin, Pedro Bracho
  • Patent number: 9639112
    Abstract: A mounting assembly and method for attaching a vehicle pedal assembly to a vehicle floor. A main bracket is provided wherein the main bracket having an upper surface, the main bracket is mounted to a vehicle floor. An aperture provided through the upper surface of the main bracket. A first insert mounted within the insert, the first insert configured to securely connect to the aperture of the main bracket. A second insert mounted to a bottom surface of a pedal housing, the second insert mounted within the first insert to securely connect the main bracket to the pedal housing. The first insert and the second insert rotated into a secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KSR IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun Fuller
  • Patent number: 9592364
    Abstract: A catheter comprising a steering cable anchor, which is preferably disposed at the distal end of the catheter, and a steering cable. In order to obtain a reliable connection between the steering cable anchor and the steering cable, which is also suitable for use in MRI, a substantially dumbbell-shaped element is disposed between the steering cable anchor and the steering cable and connects the steering cable anchor to the steering cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: VascoMed GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Kaufmann, Siegfried Schreiber, Paul Rath-Prazak
  • Patent number: 9463045
    Abstract: A polyaxial pivot housing for an external fixation system, comprising a first plate; a second plate substantially parallel to the first plate; a spherical member positioned between the first and second plates, the spherical member having a threaded post that is configured to attach to a support member of an external fixation frame; and a pivotably rotatable locking arm, the locking arm being configured to orientationally lock the threaded post with respect to the external fixation frame by compressing the first and second plates against the spherical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Cresina, Paul Slagle
  • Patent number: 9309920
    Abstract: A ball joint orientation device applicable to a unipod includes a ball joint and stop members, in which one end of the ball joint is formed as a rotating part and is arranged in a ball joint seat in a universal swaying manner, and the other end extends to form a connecting part and is fixedly connected with a main rod; the stop members are arranged in the ball joint seat, and include a locking stop member located at the upper side of the rotating part; an orientation knob is sleeved on the connecting part and/or the main rod; when screwed toward the direction close to the ball joint seat, the ball joint is subjected to orienting locking and no longer rotates; and when screwed toward the direction away from the ball joint seat, and the orienting locking is released, so the ball joint is rotatable freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: Zhongshan Sirui Photographic Equipment Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jie Li
  • Patent number: 9295495
    Abstract: There is provided a posterior lumbar joint prosthesis which includes prosthetic elements reproducing the movements of the joint facets and vertebral anchors which adapt to the variations in the anatomy of vertebra. In use, the prosthesis has lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. The lower connectors are coupled with, and pivotably mounted onto, respective lower pedicular screws, and a member defining a member axis links lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. Upon lateral flexion of one of the upper and lower vertebrae relative to the other, each lower connector is capable of multiaxis pivotable movement relative to the respective lower pedicular screws such that each member is capable to pivot with respect to (i) the axis of the lower screw, (ii) a first axis intersecting the lower screw and the lower connector, and/or (iii) an axis intersecting the above first axis and the lower screw, while the member can also move along the member axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Jean-Paul Steib, Christian Mazel
  • Patent number: 9291193
    Abstract: An assembly for enabling multi-adjustment of a lamp is provided. The assembly includes a frame to which the lamp is attachable, a ball joint, and an apparatus for retaining the ball joint. The ball joint has a head and a neck. The apparatus is attached to the frame, and includes a housing and a cap. The housing defines a chamber configured to receive the head of the ball joint. The housing may further define a slot in which the neck is slidable such that the ball joint is insertable into and removable from the chamber. The cap is configured to interlock with the housing to secure the ball joint such that they are substantially restricted to rotational movement with respect to each other. The cap and the housing may have retention tabs and retention ridges, respectively, configured to engage with each other to enable the interlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry E. Wainscott, Mark Roscoe, Mark R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9255662
    Abstract: This application relates to a mobile device mount and method of using the mount. In some embodiments, a mobile electronic device mount includes: a base configured to secure a first mobile electronic device to a second item; a body configured to receive and retain the first mobile electronic device; and a connector configured to connect the base to the body, wherein the connector includes a rotational component that allows the base and body to move from up to 360 degrees relative to each other in a first plane and move at least 170 degrees relative to each other in a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Brett J. Longo
  • Patent number: 9016645
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly has first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion has an engagement arm with an adjustable end having first engagement teeth disposed about a first axis of rotation. The end portion has an adjustable second portion rotatable about the first axis of rotation, and having second engagement teeth that intermesh with the first engagement teeth to retain the second portion in an adjustable pan-position. The second portion has third engagement teeth disposed about a second axis of rotation angularly offset from the first axis of rotation. A second mounting portion is adjustably attached at an attachment portion to the first mounting portion, and the attachment portion has fourth engagement teeth disposed about the second axis of rotation that intermesh with the third engagement teeth to retain the second mounting portion is a selected tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: QSC Audio Products, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Neil Simpson, Bernard Francis Hawkins, Yasushi Richard Shimabukuro, Jason Delarm, Douglas William Teulie, Alex Aranda
  • Patent number: 8986175
    Abstract: The total body exercise apparatus comprises a unique movable structure to provide resistance for a variety of exercises. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises arms rotatably secured via a joint that allows the arms to provide resistance in virtually any direction. The exercise apparatus utilizes this capability to resist motions of various exercises and body motions to tone and strengthen a user's muscles. The resistance provided may be adjustable by an adjustable resistance assembly or by a cuff and socket assembly that applies variable force to a spherical head of the joint of the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Myopower, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Batiste, Steven Achstein, Daniel Batiste
  • Patent number: 8979050
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a base, a press board, an antislip piece, and a positioning unit. The base includes an opening, and a mounting space. The mounting space is mounted on a rod. The press board is slidably mounted in the opening. The antislip piece is mounted on the press board and is close to the mounting space. The antislip piece is made of elastic material and is softer than the press board. The positioning unit includes a shaft mounted on the base and a driving member rotatably and eccentrically connected with the shaft. The driving member is driven between a pressing position for locking the rod and a releasing position for unlocking the rod. Thus, the user only needs to drive the driving member to lock or unlock the rod so that the rod is locked or unlocked easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Tsung-Yao Yu
  • Publication number: 20150010341
    Abstract: A lockable joint such as a lockable ball-and-socket joint comprising a first arm having a swivel head and a socket, the swivel head being pivotably mounted to the socket, and a locking device arranged for locking the swivel head with respect to the socket, the locking device having a piston, a pressure gas source, and an actuating device arranged for reversibly disconnecting the piston from the pressure gas source where in the pressure gas source is a gas cartridge. A seal suitable at a wide range of temperatures and pressures can be used with at least the pressure gas source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: HELMUT FRICKE, LAWRENCE E. GRIFFITH
  • Publication number: 20150003895
    Abstract: A ball joint orientation device applicable to a unipod includes a ball joint and stop members, in which one end of the ball joint is formed as a rotating part and is arranged in a ball joint seat in a universal swaying manner, and the other end extends to form a connecting part and is fixedly connected with a main rod; the stop members are arranged in the ball joint seat, and include a locking stop member located at the upper side of the rotating part; an orientation knob is sleeved on the connecting part and/or the main rod; when screwed toward the direction close to the ball joint seat, the ball joint is subjected to orienting locking and no longer rotates; and when screwed toward the direction away from the ball joint seat, and the orienting locking is released, so the ball joint is rotatable freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Zhongshan Sirui Photographic Equipment Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jie Li
  • Patent number: 8910914
    Abstract: A mount that is useful for mounting electronics equipment such as audio or video equipment such as a microphone or a camera in a desired orientation has first and second interconnected body members that retain a swivel adapter that is movable in a ball and socket swivel joint relative to the body members. The body members rotated on threaded connections to thereby adjust the tightness of the swivel adaptor retained between the body members. A stop prevents inadvertent disassembly of the assembled mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Audix Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Bigeh
  • Publication number: 20140363218
    Abstract: A rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system is disclosed. The system can include joint constraint hardware, such as a first component and a second component. The first component can have a rotational interface, and a constraint feature associated with the rotational interface. The second component can have a socket operable with the rotational interface to facilitate relative movement of the first component and the second component in at least one rotational degree of freedom. The second component can form an opening configured to facilitate movement of the constraint feature therein upon the relative movement of the first component and the second component. The rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system can also include a locking mechanism operable with the constraint feature. Movement of the constraint feature within the opening can be preventable by the locking mechanism to constrain the relative movement of the first component and the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Shane E. Wilson, Hans P. Naepflin
  • Patent number: 8894316
    Abstract: An adjustable joint for use with a microphone is provided that includes a ball and a stem connected to the ball. The ball is located within a ball housing that defines a slot that has a length that extends along a portion of a front side and an end of the ball housing. The maximum width of the slot at the end of the ball housing is different than the maximum width of the slot at the front side of the ball housing. The adjustable joint allows for reorientation of an attached microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Music Express, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Kallas, J. Herschel Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20140321902
    Abstract: An improved antenna ball joint mount is provided that includes a hollow socket mechanically coupled to a spherical member with a locking part. The hollow socket and the spherical member are fully detachable to simplify the installation of an antenna. A user is able to set a position of the antenna to any point on a spherical sector surface within a range of motion allowed by a shape of joint components and rotate the antenna around own axis to adjust a polarization plane and then lock the mount in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: RF elements s.r.o.
    Inventors: Juraj TAPTIC, Martin MARCINCAK
  • Publication number: 20140234015
    Abstract: A microphone stand is provided that includes a dual mic frame that carries a first microphone and a second microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan Kallas, J. Hershel Blankenship
  • Patent number: 8777508
    Abstract: A cutting unit mounting device includes a ball through which a yoke extends laterally. The yoke is attached to the cutting unit, and the ball is pivotably mounted in a ball housing attached to a lift arm. A releasable lock pin engages and secures the ball within the ball housing in a mowing position or a service position. The ball housing has stops to limit the pivoting of the ball and yoke with respect to the ball housing. A releasable lock pin engages notches in the ball to engage and secure the ball in the mowing position or service position with respect to the ball housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Lawrence Phillips, Michael Joseph Buchheit, Jennifer Lynn Jaramillo, Paul Robert Heide
  • Publication number: 20140169859
    Abstract: A resonance testing apparatus has a plurality of arms for supporting a workpiece. At least one of said arms incorporates an articulation assembly having: a strut, a joint element which is movable in response to movement of the strut, and a clamp arrangement for clamping the joint element. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is movable and a second condition in which the clamp arrangement acts on the joint element to damp or restrict movement of the strut. The assembly includes a seating for the joint element, and a biasing arrangement for the seating. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is arranged on the seating and is movable on the seating and a second condition in which the biasing arrangement acts on the seating to damp or restrict movement of the joint element on the seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson & Allen Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon Johnson, Graham Morley
  • Patent number: 8753032
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly may include a housing having a cavity, a friction seat received within the cavity, and a ball stud having a ball that frictionally contacts the friction seat. In one embodiment, a friction control mechanism moves the friction seat within the cavity to adjust the friction between the ball and the friction seat. In another embodiment, both the cavity and an outer surface of the friction seat may be substantially frustoconically shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinghong Yu, David Wolf, Daniel Vogel, Edward A. Hosni, Angel D. Samalot-Quiles
  • Patent number: 8753030
    Abstract: A knuckle assembly for mounting an electrical device includes a rotatable knuckle mount, an articulated knuckle and an electrical device mount. Two knuckle elements forming the articulated knuckle each include an open cavity, which together form a closed cavity. One of the knuckle elements is pivotally attached to the rotatable knuckle mount and the other includes the electrical device mount. A grommet is positioned in the closed cavity; and a fastener engages the knuckle elements and extends through the grommet. The grommet includes spherical or spheroidal segments complementary to the inner surfaces of the closed cavity and in interfering fit when assembled. The grommet is in non-rotational engagement with one of the knuckle elements. Wires extend through the grommet adjacent a central through hole. A fastener extending through the central through hole draws the knuckle elements together to fix the grommet and seal the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: U.S.T.E., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Leonhardt, Glenn M. Tyson
  • Patent number: 8714861
    Abstract: A sealing assembly of a ball joint, in particular for a vehicle, comprises a retaining ring which includes a ring axis and a radial ring flange having a flange upper side and an opposed flange lower side, and a sealing element which rests against the flange upper side and against the flange lower side and is exclusively connected to the retaining ring with an interlocking fit, the interlocking fit being configured such that the retaining ring and the sealing element are fixed to each other free of play in the axial and in the radial direction, and the flange upper side having an exposed contact surface for a sealing bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bernhardt, Andreas Maier, Ulrich Mette, Cengiz Erdogan
  • Patent number: 8702339
    Abstract: A clamp is for clamping a first member to a second member. The clamp comprises a lever that is rotatably coupled to the first member and a plunger. The lever comprises a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis. Rotation of the lever about the axis in a first direction cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together and wherein rotation of the lever about the axis in a second, opposite direction cams the plunger away from the second member to uncouple the first and second members from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Manic Nomad, LLC
    Inventor: Trent Ballentine
  • Publication number: 20140084761
    Abstract: A multi-joint fixture including a proximal base unit, one or more arms serially connected by electromagnetically lockable ball joints, and a distal hub. The ball joints unlock when not powered. A centering mechanism biases the ball joints toward a neutral position. A control system activates the electromagnetic brake with a high-then-low voltage profile. A headpiece attaches to the hub and holds a drape that covers the fixture. A connector connects a surgical device to the headpiece. A switch on the hub can be actuated via actuators on the headpiece or connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SURGICAL CONCEPT DESIGNS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Scott, Edward J. Laganis, Anthony J. LaRosa, Jason R. Cahayla
  • Patent number: 8608120
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Adaptiv Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Chen, Adam Gold
  • Patent number: 8608398
    Abstract: The spherical joint with internal brake has a controlled actuator that selectively brakes relative motion between interior members and an outer shell of the spherical ball joint. A shaft extending from the internal members can be stopped at any rotational position relative to the shell. The internal members may include a central spherical sectioned member sandwiched by a pair of symmetrically opposed peripheral spherical sectioned members, which selectively act as brakes when an actuator in the central member is energized. The energized actuator has a dual piston that pushes outwardly on the pair of opposed peripheral segments, which increases friction between the peripheral segments and an interior wall of the spherical shell to brake the system. The shaft extends from the central spherical sectioned member through an aperture in the shell. The size of the shell aperture determines the range of rotational motion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Samir Mekid
  • Patent number: 8534951
    Abstract: A joint unit comprises a lock mechanism in which a ball-like joint section provided at the base end of an arm is housed in a holder formed at an end of a cylindrical case. As the joint section is brought into pressed contact against an inner surface of the holder, the lock mechanism locks a pivotal angle. In the lock mechanism, in response to a manual operation of a knob, a bolt is caused to project into the case and this pressing force is transmitted to a roller-like first pressing body and then to a second pressing body placed in contact therewith. Further, the pressing force from the first pressing body is transmitted to a pressure block and then the pressing force from this pressure block brings the joint section into pressed contact against the holder inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Big Alpha Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masayuki Doi, Manabu Komine
  • Publication number: 20130233988
    Abstract: An adaptable camera support includes a quick disconnect, panning ball clamp connectable to an adjustable clamp. The relative angularity and separation of the jaws of the adjustable clamp are independently variable to engage articles of widely varying size and shape. The quick disconnect panning ball clamp includes a rotatable panning base and a ball element rotatable on axes at an angle to the axis of rotation of the panning base. Hinged ball clamp housing sections enable rapid releasing and securing of the ball element and an article attached to the ball element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph M. JOHNSON, Matthew L. BURK
  • Patent number: RE47931
    Abstract: A ball joint orientation device applicable to a unipod includes a ball joint and stop members, in which one end of the ball joint is formed as a rotating part and is arranged in a ball joint seat in a universal swaying manner, and the other end extends to form a connecting part and is fixedly connected with a main rod; the stop members are arranged in the ball joint seat, and include a locking stop member located at the upper side of the rotating part; an orientation knob is sleeved on the connecting part and/or the main rod; when screwed toward the direction close to the ball joint seat, the ball joint is subjected to orienting locking and no longer rotates; and when screwed toward the direction away from the ball joint seat, and the orienting locking is released, so the ball joint is rotatable freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Jie Li