Knob Or Dial Patents (Class 74/553)
  • Publication number: 20080302206
    Abstract: A rotatable control knob with automatic return, controls a valve of a hydraulic cylinder on a jack-stand power unit or a floor jack. The power unit includes a frame having the hydraulic cylinder secured at the rearward end. The control valve is rotatable in one direction for closing the valve to extend the cylinder, and is rotatable in a counter-direction for opening the valve to retract the cylinder. A tubular handle with a T-bar hand grip extends rearward and upwardly from the frame, with the control knob extending from the T-bar hand grip, and connected to a control shaft extending through the tubular handle to the control valve of the cylinder. The control knob automatic return, includes a torsion spring having one end fixed to the control knob and the other end fixed to the tubular handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Publication number: 20080249668
    Abstract: An in-vehicle equipment control device includes a force sense imparting type input device mounted on a steering of a vehicle, for remotely operating an in-vehicle equipment mounted on the vehicle according to a predetermined operation route while imparting a force sense, a storage unit for storing an operation route data to conduct an input operation of the force sense imparting type input device with a predetermined operation route, and a control unit for conducting an arithmetic process to transform the predetermined operation route of the force sense imparting type input device based on a rotation angle detection signal which is output in accordance with the rotation of the steering of the vehicle and the operation route data stored in the storage unit, to impart the force sense to the force sense imparting type input device based on a result of the arithmetic process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicants: c/o KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO, c/o DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko MIYATA, Katsuhide KUMAGAI, Norio YAMAMOTO, Nozomi KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20080236329
    Abstract: A rotary knob assembly (100) includes a fixed raised boss (110) having a boss cavity (107) and a knob (102) optionally having a rotary switch stem (104) therein. The knob can include a portion that axially resides within the boss cavity such that impacts to the knob transfers to the fixed raised boss. The knob can further include a rigid core member (106) and an outer over-molded portion (108) over-molded on to the rigid core member. The fixed raised boss can include an outer circumference (118) and an inner circumference (116). The inner circumference of the boss and a portion of the rigid core member and the outer circumference of the boss and the outer mover-molded portion form a knob-boss interface (117) that sustains impacts to the rotary knob assembly while isolating a rotary switch (112) from impacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie L. Slavin, Jody H. Akens, Scott H. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080196541
    Abstract: A rotary actuator is provided for a motor vehicle, having a control knob, a housing, an actuating shaft that is rotationally fixed to the control knob, and electromagnetic means that act on the control knob so as to permit a detent or locking of the rotation of the control knob, wherein a coil is arranged in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, and a disk-shaped flux guide is attached to the actuating shaft so as to be rotationally fixed and movable along the actuating shaft, and the flux guide can be pressed against the coil and/or the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas Kramlich
  • Patent number: 7409888
    Abstract: A cover for a vehicle parking brake control valve button including an elastomeric body and a plurality of elastic ridges. The body of the cover includes a rim and a recess designed to fit the contour of the control valve button. The ridges are designed to provide enough rigidity to support pressure applied thereto, and enough elasticity to absorb energy created by the actuation of the button. The absorption of the energy dampens the stinging sensation typically felt by the operator when actuating the parking brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Kemer, Andrew Marsh
  • Publication number: 20080156151
    Abstract: A stepless telescopic hand tool includes a main body, a bar and a positioning device. The positioning device is installed between the main body and the bar, consisting of a rotating knob and a torsion spring. The rotating knob has an engaging hole bored axially at one side for correspondingly engaging with the bar and a penetrating hole bored at the other side for engaging with the main body. The torsion spring has a locking end at its two sides respectively for fitting in a hole of the bar and a locking hole of the rotating knob, for pivotally fitting the positioning device with the bar, enabling the main body to move freely while twisting the rotating knob and be tightened in case of releasing the rotating knob from being twisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Chia Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20080141822
    Abstract: Three elements of a fluid flow control device—switch, button, label—are designed to minimize the possibility of two labeled buttons being swapped on their switches. If the parts are assembled incorrectly or mislabeled, or if the buttons are thereafter swapped on the switches, it will be very obvious; then, if one attempts to fix such a problem, it can only be fixed by placing the buttons on the correct switches, and it can not be fixed by leaving the buttons on the wrong switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Mark A. Bennett, Jeffrey M. Geither
  • Patent number: 7381128
    Abstract: A gear portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of a dial, and a large diameter portion of a main driving gear is mated with the gear portion. A driven gear is mated with a small diameter portion of the main driving gear, and the state of an air conditioner is switched based on the moving operation of a cable through the gear portion, the main driving gear and the driven gear in the rotating operation of the dial. With this structure, it is not necessary to provide a rotary shaft as a member for transmitting an operating force to the central part or the dial. Consequently, it is possible to maintain a space in the central part of the dial. Thus, restrictions can be decreased in the case in which a knob is to be arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogawa, Tomoyuki Shibata, Yoshiyuki Aoki
  • Publication number: 20080121067
    Abstract: A control knob assembly (16) including a housing having a front member (12) and a rear member (32). A control knob (22) is mounted for turning and axial movement in an opening (36) in the front member (12), said turning and axial movements being associated with control settings to be transferred to a control shaft (52) of a control member (18) generating electric control information. The control knob (22) and the control shaft (52) are interconnected so as to allow for excess force applied axially on the control knob (22) towards the control shaft (52) to be taken by the housing (12, 32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Goran Uhlin
  • Publication number: 20080053267
    Abstract: A knob structure for parking brake apparatus that can prevent a sink mark or a weld mark from being produced at the time of molding, and allows an inexpensive resin material with a good moldability to be adopted. The knob structure includes a rod that is movably disposed on the vehicle body side, and a knob main body that is connected to the nose end side of the rod, wherein the knob main body is made up of a core part that is previously assembled to the nose end side of said rod, and a surface layer part that coats the surface of the core part after assembly with a substantially uniform coating thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., OTSUKA KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishikawa, Satoru Masuda, Hiroshi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7267027
    Abstract: A handwheel (1) for stable, reversible engagement with an engagement end (Q) of a shaft (A) of a member to be operated. The handwheel (1) includes a stem (2) having a free end, a cavity (2A) provided in the stem (2) for cooperating with the end (Q) of the shaft (A), an elastic ring (5), and a retaining washer (6). The cavity (2A) has an open end proximate the free end of the stem (2). A first seat (3) accommodates the elastic ring (5). The first seat (3) is located proximate to the open end of the cavity (2A). A second seat (4) accommodates the retaining washer (6). The second seat (4) is located proximate to the open end of the cavity (2A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elesa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Patent number: 7263911
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a machine or a vehicle includes a steering wheel and a pommel mounted on the steering wheel for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel to facilitate one-handed rotation of the steering wheel. The pommel carries control switches to control functions of the machine or vehicle in particular to allow shuttling between forward and reverse drive. A mechanism is connected to the pommel to rotate the pommel relative to the steering wheel in synchronism with the rotation of the steering wheel about its axis in such a manner as to maintain the same orientation of the pommel in all positions of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Kindred
  • Patent number: 7259908
    Abstract: What is described is a microscope comprising at least one rotary knob, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, for operation of actuating elements and comprising a plurality of buttons for control of electrical components, said buttons being arranged in the region of the rotary knob, wherein the buttons comprise operating surfaces, which are located substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and on the outline of the rotary knob, as viewed along the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wagener, Peter Kramer
  • Patent number: 7255020
    Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Northwestern Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Thomeczek, Thomas A. Thomeczek, Scott R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7251861
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic equipment has an operation tool with crashing function. An operation tool 3 is supported on an encoder 5 serving as a support member. In the operation tool 3, an outer knob 9 serving as an operation portion is to be operated by an operator. A mounting cylindrical portion 19 serving as a mounting portion is formed such that it has a clearance S with respect to the outer knob 9 in the impact acting operation. And, a crashable connecting portion 21 connects together the operation portion and mounting portion and can be crashed due to an impact given to the operation portion to thereby allow the operation portion to move with respect to the mounting portion. The crashable connecting portion 21 extends radially from the mounting cylindrical portion 19 and is connected to the outer knob 9 and includes plural bridge portions formed radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070151406
    Abstract: A knob of the present invention is to be attached to a distal end of a lever and has an approximately cylindrical knob body, a cap attached to a distal end of the knob body, and a metal-plated operating member attached to a side face of the knob body. The knob body has a pair of guiding protrusions that define a slit extending in an axial direction of the lever. The operating member includes a rib formed integrally therewith and a flange coupled to the rib approximately perpendicularly thereto. The flange is wider in width than the slit and engages the guiding protrusions due to insertion of the rib into the slit according to insertion of the operating member into the knob body in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Ryo Koyasu
  • Patent number: 7219577
    Abstract: In order to increase the grip of a hand wheel (4) which is especially intended for a roller file, said hand wheel consists of a base body (6), an outer shell (9) and a rubber-elastic insert (12) disposed between the base body (6) and the outer shell (9). Said insert is provided with protuberances (11) which jut out in the outer shell (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: “Durable” Hunke & Jochheim Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
  • Patent number: 7171728
    Abstract: A knob includes a hub to be fixed in a seat open at the front of an electrical household appliance, a grip, which can slide axially, against the action of an elastic element, on a first end of the hub. Between the grip and the hub there is defined a closed chamber having a variable volume that is a function of the axial position of the grip on the hub. A sliding seal is provided for sealing the closed chamber. A calibrated restriction connects the inside of the chamber with the external environment in such a way as to bring about a negative pressure in the chamber as a result of the axial movement of the grip away from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dino Chirumbolo
  • Patent number: 7163455
    Abstract: A plurality of click portions is formed integrally with a unit body. The click portions are arranged on a common circular track, and a dial is engaged with the click portions so as to be unstable and to be prevented from slipping off. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a D spring for coupling the dial to a shaft so as to be unstable and to be prevented from slipping off. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the number of components and a cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogawa, Tomoyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 7151240
    Abstract: A bi-directional tamper resistant temperature adjustment controller interface comprises a control dial having an interior face wherein a cylindrical center boss extends therefrom, said cylindrical center boss having a substantially annular cross section, and a central axial bore adapted to receive a rotatable control member and an exterior side wall of the boss has formed therein a first and a second ring of inline recessed notches adapted for resistively engaging a deflecting member. In one embodiment of the invention the first and second ring of inline recessed notches are a first and second ring of directional serrations wherein the first ring of serrations are angularly directed in a first direction to resist rotation of the dial in one direction of rotation and the second ring of serrations are angularly directed in a second direction to resist rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Raymond-Paul Joubran, Can Trong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7145107
    Abstract: An adjustment interface for adjusting a controller teaches a novel apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a heating device comprising a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller dial; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and said rotatable controller is operatively connectable to a rotatable controller adjustment and said control dial operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control dial is grasped and turned and said control dial having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Can Trong Nguyen, Raymond-Paul Joubran
  • Patent number: 7140271
    Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Michael J. Hall
  • Patent number: 7089823
    Abstract: A controller for use in a vibratory mechanism includes an amplitude control circuit that generates an amplitude control signal that varies from a minimum value to a maximum value. The vibratory mechanism is adapted to vibrate at an amplitude based on an amplitude control signal characteristic. Additionally, the controller includes a frequency control circuit that is operatively coupled to the amplitude control-circuit to produce a frequency control signal that varies based on the amplitude control signal characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Dean R. Potts
  • Patent number: 7013752
    Abstract: A rotatable knob for fixation of an apparatus support includes a knob shell (1), a coupling part (2) for the connection of the knob shell to the spindle, a sleeve (3) which is connectable to the housing, a cover disc (4) which is secured by the sleeve (3) to the housing, a screw (5) arranged in the knob shell (1) for the setting of the holding force and a clamping disc (6) which cooperates with the knob shell (1) and the sleeve (3). The clamping disc (6) is guided in the knob shell (1) and is rotatably arranged on the sleeve (3) so that, on rotation of the knob shell, (1) the clamping disc (6) executes a synchronous rotary movement with the knob shell (1) and the linear movement with respect to the knob shell (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Patent number: 7007568
    Abstract: The actuator has a housing with a longitudinal passage between a first end and an opening at a second end. A spindle, supported and moveable in the passage, has oppositely handed, first and second threaded portions each nearer a respective end of the housing. A first nut fixed relative to the housing is engaged with the first threaded portion. The spindle is rotated and moved relative to the first nut by a handle at the housing first end. A second nut fixed against rotation relative to the housing and engaged with the second threaded portion moves relative to and in the same direction as the spindle as the spindle rotates. The second nut is connectable through the opening to a device, and the spindle is rotatable by the handle for adjusting the device by movement of the spindle and the second nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Henderson's Industries Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney Craig MacAulay, Wayne Andrew Harris
  • Patent number: 6976977
    Abstract: A drainage device comprising an improved vacuum regulator assembly is disclosed which includes an adjustable knob for indicating the degree of vacuum being applied to the device from a number of incident viewing angles. Similarly, a vacuum indicator assembly is provided for indicating the presence or absence of vacuum being applied to drainage device. The indicator assembly provides an indication of vacuum inside drainage device from many viewing angles and includes a base defining a recess having a slanted surface with a vacuum symbol which is selectively masked by a collapsible thimble when vacuum is applied or removed from the drainage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventor: Jacky Yam
  • Patent number: 6965734
    Abstract: Pawls are formed on an outer peripheral portion of an operation dial at intervals equal to step rotating angles of the operation dial so that a user's finger nail can be placed on one of the pawls to rotate the dial. When the finger nail is placed on one of the pawls to rotate the operation dial, the finger nail placed on that pawl abuts against a stopper provided on a camera main body. Thus, rotation of the operation dial is stopped at each step rotating angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignees: IDT Data System Limited, Fuji Film Axia Co., Ltd., Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Chan, Yiu Hung Li, Nobuaki Higashi, Mikihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 6886585
    Abstract: A tool having a hand gripping region for rotational attachment to an irrigation system with the tool having soft bumps thereon spaced from each other and affixed to the hand gripping region to cushion the user's hand as an irrigation component is field attached to an irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The Patent Store LLC
    Inventors: L. Herbert King Jr., Glenn Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6857235
    Abstract: A protective cover for a reinforcing bar including a collar structure defining a perimeter portion and having an open end for receiving the end of a rebar. A cap portion is connected to the collar structure oriented substantially perpendicularly to the collar structure and including a support portion formed integrally with the collar structure. The cap portion further includes a barrier plate supported on the support portion and defining an exposed upper surface of the cover. In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate is disposed beneath the barrier cover and defines an lower surface lower surface within an area defined by the perimeter portion of the collar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dayton Superior Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Niday, Edward B. Sorauf, Dale R. Haslem, Keith E. Keller, Harry B. Lancelot, III, Thomas E. Lannom
  • Publication number: 20040200311
    Abstract: In order to increase the grip of a hand wheel (4) which is especially intended for a roller file, said hand wheel consists of a base body (6), an outer shell (9) and a rubber-elastic insert (12) disposed between the base body (6) and the outer shell (9). Said insert is provided with protuberances (11) which jut out in the outer shell (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
  • Publication number: 20040159175
    Abstract: A gearshift handgrip for bicycle is characterized in that a plurality of protruding dots or dimples is specifically arranged on the surface of the housing of a gearshift device adjacent to the handgrip, so that a rider can be aware of the gear position merely by touching the dots or dimples with fingers whenever a gearshift is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20040074333
    Abstract: A multifunction operation unit includes: an operation unit having an operation shaft projecting from an operation unit main body fixed to the fixing side and capable of making an axial rotation and other operation actions; and a knob secured to the operation shaft for axially rotating or tilting the operation shaft by turning or pressing the operation shaft. The knob is provided with a see-through part that can be seen through in a direction along the operation shaft. A display part is disposed between the see-through part and the operation unit main body and fixed to an audio apparatus main body. Accordingly, the display of the display plate is steady without being rotated or tilted, and seen through the see-through part of the knob, whereby the display is easy to see, preventing an operation error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobumitsu Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6709188
    Abstract: A fitting member is provided with a base having a flat portion, a stopper protruding forward from the base, and a through hole provided in a flat portion, wherein a knob has a plurality of projections positioned on the same circle. In fitting the knob to the fitting member, when the knob is rotated while being pressed backward in a state in which the projections are kept in contact with the flat portion, the projections slice on and in friction with a flat face, and when the projections hit against the stopper and the rotation of the knob is stopped, the projections and the through hole become opposite each other. After the projections are fitted into the through hole, the knob and the fitting member are enabled to be coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ushimaru
  • Publication number: 20030221510
    Abstract: The rotatable knob contains a knob shell (1), a coupling part (2) for the connection of the knob shell to the spindle, a sleeve (3) which is connectable to the housing, a cover disc (4) which is secured by the sleeve (3) to the housing, a screw (5) arranged in the knob shell (1) for the setting of the holding force and a clamping disc (6) which cooperates with the knob shell (1) and the sleeve (3) so that, on rotation of knob shell (1), the clamping disc (6) executes a relative movement and can be brought into engagement with the screw to restrict the rotation of the knob shell (1). For this purpose, the clamping disc (6) is guided in the knob shell (1) and is rotatably arranged on the sleeve (3) so that, on rotation of the knob shell, (1) the clamping disc (6) executes a synchronous rotary movement with the knob shell (1) and the linear movement with respect to the knob shell (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Patent number: 6612082
    Abstract: A protective cover for covering the end of a reinforcing bar has a cylindrical tube having an open end and an upper end. A cap is on the upper end of the tube, and an inverted fristo-conical surface is provided in the upper end of the tube to cause the reinforcing bar to orient itself vertically upon impact by a falling body. The protective cover also has strengthening ribs both above and below the canopy to prevent its inadvertent collapse. The ribs below the canopy are further strengthened against lateral deflection by a circular wall which extends downwardly from the canopy and intersects each of the ribs at their substantial mid section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Lomont Molding, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Schimmelpfennig, Randy L. Sperry
  • Patent number: 6588864
    Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the unwanted changing of the temperature range setting of an air conditioner unit. The shaft of a unit's thermostat is passed through a first panel and a control knob is mounted upon the distal end of the shaft. A raised second panel is placed over the first panel having an opening for rotatably receiving the body of the control knob. A radially extended arm is mounted upon the control knob so that it swings over an arcuate path of travel between the panels as the shaft turns. Spaced apart holes are formed in one of the panels along the arcuate path of travel and stop pins are removably mounted in said holes on either side of the arm to control the range of movement of the shaft and thus the operating range of the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Moretti
  • Patent number: 6526845
    Abstract: A new and useful invention is an attachable steering wheel rotating apparatus having the following qualities: friendly on the user's hand, friendly to the steering wheel, pleasing to the eyes, and above all a reliable yet simple and quick attachment and detachment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Chi Moc
  • Patent number: 6508144
    Abstract: A control knob assembly is disclosed that may be generally used for the quick zeroing adjustment of a dial thereof. A control knob assembly includes a housing with a shaft rotatably supported therein. A ring is coupled to the shaft in such a way that rotation of the ring causes rotation of the shaft. The ring has a plurality of holes distributed therearound and extending longitudinally therethrough from a first side thereof to a second side thereof. A knob is disposed about the shaft adjacent the first side of the ring. The knob is rotatable about the shaft and slidable therealong. A spring is coupled between the knob and ring for biasing the knob towards the ring. A pin extends from the knob to engage one of the holes at the first side of the ring when the spring is free to bias the knob towards the ring. A spring-loaded detent mechanism mounted in the housing engages one of the holes from the second side of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Vincent J. Vendetti, Michael M. Canaday
  • Patent number: 6487929
    Abstract: A braking arrangement for rotatably supporting an element rotatable about an axis such as a control wheel, rotary control knob or the like, for example for a vehicle fresh air nozzle, has a plug-shaped casing with an end portion and a peripherally extending flange extending away from the end portion and having a circular external peripheral surface. The external surface of the flange forms a rotary mounting surface for the rotatable element. The flange encloses a central guide space for two braking members which have braking portions facing diametrally away from each other. The braking portions extend through transverse holes in the flange. The two braking members are urged away from each other by a spring disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Franz Schneider Kunststoffwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schneider
  • Patent number: 6473940
    Abstract: A knob for a medical post valve, the post valve having a threaded bonnet with a diameter, and a valve stem, the valve stem having an external end shaped, generally, as a cylinder with two opposing flat sides, the knob comprising a hub having an elongated body with a diameter that is generally the same size as the bonnet diameter, the body having a first end, a second end, and an axial cavity, the first end having a medial slot extending in across the first end in a direction perpendicular to the cavity, an elongated handle, the handle sized to fit within the cavity, the handle movable between a first position and a second position, the handle first position being disposed within such cavity with the axis of the handle generally aligned with the axis of the body, and the handle second position being disposed within the slot with the axis of the handle extending perpendicular to the axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Devin Glenn Cooper
  • Patent number: 6463630
    Abstract: A composite knob having a pullout and torque resistant insert with a shaft receiving threaded socket. One embodiment of the composite knob includes a disc shaped plastic body having a central hub. A plastic insert is embedded in the central hub. A threaded socket is formed in the plastic insert. A number of radially extending ribs are formed integrally with and extend radially from the plastic insert. These ribs are triangular shaped with inclined forwardly and rearwardly facing surfaces which are embedded in the hub of the disc shaped plastic body. A decorative cover may be positioned over the front face of the disc shaped body and secured to the body with a soft flexible plastic outer covering. In another embodiment, the plastic body includes a blade shaped handle with an insert that fits within the handle. The insert is formed with laterally extending portions which are entrapped by flanges formed integrally with the plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6421881
    Abstract: A gear shift assembly including a knob with a body has a shaft that is adapted for receiving the gearshift knob. A fastener is mounted within the body of the gearshift knob for removably securing the gearshift knob to the shaft. The fastener further includes a resilient inner flange for interacting with the gear shift shaft to removably secure said gear shift knob to said gear shift shaft to prevent the gear shift knob from sliding off of the shaft or from rotating about the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Shovlin
  • Publication number: 20020069720
    Abstract: A braking arrangement for rotatably supporting an element rotatable about an axis such as a control wheel, rotary control knob or the like, for example for a vehicle fresh air nozzle, has a plug-shaped casing with an end portion and a peripherally extending flange extending away from the end portion and having a circular external peripheral surface. The external surface of the flange forms a rotary mounting surface for the rotatable element. The flange encloses a central guide space for two braking members which have braking portions facing diametrally away from each other. The braking portions extend through transverse holes in the flange. The two braking members are urged away from each other by a spring disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schneider
  • Publication number: 20010025545
    Abstract: A hand wheel 10 for a nursery gate frame adjustment mechanism comprises a ratchet member 12 received in a housing. The ratchet member 12 has respective ratchet surfaces 24, 26 on opposite faces thereof, A screw-threaded bore 22 is formed through the ratchet member 12. The housing has a first part 14 for co-operating with the ratchet surface 24 on one face of the ratchet member 12 and a second part 16 for co-operating with the opposite ratchet surface 26 on the other face of the ratchet member 12. A compression spring 18 biases the ratchet member 12 towards the first part of the housing. In that way the hand wheel 10 rotates the ratchet member 12 in one direction by engagement of the first part 14 with the ratchet surface 24. In order to rotate the ratchet member in the opposite direction, the housing and ratchet member must be moved relative to each other against the bias of the spring 18 so that the second part 16 of the housing engages the ratchet surface 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: John Rogers
  • Patent number: 6242064
    Abstract: A composite article including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a peripheral wall extending between the front and rear ends, a wall support located rearwardly of the front end of the peripheral wall and at least one paragraph formed in the wall engaging support. An end cap is positioned on the front end of the tubular body to obstruct the wall engaging support except for at least a portion of at least one of the passages and to define a channel between the end cover and the peripheral wall. A plastic coating fills at least one passage in the channel and overlaps the cover to fasten the cover to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6237440
    Abstract: A locking device for faucet for preventing turning of the knobs of a faucet. The locking device for faucet includes a base plate nonrotatably coupled to a faucet. A locking plate is coupled to the base plate and selectively engages a knob of the faucet for preventing rotation of the knob. A means for releasing disengages the locking plate from the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Joshua Lebelo
  • Patent number: 6198055
    Abstract: A manually movable switch selector (14) includes a rotary knob (16) and a thumb wheel (18). The rotary knob (16) is configured for rotation about a first axis (19). The thumb wheel (18) is supported on the rotary knob (16) for rotation relative to the rotary knob (16) about a second axis (29) perpendicular to the first axis (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6192774
    Abstract: A control knob (1) includes a companion part (2) as a base of the control knob and a control-knob top part (3) having a grip handle (4). The control-knob top part (3) includes a plate (9) having a flexible elastic material coated thereon to form sidewalls (5.1) of the grip handle (4) which can be flexibly deformed when the grip handle (4) is manipulated. This provides improved manipulation and quiet operation of the control knob (1). Additional push-button and switch functions can be included via a flexible facing wall (5.2) on the grip handle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Klaus Mueller, Reinhold Moret
  • Patent number: 6189328
    Abstract: A separate type air conditioner has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit comprises (a) a base frame, (b) a power source board incorporating a control device, (c) operation members mounted on the power source board, and (d) a front grille incorporating an operation unit, being disposed in the base frame to cover said power source board, in which the operation unit has guides, and the operation members are led by the guides and fitted into the front grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6131935
    Abstract: An upper torso support for riders on vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles has a padded surface for contact with the upper torso or the chest of a seated rider. The support is fixed to the vehicle framework and positioned forward of a vehicle seat. The angle of the support relative to the vehicle framework is adjustable to accommodate and provide support for riders of various statures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Judkins