Including Static Joint Patents (Class 403/66)
  • Patent number: 11394183
    Abstract: A hot stick accessory with an attachment interface engageable with multiple types of attachment interfaces, including a shotgun-type attachment interface and a universal-type attachment interface. The accessory includes any of several operative components, such as a knife. The interface includes an attachment member with a first aperture and a plurality of second apertures arranged in an arc shape about the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew M. Tuchscherer, Scott M. Hangartner, Joseph M. DeBaker
  • Patent number: 11324274
    Abstract: A welding helmet (1) comprising a head suspension unit and a protective shield (2), the protective shield being pivotally mounted on the head suspension unit between a lowered position in which the protective shield covers a wearer's face, and an upraised position in which the protective shield uncovers the wearer's face, the head suspension unit comprising a head cover (100) for covering the wearer's head, wherein the head suspension unit includes a removable configurable scrape guard (110) to protect the wearer's head from impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Mathilda Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11069465
    Abstract: In an example, an apparatus for mounting hardware to an object includes: a base member having an attachment surface to be attached to the object, base member magnets, and a base breakaway connection surface; a hardware support having a hardware support surface to receive the hardware, hardware support magnets, and a support breakaway connection surface to be magnetically coupled with the base breakaway connection surface, by magnetic attraction between the base member magnets and the hardware support magnets, to form a magnetic connection having a preset magnetic breakaway strength to maintain the magnetic connection and allow the hardware support and the base member to be separated by a force greater than the preset magnetic breakaway strength; and a fastener to fasten the hardware to the hardware support, the fastener keeping the hardware and the hardware support fastened together under a force sufficiently large to separate the magnetic connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Richard L. McElrath, Mary Shalane Regan
  • Patent number: 11051500
    Abstract: An adjustable fishing rod butt includes a first elongate member hingeably attached to a second elongate member. The first elongate member includes an opening on a bottom surface thereof extending at least into an interior thereof, and an alignment locking member secured about the opening on the bottom surface thereof. The alignment locking member includes an opening coaxially aligned with the opening in the first elongate member. The second elongate member includes an adjustable reel seat portion on an upper surface, and an angle positioning arm extending from a bottom surface and oriented to be received by the openings in the first elongate member and the alignment locking member. A locking pin locks the angle positioning arm to provide the butt with a specific angular relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: WINTHROP TACKLE
    Inventor: Frederick J. Malcarne
  • Patent number: 10961799
    Abstract: A technique enables maintenance of sufficient clearance between a wellhead and, for example, a mobile rig. The technique facilitates support of a cable, e.g. an antenna suspension cable, at the wellhead without detrimentally affecting the desired clearance. According to an embodiment, a flange system is used in combination with a cable clamp assembly at a wellhead. The flange system may comprise a flange having a connector portion configured for coupling with the wellhead. The flange also comprises a cylinder portion coupled to the connector portion such that the cylinder portion extends into a corresponding bore of the wellhead. The cable clamp assembly is configured to clamp around and support a cable extending down through the wellhead. The cable clamp assembly is supported within the cylinder portion of the flange such that the cable clamp assembly is at least partially disposed within the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Benny Poedjono, Jose Melguizo, Pheng Aun Soh, Craig Cotton
  • Patent number: 9440106
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9320347
    Abstract: A sweeper device for RV slide-outs for safely and conveniently reaching hard-to-reach areas that needs to be swept. The sweeper device for RV slide-outs includes support members hingedly connected to one another for a user to effectively reach tops of RV slide-outs while standing upon a ground; hinge members interconnecting the support members; a handle assembly being attached to one of the support members; and a work member assembly being removably disposed to at least one of the support members for sweeping off the tops of RV slide-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Piotr Skarzynski
  • Publication number: 20150115644
    Abstract: An endgate system providing multiple positions or angles of the endgate relative to the cargo box is disclosed. An end piece for attaching a cable to an anchor point includes a fixed link attached to the cable and a rotating link operatively attached to the fixed link. The rotating link is rotatable about a pivot point between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed link. The second position of the rotatable link is more proximal to the cable than the first position. A primary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David B. Waskie, Bradley E. Shoen
  • Publication number: 20150098750
    Abstract: A heat isolating actuator linkage (805, 905) that includes a rod end housing (810, 910) including a bearing opening (814, 914) with a rod end ball (812, 912) disposed therein. A race insert (816, 916) is disposed between the rod end housing (810, 910) and the rod end ball (812, 912). A threaded portion (818, 918) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910) and may comprise male or female threads. A shield (830, 930) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) is integrally formed with the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) extends around a majority of the rod end housing (810, 910) and may extend to one side of the bearing opening (814, 914). Alternatively, a first portion (932) of the shield may extend towards one side of the bearing opening (914) and a second portion (932) of the shield may extend towards the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew King, Eli Morgan, Vahidin Alajbegovic
  • Publication number: 20150021284
    Abstract: A hanging tray for use on a gaming table having a raised rail, a table top and a junction between the rail and the table top is described. The hanging tray includes a main tray, a vertical support section hingedly coupled to the main tray section and movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. A rail section is hingedly coupled to the vertical support section and is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. An engagement member extends from the end of the rail section for engagement with the junction, anchoring the rail section over the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene B. Ashley
  • Publication number: 20140369739
    Abstract: Tool holder comprises a cage assembly having a pair of axially spaced hollow members with axially aligned through openings sized for axial extension of tool handles of different sizes and shapes through both of the aligned openings. A cradle member is transversely movable in opposite directions between the hollow members toward and away from respective inwardly facing wall surfaces of the hollow members for releasably clamping tool handles extending through both aligned openings against the inwardly facing wall surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventors: Richard K. Bukovitz, John L. Scott, SR.
  • Publication number: 20140348573
    Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: David C. GENTRY, Bryan STEWART
  • Publication number: 20140338490
    Abstract: A connection member includes: a main member formed by bending a plate made of a first material having a certain strength into a predetermined shape, and having a hole to which an object to be connected is mounted; and an auxiliary member formed of a second material having a smaller specific gravity than the first material and formed thicker than the main member, jointed around the hole of the main member, and having an insertion hole through which a fastening member for fastening the object to be connected is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Shinji SHINABE
  • Publication number: 20140193189
    Abstract: A mounting fixture for positioning a workpiece in a desired relationship with an apparatus including an articulation joint for coupling first and second tubular members in a desired angular relationship. The articulation joint includes a first end portion clamped to an interior surface of the first tubular member and a second end portion clamped to an interior surface of the second tubular member. First and second clamping members of the articulation joint are clamped together to prevent pivotable movement between a first articulation member and a second articulation member of the articulation joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Cutsforth, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Cutsforth
  • Publication number: 20140186096
    Abstract: This invention provides connector assemblies comprising at least two connector elements pivotally joined to each other, wherein each connector element is configured for attachment to a natural tree pole such as bamboo. Useful connector elements include members configured to conform the surface of a natural tree pole. Useful connector elements include terminal connector elements configured for attachment to the terminal end of a natural tree pole and side connector elements configured for attachment to the side of a natural tree pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond Pelton Collin
  • Publication number: 20140155933
    Abstract: A transmission adapter for a medical instrument with a shank, a transmission device movable in the shank, and a manipulating device with a first part, which can be coupled mechanically rigidly to a proximal end of the shank, and a second part, which is movable relative to the first part, includes a first coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to the second part of the manipulating device, and a second coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to a proximal end of the transmission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Jochen Stefan, Daniel Kaercher
  • Publication number: 20140093303
    Abstract: A stand for a computing device that may be removed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. McBroom, Euan S. Abraham, Brett W. Degner
  • Publication number: 20140064826
    Abstract: An equipment mounting assembly, for attachment of a desired equipment to a snowplow attachment, which comprises a mounting frame with an equipment adapter. A first end of a frame adaptor is pivotally attached, by a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the mounting frame to facilitate tilting thereof while a second end of the frame adaptor is engageable with a snowplow attachment. First and second spaced apart support brackets are supported by the mounting frame, and each of the support brackets facilitates coupling the mounting frame to the snowplow attachment. A first end of a frame tilt actuator is supported by the mounting frame while a second end of the frame tilt actuator is attachable to the frame adaptor or and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eric B. CLIFFORD
  • Publication number: 20140064828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for securing a mobile medical equipment supporter system, such as an infusion pump pole, to a mobile patient transporter, such as a gurney, thereby enhancing patient and attendant safety. In some embodiments in accordance with the present invention adjustable hitchee assembly is operatively connected to a hitch coupler of the mobile medical equipment supporter system which allows the position where the mobile medical equipment supporter system is secured to the mobile patient transporter to be easily varied. In some other embodiments in accordance with the present invention more than one mobile medical equipment supporter system can be secured independently to the mobile patient transporter. In yet another embodiment, the mobile medical equipment supporter system can be configured to be positioned at any desired position around the mobile patient transporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Randall D. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20140016992
    Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the-release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Varouj G. Baghdasarian
  • Publication number: 20130272775
    Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a main body that is made of a gas-tight and liquid-tight material to hold an object. The main body defines a cavity and is fixable to a support surface. A hydrophilic insert is attached to the main body inside of the cavity for facing the support surface and is adapted to receive a metered amount of moisture. An aerobic adhesive is applied to the hydrophilic insert so that the aerobic adhesive is encapsulated gas-tight and liquid-tight together with the hydrophilic insert in the cavity enclosed by the support surface and the main body when the main body is fixed on the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ORTWEIN GmbH
    Inventor: Friederike Ortwein
  • Publication number: 20130243518
    Abstract: An angled adapter configured for engagement between a carrier-mounted bicycle cradle and a bicycle anti-sway device. The adapter includes an adapter body. The adapter body has a cradle engagement portion at a top end thereof and an anti-sway engagement portion at a bottom end thereof. The adapter body also includes an angled extension portion interconnected between the cradle engagement portion and the anti-sway engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Karl Wiedemann, Reed E. Frick, Noel W. Roberts, Stewart Semeraro, James T. Stevens, Kevin S. Bogoslofski
  • Publication number: 20130216298
    Abstract: A method for producing a chassis component. The method comprising process steps of forming a joint holder (15) in a structural component (3); inserting a joint cartridge (5) into the joint holder (15); assembling the joint cartridge (5) to form a joint (2); solidly connecting the structural component (3) to the joint cartridge (5) by welding; and covering the weld zone (18), formed during the welding step, by a sealing bellows (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Jekel, Frank Nachbar, Hauke Frenzel, Ignacio Lobo Casanova, Andreas Temmen, Christian Stelter
  • Publication number: 20130185912
    Abstract: A multipoint reconfigurable system and method supporting a wide-variety of configurations that permit adaptation of the mounting system to the user's specific needs. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards multipoint connection bodies, monolegs, flexlegs, lanyard heads, secure connectors, snap connectors, and combinations thereof as well improved structures and methods for implementing these systems and methods. A reversible monopod includes a telescoping columnar monopod body including a proximal end and a distal end; and a coupler coupled to each the end, the coupler selected from the group consisting of a quick-connect type 1 coupler, a quick-connect type 2 coupler complementary to the quick-connect type 1 coupler, a threaded ¼-20 stud connector, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GRIFITI LLC
    Inventor: Grifiti LLC
  • Publication number: 20130129405
    Abstract: A modular furniture system, in which one or more triangular frames are assembled with a leg support system in any of numerous configurations. Cushions or flat surfaces can be supported by the triangular frames to form chairs, beds, sofas, tables, and many other pieces of furniture. Triangle frames are assembled with the leg support system using frame hinges, which can include ring portions that slide over the tops of the leg support system and flanges that attach to the triangular frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Holly Elizabeth Everett
  • Publication number: 20120057926
    Abstract: An apparatus, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising a fitting and at least one adapter plate connected with the fitting, is provided. The fitting comprises a first fitting part and a second fitting part rotatable about an axis relative to the first fitting part. The adapter plate is firmly connected with the first fitting part by means of at least one welding seam. The adapter plate includes at least one region which has a reduced wall thickness, and the welding seam is formed in the region of reduced wall thickness in the adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Fassebender, Oliver Steffen, Michael Zellmann
  • Publication number: 20100061796
    Abstract: Rotatable connection adapter particularly as prosthetic fitting part with integrated rotation adjustability for artificial limbs such as prostheses, comprising at least one attachment part and a connection part, wherein a further prosthetic fitting part is joined to the connection adapter in such a way that it can be rotated relative to the attachment part but can also be fixed in a defined position, wherein the attachment part has an axial through-bore and, on the underside, an additional coaxial recessed bore of blind bore of greater diameter into which a connection element engages which, at one end, has an at least partially circumferential non-self-clamping edge of smaller height than the depth of the recessed bore or blind bore and which has a diameter smaller than the recessed bore or the blind bore but greater than the through-bore through the attachment part, wherein the connection element, on the side opposite the circumferential edge, has an axially oriented clamping device which acts between the co
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Medi GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Christof Kurth
  • Publication number: 20090317176
    Abstract: A connection end portion of a inner member is provided with engagement projections and a connection end portion of a stay is formed with reception grooves that are capable of axially receiving the engagement projections. When operation cable is axially inserted into a cylindrical support, the engagement projections are axially received in insertion grooves and are retained in terminal end positions thereof that are bent in a circumferential direction. When the stay is axially inserted into the cylindrical support in this condition, the engagement projections are axially received in the reception grooves and move to terminal end positions thereof that are bent in an opposite circumferential direction. As a result, the operation cable is positioned in an axial connection condition in which the operation cable is suspended in the stay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Shimizu, Atsuki Sasaki, Seiya Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20090315371
    Abstract: An operation cable has an operational structure in which an inner member inserted into a tubular outer member is pulled from a lower end side thereof. The operation cable having a double layer structure is axially connected to a double layer cable that is constructed from a stay of a headrest and a push rod inserted into the tubular stay. In particular, the stay is inserted into a support positioned on an upper portion of the seat back, a lower end of the stay and an upper end of the inner member are axially connected to each other, so that a lower end of the push rod in the tubular stay and a head portion of the outer member are positioned closer to each other. As a result, the push rod can be pushed by the head portion of the outer member when the operation cable is pulled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Shimizu, Atsuki Sasaki, Seiya Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7632034
    Abstract: A securing apparatus that releasably secures two or more mechanical elements is provided. The securing apparatus may be attached to one mechanical element and include abutment surfaces that abut at least one additional mechanical element. Forces exerted by the at least one additional mechanical element and the securing apparatus on each other serve to maintain the securing apparatus in an engaged position. The securing apparatus may include a locking member that includes a protruded portion that extends at least partially beneath the securing apparatus and at least one mechanical element. A pull-ring may be provided to rotate the locking member and release the mechanical elements being secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventor: Miko Miheliĉ
  • Patent number: 7523912
    Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be retrofitted to existing traffic poles. The pivot assembly comprises a bearing assembly disposed between a top plate and a bottom plate. The bottom plate connects to the existing pole foundation with the standard anchor bolt arrangement. Similarly, the top plate connects to the base plate of the traffic pole using additional bolts. Bearings in the pivot assembly allow the pole to rotate relative to the foundation. Preferably, roller bearings are utilized, as these can be contained substantially within the pivot assembly without extending down into the foundation or up into the pole. This means the pivot assembly can be installed in existing, standard traffic poles and foundations without modifying either. The pivot assembly does not interfere with existing wiring or access openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Pelco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond M. Woods
  • Patent number: 7513081
    Abstract: A panel lock building system is provided that includes a plurality of side panels forming an enclosure of a predetermined configuration. The system further includes a first hinge half attached to a first side edge of a plurality of the plurality of side panels and a second hinge half attached to a second side edge of a plurality of the plurality of side panels, such that each first hinge half is interlockingly coupled to a corresponding one of the second hinge halves to couple adjacent ones of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7290956
    Abstract: A securing apparatus that releasably secures two or more mechanical elements is provided. The securing apparatus may be attached to one mechanical element and include abutment surfaces that abut at least one additional mechanical element. Forces exerted by the at least one additional mechanical element and the securing apparatus on each other serve to maintain the securing apparatus in a locked position. The securing apparatus may include a locking member that includes a protruded portion that extends at least partially beneath the securing apparatus and at least one mechanical element. A pull-ring may be provided to rotate the locking member and release the mechanical elements being secured. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventor: Miko Miheli{hacek over (c)}
  • Patent number: 6682249
    Abstract: A re-attachable breakaway safety connector is disclosed which is adapted for use with a rope or other objects arranged in at least a substantially linear manner such that when force is provided to the objects, a tensile force is transferred to the connector. The breakaway connector is designed to fail, i.e., the components separate, when the tensile force transferred to the connector exceeds a predetermined level, and may be selectively adjusted to reduce the amount of force required to separate a male and female component of the safety connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Peter W. Rietz
  • Patent number: 5987839
    Abstract: A portable activity floor comprised of a plurality of separate panels that can be readily and selectively interlocked together into a finalized configuration. Each panel has an underlayment providing a core with spaced stringers fastened to the underside thereof. Elongated finishing strips mounted on the upper surface of the underlayment form the outer surface of the panel. In one type of floor assembly, alternate strips are longer than their adjacent strips at the inner side of each panel to form laterally spaced interlock fingers. A pair of hinge members pivotally connects adjacent panels to one another and allows them to be relatively pivoted on a fixed axis with finger interlock alignment accuracy from an initial connected position to a fully assembled position in which the fingers of the finishing strips closely mesh and interlock. Further, the hinge members when connected prevent lateral movement of adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Douglas J Hamar, Mark S Young, Richard E Granroth
  • Patent number: 5844780
    Abstract: In a PC card, a casing and a card are rotatably and bendably connected to each other by a hollow connecting member. A flexible wiring member is disposed in the connecting member and electrically connects the casing and card. The connecting member has a rotatable piece received in a first receiving portion formed on one end of the casing, a first cap rotatably supporting the first receiving portion and rotatable piece, an arm inserted at one end thereof in a second receiving portion formed on one end of the card, and a second cap rotatably supporting the second receiving portion and arm. The other end of the arm is bendably connected to the rotatable piece. The casing is freely moved about the arm in the up-and-down and right-and-left directions, as desired. Hence, the casino does not obstruct the operator's access to various switches and so forth arranged on a data terminal while the card is free from loads and damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Deguchi
  • Patent number: 5683139
    Abstract: A chair tilt control mechanism for a pedestal base chair having a chair control housing mounted on the pedestal chair base and pivotally supporting a chair seat support member. A laterally movable front stop member retained within the chair control housing is movable and contacts the front flange of the chair seat support member and limits the pivotal movement of the chair seat support member to predetermined angular positions with respect to the chair control housing and the floor supporting the chair. Also disclosed is a lever member adapted to lock the chair seat support member in one or more predetermined angular positions. Also disclosed is a hollow plastic pivot pin for pivotally connecting a chair control housing to a chair seat support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Golynsky, Donald A. Wimmer
  • Patent number: 5607195
    Abstract: A flexible over-center draw latch is disclosed which is adapted for securing together two closure members. The latch comprises a keeper mounted on the one closure member and a latch assembly mounted on the other closure member. The latch assembly includes a base which is adapted to be mounted on the second closure member, a substantially elastic latch body pivotally connected to the base and a lever which is pivotally connected to the latch body. As the latch is fastened, the lever engages the keeper to secure the panels together. The substantially elastic body member becomes elongated along its longitudinal axis as the latch is fastened. The loads which are produced by the latch body as it is elongated are distributed over the latch which ensures the connection of the components. The latch assembly also provides reinforced connection between the latch body with the base and the lever. The latch also provides a more secured fastened position due to engagement of the lever and the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Antonucci
  • Patent number: 5409320
    Abstract: A ball socket body (16) of a ball-and-socket joint has an exterior surface (18) and a ball-receiving channel (20). The receiving channel (20) has a channel axis (P--P), an insertion opening (22), an interior circumferential surface (24), an interior end support (26) and ball-securing elements (32). The ball socket body (16) may be made of one piece with the securing cam (32) and may also have a passage (30) opening through the back exterior surface thereof to make a ball head (10) located in the ball socket body (16) accessible to a tool. The ball head (10) is provided with a tool engagement point (10b) for reception of the tool. By use of the tool, the ball head (10) may readily be fastened to a support structure even though the ball head (10) has already been assembled with the ball socket body (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Maury, Dieter Henke
  • Patent number: 5362171
    Abstract: A shackle toggle joint for driving a warp knitting machine comprising a housing of synthetic material having a metal ring (13) for holding a roller bearing (16) imbedded therein. The roller bearing (16) carries a joint bolt (11). The housing (12) further comprises a securing means in the form of a threaded bore (19) for holding a connecting element. There is thus obtained a higher working life for the roller bearing and a lower level of working noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Ritschel
  • Patent number: 5328285
    Abstract: An articulated joint assembly includes an upper joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to an upper lever section of a gear shift lever, a lower joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to a lower lever section of the shift lever, a pivotal joint formed between the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members, and an annular collar having a central bore being slidably mounted over the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members and movable along the inner portions and between the outer portions of the upper and lower joint members between a lower position in which the annular collar locks the upper and lower lever sections at an erected condition and an upper position in which the annular collar unlocks the upper and lower lever sections for converting the shift lever from the erected condition to a folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Gary L. Grubbs, Sheila A. Grubbs, Delores Grubbs
  • Patent number: 5319169
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism including a collapsible toggle linkage, an operating handle and a movable frame. The collapsible toggle linkage includes a rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within an open rectangular slot in an upper link of the linkage. The operating handle pivots about a first pivot point when moving between ON, OFF and TRIPPED positions. The operating handle pivots about a second pivot point when moving to a RESET position thereby reducing the lateral force component of the operating springs of the operating mechanism for reliable return of the handle to the OFF position. Also, bifurcated movable contact fingers are provided for pivotal movement about a fixed pin to break contact welds and a trapezoidal cross section shaft interconnects the movable contact fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Link, Michael R. Larsen, Edward L. Wellner
  • Patent number: 5312125
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle comprises a frame, a front and rear wheels rotatably attached thereto, and a drivetrain for transmitting torque to the rear wheel, with the frame including a movable structure on which the rear wheel is attached. The frame carries a pair of lower stay elements on a lower portion thereof and a fork member on an upper portion thereof with the prongs of the fork member defining a pair of upper stay elements. The front ends of the lower stay elements are adjoined with respective pivot rings attached to a bottom bracket of the frame so as to enable the rotation of the movable structure thereabout, while the male and female elements of a quick-release type connector are provided on the shank portion of the fork member and an upper portion of a seat tube of the frame to enable the fixing of the movable structure thereto. The frame is further provided with an arcuate down tube adapted for the positioning thereunder of the rear wheel and movable structure when the bicycle is in a compacted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Shu Tsao
  • Patent number: 4677044
    Abstract: A photosensitive member wherein a charge transporting layer, a charge generating layer, and a surface modifying layer are laminated on a retainer. The charge transporting layer is prepared from one selected from a group of a-SiC:H, a-SiC:F, a-SiC:H:F, a-SiN:H, a-SiN:F, and a-SiN:H:F, the charge generating layer is prepared from one selected from a group of a-Si:H, a-Si:F and a-Si:H:F; and the surface modifying layer is prepared from one selected from a group of a-SiC:H, a-SiC:F, a-SiC:H:F, a-SiN:H, a-SiN:F and a-SiN:H:F. The surface modifying layer contains 1.about.50 atomic % of oxygen, 100 atomic % in total of Si, C (or N) and 0 atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Yamazaki, Eiichi Sakai, Tatsuo Nakanishi, Hiroyuki Nomori
  • Patent number: 4324113
    Abstract: A sliding block coupling has a coupling head which comprises devices for arranging an ingoing, driving, and an outgoing, driven, torque-transferring member which rotate together with the coupling head, and sliding blocks arranged in a cylindrical recess situated perpendicular to the rotation axis of the coupling head so as to, in cooperation with the coupling head, transfer torque from one of said members to the other. The devices for arranging one of the two torque-transferring members comprises structure arranged in the cylindrical recess in the coupling head, this structure transferring torque between the member in question and the sliding blocks, and being extended in the longitudinal direction of the recess and, at least in the proximity of both of its ends and on opposite sides of the same, being provided with projections or recesses on which or in which the sliding blocks are arranged between that structure and the wall in the cylindrical recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Morgardshammar Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Lars F. Leksen