Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090008042 | RETRACTABLE SAFETY BARRIERS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications. | 01-08-2009 |
20090026022 | WHEEL CHOCK SYSTEM - A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes various features such as, a wheel chock supported by a spring loaded articulated arm with a spring that can be selectively tightened or released, a sensor that detects whether the chock is solidly against a base plate or floor, a bi-directional pivotal joint between the articulated arm and the wheel chock to ensure that the chock can sit squarely on a mating base plate, a wheel chock that meshes with a hydraulically actuated base plate, pivotal or otherwise movable backstops that prevent a wheel chock from sliding out of position, and a base plate cleaning system. The cleaning system might include a vehicle-actuated brush, fluid spray nozzles, electric heater and removable cover plates. | 01-29-2009 |
20120061032 | RETRACTABLE SAFETY BARRIERS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications. | 03-15-2012 |
20130037356 | WHEEL CHOCK SYSTEM - Vehicle restraint systems are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint system includes a base to be positioned adjacent a loading dock and a wheel chock to be positioned on the base. An actuator is coupled to the base and moves the base relative to a wall of the loading dock in a linear direction between a release position and a holding position when the wheel chock is coupled to the base. In the release position, the wheel chock disengages from a wheel of a vehicle positioned at the loading dock. In the holding position, the wheel chock frictionally engages the wheel of the vehicle to restrict movement of the wheel away from the loading dock. | 02-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080294079 | Orthotic apparatus and method of operation - Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide input energy of a first type (e.g., fluid pumped by a pump or an applied voltage). At least one strap structure is attached to the frame structure and operably coupled to the actuator system. The at least one strap structure may be configured to convert at least a portion of the input energy to energy of a second type, the energy of the second type being strain energy. Additional embodiments are directed to inflatable structures and methods of operating the orthotic apparatuses and inflatable structures disclosed herein. | 11-27-2008 |
20090105622 | Orthotic apparatus - In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure having an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion. The orthotic apparatus further includes at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure. The at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure. | 04-23-2009 |
20120117827 | Snowshoe with forward frame support - A snowshoe with binding suspended by tension straps secured to a frame is assembled from a generally U-shaped nose, and an aft section which can be a midsection and a tail. In one embodiment the nose has sufficient strength to resist inward pulling under tension to suspend the binding resiliently, without significant strength contribution from aft portions of the frame. The aft portion of the snowshoe includes traction elements, i.e. rows of teeth, positioned to engage into snow and ice. An important aspect of the invention is that the nose and aft sections are non-integral and very dissimilar in cross section, in a suspended-binding snowshoe. | 05-17-2012 |
20120179079 | ORTHOTIC APPARATUS - In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure having an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion. The orthotic apparatus further includes at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure. The at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure. | 07-12-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080298916 | REPLACEABLE TIP FOR A BIT OR AUGER BIT - Tool elements, such as, bits, auger bits, concrete bits, etc. are provided. The tool elements include a body and a cutting element removably connected to the body. The cutting element may be removably connected to the body in a variety of manners. The body and the cutting element may be made from a similar material or from different materials. The tool element may also include a second cutting element removably connected to the body or to the first cutting element. In some aspects, the second cutting element is a feed screw. In other aspects, the second cutting element is a continuation of the first cutting element. | 12-04-2008 |
20090031865 | POWER TOOL, BATTERY, CHARGER AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A power tool includes a housing assembly having a first housing portion and a second housing portion supported for pivoting movement relative to the first housing portion about a pivot axis. The first housing portion supports a motor. The second housing portion includes a chuck for supporting a tool element. The power tool also includes a gear supported within the housing assembly for rotation relative to at least one of the first and second housing portions about the pivot axis. The gear is operable to transfer drive force from the motor to the tool element. | 02-05-2009 |
20110188955 | REPLACEABLE TIP FOR A BIT OR AUGER BIT - A tool element for cutting a workpiece includes a body including a shank for connecting the tool element to a power tool, a first cutting portion formed as part of the body and defining a first removing pattern, and a cutting element removably coupled to the body and including a second cutting portion defining a second removing pattern, the second removing pattern being a substantial continuation of the first removing pattern. | 08-04-2011 |
20120134760 | REPLACEABLE TIP FOR A BIT OR AUGER BIT - A tool element for cutting a workpiece includes a shank adapted for connecting the tool element to a power tool, and a first cutting portion fixedly coupled to the shank and including a first cutting edge having a first diameter and a second cutting edge having a second diameter. A second cutting portion is removably coupled to the first cutting portion. The second cutting portion includes a third cutting edge having a third diameter and a fourth cutting edge having a fourth diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, the third diameter is smaller than the second diameter, and the fourth diameter is smaller than the third diameter. | 05-31-2012 |