Patents Examined by Kenn Thompson
  • Patent number: 6612934
    Abstract: As rotational mechanical devices accelerate or decelerate, they have an opposite reaction against their housing and/or their surroundings in fact to move the earth. This reaction represents wasted energy that is lost to the system. The invention comprises the use of equal and opposite force from an energy source gravity via activated spring, cable, or counterweight applied fresh as acceleration begins or lift and release from opposite or adjacent sides to reset. These methods can conserve as much as three-fourths of the applied energy for motors, machines, and other motion-related applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Richard E. Foster, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6595496
    Abstract: A fence post assembly, as well as a fencing system and related method utilizing the fence post assembly, for forming a temporary enclosure, such as a horse corral for restraining horses. The fence post assembly is provided with an extensible and retractable fence strand, such as polytape or wire, as well as a ground anchor at one end of the post to enable the post to be anchored into the ground. The extendable and retractable fence strand is selectively positionable along the length of the post between the first and second opposite ends thereof. In addition, the fence strand can be electrically conductive to permit the enclosure to be electrified. Provision is made to maintain electrical continuity between fence strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Waters Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Langlie, James B. Easley, Timothy N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6595281
    Abstract: The apparatus (10) for delivering grease through the individual string (12) includes a tubular member (14) for holding a supply of grease, a piston (16) sealing slidable through the tubular member (14) and a first valve (18) coupled to a downstream end (20) of the member (14). Valve (18) has a body (22) provided with orifices (24) and a collar (26) slidably mounted over an end of the body (22) and biased to a sealing position in which it seals the orifices (24). Piston (16) is initially located above an upstream end (28) of the tubular member (14). Apparatus (10) is slid through the drill string (12) until collar (26) abuts a stub, typically a core bit retained at the end of the string. Fluid pressure is then applied to apparatus (10) by pumping water or mud down the drill pipe (12). This forces collar (26) to be displaced in covering the orifices (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Innovations & Concepts PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Beach
  • Patent number: 6589121
    Abstract: A torque coupler for coupling rotatable inner and outer parts. The torque coupler comprises an inner slip section, and an outer slip section. The inner slip section is connected to the inner rotatable part to rotate with the inner part when the inner part is rotating. The inner slip section has an outer circumferential surface disposed around the inner part. The outer surface has a predetermined number of detents formed therein. The outer slip section is connected to the outer rotatable part to rotate with the outer part when the outer part is rotating. The outer slip section is seated against the inner slip section with an inner surface of the outer slip section in contact with the outer surface of the inner slip section. The inner surface of the outer slip section has a predetermined number of spring loaded teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Halo Product Innovations
    Inventor: Hamlin Leonard
  • Patent number: 6581914
    Abstract: Modular fence, consisting of wire-mesh panels (1) and tubular fixing posts (3), which are anchored at the bottom into the ground or into a supporting base. The panels (1) have horizontally shaped features (6) of a depth approximately equal to the diameter or width of the posts (6). These posts are fitted snugly between the rods of the shaped features and of the non-shaped regions, between two consecutive vertical rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Juan Jose Saura Sotillos, Jorge Antonio Saura Sotillos
  • Patent number: 6582145
    Abstract: A connector system for protecting the transmission of signals from and/or to a tool in a high pressure environment. The system includes a connector through which a signal transmission line, such as an electrical cable or optical fiber extends. The connector is coupled to a protective tube, and includes an internal chamber in communication with the interior of the tube. A fluid, such as a liquid, is disposed within the connector and the tubing at a pressure higher than the environmental pressure. In the event of a leak at, for instance, the connector, the high pressure fluid flows outwardly rather than allowing the inflow of deleterious fluid from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Malone, Christophe M. Rayssiguier
  • Patent number: 6575658
    Abstract: A device for assembling a steering column bracket with a steering gear shaft, comprising a clamping bolt cooperating with a clamping nut disposed in one of two branches of the bracket, the clamping nut being held in place against rotation and translation by an antirotation elastic member and having a radial protrusion. An axial prepositioning abutment is fastened to the bracket. When the radial protrusion of the clamping nut is pressed against the axial prepositioning abutment, the clamping nut is partly withdrawn along its axis to allow the bracket to be engaged over the end of the shaft. At the end of tightening the clamping bolt in the clamping nut, the clamping bolt neutralizes the antirotation function of the antirotation elastic member in order to allow the clamping nut to escape from the axial prepositioning abutment and immobilize the bracket on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Nacam France SA
    Inventors: Philippe Daniel, Pascal Goulay, Pascal Monteil
  • Patent number: 6572480
    Abstract: A universal joint adapted to interconnect a pair of rotating shafts at an angle relative to one another including a first member and a second member wherein the first member has a first longitudinal axis and includes an elongated semi-spherical head having a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially outward facing facets which are curved along the first longitudinal axis and the second member has a second longitudinal axis and includes a pocket adapted to receive the elongated head. The pocket further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially inward facing facets which correspond to the plurality of radially outward facing facets on the elongated head and are tapered relative to the second longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsin-Hong Huang
  • Patent number: 6569021
    Abstract: The invention relates to an impregnating agent for a convoluted boot consisting of a thermplastic or elastomer material and used for covering the chamber of a joint, especially a rotating joint subjected to large articulation angles, which joint chamber is filled with a lubricant, said convoluted boot comprising a plurality of folds and two end collars, with the surfaces of the convoluted boot wall contacting one another when the joint is subjected to large articulation angles. It is the object of the invention to reduce the wear and eliminate squeaking symptoms of convoluted boots treated with the inventive impregnating agent. In accordance with the invention, the objective is achieved in that the impregnating agent contains a carrier fluid, an oil dissolved in the carrier fluid and having a molecular weight of >200, and a wetting agent which is soluble in oil and which reduces the surface tension of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Joachim Wette, Thomas Schafferus, Herbert Konegen, Hans Schreiber
  • Patent number: 6568113
    Abstract: A label holding device with as protective front cover. A label channel for use on retail shelving typically includes opposing U-shaped formation into which a label may be inserted. To protect the label from spills and to prevent the U-shaped formations from becoming clogged with spilled material a cover panel is hingedly connected to the top part of the label channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley C. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 6565446
    Abstract: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Oka, Takahiro Minamigata
  • Patent number: 6565280
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for connecting a sports attachment to a shaft is provided. The fastening mechanism comprises an aperture formed in the shaft. A fastening member is mounted to the sports attachment with at least a portion of the fastening member receivable within the aperture. A biasing mechanism biases at least a portion of the fastening member in the aperture wherein the fastening member is releasably maintained within the aperture thereby releasably connecting the sports attachment to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Peter G. Post
  • Patent number: 6561911
    Abstract: A centering flange for use in mating shafts. The centering flange including a body. The body having a pole extending from one end thereof. The centering flange also including a plurality of lobes extending from the body equidistantly arrange around a perimeter of the body. The centering flange also including a circumferential recess on the side of the body opposite the pole. The integrated centering flange is used for mating a propshaft of an automotive vehicle to a driveline module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon C. Kuczera
  • Patent number: 6561912
    Abstract: A shaft, in particular a drive shaft, for transferring torques, includes a basic member made of an elastic first material, and connecting pieces shaped at their ends for being received by the basic member and prevented by positive engagement from rotating and displacing axially relative to the basic member. The connecting pieces are made of a second material which is inelastic or less-elastic than the first material or. The first and second materials are plastics which are crosslinked with one another at interfaces of the basic member and the connecting parts. The shaft is reliably functional while having a compact design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Manfred Link
  • Patent number: 6551190
    Abstract: A wheel bearing with an integrated constant velocity joint. The joint has a sheet-metal outer ring. Drive torque is transmitted from the outer ring of the constant velocity joint to the inner ring flange of a surrounding bearing by a tooth system. The tooth system is formed in the inner ring flange in such a way that it supports a wavelike outer contour of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint over a defined circumferential length section of the outer ring. The outer ring of the joint has tracks that mesh with the tooth system. The ends of the tracks are bent inward away from the tooth system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Peter Niebling, Peter Kleinmann
  • Patent number: 6543161
    Abstract: An identification tag includes a frame with a closed surface on a side and a peripheral flange is connected to the closed surface. A groove is defined between the closed surface and the peripheral flange. Two ventilation holes are defined through a first end of the peripheral flange and communicate with the grove. Two lugs respectively extend from an end of the closed surface and a second end of the peripheral flange. A slot is defined between the two lugs and the slot communicates with the groove so that a name card is engaged with the groove via the slot. Each of the two lugs has a hole so that a strip extends through the holes. Moisture or vapor escapes from the ventilation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Chin
  • Patent number: 6543751
    Abstract: A rail bracket apparatus for connecting a first rail and a second rail which includes a back piece, a bottom piece, and a bottom support system. The back piece includes screw attachment openings and the edges of the bracket are adapted to facilitate installation of a supported rail. An offset spacer is attached to the back piece to allow for air circulation around said supported piece. The bottom piece can be curved to support rounded rails and may include a water passage opening to allow for drainage. The bottom support system includes an angle bracket and the bracket joints are strengthened with fillets. Side pieces are provided for supporting and holding the installed rail. The unit may be designed with an engineered failure mode to allow for bracket failure to occur before a rail failure would occur. A rail retaining system may be used to retain the rail in position. A rail slot extension may be used to support the bracket in association with a rail cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Spruill
  • Patent number: 6533665
    Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism with a torsion damper with an input side and an output side, which are connected elastically to each other by spring-type stored-energy elements, and with an auxiliary mass which can rotate coaxially to the torsion damper. A combination bearing has a first bearing section for supporting the input side and the output side against each other, and a second bearing section for supporting the auxiliary mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Bernd Peinemann, Jürgen Weth, Cora Carlson, Paul Kraus, Reinhard Feldhaus, Hartmut Bach, Benedikt Schauder
  • Patent number: 6533668
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a constant velocity joint of tripod type which is both highly strong and durable, and which can minimize rolling resistance when transmitting torque at a joint angle. A tripod type constant velocity joint comprises a housing secured to a first rotating shaft and a tripod having trunnion axes spaced apart equally in a circumferential direction and securing equally to the second rotating shaft. The cross section normal to the trunnion axis is shaped to an ellipse and the direction of its short diameter is arranged parallel to the second rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Mizukoshi, Minoru Ishijima, Toshihiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6530711
    Abstract: A ball joint for different applications in special car suspension is disclosed. The ball joint includes a pin (1) with a first end for fixing in a counterpart, and a second spherical end (2),that is encased in a bearing (3) of consequently spherical internal profile, that by its turn is mounted in the internal area of a housing (4), whose external area is intended for fixing in a second counterpart. The housing (4) is closed over a retaining ring (5), that by its turn presses the bearing (3) and the pin (1), in such a way as to prevent axial or radial moving between the parts, including the dismounting of the assembly, but allowing rotational and oscillatory movements required for the operation of the assembly. Further, the retaining ring (5) supports the external (6) and the internal (7) sealings, preferably vulcanized, both of the area between the retaining ring (5) and the housing (4) and of the area between the retaining ring (5) and the pin (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Fabio Menotti