Sliding Part Or Wedge Patents (Class 24/136R)
  • Patent number: 6158093
    Abstract: A wire socket connector having an open throated basket type body that incorporates a load supporting connection at the upper portion thereof for connection with a lifting device in the form of a chain, wire line, lifting hook or the like. The body defines a tapered internal socket receptacle for receiving a tapered wire socket that is affixed to a wire line to which force, such as a lifting force, is to be applied. The body also defines a laterally opening slot through which the socket bearing wire line moves to gain registering access with the socket receptacle and is structured to permit relatively linear movement of the wire socket into the socket receptacle as a wire line connection is being made or when the wire line is being released from the wire socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delmar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6151758
    Abstract: A handle assembly includes a ring-shaped body which has three tapered passages defined radially therethrough, each passages having a large diameter opening defined in the inside of the handle and a smaller diameter opening defined in the outside of the handle. A resilient rope extends through at least one of the tapered passages. A locking device has a teardrop member and a shank extending from the teardrop member. The shank has a collar connected thereto, and the collar has a clamping member movably engaged therewith. The resilient rope in the tapered passage is securely held by the teardrop member. The resilient rope extends through the collar and is engaged by the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Ciber Chiu
  • Patent number: 6131969
    Abstract: A cable lock comprising a housing having two longitudinal channels extending therethrough, a pocket at one end, and a cable having one end permanently locked within one channel. There is a spring disposed within the other channel, a cap disposed in the pocket to retain the spring and a gripping mechanism slidably disposed within the second channel adjacent the spring. The second channel is tapered toward the end nearest the gripping mechanism. The gripping mechanism is a substantially rectangular device having a plurality of gripping teeth arranged in two rows along its top edge to form a plurality of opposing tooth pairs. The gripping mechanism is also tapered to conform to the tapered channel in which it is disposed. There is a longitudinal concave channel for receiving the other end of the cable disposed on the top surface of the gripping mechanism between each pair of teeth and an angled front surface for leading the other end of cable into longitudinal concave channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: American Casting & Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Ephraim Natkins
  • Patent number: 6115889
    Abstract: A tether device for horses and other animals includes a flat rear mounting plate for fixedly mounting the device to a stall or barn wall, for example. A web plate is formed to protrude perpendicularly forward from the mounting plate. A rope slot is formed between an upwardly extending hook portion of the web plate and the rear mounting plate. A spring clip is hingedly attached to the rear mounting plate in alignment with the hook portion of the web plate, the spring clip being arranged to urge itself into a quiescent position against the inner surface of the hook portion of the web plate. A pawl having a toothed, arcuate peripheral surface facing an inner surface of the web plate, is hingedly mounted to the front surface of the rear mounting plate. A coil spring positioned between the pawl and the rear mounting plate serves to rotate the toothed peripheral surface of the pawl upward into a quiescent position against the inner surface of the web plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Charles E. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6094784
    Abstract: A securement system includes a hook having a retaining clip, and an end cap that attaches to an end of a tubular structural member. The hook has a base with at least one channel having a lateral opening thereto. The clip is assembled with the hook such that the clip closes the lateral opening into the channel to define a longitudinal passageway through the hook. An elastic cord extends through the structural member, through the end cap and through the longitudinal passageway through the hook. A knot or some other stop is placed on the cord to prevent the end of the cord from moving through the passageway. The end cap includes V-shaped notches that receive and anchor the cord at desired positions to facilitate securement of cargo to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Schrader Dane Corporation
    Inventor: Darren E. Schrader
  • Patent number: 6076236
    Abstract: A cable connector for securing the end of a cable includes a body supporting opposed jaws for sliding motion for gripping a cable with a wedge action. A slot in the top wall of the body permits the cable to be loaded from the top of the body. T-shaped guide structures capture the jaws for controlled sliding movement. Separate springs directly and independently bias the jaws toward a closed position. A sturdy latch plate synchronizes the jaw motion and retains the jaws in a cocked, open position ready to receive a cable. The springs are enclosed at the sides of the jaws, and are of substantial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Robert V. DeFrance
  • Patent number: 6074124
    Abstract: A cable connector has a body with a passageway therethrough and a slot extending along the passageway. A wedge is slidably received in the passageway. A log boom is secured by connecting the body of the connector to one end of the cable, wrapping the cable about a log on one side of the boom and then inserting the cable through the slot into the passageway. A wedge is then driven into the passageway to secure the hook to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: William Danny Scarr
  • Patent number: 6058574
    Abstract: A wire clamping device including a body, at least one bore through the body for an end of a wire and at least one channel in the body converging at an acute angle and into communication with the bore towards an inlet end of the bore. An abutment is at an end of the channel remote from the inlet end of the bore, and a wedge is movable along the channel between the abutment and a region of communication with the bore. A face of the wedge facing the abutment is provided with an undercut groove, and a hole is provided through the abutment for passage therethrough of a rod-like tool provided with diametrically opposed projections at one end for pulling engagement with the undercut groove by partial rotation of the tool from an insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Gripple Limited
    Inventors: Hugh David Facey, Brian Edward Shawcross
  • Patent number: 6058575
    Abstract: A cable clamp may be constructed from a hollow body, a wedge-shaped member and a means for dislodging the member from the body. The body includes a tapered channel that is sized and shaped to accommodate the member and round, flat or rectangular cable sections. The means for dislodging the member include an aperture extending from one side of the member to the other, at least one cylindrical bearing surface positioned at the upper end of the body, and a camshaft. The camshaft has at least one cylindrical end with an inward facing end and an outward facing end. A cylindrical shaft in orthogonally and eccentrically mounted to the inward facing end. The camshaft is positioned so that the cylindrical shaft will bear against the inner surface of the aperture and the end portion will bear against the bearing surface. When the camshaft is rotated, the cylindrical shaft will cause the aperture and the wedge-shaped member to be displaced upwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Gideon Dagan
  • Patent number: 6047930
    Abstract: An aerial cable spacer is provided with a cable retainer. The cable retainer includes a cable retaining arm. A mid portion of the cable retaining arm includes a fulcrum point. The fulcrum point engages and exerts a force on the cable as the cable retaining arm bends to a closed position. In the closed position, the bent arm maintains a force on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hendrix Wire & Cable, Inc.
    Inventor: Salvatore Bello
  • Patent number: 6038746
    Abstract: A loadable cord lock comprising an outer telescoping member and an inner telescoping member slidable within the outer telescoping member, each telescoping member having an aperture extending therethrough. The inner and outer members are biased against each other so that the apertures are not aligned, to pinch a cord threaded through the apertures. There is at least one leg having an L-shaped free end attached to the inner telescoping member and extending into the interior cavity of the outer telescoping member. There is at least one leg retainer located within the outer telescoping member to lock the inner telescoping member into first and second locking positions. In the first locking position, the apertures on the inner and outer telescoping members are aligned for feeding a cord therethrough, and in the second locking position, the apertures are not aligned to pinch the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Anscher, Raymond Capiello
  • Patent number: 6036066
    Abstract: A bottled drink carrier apparatus is provided for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position upon a user's neck or shoulder. The apparatus includes a strap assembly forming a loop having upper and lower end portions, a cable having ends that are attached to the lower portion of the strap assembly. The cable forms a closed noose with a slide below the strap. A slide is provided for tightening the noose about a bottle to be supported, the slide fictionally engaging the cable at least in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Giacona Container Company
    Inventor: Corrado Giacona, III
  • Patent number: 6029870
    Abstract: A bottled drink carrier apparatus is provided for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position next a user's torso. The apparatus includes a strap assembly having upper and lower end portions, and a cable having ends that are attached to the lower portion of the strap assembly so that the cable forms a closed noose. The upper end of the strap assembly has a hanger for forming a connection with the user's clothing (for example belt, belt loop, etc.) at the torso area. A slide is provided for tightening the noose about a bottle to be supported, the slide frictionally engaging the cable at least in a locking position. A detachable connection can be provided for enabling the user to separate the bottle and noose from the remainder of the assembly such as when the user wants to consume the drink product. This detachable connection is preferably a detachable quick release buckle type arrangement that enables the user to quickly disconnect the bottle and the noose from the remainder of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Giacona Container Company
    Inventor: Corrado Giacona, III
  • Patent number: 6027169
    Abstract: An office-type chair is provided with a base, a seat-back arrangement including a seat assembly which is vertically tiltable relative to the base and a back assembly which is vertically tiltable relative to both the seat assembly and bases and a tilt control mechanism operatively coupled between the base and the seat-back arrangement for permitting the back assembly and seat assembly to be respectively rearwardly and downwardly tilted away from an upright position in a synchronous but differential rate. A front tilt control device is associated with and interconnected with the tilt control mechanism for permitting the seat and back assemblies to be synchronously and nondifferentially tilted forwardly away from the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Roslund, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5987712
    Abstract: An improved cord lock provides a mechanism for preventing a moveable slide from being drawn too far into a cord lock body by heavy forces transmitted through the cord being locked. The improved cord lock has a body of standard manufacture, and a moveable slide which has been modified to provide a positive stop to prevent the slide from entering too far into the body. The positive stop may be formed as a number of projections from the moveable slide which make its overall cross section too large to fit within the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: John C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5894631
    Abstract: A handle structure for a chest pull includes a substantially ring-shaped handle having a tapered passage defined radially therethrough. A positioning device including a sphere member is sized to be movably retained in the tapered passage. A shank extends from the sphere member and is connected to a collar member which has an aperture defined therethrough. A positioning member has a head movably retained in the collar member and a tail extending transversely from a mediate point of the head. The tail is positioned corresponding to the collar member so as to position a resilient member between the head and the collar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Ciber Chiu
  • Patent number: 5894639
    Abstract: A cord lock apparatus includes an open-ended cage and a slide slidably received at least partially in the cage and movable relative to the cage between a cord locking position and an intermediate position. The slide includes travel limiting structure to engage the cage at the intermediate position, a slide body, and a tension spring mechanism to allow the slide body to be displaced to a cord releasing position while urging the slide body toward the cord locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Robert O. Boden
    Inventors: Robert O. Boden, Kurt H. Lundstedt
  • Patent number: 5806902
    Abstract: This grip in it's unique design enhances the manipulation of resilient or rope like material in such fields of endeavor as Pruning. Prior to its creation, rope has to be wrapped around a user's hand or knotted around a wood handle to obtain enough tension to activate the cutting blade on the pruner. In the former procedure, the rope could escape from the user's hand and in the latter the wood handle might not be in the right position for a comfortable process. The grip moves along the length with ease as the pole is extended or contracted and with a simple wrist movement and finger pressure locks the rope instantly and places the grip in a position for using the maximum tension possible by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: William R. Kliest
  • Patent number: 5791808
    Abstract: A semi automatic twistlock for engagement with corner castings of ISO containers is operated by a cable. The cable extends around a shaft journalled in a housing, to rotate the cones that arc fixed to opposite ends of the shaft. The cable is extended or retracted though an operating channel and is biased to the retracted position by a spring coupled to the cable on an opposite end of the cable. The cable has a collar which can engage with a first or second stop formed in the operating channel or can remain disengaged in the fully retracted position to thereby permit selective positioning of the cones relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Ture Nyholm
  • Patent number: 5785096
    Abstract: To provide a wire end retainer capable of retaining and positioning a collected end portion 11 of a wire bundle during a wire arranging operation. A retainer main body 300 for accommodating the collected end portion 11 and an engaging plate 400 slidably fittable into the retainer main body 300 are provided. The retainer main body 300 is formed with an insertion hole 311, and the engaging plate 400 is formed with a tapered hole 430. The holes 310 and 430 communicate with each other inside the retainer main body 300. By pulling the engaging plate 400 after the collected end portion 11 is inserted through the insertion hole 310, the collected end portion 11 is tightly held between opposite faces 431, 432 of the tapered hole 430.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Araki
  • Patent number: 5737808
    Abstract: A cord fastener includes an insert having a lateral inner cord hole and provided at a lower portion thereof with elastic provisional retaining claws extending outwardly and catches for securing the provisional retaining claws; a shell having an insertion hole for insertion of the insert, outer cord holes communicating with the insertion hole and alignable with the inner cord hole, provisional retainers provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole below the outer cord holes for engaging the tips of the provisional retaining claws in a first state when the inner and outer cord holes are approximately aligned, and pushers provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole below the provisional retainers for pressing the provisional retaining claws inwardly in a second state when the insert is pressed further into the insertion hole than in the first state, thereby causing the provisional retaining claws to engage the catches so as to prevent them from engaging the provisional retainers; and a coil spring
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5735806
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a traction force to an appendage of a subject which includes a one-way gripping device having a channel and a cam. The cam is pivotal so that a gripping surface of the cam can be positioned in the channel. A force applicator which can be a rope or cable extends through the channel of the one-way gripping device. The force applicator is free to slide through the channel of the one-way gripping device in one direction, but is gripped by the cam and prevented from moving in an opposite direction. One end of the force applicator is secured to an appendage of a subject. A traction force is applied to the appendage by pulling the force applicator through the one-way gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen J. Leibovic
  • Patent number: 5702388
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a retainer (10, 12, 70) for securing a sponge (16) at the point of entry for an orthopaedic elongate member (14). The retainer (10, 12, 70) is removably attachable to the elongate member (14) adjacent the sponge. The retainer, in one embodiment, includes a body (22) having a bottom (24) and a side (26), with the side (26) being disposed adjacent to the bottom (24). The body (22) further includes an opening (34) associated with each of the bottom (24) and the side (26). The opening (34) is configured for receiving the elongate member (14) therein. A clamp (40) is movably attached to the body (22) and engageable with the elongate member (14) for retaining the elongate member (14) within the opening (34). A resilient member (50) is integral or engaged with the clamp (40) for biasing the clamp (40) into engagement with the elongate member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Jackson, Charles D. Persons, Robert D. Krebs, Gregory G. Price, Joel P. Bales
  • Patent number: 5682796
    Abstract: The remote control assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for adjustment along the longitudinal axis which generically includes opposed and radially outwardly tapered wedge or conical sections (16) and a pair of female conical ramps (18) in engagement with the conical wedges (16). Each of the conical wedges (16) is paired with one of the ramps (18) for wedging action with the associated ramp (18) in response to an axial force applied to the paired one of the ramps (18) to create radial binding forces to prevent axial movement along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the applied axial force. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the small diameter ends (20) are connected together by a snap-together connection section (28-30) connecting the conical wedges together whereas in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the small diameter ends (20) of the conical wedges (16) are integrally connected together by an integral section (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: David Malone
  • Patent number: 5681351
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suture clip for attachment to at least one suture comprising a suture clip body having a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a proximal surface, wherein the inner surface forms a passage that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and is connected to the outer surface by a longitudinal slot which extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the suture clip body and the proximal surface has a major dimension at least five times larger than the diameter of said suture and a collar disposed about said suture clip body engaging the outer surface of the suture clip body to deflect the inner surface to frictionally engage the suture. Also described herein are methods of using this suture clip in surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Jamiolkowski, Shawn T. Huxel, Daniel C. Rosenman
  • Patent number: 5671505
    Abstract: A preloadable cord lock for gripping a cord such as an elastic shock cord, includes a pair of telescoping members having apertures defined therethrough. The telescoping members are biased so that their respective apertures are not aligned. The lock can be preloaded to a condition where the apertures are aligned for feeding a cord through the apertures. The preloading mechanism may then be disengaged which will cause the telescoping members to be urged to a position where their apertures are not aligned by the bias of the device, thereby pinching and locking the cord in place. Because of unique positioning of shoulders on the inner telescoping member with respect to the arms of the inner telescoping member, the cord lock is easy to preload and actuate, thereby avoiding finger muscle fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5649340
    Abstract: A cord retainer comprising an outer tube, a slide, and a plug. The slide has a cord insertion hole and a pair of legs. The outer tube has a pair of horizontal cord insertion holes and in its inside surface a number of guide grooves; some guide grooves have each an aligning engagement portion while the remaining guide grooves have each a holding engagement portion. The plug has a number of locking strips, some of which have each at its upper end an aligning projection and at its base a holding projection while the remaining locking strips have each at its upper end a holding projection. The plug further has a cam surface as an inside surface an insertion portion. In use, the plug is inserted into the tube from the lower end until each aligning projection comes into engagement with the respective aligning engagement portion, and the slide is inserted into the tube from the upper end until the hole of slide is aligned with the holes of the tube, facilitating threading a cord through the slide and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Ida
  • Patent number: 5630301
    Abstract: An anchorage assembly for post-tensioning a tendon in a pre-stressed concrete structure, comprises an anchor having a bore for receiving the tendon, the bore comprising a first bore portion which is convergent inwardly of the anchor and a second bore portion. Wedges are in wedging engagement between the first bore portion and the tendon to retain the tendon, and a seal is engaged between the second bore portion and the tendon, the seal having a wedge-shaped cross-section and being compressed by a wedging action between and into sealing engagement with the second bore portion and the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Harris P/T, A Division of Harris Steel Limited
    Inventor: Lyle D. Sieg
  • Patent number: 5630824
    Abstract: A suture locking button is described. The device includes a base element with a first axial passage for receiving at least one, and preferably two, suture filaments that is attached via a frangible membrane to a locking dement. The locking dement is adapted for movement from a first position, where the locking element extends outwardly from the base dement, to a second position, where the locking element is disposed within the base element by disrupting the frangible membrane to trap the suture filament(s) within the first axial passage between the locking element and the base element. The locking element may have a flange integral with its proximal end that effectively prevents the base element from backing out of the tissue in a direction proximal to the tissue. The invention also pertains to the combination of a suture and a device for securing the suture to a tissue. A method for securing tissue by way of a suture is also included within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey D. Hart
  • Patent number: 5621952
    Abstract: A cord closure having a housing with an open end, a surrounding side wall and a closed end which forms a cavity for receiving a plunger. The plunger has a body with a throughhole alignable with holes formed through opposing sides of the housing and a stem extending from a shoulder portion of the body with a resilient retaining member on a distal end portion of the stem. A bias spring is disposed about the stem of the plunger and is releasably retained in compression on the plunger between the shoulder portion of the body and the resilient retaining member. At least a portion of the body and the stem of the plunger are reciprocally disposable in the cavity so that the throughhole of the plunger is alignable with the hole formed through opposing sides of the housing to permit threading of a cord through the aligned holes of the cord closure without the bias spring urging the plunger away from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Frano
  • Patent number: 5613883
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting electrical conductors. The connector has a "C" shaped sleeve and a wedge. The sleeve has a middle section with an interior surface having a longitudinal depression, a main stop ledge at a rear end of the depression and a temporary stop ledge at the rear of the sleeve. The wedge is comprised of an elongate sheet metal member that is folded over along its length at least two times to form the wedge with two adjacent loops. A side edge of the sheet metal member forms multiple latching ledges to engage stop ledges on the sleeve for preventing the wedge from moving out of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, William J. Lasko, Jose C. Fatorusso, Amauri Barbosa, Sergio R. Grillo
  • Patent number: 5573215
    Abstract: A clip assembly includes a main block with a tapered internal wall confining a receiving space to receive slidably and engageably a pair of clamps therein. The clamps define a gap therebetween. The clamps further define an elongated engaging groove at its upper portion and extends transversely to the gap which receives engageably two connectors with two connecting rods extending out from the engaging groove to connect a circular disc disposed above the clamps. The disc has a centrally located threaded through-hole. A cover member has a through-hole aligned with the threaded through-hole of the disc and mounted securely on the rigid block to cover the receiving space. A regulating screw has a threaded portion engaged threadedly in the threaded through-hole of the circular disc and a head portion engaged rotatably by the periphery of the through-hole of the cover member so as to prevent the head portion from moving axially when the regulating screw is rotated about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Ming-Hwa R. Jen, Weihwang Lin
  • Patent number: 5572770
    Abstract: A self locking cord lock including a cage containing a passage through which a cord or cords can extend, a slide body movable within the cage between a locking position for retaining the cord or cords against movement in a predetermined first direction and a released position permitting such movement, and a spring yieldingly urging the slide body in that direction relative to the cage and toward locking position, with the slide body having a handle portion projecting in the opposite direction beyond the spring and to the exterior of the cage and which is adapted to be pulled by a user to move the slide body in that opposite direction to released position. The spring is preferably molded integrally with the slide body, having a first end attached to the slide body and a second free end bearing yieldingly against a shoulder on the cage. The spring arm may be bowed laterally through an opening in a wall of the cage and then back into the cage and into an opening formed in the slide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Robert O. Boden
  • Patent number: 5553360
    Abstract: A wedge socket assembly having a wedge socket, a pin for connecting objects to the wedge socket, a wedge, and a bolt for holding the wedge in the wedge socket. The wedge socket has an elongated, hollow basket of substantially rectangular cross-section. The hollow basket has a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and an interior cross-section tapering from said large opening to said small opening. Connected to the basket are a pair of jaws extending from opposite sides of the first end, and the jaws each have an opening therethrough aligned with one another, with the pin inserted through the openings and retained by a cotter pin. The wedge has a first wedge portion with a large end and a small end, and is of substantially the same shape as the interior of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Crosby Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Lucas, Douglas E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5546639
    Abstract: A mechanism for fastening a hook to a shock cord. The mechanism uses a cap to enclose and capture an end of the shock cord inside a cavity of the fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes an aperture and side openings which each expose its inner cavity. A shock cord is fed through the aperture and at least one side opening, enlarged by doubling over and crimping and secured therein by an endcap. Alternatively, the slot and aperture are joined, which allows the shock cord to be easily pressed into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Wecor
    Inventors: Ernest H. Lacore, Thomas S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5539961
    Abstract: A spring-loaded wedge dead end for use in electrical transmission lines has upper and lower jaws which close upon one another in a wedging action to grasp the dead end of such a line. The wedge dead end includes a U-shaped clevis for use in attaching it to a pole or the like, and upper and lower jaw guides which form a U-shaped channel in which the upper and lower jaws are disposed. The jaws are spring-biased toward a closed position, are coupled so as to move in a corresponding manner, and may be locked in a fully open position, from which an installer may release it when an electrical transmission line is correctly placed between the open jaws to simplify the dead-ending of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Fargo Mfg. Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. DeFrance
  • Patent number: 5538446
    Abstract: A wedge component (1) for an electrical tap connector employed for the connection of conductors (5) of electrical distribution networks. The wedge (1) is generally trapezoidal in shape, can be manufactured of aluminum, and includes a lowering (2) and a reinforcement projection (3) longitudinally extending between side grooves (4,4'). The wedge (1) is lightweight, inexpensive, and strong since the reinforcement projection (3) provides strength for the tap connector wedge component (1) when it is applied to the conductors (5). FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Milton E. Diniz, Esdras Gallo
  • Patent number: 5535562
    Abstract: A saddle anchorage in which the direction of the prestress is not perpendicular to the compression surface of the concrete structure. The anchorage comprises a saddle including a rectangular metal plate provided with two parallel locking portions defining a hollow portion therebetween, a bottom portion for the hollow portion, a first rib plate, a second rib plate, a third rib plate having a first opening, a hollow cylindrical sleeve, a plurality of U-shaped first reinforcing steel bars, and a plurality of U-shaped second reinforcing steel bars; and a rider for fixing an anchor head including two triangular side plates provided with locking portions, a rectangular top plate, and a front plate having a second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Chia-Hsiung Huang, John Chiang
  • Patent number: 5525003
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved termination connection for advanced fiber composite cables of the type comprised of fibers fixed in a matrix binder. In particular, the composite cable is provided with one or more ribs of tension wound binder impregnated fiber cured on the end portion thereof. Potting material is secured over the ribs at the end of the cable preferably having a parabolically curved outwardly tapered contour to distribute the longitudinal and transverse forces over the fibers in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry G. Williams, Randall G. Ivie, Joseph L. Schiltz
  • Patent number: 5514159
    Abstract: A suture retainer includes a plug portion having a first portion with a suture contacting surface and a prong extending distally therefrom. The prong has at least one aperture for receiving one or more suture threads. The aperture is at least partially defined by a crossbar with a proximal stop surface. The crossbar preferably includes a beveled distal edge. The suture retainer also includes a receptacle portion having a slot for receiving a prong. The receptacle portion has a resilient latch positioned inside the slot for preventing proximal withdrawal of the first portion. The latch being a resilient member projecting from the inner wall of the receptacle slot and including an inclined proximal surface and a distal blocking surface for engaging the proximal stop surface of the crossbar. The suture retainer may optionally be fabricated from a bioabsorbable synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Douglas J. Cuny
  • Patent number: 5507671
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting electrical conductors. The connector has a "C" shaped sleeve and a wedge. The sleeve has a middle section with an interior surface having a longitudinal depression and a stop ledge at a rear end of the depression. The wedge is comprised of an elongate sheet metal member that is folded over along its length at least two times to form the wedge with two adjacent loops. A side edge of the sheet metal member forms a latching ledge to engage the stop ledge on the sleeve for preventing the wedge from moving out of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, William J. Lasko, Gennaro L. Pecora, Armand T. Montminy
  • Patent number: 5483728
    Abstract: An removable suspenders holder including a pin member having a knobbed first end and a threaded second end which is additionally pointed thereby being penetrably insertable through various fabrics employed in garments. The pin member is woven through a suspender end portion and the waistband of the garment. A cap member is threadedly affixed to the second end of the pin member thereby affixing the suspender to the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Dingle, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5471713
    Abstract: A cord retaining and fastening device having a housing with opposed passages through which two cord sections are disposed. A clamping element is removably secured in the housing between at least converging open sections of the passages and is biased towards converging open sections of the passages to clamp one or both of the cord sections when the cord sections are pulled in the biasing direction of the clamping element. When the cords are pulled from the passages, in an opposed direction to the biasing direction, they are free to move out of their respective passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventors: Allan Alter, Paul Goldwerd
  • Patent number: 5465763
    Abstract: A thread holder for the gripper of a gripper loom has first and second retention members which extend in a longitudinal direction. The members lie at least partially inside each other and they have opposing faces which define between them a rectilinear gap that has a curved cross-sectional shape. The second retention member is movably mounted on the first retention member so that the members can be moved with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction and so that the opposing faces provide the gap with a constant width in the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional contour of the gap continuously increases in an effective direction of the thread holder, and the size of the gap is selected so that a weft thread inserted therein will be held by frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Sulzer Rueti AG
    Inventor: Anton Egloff
  • Patent number: 5454140
    Abstract: A cord locking device of this invention comprises a casing having openings respectively at opposite ends and a longitudinal aperture in a front plate, and a slide adapted to be inserted in the casing. The slide has a pair of resilient grip portions extending from opposite sides of a head portion of the slide, and also has a pair of engaging portions each extending from a side surface of the slide between the head portion and a base of each of the grip portions. In order to increase the resilience, the slide further has a resilient portion situated between the grip portions. The slide additionally has a central resilient guide portion situated rearwardly of the head portion in such a manner that the guide portion should project outwardly from an outer surface of the front plate of the casing through the aperture when the slide is inserted in the casing. For locking and unlocking the cord, the slide is slided with the gripping of the grip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryukichi Murai
  • Patent number: 5450657
    Abstract: A stamped hardened sheet steel tapered ferrule with cantilevered radially resilient fingers is wedged by a spring against a tapered bore of a hardened steel housing. The fingers bend radially inwardly to grip a stranded steel cable in the ferrule bore in response to the spring action. When the cable is slid in the ferrule in one direction, the ferrule gripping the cable is further wedged against the tapered bore and further grips the cable. The cable is released when it is slid in the opposite direction pulling the engaged ferrule away from the tapered bore of the housing. The cable has a flag at one end which with the seal lock a hasp therebetween limiting the relative motion of the cable in the opposite ferrule release direction. In a second embodiment, the ferrule is in interference fit with a rod or cable and the spring is not used forcing the ferrule to always grip the rod or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: George Georgopoulos, Richard C. Dreisbach, Terrence N. Brammall, David L. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5435044
    Abstract: A cord tightening device comprises a case having a pair of front and rear plates and a pair of opposite lateral walls interconnecting the front and rear plates and having forwardly converging inner surfaces defining a small-width opening at one end thereof and a large-width opening at the other end thereof, and a sliding member slidably disposed inside the case and having pressing parts formed on opposite lateral surfaces thereof and adapted to press a cord against the opposite lateral walls of the case. The cord tightening device is provided on at least one sliding surface of either one of said case and said sliding member taken as a set with a sliding groove and on at least one sliding surface of the remaining member of the set with a sliding protrusion fit for insertion into said sliding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuo Ida
  • Patent number: 5432983
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting with a lanyard a handle and lever arm of the type used in rapid inflation applications includes apparatus for impaling a first end of a lanyard with multiple spikes to secure the first end to a handle and further includes apparatus for sandwiching the second end of the lanyard between a plug and a bore formed in the lever arm. The lanyard handle is made with a channel having spike-receiving cavities along its extent, and the spikes on a spike-carrying strip impale the first end of the lanyard when the strip is press fit into the channel. At the opposite end of the lanyard, the bore and plug are frusto-conical in configuration so that pulling on the lanyard exerts a wedging action between the plug and bore to tighten the grip on the second end of the lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 5421075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting with a lanyard a handle and lever arm of the type used in rapid inflation applications includes apparatus for impaling a first end of a lanyard with multiple spikes to secure the first end to a handle and further includes apparatus for sandwiching the second end of the lanyard between a plug and a bore formed in the lever arm. The lanyard handle is made with a channel having spike-receiving cavities along its extent, and the spikes on a spike-carrying strip impale the first end of the lanyard when the strip is press fit into the channel. At the opposite end of the lanyard, the bore and plug are frusto-conical in configuration so that pulling on the lanyard exerts a wedging action between the plug and bore to tighten the grip on the second end of the lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 5415206
    Abstract: A yarn clamp made of two clamping members which are arranged with respect to one another so that a clamping gap is formed which has a curved cross-sectional shape of continuously decreasing width in the effective direction and a continuously increasing cross-sectional contour. The holding of a weft yarn in the clamp is effected through elastic deformation of the weft yarn and partial looping of it about one of the clamping members so that damage to the yarn is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Sulzer Rueti AG
    Inventor: Anton Egloff