Including Axially Acting Compressing Means Patents (Class 403/227)
  • Patent number: 9995358
    Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an inner elastomer. The inner elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. The flexible joint insert further includes an outer elastomer. The outer elastomer is harder than the inner elastomer. An interface between the inner elastomer and the outer elastomer is fused and a portion of the outer elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The outer elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas H. Powell
  • Patent number: 9682721
    Abstract: An arm stopper mechanism, includes a pitman arm which includes an output shaft hole into which an output shaft is fitted, two tie rod holes onto which tie rods are respectively mounted, and two abutting faces to which a stopper is abutted; and the stopper which includes two contact faces, in which an angle formed by the two contact faces of the stopper is greater than an angle formed by the two abutting faces of the pitman arm and is 90° or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Murakami, Shinji Kuno
  • Patent number: 9212680
    Abstract: A tie bar for connecting an equipment fitting of an equipment module to a structure fitting of a fuselage cell structure. At each end the tie bar has a fork head each with a fork head hole for a bolt. The spacing between the fork heads can be continuously adjusted. A captive bushing is utilized for sound and vibration decoupling. The bushings which are a press fit in the fork head holes can no longer fall out during the handling of the tie bars 10. The dimensions of the bushings made of plastic are adapted to the respective application scenario by a tolerance calculation and guarantee an effective sound and vibration decoupling between the structure fitting and the equipment fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Patent number: 8590855
    Abstract: A novel handlebar mounting device structured to mount to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides. The novel handlebar mounting device includes a pivot arm having a pivot base and a coupler interface with therebetween a pivot joint having an adjustable rotational stiffness. The pivot joint is formed of an arm and a hub relatively rotatably suspended therefrom, an elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub, and a means for compressing the elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub. A coupler component is formed on the coupler interface. A connector is adapted for securing the pivot base to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20120301216
    Abstract: A shrink disk for the frictional connection of rotating machine parts comprises at least an outer ring and an inner ring, which are connected together at at least one substantially axially extending conical contact surface. In this case, at least the outer ring or the inner ring comprises two axially spaced-apart ring elements. Furthermore, there is provided at least one intermediate ring which is arranged between the two ring elements, is connected to the ring elements in each case at a substantially radially extending conical contact surface and has a plurality of radially extending through-passage bores and/or threaded bores along its circumference. Furthermore, a plurality of adjusting screws is inserted through openings on the outer ring into the through-passage bores and/or threaded bores. The intermediate ring is radially displaceable and the two ring elements are axially displaceable by rotation of the adjusting screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunter Mahn
  • Patent number: 8246268
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a bicycle having a frame member to a bicycle carrier includes a frame rest which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the frame member of the bicycle. A line is wrapped around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle. A coupler connects to the frame rest, wherein during the connection the coupler urges the line toward the frame member of the bicycle thereby tightening the line around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: George Jerzy Dratewski
  • Publication number: 20120070224
    Abstract: A joint assembly (1) with a joint ball (4) through which an axle body (12; 112; 212; 312) extends. The joint ball (4) is mounted in and able to rotate relative to a housing (5) that at least partially surrounds the joint ball (4) and/or one or more support rings (6) with a rubber-elastic intermediate layer (7). The joint assembly (1) is designed so that the axle body (12; 112; 212; 312) can rotate within the joint ball (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Christian Losche, Hans-Gerd Brunneke
  • Patent number: 7703355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recoilless hammer which comprises a hammer head (2) having a handle seat (4) and a hammer handle (3) to be inserted in said handle seat (4). The handle seat (4) is completely covered in the peripheral direction by an elastic material (5). The end of the hammer handle (3) facing the handle seat (4) is provided with a metal sleeve (7) which is seated with its sleeve end (8) in the material (5) and which is provided with a sleeve collar (12) and, at its free end, with a chamfered section (13) for insertion between securing webs of the handle seat (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Erwin Halder KG
    Inventors: Stefan Halder, Dieter Hummel
  • Patent number: 7596847
    Abstract: Improved sucker rod joints for down hole petroleum pumping applications are provided within the form factor of standard API sucker rods, such that existing inventory in suitable condition is fully usable in more demanding applications. The pin ends are selected or processed such as to provide preselected axial distance between a flat pin end and at least one reference surface, such as a threaded region or reference shoulder or both. The coupler is dimensioned such that the pin ends are in abutment either with each other or with opposite sides of an intervening torque washer in the central region, when the connection is made to a selected level of thread engagement. Furthermore, the engagement is such as to put the pin ends in compression and the coextensive length of coupler in tension. This increases frictional restraints and locks the elements together to resist fatigue failure upon cycling and to insure together with an anaerobic adhesive sealant, against back threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Publication number: 20090060643
    Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Evgeny I. Rivin
  • Patent number: 7465120
    Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Evgeny I. Rivin
  • Publication number: 20080118302
    Abstract: A vibration-decoupling coupling element made of an elastically deformable female part and a male part is described. The female part has a fastening area, a decoupling area and a receiving area. The decoupling area is made up of a wall portion expanding away from the fastening area and shaped on the fastening area, a sleeve-shaped wall portion shaped on the receiving area and an annular shoulder wall portion connecting both these wall portions together. The male part has a fastening area and an insertion area. The insertion area is adjusted for the receiving area of the female part in order to form a plug-in connection in the assembled state of the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Rainer Sussenbach, Andreas Bertram
  • Patent number: 7101108
    Abstract: A tubular collar is used to take hold of a fixation piece at one longitudinal end of a window shade rod. The collar is provided in an outer wall with a plurality of axial grooves extending through both longitudinal ends of the collar. The collar is provided in an interior with an inner tube extending along the longitudinal direction of the collar. The inner tube is provided with a groove segment and a grooveless segment. The fixation piece is set firmly in place in such a way that the grooved segment of the inner tube is caused to expand by a projection of the fixation piece so as to force the collar to press against the inner wall of a hole of the longitudinal ends of the window shade rod, and that the projection of the fixation piece is intimately embraced by the grooveless segment of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Lung-Tang Chuang
  • Patent number: 6942254
    Abstract: A system for making and breaking connections between the pin ends of sucker rods and coupling sleeves employs a hydraulically powered system of radially driven gripper heads which are interchangeable to accept different sucker rod sizes. A torqueing system adjacent the gripper head system is also hydraulically driven, employing a pivotally coupled free end on a torque wrench which engages the wrench flat on the sucker rod at its opposite end. The coupling is securely retained without marring the coupling surface while the torque necessary to make or break the connection is applied rapidly and controllably. The system can also be used to advantage in preassemble sucker rods into couplings with precise prestress, using an improved connection design. A sucker rod string can then be assembled readily in the field with invariant optimum prestress conditions at each connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Cartsensen
  • Patent number: 6602018
    Abstract: A wiper assembly for surface maintenance vehicles has a non-destructive failure mode when impacting stationary objects, or otherwise becoming subject to instantaneous or rapidly increasing resistance to forward movement, due to an improved mechanical coupling. The improved mechanical coupling for a wiper assembly absorbs some of the impact stresses imparted to the wiper assembly. Portions of each improved mechanical coupling designed to absorb the stress forces deforms most nearest the location of increasing resistance to forward movement, and may either become fully disconnected if the stress force reaches a threshold force value or recoils to the original mounting location after absorbing forces that are less that said threshold force value. The threshold value force at which a wiper assembly dislodges from its mounting location is designed to avoid damage to the wiper assembly, the articulated mounting member (if any), and the maintenance vehicle itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Steven V. Feeny, Daniel L. Joynt
  • Patent number: 6551008
    Abstract: A cable harness assembly is provided on a bicycle for guiding a disk brake control hose in accompaniment of the cable stoppers brazed on a bicycle frame. The cable harness assembly basically has a hose hanger, a hanger stopper, a stopper bushing and a hanger fixing bolt. The hose hanger includes a body portion of a first outer diameter or width and formed with a first axial bore therethrough, and a cable portion extending from the body portion. The hanger stopper of a second outer diameter or width is smaller than the first outer diameter or width. The hanger stopper is formed with a halting piece extending from the hanger stopper and a second axial bore therethrough. The stopper bushing is sandwiched between the hose hanger and the hanger stopper and formed with a third axial bore therethrough. The stopper bushing is made of a radially expandable material and has a third outer diameter or width being normally approximate to the second outer diameter or width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yuzuru Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6517031
    Abstract: A method of supporting a hose on a cable stopper of a bicycle involves providing a cable harness assembly including a hose hanger and a stopper bushing; inserting the stopper bushing within an inner space of the cable stopper; radially expanding the stopper bushing within the inner space of the cable stopper such that the stopper bushing at least partially contacts an interior wall of the cable stopper to couple the hose hanger to the cable stopper; and supporting the hose on a cable portion of the hose hanger. The hose hanger includes a body portion and the cable portion that is sized and configured to support the hose. The stopper bushing has an unexpanded outer width that is sized and configured to be received within the inner space of the cable stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yuzuru Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6430774
    Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. McLaughlin, Frank J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 5701703
    Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds from a storage position to use position. Stage panels form a stage surface and are reversibly and interchangeably mounted. Connectors insert into passages from the stage frame through the stage panels and provide quick connection without additional connector elements. The connectors rotate within the channel and compress an annular sleeve member axially, forcing the sleeve outward to engage the sides of the passage and secure the stage panel to the stage. The connectors are at or below the upper stage surface and are accessible axially from above by an actuator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: SICO Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Luedke, Randy G. Aagaard, Carl A. Niemi, Andrew J. Shea
  • Patent number: 5566926
    Abstract: A resilient mounting system for safety barriers, including guardrails, hand rails, etc., includes a urethane rubber or other resilient material substantially between the periphery of the barrier and a floor or base. The barrier is biased against the base so as to provide an stiff yet resilient impact resistance that yields to absorb the energy of impact, such as from a vehicle, rather than requiring the structural material of the barrier itself to absorb and perhaps become dislodged or deformed by the impact. The resilient material can be shaped generally like the periphery of the barrier or it can be a standard shape that is replicated and arranged to engage a support for the barrier. A rail is resiliently mounted between two supports, the resilient mounting being arranged to permit limited relative movement between the rail and the supports but resisting removal of the rail from the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Voight Products Incorporated
    Inventor: William L. Voigt
  • Patent number: 5553965
    Abstract: Cantilever shafts (34, 40) support bearing assemblies (54, 56) over which is mounted a tuned compliance or constraint member (92) including flexure members (102, 104, 106) which minimize deflection of the shafts and improve operation of associated rotary tools (18, 20). An improved lock nut (70-86) permits precise installation of the bearing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Fred M. Fuss, John A. Mesolella
  • Patent number: 5207616
    Abstract: A transmission joint has a first element connected to a first shaft and mounted in an articulated manner in a second element to form a housing fastened to a transmission member. The housing includes a radial fastening flange mounted axially slidably relative to the outer casing of the housing and an apparatus for immobilizing the fastening flange axially relative to the outer casing of the housing when the second element is in the fixed position on the transmission member. The process employed to assemble the transmission joint temporarily secures the housing relative to the first member until the housing is secured to the fastening flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Francois Moulinet
  • Patent number: 5122011
    Abstract: A bushing assembly for use with an associated torque rod comprises a bar pin, an elastomeric bushing, and an outer sleeve. The bar pin has a middle section which is generally rounded but which features a flat portion between 30% and 40% of the axial length of the middle section. The elastomeric bushing bonded to the bar pin is compressively received within the outer sleeve so that the total height is reduced by approximately 10%. The edges of the outer sleeve are curled inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Pullman Company
    Inventor: Robert C. Missig
  • Patent number: 5076725
    Abstract: Disclosed is a strut mount comprising an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder disposed coaxial with the inner cylinder, an intermediate cylinder coaxially disposed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, a resilient member interposed between the intermediate cylinder and the outer cylinder, a sliding member interposed, between the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder a seal member interposed between an inner peripheral surface of one end of the intermediate cylinder and an outer peripheral surface near one end of the inner cylinder, and a lid member for closing the other end of the intermediate cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Nakaura
  • Patent number: 4984654
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a guard post to a scaffold platform. The couples includes a brace for attachment to the guard post. A plug member is carried by a portion of the brace and extends perpendicular to the post. The plug includes a resilient sleeve through which extends a bolt. The bolt passes externally of the brace for external manipulation thereof. The plug member is inserted into a hollow run of the scaffold. The bolt is tightened, whereby the sleeve becomes constructed and secures itself within the rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Carl Anderson
  • Patent number: 4934319
    Abstract: A combination bird feeder, tubular post and a connection device which includes a bracket having similar ends attachable to the bottom of the feeder, a compressible member insertable in the upper end of the post, and a nut and bolt extendable through the bracket and compressible member and when the nut is tightened on the bolt, the compressible member expands and frictionally engages the interior of the upper end of the post and thereby secures the feeder to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: H. James Waltemeyer
  • Patent number: 4911417
    Abstract: A bush is disclosed particularly for flexibly mounting an axle assembly on the chassis of a vehicle. An elastic bush is inserted in a sleeve mounted on the axle assembly. The elastic bush as a tapered bore. A pin with a tapered outer face is inserted in the tapered bore and expands the elastic bush into frictional engagement with the sleeve. The sleeve and elastic bush are located between mounting plates mounted on the chassis. The pin is fixed to at least one of the mounting plates by means of a bolt which passes through a hole in the mounting plate so that any movement between the axle assembly and the chassis is taken up by flexure of the elastic bush. The axis of the bolt is offset from the axis of the tapered face of the pin so that the pin can be brought into alignment with the hole in the mounting plate by rotating the pin in the bore of the elastic bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Bruce A. Short
  • Patent number: 4880336
    Abstract: The suspension device for the support legs of a jack-up oil platform having a hull movable along the legs includes a driving mechanism having a plurality of output gear pinions cooperating with racks mounted along at least a part of the legs. Each of the output gear pinions is drivable by an electric motor associated with a speed reducer which is pivotally mounted on a structure which is connected to the hull and has at least one bearing which allows a given angular movement of the speed reducer and each corresponding output gear pinion. Each speed reducer cooperates with an energy absorbing mechanism including at least one torsionally elastically yieldable support element connected to a corresponding speed reducer and affording a progressive absorption of shock particularly at the moment when the legs contact the sea floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignees: Technip Geoproduction, Engrenages et Reducteurs Citroen-Messian-Durand
    Inventors: Pierre-Armand Thomas, Raphael Grundman
  • Patent number: 4811984
    Abstract: A lid for closing an automobile body recess, particularly a filler inlet compartment lid for a motor vehicle, is pivotally connected by means of a hinge, a hinge arm being fastened at the body recess. In order to, on the one hand, achieve a surface transition from the lid to the adjacent outer wall of the body that is flush with the shell of the body and, on the other hand, ensure a surrounding, constant gap between the lid and the body opening, the hinge arm that faces the body recess is held in position at the body recess, by an adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Hempel
  • Patent number: 4785889
    Abstract: A turf coring tool includes a tubular cut out wall section turf coring tine having an upper tubular end for receiving force contained within a socket and having this upper end of the coring tine walls severed with an axial slit from the cut out area, allowing the slit walls to become flexible counter to the axis of the tine. A tube having elastic qualities is placed in the slit section and compressed by a washered screw wrenched into the socket base to allow the distortion of the inserted elastic tube to distort the flexible slit tine walls against the inner walls of the socket. The resultant pressure against the distorted tine walls will allow them to become bound in the socket. Wrenching to relieve the elastic compression will cause the tine to be free and released from socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Marvin L. Killion
  • Patent number: 4772151
    Abstract: A pivot assembly provides limited pivotal motion between a relatively stationary member and a relatively moveable member which is supported on the stationary member. The stationary member is secured to a vehicle frame and the moveable member forms a portion of an endless track supporting frame. The pivot assembly includes a plurality of elastomeric bearings between the stationary and moveable members and a loading member to compress and preload the bearings. Conventional pivot assemblies utilize metal sleeve, roller or ball bearings to provide relative pivotal motion between stationary and cooperative moveable members. Such metal bearings require constant lubrication, and seals to contain the lubrication, and produce objectionable noise and vibration. The subject pivot assembly requires no lubrication or seals and generates low levels of noise and vibration by isolating the stationary and moveable members with the elastomeric bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan G. Lammers, Charles F. Sieck
  • Patent number: 4716674
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for mounting fishing accessories, such as a downrigger, in the flush mounted rod holders normally provided in the gunnels or stern of a sport fishing boat. The device comprises an elongate, cylindrical sleeve which is inserted axially in the flush mounted rod holder. The elongate sleeve is provided with a distal end and a proximate end disposed within the rod holder. First and second elastomeric rings are disposed on the distal and proximate ends of the sleeve. Distal and proximate end plugs are provided which are slidably received in the distal and proximate ends of the elongate sleeve. An accessory mounting plate is disposed on a portion of the proximate end plug which extends above the flush mounted rod holder. A threaded fastener actuated by a hand knob connects the distal and proximate end plugs for axially adjusting the plugs and compressing the first and second elastomeric rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: K-Line Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kammeraad
  • Patent number: 4716987
    Abstract: There is provided an improved securement device for a swimming pool ladder having tubular ladder rails which is hingedly connected to an anchor mounted in the swimming pool deck which permits quick detachment and reattachment of the swimming pool ladder to the anchor. Each securement device includes a ferrule capping the end of the tubular ladder rail adjacent the pool deck which is hingedly connected to the respective anchor in the pool deck, an expandable locking mechanism coupled to the ferrule and extending into the tubular ladder rail having a resilient cylindrical member which expands radially upon being compressed into locking engagement with the inside wall of the tubular ladder rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: Albert W. Lindberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4710051
    Abstract: A device for fastening a closed casing, such as a wire cloth, which should form the circumferential surface of a cylinder, such as a screening drum, has a supporting member with a circularly cylindrical outer surface which is intended to be inserted in the casing at one end thereof and has substantially the same circumference as the casing. The supporting member has a circumferential groove in its outer surface. A circumferential engagement element which is made of an elastic material is so mounted in the groove that its outer surface is located on substantially the same level as the outer surface of the supporting member. A mounting ring is disposed around the engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Jan E. L. Karmazin
  • Patent number: 4708154
    Abstract: A nonslip foot assembly for the lower end of a crutch, cane, walker or other walking aid. An expansible sleeve is anchored in the end of the crutch by rotating a threaded bolt in order to squeeze the sleeve between a pair of nuts. The end of the bolt projects out of the crutch and is pivotally pinned to a nonslip foot formed by a rigid disk bonded to a resilient pad having a plurality of projecting fingers. The fingers flex when applied to a hard surface and their resiliency applies a firm gripping force even if the surface is slippery. The fingers are able to dig into carpets and other soft surfaces to provide a firm grip without damaging the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: Robert J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4671694
    Abstract: The invention provides an elastic articulated coupling which comprises a relatively rigid inner member having a longitudinal axis, a relatively rigid outer member having a generally cylindrical interior of a predetermined first diameter surrounding said inner member with substantial clearance, and an elastomeric body located in the clearance between the inner and outer members. The elastomeric body is connected firmly to the inner member. Additionally, a sleeve comprising wear-resistant elastic material is firmly connected to the elastomeric body and disposed between the elastomeric body and the outer member. The elastomeric body and the sleeve together have a predetermined second diameter which is greater than the predetermined first diameter defined by the interior of the generally cylindrical outer member. As a result, the sleeve is connected in a non-positive manner with the interior surface of the outer member merely by radial pre-stressing and by axial bracing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignees: BOGE GmbH, TRW Ehrenreich GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Heinz Brenner, Bruno Husch, Erwin Gollub
  • Patent number: 4662591
    Abstract: A table leg mount for attaching a table leg to a table top includes a mounting member which has an integrally formed screw shank. The mounting member is attached to the table top by a mounting plate and projects into a hollow portion on the upper end of the table leg. The screw shank passes through a hole in a resilient gripping member and engages a threaded portion on the table leg. Tightening the table leg onto the mounting member forces the gripping member to bear against a conical portion on the mounting member and to also bear against the inside of the hollow portion of the table leg thereby creating a rigid connection between the table leg, the mounting member and the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Yves Encontre
  • Patent number: 4657299
    Abstract: An anchor for insertion in, and securement to, a stake receiving pocket in a truck such as a pickup truck is provided. The anchor is used in erecting a camper, to secure tent poles or a tent frame to the truck, in order to assemble the camper unit over a bed of the truck. The anchor includes an expandable portion, a bolt mechanism for actuating the expandable portion, and an adjustable socket member for engagement with the tent frame. When used, the expandable member is inserted between generally opposite walls in the stake receiving pocket of the truck. The bolt member is actuated, causing the expandable member to expand and engage the opposite walls, to secure the anchor in position. The socket member is adjustable and may be oriented within the anchor in a preferred position for mounting of the tent frame thereon. A method is provided for assembling a camper unit on a pickup truck bed using the tent pole anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Richard L. Mahan
  • Patent number: 4653648
    Abstract: A disk screen or like shaft structure in which screen disks and spacers are connected together in modular relation. The spacers support the disks with inner edges of the disks spaced from inner surfaces of the spacers so that when the modules are supported on a shaft the inner edges of the disks will be maintained spaced from the shaft. The spacers are preferably made from nonmetallic material such as polyurethane. By placing the modules under predetermined endwise compression, the inner surfaces of the spacers are adapted to be extended inwardly from an initial edge relation generally aligned with the inner edges of the disks. Bolts may serve as the connectors for the disks and spacers for the modules, and facilitate assembling of the modules under endwise compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph B. Bielagus
  • Patent number: 4639147
    Abstract: A pivot assembly has a substantial amount of inherent frictional torque. A shaft has a clearance space between itself and a wall of its journal hole. A pliable tubular bushing is axially compressed within the shaft clearance space to create rotational friction between the shaft and the bearing journal. Such an assembly has diverse applications in areas such as the swivel for sailboat tiller extensions, toilet seat lid hinges, and hinged covers for electronic cabinets or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4632591
    Abstract: A male-female connector is utilized to mount a holder to a mounting member. The connector includes a sleeve within which is disposed a gripper assembly. The gripper assembly comprises a plurality of elastic O-rings, each of which is positioned between a pair of beveled surfaces. When the beveled surfaces are converged toward one another, the O-rings ride-up upon the beveled surfaces and are radially expanded to frictional engagement with the socket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene H. Fullenkamp
  • Patent number: 4621738
    Abstract: A holder for wrench sockets that includes a support member from which project mounting studs which are configured to receive the nut engaging end of wrench sockets. In one embodiment the socket mounting studs are fabricated integrally with the support member and are arranged thereon in a mandatory sequence of selected order. Another embodiment provides individual mounting studs that may be fitted and secured in a selected order or sequence tailored to the job to be accomplished and includes a locking arrangement integral to the mounting stud which radially expands the stud to grip the installed socket when the stud is turned in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventor: Christopher J. DeLucchi
  • Patent number: 4574963
    Abstract: A free-standing medical service column has front and rear chases with service outlets mounted on at least the front side for connection with fluid and electrical conduits. The column includes vertically extending tracks at each corner, which tracks extend substantially the height of the column. Brackets, holders, and equipment are connected to the tracks by means of locking slide assemblies. Each slide assembly includes a base and a slide element formed of a low-friction material. A screw interconnects the base with the slide element such that rotation of the screw moves the slide toward the base and against the wall of the channel to frictionally secure the slide within the channel. Members secured to the column by means of locking slide elements may also carry a bracket. The bracket includes a plug formed of resilient material, which plug is received in a cylindrical bore of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene H. Fullenkamp, Cecil R. Lohrey
  • Patent number: 4505499
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device is disclosed for sealably securing a cylindrical outlet end of a roof drain insert, slidable within a larger diameter roof drain pipe, coaxially within the drain pipe. The coupling device comprises a compressible, rubber tubular member which when uncompressed is slidable into the drain pipe and which on compression by axially directed compressive forces expands radially outwardly sufficiently to sealably engage with interior surfaces of the drain pipe. The rubber tube is adapted on compression to sealably engage the drain insert. Screws which are turned to apply axial compressive forces to the rubber tube lie radially inside of the drain insert and are assessible for activation through the inlet end of the drain insert. The new pipe coupling provide a means mechanically locate the drain insert securely within an existing roof drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventors: Malcolm S. Uglow, Phillip J. Uglow
  • Patent number: 4456314
    Abstract: The inner ring of a rolling bearing is mounted on one end of a rotary shaft where the shaft is of reduced diameter. The inner ring of the bearing bears on the larger diameter part of the shaft but projects beyond this part to define an annular space with the reduced diameter part of the shaft. A circular-sectioned ring of elastomeric material is located in this annular space. This ring is pressed into the annular space by a washer of smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the bearing, which is mounted on the end of the shaft and is locked against the ring by screw means engaging the end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pier P. Messori, Pier L. Scapecchi
  • Patent number: 4453488
    Abstract: A connector for joining structural components which may be subjected to bending, shear, tensional and/or torsional forces at the joint is comprised of a fixture member spanning the joint between the structural components for coupling the same along a longitudinal connector axis generally normal to the joint, socket members disposed within each of the components to be joined and through which the fixture member passes, the sockets defining a shear pocket configured to receive a resilient shear cushion. The fixture member is preferably a compressive fixture member and includes resilient compression cushion members disposed intermediate the length thereof outwardly proximate the shear pocket and inwardly proximate adjustable compression members for establishing a compressive force across the joint. A bending cushion may be disposed at the joint between the structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: E. W. Watchorn & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest W. Watchorn
  • Patent number: 4420274
    Abstract: The elastic articulation or coupling or the like is of the type wherein a metallic inner part such as a ball or a cylindrical sleeve has an elastomeric body firmly adhered thereto, and in turn enclosed by the generally cylindrical interior of a metallic outer part such as a sleeve or an eye, the outer part being joined with the elastomeric body by axial clamping of a pair of annular metallic parts carried at the end faces of the elastomeric body, such that there is solely frictional engagement between the elastomeric body and the outer part. In known devices, various arrangements are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastomeric body to enhance the frictional adherence between the elastomeric body and the metallic outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Boge GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Husch
  • Patent number: 4415316
    Abstract: In a Moineau type fluid motor one of the relatively rotatable elements is made of a deformable material, and axial movement of tapered surfaces within the element, caused by variation in the fluid pressure, causes adjustment of the sealing force in the motor in accordance with the fluid pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Christensen, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Jurgens
  • Patent number: 4364368
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve pintle is secured on a hollow valve stem by a radially elastic retaining ring which allows the pintle to be withdrawn from the stem for removal of exhaust gas deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jon A. Blanchette
  • Patent number: 4360284
    Abstract: A ball-joint assembly having a two-part hinged plastic bearing member adapted to be positioned about the ball portion of a ball-stud member and be placed within an aperture formed in a link having a plurality of upstanding tabs which are adapted to be bent over for maintaining the ball-stud member and bearing member in the end of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Darrell L. Brandenburg