With Indicator Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 403/27)
  • Patent number: 5649782
    Abstract: A transport anchor for transporting a heavy part, which anchor is embedded in the heavy part, includes a sleeve having an inner thread for receiving a load bearing member. The sleeve has a first section with an exterior end face positioned flush with the exterior surface of the heavy part. The sleeve has a second section with a receiving member for an anchoring element of the heavy part. A first plug with an outer thread is threaded into the inner thread of the sleeve and is moveable along the inner thread. The first plug has a plug end face facing outwardly relative to the heavy part. The load bearing member can frictionally engage the plug end face of the first plug. The load bearing member has a base body with an outer thread for cooperation with the inner thread of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Halfen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Frohlich, Ernst Peppel
  • Patent number: 5611228
    Abstract: A pressing tool for coupling elements includes a forked receiver, a clamping claw which is interchangeably held in the receiver by a connecting pin, and a drive motor for the activation of the clamping claw. The connecting pin can be inserted through holes bored in the forked receiver and the clamping claw crosswise relative to the lengthwise direction of the housing of the pressing tool. A monitoring element is provided, which checks to ensure that the connecting pin is fully inserted. The monitoring element is connected to the power source of the drive motor by means of a switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Pamag AG
    Inventor: Paul Dummermuth
  • Patent number: 5524999
    Abstract: A multiple thermostat assembly includes a plurality of thermostats which grouped together to form a structural unit, with each thermostat including a base plate. The base plates of neighboring thermostats are joined together by plastically deformable adjusting elements in form of U-shaped mountings, webs or pins for allowing a positional adjustment between neighboring base plates relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Electrovac, Fabrikation Elektronischer Spezialartikel Gesellschaft mbH.
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Morbitzer
  • Patent number: 5520385
    Abstract: An article for assembly with the application of heat to a selected temperature range to activate a thermoresponsive constituent, wherein the article avoids deterioration due to heating above the selected temperature range by including a thermochromatic material visibly disposed on the article. The thermochromatic material provides a visual indication in response to the thermoresponsive constituent being heated to the selected temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Composite Development Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Steven C. Nolet
  • Patent number: 5487315
    Abstract: A system for detecting a limit of acceptable rotation for a joint is disclosed. The system includes a support that supports the joint and keeps its pivot point substantially stationary with respect thereto. The system also includes an extensible leg connected to the joint. A contoured member is mounted adjacent the extensible leg and has a surface shaped as a portion of a sphere. The contoured member is located so the pivot point of the joint substantially coincides with the center of the sphere and the periphery of the contoured member corresponds to the limit of acceptable rotation for the joint. Thus, as the leg pivots, the contoured member also moves a similar amount. A detector is used to detect the periphery of the contoured member surface and to assist in preventing further rotation of the joint in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Giddings & Lewis
    Inventors: Philip J. Finet, Edward Kirkham
  • Patent number: 5472302
    Abstract: A bolt includes a movable pin in the center thereof. This pin can freely move up and down in the bolt. If the pin protrudes out of bolt a predetermined distance after the bolt is screwed into a blind bolt hole, then an inspector knows that the bolt is fully engaged. If, on the other hand, the bolt is not fully engaged, the pin will not protrude the predetermined distance out of the bolt. A second embodiment of the similar invention is a stud having an indicator pin. In third and fourth embodiments, the bolts and studs have indicator pins including grease zerks. These grease zerks allow the holes to be filled with grease to prevent damage to the hole due to corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: S. E. Yandle, II
  • Patent number: 5460423
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a frame attached to the sidewalls of a pick-up truck, one or more clamps to secure the frame in place, a flexible cover which spans the bed of the vehicle, one or more cross-bows which support the flexible cover, and a plurality of cross-bow clips. The cross-bow clips are telescopically engageable with the distal ends of the cross-bow, and can effectively lengthen or shorten the cross-bow. The cross-bow clips are engageable with the top rail of the tonneau cover frame. More specifically, the cross-bow clip includes a pair of projections which are engageable with the two longitudinally extending channels of the top rail. The first projection is hollow, and is somewhat resilient. Thus, it may snugly fit and form to the dimensions of the first channel. The second projection is solid, and rests within the second channel. The cross-bow clip of the present invention allows the cross-bows to be easily mounted to or dismounted from the top rail of the tonneau cover frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Custom Form Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Kersting, Ross Weldy
  • Patent number: 5454662
    Abstract: A pipe corral connector consisting of a pair of bolts having corresponding hingedly coupled first ends, and second, threaded ends. The second end of one of the bolts is provided with a right hand thread while the second end of the other bolt is provided with a left hand thread. The threaded ends of the bolts are brought together with a nut that is internally threaded halfway with a right hand thread and halfway with a left hand thread. The nut provides a turnbuckle-like effect in bringing the two bolts together and tightly joining intersecting or parallel pipes of a pipe corral. The connector eliminates all sharp edges which might otherwise injure a corralled horse. The inside surface of the connector bolts may be serrated or notched to provide increased friction at the point of pipe connection. The nut and one of the bolts may be marked to identify matching thread sense to facilitate determination of the correct orientation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Animal Enclosure Systems
    Inventors: Edward P. Skibitzke, David Boyd
  • Patent number: 5384930
    Abstract: A broom with a flexible coupling in the handle comprising a head having a threaded aperture therein. A handle is formed as a long upper section adapted to be held by a user and a shorter lower section being provided with screw threads for releasably coupling with the threaded aperture in the head. A coil spring couples the lower end of the upper section with the upper end of the lower section with the spring encompassing a space between the lower end of the upper section and the upper end of the lower section. The coupling may further include an adhesive in a rupturable membrane to provide a more secure attachment and a dye in a similar membrane for indicating proper attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas A. Uno
  • Patent number: 5336104
    Abstract: An electrical connector (10) includes a plug housing (3) and a cap housing (7). A bolt housing (1) is provided with a bolt (5) therethrough for tightening the connector (10). The bolt housing has a mechanism (9) for indicating coupling completeness through a window (1c). In this way coupling completeness may be assured by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nagamine
  • Patent number: 5326157
    Abstract: A wheel mounting apparatus for attaching a wheel to the wheel forks of the body frame of a bicycle, comprising an axle for rotatably supporting the wheel and engageable with the wheel forks of the body frame, a retaining device for preventing detachment of the axle from the wheel forks, the retaining device being constantly biased to an operative position to prevent detachment of the axle from the wheel forks, or an inoperative position to allow detachment of the axle from the wheel forks, and a control device for switching the retaining device from the inoperative position to the operative position. The control device is operable with rotation of the wheel relative to the wheel forks to switch the retaining device automatically from the inoperative position to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5312166
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism for tightening a hub assembly having a tubular shaft between prongs of a bicycle frame fork. This mechanism includes a tightening rod extending axially through the tubular rod, a first clamp and a second clamp mounted on the tightening rod, and a control lever mounted on the tightening rod for moving the clamps between a tightening position and a release position. This mechanism further includes a device for indicating that the tightening force applied from the first and second clamps exceeds a predetermined value. The indicating device includes a shift member shiftable between a first position and a second position, a receiving member for receiving the tightening force from the clamps through the frame fork, an interlocking member for shifting the shift member to the second position when the receiving member receives a force exceeding the predetermined value, and a spring for urging the shift member to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5279140
    Abstract: A hand operated tool is provided having a working head and a pair of handles. The handles are operably connected to each other and to the working head. The handles are each made of a one-piece polymer member which can indicate wear of the handles at their connection to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Blake, Christopher G. Chadbourne, Gennaro L. Pecora
  • Patent number: 5271689
    Abstract: A connector assembly in which a first connector housing is secured to a second connector housing using a bolt and nut arrangement. The assembly includes a bolt which extends through the first connector housing and is threadably engaged with a nut disposed in the second connector housing; and a depressing flange formed on the shank of the bolt for abutting against the first connector housing. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a bolt holder is mounted on the bolt between the bolt head and the depressing flange to retain the bolt to the first connector housing. The bolt holder includes either a single member having a bolt hole, and a bolt inserting slot communicated with the bolt hole and having a width smaller than the diameter of the bolt, or two individual members which define a bolt hole when combined together to retain the bolt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ishii, Takashi Sone
  • Patent number: 5261757
    Abstract: A device for mounting a data transmission apparatus to a rotating, tapered and instrumented shaft is provided. This device permits attachment without interfering with shaft rotation or the accuracy of data output, and prevents both radial and axial slippage of the data transmission apparatus. The mounting device consists of a sleeve assembly which is attached to the shaft with clamps that are situated at some distance removed from the instrumented area of the shaft. The data transmission device is secured to the sleeve such that the entire assembly rotates with the shaft. Shim adjustments between sleeve sections assure that a minimum compressive load is transferred to the instrumented area of the shaft and a rubber lining is affixed to a large portion of the interior surface of the sleeve to absorb vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James R. Elliott, Jr., Mark T. Lord
  • Patent number: 5228867
    Abstract: A connector half (2) includes a housing (10) and a bolt fastener (50) having a neck (56) adapted to receive a plate fastener (70) inserted transversely to the bolt through a slot (20) in the connector housing to lock the bolt to the housing. Various embodiments of the plate fastener (70), (70'), and (70") are included, and in one embodiment, the bolt is made to include a neck (54) adapted to receive projections (38) interiorly of a bore (36) in the housing to hold the bolt in position prior to insertion of the fastener plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nagamine
  • Patent number: 5188473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bar anchor arrangement for bars subject to tensile stress, whereby the bar anchor (1) consists of an anchor body with a bore provided with an internal thread (5) for screwing in a tension bar (8) provided with an external thread (9) as well as of two parallel eye plates (3) adjoining the anchor body to accomodate an eye bar (10). A smooth tolerance compensating section (6 and 7) is provided on at least one side of the internal thread (5). The length of the external thread (9) of the tension bar (8) essentially corresponds to the minimum screw-in length of the tension bar plus the length of a tolerance compensating section. The length of the internal thread (5) is greater than the minimum screw-in length of the tension bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Robert Danz
  • Patent number: 5172998
    Abstract: A connector having a pair of opposed housings capable of being fitted to and detached from each other, guide slits formed in one of the housings, driven pins provided on the other housing, and a lever rotatably attached to the one of the housings and capable of engaging with the driven pins. The housings are fitted to or detached from each other by an operation of rotating the lever. Mating engagement holes and projections capable of engaging with each other when the housings are normally fitted are provided on one of the housings and the lever, and other engagement holes and projections for fitting confirmation are provided on the other housing and the lever. Therefore the operator can easily confirm the locked state of the lever with eye. Also, the facility with which the connector is designed and manufactured is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Hatagishi
  • Patent number: 5165831
    Abstract: A fastener which allows a user to easily utilize the Torque Angle Method to provide a predictable clamp load to a clamped element. The fastener includes an externally threaded shank portion, a torque receiving portion integrally connected on one end of the shank portion and a radially extending flange located between the shank portion and the torque receiving portion. The flange includes a pair of cut-out notches located on the peripheral edge of the flange which are formed prior to initial tightening of the fastener and are spaced apart at a predetermined angular distance to allow a user to utilize the Torque Angle method to provide predictable clamp load across a joint connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company
    Inventors: James H. Yager, Michael D. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5163769
    Abstract: A ball joint comprises a socket, a stud, and an elastomeric bearing. The bearing is bonded to the ball end of the stud and supports the ball end of the stud for movement in the socket. The bearing has a service life indicator surface extending across an opening in the socket. The service life indicator surface is forced by the socket into a predetermined shape. The service life indicator surface moves out of its predetermined shape in response to separation of the bearing from the ball end of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: TRW, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt F. Dresselhouse
  • Patent number: 5156480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frictional resistance coupling for transmitting torque between two coaxial components, for example a shaft with an articulated shaft, the coupling comprises an outer part and an inner part, which enclose an inner chamber with a conical wall. Inserted to move axially in the inner chamber is an annular piston of the same conicity, so that when the annular piston moves axially by means of a pressure medium, a radial clamping force and thus frictional resistance for transmitting torque is produced. The pressure chambers located on both sides of the annular piston in each case comprise a further connection to a low pressure source. The pressure chamber respectively not supplied with high pressure is supplied with pressure medium from a low pressure source during the displacement process and when the piston reaches the end position within the inner chamber, the opening of the low pressure passage is closed by the end face of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Elsner
  • Patent number: 5149220
    Abstract: A frictional resistance coupling comprises an outer part and an inner part, which are connected to each other in a pressure-tight manner and between them form an inner chamber with a conical surface and a likewise conical, axially displaceable annular piston. The annular piston is moved axially due to the supply of pressure medium, for producing a radial tension and frictional resistance between two parts, e.g., a coupling and a shaft. Serving for determining the axial position of the enclosed annular piston is an axially disposed transmitter cylinder, which is connected to a receiver cylinder in the region of the outer surface of the coupling, by way of an incompressible medium. The piston of the receiver cylinder supports an indicator, whereof the position is monitored by an external sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Elsner, Karl Junginger
  • Patent number: 5116193
    Abstract: A three-dimensional framed structure is built up by interconnecting rod members end to end by knuckle members. Each rod member includes, at either end, a sleeve in which a connecting bolt is axially inserted from the inner side, and a rotary member disposed at an outer end of the sleeve in such a manner that each said rotary member is not turnable relative to the connecting bolt and is movable axially relative thereto. A temporarily holding means is carried by the sleeve. The temporarily holding means can project outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve to temporarily hold the bolt from being axially moved relative to the rotary member until the bolt is screwed into one of screw holes of one of the knuckle members to some extent, and the temporarily holding means can be retracted into the sleeve, until it is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve, when the bolt is screwed into the one screw hole of the knuckle member to some extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo, K.K.
    Inventors: Takato Takizawa, Kouji Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5052844
    Abstract: A ball joint can dynamically alter the preload between the cones and the ball of the ball joint to desired levels. When the stage or other device is in motion, the preload can be reduced to provide low friction and wear. When the stage or other device is not in motion, then the preload can be increased to provide zero backlash and high stiffness. The ball-type pivot joint with dynamic preload adjustment includes a ball and a pair of cones which are dynamically preloaded by servo (feedback) control of a preload actuator. Alternate designs are limited by manufacturing and assembly tolerances as well as wear of bearing surfaces or are subject to change due to thermal fluctuations. A flexible member provides flexure of the bearing members in response to the preload actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney A. Kendall
  • Patent number: 5026198
    Abstract: In a lockable folding joint of a ladder having two arms with their flat heads pivoted to one another, a detent block used to engage one of spaced notches of one of the flat heads is held resiliently and firmly by an improved mechanism. The mechanism includes a one-piece curved rod spring which has two opposite arc-shaped rod portions whose one ends are attached to the detent block, two coiled portions formed at another ends of the arc-shaped rod portions and a U-shaped rod portion extending from the coiled portions. A spring plate has a rolled end pivoted to one of the arm with the same pivot pin as the coiled portions. The U-shaped portion depresses the spring plate so that the hook end of the spring plate is engaged tightly with the detent block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Ching T. Lin
  • Patent number: 4986690
    Abstract: A connector assembly adapted to quickly connect and disconnect tools and stem sections in wireline tool strings. Connector assembly (10) comprises box end (12) and pin end (14) adapted to be slidably engaged and locked by rotating either end 90.degree. relative to the other in either direction. Connector assembly (10) is released by the direct application of manual force to ears (48, 50) of locking plate (38) accessible in flutes (26, 27) of box end (12). Once the locking plate is retracted, pin end (14) is rotated 90.degree. in either direction relative to box end (12) and then withdrawn axially from box end (12). Flats (130, 131) are provided on box end (126) and pin end (128) to indicate relative rotational alignment. Disclosed also are provisions for limiting the rotation of axially spaced lugs (138, 140) before the lugs are axially aligned with annular channels (142, 144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Andrew G. Cooksey
  • Patent number: 4965740
    Abstract: Connector plates are positioned at selected truss joints by representing each wood member of the truss as a corresponding two-dimensional polygon. Each side of the polygon is defined by a corresponding member vector having starting and ending points relative to a predetermined reference point. A particular member vector is selected as a boundary vector for each joint boundary, beyond which the connector plate cannot extend. The connector plate is represented as a rectangle of predetermined dimensions corresponding to the actual plate dimensions. Each side of the rectangle is defined by a corresponding plate vector having starting and ending points relative to the reference point. The rectangle is moved within the prescribed joint boundaries by eliminating the points of intersection between the boundary vectors and the plate vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Truswall Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Schofield, Leo A. Goheen
  • Patent number: 4955740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welded joint between plastic parts, the welding quality of which can be checked in a non-destructive way. In particular, a coating of an X-ray contrast medium, of sharply set-off contour and of specific outline shape, is introduced, before welding, in the region of the welding gap. The coating is narrower or smaller than the zone to be welded. It can be a strip of specific width or a pattern comprising recurring contour parts. The coating can be printed on or take the form of an inserted auxiliary film. Coloring pigments based on heavy metal, metal powder, rock dust, powdered glass or ceramic powder come under consideration as X-ray contrast media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Daimler Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Renz, Karl-Heinz Ilzhoefer
  • Patent number: 4955749
    Abstract: The swivel connector permits two links, such as cables, chains, etc. to be quickly connected and disconnected without use of tools, and can pass over pulleys and through fairleads etc. The connector has a plug connector portion which has head and neck portions which are received in a complementary recess of a socket connector portion. The socket connector portion comprises second and third body members each having a longitudinally aligned main face with a recess generally complementary to one half of the neck and head portions. The connector portions have bearing surfaces which generate inwards forces on the second and third body members which tend to hold the second and third body members together so as to embrace the first body member. A resilient structure applies an outwardly directed axial force between the connector portions, which tends to force the main faces and bearing surfaces into engagement so as to initiate and enhance gripping of the two portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Vlatko Panovic
  • Patent number: 4945492
    Abstract: Net section parameters of connector plates at selected truss joints are determined by representing each wood member as a corresponding two-dimensional polygon and the connector plate as a rectangle of predetermined dimensions corresponding to the actual dimensions of the plate. When the plate is positioned at a particular truss joint, the area of intersection between the plate rectangle and the polygon defines an intersection polygon. The intersection polygon is rotated and the Cartesian coordinate system of the intersection polygon is redefined so that a first axis thereof is aligned with a central major axis extending along a geometric center of a major surface of the particular wood member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Truswal Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Janice M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4921396
    Abstract: A supporting device including a first member which supports a springy means for resiliently supporting a second member. The supporting device includes a detection for detecting displacements of the springy with respect to the first member in accordance with the movement of the second member and a biasing which applies a force to the springy from the same direction as or from a direction opposite to that of the displacement for changing the elasticity of the springy in accordance with the movement of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Asakawa, Fumiaki Akiya, Fumio Tabata
  • Patent number: 4917525
    Abstract: A bayonet coupling connector having a coupling nut on a first coupling member arranged for cooperation with coupling pins of a second coupling member for enabling the two members to be joined together. The coupling nut carries a coupling ring provided with a spring loaded plunger which is capable of being displaced radially with respect to the nut, the coupling ring being effective for driving the coupling nut when the plunger is engaged therewith. The plunger further being capable of being displaced radially by a coupling pin of the second coupling member when the nut has been moved into a position where the two coupling members are locked together, the locking action thus causing the coupling ring to be suddenly disengaged from the nut thereby providing a tactile indication of the fully locked condition.The connector is suitable for different applications such as fluid supply lines and electrical connectors and it gives additional safety in reducing a risk of making a faulty connection between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: AB Electronic Components Limited
    Inventor: William C. W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 4887926
    Abstract: A coupling which serves to transmit torque from a shaft to the end portion of a rotary mandrel in a web winding or unwinding machine has a socket which is defined by a sleeve-like insert in the end portion of the shaft. The socket has a lateral inlet which can be closed by a pivotable gate, and the gate can be held in closed position by a wheel which is pivotable on the end portion of the shaft between operative and inoperative positions. The sleeve and the gate extend beyond one axial end of the wheel to define a relatively long socket for the end portion of the mandrel so that the latter can stand pronounced bending and other stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Udo Kunz
    Inventor: Udo Kunz
  • Patent number: 4863303
    Abstract: Structural joint members for a space frame system with a node joint having threaded apertures, structural strut members with threaded end sections, and a connecting member. The connecting member includes an elongatged threaded bolt, a fixed nut locked on one bolt end with a set screw, and a jam nut threadably engaging the other bolt end. The bolt threadably engages the node joint and the strut threaded end section with the fixed nut secured against the node joint and the jam nut secured against the strut end section to lock the structural joint members together. A snap-on cap covers the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Inryco, Inc.
    Inventors: Meredith W. Croucher, Jr., James M. Fisher, Richard Letizia, LeRoy A. Lutz, Ralph F. Makowski, Richard L. Moyse, Richard W. Osgood, John N. Rave, Ward A. Wickwire, James F. Zillmer
  • Patent number: 4850896
    Abstract: A coupling for making electrical connection of an avionics box and for retaining it in a rack has a rotatable jackscrew, by which cooperating parts of an electrical connector on the box and the rack can be drawn together. The jackscrew has a knob at one end with an indicator button which is pulled into the knob by a mechanical linkage when the two parts of the connector are fully mated. The linkage includes a sleeve which embraces the jackscrew and which is pushed towards the knob against a spring when the connector is mated. A ratchet mechansim limits the torque applied by the jackscrew. Ball catches engage asymmetric grooves on the sleeve to make it more difficult to unfasten the jackscrew than to fasten it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Smith, Gurnam S. Bharj
  • Patent number: 4824275
    Abstract: An adjustable length propeller shaft (1) has a visual torsional load indiing device including a marker (7) on a sealing collar (6) of one shaft part (9) and a calibrated scale (8) on the sleeve (5) of the other shaft part (10); an end journal (4) of the shaft part (9) being in telescopic torque transmitting relation with the sleeve (5) and surrounded by the sealing collar (6). Any permanent torsional deformation between the journal (4) and sleeve (5) results in a permanent relative rotational movement therebetween observable as a movement of the marker relative to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: GKN Cardantec International Gesellschaft Fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventor: Albrecht Schlonski
  • Patent number: 4802785
    Abstract: A support leg (14) is attached to a ceiling structure (10) by means of a threaded stud (12) which mates with a threaded opening (18) in an insert (16) which is swage connected to the upper end of the support leg (14). A flat bar (22) is attached to the lower end of the support leg (14) so that it extends horizontally and makes a "T" with the support leg (14). An expansion clamp assembly (28, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 74) is carried by the bar (22). This assembly is plugged into the tubular lower end portion (26) of the support leg (14). Wing portions (58) of a nut wing washer (50) are deflected by the insertion of the assembly into the tubular portion (26), and edges (62) of the wings (58) are biased into a tight gripping contact with the inner tubular portion (26). This secures the nut wing washer (50) and a nut ( 46) against rotation. Then, the member (22) is rotated, relative to the support leg (14), causing a relative endwise movement of a stud (28) carried by the member (22) into the nut (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Peter S. Richards
  • Patent number: 4749299
    Abstract: A resilient compression member for a ball joint which has a wear indicating mechanism formed integrally therewith is disclosed. The compression member preloads a ball unit of the joint within a socket-like housing. The compression member includes an indicator pin formed integrally therewith. The indicator pin is disposed within an annular recess extending partially through the body of the compression member. The indicator pin is attached to the body of the compression member by means of a relatively thin membrane-like web portion. The end of the indicator pin extends outwardly from the compression member recess and the housing of the joint by a predetermined distance. As wear occurs within the joint, the exposed end of the indicator pin is moved relative to the housing of the joint. Accordingly, a visual indication of the amount of wear within the joint is provided from outside the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Carl H. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4745239
    Abstract: A multiple wire joining device is disclosed which includes a generally tubular, deformable, electrically conductive housing having multiple apertures formed in the wall thereof. The apertures are axially spaced apart along the length of the housing and are each adapted to admit a wire therethrough so that it may entend axially along a length of the housing. The spacings between the apertures are sufficient to permit the admittance of a wire into the housing through each of the apertures a sufficient distance to enable the crimping of the housing adjacent each aperture to retain the respective wire therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Conrad
  • Patent number: 4679957
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly having a primary ball and a primary bearing surface. The primary ball is coaxially attached to a main shaft which pivots near the point of contact between the primary ball and the primary bearing surface. The main shaft controls a coaxially connected secondary ball spaced apart from the primary ball and closely spaced from a secondary bearing surface, similar in orientation to the primary surface, so that the secondary ball floats freely at some predetermined distance from the secondary bearing surface. The secondary ball contacts a normally closed microswitch. As the primary bearing surface wears the main shaft rises bringing the secondary ball toward the secondary bearing surface and away from the microswitch. Eventually the secondary ball will contact the secondary bearing surface and the microswitch will be activated, causing a warning light to illuminate, thereby signalling wearout of the ball joint without catastrophic failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: John K. Bauer
  • Patent number: 4661009
    Abstract: A quick change coupling is provided which is suitable for coupling shafts or tubular members to one another and for coupling a machine tool arbor to a shaft. The apparatus includes a shaft provided with a bayonet receptacle defining one or more bayonet slots. Another elongated member is receivable by the bayonet receptacle and includes one or more detents which are received in locked relation by the bayonet slots. A protective skirt extends from one of the elongated members and encloses a portion of the opposite member. One or more elastomeric members are positioned for engagement with the protective skirt and an elongated member and functions to dampen vibrations therebetween. The elastomeric member may be in the form of a seal to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the bayonet joint between the elongated elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Grentek, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred D. Tripp
  • Patent number: 4655159
    Abstract: A compression pressure indicator includes a compression member which is disposed within a termination and is constructed such that when exposed to a pressure above a predetermined pressure a portion of the compression member protrudes from the termination thus indicating that optimum pressure has been applied inside the termination. The compression member includes an indicator portion and a collapsible portion, the collapsible portion being shaped such that when exposed to a pressure above the predetermined pressure, the collapsible portion collapses thus allowing relative movement between the indicator portion and pressure extending member such that the indicator portion protrudes a predetermined distance from an end of the pressure exerting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Raychem Corp.
    Inventor: Corey J. McMills
  • Patent number: 4629351
    Abstract: A new fitting indicating mechanism in screw type connector housings is provided. Said mechanism comprises a male connector housing having an engaging portion; a female connector housing having cavity means for receiving said engaging portion therewithin; a tubular body having a bore contiguous to said cavity means and a plurality of flexible support arms extending into said bore toward a direction opposite to said female connection housing; and an indicator rod held to extend within said cavity means and said bore, said indicator rod being biased toward the male connector housing such that said flexible support arms covers the indicator rod when fitting engagement of both housing connectors is not completed but pushes open said flexible support arms upon completion thereof such that said indicator rod is exposed out the flexible arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kato, Yoji Saito, Hiroshi Umemoto
  • Patent number: 4626121
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint for automotive wheel suspensions or the like has a ball stud extending into a housing through its open end. The ball end of the ball stud rotatably bears against a load carrying bearing and a wear takeup bearing within the housing, in which is also mounted a spring urging the wear takeup bearing toward the load carrying bearing. The wear takeup bearing has a protuberance extending through an aperture in a cover closing the housing end opposite to its open end. Fitted over the protuberance, a wear indicator cap is normally engaged therewith in a position close to the housing cover and is sprung or otherwise preloaded in a direction away therefrom. When the protuberance recedes into the housing to such an extent that the wear of the joint exceeds an acceptable limit, the wear indicator cap travels from the housing under the preload and comes to a stop on the distal end of the protuberance, indicating the wear of the joint in a greatly amplified, visually recognizable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Tajima, Tatsuyoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 4622851
    Abstract: A device for measuring engine lubricating oil temperature circulating through the oil lubricating system of an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle. Another advantageous embodiment consists of a stem-type thermometer attached to the wall of the oil reservoir with the temperature sensing stem projecting through an appropriate aperture in the oil reservoir wall. In situations wherein the oil reservoir is connected to the internal combustion engine of the motorcycle by an oil carrying conduit, yet another advantageous embodiment can be employed which consists of a branch conduit projecting from the oil carrying conduit with the temperature sensing stem of the thermometer extending axially into the branch conduit. A further advantageous embodiment consists of a stem-type thermometer having markings along the temperature sensing stem corresponding to various oil levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4614452
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device for adjusting the relative positions of musical instruments, such as a bass drum and jazz tomtom. The angle adjusting device has two rods for holding the musical instruments separately. Each rod has a head which includes an annular inclined toothed portion. A wing nut mounted on one end of the axle and a lever having a cam surface for abutting against the wall of either one of the heads, through which full engagement, partial engagement and disengagement can be accurately set. Thus, rotation of one head relative to the other to adjust the angle of two rod can be implemented simply by singlehanded actuation of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Inventor: Cheng H. Wang
  • Patent number: 4605333
    Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. The means includes a bracket, a threaded bolt having a shank portion for extending through the bracket and respective end, and a nut threaded on said bolt for drawing the bracket and respective end tightly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Lyle W. Hovland, James D. Klingensmith
  • Patent number: 4602523
    Abstract: A pair of pinions are mounted on a hub portion of a steering wheel in a manner to be movable toward and away from a pair of matched internal gears. The pinions are urged by a pair of leaf springs toward the internal gears to eliminate backlash therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Kurata, Michiyoshi Takahara
  • Patent number: 4599785
    Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure an an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. A bolted joint connection and a method for installing a dish antenna mounting structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Lyle W. Hovland, James D. Klingensmith
  • Patent number: 4582448
    Abstract: An assembly for allowing quick removal of a wheel from a vehicle is provided. The original wheel axle is replaced with an elongated axle which is adapted to extend through a block clamped to the vehicle frame. The block includes a spring-biased plunger which interfits with an annular groove at the end of the axle to lock the wheel and axle in place. The plunger is withdrawn from the groove to release the axle and allow one to readily remove the wheel.Alternately, an indented shaft fits within the groove to lock the axle. Upon rotation of the shaft to align the indentation over the groove, the axle may be released and withdrawn from the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventors: William D. Costello, Charles J. Helton, III