Deformation Occurs Simultaneously With Assembly Patents (Class 403/282)
  • Publication number: 20030126721
    Abstract: The self-fastening handle assembly includes a carrier panel with an aperture. A base member has a central bore and a bottom surface. Fingers, which extend from the bottom surface of the base member, are in a first arrangement which has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the aperture and thereby capable of being routed therethrough. The fingers are expandable from the first arrangement to a second arrangement having a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture. A spreader pin resides within the bore and within the fingers. The spreader pin is movable from a first position with the fingers at the first arrangement to a second position within the fingers to a second arrangement with the finger engaging surface in communication with the fingers. A handle, pivotally connected to the base member by a pivot; has an impact end which drives the spreader pin into the fingers upon rotation of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Panek , Peter D. Tata , James W. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6588970
    Abstract: Two components (2, 3) to be joined to each other by vibration welding form on one or both sides of the bounding seam (10) barrier means (20) including a labyrinth seal. Means (20) retaining attrition particles of the jointing faces (16, 17) in chambers (25, 26, 27) by the attrition particles needing to migrate from chamber to chamber through damming gaps (21, 22) and to be deflected for passage through the next gap in each case. Due to this tortuous arrangement the attrition particles remain totally within the chamber system of the labyrinth seal (20) and do not emerge from between the flanges (8, 9). When the seal (20) is provided between the seam (10) and the inner face (6) of a container, the interior thereof is thus protected from soilage due to attrition particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Joachim Natrop
  • Patent number: 6568703
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member, such as an inflator assembly for an automobile air bag, to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: William O. Hesse, Raymond John Klein, Michael Abdella, Mark Woodward
  • Patent number: 6565159
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle comprises a spindle and a wheel carrier. The spindle includes a shank portion and a shoulder portion. The shank portion includes a press-fit portion adjacent the shoulder portion and has a first predetermined diameter. The wheel carrier is adapted to be supported by a suspension system of the vehicle, is comprised of aluminum, and has a spindle-receiving bore therethrough. The bore has an initially-formed diameter smaller than the first predetermined diameter. The press-fit portion is press-fit into the bore. The difference between the initially-formed diameter and the first predetermined diameter is sufficiently large that the press-fit portion is surrounded by a deformation zone having a radial thickness of at least 10 microns. In one preferred embodiment, this deformation zone is comprised of plastically deformed aluminum having a radial thickness of at least 3 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner E. Kosak
  • Patent number: 6561719
    Abstract: A signal generator is suggested for a mounting on holding tubes, having a base element for being placed on the holding tube and a fastening element for fixing the base element on the holding tube, which requires low expenditures during the manufacturing and ensures a reliable fixing. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the fastening element cuts form-lockingly into the material of the holding tube (4) and of the base element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Werma Signaltechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Elsaesser, Guenter Kirn, Reinhard Mordau
  • Patent number: 6561721
    Abstract: A cable bolt comprises a cable with a tubular yielding fixture at one of its ends. The pull-off load of such yielding fixture can be adjusted to a desired value. This is achieved by unwinding one end of the cable and inserting a slug over the kingwire. Then, the peripheral wires are wound again over the kingwire forming a bulge in the cable where the slug is located. The yielding fixture is then slid on the cable and forced over the bulged portion of the cable, while measuring the load required to achieve this operation, which also becomes the pull-off load of the yielding fixture. Finally, any part of the cable protruding from the fixture is cut-off to form the cable bolt with the desired yielding fixture at its end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Mine Design Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Lausch, Andrew J. Hyett
  • Patent number: 6561720
    Abstract: An open end of a hollow cylindrical body receives part of a cylindrical component, where the hollow cylindrical body and the cylindrical component each having a groove, the grooves being aligned when the cylindrical component is in its intended final position with respect to the hollow cylindrical body, so that a locking ring is captured by the two grooves. The cylindrical component works together with the hollow cylindrical body to form a ring-shaped space, which extends from one of the two grooves toward the open end of the hollow cylindrical body, thus offering access for a tool to move the locking ring into its intended final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Alfred Wirth, Andreas Keidel, Steffen Heyn
  • Patent number: 6561983
    Abstract: A connection union and method for securing together first and second components of an ultrasonic waveguide or blade. The first and second components of the ultrasonic waveguide or blade are formed as complementary components which engage each other with a complementary fitting. Then a compressed fit over the connection union is formed by an electromagnetic metal forming operation which compressively deforms a female coupling member over the connection union. The female coupling member can comprise a separate sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation. Alternatively, the female coupling member can comprise a terminal end of one of the first and second components which includes a longitudinally extending recess which forms an outer circumferentially extending sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Cronin, Jean M. Beaupre, Lee E. Reichel, Jonathan E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6561722
    Abstract: A load bearing structural joint that is fabricated using an electromagnetic process, features a tube that is joined to a fitting of another component. Lightweight materials and thicknesses can be used, because the welding is performed without the adverse effects of annealing or heat. The fabricated structure has an improved strength to weight ratio, and prolonged fatigue life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Fuel Cell Components and Integrators, Inc., Inli, LLC, Tabco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Danylo Dudko, Viacheslav Shevchenko, Ludmilla Kistersky, Thomas A. Barber, Robert L. Benoit, Bernard I. Rachowitz, Glenn L. Spacht, Anthony Mascolo
  • Patent number: 6540428
    Abstract: A sintered, flanged cam pulley includes a sintered cam pulley body and an annular flange caulked to the sintered cam pulley body. The sintered cam pulley body has at an end portion thereof an axial annular projection and a stepped portion formed on an outer periphery side of the annular projection. An inner peripheral surface of the annular flange is fitted on the stepped portion of the sintered cam pulley body. The tip of the annular projection is deformed plastically from the inner to the outer periphery side of the annular projection by a caulking roller. The caulking roller has a first conical surface of a large angle and a second conical surface of a small angle contiguous to the first conical surface, the first and second conical surfaces being formed on an outer peripheral surface of the caulking roller. The annular flange is thereby caulked to the sintered cam pulley body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Isamu Okabe, Kenichi Uotani
  • Patent number: 6536983
    Abstract: An improved crimp joint for joining components of gas or fluid distribution systems is disclosed. The joint is particularly suited for use with components made from low ductility materials including die cast metals. The joint comprises a flange formed by a first joined component and a second component that defines a second mating surface and a lip that is configured to closely surround at least a portion of the flange when the flange is positioned adjacent to the second mating surface. The joint is formed by deforming the lip to overlie the flange, capturing the flange between the deformed lip and the second mating surface. The flange includes a bead formed near the periphery of the flange on a surface against which the lip is deformed to abut to form the crimp joint. The bead is sized to deform and engage the lip thereby increasing the strength of the crimp joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick N. Morefield
  • Publication number: 20030044229
    Abstract: A fastener includes a male fastener and a cooperating female fastener where the male fastener element is operated by at least one elongated deformable the wall of a compartment and an ed wall with which the male fastener is integrally connected and from which the male fastener forms a projection. For example the elongated deformable wall(s) of the compartment may be deformed by pressure in the compartment so that deformation of the deformable wall deforms the end wall and moves a free end of the projection remote from the wall of the compartment between a latching position and an unlatching position when the deformable wall is deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Kott
  • Patent number: 6527516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a fan-blade assembly (10) onto a shaft (12) suitable for being driven in rotation by a motor (14). It comprises a drive hub (24) integral with the shaft (12) and suitable for serving as a support for a hub (16) of the blade assembly (10), as well as a stop ring (26) slipped on around the shaft and equipped with elastic recall means (44), so as to press the hub (16) of the fan assembly (10) elastically against the drive hub (24). Application especially to the equipment of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Herve Crevel
  • Patent number: 6520707
    Abstract: A drink can holder is made as an integrally formed body of resilient plastic material with a central body portion and a number of radially extending finger assemblies circumferentially spaced around it. Each finger assembly has integrally formed protrusions and recesses that may, when a plurality of such drink can holders are used, be interengaged to provide toy construction set elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph R. Headrick
  • Patent number: 6520708
    Abstract: In a device for connecting two parts for the sake of high-precision fixation of the two parts in a defined positioning to one another, two connection pairs are provided, each comprising one wedgelike tab, assigned to the first part and extending in the connection direction, and one wedge-shaped notch, assigned to the other part and extending in the connection direction, with a course of the wedge that is contrary to that to the tab, and into which notch the tab can be pressed, causing deformation. The two connection pairs are oriented such that the press-in directions of the tabs into the assigned notches are opposite one another in terms of the connection direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Jung, Hartmut Nitzsche, Heinz Seibert, Gerald Kuenzel, Hans-Peter Seebacher, Bernd Wieland, Peter Litterst, Hansjuergen Linde, Uwe Neumann
  • Patent number: 6510663
    Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Jourden, Karl Heinz Mueller, Genevieve Wing
  • Publication number: 20020187000
    Abstract: Methods for producing a mechanical connection according to the related art allow only minimal tolerances or are costly to produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Christoph Heier, Juergen Bassler, Stefan Boell
  • Patent number: 6460242
    Abstract: In an inertia-press-fit method in which a kinetic energy is applied to at least one of two members in a direction which causes the two members to approach each other, and the two members are press-fitted with each other, an end surface 80 of the first member 10 and a bottom surface 82 of the second member 12 are caused, for stabilizing a relative position of the two members at a time when the press-fitting ends, to butt each other to define the relative position of the two members 10, 12 at the time when the press-fitting ends and, immediately after the butting, at least one of the two members 10, 12 is caused to plastically deform and thereby absorb a remaining kinetic energy of the one of the two members. Thus, the relative position of the two members 10, 12 when the press-fitting ends is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Mori, Shigemi Shioya, Kouki Endoh, Masaki Nakaoka, Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Michiya Inui
  • Patent number: 6457897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably rod-shaped and variable-length connecting element for transmitting traction or pressure forces between at least two points of application of force, from and to assemblies connected to the connecting element, with fastening elements located on the free ends of the connecting element for fastening the connecting element to the assemblies. The invention is based on the object of improving a connecting element of this kind so that it can be assembled more easily and accurately. According to the invention, it is proposed that the connecting element be of essentially two-part design, having a receiving element and a plug-in element that can be inserted into the receiving element in a manner at least permitting longitudinal displacement and that can be fixed in the receiving element in a desired position relative to the receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Montaplast GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Stangier, Klaus Leyendecker, RĂ¼diger Dalchow
  • Patent number: 6435758
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for coupling a hydrodynamic torque converter to a rotating shaft so that the torque converter is fixed with respect to rotation relative to the rotating shaft includes at least one fastening element arranged at a converter housing. The at least one fastening element is arranged at the converter housing such that a fastening portion of the at least one fastening element meshes or interlocks in a positive engagement with a receiving portion of the converter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: RĂ¼diger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 6416244
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a furniture fitting that is detachably fastened to a furniture part. The fitting comprises a fitting body removably mounted on the furniture part, an expansion sleeve insertible into an opening arranged in the furniture part, and an expansion portion for the expansion sleeve and passing through the fitting body. A peg or bolt is provided for connecting the expansion portion to the expansion sleeve. The expansion portion has a body preferably tapered, at one end, and is articulated, at the opposite end, to a tiltable clamping lever supported by the fitting body. The fitting body includes projections directed towards the expansion portion. The expansion portion abuts a shoulder of each projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Edgar Huber
  • Patent number: 6416245
    Abstract: The device comprises a shaft (1) and a hub (2) which is attached to said shaft. One of the edges (10) of the opening (5) in the hub (2) through which the shaft (1) should be passed has a curved profile (11). This profile (11) of the hub edge (10) is tangentially connected to the inner surface (6) of the hub opening (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Thyssen Krupp Automotive AG
    Inventor: Lukas Matt
  • Patent number: 6402416
    Abstract: A waterproof structure includes a first member (front cover) having an elastically-deformable projection at one end and a second member (rear cover) having a contact surface capable of contacting outer and inner surfaces of the projection. When the first and second members are coupled to each other, the projection is depressed on the contact surface and deformed elastically. A contact portion of the projection and the contact surface forms a waterproof region to render a coupling portion of the first and second covers waterproof. Thus, no waterproof elastic member (packing) is required and accordingly no assembly step thereof is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moriya Katagiri, Naoki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 6397469
    Abstract: A power assisted combination shear used for forming structural louvers in the crimped seam of structural steel decking comprises a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. One jaw terminates in a blade and the other jaw has a corresponding die member. The blade and die have undercut reliefs in the root portions, which permit the louver to be formed without breaking through to the edge of the seam. The louver comprises a sheared portion in the form of a bowed tab bridging a corresponding window formed in the seam by the shearing of the tab. The interference between the louver and window provides a substantial increase in the lateral resistance (shear strength) of the crimped seam, thereby obviating the need to additionally weld or screw the seam to provide the necessary shear strength for even the highest stress applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Parker
  • Patent number: 6382044
    Abstract: An actuator for a papermaking machine. The actuator is designed to function either as a slice lip or coatweight actuator or as a dilution actuator depending on the orientation of a cam disk in the actuator. The drive motor and position sensor in the actuator are in a side by side arrangement allowing for a single cover to enclose both the drive motor and the position sensor. The actuator has a manual adjustment which comes into engagement with the drive motor only when it is desired to manually adjust the actuator. The manual adjustment is designed so that it does not lock with the drive motor and requires only a moderate amount of force to be brought into engagement with the manual shaft. The actuator has a drive block connected to the speed reducer of the actuator. The drive block interfits with the cam disk in a manner to function as a spring loaded splined connection. This connection provides the necessary force to prevent rotary free play of the cam disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon K. Reed, Albert A. Arehart
  • Patent number: 6375381
    Abstract: A joint assembly is provide between a machine element gear and a shaft or between two shafts. The joint is brought about by forming a predetermined configured surface on the exterior of the machine element and forming a similar configuration of the same general dimensions on a raised surface on the shaft. The shaft is initially inserted into the machine element in a light force fit so that the similar predetermined configurations on the machine element and the raised surface of the shaft are in alignment. A metal cylindrical torque ring is positioned over and surrounding the two mating and abutting predetermined surfaces. By the process of magneforming, the cylindrical torque ring is deformed inwardly to be tightly pressed against the predetermined surfaces, thereby spanning the exterior of those surfaces and providing a tight joint between the machine element and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Curtiss Wright Flight Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Steven Ruschke, Desi J. Fulenta
  • Patent number: 6361239
    Abstract: A pivot assembly is provided for pivotally attaching a pivotable seat component to a fixed seat component. The fixed component includes first and second apertures, first and second outer surfaces and first and second inner surfaces adjacent the apertures, and the pivotable component includes at least one pivot hole therein. The pivot assembly includes a bolt having a head, a cylindrical portion and a threaded portion. A threaded nut is engageable with the threaded portion of the bolt. A generally cylindrical plastic bushing is fitted over the cylindrical portion of the bolt and includes a peripheral lip abutting the head of the bolt and a plurality of swageable flanges extending at least partially over the threaded portion of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Samir Parikh, Susan M. Lipski
  • Patent number: 6353991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped part with a spigot for connecting to a tube, whereby the spigot contains a number of cavities arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof. The invention can be used in joining techniques especially in the area of automobile manufacturing, particularly windshield wiper assemblies. In preart windshield wiper assemblies, the connection between the spigot and the tube can detach during transmission of power or momentum. The invention prevents detaching of the connection between the spigot and the tube. To this end, the invention comprises two adjacent cavities each separated from one another by two catches. The catches extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spigot resulting in a solid crimping in the area of the cavity. The invention also relates to a method for connecting the inventive shaped part to a tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jahangir Dehghan-Manshadi, Dimiter Kolev, Harald Kapitza, Klaus-Peter Noack
  • Patent number: 6336767
    Abstract: A coupling device formed from a first coupling member and a second coupling member with a clamping structure for axially clamping the coupling members. At least three prismatic pins project from the first coupling member each of which is provided with at least one prismatic surface at at least one of the sides of the prismatic pin, and wherein three spaced z-reference surfaces are formed from the first coupling member which extend within a common x-y-plane transverse to the clamping direction. At least three grooves are formed in the second coupling member which are disposed in correspondence to the position of the prismatic pins and which are provided with axially elastic elements for exact positioning the coupling members relative to each other within the x-y-plane. The z-reference surfaces are formed from the free end surfaces of the prismatic pins and z-counter reference surfaces are formed from the base of each groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: System 3R International A.B.
    Inventors: Hakon Nordquist, Robert Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6325568
    Abstract: A one piece stowage bin (10) has a generally rectangular, polygonal open-fronted box-type structure. Right and left end panels (14) and (18) rise up from the sides of the bottom panel (12) to form side walls. Three fold lines allow the stowage bin (10) to comprise the rear lower panel (22), the rear upper panel (26) and the top panel (30) of the stowage bin. Tenons (51), (52), (53), (54), (57), (58), (59), and (60) extend from the margins of the right and left end panels (14) and (18). Mortise pockets (63), (64), (65), (66), (71), (72), (73), and (74) are formed in the side margins of the rear upper panel 26 and the top panel (30). The mortises and tenons create interlocking mortise and tenon joints that do not require a bonding adhesive. Right and left formed angle brackets (38) and (40) secure the right and left end panels (14) and (18) to the top panel (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ralph D. Druckman, Richard C. Burnham, James S. Griffing, Chai Y. Indharasophang, Paul S. Dewar, Marc A. Spane, Tom F. Hodgman, Scott D. Button
  • Patent number: 6318925
    Abstract: An escutcheon and vehicle console assembly characterized by an assembly arrangement wherein resilient locking tabs serve to facilitate locking and disengagable cooperation between an escutcheon and console and prevent rattling of the escutcheon relative to the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Lee N. Bowers, Shinichi Yone
  • Patent number: 6315487
    Abstract: A force-transmitting device comprising an aluminum alloy shaft portion, a steel end portion, and a transition portion having a first portion of aluminum alloy and a second portion of steel which is bonded to the first portion at a bonded joint. The shaft portion is welded to the first portion and the end portion is welded to the second portion, forming an integral force-transmitting device. The device is configured to transmit a force between the shaft portion and the end portion by way of the bonded joint. A device constructed in accordance with the present from two different metals achieves weight savings over prior art single-metal devices, and is simpler to fabricate than prior art two-metal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Spur Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Rick James
  • Publication number: 20010038771
    Abstract: An open end of a hollow cylindrical body receives part of a cylindrical component, where the hollow cylindrical body and the cylindrical component each having a groove, the grooves being aligned when the cylindrical component is in its intended final position with respect to the hollow cylindrical body, so that a locking ring is captured by the two grooves. The cylindrical component works together with the hollow cylindrical body to form a ring-shaped space, which extends from one of the two grooves toward the open end of the hollow cylindrical body, thus offering access for a tool to move the locking ring into its intended final position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Alfred Wirth, Andreas Keidel, Steffen Heyn
  • Patent number: 6309134
    Abstract: A retainer catch assembly includes a receiver having an inner channel and an outer shell and a plurality of detents aligned on each of opposite sides of the outer shell. One or more spring clips are selectably positioned within a detent aligned on each side of the outer shell. A striker is further positioned within the inner channel so that it is removable from the inner channel under an adjustable force depending upon the relative position of the spring clip. The retainer catch assembly may be particularly suited to a vehicle center console wherein a cover is slidable with respect to a compartment and requires that the cover have an adjustable removal force depending upon the position of the cover relative to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Hann
  • Publication number: 20010024595
    Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Stumpf, August Borchard
  • Patent number: 6293725
    Abstract: A collet for accommodating varying axial loads in a mechanical assembly, includes a first sleeve designed to overlap in coaxial relation to a second sleeve, the second sleeve being formed in one end with a conical transition section rising from a cylinder section designed to be inserted on a spindle for supporting elements in the assembly, the first sleeve being caused to expand in radial direction as the sleeves are axially compressed, the expansion being controlled under guidance of the conical section of the second sleeve to produce an arcuate flange acting upon the conical section to provide a resilient, axial fixation of elements in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Gunnar Winkvist
  • Patent number: 6290420
    Abstract: A connection structure of an electrical component is provided wherein the first connection member consists of liquid crystalline polymer synthetic resin. A weld joint is formed in the sleeve of the first connection member during the molding process. This weld joint permits the second connection member to be press-fitted into the first connection member by permitting the first connection member to fracture along the weld joint, thereby resulting in a tight connection between the first and second connection members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Asano
  • Patent number: 6280115
    Abstract: To secure a control element in the axial direction on a shaft member, the control element is pushed onto a region of the shaft member which has a slightly enlarged diameter, displacing shaft material in the process to form a burr on one side of the control element. Then a punch is pushed onto the enlarged diameter region to produce another burr by displacement of shaft material on the other side of the control element which is thus held axially on the shaft member in a positive manner in both directions. The control element is preferably formed from a multiplicity of layers of flat stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Alfred Beier, Dietrich Distler
  • Patent number: 6269532
    Abstract: A device for detaching a suspension assembly, adapted to support a head, staked to an actuator arm of an actuator block of a disc drive. The device includes an expandable device operable between an insertion dimension and a deswaging dimension having a flanged end defining a deswaging surface for forcing the stake from a hole of the actuator arm. In the insertion dimension, the device being sized for insertion through channels of tubular stakes for placement relative to an extended end of the stake. The device being expanded to the deswaging dimension, so that the deswaging surface of the flanged end aligns with an end surface of the stake for removing the stake from the actuator block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Eyvand Ernest Toensing
  • Patent number: 6264393
    Abstract: A connection element (1) between a support (2), specifically a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, specifically a door or wall facing. The connection element (1) includes an upper piece (3) attachable to the plate element and a lower piece (4) connectable with a support (2). A neck-shaped intermediate region (5) is provided between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4). The intermediate region (5) is equipped with locking elements (10) and penetrates into a support opening (7) embeddable contact piece (12). The intermediate region (5) above the support (2) is surrounded by a casing part (15), which is lockable with the locking elements (10) and the contact piece (12). A sealing element (20), which acts upon the surface of the support (2), is arranged between a casing piece (15) and a contact piece (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6256075
    Abstract: A securing structure for VESA cover of a LCD monitor. The securing structure has a rear cover, a VESA cover, a shield, and a plurality of extended nuts. The rear cover has a depression formed on a predetermined location of the rear surface. A plurality of first through holes are formed at an indented portion of the depression. The VESA cover has a plurality of second through holes formed at locations corresponding to the first through holes and the second through holes engage the depression of the rear cover. The shield is placed at inner side of the rear cover and has a plurality of third through holes at locations corresponding to the first and the second through holes. The extended nuts are inserted into the third holes of the shield. Engaging screws penetrate the first and the second through holes and engage the extended nuts so that said VESA cover is installed onto the squared depression of the rear cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Wook Yang
  • Patent number: 6238127
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for use as a pivot joint for a first member and a second member which have alignable openings therethrough. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener having a longitudinal axis and a bushing mounted on the fastener with the bushing having a first end and a second end. The second end of the bushing being formed wherein upon the combined fastener and bushing being mounted within the aligned openings the second bushing end extends only through the opening of the first member whereby upon its engagement with the second member during installation it flares radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the fastener and between the first and second members thereby providing automatic retention of the bushing and, resilient spacing between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Western Sky Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Khusro M. Jhumra, Raymond C. Scherer
  • Patent number: 6238121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a friction-welded joint between a first (10) and a second (50) metallic component, in particular a friction-welded joint between a function-welding stud and a metal plate, wherein a guide element (1) of the first component (10) is introduced into a positioning bore (53) extending substantially perpendicularly to a surface (55) of the second component (50) until a welding face (2) of the first component (10) comes into contact with the surface (55) round the positioning bore (53) and wherein the two components (10; 50) are rotated relative to one another round an axis of rotation in the longitudinal direction of the guide element (1) such that an annular joint region is produced between the two components (10; 50). The invention also relates to a metallic fastening member (10) for forming such a friction-welded joint. The positioning bore (53) and the guide element (1) allow a friction-welded joint to be formed exactly at a predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Hermann Röser
  • Patent number: 6238132
    Abstract: A brake actuator having an improved push rod and end plate assembly which eliminates the requirement for thread adhesive and avoids deformation of the exterior surface of the push rod. The push rod includes an axial internally threaded bore through one end and the shank portion of the mounting screw includes an unthreaded intermediate portion adjacent the threaded end portion having a plurality of radial lobes which are turned into the internally threaded bore of the push rod securely retaining the end plate to the push rod under vibration loading and extreme temperature conditions. The radial lobes on the intermediate portion of the mounting screw each include an arcuate spiral lead surface and a flat generally radial following surface which requires only a relatively small torque to secure the end plate to the push rod, but a significantly larger torque to unthread the mounting screw from the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Indian Head Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Plantan, Thomas O. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6223647
    Abstract: An improved brake actuator and method of assembling a cup-shaped housing on a housing member of a brake actuator, wherein the housing member has an open end, an annular radially projecting rib adjacent to and surrounding the open end and a plurality of spaced channel-shaped transverse depressions in the radial rib extending toward the open end of the flange case, a cup-shaped metal cover including a tubular open end having an inside diameter initially less than the outside diameter of the annular radial rib of the housing member, wherein the tubular end portion of the cover is pressed telescopically over the radial rib of the housing member, thereby simultaneously deforming the tubular end portion of the cover into the channel-shaped depressions in the rib of the housing member and stretched over the radial rib, thereby preventing rotation of the cover relative to the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Indian Head Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Plantan, James D. Goates, Duane L. Angeli, Greg W. Jensen, Graydon J. Choinski
  • Patent number: 6217250
    Abstract: An initially separate blank and pin, where the blank one is formed of powdered metal, and is joined to the pin compressing and locally densifying the blank so that a deviation from perpendicularity of the joined pin to the blank is less than or equal to approximately 0.00120″ at a distance of approximately 0.4″ from a planar first surface. In accordance with a further embodiment, the blank is formed of powder metal and is joined to the pin by compressing the blank so that for a process limit of approximately 0.00120″ at a distance of approximately 0.4″ from a planar first surface, a capability index of the joined pin to the blank is greater than or equal to approximately 2.00.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Presmet Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos E. Camelo, Thomas M. Donohue
  • Patent number: 6200076
    Abstract: A method for producing cutting tools incorporated in the present invention is carried out as follows: a shank portion and a drill portion are formed separately such that the inner diameter of a hole made in the shank portion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the drill portion. The rear of the drill portion is forcibly inserted into the hole of the shank portion at normal temperature which is room temperature. The diameter of the inner wall of the hole is thereby enlarged, resulting in a tight fitting. After the insertion of the drill portion in the shank portion, the drill portion may be ground to form a drill edge. Before the insertion of the drill portion in the shank portion, the shank portion may be quenched under vacuum or the like, or the surface of the shank portion may be hardened by nitriding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Fujii, Seiji Matsuura, Kazuhiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6186696
    Abstract: An assembly (10) formed of two parts pressed together in cruciform arrangement comprises a cylindrical part (11) and a tubular part (12). The tubular part (12) has a transverse hole (14) bordered by rims (18) extending toward each other. A spacer (16) in the form of a ring is inserted between the walls (15) of the tubular part (12), surrounding the region where the hole is to be formed. The rims are then deflected toward each other into engagement with the interior of the ring, the ring having a height equal to the distance between the walls (15). Thus, the ring (16) braces the tubular part (12) internally around the hole (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventor: Daniel Valin
  • Patent number: 6186710
    Abstract: In order to rotationally drive a gear material (3) when the gear material (3) is gear machined using a hob (not shown), a drive hole (34) having a circular configuration in section and extending on an axis L of the gear material (3) is formed in an end face (3e) of the gear material (3) and a shaft member (4) having a polygonal configuration is employed. The distance from an axis of this shaft body (4) to each angular portion (4a) is larger than the radius of the drive hole (34). The distance from the axis of the shaft member (4) to each side portion (4b) of the shaft member (4) is smaller than the radius of the drive hole (34). The shaft member (4) is fitted, under pressure, in the drive hole (34) and the gear member (3) is rotationally driven through this shaft member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zexel Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Michel Saniez, Makoto Nishiji
  • Patent number: 6131715
    Abstract: A process for connecting a flywheel with a clutch housing, including the following steps:a) providing the flywheel with a connection portion,b) providing the housing with a substantially cylindrical counter-connection portion, andc) sliding the housing on the connection portion by its counter-connection portion in a sliding direction substantially parallel to an axis of rotation for producing a press connection between the flywheel and housing. Step a) includes making the flywheel available with an insertion area which widens radially in the slide-on direction with respect to the axis of rotation and with a taper area following the insertion area that narrows in diameter in the slide-on direction. Step b) includes making the housing available with an inner dimension in the counter-connection portion, which inner dimension is smaller than an outer dimension of the flywheel in the area of a transition from the insertion area to the taper area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Karl Hormann, Klaus Gorzitzke, Achim Link