Including Spaced, Diverse Connections Patents (Class 403/287)
  • Patent number: 11892021
    Abstract: A connection structure is provided, wherein relative movement between outer and inner members is restrained by an engaging member. The engaging member includes first and second bolding elements. A connection part connected to another-side end part of the second holding element is provided in one-side end part of the first holding element. A first extension part is provided in another-side end part of the first holding element The connection part includes second and third extension parts, and a connection element extending substantially parallel to the second holding element. The first holding element and the first and second extension parts are provided such that an angle formed by the first holding element and the second extension part, and an angle formed by the first holding element and the first extension part are smaller than 90°. Use of the connection structure, which is easily formable, restrains the engaging member from being detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HI-LEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Horinaka, Takuma Imagawa
  • Patent number: 11795980
    Abstract: To provide a fastening member configured to fasten a hollow member including a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall facing each other, and another member having a screw hole. The fastening member includes a bolt having a screw portion to be inserted through a second hole provided on the second wall and to be screwed into the screw hole, and a case to be inserted into a first hole provided on the first wall, the case being configured to accommodate the bolt. While the case is inserted into the first hole, a tool used for a task of fastening the bolt is inserted into the case from a side of the first wall opposite to the other side of the first wall facing the second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuta Kawaguchi, Hiroaki Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 11761197
    Abstract: A bracket assembly isolates shear forces from fasteners to realize the full tensile load capability of the fasteners. The fasteners extend from a base plate and are embedded within a structure such as a poured concrete wall. Receptacles defined by the base plate receive bosses which extend from a mounting plate which overlies the base plate. The fasteners also retain the mounting plate to the base plate. Shear forces applied in the plane of the mounting plate are reacted between the bosses and the receptacles, the fasteners being isolated from the shear forces using oversized holes in the mounting plate to ensure that the fasteners experience primarily tensile loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: VICTUALIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Cong Sun
  • Patent number: 11573033
    Abstract: A mounting bracket (320) for trapezoidal rib profiles is disclosed. This mounting bracket (320) includes an upper section (330) and a lower section (350). A first leg (352a) in a second leg (352b) extend from a lower portion of the upper section (330) in diverging relation to one another. Each of these legs (352a, 352b) is deflectable through a certain range of motion to accommodate installation of the mounting bracket (320) on a variety of different trapezoidal rib profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: RMH Tech LLC
    Inventors: Dustin M. M. Haddock, Robert M. M. Haddock, Nikolaus J. Holley
  • Publication number: 20140212209
    Abstract: A lockdown device for a display case includes a platform configured to couple the lockdown device to a surface, and a lockdown bracket coupled to the platform and configured to attach to the display case. The lockdown bracket includes a first connecting portion having a substantially horizontal plate coupled to the platform, and a second receiving portion. The second receiving portion includes a substantially vertical plate, a first side plate having a first set of slots, the first side plate coupled to the vertical plate and forming a non-right angle with the vertical plate. The second receiving portion also includes a second side plate having a second set of slots, the second side plate coupled to the vertical plate and forming a non-right angle with the vertical plate. Both sets of slots are configured to attach to the display case, and the side plates are configured to reduce the movement of the lockdown bracket relative to the display case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Biedenweg, Lawrence W. Eget, Kevin A. Kistner, Nelson Montanez, Terrell D. Tucker, John C. Turner, III
  • Publication number: 20140169864
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for connecting two segments of commercial landscape edging. Typically, landscape edging has a cylindrical portion that sits on or above the ground and a panel that inserts into the ground. A connector can be used to link together pieces of edging to form a continuous edge. In embodiments, a connector includes a body that can be inserted into the cylindrical portion of two pieces of landscape edging. The connector can include a ridge and a tab that extends from the body, such that when the body is inserted into the cylindrical portion of edging, the tab is adjacent to the panels of edging. One or more fasteners can be used to attach the edging panels to the tab of the connector, joining two pieces of edging via the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ballard
  • Publication number: 20140138280
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool system that can be assembled into multiple configurations by a user. The tool system may comprise a plurality of components, including tool heads, shaft segments, and handle ends. The components of the tool system can be combined in various configurations to provide different functions, at different lengths. Connectors may be utilized to connect the various components of the system using a twist lock mechanism. The connectors may include a tubular sleeve member having a biased locking shaft that interacts with a locking groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: REDHED TOOLS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Meinzer, Jonathan Hart
  • Publication number: 20140119815
    Abstract: An attachment strip for attaching lath to a wall and a system for attaching lath to a wall with increased water resistive characteristics. The attachment strip has protruding teeth on an attachment plate that holds the lath in place, and a mounting plate that secures the lath furring strip against the wall and framing. In addition, since attachment strip, instead of the lath directly, is secured to the sheathing, fewer mounting devices are needed compared to when a lath is directly secured to a sheathing, where substantially more mounting devices would be needed. Thus in this arrangement, fewer penetrations are created when installing the lath. Additional water resistive features, such insulation layers, and a drainage space surrounded by two water resistive barriers, create space that not only increases insulation, but protects the inner layers of a wall from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Todd A. Brady
  • Publication number: 20130294824
    Abstract: A driveshaft mechanism including a driveshaft insert and a driveshaft are provided. The driveshaft insert is coupled to the driveshaft. The driveshaft insert is configured to couple with a component such that the driveshaft and the component rotate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Bernhard Pisinger
  • Publication number: 20130287483
    Abstract: A furniture connecting piece includes a base having an upper end face and a lower end face. The furniture connecting piece also comprises a positioning plate and a fixing nail. The bottom of the positioning plate is connected to the base. The positioning plate is provided with a fixing hole through which the fixing nail passes to fix the positioning plate onto a furniture panel. The furniture connecting piece is structurally simple and convenient to use, and allows for seamless connection between furniture panels without necessitating the aid of tools, thereby convenient and practical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Minshen Liu, Yuqi Liu
  • Publication number: 20130287482
    Abstract: A facing arrangement for a hold of an aircraft or spacecraft. The facing arrangement comprises a first and a second panel which form a gap between them; a first mounting part which is to be attached to a primary structure of the hold and which has at least one locking arrangement, and a second mounting part which has at least one counter locking arrangement. The locking arrangement and/or the counter locking arrangement passing, at least in portions, through the gap between the first and the second panel. The locking arrangement and the counter locking arrangement being locked together in order to connect the first mounting part to the second mounting part for holding the first and second panels between the first mounting part and the second mounting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Heinz-Peter Busch, Berend Schoke
  • Patent number: 8430116
    Abstract: A component for connection to a substantially identical component wherein the connected components form an alignment device for a gate valve assembly. The component includes a generally semi-circular body that has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is adjacent to the interior surface of the valve bonnet when the valve bonnet is positioned over the gate valve assembly. The generally semi-circular body has a diametrical edge wherein the diametrical edge contains an opening that receives a part of the gate valve assembly when the components are connected together. The peripheral wall has an exterior surface. The exterior surface has a pair of acutely disposed surfaces that intersect at an apex and the apex defines a flat surface, and at least a portion of the apex is in contact with the interior surface of the valve bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130011187
    Abstract: Universal End and Mid Clamps are used to connect 2 things together and are designed so that when the clamp fastener is properly tightened the piece being clamped will resist loads in 3 directions and will resist sliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan Schuit, Jason Mayfield, Jon Roensch, Juan Suarez, Todd Ganshaw
  • Publication number: 20120301217
    Abstract: A kind of furniture connecting piece includes a base and a screw. The base has opposite upper surface and lower surface, opposite two side surfaces, and opposite front surface and back surface. The lower surface of the base is provided with a gapped groove extending to the upper surface of the base, and the gapped groove runs through the front surface and the back surface of the base. The upper surface of the base is provided with a screw hole communicating with the gapped groove. The screw passes through the screw hole and is partially contained within the gapped groove. The furniture connecting piece not only avoids suffering damage in the process of mounting the screw but also strengthens the installation intensity between the furniture connecting piece and the furniture component by setting the gapped groove in the screw hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Minsheng Liu, Yuqi Liu
  • Publication number: 20120275849
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a frame, a positioning member, and a fixing member. A first side end of a expansion card is fixed to a first side of the frame. The positioning member is mounted to a second side of the frame opposite to the first side and capable of sliding toward the first side of the frame. A number of cutouts are longitudinally defined in the second side of the frame. A receiving space is defined in a side of the positioning member for fixing a second end of the expansion card. The fixing member is mounted to the positioning member and selectively fixed to a corresponding cutout of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIA-QI FU, HAI-CHEN ZHOU, LIN-REN GU
  • Publication number: 20120243932
    Abstract: An accessory connection system for a vehicle includes a male connector portion that is attached to a vehicle accessory, and a female connector portion that is attached to the vehicle through a threaded engagement with a body of the vehicle. The accessory is attached to the vehicle by slideably inserting the male connector portion into a central opening of the female connector, whereby a locking mechanism secures the male connector portion axially in place. The central opening defines a non-circular cross sectional shape, with the male connector portion having a base that compliments the non-circular cross sectional shape to fit therein and prevent rotation of the male connector portion relative to the female connector. The accessory is removed by moving the locking mechanism to a release position, and withdrawing the male connector portion from the female connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Robert F. McCann
  • Publication number: 20120121321
    Abstract: A quick-attach assembly for quickly and easily securing an implement to the forward end of a push tube assembly mounted on an off-road vehicle. A rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the rearward end of the implement. When connected together, the rear quick-attach assembly is received within the front quick-attach assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8096520
    Abstract: An array of U-shaped flanged brackets and flange tipped posts attached to a supporting surface providing a mechanical connection with an object that is provided with corresponding posts and brackets. The brackets and posts can include electrical contacts or fiber optic contacts for transferring power or signals between connected objects. Various objects can be mounted on the array of brackets and posts to provide positioning flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Cheryl L. Sohn, Douglas C. Sohn
  • Patent number: 8015675
    Abstract: A clamp adapted to clamp a bar, particularly supporting components such as guides of conveyors of articles. The clamp includes: a clamp body, adapted to accommodate the support bar for supporting the components, with the possibility of adjusting the relative position of the bar with respect to the clamp by longitudinally sliding the bar; positioning means arranged to have a first working position in which the positioning means are elastically urged in abutment against the bar to engage at least positioning notch, provided on the bar, upon reaching a predetermined position, so as to essentially prevent a further longitudinal sliding of the bar once said predetermined position is reached. The clamp further includes tightening means, distinct from said positioning means and adapted in use to hold the bar in position against displacements with respect to the clamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rexnord Marbett S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Andreoli
  • Publication number: 20110123255
    Abstract: A toolholder connector having one threaded end and one end with a male quick change portion is threadingly engaged with a first toolholder having a threaded bore. The quick change connector also has a male quick change portion that is engaged within a side activated receiver of a second toolholder. Prior to activating the receiver, an alignment pin associated with the first toolholder is lined up with alignment slot associated with the second toolholder such that when the two are brought together, a pre-determined radial alignment will be retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Ruy Frota de Souza Filho
  • Publication number: 20100296861
    Abstract: An adjustable joining assembly is described that has particular application in knock down furniture, the joiner having a channel position on its lower surface that allows the joining to locate itself on to a screw thread and direct the screw thread towards an internal threaded gear section which upon rotation of the gear section provides a tightening of the joiner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Milan Pilja
  • Publication number: 20100272504
    Abstract: Pump apparatus, systems and methods of making and using same are disclosed. One inventive system includes a coupling member, a first shaft and a second shaft, the coupling member connecting the first shaft with the second shaft, the coupling member defining a first axial chamber accepting the first shaft, and a second axial chamber accepting the second shaft, the chambers separated by a coupling plate, the chambers including torsional motion transmitting elements and axial motion securing elements in the first and second axial chambers for axially securing the shafts in the coupling member. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ketankumar K. Sheth, Thurkral Mandeep, John D. Rowatt, Steven L. Anyan, Michael W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090169294
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar connector is capable of connecting reinforcing bars easily and in a short time without using a screw-tightening tool. The reinforcing bar connector has a reinforcing bar holding section having a female screw thread part screwed on a male screw part on the outer periphery of the reinforcing bar; a flat, plate-shaped engaging section extending in the direction of a center axis C from the reinforcing bar holding section; a locking projection provided on the engaging section; and a locking hole provided in the engaging section and allowing for engagement of the locking projection of another reinforcing bar connector to the locking hole. A stopper for preventing the locking projection from falling out of the locking hole is provided at a distal end of the locking projection. An attaching hole having an inner diameter through which the stopper can pass is formed next to the engaging hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicants: TamaHome Co., Ltd., Mituo Nakamura
    Inventor: Mituo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7490803
    Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Beme International LLC
    Inventor: Brian Graves
  • Publication number: 20080223987
    Abstract: A rib element for aircraft and a composite flange for use in aircraft. The rib element (24) and the composite flange (14), manufactured from a composite material, comprise at least two elongated flanges (15, 16, 26) interconnected with one another in a corner (17) provided with a rounded inner corner (18) and a rounded outer corner (19). The corner is reinforced by at least one reinforcing component (20) which covers at least a part of the inner corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Lauri Halme, Juha Halme
  • Patent number: 6990782
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assembling structural members of thin and lightweight shaped steel, the thin and lightweight shaped-steel members to be assembled having at least one joint hole or concave/convex portion at an appropriate position of a flange or web of the thin and lightweight shaped steel member, and temporarily joining portions of the thin and lightweight shaped steel members to each other for easy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Shimizu, Yoshimichi Kawai
  • Patent number: 6846124
    Abstract: A collar for a connection between a resilient tube and a rigid barbed connector. The collar comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve member having interior annular ridges. When the collar is installed on the tube surrounding the barbed connector, the ridges press into the tube and prevent expansion of the tube to prevent leakage between the tube and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Warburton-Pitt
  • Publication number: 20040175227
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toolholder (10) for coupling a welding torch to an industrial robot (14), comprising a first fixing device (16) for fixing the welding torch (12) to the toolholder (10) and comprising a second fixing device (18) for fixing the toolholder (10) to the industrial robot (14). The first and second fixing devices (16, 18) can be displaced or repositioned with regard to one another counter to the action of spring elements (22, 24). The toolholder also comprises a protective circuit (26) for deactivating the welding torch (12) when predetermined displacements or repositionings are exceeded. A component (28) connected to the first fixing device (16) can be repositioned in the Z-direction (30) (toolholder longitudinal axis) and can be displaced in the X-direction and/or Y-direction (32, 34) with regard to the second fixing device (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Heinz-Martin Munch, Jorg Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6761500
    Abstract: A connector includes first and second engagable components for mounting on an implement and a handle. The first component has a boss formed with an internal socket and an outer peripheral surface surrounding the socket, and the second component includes an insert member, a sleeve member which is independent of the insert member, and parts for interengaging the insert and sleeve members when the insert member is received in the sleeve member. The insert member has an insert portion engagable within an opening in the end of the handle and a spigot portion adapted to fit within the internal socket of the boss. The sleeve member has a first portion engagable with the external surface of the end of the handle, and a second portion engagable with the outer peripheral surface of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Young
  • Patent number: 6729792
    Abstract: A ring connects two rotationally symmetrical structural parts to form a rotationally symmetrical light-weight structure. At the transition between the two structural parts, there is a change of the slope of the meridian line of the light-weight structure. The ring comprises a surrounding layer of carbon fiber reinforced plastic CFRP with carbon fibers oriented in a circumferential direction of the structural parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pritzer
  • Patent number: 6698965
    Abstract: A shim carrier assembly for optionally retaining shims therein, wherein the carrier has at least three intercontiguated planar portions with holes or slots therein, such that a fastener may be inserted through the holes or slots for aiding in the shimming of fastened components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Gornick, Michael A. Van Camp
  • Publication number: 20030016991
    Abstract: A universal accessory adapter, which is adapted for attaching to a collapsible outdoor furniture, includes a supporting device for rigidly supporting an accessory item, at least a connector for detachably attaching the supporting device to a frame leg of the collapsible outdoor furniture, and a foldable frame arranged for selectively folding the supporting device from a folded position to an unfolded position. In which, in the folded position, the supporting device is moved to a position close to the frame leg of the collapsible outdoor furniture, and in the unfolded position, the supporting device is moved away from the frame leg of the collapsible outdoor furniture, so as to spacedly mount the supporting device with respect to the frame leg of the collapsible outdoor furniture. Therefore, the universal accessory is substantially supported by the collapsible outdoor furniture, so as to rigidly support the accessory item on the universal accessory adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 6479746
    Abstract: A plurality of mounting feet securely attach a power inverter to a body. The tabs are to be adjustably or pivotally mounted on the under carriage of the power inverter such that they may be positioned by the user when mounting to a body. When mounted, the tabs absorb vibrations from the host body and prevent the power inverter from resulting damage. During shipping or storage the tabs are retracted to the underside of the power inverter to minimize space required by the power inverter. The tabs are made from elastomeric electrical insulator material in order to ensure a proper ground is maintainer as long as the power inverter is secured via the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Saied Hussaini
  • Patent number: 6393793
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beam end fitting and method for joining together wooden beams, the fitting comprising a tubular member adapted to be firmly secured by gluing inside a hole drilled in at least one of the two ends of a wooden beam, and connecting means for connecting the beams to each other, either directly or by an interposed core fitting, wherein said end fitting is provided with blocking means for blocking the end fitting inside the beam during the gluing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Potito Pedone
  • Patent number: 6361240
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for producing a rotational connection of a hydrodynamic torque converter with a rotating shaft includes at least one connection element arrangable at a housing of the torque converter and having a first connection area connectable to the housing and a second connection area connectable to the rotating shaft, wherein the first connection area has a limited circumferential extension with respect to the rotational axis (A) of the converter. The first connection area may be arranged at the housing via a riveting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Karel Kriz, Wolfgang Gude, Friedrich Schramm, Werner Spohn, Peter Frey
  • Patent number: 6056020
    Abstract: A first conduit section (12) has a first end fitting (16) at an inner end thereof and a second conduit section (14) has a second end fitting (18) at an inner end thereof. A first end fitting (20) is movably supported by the first conduit section (12) and has a first terminal (28) adjacent the first end fitting (16). Likewise, a second core element (24) is movably supported by the second conduit section (14) and has a second terminal (30) adjacent the second end fitting (18). The terminals (28 and 30) include male and female portions for snapping the terminals (28 and 30) into mechanical interlocking engagement with one another and a coupling mechanism (36) couples the end fittings (16 and 18) together. The assembly is characterized by a connection mechanism for forcing the terminals (28 and 30) into the mechanical interlocking engagement with one another and thereafter releasing the terminals (28 and 30) for rectilinear movement in response to coupling the end fittings (16 and 18) together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: David S. Malone
  • Patent number: 5749310
    Abstract: A repair kit is provided for quickly and efficiently repairing a hex drive shaft on an agricultural planter. The invention provides a repair sleeve which is closely coupled with the broken or cut hex drive shaft. This repair sleeve is then attached to either side of a broken drive shaft thus allowing the planter to become operable once again. Utilizing the present invention to accomplish the repair, the planter is quickly and efficiently fixed using a small number of tools and not requiring transportation to a repair facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Alwyn Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen O. Klinkner, Larry R. Hancock
  • Patent number: 5415489
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling including a drive shaft reciprocable on an axis; an actuator shaft mounted for reciprocating rectilinear motion on the axis; and a coupling mechanism for transmitting reciprocating motion of the drive shaft to the actuator shaft; the coupling mechanism including a pivot joint allowing relative pivotal movement between the drive shaft and the actuator shaft, and a translational joint allowing relative translational movement between the drive shaft and the actuator shaft in directions transverse to the axis, the translational joint having a flexible link connecting the pivot joint and the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Zymark Corporation
    Inventors: Burleigh M. Hutchins, Raymond R. Dunlap, Timothy J. Conklin, Bruce A. Swanson, John Petracca, Louis Abhrahams, Ronald A. Kimball
  • Patent number: 5383741
    Abstract: A stud for use in end welding and having a cylindrical portion with a welding flux and a square portion. The square portion has planar faces through bores. A wire hanger using the cylindrical and square stud with a support leg are secured to the stud and tiers are secured to the support leg for supporting wires, pipes, ducts or other objects spaced from overhead or a bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignees: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Jack E. Vance, Gerald J. Luce, deceased, Robert L. Adair, Jr., Clark B. Champney
  • Patent number: 5366314
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a shaft to an implement, for example for connecting a handle to a mop head, comprises two engageable components for mounting on a shaft and an implement respectively. One of the components has a boss formed with an internal threaded socket and an outer peripheral surface. The other component has a central threaded spigot which screws into the socket, and a shroud, surrounding the spigot and spaced therefrom, which is internally tapered and frictionally engages the outer surface of the boss for added support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Scot Young Research Limited
    Inventor: Ronald A. Young
  • Patent number: 5299880
    Abstract: An engine coupler and adapter for installing an automobile engine into a vehicle in which a rear mounted engine was originally installed. The coupler comprises a body which is an elongated hollow cylinder, a mounting flange at one end of the cylinder for mounting the coupling device to the flywheel of a transaxle, and a mounting flange mounted at the opposing end of the cylinder shaft for mounting the coupler to an automobile engine crankshaft gear. The flanges, each of which is positioned at a right angle to the cylinder axis, consist of cylindrical disks. Each of the flanges contain properly positioned and shaped apertures to enable the flanges to be attached to the transaxle flywheel and the automobile engine crankshaft gear respectively. Threading is provided interior of the hollow cylinder for threadable connection of the coupler to a transaxle gland nut. An adapter is provided to connect differently-configured flywheel housing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Daurent J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 5213434
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for an electric toothbrush drive mechanism, including an electric motor and a movement converter which is arranged between the motor and a plug-in shaft and sets the plug-in shaft in radial and longitudinal movement, the motor and converter being arranged in a housing, and the plug-in shaft, which is supported in a bottom surface of the housing, has a free end that penetrates the bottom surface, the plug-in connector is detachably connected with the housing and the plug-in shaft is engaged in an installed state with a connecting rod arranged on the inside of the plug-in connector, and an end of the connecting rod remote of the plug-in shaft is in a working connection with a radial drive, the connecting rod and radial drive being connected with one another by an elastically deformable spiral, and the connecting rod, spiral and radial drive being constructed so as to form one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 5195840
    Abstract: A torque transmission shaft assembly for connecting a drive shaft and driven shaft which are mutually spaced less than the length of the assembly. The assembly includes a rigid elongated hollow rod member having a body portion and first and second open end portions. Each end portion is adapted to receive either the drive or driven shafts, and is provided with internal involute splines for mating with corresponding external splines on the shafts to be connected by the assembly. The first end portion has an axially displaceable stop member and a biasing spring compressible by displacement of the stop member away from the open first end, for biasing the stop member against the shaft received in the first end portion. The second end portion has a rigid stop at the end of its internal splines, for abutting against the end of the shaft receivable therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Curtiss Wright Flight Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Ruschke, Richard S. Smarz
  • Patent number: 5180282
    Abstract: A structural frame component for use in a gas turbine engine includes an annular outer shell, an annular inner central hub, a plurality of circumferentially-spaced struts extending between the outer shell and central hub, each strut being attached at its inner end to the central hub, and a multi-yoke attachment between the outer ends of the struts and the outer shell. The multi-yoke attachment is composed of a plurality of yokes. Each yoke includes a clevis and a plurality of radially oriented fasteners and tangentially oriented fasteners respectively attaching the clevis between the outer shell and the outer end of a respective one strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Lenhart, Michael L. Barron, Thomas G. Wakeman, Donald L. Bellia
  • Patent number: 5178681
    Abstract: A suspension system for hanging a susceptor inside a reactor for processing semiconductor wafers. A hanger is provided with a flange at its lower end for supporting the susceptor. A collar has an internal flange which engages with another flange at the upper end of the hanger. The collar flange and the hanger flange each have a trucated, conical contact surface which are in substanitally continuous contact with each other. The mating flanges permit the susceptor to self-center and provide for different rates of thermal expansion of the collar and hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Moore, Paul L. Deaton
  • Patent number: 5123311
    Abstract: A flexible, axial compensating, rotary driver-type tool bit for adjusting fasteners or adjustment screws for use with a driver motor or other automatically driven system, the driver having flexible couplings between a base member, a driver member and a collar. The driver capable of both axial adjustment and lateral adjustment in response to the relative position of the fasteners or adjustment screws. The driver member moves axially within a collar relative to the base member within limits established by a limiting pin extending from the driver member and cooperating with an elongated slot in the collar and by the space between the base member and the driver member. The driver member and the collar also adjust laterally relative to the base as permitted by a spring connecting the collar and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Andrew C. Dymek
  • Patent number: 5112156
    Abstract: Couplers for hand tools and extension handles are made up of two one piece fittings. Each fitting has an attachment element for connection to one of the tool and extension handle and a connecting element for joining the two fittings. Normally, one of the attachment elements will be a threaded male element and the other a threaded female element. The connector elements also are composed of a male and female element. The male connector element is a tube or rod with a dually tapered flange. The flange fits into a channel (depression) in the female connector element. The connecting elements are complementary in shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Richard L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 5092821
    Abstract: A drive system for impeller shafts includes a coupling that has a universal joint that is lubricated under all operating conditions. A housing is connected to the universal joint, which housing includes a hollow end portion adapted to receive the non-threaded end of an impeller shaft. A threaded stud projects from the end of the shaft and into the housing where the stud is secured by means of a nut. The nut is readily accessible to the user so that the axial position of the shaft can be adjusted without difficulty. The nut is releasably held within the housing so that the shaft and stud, with nut attached, can be quickly disconnected from the coupling. The invention also includes a modified "square drive" configuration for the ends of the shaft that is extremely strong and enables the shaft to be connected to the impeller and the coupling very easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: The Carborundum Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Gilbert, David M. Masarin, George S. Mordue
  • Patent number: 5048996
    Abstract: A universal connector for linking and retaining first and second members to one another, wherein the first member has a tapered end portion for insertion into the connector, the first member having a reduced cross sectional portion forming an annular groove adjacent but spaced from the tapered end portion, wherein the connector has a main body with one end portion having an aperture for receiving the second member in retaining engagement, an opposite end portion having an aperture for receiving the first member in retaining engagement, and a bridging portion interconnecting the one end portion and the opposite end portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Chester G. DuBois, Kurt R. Dembski
  • Patent number: 5039138
    Abstract: A cable joining assembly (20) for easily joining push-pull and torsional cables by a hand assembly operation and without the use of tools is disclosed as comprising a first conduit section (22) and a second conduit section (26). First and second slide wires (24, 28) are relatively movable within respective first and second conduit sections (22, 24). A snap-together mechanism (30) joins the sectins as the relative movement of the first and second slide wires (24, 28) is affixed with respect to the first and second conduits (22, 26) respectively and by joining the first and second conduit sections (22, 24) simultaneously connecting the first and second slide wires (24, 28). Unfixing the relative movement of the slide wires (24, 28) with respect to the conduits (22, 26) allows the slide wires (24, 28) to be movable together and transmit forces thereby within the formed composite conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Gene D. Dickirson