Fluted Or Splined Section Patents (Class 403/298)
  • Patent number: 11592046
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a torque tube coupler may include an outer body that includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface adjacent to the first abutting surface. Set screws may be inserted into one or more channels of the first abutting surface. Tightening the set screws may force the abutting surfaces away from each other and the outer body to press against an inner surface of a torque tube. Another embodiment of the torque tube coupler may include a central ring sized based on a size of a torque tube. The torque tube coupler may also include a set of fingers that extend away from a first side of the central ring and are shaped to flex radially outward. The torque tube coupler may include a core disposed within the set of fingers that, when drawn towards the central ring, causes the fingers to flex radially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nikhil Kumar, James Fusaro, Kenyon Bradley, Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 11396867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Direct Current (DC) air conditioning compressor drive unit for use in both buildings and in vehicle installations. Energy savings can be demonstrated in the automotive industry when compared to the current status of known DC air conditioning drive units and in particular those relying on direct or pulley drive. More particularly, when coupled to DC battery and inverter technology for air conditioning purposes within domestic housing, commercial and industrial buildings, it can provide extreme energy savings. Preferably, the purpose of this innovation is to enhance the viability and energy savings opportunities of using DC power in air conditioning if used in conjunction with smart compressor technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen Minelle
  • Patent number: 11154135
    Abstract: A molded plastic support foot is provided having an overall conical shape and further defining a plurality of internal openings, that extend substantially a height of the support foot and provide a load bearing structure that can be used to support and elevate heavy objects off a floor or worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: RHINO VISIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Harold S. Phipps
  • Patent number: 10745963
    Abstract: A plug connector (1) and a plug connection (2), for hollow profiled sections (3, 4) of spacers of an insulating glazing, has a base (8) with edge-side lateral walls (10), a central stop (21), and retaining elements (16). The plug connector (1) is formed of a temperature-resistant material, in particular metal, at least in the region of the connector center (20) and is suitable for a welding connection (5) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4). The plug connector has a shape which is rigid against external transverse loads at least in the central region and a substantially U-shaped cross-section with a hammerhead shape and lateral walls (10), which are recessed in steps (11) in the upper region (12). The lateral walls (10) have a supporting and retaining structure (15), which is oriented towards the roof (27) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4), at the upper free edge (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Ralf M. Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 10422101
    Abstract: A retaining wall block and a setback connector for use in forming retaining walls having a desired setback between adjacent courses of blocks in a retaining wall. The method of constructing a retaining wall with a plurality of the blocks and setback connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Thomas S. Riccobene
  • Patent number: 10364352
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for a melt processable semicrystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) incorporating phthalazinone and 4,4?-biphenol as comonomer units are described herein. The polymers are resistant to and insoluble in common organic solvents and liquids as well as in aggressive organic solvents such as chloroform and chlorinated liquids. The polymers are melt processable via techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, and compression molding. The semicrystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) containing phthalazinone comonomer units have properties which make them suitable for manufacturing high temperature resistant molded systems and other articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Polymics, LTD
    Inventors: Tim Hsu, Yi-Feng Wang, Allan S. Hay
  • Patent number: 10267335
    Abstract: A flange for centering an impeller on a motor shaft includes a central bore for receiving a motor shaft, an impeller facing end and a motor bearing facing end formed opposite the impeller facing end, wherein the impeller facing end includes at least one impeller engaging element configured to couple with a flange facing side of the impeller, wherein the flange facing side of the impeller includes at least one flange engaging element complementary to the at least one impeller engaging element of the flange. An assembly including the motor shaft an impeller is disclosed, as well as centering elements for use in repeatably mounting the assembly to an impeller. Methods of determining optimal balance are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Anthony Freakes
  • Patent number: 10130395
    Abstract: A modular uniplanar pedicle screw assembly for use with a polyaxial bone fastener. The modular assembly comprises a uniplanar tulip assembly adapted to be coupled to a head of the polyaxial bone fastener, wherein the uniplanar tulip assembly includes a longitudinal slot. The modular assembly further includes an adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is sized and shaped to be received in a recess of the bone fastener head. The upper portion extends from the lower portion and is adapted to slide along the longitudinal slot of the uniplanar tulip assembly to allow movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a first plane along a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot preventing movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a second plane lateral to the first plane relative to the bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leff, Patrick Nolan, Liana Mari, Noah Gross, Khiem Pham, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Kurt Faulhaber
  • Patent number: 9572599
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods generally aimed at spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and associated methods relate to performing spinal fixation with the use of a deformity system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Casey, Robert German, Scott Lish
  • Patent number: 9464443
    Abstract: Flooring material comprising board shaped floor elements with a rectangular oblong shape, which are provided with edges, a lower side and a decorative upper surface. The flooring material further includes joining profiles separate from the basic material of the floor elements. The floor elements may become fixed adjacent to each other, wherein the fixation is effective both horizontally and vertically. The vertical fixation is obtained through at least one of the joining profiles, which is not involved in the horizontal fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PERGO (EUROPE) AB
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Patent number: 9027895
    Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hunter, James M. Copeland, Christopher James McNeill
  • Patent number: 9022684
    Abstract: A turbine engine shaft includes a first sub-shaft, a second sub-shaft and a tie shaft. A first bearing surface of the first sub-shaft axially engages a second bearing surface of the second sub-shaft. The tie shaft includes an intermediate tie shaft segment connected axially between a first tie shaft segment and a second tie shaft segment. The first tie shaft segment includes a first threaded tie shaft surface that is mated with a first threaded shaft surface of the first sub-shaft. The second tie shaft segment includes a second threaded tie shaft surface that is mated with a second threaded shaft surface of the second sub-shaft. The tie shaft also includes a sub-shaft bumper stop extending radially from the intermediate tie shaft segment to a bumper stop distal end, which has a radius that is greater than a radius the first and/or second threaded shaft surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Coffin
  • Patent number: 8978335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel designed for mechanical connection with at least one further, identical panel by means of pivoting, with a tongue and groove profile (6, 8) for fastening the panels (2, 4) at the same height with respect to one another, comprising a groove profile (6) with a short groove cheek (14), a groove bottom (16) and a long groove cheek (18) on at least one side of the panel and a tongue profile (8) corresponding to the groove profile (6) on at least one side of the panel, wherein the long groove cheek (18) has a greater thickness (M) at its free end (20) than in the region under the free end of the short groove cheek (14), and wherein in the assembled state the tongue and groove each have upper bearing faces (24a, 24b), which are inclined with respect to the surface (10) of the panel (2, 4), and lower bearing faces (26a, 26b) which are rounded, and with locking means (28a, 28b) for fastening the panels (2, 4) in the same plane with respect to one another, comprising a locking face (28b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: tilo GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Kiefel, Franz Schrattenecker
  • Patent number: 8864406
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising first and second coaxial shafts, the first and second shafts extending along, and being rotatable about, a central axis. The first and second shafts are coupled together by a splined major coupling at a coupling region of the apparatus, which major coupling enables the shafts to co-rotate about the central axis. A torque element is connected to the first and second shafts, the torque element being operable to force the first and second shafts to relatively rotate about the central axis in order to apply a preload to the major coupling. The apparatus may be comprised in a gas turbine engine, whereupon the first shaft may be a fan shaft and the second shaft may be a LP turbine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Crispin D Bolgar
  • Patent number: 8845226
    Abstract: A feather imping pin with roughened surface is described that attaches a donor feather to a receiving feather. The feather imping pin is inserted into a receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather. Feather imping is performed using the feather imping pin that connects the donor feather and the receiving feather. The feather imping pin fits inside both the receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather and a donor feather shaft of the donor feather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Albara Mohammed Binothman
  • Patent number: 8840333
    Abstract: A frame the joint connector comprises a first head, a second head and a neck interconnecting the first head and the second head. The first head forms a first shoulder adjacent the neck facing the second head. The second head forms a second shoulder adjacent the neck facing the first head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Victor Massey
  • Patent number: 8800754
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided that comprises at least two types of drive tube couplings that are interchangeable. In one embodiment, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of first drive tube couplings and a plurality of second drive tube couplings. The first drive tube couplings comprise a base portion and an elongated portion that extends from the face of the base portion. The second drive tube couplings comprise a coupling spacer and a coupler comprising an elongated member that abuts the face of the coupling spacer and extends substantially perpendicular thereto. In this embodiment the thickness of the base portion of each of the first drive tube couplings is substantially equal to the thickness of the coupling spacer of each of the second drive tube couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: OCS Intellitrak, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Tabler
  • Patent number: 8793956
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel which is suitable for use as wall and/or ceiling paneling, in addition to an associated method for laying said panels and a method for the production thereof. The inventive panel for a wall or ceiling comprises coupling means. The coupling means are embodied in such a way that the panel can be joined to other panels in various positions. Said positions can, for example, involve various distances between the longitudinal edges of two panels that are arranged in parallel. According to the inventive laying method, a first panel is engaged with a second panel in a first step, whereupon the panels assume an angular position in relation to each other. At least one of the panels, particularly the first panel, is pivoted in a second step on a common plane, whereupon the panels become locked in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kronoplus Technical AG
    Inventors: Christian Leopolder, Maik Moebus
  • Patent number: 8746986
    Abstract: A spline lubrication apparatus is disclosed for lubricating a spline of a pump drive. The apparatus includes a housing and a rotatable spline which is disposed within the housing. The spline includes a shaft having a plurality of longitudinally extending splines. A gear is rotatably supported within the housing and includes a splined bore for the rotatable reception therein of the rotatable spline. An adapter is secured to the housing and defines a cavity for the rotatable reception therein of the splines and splined bore. A plurality of pockets are in fluid communication with the cavity such that when the splines and splined bore are rotating within the cavity, the flow of the lubricant within the cavity around the splines and splined bore is interrupted by the pockets. The arrangement is such that the flow of lubricant collects within the pockets and cascades onto the splines and splined bore for enhancing the lubrication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel D Finocchio
  • Publication number: 20140099160
    Abstract: We disclose a joint strip for use in bridging a gap in sheet metal, such as in cable trays, cable tray covers, or two pieces of sheet metal. The joint strip can be easily installed or removed in existing cable trays without separating adjacent sections of cable tray or cable tray covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Cardin, Jonathan Dubé, Yves Boucher
  • Patent number: 8662790
    Abstract: A flood barrier comprises hollow self-filling units (10, 12, 14, 16) placed end-to-end and connected at their ends by downwardly tapered bilobal (46) keys inserted into sockets (26, 28) at the ends of the units, wherein the keys incorporate concrete or other ballast for negative buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BU Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Simon Thomas Phelps
  • Patent number: 8627622
    Abstract: A drywall-trimming strip for trimming an archway has a nose with a tabbed edge and a flanged edge. A first series of slits spaced from one another define a series of tabs spaced from one another along the tabbed edge. A flange extends from and along the flanged edge. The tabs are joined to the tabbed edge of the nose by a continuous juncture extending along and defining the tabbed edge of the nose, which has a second series of slits extending to the continuous juncture and spaced from one another, as the slits defining the tabs are spaced from one another. All parts of the drywall-trimming strip are made from a comparatively harder, less flexible, polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 82 D, except for the continuous juncture, which is made from a comparatively softer, more flexible material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 92 A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Trim-Tex, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Koenig, Jr., Mark Budzik
  • Patent number: 8615961
    Abstract: An insertion connector (1) is provided for hollow profiled elements (17, 18) of spacers or mullions for insulating glass panes. The insertion connector includes lateral walls (3) and at least one central wall (2) having at least one long opening (9) extending along the longitudinal axis 23) of the connector. At least one holding element (7) projects from the central wall (2). The holding element (7) is arranged adjacently to the through-opening (9). The insertion connector (1) can include other holding elements on the lateral walls (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Max Kronenberg, Ralf M. Kronenberg
  • Publication number: 20130287484
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting the free ends of the adjacent panels of a ready to assemble article of furniture together when assembled, said connector assembly comprising a male connector having opposite ends insertable into respective opposing receiving apertures provided in adjacent ends of the panels, each end of said male connector being provided with retaining means to retain the ends of the male connectors in said respective apertures and a ready to assemble article of furniture comprising a plurality of substantially rigid panels attached together end to end, the ends of the panels being bevelled or otherwise shaped such that the panels can be folded to bring said ends into abutting relationship to define a polygonal article, wherein said panels are attacked together by means of a flexible sheet material extending between the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130249367
    Abstract: A synchronizing device includes a pair of guiding units, a pair of rotating units, a synchronizing linking unit, and at least one anti-wobbling unit. Each rotating unit includes a pinion gear. The synchronizing linking unit interconnects the rotating units to synchronize movements of the pinion gears on the guiding units, and includes at least one synchronizing spindle and at least one synchronizing spindle extension connector that is connected to the synchronizing spindle and that includes an annular contact surface with a non-circular cross-section to interlock with the synchronizing spindle. The anti-wobbling unit includes a resilient anti-wobbling pad member to prevent wobbling of the synchronizing linking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SLIDE MEI YAO INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TSUNG-YAO CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130140252
    Abstract: A frame includes a first frame member that has a first opening at an end portion thereof; a second frame member that has a second opening at an end portion thereof; a first frame coupling member that comprises a first projection that fits into the first opening and a second projection that fits into the second opening; and a second frame coupling member that couples to the first frame coupling member, wherein: the first frame member and the second frame member are located so as to be sandwiched between the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member when the first frame coupling member and the second frame coupling member are coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: FUJITSU LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8419887
    Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8381481
    Abstract: What is described is a linear connector for connecting two opposing ends of a hollow profile member for the purposes of forming a frame-like spacer for the production of insulating glass panes. The linear connector includes a top side, a bottom side and two side surfaces, connecting the top side and the bottom side of the linear connector. The linear connector is provided with a midsection in a middle area of the linear connector, with the midsection extending at least along an entire width of the top side or of the bottom side of the linear connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Plus Inventia AG
    Inventor: Karl Lenhardt
  • Publication number: 20120243933
    Abstract: A butt joint between ends of sealing strips or a sealing strip, comprises a connecting piece for engaging into cavities in the sealing strips or in the sealing strip, the chambers being open at the front face thereof. The connecting piece has devices for hooking onto the walls of the hollow chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SAARGUMMI TECHNOLOGIES S.À.R.L.
    Inventors: Bernd Raesch, Jan Bardac
  • Patent number: 8240107
    Abstract: A spacer frame arrangement for insulating glass units, comprising a spacer profile body extending in a first direction and having a predetermined cross section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the predetermined cross section defining a hollow inner space of the spacer profile body with predetermined dimensions in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connector comprising a connector section adapted to be inserted in the first direction into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body by having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction which corresponds, with predetermined tolerances, to the cross section of the spacer profile body limiting the hollow inner space, at least the outer surface of the connector section facing the inner surface of the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body after insertion of the same being made of a fusable material, preferably a material fusable by melting the same, wherein the connector section is inserted into the h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Technoform Glass Insulation Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Raymond G. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20120189379
    Abstract: A set of connectors connects buckets, such as five gallon, to each other, to the ground, to dimensional lumber and/or to pipe for the purpose of producing objects such as benches, step-stools, tables, sawhorses, shelters, platforms, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: PRIMORDIAL SOUP, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Bachman, Matthew Vail Leyden, Christian Richard Trifilio, Jeff Waffensmith, Rod St. Michel
  • Patent number: 8225808
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Publication number: 20120125870
    Abstract: A spacer plate (3, 6, 7) for interconnecting support profiles (1, 5, 8, 9) of a display support structure (23) is described, including at least one alignment opening (11) for receiving an alignment stud (2) for aligning a first profile (1, 8) with respect to a second profile (5, 9) via the spacer plate (6), and at least one connector opening (13) for receiving a connector bar (4) for connecting the first profile (1, 8) to the second profile (5, 9) via the spacer plate (6), wherein the connector opening (13) is connected to the alignment opening (11) such that the relative position of the alignment stud (2) inside the alignment opening (11) is adjustable by the position of the connector bar (4) inside the connector opening (13). This allows to easily put the alignment stud (2) into the alignment opening (11) of the spacer plate (3, 6, 7) or vice versa and to eliminate all free play between the alignment stud (11) and the spacer plate (3, 6, 7) at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Marc Decroos, Tom Dewaele
  • Patent number: 8181455
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a power generating apparatus of renewable energy type that has a fixation structure of the hydraulic pump that can transmit large torque and can be processed with ease and at low cost even when the main shaft has a large diameter, as well as a method of installing such hydraulic pump. In the power generating apparatus, a connecting member 20 is provided on the outer periphery of a main shaft 4 to engage with a cylindrical member 10 provided on the outer periphery of the main shaft 4. The connecting member 20 includes a fixing part 21, a first spline part 22 and first pins 23. The fixing part 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the main shaft 4 by means of the first pins 23 disposed along a circumferential direction of the main shaft 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Tsutsumi, Taku Ichiryuu
  • Patent number: 8109689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow profiles (4) in spacer frames for insulated glass panes. The plug connector (1) comprises at least two connector parts (2, 3) which may be plugged together and which have an essentially U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, which, in the plugged position, have adjacent side walls (6,17) and a positive fit (9). One connector part (2) has at least one retainer element (12) on the side walls (6) thereof (12) with a corresponding wall opening (13). In order to form the positive connection (9), the other connector part (3) has a projection (10) with a positive fit engagement in the wall opening (13) of the retainer element (12) when in the plugged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf M. Kronenberg, Max Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 8104989
    Abstract: A retaining structure is used to retain a wooden first part and a wooden second part together and includes a retainer fitted to a recess of the first part, and a fastening member to be engaged to the second part. The fastening member has a plurality of wings formed on two sides of an acting end thereof. A number of recessed portions is mounted between front and rear sides of the fastening member and spaced apart from each other, and the fastening member further includes a plurality of raised portions. The recessed and raised portions are arranged longitudinally or horizontally between the front and rear sides of the acting end of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Min-Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8096013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper having a wiper arm (1) and a fastening element (3), the fastening element (3) being fastened on the wiper arm (1), and the fastening element (3) having a hub (4) which can be plugged onto a drive shaft (5). Precision alignment of the wiper relative to the drive shaft (5) is made possible in that the fastening element (3) is plugged into a cutout (2) in the wiper arm (1) in a form-fitting manner in one of at least two possible alignments. A wiper constructed in this way is, in addition, compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nicolas Eschenbrenner, Achim Kraus
  • Patent number: 7984528
    Abstract: A cleaning implement that includes a connector for connecting a handle to a base block. The connector prevents the handle from rotating relative to the base block and, thus, the connector prevents the handle from unscrewing or otherwise loosening or disconnecting from the base block. The base block can include a headpiece supported between oppositely arranged shoulders, a generally cylindrical flange projecting from the headpiece, and a generally cylindrical opening extending through the cylindrical flange. A slot may be formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical flange. A ferrule that can have a generally dovetail-shaped projection provided on its outer surface can be secured to an end of the handle. The projection and the slot can form a joint when the handle is connected to the base block. This joint substantially prevents the handle from rotating relative to the base block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Robert Giacolo, Norbert Weis, David McKnight
  • Patent number: 7950869
    Abstract: A connection joint (20) is described that is formed by inserting a plastic connector (10) into the end of a silicone tube (14). The connector includes a plurality of barbs (12). A reinforcing agent (16) is placed between each of the barbs (12) of the connector (10). An adhesive (18) is injected between the tube (14), the reinforcing agents (16) and the connector (10). The adhesive (18) is then cured at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to solidify the connection joint (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Alan Sundheimer, Christopher A. Benning, Changqing Li
  • Patent number: 7789099
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Go PaPa, LLLC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Patent number: 7784394
    Abstract: A butt joining method is provided that is capable of joining together two members with high strength and high accuracy by utilizing plastic deformation. A bolt-shaped member having a female part at one end thereof and a piston rod having three annular grooves on a forward end part (male part) fittable to the female part are butted against each other with the female and male parts being fitted to each other. In this state, the side wall of the female part is radially pushed into the annular grooves on the piston rod by mechanical clinching technique. At this time, the pushing process is performed so that clinch portions formed by the pushing process are staggered between mutually adjacent ones of the annular grooves, thereby ensuring the desired joining strength and suppressing the elongation of the material, and thus preventing opening of the butt joint between the bolt-shaped member and the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100178102
    Abstract: A rotationally fixed connection of first and second components (2, 4) of a transmission (1) for torque transfer. The fixed connection is produced by the combination of two different types of connection elements (6, 7, 8, 9), such that the connection elements (6, 8) of a first type ensures the mutual centering of the first and the second components (2, 4) to be connected and torque transfer, while the connection elements (7, 9) of a second type enable the first and the second components (2, 4) to be axially fixed and transfer axial operating forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Martin Brehmer, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 7731174
    Abstract: Provided are a paper pickup device and an image forming apparatus having the same. The paper pickup device and the image forming apparatus having the same include a driving shaft whose end has a first combining portion and a driving shaft having a second combining portion configured to be integrally connected with the first combining portion. When the first combining portion and the second combining portion are combined with each other, the driven shaft bends and separates from the driving shaft. The first combining portion and the second combining portion may be screw-coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Soo Lee, Heung-Sup Jeong
  • Publication number: 20100074679
    Abstract: A plug-in connection (1) is provided for hollow profiled elements (2) of spacer holding frames for insulating glass panes. The plug-in connector (1) has at least one connector part (3, 4) including an essentially U-shaped or box-type cross-section, having lateral walls (15, 16), at least one central wall (14), and, on the connection point (8), a central abutment (18) with a plurality of elastic abutment elements (19, 20), on the edge region of the lateral walls (15, 16). The central abutment includes two mutually oriented individual abutment elements (19, 20) which are arranged on both sides of the connection point (8), each on a lateral wall (15, 16), and have a cushioning effect essentially in the plane of the associated lateral wall (15, 16) thereof. The lateral wall (15, 16) have a recess (26) beneath the abutment element (19, 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Max Kronenberg, Ralf M. Kronenberg
  • Publication number: 20090317182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting arrangement between a shaft end and a joint part in which a collar on a connecting nut engages behind a another collar on the shaft end or on the joint part or on a clamping nut which clamps a bearing on the shaft, and one of the collars is formed by a oval ring received in a groove which facilitates disassembly of the connection formed by the connecting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Szentmihalyi
  • Patent number: 7610649
    Abstract: A wiper device includes a link member to which a driving force from a wiper motor is transmitted; a pivot shaft which has serrated portions formed at both ends thereof being secured to the link member at one end thereof; a lever portion which is secured to the other end of the pivot shaft; a wiper arm which is connected to an end of the lever portion divided from an axis of the pivot shaft; a link securing hole portion which is formed in the link member to which the one serrated portion being secured; and a lever securing hole portion which is formed in the lever portion to which the other serrated portion being secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ohe, Mamoru Kagawa, Sadaki Takada
  • Publication number: 20090252549
    Abstract: A spline connection structure is provided with a shaft spline and a bore spline. The shaft spline is comprised of plural involute teeth formed on a shaft, while the bore spline is comprised of plural involute teeth formed on a hub and maintained in engagement with the teeth of the shaft spline. The hub is provided with at least one cylindrical hole and a thin wall portion facing a lower end portion of the cylindrical hole. The thin wall portion is pressed by a pressing member inserted in the cylindrical hole to widen an interval between at least two of the teeth of the bore spline, said at least two teeth being located in a vicinity of the thin wall portion, such that at least one of the at least two teeth is pressed against at least one associated tooth of the teeth of the shaft spline and is restrained to restrict movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Takeuchi, Naoyuki Okuno, Tetsuya Sakairi, Youichi Iltsuka
  • Patent number: 7549818
    Abstract: A U-shaped linear connector having a configuration that conforms to a hollow profile of a spacing profile for insulated glass may include lateral legs with outwardly extending springs. The hollow profile may include a roof surface extending parallel to a bottom surface and lateral walls. The lateral walls may include inverted flanks between the roof surface and lateral walls. The springs may be inclined outwardly and end at the flank and abut the lateral walls and a roof surface of the hollow profile. Therefore, the springs may operate to receive and assist in dispersing a deforming pressure transmitted from the roof surface of the hollow profile to the lateral legs of the linear connector so that a deformation of the lateral walls is avoided as is the collapse inwardly of the laterals walls under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: CERA Handelsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Karl Rafeld
  • Publication number: 20090074506
    Abstract: A drive transmission device that performs drive transmission through a plurality of systems and includes a first involute spline joint to perform drive transmission to a primary rotating body to be driven and a second involute spline joint to perform drive transmission to a secondary rotating body to be driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Keisuke Sugiyama, Yasuhisa Ehara, Toshiyuki Uchida, Noriaki Funamoto
  • Patent number: 7488005
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A retainer releasably retains the tube within a bore in the body. A resilient seal member surrounds the tube and creates a fluid tight seal against the tube and the body defining the bore. A seal member retainer interposed between the seal member and the body transfers axial load on the seal due to pressure to the body. In one embodiment a polyfluoroethelene spacer is interposed between the seal member and the seal member retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson