Separate Screw Or Pin-type Connections Patents (Class 403/306)
  • Patent number: 11913216
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a structural frame member which includes a brace member that is used to absorb energy when the structural frame is subjected to loadings such as seismic, wind and gravity loads. The brace member is coupled to a restraining member that increases the buckling capacity of the brace member so that the brace member has approximately the same load axial capacity in compression as in tension. Embodiments of the invention also relate to the design, construction and assembly of the connection of the brace member that couples the brace member to a gusset plate which is coupled to the beam and column in the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: DBM GLOBAL INC.
    Inventors: Clayton J. Allen, Ralph M. Richard, Rudolph E. Radau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11572685
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a structural frame member which includes a brace member that is used to absorb energy when the structural frame is subjected to loadings such as seismic, wind and gravity loads. The brace member is coupled to a restraining member that increases the buckling capacity of the brace member so that the brace member has approximately the same load axial capacity in compression as in tension. Embodiments of the invention also relate to the design, construction and assembly of the connection of the brace member that couples the brace member to a gusset plate which is coupled to the beam and column in the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: DBM GLOBAL INC.
    Inventors: Clayton J. Allen, Ralph M. Richard, Rudolph E. Radau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11346380
    Abstract: A connector includes a base and a nut which is configured to fit within and be retained within a chamber in the base. The nut is laterally inserted into the chamber via a side opening in the base and is axially displaced within the chamber between locked and unlocked positions. The nut includes a radial projection which is configured to enter into a bore in the base adjacent to the chamber when the nut is in the locked position. When the nut is in the released position, the projection is withdrawn from the bore so that the nut may be removed from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Gregory E. Summers Trust Agreement Dated Dec. 8, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory E. Summers
  • Patent number: 10624753
    Abstract: The orthopedic implant locking system may include an eccentric tibial stem having an engagement rod selectively threadingly engageable with a tibial baseplate, a lock housing securable in rotatable and substantial vertical constrained relation relative to the tibial stem, and an extension lock selectively threadingly engageable with the lock housing and including an inner passage keyed to selectively slidably engage the engagement rod in flush engagement therewith. The extension lock may extend or contract in response to rotational movement of the lock housing simultaneously while the extension lock remains in substantial non-rotatable relation relative to the tibial stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Joint Development, LLC
    Inventors: Dermott J. McHugh, Chris A. Weaber, Eric M. Dacus, James T. Grutta
  • Patent number: 9731585
    Abstract: A quick release assembly for a side roll tarp has a roll-tube coupler connected to a roll-tube for rolling and unrolling the side roll tarp. A drive coupler is connected to a shaft of a motor, the drive coupler fitting within an opening in the roll-tube coupler. The drive coupler has a first groove and second groove circumferentially around an exterior of a circular shaft below a head portion of the driver coupler. A quick release pin traverses through a pair of tangential openings in the body of the roll-tube coupler to engage the first or second grooves of the drive coupler, wherein the driver coupler is engaged with the roll-tube coupler when in the first groove allowing the motor to drive the roll-tube and disengaged from the roll-tube coupler when in the second groove allowing the roll-tube to be rotated independently of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Michel's Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Bud Michel, Steven Koenders
  • Patent number: 9559439
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided and includes a cover member and a connector bushing. The connector bushing is partially encased and movable in the cover member and having an electrical conductor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Jaroschek
  • Patent number: 9254447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a labyrinth of mirrors with elemental cells in the form of an equilateral triangle, each cell having at least one passage portal covered with opaque vinyl and at least one arch with a mirror forming a reflective obstacle. Each cell has a short-throw projector for projecting moving images with different designs or themes. The images are projected over the variable surface or contour of the passage portal which is covered with light opaque vinyl, the other two arches being covered with reflective vinyl or a mirror, as are the inner surfaces of the holding pillars or posts. The projection is defined by means of masks wherein the pixels outside the contour are covered in black or are rendered transparent, a technology called “projection mapping”. In each cell, there is at least one opaque arch and two reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: René Aziz Checa
  • Patent number: 9217525
    Abstract: in order to connect pressure pipes in a fluid-tight manner on-site without welding, a plurality of through holes (h1) are provided in a cylindrical sleeve (1a) at separate locations in the lengthwise direction, and with identical angular intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical sleeve without overlapping in the circumferential direction. Non-through holes (h2) in which screw threads have been formed are provided in pressure plates (P1, P2) at locations corresponding to the holes (h1). An insert (2a) has a pair of opposing annular faces (31, b2), and annular ring grooves (b11, b21) are formed respectively in the annular faces (b1,b2) to house O-rings (3). The insert (2a) is inserted into the sleeve (1a), after which the pressure pipes (P1, P2) are inserted, one from either side, into the interior of the sleeve (1a), and bolts (4) are inserted into the plurality of holes (h1) in the sleeve (1a), and screwed onto the screw threads of the pressure pipes (P1, P2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Kazumi Kobayashi, Masato Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9151331
    Abstract: A coupling for a molten metal processing system to provide coupling for rotor/shaft systems which has a heat break to prevent heat flow to a motor. A cross sectional area reduction provides a restriction which reduces heat transmission through a conductive material to restrict heat flow to a motor, which will ultimately extend the life of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventor: Jon Tipton
  • Publication number: 20150003902
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a substrate having a tipped surface constructed and arranged to make a joint with another substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Artur Wyszynski, Keith J. Saari, Peter M. Parlow, John C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8899148
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for printing a material onto a substrate with a relief printing form made from a photosensitive element. The method includes forming an in-situ mask having a line screen resolution equal to or greater than 250 lines per inch on the photosensitive element, exposing the element to actinic radiation through the in-situ mask in an environment having an inert gas and a concentration of oxygen between 190,000 and 100 ppm, and treating the exposed element to form a relief structure having a plurality of raised surfaces with a line screen resolution equal to or greater than 250 lines per inch. Printing is accomplished by applying an imaging material to the plurality of raised surfaces and contacting to transfer the imaging material to the substrate. The method is suitable for printing high resolution graphic images, as well as for forming a uniform layer of imaging material on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Michael Lee Rudolph
  • Patent number: 8733505
    Abstract: A two piece climber includes an upper calf bracket portion and a lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion permanently or removably interchangeably connected together. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion includes an upper slotted portion for receiving the lower portion of the upper calf bracket portion. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion also includes a bottom grooved or knurled grip portion to provide traction for an arborist walking across branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jules P. Paquet, Matthew Monnig, Edward Jones
  • Patent number: 8733723
    Abstract: A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert David Smith, Brandon Michael Tally
  • Patent number: 8702112
    Abstract: An improved structure for a steering linkage adapted for use in a vehicle steering system and method for producing the same. According to one embodiment, the steering linkage comprises a first member and a second member disposed at least partially within the first member and operatively secured together by at least a mechanical type of connection. The second member includes a stop feature provided therein which is configured such that in the event the point of connection between the first member and the second member is disrupted, the stop feature is operative to prevent the first member and the second member from completely separating from each other so that at least a portion of the second member remains within the first member so as to operatively couple the first and second members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Mark Belleau
  • Publication number: 20130287485
    Abstract: A shearer mining machine generally includes a first chassis module, a second chassis module, one or more cleats, and means for securing each cleat on the first and second chassis modules. The first chassis module has a first mating surface and a first opening spaced from the first mating surface. The first opening is defined by a first wedge-shaped module wall positioned adjacent the first mating surface. The second chassis module has a second mating surface and a second opening spaced from the second mating surface. Each cleat includes a first projection, a second projection, and a bridge portion extending between the first projection and the second projection. The first projection is received by the first opening and includes a wedge-shaped cleat wall for engagement with the first wedge-shaped module wall. The means for securing apply a clamp force normal to the wedge-shaped cleat wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Shawn W. Franklin, Ryan E. Perry
  • Publication number: 20130264151
    Abstract: Equipment is provided for joining elevator guide rails, for connecting consecutive guide rails of an elevator to each other, which equipment includes a fish plate, which fish plate is an elongated angle plate profile piece including a plurality of plate sections that are beside each other and in the length direction of the fish plate, and longitudinal bends between the plate sections that are beside each other, and which plate section plurality including a planar support plate section, against which support plate section the rear sides of the ends of consecutive guide rails can be supported to lean, and which plate section plurality also includes stiffening plate sections bent away from the plane of the support plate section. A joint arrangement is provided for the guide rails of an elevator and an elevator, in which arrangement and elevator the joining equipment is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes KOIVUKANGAS, Antti PLATHIN, Petter MARTONEN
  • Publication number: 20130149027
    Abstract: A quick release extension rod with a positioning structure comprises a body, a return member, an inserting rod, an even number of balls, a positioning ring, a control ring assembly, four elastic members and a C-shaped retainer. The balls are disposed on the connecting head of the inserting rod, so that the radial interval between the socket and the connecting head of the base of the quick release extension rod can be evenly distributed. When the socket rotates, the arrangement of an even number of balls can reduce the possibility of the asymmetrical-center-of-gravity caused oscillation. The four elastic members are disposed between the control ring assembly and the body to push the socket can be abutted against the control ring assembly to delimitate the axial interval, which further stabilize the center of gravity of rotation of the socket while preventing the occurrence of oscillation of the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Mo LIN
  • Patent number: 8459604
    Abstract: A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section and the lower flange section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Robert David Smith, Brandon Michael Tally
  • Patent number: 8434963
    Abstract: A connector for rigidly engaging elongate structural members in a display structure includes a beam connection portion defined on a body and having a cavity. A semi-cylindrical guide surface of the cavity is adjacent to an opening. The opening has an elliptical shape in which the difference between a major and a minor axis is an offset distance. An eccentric fastener is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a head portion that protrudes from the opening and engages a hole of the elongate structural member, and a cam portion that is eccentrically disposed relative to the head portion and configured to engage the semi-cylindrical surface when the eccentric fastener is rotated relative to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Orbus/P3
    Inventors: Dean Alkas, Michael Carrow
  • Publication number: 20120201597
    Abstract: A coupler or connector for joining bars, for example reinforcing bars, comprising an elongate rod member adapted to be inserted into a tubular sleeve member. The rod and sleeve members each have one or more transverse holes which align when the rod member is inserted into the sleeve member. In operational use, the rod and sleeve members are attached to the free ends of the bars to be connected. One or more transverse pins are then driven into the holes which are aligned in order to lock the rod and sleeve member together thereby connecting the bars. In another example of the invention, the pins can be spring loaded and/or the elongate rod member is adapted to be inserted into a pair of opposed sleeve members. In yet another example of the invention, there can be a plastic sleeve adapted to retain the pins in position thereby locking in place the sleeve and rod members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: YALBATON PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ernest Frederick Comerford, Mark Andrew Rankin
  • Patent number: 8235623
    Abstract: A connector for pipe or tubing. The connector includes a unitary expansion member, formed from a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, an optional second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body. In use, the connector is fastened in place by a fastener that is inserted through the at least one opening to contact at least one of the first and second expansion legs and force at least one of them to deform and contact the inside of the pipe or tubing, thereby securing the connector within the pipe or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: R & B Wagner, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Alan Nash
  • Patent number: 8137023
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connection between a drive shaft and an impeller in a molten metal pump. The coupling assembly includes an upper portion to receive an end of the motor drive shaft and a lower portion to receive an end of the impeller shaft. The impeller shaft is pinned to the lower portion with a pin member which extends through first and second apertures in the lower portion of the coupling body. The pin member includes a handle portion, a driver member, and a stop. The driver member has an elongated configuration sized and shaped to pass through the first aperture of the coupling member. In application, once the impeller shaft is positioned in the coupling body, the pin member is passed through the apertures such that the driver member passes through the second aperture until the stop is in abutting relationship with the coupling member outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Karl E. Greer
  • Publication number: 20110311303
    Abstract: In a rotary machine such as a gas turbine, torque is transmitted between adjacent components of a rotor. To enable effective transmission of torsional and radial loads, a plurality of mating surfaces are distributed on an interfacing surface of a disk of the rotor. The mating surfaces include at least one first mating surface and at least one second mating surface. Each first mating surface is angularly offset relative to a radial line by a first angle, and each second mating surface is angularly offset relative to the radial line by a second angle. The second angle is opposite in direction from the first angle from the radial line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Damon BLACK
  • Patent number: 7975444
    Abstract: Adjacent precast reinforced concrete modules or members are secured together by a plurality of coupler systems each including a cast metal coupler body embedded in an edge portion of the first concrete member and connected by a coupling member to a reinforcing bar within the first concrete member. The coupler body has an internal cavity with a side opening and an end opening extending to the cavity, and reinforcing wings border the side opening. The second concrete member has another coupling member rigidly connected to an axially aligned reinforcing bar and includes an end portion with a threaded bore. A bolt is inserted into the cavity through the side opening, aligned with the end opening and then threaded into the bore where the bolt is tightened with a wrench extending into the cavity through the side opening. A reusable locating pin may be used to align the concrete members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Barsplice Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Holdsworth, John W. Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20110013978
    Abstract: A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section and the lower flange section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert David Smith, Brandon Michael Tally
  • Patent number: 7861457
    Abstract: A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Russell E. Blette, John E. Stark, Jameel R. Qiblawi
  • Publication number: 20100303541
    Abstract: Provided is a boom top comprising first and second support plates and an intermediate support member disposed between the first and second support plates. The intermediate support member has a bottom plate formed with a draw-out hole for a casting mold, and a cover plate covering the draw-out hole. A projection protruding in a draw-out direction of the casting mold is formed on the entire perimeter of an edge facing the draw-out hole, in the bottom plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.), KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Okumura, Yasuto Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20100272505
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a post first section and a post second section to each other, the coupling assembly comprising: a first support member, the first support member defining a first member post attachment for attaching the post first section thereto; a second support member, the second support member defining a second member post attachment for attaching the post second section thereto; a pivot provided between the first and second support members for pivotally coupling the first and second support members to each other so that the first and second support members are pivotable about the pivot to change an angular relationship between the first and second support members; and a lock for locking the first and second support members in a substantially fixed angular relationship relatively to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Lefebvre Daniel
  • Patent number: 7815389
    Abstract: A rail system includes a cap rail defining a slot. Within the slot may be positioned expansion brackets that permit the cap rail to be mounted to a wall or a post. The expansion bracket is configured to engage an end of a fixture to position and secure the fixture within the slot. The expansion bracket defines a cable way for wires extending to or from the fixture. Other expansion brackets may be mounted within the slot to position and secure ends of fixtures when the mounting expansion brackets are not correctly positioned with respect to the end of the fixture. A rail system includes a pair of rails extending between a pair of posts. An in-fill panel is positioned within slots of each rail and extends between the rails. Expansion brackets within the slots engage the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: R&B Wagner, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Alan Nash
  • Publication number: 20100232872
    Abstract: A tenon rod for joining two members has a rod body, a helical groove formed on an end portion of the rod body for a drift pin to be fitted therein, and a hexagonal head provided at the other end of the rod body to enable the tenon rod to be turned about its axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Toshiyuki KATO
  • Patent number: 7785170
    Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Chernick, Webb T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7762042
    Abstract: A quick-connect system for connecting two or more sections of wireway in generally longitudinal alignment along an X-axis. The system involves the a series of screws in the bottom and side walls of a generally U-shaped connector receivable in corresponding slots in the bottom and side walls of the two wireway sections. In one embodiment, the bottom wall slots are closed-ended slots and the side wall slots are open-end slots extending in from respective end edges of the wireway sections. The side walls slots are configured such that they have longitudinal centerlines having X-axis and Y-axis components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Duan E. Packard, III
  • Publication number: 20100086348
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique of joining two cable racks together in a longitudinal direction thereof. A splice plate is used which has two insertion holes each formed at a position corresponding to a first one of two joint holes in each of adjacent ends of each of two longitudinally-aligned pairs of primary beams of two cable racks, and two lock protrusions each formed at a position corresponding to the other second joint hole, in a manner engageable with the second joint hole. The adjacent ends of the longitudinally-aligned pair of primary beams are joined together by means of engagement between the lock protrusions of the splice plate and the second joint holes of the adjacent ends of the longitudinally-aligned pair of primary beams, and fastening between two bolt and two nuts through the first insertion holes and the insertion holes of the splice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BURESUTO KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun FUNAHASHI, Tadayoshi IBAYASHI, Jun KADOWAKI, Koji MATSUKAWA, Eisaku ASATSUMA, Junichi KATO, Junpei SHIBATA, Akihiro KITAJIMA, Toshihiko ABE, Seiichi SAKAMOTO, Koji UCHIYAMA, Hiroshi HARIKAGO, Zhang MENG
  • Patent number: 7618210
    Abstract: A connector for pipe or tubing. The connector includes a unitary expansion member, formed from a body, a first expansion leg extending from the body, an optional second expansion leg extending from the body, and at least one opening extending through the body. In use, the connector is fastened in place by a fastener that is inserted through the at least one opening to contact at least one of the first and second expansion legs and force at least one of them to deform and contact the inside of the pipe or tubing, thereby securing the connector within the pipe or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: R & B Wagner, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wagner, Alan Nash
  • Patent number: 7616728
    Abstract: An alignment system that employs jacking block assemblies and alignment posts around the periphery of the top plate of a nuclear reactor lower internals core shroud to align an upper core plate with the lower internals and the core shroud with the core barrel. The distal ends of the alignment posts are chamfered and are closely received within notches machined in the upper core plate at spaced locations around the outer circumference of the upper core plate. The jacking block assemblies are used to center the core shroud in the core barrel and the alignment posts assure the proper orientation of the upper core plate. The alignment posts may alternately be formed in the upper core plate and the notches may be formed in top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
    Inventors: Charles B. Gilmore, Norman R. Singleton
  • Patent number: 7562951
    Abstract: A wall cabinet system includes a bracket and a plurality of fasteners for connecting first and second side panels and first and second shelves. The bracket includes a plurality of fastener receiving holes. A first fastener extends through an upper side panel and a first fastener receiving hole; a second fastener extends through the lower side panel and a second fastener receiving hole; a third fastener extends through the upper side panel, a third fastener receiving hole, and the upper shelf; and a fourth fastener extends through the lower side panel, a fourth fastener receiving hole, and the lower shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Windquest Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall E. Tallman, William J. Lown
  • Publication number: 20090180830
    Abstract: A connection system including a self-adjusting mount for coupling various furniture components together. The connection system can aid in coupling furniture components together with differing manufacturing tolerances. The self-adjusting mount is adapted to receive a connecting member and is capable of simultaneously moving in a first and second directions to couple with the connecting member. The self-adjusting mount may also secure the connecting member, thereby fixing the location of the connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: TIM JOHN MACLEAN
  • Patent number: 7540809
    Abstract: A joint for a cue stick where the cue stick has first and second cue stick portions. The joint can include a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can have a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be included for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Paul D. Costain
  • Patent number: 7464767
    Abstract: A disc opener assembly for an agricultural planter includes a coulter disc formed without a pilot hole for the spindle of the mounting hub. The mounting hub is formed without the spindle such that the coulter disc is supported directly in a cantilevered manner from the mounting flange of the mounting hub. The coulter disc is formed with fastener holes aligned with mounting holes in the mounting flange for the passage of fasteners to affix the coulter disc to the mounting flange. The fasteners are countersunk into the coulter disc to present a smooth exterior surface. A seal is positioned between the mounting flange and the coulter disc to prevent the entry of dirt and debris into the mounting hub. No dust cap on the exterior surface of the coulter disc is required with this configuration which improves the operation of the disc opener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin Schilling
  • Publication number: 20080211216
    Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling an accessory to a vehicle chassis. The coupler assembly includes a male portion having a male attachment end and a conical male portion, the male side walls each having a male pin aperture, a female portion having a female attachment end and a conical female portion, the conical female portion adapted to at least partly receive the conical male portion, the female side walls each having a female pin aperture, the female pin apertures adapted to be aligned with the male pin apertures when the conical male portion is at least partly received in the conical female portion and two pins adapted to be displaced from a retracted configuration wherein the pins are one of fully contained within the conical male portion and outside the conical female portion and an extended configuration wherein the tip ends of the pins extend through both the male pin apertures and the female pin apertures when the conical male portion is at least partly received in the conical female portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: RAD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Fortin
  • Publication number: 20080193211
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved luer fitting connector is disclosed. The luer fitting connector includes a male or female luer fitting member and a locking member. The locking member may have at least one of a skeletal handle, a finlike handle, a cavity grip, and an undulating grip. The luer fitting connector also may include a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. A method of assembly of luer fitting connector members is also disclosed. The method may include providing a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and providing a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. The method also may include mounting the locking member upon the male or female luer fitting member from the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventors: David G. Burton, Scott K. Philhower, Nicholas J. Ely
  • Publication number: 20080190630
    Abstract: The invention refers to a joint device at an agricultural machine with at least one tool-bearing beam (2a-c, 3a-c) for soil tillage tools (4, 5, 38, 39), such as seed coulters and cultivator tines, whereby a portion (10) of the beam end, at least on one side of the machine, is detachably fastened by means of a bolt/nut connection (13, 18, 23) arranged within said tool-bearing beam. A threaded body (18, 50) in the bolt/nut connection is fixed, preferably plug welded, in the main part of the beam (2a-c, 3a-c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Vaderstad-Verken Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Morgan Collin, Johan Mattsson
  • Patent number: 7398966
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in coupling a pair of bar clamps comprises a coupling member for connecting a first clamp to a second clamp is provided. The coupling member includes a first member and a second member having an end pivotally attached to the first member. The coupling member further includes a connection member for attaching an end of each clamp to the coupling member. In another aspect, a connection member for coupling a pair of bar clamps is provided. In another aspect, a method of connecting a first bar clamp to a second bar clamp is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7189024
    Abstract: A connector assembly that enables a rope or other load to be attached to a tarp or other sheet material. The assembly includes male and female connector members having broad, flat base surfaces for engaging the material of the tarp from opposite sides. The male connector member has a sharply pointed screw portion for penetrating through the material of the tarp, and the female connector member has a threaded socket for receiving the screw portion of the male connector member. At least one of the connector members includes a projecting flange portion having an opening or hook for attachment of the rope or other load. The flange portions are flattened for being gripped between the thumb and forefinger when tightening/loosening the assembly. The grip faces of the connector members include raised protuberances that prevent accidental loosening during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert W Cameron
  • Patent number: 7070154
    Abstract: A storage bracket facilitates storage of portions of a vehicle snow plow. The snow plow has a support frame portion mountable to a vehicle, and a lift frame portion, mountable on the support frame portion, for lifting another portion of the snow plow. The support frame portion and the lift fame portion have inter-engagement segments that inter-engage when the lift frame is mounted on the support frame segment. The storage bracket includes a first segment for engaging the inter-engagement segment of the support frame portion when the support frame portion is removed from the associated vehicle. The storage bracket also includes a second segment for engaging the inter-engagement segment of the lift frame portion when the lift frame portion is removed from the associated vehicle. The storage bracket retains the lift frame portion relative to the support frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: All-Type Welding and Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DiStaulo
  • Patent number: 7044678
    Abstract: An anchoring rod for rock anchoring (self-drilling injection bolts), includes an outer thread for connecting the anchoring rod to a drilling tool via a coupling sleeve. The end of the anchoring rod, which is screwed into the coupling sleeve, comprises a section which has a reduced diameter in comparison with the outer diameter of the anchoring rod. The free end of the section of the anchoring rod with the reduced diameter comprises a bevel. An open space is thus formed between the inner surface of the coupling sleeve and the reduced diameter end of the anchoring rod. The space stops the anchoring rod from becoming stuck in the coupling sleeve, even when the end of the rod is plastically deformed during the drilling process, so that the anchoring rod can be unscrewed from the coupling sleeve without applying significant force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Copco MAI GmbH
    Inventors: Hannes Papousek, Herbert Papousek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6955328
    Abstract: An extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen electronic peripheral device, including a forearm extension having at one end a first coupling for attachment to a tilter, a platform or other means for supporting a flat-screen device and at the other end a second coupling. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps, each having a shaft. The shaft of the first end cap is pivotably rotatable in a support mount, such as a wall, desk or pole mount. The shaft of the second end cap is pivotably rotatable in the second coupling of the forearm extension. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6910669
    Abstract: A bracket adapted to fit through a wheel of a spare tire for a vehicle is provided. The bracket includes a first plate portion, a first member, a second plate portion, and a second member. The first plate portion has at least two stud holes formed therethrough and arranged in a pattern corresponding to a wheel-stud pattern for at least one vehicle. The first member extends from the first plate portion. At least part of an exterior surface of the first member has a cylindrical shape. The first member has a first threaded portion. The second member extends from the second plate portion. The second member has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is adapted to mate with the second threaded portion. The bracket may be includes in a kit, wherein the kit includes a container holding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Gates, Monte Morrish
  • Patent number: 6814523
    Abstract: Connecting element for joining two support members (2, 3) absorbing tensile forces, which connecting element (1) comprises at least a first and a second casing body (5, 6) with a through-hole (7) for receiving the respective support members (2, 3), which casing bodies (5, 6) can be joined together by way of a joining section (9) at a first end (11) of each casing body (5, 6), the opposing second end (13) of each casing body (5, 6) being provided with locking members (15, 16) for holding the support members (2, 3) fast. In a working position the locking member (15, 16) of at least one casing body (5, 6) produces an axial locking of the support member (2, 3) running through the casing body (5, 6) by way of a stop part (20) created on the support member (2, 3) within the area of the second end (13) of the casing body (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventor: Ivar Nilsson
  • 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