Continuous Thread Patents (Class 403/307)
  • Patent number: 11414866
    Abstract: The present application relates to a statically permanently loadable tension member or compression member (10) for a structure, which member comprises, on both end portions (12), thread flanks (14) of a thread for receiving a connection component. According to the invention, the thread flanks (14) are provided at least partially with a rolled zinc surface (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Pfeifer Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Fitz
  • Patent number: 10709930
    Abstract: A hip thrust exercise device includes a main body; a foot mount connected to the first body portion; a grip connected to the second body portion; an extension hingedly connected to the main and an abutment element; and a resistance element connected between the extension and main body. The resistance element provides a resistance force when the abutment element is moved away from the first body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Edward Paul Fleming
  • Patent number: 9791076
    Abstract: A swage visual indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed and related methods. The swage visual indicator is achieved by a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures formed through a flange filled with an indicator material. The swage apertures communicate with swaging grooves of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material within the aperture(s) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange. According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Wallace Neal, Robert Charles Shown, Clifton P. Breay
  • Patent number: 9675462
    Abstract: An intermediate body is for a bone implant for replacement of an osseous area. The intermediate body has a base body and a seat which extends axially in the base body and is surrounded by a wall of the base body. The intermediate body is designed to receive and surround an end portion of an intramedullary implant part. A clamp device is assigned to the seat. A clamp component is arranged on the wall of the base body surrounding the seat. In order to clamp, the end portion is inserted beforehand into the seat relative to the wall of the base body. The wall then surrounds the seat and the inserted end portion is movable towards the seat and in the process clamps the end portion in the seat. An implant arrangement is provided with the intermediate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Aristotech Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Emmanuel Anapliotis, Guenter Lob
  • Patent number: 9452056
    Abstract: An ankle implant for implantation at a distal tibia can include a first sleeve augment, a second sleeve augment, an intramedullary (IM) implant and a connecting peg. The first sleeve augment can have a first cannulated sleeve body comprising a first inner solid metal body portion and a first outer porous metal body portion. The IM implant can have an outer augment mounting structure. The second sleeve augment can have a second cannulated sleeve body comprising a second inner solid metal body portion and a second outer porous metal body portion. The second inner solid metal body portion can include a second sleeve first mating structure. The first and second sleeve augments can be assembled onto the IM implant in a stacked orientation with the connecting peg received by both the first sleeve first mating structure and the second sleeve first mating structure in a keyed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: BIOMET C.V.
    Inventors: John Early, Brian Berelsman, Paul D'Antonio, Adam Finley
  • Patent number: 9080591
    Abstract: A concentric threaded fastener comprising a body with a starting shape, an ending shape, and at least one continuous surface formed by layers between the starting shape and the ending shape, where the layers are concentric so that each successive layer from the starting shape to the ending shape has local clearance between the layer and a larger adjacent layer and so that each layer forms a plug when it is aligned in an unrotated position, and where each layer is successively rotated about at least one axis to form the continuous surface. A concentric threaded system comprising a concentric threaded fastener and a receiving component comprising an opening with mating continuous surface dimensioned to accept the continuous surface of the concentric threaded fastener so that the mating continuous surface and the continuous surface of the concentric threaded fastener make complete surface contact when the concentric threaded fastener is at a terminal position within the receiving component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Dale Van Cor
  • Patent number: 8286519
    Abstract: Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (2), an externally threaded screw (5), a piston (9) and an internally threaded extended nut (7), where the extended nut (7) comprises a plurality of longitudinal segments (40) having longitudinal edges (39) parallel to a center axis (18) of the internally threaded nut (7), where each segment (40) has an identical radius of curvature and an angle of curvature of less than 360°, so that the circumference of the internally threaded nut (7) is formed by at least two segments (40). One advantage of the invention is that linear actuators of different lengths can be manufactured in an easy and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Martin Voegelin
  • Patent number: 7827939
    Abstract: A modular bird cage includes a plurality of support posts located at the corners of the cage. The support posts are made up of an internal column and an external post surrounding the internal column. The internal column is internally threaded to rigidly connect a base portion and an upper portion of the bird cage. The internally threaded column engages a vertically extending threaded stud extending from the base portion. Two perpendicular, radially extending lugs are mounted on the base portion spaced from the stud. The internally threaded column, when fully engaged with the externally threaded stud, abuts against the two radially projecting lugs, filling the space between the stud and the lugs. A hollow external post is passed over the column and includes two perpendicularly located arched openings which engage the two lugs mounted on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Leon Yang
  • Publication number: 20100171306
    Abstract: A threaded element of a component includes at least first and second threading portions each including threads each including a stabbing flank and a loading flank. The stabbing flanks and loading flanks of the threads of the first threading portion and the threads of the second threading portion are inclined in an opposed manner with respect to the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicants: VALLOUREC MANNESMANN OIL & GAS FRANCE, SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Laurent Gillot, Eric Verger, Olivier Tartar
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7686531
    Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for securing a male-threaded utility handle end into a female receptacle of a tool assembly comprising a tool, comprising: a substantially-circular friction ring; a substantially-circular thread neck attached at a leading end thereof to, and centrally-aligned with, a trailing end of the friction ring; and a substantially-circular threaded-end aperture running centrally through the friction ring and thread neck combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph L. Congdon
  • Publication number: 20080304904
    Abstract: A thread joint for transmitting percussive forces includes a male thread on a male member and a female thread on a female member. The male member includes a first portion including an outer surface having a maximum first outer cross section, a second portion having a second maximum outer dimension, and a third portion having the male thread formed thereon. The second portion is disposed axially between the first and third portions. The male thread includes a thread start and a thread end. The third portion terminates in an axially facing first end surface. The female member has a recess in which the female thread is formed, the female thread having a mouth defined by a ring-shaped second end surface. The recess includes a cylindrical inner surface disposed between the second end surface and the female thread. The inner surface faces the cylindrical center portion of the male member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Urban Olsson, Monica Olsson, Per-Olof Liljebrand
  • 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: 6935615
    Abstract: An improved rod connector assembly and method for mechanically fastening two rods together. Generally planar mating surfaces of a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly are compressively coupled by a rod union. The compressive load by the rod union is derived from a tapered surface that provides an interference fit to a corresponding tapered surface on the first rod assembly. Clearance diameters provided within the rod union accommodate axial misalignment of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly. The second rod assembly includes an adjustable rod adapter to provide coupling to rods of various lengths. The first rod assembly includes an internal cavity to receive a portion of the second rod that may protrude from the adjustable rod adapter. Shaped mating surfaces of the rod adapters are received in a corresponding shaped cavity of the union to prevent rotation of the adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. McCarty
  • Patent number: 6905278
    Abstract: A connection point (1) between two tool parts is proposed which are joined by means of a threaded spindle (7) oriented in longitudinal direction of the tool parts. The threaded spindle has two oppositely threaded sections (13, 15) which interact with two threaded areas (17, 19) in the tool parts. The connection point (1) is distinguished in that at least one end area of the threaded spindle (7) has a shoulder (63), the outside diameter of which is smaller that the interior diameter of the associated threaded area (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mapal Fabrik fur Präzisionswerkzeuge
    Inventors: Dieter Kress, Friederich Häberle
  • Patent number: 6886805
    Abstract: An improved rod connector assembly and method for mechanically fastening two rods together. Generally planar mating surfaces of a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly are compressively coupled by a rod union. The compressive load by the rod union is derived from a tapered surface that provides an interference fit to a corresponding tapered surface on the first rod assembly. Clearance diameters provided within the rod union accommodate axial misalignment of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly. The second rod assembly includes an adjustable rod adapter to provide coupling to rods of various lengths. The first rod assembly includes an internal cavity to receive a portion of the second rod that may protrude from the adjustable rod adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 6880224
    Abstract: A process for forming an improved tensile strength deformed reinforcing bar splice for use in concrete construction by radially compressing or cold forming the bar end with dies literally to flatten any ribs or deformations on the bar end to cold work a section of the bar end which will extend beyond any threaded section and the mouth of a coupler thereon. The splice formed has superior tensile qualities. The process is inexpensive and may be accomplished at or near a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Colarusso, Mark Victor Samas
  • Publication number: 20040228679
    Abstract: A very low carbon steel alloy is provided for use in manufacturing tubular members such as oil country tubular goods. The tubular members may be radially expanded from at least twenty percent to forty percent. Sections or joints of casing formed from the steel alloy may be installed within a wellbore and radially expanded during completion of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Lone Star Steel Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Reavis, Bluford W. Lowery, Ralph R. Myers, Bowman A. Urech
  • 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: 6811347
    Abstract: An improved lamp post insertional conjoinment structure consisting of a locking connector component ensleeved between an upper and a lower lamp post, with the locking connector component comprised of a threaded rod having a neck section at its leading and trailing extremities, a sleeve coupling in which the threaded rod is installed through the center, and a prong ring fastened onto the upper and lower extremities of the threaded rod and positioned at each of the two sides of the sleeve coupling. The prong ring has spring elements that extend from its circumferential edge, each spring element also having an indented pawl section and, furthermore, the pawl sections engage the threaded rod neck sections such that when the free extremities at the end sections of the spring elements turn as the prong rings rotate, they are propped open at a suitable rate and firmly postured against the interior circular walls of the lamp posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Pi-Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6810956
    Abstract: A thread coupling for a drill string for percussive drilling has a male thread (5) and a cooperating female thread (4). The male thread is arranged on a first drill string element (3) having a first impact surface (6). The female thread is arranged on a second drill string element (2) having a second impact surface (7). The male and female threads are conical, and the crests (8) of the male thread (5) have a radius of curvature more than thirty degrees of the pitch of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Uniroc AB
    Inventor: Roger Sandström
  • Publication number: 20040149951
    Abstract: A stem connector assembly includes a connector body formed from a single piece of metal, and having a frame portion and a valve stem passageway extending through the frame portion. In one aspect, the connector body also includes an actuator stem passageway extending through the frame portion, and has a locking unit. The locking unit couples an actuator stem and a valve stem to the connector body. In operation, the stem connector assembly provides for unified movement of the actuator stem and valve stem, permits some misalignment between the two, thus reducing wear of the associated rod and stem components. The stem connector assembly further includes at least one mounting assembly, such as among others at least one NAMUR standard mounting assembly, to facilitate ready mounting of component elements associated with a stem connector assembly, such as a positioner, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6561723
    Abstract: A high tensile rod connector is provided that includes a first section having an internally threaded surface and a second section having an internally threaded surface. The threads of the first section mate with the threads of the second section. A pair of first flanges is rigidly coupled to the first section and extends outwardly therefrom. Similarly, a pair of second flanges is rigidly coupled to the second section. A series of bolts extends from the first flanges to the second flanges. The bolts are adapted to removably couple the first section to the second section. The first and second sections may be located on a damaged tie rod and secured thereto, thereby repairing the damaged tie rod without removing tension therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Michael M. McCurdy, Rick Baker, Jerry C. Stefka
  • Patent number: 6467989
    Abstract: An adjustable connector that can slide along a rod or tube and can be secured from axially translating in infinite positions along the entire length of the tube. It also has the capability of attaching itself to a surface or structural element such as a shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 6394190
    Abstract: A percussive drilling component includes a cylindrical male screw thread formed of a steel material. The thread includes thread crests and thread roots interconnected by thread flanks. To protect the thread against corrosion, the thread is coated with a material having a lower electrode potential than the steel material. The coating is situated at least in regions located radially inwardly of the thread flanks. The male screw thread can be attached to a female screw thread of another percussive drilling component, the female screw thread also being coated with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Johan Lindén
  • Patent number: 6345472
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in concrete construction is characterized by a body having a first portion configured to be set into concrete during the casting of that concrete, and which can be removed from the concrete after the concrete has set, and thereby may be reused in a similar manner with other concrete castings. The body of the apparatus is preferably generally cylindrical and preferably includes a serrated exterior surface. The body also preferably includes a second portion configured to facilitate removal of the apparatus from the concrete, and further includes an engagement member with which other devices may be engaged. The second portion may also be engageable with an alignment member to facilitate the accuracy of insertion and removal of the apparatus from the concrete. The serrated exterior preferably interferingly engages with at least one reinforcing element formed in the concrete, to assist in positioning of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Warren Taylor
  • Patent number: 6334493
    Abstract: A percussive drilling component includes a cylindrical male screw thread formed of a steel material. The thread includes thread crests and thread roots interconnected by thread flanks. To protect the thread against corrosion, the thread is coated with a material having a higher electrode potential than the steel material. The coating is situated at least in regions located radially inwardly of the thread flanks. The male screw thread can be attached to a female screw thread of another percussive drilling component, the female screw thread also being coated with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Johan Lindén
  • Patent number: 6328499
    Abstract: A screwed connection comprises at least one rod end (10, 12) with an external thread (16) and a threaded sleeve (18) with an internal thread (20). The threaded sleeve (18) is screwed with axial play on to the rod end (10, 12). A cotter (26) is driven through a lateral opening (30) in the threaded sleeve (18) in such a way that it bears on the threaded sleeve (18) and on the end face (22, 24) of the rod end (10, 12) in order to press the external and internal threads (16, 20) axially against each other. A screwed connection of this type is particularly suitable for the production of sleeve connections and end anchorages in the case of reinforcing rods with a rolled-on thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ares S.A.
    Inventors: Henri Reding, Gallus Rehm
  • Patent number: 6196598
    Abstract: A drill rod for a drill string has a thread at each end and is connected to an adjacent rod by a sleeve. The threads on the sleeve and rod are configured to reduce stress concentrations and provide sacrificial wear on the sleeve. The thread has a single start with a part circular root and the wear volume on the sleeve is less than that on the rod. The outer diameter of the rod is at least twice that of the inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Boart Longyear, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jing Yao
  • Patent number: 6152643
    Abstract: A coupling device for use in inserting a soaking bar into a clay plugged blast furnace tap hole with a rotary percussion tool, having a first axial aperture at a first end adapted to be fitted onto a driving post of a rotary percussion tool, and having a second axial aperture at a second end adapted to receive and retain an end of a soaking bar in axial alignment with the coupling. The second axial aperture further includes jaws for releasably engaging the end of the soaking bar, and an impact body for transferring axial impact loads from the rotary impact tool to the end of the soaking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Woodings Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Martin P. Miller
  • Patent number: 6044599
    Abstract: The circular staircase has individual steps made of stone, and in particular natural stone, mounted on a central newel. The steps each have a reinforcing member with one end that is joined to the newel and he other end that has a prestressing element against a step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Walter Wachenfeld
  • Patent number: 6033310
    Abstract: A variable length light weight drive shaft for a rolling mill roll including: a driven first end including a universal joint connecting with an end of a male splined shaft having an axial bore and counter bore and a driving second end including a universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a female spline shaft which engages over the male splined shaft for axial movement. A gas cylinder is mounted in the counter bore adjacent to the second end of the male splined shaft. A cylinder rod extends from the cylinder and is connected to with the universal joint at the driving end. The piston rod includes a self aligning coupler. The gas cylinder and cylinder rod exert continuous outward pressure against the driven and driving ends which maintains them in pressure contact with the driving and driven members while allowing axial movement of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Cline Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Faulkenberry
  • Patent number: 5921049
    Abstract: A device for forming a framework of a wooden building includes a steel made square tube which is capable of tightly receiving a top portion of a post in a lower portion of the tube and a bottom portion of another post in an upper portion of the tube. The device also includes a joint which has a belt-shape base portion situated in the vertical direction and a flange portion projecting perpendicularly from the center of the base portion. The device further comprises a bolt and joint stick. The bolt attaches the base portion of the joint to the square tube. The joint stick passes through a hole of a transverse lumber and an opening of the flange portion of the joint, while the flange portion is inserted in a slit at the edge portion of the transverse lumber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: West Company Limited
    Inventor: Kazuo Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5888025
    Abstract: For coupling anchor bars (2) of injection anchors, the anchor bars are screwed with their outer threads (4) into a coupling sleeve (1) provided with a corresponding inner thread (5). One of the two anchor bars (2) screwed into the coupling sleeve (1) has a chamfered surface (8) formed by an end chamfer and lies on a break (6) of the inner thread (5) of the coupling sleeve (1). The second anchor bar (2) is screwed into the coupling sleeve (1) until its end face (9) lies completely on the end face (9) of the other anchor bar (2). This ensures an advantageous transmission of forces during drilling and prevents the coupling sleeve (1) from turning during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Mai Pump Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert jun Papousek
  • Patent number: 5746555
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting two axially aligned, rod-like reinforcing members or structural parts and which permits a visual confirmation that successful coupling of the two structural parts has been made. The coupler is fashioned as a sleeve with two opposed open ends, each open end for receivingly engaging a corresponding inserted end of one of the structural parts. The sleeve includes at least one inspection hole or through-hole disposed medial of the sleeve ends. The sleeve further includes a displaceable inspection element disposed inserted within the through-hole and a stop member for limiting the engagement depth of the structural parts within the respective open ends of the sleeve. The inserted structural parts engage the displaceble inspection element and forcibly cause it to displace outwardly of the through-hole and thereby provide a visual confirmation that the two structural parts have been successfully coupled with a desired engagement depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: William Richard McEvoy
  • Patent number: 5690445
    Abstract: A high speed assembly connection structure that consists of a direction screw of a connector head that fits in a direction slot of a tool element which causes the tool element to be limited to a specified direction. A set screw of the connector head protrudes into a cambered groove of the handle, which limits the rotation of the handle within a specified range. An entry position notch of the handle holds the tool element in a specified direction during assembly and a mounting slot of the tool element enables the tight engagement of the handle after the handle is rotated. Furthermore, in the operation of this structure, no additional tools are required to accomplish the rapid installation of the tool element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Ta-Chin Wu
  • Patent number: 5645291
    Abstract: An adapter that is to be mounted on each end of each axle of a skateboard. The adapter is to be added to the axle after the conventional wheels of the skateboard have been removed. The adapter extends the wheel mounting for the skateboard some distance from the peripheral edge of the platform of the skateboard. A substantially larger wheel can then be utilized in conjunction with the skateboard facilitating usage of the skateboard within terrain other than hard surface terrain such as grass and dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Sandy F. Ramage
  • Patent number: 5484222
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a pipe, which apparatus comprises an outer member having a first inclined inner surface, and an inner member having a first inclined outer surface, the arrangement being such that, in use, on rotation of said outer member relative to said inner member in one sense said first inclined inner surface co-operates with said first inclined outer surface so that said inner member moves towards a pipe to be gripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg E. Schulze-Beckinghausen
  • Patent number: 5433491
    Abstract: A tennis ball retrieval system comprises a removable cap which is preferably sized to fit a standard tennis ball container. The cap has an opening and an inwardly projecting flange for effectively reducing the opening to less than the diameter of a standard tennis ball. The apparatus preferably also includes tennis ball containers having a standard diameter but being capable of containing more than three tennis balls, or having grooves to allow the container to be connected to a like container with a connecting member, or both. Additionally, a strap can be included which allows the container to be carried on one's shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Peter F. Green
  • Patent number: 5431507
    Abstract: A torque transmitting, bicycle frame coupling which connects to the frame tubes, replacing a portion of those tubes and having teeth on their engaging faces. Proper installation of two such couplings allows up to a 25 inch men's style bicycle with up to 700C (26 inch rim diameter) wheels to be cut in two pieces so that it fits in a suitcase with a combined height, width and girth measurement no larger than 62 linear inches and then be put back together with no loss of original frame geometry or stiffness. Each coupling is actuated, pulling the bicycle pieces together and joining them through use of specialized teeth under compression by a threaded lug, a removable-shoulder lug with a removable shoulder and a threaded coupling nut. The removable shoulder makes the nut and shoulder replaceable, and makes possible an additional shoulder on the tube connecting end of the removable-shoulder lug to keep the nut from slipping onto the frame and scratching the paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Steve Smilanick
  • Patent number: 5411347
    Abstract: A high dynamic strength or fatigue resistance is achieved in a taper thread reinforcing bar splice for use in steel reinforced concrete by coordinating the elongations of the coupler sleeve and bar to achieve the required movements of the coupler sleeve at the mouth. This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by two attenuation grooves on the outside of a circular cylindrical coupler body at each end, each groove being placed in a particular axial relationship with respect to the end of the coupler sleeve and the area of thread engagement with the bar. The grooves are of different depths, with the groove closest to the mouth of the coupler sleeve being the deepest. Also the diameter of the circular cylindrical coupler body at each end is selected so that the wall thickness at the mouth is as thin as possible. At the center of the coupler sleeve there is an enlarged portion extending axially several threads beyond the last thread of each bar joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Bowmer, Paulus W. T. Gruson
  • Patent number: 5308184
    Abstract: A mechanical connection for concrete reinforcing rods has a connecting sleeve and a reinforcing rods having protuberances (e.g., ribs or fins) on their outer surfaces. Each of the reinforcing rods has a threaded end for connection with the connecting sleeve, which has tapped portions for receiving the reinforcing rods. In one embodiment, a first end of a first reinforcing rod is passed completely through the sleeve, and the sleeve is then rotated about the end while simultaneously being screwed onto a second end of a second reinforcing rod. Upon tightening the connecting sleeve, the ends of the first and second reinforcing rods are placed in substantially coaxial, end-to-end arrangement, and are rotationally immobile. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting sleeve comprises a sheath having a conical bore, together with a conical socket in the form of two shell halves, which, when place together, provide two internal tapped portions having opposing threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Techniport S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Bernard
  • Patent number: 5292161
    Abstract: A tennis ball retrieval system comprises a removable cap which is preferably sized to fit a standard tennis ball container. The cap has an opening and an inwardly projecting flange for effectively reducing the opening to less than the diameter of a standard tennis ball. The apparatus preferably also includes tennis ball containers having a standard diameter but being capable of containing more than three tennis balls, or having grooves to allow the container to be connected to a like container with a connecting member, or both. Additionally, a strap can be included which allows the container to be carried on one's shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Peter F. Green
  • Patent number: 5193932
    Abstract: A coupler for reinforcing bars includes an internally threaded sleeve with first and second internally threaded coupling portions respectively extending and tapering outward from two ends thereof. Each first and second coupling portions has a number of slits extending along a longitudinal direction thereof. The coupler further has first and second clamping collars each having a conical hole which tapers outward with an inner diameter of an inner opening thereof greater than that of an outer opening thereof and with a slope slightly greater than that of associated conical first and second coupling portions. An outer diameter of a distal end of each first and second coupling portion is slightly less than the inner diameter of the inner opening of associated first and second clamping collars. When the coupler is used to couple two reinforcing bars, a threaded coupling end of each reinforcing bar is screwed into the sleeve means via associated first and second coupling portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Tsung-Hwei Wu
  • Patent number: 5158527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing mechanical joints of concrete-reinforcing rods, to a reinforcing rod allowing the application of the method as well as to a mechanical joint for reinforcing rods thus produced. It has its applications especially in the construction of concrete elements, buildings or structures.According to the invention, the method for producing the mechanical joints for the reinforcing rods which allow the joining of reinforcing rods, the extremities of which are threaded by screwed connecting sleeves, is characterized in that prior to the threading, the extremity of the rods to be joined is subjected to a cold upsetting procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Techniport S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Bernard
  • Patent number: 5131204
    Abstract: A sleeveless screw connection between two reinforcing steel elements includes a conical tapped hole in one end of one of the elements, and a conical externally threaded end on the other element. The surface of each thread envelope makes an angle of between 3.degree. and 10.degree. with the axis of the respective element; the thread pitch is between 1.0 and 2.5 mm, and the thread angle is between 70.degree. and 90.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Heribert Hiendl
  • Patent number: 4943094
    Abstract: A fiberglass pipe joint construction having threaded pin and box ends thereon. Tapered threaded portions are provided with profiles to improve alignment and sealing and prevent galling of the resinous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Centron Corporation
    Inventor: Pat Simmons
  • Patent number: 4938768
    Abstract: A bone gap bridging and fusing device for use where large portions of the bone are removed in limbs comprising first and second pin members adapted to be placed in axial openings formed in the opposed remaining bone portions. Each pin member includes a head and the heads of the pin members interengage one another to prevent relative rotation between the pin members. A collar telescopes over the interengaged heads to lock the pin members axially relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Henry Ford Hospital
    Inventor: Kent K. Wu
  • Patent number: 4905760
    Abstract: A standard size, steel oil well sucker rod coupling is machined to decrease its external diameter, producing a constant diameter along its length. Then, the coupling is machined to produce chamfers or bevels around the circumference on the ends, such that the diameter at the radial faces is less than at the body of the coupling. Next, abrasive blast-cleaning of the coupling produces a uniform, angular, anchor profile along the machined areas on the exterior of the coupling. Finally, a specially selected, fusion bonded, resinous coating is applied to the exposed surface. The radial faces may or may not be coated. The unique protective coatings impart abrasion resistance in a pumping oil well and serve as an electrical barrier to preclude electrochemical, corrosive, attack of the mild steel coupling core. Extended service life of the coupling is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: ICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Gray
  • Patent number: 4902158
    Abstract: An assembly for use especially as track and tie rods of motor vehicles, comprising a ball joint shank (3) and a tube (1) the ball joint shank (3) having an outer thread (4) which is received in an inner thread (2) of the tube (1), and clamping means located in the zone of the inner thread (2) for securing the ball joint shank and applying a force acting circumferentially of the tube (1). Assembling of the shank with the tube is simplified. In particular, simple sealing and connection with many different tubes is possible. To this end, the tube comprises a fold (5) extending radially outward and having side walls (6) which can be clamped together by at least one fastener (8) to secure the ball joint shank (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: TRW Ehrenreich GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Lothar Broszat, Andreas Merklinger, Fritz Busse