Interfitting Patents (Class 403/311)
  • Patent number: 11888250
    Abstract: A terminal-equipped wire is provided with a wire including a conductor, a terminal to be connected to the conductor, and a shell to be mounted on the terminal. The terminal includes a grip portion for sandwiching the conductor. The shell includes a pressing portion for pressing at least a part of the grip portion toward the conductor. The grip portion has a Sn—Ni alloy layer. The Sn—Ni alloy layer includes locally projecting protrusions. The protrusions bite into the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahito Jo, Yasushi Saito, Tomoyuki Sakata, Masaaki Tabata, Teruo Hara, Shunya Takeuchi, Hideki Matsunaga, Keisuke Teramoto
  • Patent number: 11888277
    Abstract: A terminal to be coupled to a front end portion of an electric wire. The terminal includes a terminal body and a slider. The terminal body includes a holding section holding a core wire of the electric wire. The slider is movable in a front-rear direction between a first position and a second position that is on a front side with respect to the first position while the slider being fitted on a section of the terminal body including the holding section. The slider includes a pressing portion that presses the holding section toward the electric wire when the slider is at the second position. The slider includes a pressure receiving portion that is pushed from a rear side to move the slider from the first position to the second position. The slider includes a support portion that receives a force applied to the pressure receiving portion that is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LIMITED, SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LIMITED, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LIMITED, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nungna Wi, Masaaki Tabata, Hajime Matsui, Shunya Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Takeshi Amakawa
  • Patent number: 11598472
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing broken, compromised, damaged or cracked conduits is provided. Conduits such as pipes and tubing may bear fluid flows therethrough. Often these conduits are damaged or compromised and begin leaking fluid. A clamp is provided that holds expandable metal securely about the outer circumference of the conduit. The expandable metal may react with any leaking fluid, such as water, thereby expanding and sealing the crack or otherwise seals the compromised conduit in a permanent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Shanu Thottungal Eldho, Christopher M. Pelto
  • Patent number: 10940655
    Abstract: A bodymaker includes a totaling crankshaft including an offset crank, the adjustable eccentric assembly including an eccentric shell assembly. The eccentric shell assembly is operatively coupled to the crankshaft crank. A primary connection rod is operatively coupled to the eccentric shell assembly. A ram assembly is operatively coupled to the primary connection rod. The ram assembly includes an elongated ram. In this configuration, the ram reciprocates over a stroke that is a function of the orientation of the eccentric shell assembly. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly is structured to adjust the range of the ram body stroke through a die pack without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Adolph Blue
  • Patent number: 9637924
    Abstract: Reinforcing is disclosed comprising a reinforcing bar extending along a portion of the length of the reinforcing and a termination extending along an end portion of the reinforcing. The termination may have a body extending in a longitudinal direction and a lateral engagement face formed on the body. The engagement face may incorporate locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MB Couplers Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Ernest Comerford
  • Patent number: 9333325
    Abstract: A catheter tunneling adapter including a longitudinal body having a distal end and a proximal end and a passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end to an exit at the distal end. The passageway has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere with the first hemisphere defining a generally unobstructed first passageway portion from the entrance to the exit. A guide ramp is positioned within the second passageway and tapers towards the first hemisphere moving from the proximal end to the distal end. The ramp defines a longitudinal notch therethrough such that a second passageway portion extends from the entrance to the exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Scandone, Jr., Mark S. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140341645
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seam clamp for securing equipment, such as solar PV panels, to standing roofs. The seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an outer support member, and an inner clamp member. The inner clamp member and outer clamp member both include a clamping jaw projecting inward toward each other. The inner clamping member movably attached to the outer support member allowing the clamping jaws to engage and secure a standing seam. For ease of assembly, the outer clamp member and outer support member are slideably engaged and can be optionally captively slideably engaged. The seam clamp can be configured to accommodate different standing seam shapes by substituting alternative outer clamp members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SUNMODO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Clifford Schrock
  • Patent number: 8640814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Brian M. Safranski, Richard L. Sunsdahl
  • Patent number: 8430759
    Abstract: A torque tube includes a composite body and an end fitting. The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, a wall thickness, an end having an edge, and a set of helically-shaped grooves. Each helically-shaped groove may pass through the wall thickness. Each helically-shaped groove may begin at the edge and end in the body. The end fitting may include a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs configured to mate with the set of helically-shaped groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven P. Wanthal
  • 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: 8360391
    Abstract: A device includes a stem hub attached to a fitting body. A rotatable stem is located at least partially within the stem hub. Rotation of the rotatable stem operates a blocking element located in the fitting body. In an embodiment, an upper stem is coupled to a first end portion of the rotatable stem so that rotation of the upper stem rotates the rotatable stem. A metal seal is located on the stem hub. A portion of the upper stem presses the metal seal between the upper stem and the stem hub when the upper stem is moved towards the stem hub. An operating mechanism moves the upper stem towards the stem hub and away from the stem hub. The upper stem is moved by the operating mechanism in a direction normal to the rotational axis of the rotatable stem and the upper stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Quality Connector Systems
    Inventor: Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 8298633
    Abstract: A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 8262308
    Abstract: A coupling structure for coupling first and second halves into a casing, includes a first coupling element projecting outward from an inner surface of the first casing half and formed with a detachment hole and a second coupling element projecting outward from an inner surface of the second casing half and for engaging with the first coupling element. Insertion of a detachment tool via an opening in the casing and the detachment hole to abut against the second coupling element results in inward bending of the second coupling element with respect to the first coupling element, thereby disengaging the second coupling element from the first coupling element, hence the first casing half disengages from the second casing half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Yu Peng
  • Patent number: 8161619
    Abstract: A torque tube includes a composite body and an end fitting. The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, wall thickness, an end having an edge, and a set of grooves. Each groove of the set of grooves passes through the wall thickness. Each groove of the set of grooves begins at the edge and ends in the body. The end fitting includes a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs configured to mate with the set of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven P. Wanthal
  • Patent number: 8152404
    Abstract: A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pin2Pin AB
    Inventor: Tomas Berg
  • Patent number: 8123060
    Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a valley section intermediate the lobes, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a ridge section intermediate the sockets, and the first profile for engaging the second profile for securing the headings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Obergoenner
  • Patent number: 8123429
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar comprises a shaft extending along a portion of the length of the bar and a termination extending along an end portion of the bar. The termination incorporating an engagement face incorporating locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock operative to accommodate axial loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Monkey Bar Couplers Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ernest Comerford, Mark Rankin
  • Patent number: 8016144
    Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a flat section intermediate the sockets, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a flat section intermediate the sockets, and a spline member having a pair of tongue portions with each of the tongue portions having an upper lobe and a lower lobe, the spline member for fitting within the first profile and the second profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Obergoenner
  • Publication number: 20100247235
    Abstract: A connection end portion of an inner member is provided with engagement projections and a connection end portion of a stay is formed with reception grooves that are capable of axially receiving the engagement projections. When operation cable is axially inserted into a cylindrical support, the engagement projections are axially received in insertion grooves and are then transferred to terminal end positions thereof that are bent in one circumferential direction by a spring force of a spring member, so as to be elastically retained therein. When the stay is axially inserted into the cylindrical support in this condition, the engagement projections are axially received in the reception grooves and are then moved to terminal end positions thereof that are bent in the other circumferential direction. As a result, the operation cable is positioned in a condition in which the operation cable is suspended in the stay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishiura, Atsuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7731669
    Abstract: A composite guidewire comprising a proximal wire segment having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the distal end being formed with a first flat planar bonding face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, the proximal wire segment having a first elasticity; a distal wire segment having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the proximal end being formed with a second flat planar bonding face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, the distal wire segment having a second elasticity; wherein the first and second flat planar bonding faces of the proximal wire segment are formed complementary to one another; and further wherein the proximal and distal wire segments are joined together by bonding the first flat planar bonding face to the second flat planar bonding face in an overlapping manner and a method for forming a composite guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Concert Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Mathews, Andrew M. Whitehead, John R. Panicci
  • Patent number: 7654401
    Abstract: A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a valley section intermediate the lobes, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a ridge section intermediate the sockets, and the first profile for engaging the second profile for securing the headings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Obergoenner
  • Patent number: 7637230
    Abstract: A honda device for separating a honda to allow easy retrieval of a rope includes a rope having a honda positioned adjacent a lariat end of the rope. The honda has a break therein to define a first end and a second end of the honda. A female coupler is coupled to the first end of the honda. The female coupler has a receiving bore extending into a free end of the female coupler. A male coupler is coupled to the second end of the honda. The male coupler includes an insertion end being inserted into the receiving bore of the female coupler to releasably secure the male coupler to the female coupler. The male coupler is selectively removed from the female coupler to break the honda.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jack R. Eicks
  • Patent number: 7325776
    Abstract: This invention's suspensory fastener for piping is characterized in that the fastener is arranged from the two members of a long band and short band, a coupled state maintaining means, which maintains a state wherein a bolt of a bolt-and-nut set that is provided at a lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band is engaged with an opening with guiding entrance of lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned short band and the two lower end coupling portions are overlapped with each other, is provided, and coupling and releasing of the coupling of the lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band with the fastener coupling portion of the above-mentioned short band are enabled without separation of the bolt-and-nut set provided at the lower end coupling portion of the above-mentioned long band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Akagi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Shibuya
  • Patent number: 7234781
    Abstract: An anchoring fixture for stools capable of adjusting elevation is installed on an axle hub hinged on the top end of tripod legs which rest on the floor. The axle hub has a longitudinal axle hole to hold a screw post fastened to the bottom of a stool. The axle hub has a hinge portion on one side of the top surface. The hinge portion has lugs on two sides to be coupled with one end of two clamping members. The clamping members have another end to be fastened by a fastening element. The hinge portion and the two clamping members have respectively a thread portion which jointly mates and couples with the screw post beneath the stool. Thus the elevation of the stool may be rapidly adjusted upwards and downwards to clamp the screw post tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 7226234
    Abstract: A connection for a rod and pin includes a two piece housing molded from hard plastic which defining a cavity enclosing a soft elastomeric isolator on one end of the rod. The housing pieces also define a pin receiving cavity with retention prongs which engage and hold a pin inserted therein. The housing pieces are able to be snap fit assembled by interfitting prongs and receptacles formed on each housing piece. The housing pieces are molded together as one part, connected by an integral hinge allowing the housing parts to be swung into abutment with each other to be snap fit together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Gordy, Gregory P. Ruhlander
  • Patent number: 7168486
    Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hackworth, Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7128734
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for tunneling a distal portion of a multilumen catheter tube in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a first coupling portion for selective connection to a distal end of the multilumen catheter tube, and the distal end of the connector includes a second coupling portion. A trocar is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end of the trocar is configured for selective connection to the coupling portion of the connector. The connector and the second end of trocar are configured such that they are substantially coaxially aligned with the multilumen catheter tube when the first coupling portion of the connector is selectively joined with the distal end of the multilumen catheter tube and the second end of the trocar is selectively engaged with the second coupling portion of the connector. A method of reverse tunneling a multilumen catheter tube using such an apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Arrow International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon S. Wilson, Kenneth T. Cassidy, Mark C. Martel
  • Patent number: 7063921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of masks, in particular for the production of alternating phase shift masks (1), or of chromeless phase shift masks or phase shift masks structured by quartz etching, respectively, as well as to a mask (1), in particular photomask, for the production of semiconductor devices, comprising at least one product field area (6a) and a compensation structure (5) positioned outside the product field area (6a), wherein the compensation structure (5) comprises at least one electroconductive region (8b) that is electrically connected with the product field area (6a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dettman, Josef Mathuni, Oliver Fagerer, Bettina Schiessl, Stephen Rahn
  • Patent number: 6908253
    Abstract: A mating arrangement for a split slitter, anvil, spacer or any other similar device provides for precision alignment of the two halves of the split slitter in both the axial and radial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: John B. Harvey
  • 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: 6758624
    Abstract: Presented is a trailer incorporating a device that allows the detachable coupling of the ball coupler and safety chains of a trailer for remote storage of these items, while incorporating a security feature that allows only the original ball coupler and safety chains to be connected. This deters the unauthorized towing or theft of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Productivity Paradigm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Hugh Thompson, James Kevin Hays
  • Patent number: 6719478
    Abstract: A high strength reinforcing bar splice uses a contractible jaw assembly bridging the bar ends to be joined. The jaw assembly includes interior teeth designed to bite into the projecting ribs or deformations on the outside of the bar ends which form the overall diameter of the bar but not the core or nominal diameter of the bar. The jaw assembly is constricted from both axial ends by driving tapered locking collars on each end of the jaw assembly with a tool while concurrently causing the jaw assembly to constrict and bite into the bar ends. When the tool is removed, the collars remain in place locking the jaw assembly closed. The splice provides not only high tensile and compressive strengths but also has good fatigue and dynamic strength to qualify as a Type 2 coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Gregel, Louis J. Colarusso
  • Patent number: 6406213
    Abstract: A one-piece window connector assembly, or clip, is disclosed. The window clip is inserted into adjacent window spacers to permanently connect the spacers that form a window frame and space multiple panes of glass. The window clip includes a central base having first and second side rails that contribute to the overall rigidity of the window clip as the window clip is inserted into the window spacers. These-rails include locking barbs that enable the clip to permanently lock the window spacers together. The window clip is characterized by each rail extending from the central base through a reverse bend such that internal and external flaps are formed in the rails to increase the rigidity of the rails and assist in more efficient insertion of the window clip into the window spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Quanex Corporation
    Inventors: Francis J. Dohman, Alan R. Gerber, Steven R. Simonson, Larry J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6176472
    Abstract: A connecting and covering member for a joint, as well as a handrail or the like embodying the same, wherein the connecting and covering element extends between and interconnects two contiguous aligned portions of the elongated structure. The connecting and covering element comprises a hollow body in the form of a sleeve that surrounds and interconnects adjacent ends of the elongated members. The sleeve is slotted longitudinally and has cutouts for shape matingly receiving a plate which is secured to both of the adjacent portions. On opposite sides of the slot and on opposite sides of the cutout, the connecting and covering member has holes through which fasteners pass, to secure the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Buregr et Cie (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Bertrand Burger
  • Patent number: 5926961
    Abstract: A hand-guided working tool has a telescopic rod with a first and a second end. A drive motor is connected to the first end of the telescopic rod. A working tool, connected to the second end of the telescopic rod, is driven by the drive motor. The telescopic rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube inserted with an inner end into the outer tube and displacable in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic rod. A first clamping member is connected to the first end of the outer tube for fixing the axial position of the inner tube. The inner tube has an outer mantle surface and the outer tube has an inner circumferential surface. The outer mantle surface is spaced at a radial distance from the inner circumferential surface. A first cylindrical bearing body is supported on the inner end of the inner tube. The first bearing body is displacably supported in the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Klaus-Martin Uhl
  • Patent number: 5569090
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises a driving gear and a driven gear each provided with a respective crown gear cluster, and a slotted casing confining the driving gear and driven gear in meshing engagement. The casing comprises a slot through which the driven gear projects and along which the driven gear may be moved angularly from a first position in which the driving gear and driven gear are in-line, and a second position in which the driving gear and driven gear are substantially at right angles to one another. According to the invention, the gear teeth on one of the drive and driven gears are taller than the teeth on the other of the drive and driven gears, which allows the gears to intermesh more deeply in the right angle position, and permits advantageous dimensioning of the interior bearing surfaces of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Hugh Hoskins, Gary Hoskins
  • Patent number: 5474501
    Abstract: A maze including a plurality of posts, a plurality of stretching members for inserting into longitudinal slots on the posts to reinforce the structural strength of the posts, a plurality of coupling members end matched between either two posts, and a plurality of partition members for connection horizontally between either two posts to define a network of intricate passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Chung C. Teng
  • Patent number: 5361917
    Abstract: A drawbar bearing block for a slackless drawbar system which connects adjacent ends of a pair of railway cars in a semi-permanent manner. Such bearing block includes a top portion supported and retained in a hemispherical recess which extends partially around a pin opening formed in a pin receiving opening disposed in a butt end of a drawbar. Such top portion of the bearing block has an outer surface which closely matches a surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein. There is at least one recessed opening formed in the top portion adjacent a bottom surface and an outer surface thereof. A bottom portion is supported and retained in such hemispherical recess and assists in supporting and retaining such top portion in the hemispherical recess. Such bottom portion of the bearing block includes an outer surface which closely matches the surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: McConway & Torley Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Mautino, Douglas M. Hanes
  • Patent number: 5285614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for joining concrete pole sections. The joining or splicing device is a tapered sleeve which is cast integrally with an upper concrete pole section and placed over a lower pole section which is tapered to receive the sleeve. The wedging action of the tapered sleeve and pole and the gravity load of the upper pole section establish a tight connection between the sections sufficient to transfer loads imposed on the pole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Sherman Utility Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Fouad H. Fouad
  • Patent number: 5282394
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column is pivotally attached to vehicle structure including a bracket member attached to vehicle structure, a collar disposed within the bracket member and adapted to receive the steering column, and structure disposed between the bracket member and the collar for selectively positioning the collar relative to the bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander L. Dominique, Wayne L. Grubaugh, Jr., Michael F. Halacka, James P. Badhorn, Robert A. Welchko, Kenneth G. Kamm
  • Patent number: 4940357
    Abstract: A torsion spring coupling for repairing broken torsion springs including at least two mating semicylindrical segment members securable around a torsion bar. The segments are secured between opposing end segments of a broken torsion spring to form a cylinder having threaded outer circumferential surfaces for threadably engaging opposing segments of a broken torsion spring to prevent relative rotational movement between opposing segments of a broken torsion spring longitudinally along a torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Albert W. Davis
  • Patent number: 4829675
    Abstract: An electrical appliance (10) including a motor assembly (12) and a switch assembly (14). A handle assembly (16) spans between the motor and switch assemblies (12 and 14, respectively). Lower handle (16a) includes a free end (22a) and upper handle (16b) includes a free end (22b). The free ends (22) form notches (26) which receive a wire (18) conductively coupling motor assembly (12) to switch assembly (14). Notches (26) allow for a shorter length of wire (18) and prevent abrasion and excessive bending of wire (18) during packaging and shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Randall A. Beihoffer
  • Patent number: 4646487
    Abstract: A plastic gutter is designed with a longitudinally extending bead (5) under an outwardly facing lip (4) and a corresponding longitudinally extending bead (5) on the inside of the rear part. At least at the end of each length of gutter the longitudinally extending beads have been machined in such a manner that material has been removed at regular intervals so that the remaining material constitutes one or more locking pieces (6).An assembly piece (7) with a rubber packing (8) for assembling adjoining lengths of gutter, for example, has a number of locking holes (9) in an outwardly facing lip (11) and a number of corresponding locking holes (9) in a bent edge part (10) at the rear.There is hereby obtained a gutter which is both quickly and easily mounted and taken down and where the parts are nevertheless securely held together so that an axial movement between the parts will not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Rivus A/S
    Inventor: Peter B. Andersson
  • Patent number: 4645228
    Abstract: A pair of plates each having an internally threaded boss in its base and upturned flanges along its sides are fixed to the upper surface of adjacent segments of a segmented ski. A pair of lips formed on a rigid slide bracket loosely engage axially aligned lips formed on the flanges. A resilient shim is interposed between the lips on the slide bracket and those on the flanges. A pair of screws carried by the slide bracket and registering with the threaded bosses secure the slide bracket to the plates, thereby rigidly joining the ski segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Gerald R. Bertonneau
  • Patent number: 4508409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for splicing two insulated electrical wires or cables. More particularly, the device includes two or more elongated members cooperating to form a cylindrical, cable receiving body with tapered outer surfaces adapted to slidingly receive collars which compress the elongated members against the cables. Insulation piercing prongs are driven into the cable to contact the underlying conductors to establish electrical continuity between the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Hitesh Cherry, Walter M. Werner
  • Patent number: 4493134
    Abstract: A cable, wire or rope clamping device including a pair of plates having surfaces defining serpentine grooves to receive and retain segments of the article to be clamped. The plates are moveable between an open position for insertion of the segments and a closed position with the surfaces in closely spaced face-to-face relation to retain the segments within the grooves.In one form the clamping device is formed of nonconductive material and is useable to connect or splice electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Edward J. Karr
  • Patent number: 4466756
    Abstract: A drive coupler uses a first and a second U-shaped coupler half of similar configuration with each coupler half having cutouts in the ends of the legs of the "U" forming half of a pair of holes for accepting peripheral grooves adjacent to the ends of a pair of shafts to be connected by the coupler. The two halves of the coupler are retained in a mating orientation with the ends of the legs of the "U" in an abutting relationship to capture the grooves at the ends of the shafts in the holes formed therebetween by a transverse clamp bolt passing through the coupler. In one embodiment, the ends of the coupler formed by the mated halves of the coupler are provided with grooves to cooperate with ribs in a frame encompassing the coupler whereby the coupler grooves are arranged to slide on the ribs in the frame to prevent rotation of the coupler while permitting a translational or push-pull motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Milo R. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 4408926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting the ends of cable, wire or other cylindrical objects together. More particularly, the invention includes an elongated jaw assembly with openings at each end adapted to receive the objects to be joined. The outer surface of the jaw assembly is tapered towards the ends to slidingly receive collars which, when driven onto the jaw assembly, axially compress the jaw assembly down around the inserted objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter M. Werner
  • Patent number: 4362423
    Abstract: This coupling device locks together overlapped lengths of coil-thread rebar by positively interengaging segments of the device with the threading of the respective rebar rods, and positively interengaging the segments themselves for alignment, and to complete the stress transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Williams Form Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Wendell J. Miles
  • Patent number: 4333218
    Abstract: A method of repairing a box beam is disclosed in which a cracked or broken portion of a box beam may be repaired and the strength returned to normal by forming a pair of plates that fit snugly about at least one half of the box beam, the plates being welded to the box beam and to each other, each edge of the plates being either welded to its juxtaposed plate or to the box beam to provide full strength to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Inventor: Alan W. Wentworth