Remotely Actuated Patents (Class 403/322.3)
  • Patent number: 10179398
    Abstract: A jointing clamp for producing a compression joint, comprising: an upper jointing clamp half that can be pivoted about a first pivoting axis and has an upper main inlet contour, a lower jointing clamp half that can be pivoted about a second pivoting axis and has a lower main inlet contour, an upper contour element with an upper auxiliary inlet contour that cooperates with the upper jointing clamp half in such a way that a movement of the upper contour element is transmitted to the upper jointing clamp half and a lower contour element with a lower auxiliary inlet contour that cooperates with the lower jointing clamp half in such a way that a movement of the lower contour element is transmitted to the lower jointing clamp half. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for producing a compression joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jörg Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 9790930
    Abstract: Improved actuator apparatus and methodologies for manufacturing and using the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator apparatus includes an SMA filament that: (1) minimizes size and increases stroke length via a serpentine-like routing of the SMA filament within the device itself; (2) reduces power consumption as a result of a relatively flat stroke force as a function of stroke displacement operating profile; (3) enables the actuator assembly to remain in a fully actuated state, at a consistent stroke force, for longer periods of time; and (4) is also fully reversible so as to be capable of use in both push-based and pull-based actuator applications. Methods of operation and manufacturing associated with the aforementioned actuator apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOSPLICE, INC.
    Inventors: Leonid Foshansky, Robert Bogursky
  • Patent number: 9339937
    Abstract: A collision protection device for connecting a welding torch connected to a hose pack to a robot arm of a welding robot, comprising two coupling elements that is adapted to be detachably connected to each other by means of magnets, wherein one coupling element is designed to be connected to the welding torch or to a torch coupling that is adapted to be connected to the welding torch, and the other coupling element is designed to be connected to the robot arm, and the coupling elements have openings. The openings in the coupling elements are designed for feeding the hose pack through, and the coupling element that is adapted to be connected to the welding torch or to the torch coupling, or the torch coupling comprises elements to be connected to the hose pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Richtsfeld, Stefan Ehrenbrandner, Gernot Trauner
  • Patent number: 9206582
    Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a coupler's jaw, and a coupler incorporating the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Doherty Engineered Attachments Limited
    Inventors: Paul James Doherty, Jeremy Glen Doherty
  • Patent number: 8974137
    Abstract: A quick coupler for connecting an implement to a machine. The quick coupler including a frame, a first jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, a second jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lock system connected to the first jaw and the second jaw. The lock system includes a first linkage pivotally connected to the frame and to the first jaw, a second linkage pivotally connected to the first linkage and to the second jaw, and a drive member connected to the first linkage and configured to selectively operate the lock system between an unlocked position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Parker, H. Patrick Gaines
  • Patent number: 8936410
    Abstract: A dump body latching system for application to a self dumping hopper comprises a battery, a linear actuator assembly having an actuator rod configured for reciprocal motion into and out of a housing, an actuator cable having a first end attached to the actuator rod and a second end attached to a biased trip lever and a controller configured to connect the battery with the linear actuator to withdraw the actuator rod into the housing and thereby pull the actuator cable and the biased trip lever to disengage the trip lever from a locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Roura Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Genter, Cecil I. Hand, Barry A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20140270927
    Abstract: A remote antenna deployment latch is disclosed. The remote antenna deployment latch includes a latch assembly having a latch pin movable to alternately secure an antenna in, and release the antenna from, a deployed position. The remote antenna deployment latch also includes an azimuth pin movable to alternately lock and unlock rotation of the antenna about an azimuth axis. In addition, the remote antenna deployment latch includes a remote control assembly operably coupled to the latch pin and the azimuth pin to simultaneously secure the antenna in the deployed position and unlock rotation of the antenna about the azimuth axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ryan Carley, Timothy R. Hebert, Michael Mcfeeters, Joseph R. Frassa
  • Patent number: 8814461
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for an object that is lockable on a rail is provided such that the object may be undone in a single manual operating step. The apparatus may be used in a passenger aircraft in which it is necessary to slide seats or other built-in devices. The apparatus includes at least one first base body, at least one first locking body, and at least one first operating element. The at least one first base body is designed to be placed on top of the rail. The at least one first locking body is movably held to the at least one first base body, and is shaped to be placed into the rail. The at least one first operating element is connected to the at least one first locking body for moving the at least one first locking body in the direction of the interior of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Vine
  • Patent number: 8684623
    Abstract: A tool coupler for a machine is provided herein. In an embodiment, the tool coupler may have a coupler frame, a hook coupled to the coupler frame and configured to receive a first pin of a tool, and a wedge operatively connected to the coupler frame. The tool coupler may also have an actuator connected to move the wedge away from the hook to bias a second pin of the tool against the coupler frame, and a latch associated with the wedge. The latch may be movable between a first position at which the wedge is allowed to move away from the second pin, and a second position at which the wedge is constrained from moving away from the second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Curtis Robl, Andy Lee Vering, Richard Kent Oswald, Trent Randall Stefek
  • Patent number: 8678697
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coupler (201), use of the coupler (201), and a utility vehicle having the coupler (201), the coupler (201) having a body portion and a linearly movable rail (235), arranged to be moved by an actuator, the body portion comprising an open jaw (207) arranged to receive a mounting formation of a tool, the rail having a first position in which the rail (235) is retracted relative to the open jaw (207) and in which a mounting formation can enter a recess defined by the jaw (207) and an advanced position in which the rail (235) restricts the opening to the jaw (207), thereby arranged to trap, in use, the mounting formation in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Conor Monaghan, Martin Monaghan
  • Patent number: 8651765
    Abstract: A device for the restraint and release of a deployable body mounted on a support structure, the device being operable between a stowed condition and a released condition, and having: a pair of subassemblies, each for being attached to either the deployable body or the support structure, these subassemblies having mating surfaces which interlock with one another in the stowed condition to substantially prevent lateral movement of the deployable body relative to the support structure; a releasable tensioned element which is connected to both of the subassemblies, exerting a compressive pre-load action on the said subassemblies that keep them together; a force measurement system that allows monitoring the cited compressive pre-load action applied; a releasing device for releasing the cited pre-load, allowing the free separation of the subassemblies; further being provided with a tensioning mechanism embedded in the device such that it applies a substantially pure-tension pre-load to the releasable tension
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: EADS CASA Espacio S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Plaza Baonza
  • Patent number: 8636439
    Abstract: A latching mechanism includes a pusher member formed with an internal ring and being attached to a first object. A center post formed with a relief groove is secured to a release button and is connected to a second object. A slidable sleeve biased upwardly surrounds the center post and carries a pair of detent balls in a position to be alignable with the relief groove. The internal ring of the pusher member pushes the detent balls downwardly until the detent balls become aligned with the relief groove allowing the internal ring pass below the detent balls and thus latch the first and second objects together. Release is attained by pressing the release button to raise the center post into alignment with the detent balls to allow the internal ring to move past the detent balls and affect a release of the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jean Jacques Jaouen
  • Patent number: 8596901
    Abstract: A universal attachment device for attaching accessories to machinery featuring a center bar having a beveled first end; a base platform attached to the second end of the center bar, the base platform being generally perpendicular to the center bar; side braces disposed on each the first side of the center bar, the second side of the center bar, and the top side of the center bar, the braces are also attached to the front surface of the base platform; a generally hollow and generally trapezoidal attachment sleeve for removably attaching to the center bar via an attachment means, wherein a first slot is disposed in the back adapted to receive the first end of the center bar; brace platforms disposed on the back surface of the base platform near the first and second sides; and one or more lug components disposed on the front surface of the base platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Howard C. Popp
  • Patent number: 8585314
    Abstract: A safety device for quick-fastening a tool to the end of an arm including two portions (1 and 2), one of which is attached to the arm of the machine and the other of which is attached to the tool. The first portion (1) includes a cradle (3) that is insertable under the arm of the other portion (2) having an extension (5) in the form of a hook, having at least one side lug (10) that can pass through notched openings (8, 9) in the first portion (1) and in a locking plate (6). The locking plate (6) is capable of sliding on the middle portion of the first portion (1) so as to be inserted under the hook extension (5) by springs (7). The locking plate (6) is provided with an abutment member (12) that limits the return movement of the plate (6) in order to prevent the notched openings (8, 9) from coinciding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: KLAC Industrie, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Christian André Morin, Marcel André Jean Morin
  • Patent number: 8568056
    Abstract: A system is provided for the force decay triggered release of a device, the system comprising: a base; a plurality of retention rods extending from the base; a rotationally movable actuator, to which a linear force is configured to be applied, converting the linear force to a rotational force; a plurality of retention pins, the retention pins being coupled to the actuator, and each the pin being removably disposed within a retention rod of the plurality of retention rods, such that a rotation of the actuator withdraw each the pin from respective the rod; a force triggered detent, the detent allowing the rotation of the actuator when the rotational force exceeds a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Miller, Jr., Edward A. Gormley
  • Patent number: 8556534
    Abstract: An attachment coupler for heavy machinery, which detachably installs an attachment to an arm of the heavy machinery, includes a coupler body coupled to the arm of the heavy machinery, a fixed hook formed on the coupler body and coupled to the attachment via a first coupling pin, a movable hook rotatably coupled to the coupler body via a hinge axis and coupled to the attachment via a second coupling pin, a hydraulic cylinder that rotates the movable hook to be coupled to or disengaged from the second coupling pin, and a locking device that includes a locking hook and an engagement device. The locking hook is rotatably coupled to the coupler body via a hinge axis and closes an open end of the fixed hook while being coupled to the first coupling pin. The engagement device rotates in association with the rotation of the movable hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Everdignm Corp.
    Inventors: Jong-Hyuk Lim, Jong-Ho Park, Seong-Tae Jeon
  • Patent number: 8550169
    Abstract: A connector (1) for connecting components of a subsea system, the connector comprising male and female components (3, 2), guide means (11) for assisting preliminary orientation of the male component within the female component and means (18; 20; 21) for drawing the male component into the female component and latch means (22) for securing the male component within the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Subsea Technologies Group Limited
    Inventors: David Ernest McKay, Drummond Lawson, Malcolm George Cameron Milne
  • Patent number: 8529151
    Abstract: A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, a plurality retaining members and a plunger. The plunger is at least partially movable within said cage between a first position to cause said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Blanchard Patent Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley V. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8469623
    Abstract: In one aspect of a coupling device for securing a primary mover to a work tool may include first and second coupling bodies interconnectable to form a first connecting interface and a second connecting interface spaced apart from the first connecting interface. The coupling device may also include a rotary wedge member attached to the first coupling body and rotatable to progressively force together the first and second coupling bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Work Tools B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Jacobus Luyendijk, Oswald Zaayman
  • Patent number: 8403590
    Abstract: A coupler for an excavator has first and second recesses for receiving first and second pins, respectively, of an attachment. A latching member is movable into and out of a latching state in which it closes the second pin-receiving recess. A blocking member is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it closes the first pin-receiving recess. An actuator is provided for moving the first latching member into and out of the latching state, the actuator acting indirectly upon the blocking member to move the blocking member into and out of its blocking state as the latching member is moved into and out of its latching state. Preferably the actuator acts upon the blocking member via a resiliently deformable member acting between the actuator and the blocking member whereby the resilient member can deflect should the blocking member be obstructed to avoid excessive loading on the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ian Hill
  • Patent number: 8366592
    Abstract: An automated tool includes a quick change spindle assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, the quick change spindle includes an attachment assembly for interchangeable fastener drivers. A further aspect of the present invention employs release member to actuate a drive member in the spindle assembly causing a retainer to uncouple a fastener driver with the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hathaway, Michael A. Hageman, James W. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20120325505
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Joel Robert Grimes, Bradley Robert Lancaster, Andrew Lee Vering, Wayne Edward Harshberger, II, Anand Ramchandra Mijar
  • Patent number: 8333530
    Abstract: A latch assembly 5 includes a base plate 10 having a striker groove 11, a latch 12 provided in the base plate 10 and having a striker engaging groove 16, and a ratchet 20 for regulating rotation of the latch 12 in unlatch direction. A looseness eliminating lever 30 is attached to the latch 12 by means of a pin 31 moving around a latch shaft 13, one end of the looseness eliminating lever 30 is provided with a latch holding face 34 and an unlatch face 33 to contact with a post 32 provided at a specified position, the other end of the lever 30 is provided with a spring 14 for biasing the guide face 34 or the sliding face 33 to be always in contact with the post 32, and an apex 35 as a dead center is formed between the guide face 34 and the sliding face 33. The guide face 34 is formed in an arc-shaped inclined surface so as to be remoter from the pin 31 from a start end to a terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Misao Omori
  • Patent number: 8317132
    Abstract: The present application describes a quick-change fastening system for demountably mounting an element to a fastening structure. The element comprises an engagement element that is designed to engage a bearing element of the fastening structure, wherein the element is hingeably held around the bearing element between a hooked-in position and a fastened position. The element further comprises a fastening element that can be affixed to a locking element of the fastening structure when the element is in its fastened position. The engagement element and the bearing element are designed such that along a hingeing movement of the element a form-fit connection is established when the element is in its hooked-in position, and that a force-fit connection is established when the element is in its fastened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Pein, André Boehme, Dirk Humfeldt, Jan Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8262310
    Abstract: A coupler includes a frame with a front hook and a rear hook. A rear hook lock moves between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the rear hook lock obstructs an open mouth of the rear hook when the rear hook lock is in its locked position. An actuator is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to the rear hook lock. The actuator is adapted to move the rear hook lock between its unlocked and locked positions. A secondary lock includes a latch that moves between extended and retracted positions, wherein the latch obstructs an open mouth of the front hook when the latch is in its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sikorski, Shadruz Daraie
  • Patent number: 8251606
    Abstract: A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, wherein the housing forms a housing cavity, wherein the housing cavity includes at least one recess; a cage at least partially disposed in said housing cavity, wherein an outer surface of the cage is spaced apart from an inner surface of the housing that forms the housing cavity, wherein the cage defines a cage cavity, and a plurality of passages aligned with said at least one recess; a plurality of retaining members at least partially retained within said plurality of passages; and a plunger at least partially disposed in said cage cavity, wherein said plunger is at least partially movable within said cage cavity between a first position to cause said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Blanchard Patent Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley V. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8177454
    Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: CQMS Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Steig, Jr., Richard A. Thompson, Robert K. Hawkins, Wilson A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120107040
    Abstract: A dump body latching system for application to a self dumping hopper comprises a battery, a linear actuator assembly having an actuator rod configured for reciprocal motion into and out of a housing, an actuator cable having a first end attached to the actuator rod and a second end attached to a biased trip lever and a controller configured to connect the battery with the linear actuator to withdraw the actuator rod into the housing and thereby pull the actuator cable and the biased trip lever to disengage the trip lever from a locking pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ROURA MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael David Genter, Cecil I. Hand, Barry A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20120079769
    Abstract: A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: BLANE A. KRAUSE
  • Patent number: 8136803
    Abstract: An armover clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, an actuator, a cam, a first link, a pivot pin, a driver, a rotating pin, and an arm. The cam includes a cam slot disposed therethrough and is attached to the actuator for linear movement inside the housing. The cam slot has a cam path that includes a locking portion and an extended travel portion. The first link is movably coupled to the cam slot via a cam pin coupled to the link. The cam pin is disposed in and configured to follow the cam path. The pivot pin is coupled to the first link at a position spaced apart from where the cam pin is coupled to the link. The driver is pivotally attached to the pivot pin. The rotating pin extends exterior of the housing and is attached to the driver inside the housing at a location spaced apart from the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. McIntosh, Clinton L. Alexander, Parag Patwardhan
  • Publication number: 20110286790
    Abstract: A remotely actuatable latch for locking and releasing an object at a location remote from a user includes a sheave mounted at the remote location for free rotation about an axis. A line is engaged with the sheave and has one end coupled to an object to be selectively locked or released at the remote location and an opposing end that can be gripped and manually manipulated by a user at a location spaced from the remote location. A shackle connects the object to the line. A pendulum at the remote location is pivoted for movements between a stable position and an unstable position and positioned along the path of movement of the line and shackle when a user pulls or releases the opposing end. The pendulum has a cam surface for deflecting the pendulum responsive to movements of the shackle along the path of movement past the pendulum towards the sheave to cause the shackle to ride along the cam surface thereby angularly pivoting the pendulum from the stable rest position to the unstable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Stone
  • Patent number: 8007197
    Abstract: A coupler device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool such as a bucket including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members on opposite sides thereof, these members being provided to engage in channels formed by connecting members on the tool. A fluid actuated holding mechanism is provided to secure the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including a holder pivotably mounted on the frame and a fluid actuator connected to the holder at one end and to the frame at an opposite end. The coupler device includes a locking pin mechanism for locking the wedge members in the channels, this mechanism including at least one locking pin movably mounted in the frame for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and, optionally, a linear fluid actuator mounted on the frame and having a hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Nye Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Charles Nye, Mark Nye
  • Patent number: 8005570
    Abstract: A robotic tool changer having a master unit and a tool unit adapted to be coupled together. Movably mounted in the master unit of the robotic tool changer is a piston that is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The piston includes a contact area having an unlocking surface, a failsafe surface and a locking surface. Also provided is a series of rolling members contained within a retention area that are actuated by the piston to lock the master unit to the tool unit. For example, the piston engages the rolling members and urges them into a locked relationship with a bearing race that forms a part of the tool unit. To prevent the inadvertent or accidental movement of the piston from the locked position to the unlocked position, the piston is provided with a retarding surface generally disposed between the locking surface and the unlocking surface on the piston for retarding the movement of the piston as the piston moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation
    Inventors: Michael L. Gloden, Leonard Aaron Odham, Mark D. Bordeaux
  • Patent number: 7905676
    Abstract: A lock pin has a generally tubular shaft having a front end formed with a radially outwardly open aperture. A locking ball is radially displaceable in the aperture between an outer locking position projecting radially outward from the shaft and an inner position recessed in the shaft. An actuating rod coaxially slidable in the shaft between front and rear positions has a rear end projecting from a rod rear end and a front end at the aperture. The rod has a formation engaging the ball in at least one of its front and rear positions and pressing the ball into its outer locking position. A unitary handle has one end fixed to the rear end of the shaft, an opposite end fixed to the rear end of the rod, and an elastically deformable connecting portion extending between the handle ends and urging the rod into its one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Erwin Halder KG
    Inventor: Stefan Halder
  • Patent number: 7882898
    Abstract: A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Vering, Karl E. Lindenmuth, Richard K. Oswald
  • Patent number: 7857539
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Dominic Baulier, Mihaela Petrescu, Thomas Stein, Justyna Klapacz
  • Patent number: 7857541
    Abstract: A connecting/disconnecting mechanism able to connect and disconnect two units easily, as well as a composite apparatus having such a connecting/disconnecting mechanism, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Guangzhao Gong
  • Patent number: 7762739
    Abstract: A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, one or more retaining members, and a plunger. The housing defines a housing cavity. The housing cavity includes a recess. The cage is disposed at least partially in the housing cavity. The cage includes a cage cavity and one or more passages in the cage aligned with the recess. The one or more retaining members are retained within the one or more passages. The plunger is movable in the ball cage cavity between a first position to cause the one or more balls to be displaced outwardly relative the one or more passages to seat the one or more retaining members in the recess thereby mechanically locking the housing to the ball cage, and a second position thereby allowing the one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly relative the one or more passages to cause the one or more retaining members to be unseated from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Strategic Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley V. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7744301
    Abstract: A coupler includes a first hook assembly comprising a first hook adapted to receive a first associated attachment pin and a second hook assembly comprising a second hook adapted to receive a second associated attachment pin. The second hook assembly selectively pivots under force of an actuator relative to the first hook assembly by an actuator. The actuator comprises a screw jack that includes a locking sleeve to prevent unintended rotation of the screw member. The actuator can be a hydraulic cylinder and the coupler can include a locking cam that moves between a retracted position and an extended position, with a supplemental lock that selectively prevents movement of the locking cam from the extended position to the retracted position. In such case, the actuator is operatively coupled to the second hook assembly and the locking cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray S. Fatemi
  • Patent number: 7699555
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably mounting a rear light member to a body member of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises a locking member. The locking member includes a sleeve-like mounting portion adapted to be fixed to the support member, and a first locking portion integrally joined to the mounting portion. The first locking portion is adapted to snappingly engage a matingly shaped second locking portion of the structural member for retaining it. The mounting assembly further comprises a release pin axially slidably in the mounting portion of the locking member. The release pin has a shaft portion axially project from the sleeve-shaped mounting portion and is adapted to be axially displaced for releasing the two locking portions from being snappingly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Dembowsky, Hans-Ullrich Figge, Martin Jodeleit
  • Patent number: 7686532
    Abstract: A female coupler portion includes first and second vertical ribs arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. The ribs comprise first and second hooks and first and second ears, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ears includes at least one shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom. A male coupler portion includes a frame having a front region and a rear region that is pinned to the machine. A first pair of hook engaging mounts are adapted to be received respectively by first and second hooks of a female coupler portion; a first pair of openings are adapted to receive first and second ears of a female coupler portion; first and second lock members are movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to engage the ears of the female coupler portion. The ribs can be constructed from conventional ribs. The male coupler portion optionally includes multiple mounting locations for mating with different female coupler portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen E. Kimble
  • Publication number: 20100061799
    Abstract: A coupler for an excavator, the coupler having a body with first and second spaced-apart recesses for receiving respective pins of an excavator attachment. A first latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the first recess. A second latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the second recess. A blocking member may be provided that is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it lies in the path of the second latching member to prevent the second latching member from leaving its latching state. The blocking member may be movable into and out of the blocking state under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Ian Hill
  • Patent number: 7674065
    Abstract: A device for locking end positions of switch parts, having two parts, relatively axially displaceable and positively coupled in at least one direction, including a tube and a rod guided within the tube, at least partially arranged in an outer tube. Locking members cooperate with the parts and outer tube and are displaceable into a locking position in the outer tube's recess. Locking members include ring segments chamfered on insides forming first abutment surfaces converging obliquely toward rod axis. First abutment surfaces cooperate with oblique counter abutment surfaces in a rod recess for holding the rod and the tube coupled during the rod's first displacement path and for urging segments outwardly to emerge from rod recess, and to slide onto the rod's outer surface adjacent rod recess and to immerse into locking position in the outer tube's recess upon rod movement relative to the tube over a second displacement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignees: VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH, VAE GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Schnedl, Herbert Achleitner, Josef Hörtler
  • Patent number: 7641415
    Abstract: An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Neil Fox, Brian Richard Clement, Chirstopher Allen Fox
  • Patent number: 7594776
    Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Design Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Steig, Jr., Richard A. Thompson, Robert K. Hawkins, Wilson A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7574768
    Abstract: A quick-release handle for use with the working head of a cleaning tool is disclosed. The handle includes a quick-release coupling assembly positioned on one end of the handle and a button actuator positioned on the opposite end of the handle. The coupling assembly is configured to releaseably couple with a working head. The button actuator is operably connected to the coupling assembly such that coupling assembly may be disengaged from a working head through manipulation of the button actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron Ray Morris, Stephanie Ann Rossignol, George Nukuto, Denis R. Grimard, Carl G. Rippl, MeeWha Lee, Paul Woon, Russell J. Kroll, Mark Londborg, Robert Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7510345
    Abstract: A pivoting side mount (26) which may used, for example, to attach a pelvic stabilization device (21) to a wheelchair. The pivoting side mount (26) includes first and second pivot brackets (152, 150) that are rotatably connected to one another and a spring (154), such as a rubber spring, for limiting the rotating movement of the two brackets relative to one another. A quick release assembly (28) is also provided. The quick release assembly (28) includes a receiver (30) and a body (40) that fits into the receiver. The body (40) includes one or more latches (42) that are biased outward and that snap into notches (44) in the receiver (30) when the body (40) is placed in the receiver (30). A release plate (46) is provided for releasing the latch or latches (42) from the notches (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Bodypoint Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Kosh, John N. Tilden
  • Patent number: 7357592
    Abstract: A clamping joint system is provided for the detachable junction of two elements, of which at least one comprises an undercut longitudinal slot and the other one (12) comprises a receiving space (14) formed therein. The clamping joint system comprises a clamping element (18), which can be inserted into the receiving space (14). The clamping element comprises a housing (42) and anchor elements (22), which can be clamped against the undercut of the longitudinal slot by actuating an actuation member (19). One outer surface of the housing (42) of the clamping element (18) has an elevation (55). The elevation is formed such that it provides a tolerance compensation between the housing (42) and a surface of the receiving space (14) of element (12), when the clamping element (18) is inserted in the receiving space (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hestex Systems B.V
    Inventor: Adrian Offenbroich
  • Patent number: 7284928
    Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly used for hand powered tools which consist of two separate units: a quick disconnect receiving assembly and an implement head attachment. When used together they will allow for a quick connection and release between a tool head and a handle. The first unit is a female receiving unit (quick disconnect receiving assembly) which consist of a exterior cylindrical shaped body throughout. One end being of cylindrical shape (handle sleeve and handle end) to receive a round to oval shaped handle and the opposite end having a hex shaped interior body (hex shaft receiver and hex shaft end). The second unit making up the quick disconnect assembly device is a male hex shaft implement head attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Ricardo Perez, John Oldham
  • Patent number: RE41223
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Norgren Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Dellach