Radially Sliding Catch Patents (Class 403/328)
  • Patent number: 11867224
    Abstract: A power tool is provided with a telescopic pole including a first pole configured to telescopingly move in an out of a second pole. A locking mechanism is provided including a first section configured to connect to the second pole and a second section configured to connect to the first pole. The first section includes a sheath mountable on and surrounding at least part of the second pole, a resilient tab connected to the sheath, and a catch formed on the tab. The catch is configured to locate within the recess of the second pole when the sheath is mounted on the second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11852179
    Abstract: A quick release mounting system that utilizes two opposing plate assemblies configured for attachment. The two opposing plate assemblies are configured for attachment by a pair of spaced apart posts positioned in a male plate assembly connecting to a female plate assembly. The pair of spaced apart posts has an actuator mechanism positioned within the posts, and a series of ball bearing around a circumference of the posts. In a preferred embodiment the actuation mechanism is configured to bias the ball bearing out from the circumference of each of the posts, with the actuation mechanism configured to release the outer bias on the ball bearings. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism can be configured such that the actuation mechanism biases the ball bearings out when the mechanism is actuated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: DQD Mounting Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Tate Halverson, Clifford Turner
  • Patent number: 11813735
    Abstract: A foldable elongate grabber tool includes a proximal section and a distal section that are foldable relative to each other between a folded position and an extended position. An actuation member is attached to the proximal section and actuates a cable coupled to engagement elements disposed at the distal section. A hinge mechanism connects the proximal and distal sections. The hinge mechanism automatically locks the proximal and distal sections relative to each other when they reach the extended position. The proximal and distal sections are biased to open automatically from the folded position to the extended position. A hinge pin is biased toward a locked position, and is blocked from moving to the locked position until the proximal and distal sections reach the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ontel Products Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok Khubani
  • Patent number: 11692573
    Abstract: A frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal frame members and a vertical frame member coupled together via a T-shaped joint. The T-shaped joint may be constructed of plastic to facilitate attachment and detachment to the adjacent frame members and to resist galling and corrosion. The T-shaped joint may also be relatively small to improve the appearance and water containment of the frame pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Intex Marketing Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 11691294
    Abstract: A robotic tool changer includes master and tool assemblies. When the master and tool assemblies are coupled, rolling members project from the master assembly and contact opposed sloped surfaces of a plurality of cutouts formed in a bearing race in the tool assembly. By contacting opposed sloped surfaces of a plurality of cutouts with the rolling members, torsional freeplay between the master and tool assemblies is eliminated or minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Norton
  • Patent number: 11654030
    Abstract: Disclosed is a standalone anterior lumbar interbody spacer that includes a lumbar spacer body and lumbar plate with a unique locking system to rigidly couple the spacer body and plate via a spring loaded lock tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Astura Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Valkoun, Thomas Purcell
  • Patent number: 11643131
    Abstract: A steering column may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis and which has at least three telescopically guided casing tubes that are mutually adjustable in an axial direction. One of the tubes is an external casing tube in which an intermediate casing tube is received, an internal casing tube being received in the intermediate casing tube. A locking bolt installation can releasably lock at least two of the casing tubes to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The locking bolt installation can switch between an internal blocking position and an external blocking position. The intermediate casing tube in the internal blocking position is locked to the internal casing tube. The intermediate casing tube in the external locking position is locked to the external casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Tim Bayer, Simon Blaettler, Daniel Kreutz
  • Patent number: 11635104
    Abstract: A fastener for a transmission part includes a main body. The main body has at least one external screw thread and at least one through-hole. The fastener further includes a first pin displaceable in a first region of the through-hole and a second pin having an external screw thread. A second region of the through-hole has at least one internal screw thread configured to be screwed to the external screw thread of the second pin. The second pin has a through-hole. The first pin has an internal screw thread aligned with the through-hole of the second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignees: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, ZF WIND POWER ANTWERPEN N.V.
    Inventors: Wim De Laet, Jan Aerts, Dominiek Ceyssens
  • Patent number: 11523691
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved infant dining chair including a seat unit, a dining table unit, two front chair leg adjusting units, a front chair leg unit, two rear chair leg adjusting units and a rear chair leg unit. The seat unit is pivoted with two front and two rear connecting pipe bodies, and the dining table unit. Each of the connecting pipe bodies is sleeved with one of the chair leg adjusting units. The chair leg unit is provided with two front supporting pipe bodies including a plurality of height adjusting holes. Each of the front elastic positioners is engaged in one of the front height adjusting holes, and each of the rear elastic positioners is engaged in one of the rear height adjusting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TUNG TZU INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-I Lai, Kung-Yin Lai
  • Patent number: 11472288
    Abstract: According to the invention, PTO connecting apparatus is provided. According to the invention, this comprises a vehicle PTO connecting device from which an accessory equipment PTO connecting device according to the invention is releasable and nonpositively connectable and couplable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SYN TRAC GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Putz
  • Patent number: 11466671
    Abstract: A hinge-type actuator device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first and second paddle, a first and second artificial muscle actuator segment, and a plurality of contacts, where the first and second artificial muscle actuator segments are actuated via the contacts, actuation of the first artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to open the hinge-type actuator, and actuation of the second artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to dose the hinge-type actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: LINTEC OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Marcio Dias Lima, Yang Yang, Luis Plata, Marilu Guerrero, Franklin Le, Randy Allen
  • Patent number: 11421499
    Abstract: The invention comprises an activator ring and locking ring usable to connect a variety of parts used in oil and gas field production operations. The invention further comprises connection elements integrated into oil and gas well pipeline parts, such as washing tools, pack off bodies, mandrel casing hangers and other pipeline parts to permit simplified and secure connections to improve well head operations. The oil and gas field parts and activator ring use a novel design for tabs, slots and fixing devices to secure the connection of production parts in the well head. The design allows simpler and safer connections of oil field equipment components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Henry Esteban Mora, Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 11350743
    Abstract: A modular shelf assembly that is adapted to interlock with adjacent modular shelf assemblies. The modular shelf assembly may include a shelf unit, a plurality of supports, and a plurality of feet. The shelf units, supports, and feet, in combination, are adapted to create the modular shelf assembly. The shelf unit may also be modular and have a shelf body that includes a cap. Each cap may have interlocking apertures that are adapted to receive interlocking components, which are used to connect multiple shelf assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: CREATIVE PLASTIC CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Nickolas Reinhart, Jacob H. Whitta
  • Patent number: 11344979
    Abstract: A build plate-clamping assembly may include a work station having a build plate-receiving surface and a lock-pin extending from the build plate-receiving surface of the work station. The lock-pin may include a hollow pin body, a piston disposed within the hollow pin body, with the piston axially movable from a retracted position to an actuated position, and a plurality of detents, with the plurality of detents radially extensible through respective ones of a plurality of detent-apertures in the hollow pin body responsive to the piston having been axially moved to the actuated position. A methods of working on workpieces may include lockingly engaging a build plate at a first work station, performing a first work-step, releasing the build plate from the first work station, lockingly engaging the build plate at a second work station, and performing a second work-step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Glen Charles Fedyk, Jinjie Shi, Joseph Edward Hampshire, Richard Roy Worthing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11181150
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member and an inner joint member between which torque is transferred through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement. A power transmission shaft is coupled to the inner joint member to allow torque transmission therebetween. A mounting and dismounting mechanism configured to mount and dismount the power transmission shaft to and from the inner joint member is provided between the inner joint member and the power transmission shaft. The mounting and dismounting mechanism includes a tubular member, a snap ring mounted inside the tubular member, a pushing member arranged on a radially outer side of the snap ring to be movable in a radial direction, and an annular member arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member to be movable in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shin Tomogami
  • Patent number: 10876557
    Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably connecting a first container to a second container, using male connector(s) and corresponding female connector(s) attached to each container, each female connector having a recess for receiving a portion of a male connector. The connectors transition to a releasably locked state by moving a locking member retractor to a position that reduces a biasing force of the locking member retractor on a locking member and thereby allows a biasing force of a locking member extender to move the locking member to an extended position against an engaging surface to releasably lock connectors. The connectors transition to an unlocked state by moving the locking member retractor to move the at least one locking member to the retracted position away from the engaging surface to disengage connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TAKIT, LLC
    Inventors: Aviva Warter Sisitsky, Greg Mote
  • Patent number: 10744635
    Abstract: In most homes and other buildings, on ceiling or wall near ceiling are alarm and detectors. A person can push their button with subject tool. The subject includes distinctly-shaped attachments, of the same plastic, all of four types and joining methods. First type, body of 2.16 cm (0.85?) diameter, hollow black plastic piping, proximal looped cap for hanging, and distal inside threading for joining second or third types. Second type, two extensions of same body features, and a proximal connector instead of cap for joining first and second types. Third type, five attachments of two segments, proximal threaded portion for joining first or second types, and purposefully distinctly-shaped portion for different alarm or detector situations. Fourth type, twenty-one other attachments of said segments, the five shapes with either solid, hollow, or screw (fourth joining method) threaded portion for joining either distal hollow or projected part respectively on further-reaching pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: William Loren Stratton
  • Patent number: 10675748
    Abstract: An electronic outdoor maintenance device. The device includes an elongated member that has a first end and a second end. A housing is attached to the first end of the elongated member. The housing defines an interior cavity. A controller s installed within the interior cavity. The controller includes a wireless transceiver to receive signals from a specified device. At least one speaker is placed on an external surface of the housing. The speaker is connected to the controller. The housing includes a handle to assist the user in operating the device. The second end of the elongated member has an interface that is designed to receive a working head of the user's choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Lawrence Angelo
  • Patent number: 10543057
    Abstract: Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Katina Volitich
  • Patent number: 10502228
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods for easily attaching and detaching blades to flywheels/rotors on motors by inserting tab portions of the root ends of the blades into sockets on the flywheel/rotor. Inserting the root end of the blades into the slots causes raised ridges to slide into and snapably lock into grooves, which automatically locks the blades to the flywheel/rotor on the ceiling fan. Bending or pulling or pushing a free end of a sheath separates the ridge from the groove which allows the root ends of the blades to be released and easily pulled out from the sockets. Another embodiment has two free ends which can be pinched or pushed together with a hinge portion between, that also separates ridges from grooves, and allows the blades to be pulled from the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: CHIEN LUEN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., INC.
    Inventors: Zachary Zauhar, Francisco Biancuzzo, Eliezer Rivera, Tien S. Lowe
  • Patent number: 10473164
    Abstract: A motoring system for a gas turbine engine having: a reduction gear train having an input and an output; an electric motor operably connected to the input; a clutch operably connected to the output, the clutch in operation engages and disengages the reduction gear train; and a mechanical shaft fuse operably connecting the output to the clutch, the mechanical shaft fuse in operation shears when torque on the mechanical shaft fuse is greater than or equal to a selected value. The mechanical shaft fuse includes a plurality of through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Slayter, Richard Alan Davis, Benjamin T. Harder, James Vandung Nguyen, Paul F. Fox, Jeffrey Todd Roberts, Jeff A. Brown, Brian McMasters, Dwayne Leon Wilson, Daniel Richard Walker
  • Patent number: 9994280
    Abstract: An auxiliary control device includes an auxiliary handlebar having a handle member and a cushion member engaged with the handle member, an engaging base adapted to engage the auxiliary handlebar and a main handlebar of a bicycle, and a positioning member. The engaging base has a first base and a second base. The first base is engaged with the main handlebar, and has a first perforation, which has a first inner toothed portion parallel to an axial direction thereof formed on an inner wall thereof. The second base is engaged with the main handlebar, and has a second perforation, which has a second inner toothed portion parallel to an axial direction thereof formed on an inner wall thereof. The positioning member passes through the first and the second perforations. The positioning member has a positioning toothed portion provided on an outer wall thereof, corresponding to and meshing with the first and the second inner toothed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Mao Gu
  • Patent number: 9815183
    Abstract: A quick detachable wrench structure comprises: a wrench head portion, which has a hollow operation accommodation room and a top end portion disposed at an upper portion thereof; and a pressing member, which has a top pressing portion and a bottom plug portion, the bottom plug portion is embedded in the operation accommodation room, the top pressing portion is disposed at an upper portion of the top end portion, a bottom edge of the bottom plug portion is against to a bottom end of the top end portion in order to avoid the bottom plug portion taking off from the operation accommodation room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Yeo Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 9752612
    Abstract: A male fastener, female fastener, and a wedge that is adapted to secure the female fastener to the male fastener, and to prevent unwanted loosening of the female fastener from the male fastener. The male fastener includes a shaft that may optionally include a plurality of protruding elements that extend outwardly from an external surface of the shaft. The protruding elements may be radially positioned in rows around a circumference of the shaft, to create a channel between the rows of protruding elements. The channel is adapted to receive a corresponding thread located within an aperture of the female fastener. The wedge is adapted to be inserted into a space located between a set of protruding elements (or into multiple spaces located between multiple protruding elements). The wedge prevents the female fastener from rotating around the shaft in a direction towards the bottom portion of the male fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Albert Tamer
  • Patent number: 9526628
    Abstract: A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: David Krueger
  • Patent number: 9255591
    Abstract: An apparatus adapter, including a first adapter member having an internal cavity with an opening thereinto, and a slot spaced away from the opening and oriented transverse of the internal cavity and communicating therewith. A second adapted member has an adaptation extension that is sized to be received into the internal cavity of the first adapter member, the adaptation extension having an interlock relief formed in an outer surface thereof and juxtapositionable with the transverse slot. A plunger has an elongated open band that is positionable about the first adapter member and movable transversely of the internal cavity, an interlock member that is projected into an interior of the band and sized to slidably extend through the slot of the receiver post and enter into the internal cavity, and a biasing member for biasing the interlock member into the internal cavity for occluding a portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20150098756
    Abstract: A device for mutual retention and disengagement between a shaft and a hub of an articulation fork is provided. The device includes a sleeve that is fitted slidingly on the hub and a spring that is also fitted on the hub. The hub includes at least one radial seat that accommodates a respective locking ball, which can move along the radial seat to exert a force for retaining the shaft in the hub. The sleeve can slide, in contrast to the axial thrust force exerted by the spring on the sleeve, from a configuration for retention of the shaft, in which the annular collar prevents the radial outward movement of the locking ball in order to exert the force for retention of the shaft in the hub, to a disengagement configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Achille BRUNAZZI, Massimo TONDELLI
  • Patent number: 8920063
    Abstract: A blind fastener for securing a workpiece to a machining fixture includes an externally threaded housing, a pusher member and translating elements. The pusher member translates relative to the housing from an extended position to a retracted position. As the pusher member retracts, it urges the translating elements from an inboard position to an outboard position. The fixture has a closed ended tool hole that is threaded to receive the blind fastener. The workpiece has a corresponding tool hole with a radial groove. The workpiece tool hole receives the upper end of the blind fastener and the radial groove receives the translating elements when they extend. When the blind fastener is threaded into the fixture tool hole, the pusher member retracts and causes the translating elements to extend. The translating elements engage the radial groove of the workpiece tool hole and clamp the workpiece to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitee-Bite Products, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Daniel Easley
  • Patent number: 8911012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a saddle retaining angle of a bicycle, and in particular to an apparatus for adjusting a saddle retaining angle of a bicycle by which a user can ride a bicycle in a safe posture irrespective of an inclination of a bicycle when a bicycle goes up or down an inclined road in such a manner that a retaining angle of a bicycle saddle fixed to a bicycle body can be easily changed by a rider depending on an inclination of a bicycle so that a user can ride in a safe posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jong Tae Choi
  • Publication number: 20140259617
    Abstract: A coil spring for use in a cavity, such as in a groove of a pin, a housing, or both. The cavity can also be part of a seal assembly. The coil spring can have a longitudinal component positioned within the plurality of interconnected coils that runs along the spring coil axis in order to increase rigidity of the coil spring. The longitudinal component applies a load against the coil spring and/or provides restriction against the coil spring taking a shape or size different than that of the coil spring retaining groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BAL SEAL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Kompa, Farshid Dilmaghanian, Daniel Poon
  • Publication number: 20140270929
    Abstract: A coupler assembly is shown and described. The coupler assembly may include an insert, where the insert comprises an aperture and a plurality of clips, each clip comprising a clip body and a spring tab. The coupler assembly may also include a coupler body having a core adapted to receive the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VITA-MIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Kanning
  • Publication number: 20140130329
    Abstract: The present application relates to connectors that uses canted coil springs to retain a pin to a housing. The connectors have increased disconnect to connect force ratios. Dual concentric spring configuration allows for an initial locking configuration that can be overcome with higher force and deflection of the second spring. Dual springs in series in a constrained groove can require a high force for connector disconnect, since force vectors may be in a direction relatively close to being along the spring major axis. A curved groove wall can offer resistance to a spring that is required to slide first into the groove in order to allow disconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BAL SEAL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Changsrivong, Rick Dawson, Jim Sittler
  • Publication number: 20140126958
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a locking member, a guiding member, three engaging members, and an elastic member. Three receiving holes are defined in an outer side surface of the locking member. The guiding member is slidably and partly received in the locking member. The guiding member comprises a latching portion. Each engaging member is received in the corresponding receiving hole. One end of the elastic member resists against the guiding member, such that the engaging member is latched by the latching portion and partly protrudes out from the receiving hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHENG ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140119820
    Abstract: An assembly includes a knob, a lever, and a spring clip. The knob includes a substantially cylindrical hollow part having a first inner diameter, and an accommodating groove extending along the hollow part and having a second inner diameter larger than the first diameter. The lever includes a substantially cylindrical body part having a diameter corresponding to the first diameter, and a seating groove formed in the body part at a position of the body part facing the accommodating groove when the knob is assembled to the lever. A spring clip is fitted onto the seating groove of the lever such that the spring clip is disposed in a space formed between the accommodating groove and the seating groove when the knob is assembled to the lever. The spring clip provides a coupling force between the knob and the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jang Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20140079476
    Abstract: A connector assembly formed by attaching two stamped housing sections to form a connector housing having a housing groove with a groove bottom and two side walls. Using stamped housings reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly, among other things. The connector housings with spring can be used as a mechanical connector and/or as an electrical connector for numerous applications and across numerous industries. The groove geometries can easily be altered using different stamping dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: BAL SEAL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Farshid Dilmaghanian, Peter J. Balsells, Majid Ghasiri
  • Patent number: 8667875
    Abstract: A power tool assembly includes an anvil having an accessory receiving end portion that defines a detent bore. A detent is positioned in the detent bore and movable between a retracted position and an extended position in the detent bore. A biasing member is configured to urge the detent toward the extended position. The detent includes an upper detent portion having a trailing abutment surface, a trailing top surface portion, and a leading top surface portion. When the detent is positioned in the extended position, the trailing abutment surface and the trailing top surface portion are located outside of the detent bore, and the leading top surface portion is located within the detent bore. When the detent is positioned in the retracted position, the trailing abutment surface is located within the detent bore, and the leading top surface portion is located within the detent bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Brian Haman
  • Patent number: 8667663
    Abstract: An eccentric fitting assembly includes an outer eccentric fitting which defines an outer axis, the outer eccentric fitting defines an opening offset from the outer axis and an inner eccentric fitting which defines an inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting defines a stud opening offset from the inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting receivable within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Maxwell, Scott A. Chasen, Barton J. Hainsworth
  • Publication number: 20140037371
    Abstract: A latch assembly especially for the doors, seats, or seatbacks of motor vehicles with a latch element installed rotatably in a lock housing to retain an opposing latch part when the assembly is in the locking position, which opposing part can disconnect itself from the latch element when the assembly is in a released position. A tensioning element exerts a tensioning force when the assembly is in the locking position, by which a tension edge forming a permanent part of the opposing latch part is pressed against an opposing tension edge forming a permanent part of the lock housing. The tensioning member is a slide plate supported on a guide edge of the lock housing and a certain area of the plate forms a tensioning cam, which is at an angle relative to the movement of the slide plate and which cooperates with a projection on the latch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WITTE Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Reinaldo MENSCH
  • Publication number: 20140030011
    Abstract: A locking pin is provided for securing movable mechanical components, and includes a tubular body defining an axial passageway. The tubular body has an actuating end and a tapered working end opposite the actuating end, and has at least one latch opening proximate the working end. The pin has a spindle constructed and arranged for reciprocation in the passageway, as well as at least one locking element, each positioned within the passageway at a corresponding latch opening, and being urged toward the corresponding latch opening by the spindle. A cap is fastened to the working end for restricting entry of contaminants into the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Roman Baus
  • Patent number: 8613564
    Abstract: A quick disconnect device for detachably holding a long gun or other elongated emergency tool (EET). The quick disconnect device receives and captures the ball of a ball-and-stem structure that is attached to the EET. The quick disconnect device may allow the EET to rotate about the central axis of the stem, but otherwise prevents relative translational and rotational motion between the EET and the quick disconnect device. The quick disconnect device is especially suitable for mounting to clothing, such as a utility belt or a ballistic vest. the quick disconnect device allows the EET to be inserted without requiring the user to directly manipulate the quick connection device, but requires the user to manipulate some sort of mechanism on the quick connect device in order to release the EET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Busch
  • Patent number: 8469423
    Abstract: A multi-section telescoping pole for manipulating a tool. Sections of the pole have apertures. A pinch safety locking assembly includes a button configured for movement by a digit on a user's hand to a first position by a first resilient member when received in aligned first and second apertures to restrain the second section from moving relative to the first section and to a second position against a resistance provided by the first resilient member and against an elastic stop to permit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. The pinch safety locking assembly is additionally configured to facilitate assembly by movement of the button by use of an excessive force to a third position against a combined resistance of the first resilient member and the elastic stop to permit relative movement between the pinch safety locking assembly and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Crowley, Jr., Gary L. James, Mark A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8454030
    Abstract: An ice skate blade assembly comprising: (a) an ice skate blade comprising first and second hooks projecting upwardly; (b) a blade holder having a bottom portion having a longitudinal groove extending therealong for receiving the upper edge of the ice skate blade and wherein the bottom portion further defines a recess extending upwardly from the longitudinal groove for receiving the first hook; and (c) a single actuator having a wall accessible by a finger of a user, a resilient portion having an end wall facing a section of the inner surface of the second pedestal and a base with an inner wall and a bottom wall having an upper surface, an end and a bottom surface, wherein the inner wall and the bottom wall define therebetween a channel opens to the bottom aperture for receiving the second hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-François Corbeil, Conrad Payeur, Ivan Labonté, Sébastien Dubois
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8366189
    Abstract: A coupling/uncoupling device is disclosed for joining and disjoining first and second segments of a transmission and/or connection means. An end fitting of the device is arranged on the first segment. The end fitting creates a snap connection with a receiver part arranged on the second segment. The device may be adapted for use in vehicles, such as for a vehicle seat, a tailgate, an engine cover, a storage compartment, a battery pole connection, or for securing transported or loaded items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Andreas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8297155
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle having first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle includes a receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The handle further includes an annular groove intermediate the first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle is slideably received in an extension. A positioning hole extends from an inner periphery through an outer periphery of the extension. A positioning member is mounted in the receptacle and biased by a spring to extend through the positioning hole, with a portion of the positioning member pressing against the inner periphery of the extension. A resilient retaining member is mounted in the annular groove. An exposed portion of the retaining member outside of the annular groove presses against the inner periphery of the extension when the extension is engaged with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20120189381
    Abstract: A latch system couples precision frames in a way that does not over-constrain the coupled frames. The position of a female latching device mounted to one precision frame is adjustable so that, prior to coupling, the latching device can be aligned to a fixed pin that is part of a fixed pin assembly mounted to a second precision frame. Once positioned, the female latching device is fixed in position with respect to the pin and mechanically coupled to the pin, so that the first and second precision frames are not distorted when the coupling takes place. Such latch systems can be used to provide a rigid and over-constrained connection between two structures that does not contain interference fits or the resultant deflection associated with interference fits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Scot C. Fairchild, David Inori, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Nigel F. Misso
  • Patent number: 8225569
    Abstract: A foam filling member that can hold a foam sheet in a looped shape stably, without increasing the number of components, to provide improved vibration suppression and sound insulation. The strip-like foam sheet is formed in a looped shape by bending round it, so that both end portions of the foam sheet are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction thereof to form an overlapped portion therein. Then, insertion shafts of a clip are inserted through the overlapped portion, so that the overlapped portion is held in sandwich relation between a base portion and a head portion to form a foam filling member. Then, a supporting portion of the fixing portion of the clip is inserted in a fixing hole of an inner panel and fixed to the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kinpara, Shinji Muto, Shinpei Nishikawa, Takehiro Ui
  • Publication number: 20120134742
    Abstract: A progressive release or multi-point engagement device according to aspect of the present disclosure includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with mounted coil spring. The first component is movable relative to the second component and latch by moving the canted coil spring to a second common groove. Alternatively, a second spring is used to move the second component and relative to a third component. When a second engagement position is desired, a relatively higher a force may be necessary to move the relevant component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: BAL SEAL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Changsrivong, Hugh Cook
  • Patent number: 8157067
    Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard Edward Ruthinowski, Parakrama Valentine Weerappuli, Ian Brewster Hall, Brian Robert Spahn
  • Publication number: 20110271516
    Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, may be described as a socket adaptor featuring automatic conformance to a tube (e.g., the inner surfaces of the end of a tube) upon the application of weight to the adaptor (e.g., to a plunger thereof), thereby allowing the secure connection of one tube to another tube in fast, effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Swift Distribution, Inc. d/b/a Ultimate Support Systems
    Inventor: Robin R. Slaton