Radially Sliding Catch Patents (Class 403/328)
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Publication number: 20110239439Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Rpbert W. Maxwell, Scott A. Chasen, Barton J. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 8021071Abstract: A compliant joint capable of achieving passive compliance for a robot in order to prevent an injury to a human by collision with the robot. The compliant joint includes a housing, a cam member rotatably mounted in the housing, a roller spring device mounted to the cam member to be compressed and extended, a guiding member formed in the housing to guide compression and extension of the roller spring device in accordance with rotation of the cam member, and a receiving recess formed at the guiding member to engage the housing and the cam member with each other by receiving the roller spring device and release the engagement by separating from the roller spring device. Accordingly, robustness of the robot can be maintained when an impact less than a predetermined magnitude is applied, while being suddenly decreased when an impact greater than the magnitude is applied.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young Bo Shim, Ja Woo Lee, Youn Baek Lee, Jeong Hun Kim, Kyung Shik Roh, Hyun Kyu Kim, Hyun Seok Yang, Dong Jun Hyun
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Patent number: 7871218Abstract: A coupling mechanism, in particular for medical instruments, having a coupler plug and a coupler socket for inserting the coupler plug, where the coupler socket and coupler plug can be secured to one another by at least one spring-loaded catch connection, where the catch connection can be actuated by a safety mechanism and can be released by the coupler plug inserted into the coupler socket. To create a coupling mechanism that is simple to operate and ensures secure catching connection of the components and that are to be connected with one another, the safety mechanism should be configured as a spring-loaded catch element positioned in the coupler socket.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Sebastian Frey, Michael Sauer
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Patent number: 7841480Abstract: A socket holding device includes a peg component, a holding component, a positioning component, and a spring component. The peg component has a pin portion formed with a recess. The holding component has an insert portion that is movable between first and second positions relative to the pin portion. The insert portion has an outer peripheral wall that permits sleeving of a socket on the holding component. The insert portion is formed with a retainer hole that is registered with the recess. The positioning component is movably disposed in the retainer hole. The positioning component and the recess are configured such that the positioning component projects from the outer peripheral wall for interference engagement with the socket when the holding component is at the first position, and such that the positioning component permits removal of the socket when the holding component is at the second position. The spring component biases the holding component to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Chih-Chien Hsieh
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Patent number: 7766573Abstract: A quick release fastener mechanism for easy installation and removal of conventional hurricane storm shutters over and from a window or door of a structure. The device comprises a removable stud for engaging and securing the hurricane shutters and a spring-actuated panel fastener that includes a leaf spring and hinged locking element to engage and hold the removable stud in position. The quick release fastener is installed and removed from outside the building by actuating or depressing a lever end of the hinged locking element to lock or to unlock and release the removable stud from within the spring-actuated panel fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventors: Edward A. Wolf, Mark Clark
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Patent number: 7690856Abstract: A connection device for connecting objects. The connection device includes a first elongated element with a first groove and a locking portion, a second elongated element with a second groove and a through hole, a spring member and a pin connected to the spring member, and an actuating member adapted for actuating the spring member and moving the pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Praktisk Teknologi ASInventor: Vidar Mortensen
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Patent number: 7682100Abstract: A self-tightening device for fastening two structures together includes a female component and a male component where the female component is capable of receiving the male component. The female component includes a moveable member, an energy storing mechanism and a retaining mechanism. The movable member is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The energy storing mechanism has stored energy for causing the moveable member to move from the unlocked to locked position when the energy in the energy-storing mechanism is released. The retaining mechanism holds the energy-storing mechanism in the stored-energy state until the retaining mechanism is released.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Nectar, Inc.Inventor: John Andrew Duval
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Patent number: 7648305Abstract: Coupler has a safety lock and a latching hook. The safety lock pivots between an unlocked position in which it does not contact a first implement pin receivable within a pair of apertures, and a locked position in which it retains the first pin within the apertures. The latching hook pivots between an unlatched position in which it does not contact a second implement pin receivable within another pair of apertures, and a latched position in which it retains the second pin within the apertures. A spring biases the safety lock toward the locked position, maintaining engagement of the safety lock with the first pin and preventing its withdrawal from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure. When the implement is released, the spring continues to bias the safety lock toward the locked position, preventing withdrawal of the first pin from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure before completion of the release operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: CWS Industries (Mfg.) Corp.Inventor: Robert William Beales
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Patent number: 7625033Abstract: A latching assembly for attaching an accessory such as a canopy to a wagon or other children's vehicle. Body tubes are positioned within each corner of the wagon and each features an exposed annular notch. The body tubes are engaged by latches attached to the four corner poles of the canopy. Each latch includes a housing within which pivoting latch fingers reside. Each latch finger includes button and jaw portions as well as leaf springs that urge the jaw portions into engagement with the annular notch of a corresponding body tube. A latch may be removed from the body tube by squeezing the button portions of the latch fingers together. This procedure is repeated for the remaining three corners of the wagon so that the canopy may be removed there from.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Radio Flyer, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Timothy Seckel
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Patent number: 7585126Abstract: A screwless fixing assembly disposed on a frame is provided, which includes a fixed member, a movable member, an elastic member, and a positioning device. The fixed member is fixed on the frame and has an opening form thereon. The movable member is movably disposed to the fixed member and has a pin to pass through a through hole of the frame. The elastic member is provided for pushing the movable member to move away from the frame. The positioning device is disposed on the movable member and protrudes on the fixed member through the opening, for being selectively engaged with the fixed member at a first position and a second position, so as to move the pin to leave or inserted into the through hole. An electronic device is fixed on the other side of the frame by the pin passing through the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.Inventors: Miao Hung Ling, Han Ying Zheng
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Patent number: 7543394Abstract: An exchanging device is for exchangeably holding a sensor, probe element or tool on a machine or on a machine part or a rotation-pivot unit on a machine or a machine part, preferably, a coordinate measuring apparatus. The exchanging device includes a take-up holder having a first bearing part and a counter piece (22) having a second bearing part corresponding to the first bearing part. A releasable clamping unit (42), for example, a magnetic clamping unit, is provided with which a clamping force is generated between the first and second bearing parts when the counter piece is accommodated on the take-up holder. A locking device having a first locking element (29) is provided on the take-up holder and a counter piece corresponding to the locking element (29) of the take-up holder is provided on the counter piece (22), for example, in the form of a slider (30). With the locking device, the counter piece can be mechanically coupled to the take-up holder in the state when it is taken up by the take-up holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbHInventors: Eckhard Enderle, Stefan André Binder
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Patent number: 7534065Abstract: A device for locking, an electrical device to an accessory part has a guide configured to guide the accessory part in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked the electrical device and a removal position in which it is removed from the electrical device, the guide having a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at the location a force acting on the accessory part moves the accessory part into a safety position in which the accessory part is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Marcin Rejman, Wolf Matthias
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Publication number: 20090101752Abstract: A locking assembly has a base and a rotary shaft which is capable of rotating relative to the base. The rotary shaft has a shaft body and a set of capture portions supported by the shaft body. The locking assembly further includes a set of detention mechanisms supported by the base. The set of detention mechanisms is arranged to (i) initially apply retention force to the set of capture portions to provide resistance against rotation of the rotary shaft from an initial angular position, and (ii) remove application of the retention force from the set of capture portions in response to an amount of rotational torque on the rotary shaft. The amount of rotational torque on the rotary shaft exceeds a predetermined threshold and is sufficient to substantially rotate the rotary shaft from the initial angular position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: HR TEXTRON INC.Inventors: M. Robert Mock, Mark Woodruff
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Patent number: 7510345Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Bodypoint Designs, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Kosh, John N. Tilden
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Patent number: 7481596Abstract: A connector for connecting a windshield wiper arm to an element of a support structure element of a wiper blade unit includes two parallel vertical side cheek plates interconnected by a body. A first transverse hinge pin can be inserted radially into a first recess in the body. An outside convex cylindrical face portion of the body and two inside vertical longitudinal faces of the side cheek plates are configured to receive an inside wall of the end of an arm that belongs to a first category of arm. A second cylindrical recess of the body is capable of receiving a second transverse pin of an arm that belongs to a second category of arm. The connector is also internally configured for receiving the end of an arm that belongs to a third category of arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'EssuyageInventor: Jean-Claude Thienard
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Patent number: 7441981Abstract: A coupler comprises a male component and a female component including an interior chamber for receiving the male component. A catch extends into the interior chamber for cooperating with the male component to axially secure the male component with respect to the female component. A release comprises a slide located adjacent the catch, whereby depression of a button on the catch causes the catch to resiliently deform and move along the slide to a position free of engagement with the male component. The coupler can be used to attach a holder for holding an auxiliary device to a clamp. The coupler has a first position wherein the holder is spaced a first distance from the clamp and is fixed rotationally relative to the clamp, and a second position wherein the holder is spaced a second distance from the clamp and is free to rotate with respect to the clamp while remaining coupled to the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
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Patent number: 7431531Abstract: A quick release mounting apparatus for quick assembly and subsequent disassembly a base having a mounting plate formed with means for securing it to a first external surface, and a fitting having a mounting plate formed with means for securing it to a second external surface spaced away from the first external surface. A connector is coupled between the base and the fitting, the connector being formed of a male bayonet and a mating female receiver, each of the male bayonet and female receiver having substantially inverse truncated conical bodies structured for nesting along a common longitudinal axis. A rotational alignment mechanism is formed between the male bayonet and female receiver and is operable along the common longitudinal axis. A releasable locking mechanism is operable between the male bayonet and female receiver.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Patent number: 7296926Abstract: A mixing implement includes a body having a mixing portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion having an upper shaft receiving opening formed therein and a side opening that leads to the shaft receiving opening, the shaft receiving opening having a drive pin receiving recess, the side opening and the drive pin receiving recess located substantially diametrically opposite each other with the side opening at a height corresponding to at least part of the drive pin receiving recess. A retainer is movably coupled with the connecting portion through the side opening and biased into an inward position in which an inner portion of the retainer is normally positioned within the shaft receiving opening, the retainer movable to an outward position in which the inner portion of the retainer is at least partially retracted from the shaft receiving opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Janice J. Schnipke, Neal H. Blackburn
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Patent number: 7290748Abstract: The breakaway support for overhead lines is a coordinated failure control device. The breakaway support for overhead lines sacrifices itself to ensure that the supporting structure is not damaged. The device has an intentional weak link. The breakaway support for overhead lines will release when the overhead line it is supporting receives a stress that exceeds the tensile strength of the weak link in the breakaway support for overhead lines. The stress causes the weak link to fail. The structure is not damaged and a repair crew can quickly affect repairs. It is much cheaper and easier to reconnect an overhead line than it is to replace or repair a structure and then reconnect the overhead line.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Richard Alan McDonald
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Patent number: 7114705Abstract: A lock/release mechanism for the crank handle of a winch consists of a set of one or more pins that are captured within the drive head of the handle. Within the drive head is an actuation rod, which acts on these pins. Depending on the position of the rod, the pins are either moved or pushed outward (lock position), or retracted into the drive head (unlock position). The actuation rod is moved by means of a lever that enables removal of the crank handle with one hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Donald J. Steiner
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Patent number: 7093998Abstract: A mounting device (1) for mounting a component (2), preferably a Bowden cable, in or at a bore (3) or a notch (4) in a mounting wall (5), comprising a hollow cylinder (6) attached to the component (2) and insertable into the boring (3) or the notch (4), a locking element (8, 9, 10) axially movable along the hollow cylinder (6), and at least one fixing element (11) provided at the hollow cylinder (6) which can be radially expanded by the mentioned locking element (8, 9, 10) to at least partly engage in the expanded position the mounting wall (5) from behind.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Fico Triad, S.A.Inventors: Juan M. Dona-Contero, Santiago Gimeno-Grane
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Patent number: 7066676Abstract: A locating device for a retractable strut of a tent or a closet includes an engaging device, a sliding bracket, an upper strut and a lower strut. The sliding bracket is secured onto the lower strut. The upper strut is inserted into the lower strut and has an elastic buckle therein. The sliding bracket comprises a through hole for insertion of the elastic buckle. The engaging device has a pair of extension plates at respective sides and a stud at the inner center wall. The sliding bracket comprises a pair of slots at respective sides for insertion of the extension plates of the engaging device. By pressing the engaging device, the elastic buckle is urged to retract from the through hole of the sliding bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
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Patent number: 7066678Abstract: A locking method and device applicable to lock a linearly retractable device includes a locking plate in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. In the first direction, the locking plate is movable in a release position and a safety position. In the second element, the locking plate is movable in a latched and an unlatched position. When the locking plate is in the safety position, it is unmovable from the latched position to the unlatched position so as to prevent any unintentional force to release the lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventor: Wei-Chia Huang
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Patent number: 7029196Abstract: A system for joining two components includes a rotatable locking member having a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a pair of diametrically opposed first sectors having a first radius, and a pair of diametrically opposed second sectors having a second radius larger than the first radius. A shaft is attached to and extends axially from the locking member. One of the components has a cavity and an opening for inserting the locking member into the cavity. The other component has a receptacle for holding an end of the shaft opposite the locking member so that the shaft holds the two components together.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
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Patent number: 6923593Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1, 34) for positioning a first element (24) with respect to at least a second element (25) by means of a resilient locking member made in a single piece and having two ends (2, 3) connected by a bar (4) capable of being resiliently deformed in its axial direction (5). The longitudinal resilience of the bar (4) is due to the fact that it includes a plurality of apertures (11) over its length, said apertures (11) being located alternately on either side of a median plane (14) of the bar (4). This locking member can easily be manufactured in the form of a moulded plastic part.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AGInventor: Augustin Nussbaum
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Patent number: 6908222Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Janice J. Schnipke, Thomas S. Donthnier, Lilian Chen, Gongpu Yan
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Patent number: 6811348Abstract: A device for locking a position of a moving part with respect to a fixed part. The moving part is positioned with respect to the fixed part isostatically. The device generates a force opposing the loss of contact of all the points of isostatic contact between the moving part and the fixed part so as to lock the position.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Thales Avionics S.A.Inventors: Guy Meyer, Jean-Marc Darrieux
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Patent number: 6761094Abstract: A hand tool, including a shank having a proximal end joined to an operational head, the shank including an elongated groove with corresponding ends adjacent the proximal end and a distal end of the shank; a slidably sleeve sized to receive the shank, the sleeve defining a set aperture; a set disposed in the set aperture and positioned to bias into the elongated groove, the set preventing sliding between the shank and sleeve when tightened and the set allowing sliding between the shank and the sleeve when loosened; and a selective lock relating between the sleeve and the shank, the lock preventing separation of the sleeve and the shank when the sleeve and shank are in rotational alignment, the lock allowing separation of the sleeve and the shank when the sleeve and shank are out of rotational alignment.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: John Tobako
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Patent number: 6752562Abstract: A quick install positive lock pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disposed. The pin also includes a pair of retention mechanisms located in the handle portion that are moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of a slot formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the mechanisms extend no further than the outer edge of the opening. The retention mechanisms include a pair of plates that rotate upon reciprocal movement of the shaft member to move the retention mechanisms between the locked position and the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John S. Mills, James M. Snyder, Walter Tsui
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Patent number: 6729515Abstract: A latching assembly adapted to engage a mounting member. The latching assembly includes a support and a latching member movable mounted on the support for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. A locking member is mounted for movement relative to the latching member between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is biased toward the locked position. A securing mechanism is coupled with the latching member and is movable between a secured position and an unsecured position. The locking member is adapted to move from the locked position to the unlocked position upon engagement of the locking member with the mounting member, and the latching member is adapted to pivot from the unlatched position to the latched position upon engagement of the locking member with the mounting member.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Tony Nicosia, Cornelius J. McDaid, John D. Fiegener
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Patent number: 6719531Abstract: A ceiling fan blade with quick assembly comprises a connector disposed below a disc of the ceiling fan, and a blade holder coupled to the connector, in which the connector has an embedded hole at the end of its insert rod; a blocking groove on the vertical surface of the connector; a spring and a convex insert member are placed in advance, and a blade holder forming an accommodating groove at an end proximate to the connector for receiving the insert rod, and the accommodating groove has a blocking member corresponsive to the embedding hole of the insert rod. By means of pushing the insert rod of the connector into the accommodating groove of the blade holder, the protruded member of connector is exactly blocked by the transversal isolating plate and compresses the spring inward.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 6692233Abstract: A lockable quick-release blade assembly for ceiling fans is disclosed. The lockable blade assembly comprises a fan blade having one end for inserting into a blade receiving slot in a fan rotor. The blade inserting end is provided with a notch on the longitudinal side for lockably engaging with a blade locking member. A housing defining the blade receiving slot and comprises a blade locking member and a blade releasing member. The blade locking member has a spring biased locking bolt for locking into the notch of the inserted fan blade. The blade releasing member has a spring biased slide slice located atop the housing and abutting the spring biased locking bolt at a 45° angle so that upon a user pressing the releasing member the locked fan blade is released from the locking member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.Inventor: Hai Liang
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Patent number: 6688569Abstract: A clamping system includes a pair of clamps, each of which can be moved along, and rotated 360° about a common grooved rod. A ratchet mechanism locks each clamp to the rod at selected positions thereon.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Sondra L. Weiss
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Patent number: 6676376Abstract: The present invention provides for an easily installed ceiling fan. The fan includes a quick-connect device for physically mounting the fan blades to a ceiling fan hub. The fan blades may be re-positioned from an operating position to an assembly position. In the operating position, the fan blades are locked into position and retained relative to the fan hub by a locking means. In the assembly position the fan blades may be to hung from the drive hub in a collapsed, vertical orientation and then quickly snapped into the extended position during operation. The articulating fan blade assembly of the present invention includes a fan blade hub, a fan blade, and a locking mechanism. The hub includes at least one receiving slot. The fan blade includes a mounting portion extending from its end and includes a tab configured for being received in the receiving slot. The locking means retains the fan blade shaft within the receiving slot upon insertion of the shaft into the receiving slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing, LLCInventor: Jack Russell Kerr, Jr.
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Patent number: 6644885Abstract: The invention is an implement coupling for a loading machine including a connection for mounting the implement coupling at an extreme end of a loading arm and for connection with an actuating arm of a hydraulic cylinder. The implement coupling comprises a coupling mechanism which couples the implement coupling with a complementary coupling mechanism of an implement, and a locking mechanism with a transverse, displaceable locking beam comprising a locking mechanism which interacts with the complementary coupling of the implement, and which may be displaced by spindles or hydraulic cylinders. The coupling mechanism includes an upper fixed hook coupling parts, which grip around upper connecting pins on the implement, and by lower, displacing hook coupling parts, which fix lower connecting pins of the implement when in contact with a contact surface on the implement coupling, the displacing coupling parts being connected with the locking beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Viby Jern Danmark A/SInventor: Kaj Dam-Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6619875Abstract: A connection apparatus for an artificial model includes a resilient device and a post device. The resilient device has a hollow shaft extending upward from the fixing disk thereof to fit with a sleeve disposed outside the hollow shaft. A plurality of balls are attached to the hollow shaft and retained between the hollow shaft and the sleeve. The post device further includes a flange and an upright post. The upright post is inserted into the hollow shaft with the round top thereof passing over the balls such that the resilient device can join with the post device. Once the push lever is pushed with the slant parts thereof pressing the sleeve to slide the fixing disk forward, the annular projection section of the sleeve may slide away the balls to release the balls from the recess ring on the push rod such that the post is taken out from the hollow shaft to disengage the post device from the resilient device.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventor: Jung-Chang Chiang
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Patent number: 6595713Abstract: A system for securing interlocking tubular components comprises first and second tubular. components to be secured and a locking apparatus located within the first tubular component. The first tubular component has a smaller diameter than the second component and contains slits that permit expansion of the outer diameter of the first tubular component under the action of the locking apparatus. Each of the first and second tubular components has an aperture therein, the locking apparatus having a spring-loaded button member that protrudes from the aperture of the first component. When the first component is inserted into the end of the second component,, the apertures are aligned and the button rises through the second aperture, thus holding the components together. An adjustment tool is then inserted through a bore in the button into the locking apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Lendal Products LimitedInventor: Alistair Carmichael Wilson
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Patent number: 6386789Abstract: A quick release ball type locking pin is described in which a tubular body is formed along an axis. The tubular body includes an internal bore defined by an internal tubular wall surface, and an external tubular body surface. A locking ball having an outside ball diameter is received within a locking ball retainer socket formed in the tubular body. The retainer socket includes an external opening along the external body surface and an internal socket wall leading into the internal bore. The internal socket wall includes a ball retainer flange formed by a first outer socket wall section and further includes a cross-sectional dimension less than the outside ball diameter. The internal socket wall leads inward with respect to the axis from the external opening to a first edge spaced inward of the external opening. The internal socket wall also includes a flared section leading from the edge to a second edge. A ball receiving section leads inward to the internal bore from the second edge.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventors: Paul D. Chausse, V. Leroy Chausse
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Patent number: 6309134Abstract: A retainer catch assembly includes a receiver having an inner channel and an outer shell and a plurality of detents aligned on each of opposite sides of the outer shell. One or more spring clips are selectably positioned within a detent aligned on each side of the outer shell. A striker is further positioned within the inner channel so that it is removable from the inner channel under an adjustable force depending upon the relative position of the spring clip. The retainer catch assembly may be particularly suited to a vehicle center console wherein a cover is slidable with respect to a compartment and requires that the cover have an adjustable removal force depending upon the position of the cover relative to the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Hann
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Patent number: 6290424Abstract: A segmented ring mounting (5) for retaining cylindrical components (2, 3) one within the other in a fluid-operated percussion drill tool, such as a downhole rock drill. The ring mounting also has application to other interengaging cylindrical components which are subject to heavy wear or pressure loading, such as compressors, pumps, borehole tools, casings and drillpipe mountings. The retaining ring (5) seats a smaller diameter cylindrical component (3) within a larger diameter cylindrical component (2), wherein one of the components is formed with a groove (12) or shoulder for seating the retaining ring in use, the ring being capable of radial compression and expansion so as to expand radially into the seating groove or shoulder for retaining the components one within the other in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Minroc Technical Promotions Ltd.Inventor: Joseph Purcell
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Patent number: 6276864Abstract: An assembly for connecting a measuring tool to a measuring head moved by a measuring robot and having an output member rotating at least about one axis; the assembly having three supports located peripherally with respect to the axis and defining an isostatic constraint between the output member and a connecting portion for connecting the tool to the head; the assembly having releasable locking means interposed between the connecting portion of the tool and the output member; and the releasable locking means having engaging means located substantially along the axis, and a pneumatic actuating member cooperating with and for controlling release of the engaging means.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Brown & Sharpe DEA S.p.A.Inventors: Domenico Russo, Domenico Sola
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Patent number: 6254302Abstract: A connector is provided for use in selectively connecting an associated plate member to an associated support member. The connector includes a first connector member (1) including a first base portion (10) adapted for connection to the associated plate member. An elongate holding element (4) is adapted for connection to the associated support member and also for selective connection to the first connector member (1). An elastic region (11) is arranged on the first connector member (1) to engage a first free end of the elongate holding element when the first connector member and the holding element are disposed in an intermated rest position. In one form, the elastic region includes a holding zone (15) adapted to surround the free end (20) of the elongate holding member. The holding zone is supported relative to the first base portion by a set of spiral arms that extend radially outwardly from the holding zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Willibald Kraus
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Patent number: 6231265Abstract: A latching assembly includes a first mating portion and a second mating portion disposed adjacent and rotationally restrained relative to the first mating portion. A first cam member having a first cam profile is mounted on the first mating portion. A second cam member having a second cam profile is mounted on the second mating portion. The second cam profile is adapted to inter-fit with the first cam profile. Torque induced by the cam members when the cam profiles are engaging rotates the first cam member until the first cam profile is inter-fitted with the second cam profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, John R. Meijer, Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 6196757Abstract: The anchoring mechanism comprises a guide post lock formed in the shape of a sleeve. The sleeve is movable inside a guide post and can lock the guide post to a funnel of a seabed frame by means of lower lockpins passing through radial bores in the guide post. The guide post lock can be raised by an anchor lock for a wire. Raising the anchor lock enables the lockpins to be moved radially inwards. The anchor lock is also able to raise the guide post by upper lockpins in axial slots in the guide post lock passing through upper, radial bores in the guide post. The lower lockpins are pressed inwardly by means of the lower beveled edge of the funnel.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Kongsberg Offshore ASInventor: Paal Bakke
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Patent number: 6171059Abstract: Easy to attach and detach blades for overhead ceiling fans. A first version has a ceiling fan blade with keyhole slots that fit over flat topped fasteners on a mounting arm. Pulling the blade away from the arm locks the slots to the fasteners. A second version is similar to the first and has a decorative bottom cover having snappable tapered protrusions which attach through the keyholes and into mateable through-holes in the mounting arm connection. The third version has a protruding end portion of the blade that fits into a slot in the mounting arm where spring loaded pistons press into grooves in the protrusion end portion of the blade. Latching handles allow users to manually move the pistons. A fourth version has a slot in the blade which fits about a mateable housing in the mounting arm where opposing spring loaded pistons press into interior wall grooves in the slot of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Bucher, John C. Bucher
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Patent number: 6152643Abstract: A coupling device for use in inserting a soaking bar into a clay plugged blast furnace tap hole with a rotary percussion tool, having a first axial aperture at a first end adapted to be fitted onto a driving post of a rotary percussion tool, and having a second axial aperture at a second end adapted to receive and retain an end of a soaking bar in axial alignment with the coupling. The second axial aperture further includes jaws for releasably engaging the end of the soaking bar, and an impact body for transferring axial impact loads from the rotary impact tool to the end of the soaking bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Woodings Industrial CorporationInventor: Martin P. Miller
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Patent number: 6152645Abstract: A ball lock mechanism has a shaft with an annular groove formed therearou A first sleeve fitted on the shaft defines at least one channel between the first sleeve and the shaft. An opening facing away from the shaft is formed at the end of each channel. Ball bearings fill each channel so that, when the channels and annular groove are misaligned, one of the bearings extends partially through each channel's opening. A second sleeve is fitted over the first sleeve and the openings for retaining the bearings in the channels. The second sleeve is configured and movable with respect to the first sleeve to push the one bearing extending partially through each channel's opening into the channel when the channels and annular groove are aligned. As a result, another of the bearings is pushed into the annular groove while remaining partially in each channel to inhibit axial movement of the shaft relative to the first sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Matthew J. Sanford
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Patent number: 6151754Abstract: A door stop, which includes a locating block fixedly mounted on the wall, the locating block having a longitudinal front hole and two transverse side holes in communication with the front hole, two locating pins respectively mounted in the side holes and forced by a respective spring member into the front hole, and a necked bolt fixedly mounted on the door, the bolt having a ball head and a neck adjacent to the ball head, wherein the locating pins are forced backwards by the ball head of the bolt and then pushed forwards by the respective spring members into engagement with the neck at the bolt when the door is opened to force the bolt into the longitudinal front hole at the locating block.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Ping-Yen Chen
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Patent number: 6152165Abstract: A tire air valve (core) mounting and dismounting tool 20 includes a tool head portion 21, a shank portion 22 and a grip portion 23. The tool head portion 21 has a slot 32 for seizing and holding a valve core head portion 16, an axial bore 33 for accepting a valve core shaft portion 14 and its enlarged end 14a. The tool head portion 21 also has annular groove 34 formed along a cylindrical peripheral surface thereof. Balls 36 are retained in second bores 35 which are open to the annular groove 34 and also communicate with the axial bore 33 through openings 37 of a reduced diameter to allow the balls 36 to partially protrude into the axial bore 33. A coil spring 38 is anchored and fastened in the annular groove 34 to act to normally bias the ball 36 radially inwards and leave the balls 36 protruding into the axial bore 33.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Alma Trading IncorporatedInventor: Takanori Fukuda
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Patent number: 6139214Abstract: A coupling for releasably connecting first and second parts of an apparatus such as a surgical instrument. The coupling comprises a socket member on the first part of the apparatus, the socket member having an axially extending central opening, and a plug member on the second part of the apparatus. The socket member includes a first manually depressible release button and a first locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the central opening and movable radially with each other relative to the central opening when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member. The first locking element moves away from the central opening when the first release button is depressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Endius IncorporatedInventors: Christopher Zirps, William R. Rebh, Matthew Emans