Including Separably Interposed Key Patents (Class 403/355)
  • Patent number: 6881111
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coupler for rotationally and/or axially securing two shafts together while permitting rapid angular adjustment between the shafts. The coupler includes a first component mountable to a first section of the paddle and a second component mountable to a second section of the paddle. The first component includes a receptacle, and the second component includes a protrusion operable to extend into the receptacle to position the first component relative to the second component and to prevent the first component from turning relative to the second component. To turn and reposition one of the components relative to the other component, the second component is axially movable relative to the first component. The coupler may also include a retainer to prevent the first component from inadvertently being repositioned relative to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Werner Paddles
    Inventors: Andrew Richard Bridge, Jon W. Stamm
  • Patent number: 6851886
    Abstract: A knee joint assembly for an agricultural implement or a vehicle includes a relatively short knee casting with an apertured end of rectangular cross section which is inserted in a mating steel knee tube. The apertures in the casting end align with beveled apertures in the side walls of the knee tube. Steel pins of length approximately equal to the spacing of the side walls are pressed into the casting through the beveled apertures. Groove welds then secure the steel pins to the knee tube. The casting is relatively small and does not require any welding. Inexpensive ductile iron and common steel tubes can be used for most or all of the assemblies on a machine. The apertured end of the casting includes concave walls to accommodate knee tube concavity and weld flash on the inside of the knee tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jack Conan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040170472
    Abstract: A knee joint assembly for an agricultural implement or a vehicle includes a relatively short knee casting with an apertured end of rectangular cross section which is inserted in a mating steel knee tube. The apertures in the casting end align with beveled apertures in the side walls of the knee tube. Steel pins of length approximately equal to the spacing of the side walls are pressed into the casting through the beveled apertures. Groove welds then secure the steel pins to the knee tube. The casting is relatively small and does not require any welding. Inexpensive ductile iron and common steel tubes can be used for most or all of the assemblies on a machine. The apertured end of the casting includes concave walls to accommodate knee tube concavity and weld flash on the inside of the knee tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Conan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6776553
    Abstract: Proposed is a connecting point between two tool parts with a device, comprising an elastic element, for effecting a defined angular position of rotation between the tool parts. Said connecting point is characterized in that the elastic element (23) in a first area (43) is clamped to the first tool part (3) in such a manner that in connecting the tool parts (3, 7) a second area (25) projects into the path of motion of the second tool part (7) so that it is deflected by said tool part and is deformed reversibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: MaPal Fabrik für Präzisionwerkzeuge Dr. Kress KG
    Inventor: Dieter Kress
  • Patent number: 6752560
    Abstract: A submersible pump assembly having first and second components that are coupled together has a removable externally splined sleeve. A key is located in the keyway between the shaft sleeve and the shaft for transmitting torque. A threaded fastener secures to a threaded hole extending inward from an end face of the shaft end coaxial with an axis of the shaft end. The fastener has a head that engages an outward facing shoulder of the shaft sleeve to releasably secure the shaft sleeve to the shaft. A coupling sleeve has internal splines that engage the external splined section of the shaft sleeve. The coupling sleeve is in engagement with a shaft end assembly of the second component for transmitting torque between the shafts of the first and second components. The head that of the fastener transmits axial loads between the shafts of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Terry W. Shafer, John Jay Mack
  • Patent number: 6735890
    Abstract: A wear assembly includes an adapter with a nose, a wear member with a socket to receive the nose, and a lock to secure the wear member to the adapter. The nose and socket include complementary rails and grooves that vertically diverge as they extend from the front of the nose. The lock can have a tapered construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Carpenter, Robert S. Fleck, Terry L. Briscoe, Daniel R. Danks, Venkat R. Gaurav, Larren F. Jones
  • Patent number: 6644887
    Abstract: A device for connecting a towed pipe to a towing apparatus, for example a percussion boring machine or a towing head, comprises an adapter sleeve adapted to the towing apparatus and a towed pipe of which the connecting end is, for example, provided with longitudinal slits and accordingly can be changed in diameter, and locking means by which the adapter sleeve and the towed pipe can be connected together in a sufficiently tension-resistant manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen
    Inventor: Alfons Hesse
  • Patent number: 6540431
    Abstract: A connector support structure including first and second connectors is disclosed. The first connector is supported by a part to be assembled. The second connector is to be fitted with the first connector. The first connector includes a first connector body and a plurality of rotary members. The first connector body has projections. The rotary members include rear engagement projections and cut-out parts for provisionally fastening engagement with the projections of the first connector body. The part to be assembled includes an engagement panel including cut-out parts for receiving the rear engagement projections while the projections of the first connector body are in provisionally fastening engagement with the cut-out parts of the rotary members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okabe, Kenji Oishi
  • Patent number: 6481917
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing movement of a wheel on a shaft comprises a nut concentrically disposed on the shaft. A spring is disposed on the shaft and is operatively adjacent to the nut such that the spring can be biased towards the wheel. A first clamping ring is concentrically disposed on the wheel, with the first clamping ring being operatively adjacent the spring. A second clamping ring is operatively adjacent to the side of the wheel that is opposite to the first clamping ring, and a raceway is disposed between the shaft and wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Chen, Phil Oyoung
  • Patent number: 6478504
    Abstract: A hub for a pulley, gear, or wheel is formed with an integral key or other integral means for preventing relative rotation and with an integral stop for positioning the hub axially on a shaft. The hub has a generally cylindrical opening for a shaft, an integral key extending inwardly into the shaft opening along at least part of the shaft opening for engaging a keyway in the shaft, and an integral mechanical stop covering at least a portion of one end of the shaft opening. The integral key preferably extends the entire length of the shaft opening. The mechanical stop preferably has an opening which is disposed at least around one end of the integral key. The mechanical stop serves to position the pulley, gear, or wheel precisely with respect to the end of a shaft when the pulley, gear, or wheel is assembled onto the shaft. The keyed hub is manufactured by powder metallurgy. One or more body plates are welded to the formed hub to form a pulley, gear, or wheel, or the hub is pressed into a body plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Vermont Ware, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler R. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6422782
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for mounting an electronic device such as a sonde therein for use in directional drilling. Such an apparatus includes an elongated housing having projections at opposite ends of the housing for connecting the housing to other components of the boring machine, an elongated internal chamber configured to receive an electronic device therein and having an elongated access opening which extends along an exterior surface of the housing, and a cover sized to close the access opening, the cover having a first hole extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven W. Wentworth
  • Publication number: 20010026730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detachable fastening of a steering wheel on a steering shaft having an axis. The steering wheel has a hub provided with a through-bore arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the steering shaft and the through-bore intersects a groove arranged in the steering shaft. The device comprises a fastening means arranged in the through-bore. The fastening means has a bolt with a head and a shaft provided at least partially with an external thread and has a nut able to be screwed onto the shaft of the bolt. The nut is able to engage into the groove and the through-bore has two oppositely directed radial support surfaces arranged between the bolt head and the nut. One support surface is arranged on the bolt head side and the other support surface is arranged on the nut side. A spring element is provided which engages one of the bolt and the nut and exerts a force onto one of the bolt and the nut. The force aims for an increase of a distance between the bolt head and the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Martin Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 6231265
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, John R. Meijer, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6158917
    Abstract: A pin retention mechanism which prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, such as used for attaching a heavy equipment tool, which provides quick and easy removal. The pin retention mechanism comprises a housing having an opening in which an end of a mounting pin is adapted to be located, and a removable member which is inserted into the housing adjacent the end of the pin. The removable member may be provided with a protruding section which is adapted to extend through a groove in the end of the pin for preventing rotation thereof. The removable member is retained in the housing by a spring catch. In each embodiment, a safety cap screw can be utilized to eliminate movement of the removable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Robert H. Wolin, William E. Wolin
  • Patent number: 6129363
    Abstract: A drill chuck has a body element formed of fiber-reinforced plastic, centered on and rotatable about an axis, and formed centered on the axis with a rearwardly open spindle hole and a forwardly open tool hole. A ring element is axially fixed but rotatable about the axis on the body element and one of the elements is formed with a plurality of angled guide passages opening axially forward into the tool hole and the other of the elements is formed centered on the axis with a screwthread exposed in the passages. Respective jaws axially and radially displaceable in the passages are each formed with a row of teeth meshing with the screwthread so that rotation of the ring element in one direction displaces the jaws toward one another and opposite rotation displaces them away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Rohm GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Mack
  • Patent number: 6109898
    Abstract: A scroll compressor having a compressor housing and an orbiting scroll member is provided with an annular plate between the housing and orbiting scroll member. The plate having an axial aperture provided therethrough, the plate abutting one of said housing and said orbiting scroll member. A pin projects through the aperture of the plate and is engaged with the member abutting the plate. A projection is provided on the pin for preventing axial displacement of said pin relative to said plate axially away from the abutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric William Scarlett
  • Patent number: 6106187
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device between a shaft (1) and a body (3) having a bore appropriate for the shaft comprises a pin (12) received in mutually complementary and facing recesses in the shaft and the body (1, 3), respectively. The center (O) of the pin (12) is offset outwardly (as an alternative: inwardly) with respect to the circumferential line of the shaft (1) and the bore, respectively, so that an entraining force component does not only extend in tangential direction to the shaft surface and the bore wall, respectively, but has an inclination so that a radial component is created as well through which the position of the shaft (1) is defined without play within the bore of the body (3). This coupling can be provided such that the axis of rotation in operation is the same as the axis of rotation predetermined by manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Utensileria Schneider SRL
    Inventor: Livio Mina
  • Patent number: 6059486
    Abstract: A key washer for interlocking a pair of concentric parts is described. The key washer is comprised of a flat, metal ring having an outer circumferential edge and an inner circumferential edge. Two or more formations are formed in the inner circumferential edge and adapted to be received on a mating formation of an inner one of the concentric parts. The outer circumferential edge has a plurality of straight flat sections for mating engagement with a corresponding configured surface of an outer one of the concentric parts. The metal ring prevents rotation between the concentric parts. The washer is utilized in a preferred application for interlocking an aircraft turbine engine high pressure rotor assembly and a tie shaft nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Latulipe
  • Patent number: 6030143
    Abstract: An improved locking pin for locking together two pieces of equipment through aligned locking apertures. The pin comprises a steel casing, a steel insert and an elastomer member. The two steel parts assemble together in a particular sequence and are adjusted so that when completely assembled, the insert is locked into the casing with the body of the casing and the insert being parallel and spaced from one another. The elastomer member is interposed in the space defined between the casing and insert, and fills the space between the steel parts. The assembled steel parts are firmly locked together by introduction of the elastomer member into that space. There is no adhesive joining the steel and elastomer members which makes the pin more amenable for use in corrosive environments and also eases manufacture of the pin components. A tightly constructed locking pin also avoids the problems of the components becoming loose or lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Kreitzberg
  • Patent number: 5782125
    Abstract: Assembly (12) to clamp a rolling ring (10) associated with a ring-bearing shaft (11) of a rolling mill stand, the clamping assembly (12) comprising a labyrinth ring (13), an alignment bush (18), a cap (15), a spacer (14), a closure flange (16) and a locking screw (17), means (30, 31) performing rotational clamping by frontal coupling being included between the cap (15) and the rolling ring (10), the spacer (14) having a frontal abutment (33) against the cap (15) and abutment means (40) against the rolling ring (10) and being associated axially with the cap (15) by means of key means (23), the key means (23) cooperating with seatings (25) provided in the spacer (14) in a longitudinally sliding manner, the spacer (14) defining a first gap (29a) of a required width between the opposed surfaces of the cap (15) and of the rolling ring (10) and a second gap (29b) between the means (30, 31) performing rotational clamping by frontal coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventors: Eddy Faggiani, Gino Cattelani, Ferruccio Tomat
  • Patent number: 5765301
    Abstract: A retainer pin assembly for releasably securing a ground engaging tool in position relative to an implement such as an excavator bucket, shovel and the like. The ground engaging tool is configured to fit about an apertured portion of the implement. Those portions of the tool fitting about the implement define a pair of axially aligned holes. The retainer pin assembly includes an elongated retaining pin extending through the aperture defined by the implement and the axially aligned holes in the tool for securing the tool to the implement. The retaining pin of the assembly is operably secured toward a central portion of the pin in positive locking relationship relative to the implement to inhibit axial or endwise movement of the retaining pin within the bore of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: H&L Tooth Company
    Inventor: Charles Clendenning
  • Patent number: 5709043
    Abstract: An excavating tooth for attachment to the digging edge of excavating equipment includes a wear member provided with bearing faces in a socket which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. The bearing faces are formed to widen significantly as they extend rearward to provide broad bearing surfaces at the rear ends of the wear member. The bearing faces are placed between the converging walls and the side walls of the socket at obtuse angles thereto to avoid areas of stress concentration. The bearing faces are further formed in a plurality of tiers to provide enhanced resistance to vertically applied loads at the front end of the member. The wear members are further secured to the adapter by locks which ease installation and removal of the wear members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Larren F. Jones, Robert K. Emrich
  • Patent number: 5702112
    Abstract: In the front head (11) of a machine hammer (10), transversely disposed wedges (18) are adapted to lock the working tool (12) so that the working tool (12) is axially movable by form-restricted cooperation with recesses (16) on the working tool (12). Each wedge (18) is locked in the front head (11) by a key (20), which extends across the wedge (18) into engagement with a transverse bore (21) therein. The key (20) has a releasable locking device including a locking element affixed in the front head (11) and formed by a polyurethane block (24). The block (24) is provided with a through bore (27) and has elastically form-recovering material properties. When, for purposes of locking the key (20), the key (20) is pressed through the bore of the block (24), the block (24) is caused to expand resiliently into an annular groove (22) on the key (20), thereby locking the key (20) in the front head (11) and providing its wedge (18) locking function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Berema Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Osten Kurt Brannstrom, Stig Bertil Artur Fredin
  • Patent number: 5688070
    Abstract: An assembly for drivably connecting a shaft to a bore includes a member having a bore, wherein a keyway is included in the bore having a semi-circular cross section. A shaft is provided which is configured to have a non-interference fit in the bore, and a surface of the shaft is formed with a keyway having a rectangular cross-section. A unitary component is provided, and is adapted to connect the shaft to the bore of the member and to allow driving forces to be transmitted between the shaft and the bore. The unitary component includes engagement means formed on an inner surface thereof which enables the component to be coupled to the keyway in the shaft. The unitary component also includes an integral key having a semi-circular outer surface corresponding to and adapted to engage the semi-circular keyway formed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: David Brown Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Peter Alan Morelli, Kym Farrand Taylor, David Makin
  • Patent number: 5634285
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting a base edge of a ground engaging implement of a work machine from wear. The apparatus includes a base edge cover and retaining apparatus of a construction adapted for time saving removal and installation. A mounting base is carried on the upper face of the base edge and has an opening therein. An upper flange element of the base edge cover has a bar projecting inwardly therefrom toward the upper face of the base edge. The bar is positionable within the opening of the mounting base and is captured in such opening by a detachable lock. The construction results in a reduction of waste of materials that must be discarded after the base edge cover is worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Renski
  • Patent number: 5617655
    Abstract: A pin assembly for securing large earth excavation teeth on the nose portions of their mounting adaptors attached to the shovel for excavating bucket of the excavating equipment. The pin assembly is comprised of an elongated steel bearing pin and a compressible flexpin adapted for mating engagement with and between the adaptor and the bearing pin. The bearing pin defines a convex bearing surface on the rearward side thereof for engaging portions of the excavation tooth and a concave bearing surface in the forward side thereof for mating engagement with a convex bearing surface defined by the rearward side of the flexpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: H&L Tooth Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Launder, Charles Clendenning
  • Patent number: 5588772
    Abstract: A coupling for transferring torque and axial force from a first member to a second member. The coupling includes a first cylindrical member having an outer peripheral surface and an end portion and a second cylindrical member having a receiving end portion. The receiving end portion has an end face with a longitudinal bore in the receiving end portion for receiving the end portion of the first cylindrical member. The end portion of the first cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse keyways in the outer peripheral surface. The receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse slots in the receiving end portion corresponding to the plurality of transverse keyways. A key is received in each transverse keyway and protrudes from each transverse keyway into the corresponding transverse slot. A retainer ring has a bore such that the retainer ring extends over the plurality of transverse slots of the receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: North Houston Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: George P. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5560251
    Abstract: The ball nut and screw assembly includes a ball nut with a radially projecting tang which is received in an aperture in a connector collar for the ball nut. The tang has an axially extending slot which receives a wall portion of the connecting collar. The engagement of the ball nut retainer wall portion or member with the slot locks the ball nut to the connecting collar. If needed, a key can be secured in the aperture to limit axial movement between the tang and the connecting collar. The tang may be manufactured as a separate element having an interlocking slot and projection coupling with the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Thomson Saginaw Ball Screw Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Babinski
  • Patent number: 5553966
    Abstract: A shaft 44, 144, 145 is conventionally driveably connected to a bore 46, 146 by a steel key of rectangular cross-section. Where the shaft is of smaller diameter than the bore, a slotted nylon sleeve is fitted between them and a tall steel key extends through the slot. Failure of both standard and tall keys can occur for various reasons. A unitary component 50, 162, 163 of suitable plastics material or non-ferrous metal is therefore proposed. This component essentially includes an integral key 56, 174 of curved cross-section adapted to engage in a mating keyway 176 formed in the bore. Where the shaft 44 and bore 46 are nominally of the same diameter, the component 50 consists also of an integral key 52 of rectangular cross-section adapted to engage in the conventional keyway 48 in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: David Brown Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Peter A. Morelli, Kym F. Taylor, David Makin
  • Patent number: 5538355
    Abstract: In a key apparatus having a drive keyway, the drive keyway comprises, a first side wall having a planar inner surface, a second side wall having a planar inner surface, and an end wall having a curvilinear "wave-shaped" inner surface. The first and second side walls are spaced apart, and connected to and extend generally transverse the end wall. The configuration of the drive keyway is very helpful in reducing stress concentration in the gear, and minimizing any motion of the drive key in the axial direction. The present invention is particularly useful in making powdered metal gears for gear pumps, such as hydraulic gear pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Burr
  • Patent number: 5469958
    Abstract: A conveyor sprocket formed of a plastic material is mounted on a keyed drive shaft of circular cross section. Within the hub of the conveyor sprocket, an insert, formed of a relatively harder or more durable material, engages the key. The insert resists deformation and helps increase the torque capacity of the conveyor sprocket. In one embodiment, the keyed shaft includes two diametrically opposed keys and the conveyor sprocket includes two diametrically opposed inserts and engagement therewith. In one embodiment, the key does not project beyond the ends of the conveyor sprocket hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: UCC Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Gruettner, Robert J. Gladczak
  • Patent number: 5409324
    Abstract: A coupling for transferring torque and axial force from a first member to a second member. The coupling includes a first cylindrical member having an outer peripheral surface and an end portion and a second cylindrical member having a receiving end portion. The receiving end portion has an end face with a longitudinal bore in the receiving end portion for receiving the end portion of the first cylindrical member. The end portion of the first cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse keyways in the outer peripheral surface. The receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member has a plurality of transverse slots in the receiving end portion corresponding to the plurality of transverse keyways. A key is received in each transverse keyway and protrudes from each transverse keyway into the corresponding transverse slot. A retainer ring has a bore such that the retainer ring extends over the plurality of transverse slots of the receiving end portion of the second cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: North Houston Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: George P. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5372287
    Abstract: An article carrier adapted to be detachably interconnected with a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or trailer. The article carrier includes a connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular member affixed to the vehicle and a carrier assembly carried by the connector member. The carrier assembly includes a generally vertically extending column and one or more outwardly extending article supporting elements. A securement mechanism is carried by the carrier assembly for cooperation with the article supporting elements to secure the carried article within the carrier assemblage. A clamping mechanism is provided to securely interconnect the telescoping tubular members of the device in a manner to positively prevent movement between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Orlando Deguevara
  • Patent number: 5350183
    Abstract: A steerable axle assembly incorporates an improved kingpin securement system for accommodating wear during the useful life of the kingpin. The assembly defines a steering axle boss having a vertically oriented bore. A pivotal steering knuckle is secured to the boss. A cylindrical kingpin is supported within the bore and extends through apertures in the knuckle to retain the knuckle on the boss. The boss includes a cross aperture which extends transversely to and partially intersects the bore. A drawkey, supported within the cross aperture, includes an elongated head having a tapered flat surface adapted to engage the kingpin. The drawkey includes a threaded shaft portion which has an end extending externally of the cross aperture, and a nut threaded on the shaft portion for securement of drawkey the against the kingpin. A disc spring washer is secured about the threaded shaft portion of the drawkey, between the nut and an exterior surface of the boss for preloading the drawkey against the kingpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Noah A. Shealy
  • Patent number: 5316457
    Abstract: A gear pump in which a gear is secured to a shaft by a press fit and by a key which fits into a slot in the shaft. The key includes radially projecting ears which fit into keyways in the bore of the gear, the keyways having bottoms facing axially toward the bottom of the slot. A hot upset at the free end of the shaft clamps the key axially between the bottom of the slot and the bottom of the keyways. When the shaft/gear/key subassembly is assembled with the body and the end plate of the pump, the gear retention elements described above coact to positively prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the body and from being thrust inwardly into contact with the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Suntec Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Frank L. Harwath
  • Patent number: 5314245
    Abstract: An arrangement for mixing and/or kneading of viscous, plastic, powder or grain materials, comprises a housing provided with a housing opening, a screw shaft driveably arranged in the housing opening and having a torque transmitting shaft and a plurality of screw elements arranged one behind the other on the shaft, a wedge connecting the screw elements with the shaft and having a substantially rectangular cross-section with two long sides and two short sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Josef A. Blach
  • Patent number: 5263386
    Abstract: A roller cam follower, especially an engine hydraulic roller lifter, is restrained from rotation away from a position in which the roller rotates squarely on its associated cam by a retainer clip fixed on the lifter body and having a tang with flat sides engaging an axial groove in an associated bore of the engine lifter gallery. The retainer clip is a closed ring with opposite flexible hat sections connected by arches having inner edges that snap into a groove on the lifter body. The inner edges are preferably angled upward to aid installation and the hat sections preferably have squared inner ends that engage flats on the lifter body to prevent relative rotation of the body and clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl J. Campbell, Creighton A. Mantey, Jr., Richard C. Pickelhaupt, Guy E. Giannone, Rick C. Wirth
  • Patent number: 5222688
    Abstract: A keyed spool bearing for a fishing reel of the type having a reel frame body or deck plate, there being a forwardly projecting cylindrical support or hub with a cylindrical bore therein on the reel frame body. A cylindrical center shaft bushing having an axial center shaft receiving bore is inserted into the bore of the cylindrical hub with a portion of the bushing extending forwardly from the cylindrical hub. The keyed spool bearing is mounted on the extending portion of the bushing. A line spool having a cylindrical bore of a predetermined diameter is mounted on the spool bearing. The keyed spool bearing has an annular body with an axial bore therein for receiving the forwardly protruding portion of the bushing. An integral key or tab extends axially and rearwardly from the annular body, the tab being configured to be received in a slot in the reel frame to secure the spool bearing against rotation relative to the reel frame upon rotation of the line spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Zebco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Forslund, Melvin Matheson
  • Patent number: 5207768
    Abstract: An improved elongate key (92) is provided for securing thrust washers to a mainshaft (48) of a transmission (100). Key (92) has a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration having rounded intersections between adjacent surfaces rendering it easily insertable axially through keyways defined between external axially extending grooves (66) in mainshaft (48) and aligned internal grooves (86) in the thrust washer which itself is preferably provided with rounded corners (90) to enhance the strength thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Gluys
  • Patent number: 5199318
    Abstract: A crankshaft and connecting rod assembly, and method of assembling same, including a crankshaft having a tapered end, a crankpin, and a one piece connecting rod having a large end that is slipped over the tapered end of the crankshaft and onto the crankpin. A radially protruding portion is formed on the crankpin such that a leading face of the bearing assembly of the large end abuts the protruding portion. Thereafter, a retaining pin is inserted into a radially extending hole in the crankshaft such that the retaining pin retains a second and opposite bearing surface of the large end of the connecting rod, thereby preventing the connecting rod from excessive axial movement along the crankpin. The retaining pin is preferably a spring-like roll pin that is resiliently and frictionally press fit into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Eric B. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5161281
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the rim of a vehicle which including a buffer wheel head mounted adjacent a wheel mounting device and being pivotable toward the rim about a first axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The buffer wheel head includes a pair of buffer wheel mounted on a drive shaft in the buffer wheel head, at least one of the buffer wheels being axially adjustable on the shaft so that the pair of buffer wheels can be positioned immediately within the side flanges of the rim. The head is pivotally about another axis spaced from and perpendicular to the first axis so as to allow the pair of buffer wheels to swivel to turn the buffer wheels at a slight angle relative to the side flanges first to one side and then to the other to thereby simultaneous engage both flanges with an enhanced buffing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Harry I. Hanen
  • Patent number: 5154097
    Abstract: A shaft unit, has a shaft having an axis, a gear wheel mounted mounted on the shaft, the gear wheel having a flange and a first bore formed in the flange the shaft having a second bore which is a continuation of the first bore, the first and second bores have the same axis extending perpendicularly to the shaft of the axis and also having the same diameter, and damping device having a spring sleeve composed of elastic material extending in the first and second bore and inserted in the first and second bores in a form-locking fashion between the shaft and the gear wheel, the spring sleeve acting as a force-transmitting and damping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Barthruff, Martin Mayer
  • Patent number: 5137390
    Abstract: A connector member for connection to a T-bar is in the form of a plate with a lug extending from one side. The T-bar has an aperture which snugly receives the lug when the plate is applied on the side of a web of the T-bar. The lug extends through the aperture and defines an opening with the side of the web opposite the side on which the plate is applied. The opening faces longitudinally of the T-bar. A keeper member is slidable longitudinally from a locking position in the opening in which it resists lateral withdrawal of the lug from the aperture to an unlocking position in which the keeper member disengages the lug and allows the plate to be separated from the T-bar web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: E.H. Price Limited
    Inventor: Karl H. Felsen
  • Patent number: 5132728
    Abstract: An electrophotography printer includes a drum formed of a non-magnetic cylindrical body having an outer circumferential surface to which a photosensitive material is applied, end brackets attached to opposite ends of the drum, and a drum shaft for transmitting a driving torque to the drum. A connection structure between the drum and the drum shaft includes end bracket shafts provided on the end brackets, a hole formed in the drum shaft so as to be capable of engaging with one of the end bracket shafts, parallel pins provided on the end bracket shafts so as to be perpendicular to the axes thereof, and at least one taper groove formed in an end portion of the drum shaft. When the drum is housed, one of the parallel pins and the taper groove engage with each other while the whole of the drum is pressed toward the drum shaft by an elastic member, thereby reducing the non-uniformity of the rotation of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Suzaki, Tsugio Kikuchi, Yousuke Nagano, Yoshifumi Homma, Kenichi Ebata
  • Patent number: 5073084
    Abstract: The normally multi-part gas turbine engine labyrinth seal outer portion which carries an abradable lining, is formed from a single piece and has a groove machined in its periphery for the receipt of the feet of respective stator vanes. Pins are fitted in pairs through the walls of the groove to provide lateral location for the feet. The pins and a groove liner are made from an anti-frettage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Roy T. Hirst
  • Patent number: 5044224
    Abstract: A camshaft comprising a steel shaft and a plurality of cam pieces fitted on the shaft. The cam piece is made from a sintering alloy material and bonded to the shaft by sintering. The shaft has pin-receiving holes perpendicular to the axis of the shift. The cam piece is formed on its side surface with a pin-receiving groove. A positioning pin has a lower portion tightly fitted in the hole of the shaft and an upper portion fitted in the groove to position the cam piece with respect to the shaft during sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Piston Ring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hiraoka, Shunsuke Takeguchi, Satoshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 5035529
    Abstract: A locking system for preventing rotation of the adjustment bushing with respect to the shaft housing in a rivet shaver includes a threaded hole formed in the shaft housing. Located over the threaded hole is a slot which is formed in the adjustment bushing. A threaded fastener passes through the slot and into the threaded hole formed in the shaft housing. The threaded fastener is retained in position by the frictional engagement of the threaded fastener with the shaft housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Phil Snider
  • Patent number: 5022815
    Abstract: The invention concerns a structure for mounting a fan to a fan motor. The structure is designed to fit a plurality of thrust washers onto the end of a motor shaft supported in a casing through a bearing and to thrust and fit a flat washer on a peripheral surface of a smaller diameter step formed on the tip side further than the washers-fitted section. Of these thrust washers, the most outer, tip side, thrust washer located opposite to the flat washer is thicker than the traveling play distance toward the core of a motor shaft and thinner than the interval from the adjacent thrust washer to the peripheral surface of the step. With the construction, hence, the invention serves to prevent the thrust washer from falling onto the smaller diameter step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaei Sato
  • Patent number: 5018953
    Abstract: The center of gravity of a retaining pin which is struck into a retaining-pin receiving hole to join a rotor barrel with a rotor shaft is eccentrically positioned toward the leading end of the pin beyond the axis of the shaft so that upon rotation of the rotor, the pin is forced to thrust toward the bottom of the hole by the centrifugal force, thereby preventing the pin from pulling out of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetsugu Matsubara, Yuichi Iguchi, Shinya Tanaka, Kazuya Miyashita
  • Patent number: H1647
    Abstract: A coupling for a torsional drive includes a rotatable shaft, an outer surface of which has a keyway comprising a half-round groove. A rotatable hub disposed around the shaft and coaxial with the shaft has an inner surface provided with a second keyway, the second keyway also having a half-round groove. The two keyways are alignable so as to form a cylindrical keyway between the hub and the shaft. A cylindrical key is insertable into the cylindrical keyway between the shaft and the hub to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A plug disposed inside the rotatable shaft prevents radial deformation of the shaft. The material of the hub and the shaft may differ, in which case the material of the key is optimized to reduce stress concentrations and stiffness differentials between the hub and the shaft. The cylindrical key and the cylindrical keyway also may be conically tapered. The formed keyway and key may also be elliptical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: William M. Appleman