Axially Extending Patents (Class 403/356)
  • Patent number: 11896866
    Abstract: A clamp device for being secured to a bar includes an outer sleeve having an inner surface defining an annular recess and an inner sleeve received by the outer sleeve having a channel that extends between an inner and outer surface of the inner sleeve. A resilient ring and a rigid ring are disposed within the channel of the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is axially movable relative to the inner sleeve between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the annular recess is axially aligned with the channel and the rigid member is disposed in the annular recess. In the second position, the annular recess is axially displaced from the channel such that the outer sleeve displaces the rigid member and the resilient ring axially away from the outer sleeve thereby compressing the clamp device to the bar received by the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: WINFORD LLC
    Inventor: Jason Clifford
  • Patent number: 11608829
    Abstract: A structure comprising a rotor body, the rotor body including a rotor shaft arranged on one end face of the rotor body, a sub-shaft cavity opened in the rotor shaft, and locating keyways symmetrically opened on both sides inside the sub-shaft cavity; a sub-shaft arranged on the other end face of the rotor body, and sub-shaft locating keyways symmetrically opened on both sides of the sub-shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: OVG VACUUM TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi Rong, Yue Li, Miaole Shen
  • Patent number: 11035094
    Abstract: An extender for a material mover may include an extension plate, an inner cap plate, an outer cap plate, securing fasteners and a securing pin. The extension plate may have an arcuate recess configured to be disposed around a lifter arm on the material mover. The extension plate may include an extended-lifter segment with an implement-retention aperture, a first aperture, and second aperture. The inner cap plate and outer cap plate may each include a top aperture, a bottom aperture, and a retention aperture. The securing fasteners may be configured to secure the inner cap plate, outer cap plate and extension plate together (i) through the top apertures and first aperture, and (ii) through the bottom apertures and second aperture. The securing pin may be configured to secure the inner cap plate, outer cap plate, and lifter arm together through the retention apertures and a lifter-arm retention aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Ferguson Trailer Transport, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10399669
    Abstract: An actuator for a flight control surface of an aircraft, including: a fixed annulus for fixing to the fuselage, an rotatable annulus with respect to the fixed annulus about an axis of rotation, an output ring which can be fixed to the control surface, and a coupling mechanism having a disc with translational mobility with respect to the mobile annulus in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the disc able to move between an engaged position, and a disengaged position, in which the disc is disengaged from the mobile annulus to disconnect the output ring from the mobile annulus. A retaining piece keeps the disc in the engaged position, and a rupture member activates to break the retaining piece to allow the disc to move into the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Severin Viennot, Thierry Cartry, Marc Lebrun
  • Patent number: 10161481
    Abstract: A gear device, wherein it comprises at least: a shaft provided with a sun gear; at least two coaxial rings with internal teeth, namely at least one first ring and at least one second ring having at least one first annular segment and at least one second annular segment; and planets engaging with the sun gear, the first ring, and the segments of the second ring, which segments mesh with a particular toothed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Bertrand Sevagen, Marc Lebrun
  • Patent number: 10077157
    Abstract: In a conveyor belt system, a static dissipative sprocket constructed of a static dissipative plastic material creates a path of conveyance for dissipating static electricity between a conveyor belt and a grounded drive shaft. The static dissipative sprocket includes an attachment collar incorporated into the sprocket as a single unitary component. The static dissipative sprocket can include a set screw and metal insert to assist in the transfer of static electricity from the static dissipative sprocket to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: AMF AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kristopher Jon Soderstrom, Chi Chung, William Watson Lavigno, IV
  • Patent number: 9879729
    Abstract: A tubular device for connection to a shaft such that a torque can be transmitted between the tubular device and the shaft comprises a hollow receiving region configured to receive a first supporting region of the shaft, and at least one first torque-transmitting section configured to engage with at least one second torque-transmitting section of the shaft. The hollow receiving region includes at least one contact surface configured to engage at least one first supporting region of the shaft when the tubular device is radially mounted to the shaft. The at least one first torque-transmitting section includes at least one bump which, starting from the at least one first contact surface, projects into the hollow receiving region and is positioned immovably on the tubular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Hesse, Tobias Lutz
  • Patent number: 9677560
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump impeller support system and apparatus is described. A centrifugal pump includes an impeller including an impeller eye skirt extending axially from an eye of the impeller, and in certain stages, a balance ring skirt, and an impeller support insert secured around an outer diameter of at least one of the impeller skirts, each of the at least one impeller support inserts including a sleeve extending tubularly around the impeller skirt, and a flange extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the centrifugal pump shaft. A diffuser stacked adjacent to the impeller includes a bushing secured around an inner diameter of the diffuser flow exit outward of the impeller eye skirt support insert or a bushing secured around an inner diameter of the flow entrance outward of the balance ring skirt support insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Austin Davis, Freddie George Walton, Wesley John Nowitzki
  • Patent number: 9297224
    Abstract: A centralizer for use in a rock drill rig is disclosed. The centralizer includes a clamping member which moves generally tangentially to a bush, in order to clamp the bush in place within the centralizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Teek Mining Solutions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Sidney Rowling
  • Patent number: 9080437
    Abstract: A shaft-locating device can include a cylindrical inner collet having an engaging surface on an inner diameter and an outward-facing tapered portion on an outer surface and an outer nut, concentrically located around the inner collet. The outer nut can have an inward-facing tapered portion that engages the outward-facing tapered portion of the inner collet, causing the inner diameter of the inner collet to become smaller, thus engaging, for example, a shaft around which the inner collet is located. In embodiments, a shoulder on the inner collet can prevent axial movement of a shaft-mounted component such as, for example, a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher M. Brunner, Jason Ives
  • Patent number: 9021697
    Abstract: A housing member for a friction clutch and a method for making it. The housing member is made for use with two differently sized fan members. Two annular raised mounting pilot surfaces are provided, one of which is machine finished for mounting one of the two fan members. Two sets of fan member mounting holes are also provided, one set of which is used to mount one of the two fan members thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kandell, David D. Martinson, James E. Benson
  • Publication number: 20150052883
    Abstract: A hydraulic power unit comprising a rear face and a front face spaced from one another includes an air inlet configured to receive air into the unit, and an air outlet configured to expel the air received into the unit. The hydraulic power unit further includes controls configured to provide a user interface. The controls and the air inlet are located on the front face, and the air outlet is located on the rear face. A coupler for a hydraulic power unit, configured to couple a drive shaft of the unit to a pump shaft of a hydraulic pump, includes a first aperture configured to receive the drive shaft, a second aperture configured to receive the pump shaft, and a hub configured to be received in a fan. The hub is configured to fixedly couple to the fan so that the fan is driven by the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel WEST, Jeffery WEATHERILL
  • Patent number: 8844701
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided with improved retention of a drive key during shipping, assembly, and operation of the device. The device includes a rotor disposed about an input shaft. The input shaft is disposed about a rotational axis and the rotor and input shaft define opposed keyways. A key is disposed in the keyways and rotatably couples the rotor and input shaft. An armature is disposed about the axis and coupled to an output member and configured for selective engagement with the rotor. In one embodiment, the key and a support member in the device are shaped in a complementary fashion to limit radial and axial movement of the key. In another embodiment, an axial end of the key or rotor is deformed to axially align the axial ends of the key and rotor and limit axial movement of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventor: James A. Pardee
  • Patent number: 8844519
    Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Abengoa Solar LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Marcotte, Kenneth Biggio, Edmund Kenneth May
  • Patent number: 8757887
    Abstract: A bearing device for a wheel prevents backlash in a circumferential direction and has excellent workability for connecting a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The bearing device includes a recess-projection fitting structure in which the hub wheel and a shaft section, which is fitted in a hole of the hub wheel of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, are unitized together. In the recess-projection fitting structure, entire fitting regions among projections on the outer surface of the shaft section of the outer joint member and recesses, which fit on the projections, are brought into intimate contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Torii, Hiroshi Kawamura, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Tohru Nakagawa, Yuichi Asano, Mitsuru Umekida, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami
  • Publication number: 20140154005
    Abstract: In a shaft coupling structure in which a second shaft is inserted into a cylindrical portion provided in a first shaft to be coupled with each other, with a bush being interposed between an inner circumference of the first shaft and an outer circumference of the second shaft, the first shaft and the second shaft are coupled with each other by a combination of a key coupling and a clamp coupling; the first shaft has a keyway with which the key engages and a shaft slit which is formed in the cylindrical portion by cutting off a portion thereof in the axial direction; and a fastener for the clamp coupling is mounted on a portion of an outer circumference of the first shaft in which the shaft slit is formed and the bush has a bush slit which corresponds to the keyway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi NISHIBE, Tetsuzo ISHIKAWA, Sakae MITSUFUJI, Yoshitaka SHIZU, Yuichi NISHITANI
  • Patent number: 8716676
    Abstract: A device is described that allows for the insertion and removal of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) specimen stage and insertion rod into and out of a vacuum chamber. The device can be configured to accommodate specimen stage and insertion rods manufactured by all TEM producers. The device has a side-entry slot for accepting the cylindrical stage rod and a locking mechanism, such that unwanted contact with the specimen and the specimen stage itself is avoided during entry and exit from the plasma vacuum chamber. The devices hold said specimen stage and insertion rod in position during the process of plasma cleaning in a vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: XEI Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: George Safar
  • Publication number: 20130330125
    Abstract: A connector fitting jig for attaching and detaching a first housing and a second housing to and from each other by a low insertion and separation force, includes a cylindrical-shaped jig body, an inner cylinder member and a screw shaft. The inner cylinder member is inserted in the jig body and is held to be relatively movable only in an axial direction. The screw shaft is screwed with a threaded portion formed on an inner cylinder inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member, and is held to be rotatable relative to a body other end of the jig body, but not to be relatively movable in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Osamu Oshita
  • Patent number: 8449215
    Abstract: A hub and shaft assembly includes a shaft having a portion with an enlarged diameter outer surface, a hub having an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of the shaft, and a first fastening device positioned within a first opening formed in the engaged outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the hub along lengths of the shaft and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Alphatech, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Lissy
  • Publication number: 20130004236
    Abstract: A hub and shaft assembly includes a shaft having a portion with an enlarged diameter outer surface, a hub having an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of the shaft, and a first fastening device positioned within a first opening formed in the engaged outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the hub along lengths of the shaft and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALPHATECH, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Lissy
  • Patent number: 8267615
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism includes a transmission shaft, an adjustment member, a transmission member, a key, and a fastening member. The transmission shaft forms a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, and axially defines an assembly groove between the two threaded portions. An adjustment member receives the first threaded portion. The transmission member is sleeved on the transmission shaft, and defines a receiving groove. The key is wedge-shaped. The key is partially received in the assembly groove of the transmission shaft, and partially received in the receiving groove of the transmission member. The fastening member engages the second threaded portion, and drives the key to resist the adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guo-Qing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120099926
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hub and shaft assembly. The assembly includes a shaft having an outer surface, a hub having an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of the shaft, and a first fastening device positioned within a first opening formed in the engaged outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the hub along lengths of the shaft and the hub. A method of securing a hub to a shaft is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ALPHATECH, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Lissy
  • Patent number: 8152404
    Abstract: A construction element in the form of an openable clamping element (1) being applicable to a primary object and including at least one clamping element (1) surrounding the primary object and a locking element, characterized in that the clamping element (1) contains at least one partition slot being a parting line of the clamping element, and a locking bar (8) being introducible into the slot, whereby the slot is oriented in parallel to the through going axis of the clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pin2Pin AB
    Inventor: Tomas Berg
  • Patent number: 8079789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool coupling for connecting a tool carrier which can be driven in a rotating manner, in particular a milling tool with a machine spindle or an adapter connected to a spindle, wherein four drivers in a crosswise formation are provided for transmitting torque between the said parts and in the clamping state engage in four recesses. To allow the tool coupling to be easily operated and to be of a simple construction, and also to counteract undesired jamming, it is proposed that the drivers respectively have on the side transmitting the torque a planar face which lies with full surface-area contact against a wall of a groove-shaped recess in the clamping state, that on the opposite side the driver has a smaller positively or frictionally engaging contact with the wall there of the groove-shaped recess and that a quick-acting clamping device is providing for the axial clamping of the tool carrier and the spindle or an adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kennametal Widia Produktions GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Heinloth, Walter Thurnwald
  • Publication number: 20110268498
    Abstract: A preform having a shape including a surface for bearing against a flatted shaft and a surface approximating the shape of a cylindrical portion of an exterior lateral surface of the shaft and having a protrusion thereon which is generally complementary to a keyway in a fixture to be attached to the shaft forms a universal substitute for conventional key and keyway joints between a shaft and a fixture. The joint formed using the preform is stronger, more robust and more resistant to damage and/or wear during use than a key and keyway joint while formation as a preform allows application to a wider variety of applications while facilitating repairs and allowing repairs to be performed in the field with easily portable hand or power tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Randall Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110052316
    Abstract: A spline shaft assembly includes a rotatable shaft extending along an axial direction and having an outer surface, and a plurality of first grooves formed in the outer surface. A transmission module is formed with a through hole and has an inner surface defining the through hole, and a plurality of axially extending second grooves formed in the inner surface. Each of the first and second grooves is defined by a semi-circular groove-defining wall. The rotatable shaft extends through the through hole. A spline key set has a plurality of cylindrical keys extending along the axial direction and disposed between and engaging the first grooves and the second grooves, and at least two positioning members connected to the transmission module and associated with the cylindrical keys such that the transmission module and the cylindrical keys are co-rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Feng-Tien CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100143030
    Abstract: A shaft antiseizing type sprocket in which seizing liable to occur in the contact portion between the sprocket and the sprocket shaft is completely avoided for a long period of use. Effecting replacement is possible without use of a special-purpose removing tool or a fixing tool with a rotating body. The shaft antiseizing type sprocket has a boss portion which is integrally molded with a sprocket tooth portion. The boss has a shaft bore, the inner circumferential surface of which is adapted to be fixed to a sprocket shaft. A solid lubricant is embedded in the boss portion, and is disposed in a partially exposed state toward the shaft bore inner circumferential surface of the boss portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7390139
    Abstract: A minimal volume boss may be formed as key and keyway assembly defining a shaft along the interface between the two pieces. A threaded fastener may be threaded into the shaft to lock the two pieces together. Because the key can have minimal volume, the cavitation spot opposite the key, typically formed during molding can be eliminated on fine surfaces. By properly keying the pieces, rotation between parts can also be eliminated. This helps automated torque sensing tools read and apply the proper torque in automated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania LLC
    Inventors: Raul A. Walls, Jeremy K. Gahimer
  • Publication number: 20070196167
    Abstract: A combination thrust-washer & pin configured unit that is inserted from the flywheel side of the joining crankshaft and flywheel. Bolted together with a step cut gland nut, the dowel pins are held at a right angle to the crankshaft torque direction thus eliminating deflection forces created by leaning pins. The dowels are held in proper right-angle shear configuration producing a strength gain over the standard dowels that are in the crankshaft only. Hole elongation of the crank is greatly reduced in hi-powered engine application that use dowel pin coupling. The thick thrust washer provides a press fit retainer for the pins and as a secondary benefit provides a superior clamping over the previous passive flatwasher methods where the pins are in the crank only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Russ
  • Patent number: 7037203
    Abstract: An adapter device is disclosed for adapting a drive of a worm gear to rotate an output shaft. The adapter device includes a sleeve having an inside diameter which is slightly greater than an outside diameter of the output shaft. The sleeve has an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of the drive of the worm gear. An elongate key cooperates with a longitudinal slot defined by the output shaft and an aligned channel defined by the sleeve and an aligned groove defined by the drive of the worm gear. The sleeve is disposed between the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear, the sleeve, the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear being coaxial relative to each other. The arrangement is such that when the drive of the worm gear rotates, the key interacts with the aligned groove of the drive of the worm gear, the channel of the sleeve and the longitudinal slot of the output shaft for rotating the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Durst Power Transmission Products, a division of Regal-Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Brandemuehl
  • Patent number: 7013508
    Abstract: A bed rail assembly includes a joint device connecting two top tubes, a pair of corner members mounted to free ends of the top tubes, two vertical tubes mounted to and depending from the corner members, and a pair of knuckle devices mounted to lower ends of the vertical tubes. Horizontal support tubes extend from the knuckle devices in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by the top tubes and the vertical tubes. Extensions project from the knuckle devices to receive and fix support tube thereby forming a rectangular frame onto which a cover is attached to shield the frame. Each knuckle device includes a movable member movably connected to a base of the knuckle device to allow collapse of the bed rail. A Y-shaped belt and an L-shaped retention member are used to secure the bed rail assembly to a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Sung-Tsun Wu
  • Patent number: 6905280
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotationally immobilizing a hub on a rotatable shaft. A portion of the shaft is cylindrical and has a first diameter. The hub has a cylindrical axial bore having a second diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft. At least one axially-extending keyway is provided in the surface of the shaft. When the shaft is inserted into the hub bore, the hub is free to rotate upon the shaft. To immobilize the hub rotationally with respect to the shaft, at least one tapered key having a height greater than the maximum depth of the at least one keyway is inserted axially into the at least one keyway. Preferably, the at least one key is inserted along the at least one keyway to a point at which the maximum height of the at least one key is positioned at the axial midpoint of the hub bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Brunner, Joseph D. Godsey
  • Patent number: 6877927
    Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weir Floway, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Paulin, Ross T. Gault
  • Patent number: 6739794
    Abstract: The coupling device is an assembly comprising of three congruently shaped axially extending parts with mating wedge-like angular cuts intended to cause said parts to expand in a direction of the minor width when a screw type fastener pulls the two outer members together. those angular surfaces are made so the parts do not permanently lock up, thereby allowing the device to be removed and re-used. The angles should be equal so the parts stay put axially when the screw is tightened. The cross-section of each of the three members is in the form of identical cat-eyes, (e.g. two intersecting circles whose centers do not coincide, and whose minor width is less than the radii. The circles comprising the cat-eye are preferably equal. This is the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Frank Roth Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Hamlin Leonard
  • Publication number: 20040096270
    Abstract: An adapter device is disclosed for adapting a drive of a worm gear to rotate an output shaft. The adapter device includes a sleeve having an inside diameter which is slightly greater than an outside diameter of the output shaft. The sleeve has an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of the drive of the worm gear. An elongate key cooperates with a longitudinal slot defined by the output shaft and an aligned channel defined by the sleeve and an aligned groove defined by the drive of the worm gear. The sleeve is disposed between the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear, the sleeve, the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear being coaxial relative to each other. The arrangement is such that when the drive of the worm gear rotates, the key interacts with the aligned groove of the drive of the worm gear, the channel of the sleeve and the longitudinal slot of the output shaft for rotating the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Brandemuehl
  • Patent number: 6568063
    Abstract: A method for improving the concentricity of a coupling between a shaft and a hub in a motion control system. The shaft is coupled to the hub by means of a bushing that may be drawn into the hub by means of a single set screw. The depth of the bushing exceeds a calculated critical cocking length. The bushing may be split and may also be tapered, and in certain embodiments, has a bore of diameter smaller than 0.5 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Sweeney, Robert Bennett
  • 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: 6516895
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a shank including a shank holder having a passage for receiving the shank, the passage having at one end opposite tapering surfaces which define with the leading edge of the shank opposite tapering spaces for receiving wedge members. Bolts are provided between the wedging members and holder to urge the wedging members longitudinally of the passage to wedge the shank in a selected position relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Allan James Yeomans
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020150422
    Abstract: A method for forming a key-engaging part of an axial-hole member and a key-engaging part structure which realize an efficient formation of a key-engaging part in an axial-hole member are provided. A key-engaging through hole is formed in a key-engaging part of an axial-hole member while both end portions of the axial-hole member leave intact such that the key-engaging through hole is bored through the axial-hole member in the radial direction. The key-engaging part is formed using this through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Masahiro Shimada, Akira Yamamoto, Takao Shigemi
  • Patent number: 6447199
    Abstract: A sleeve type locking device, whether it be a hollow sleeve, a set screw configured device, secures a table base column to its associated spider, as within a counterbore, upon tightening of its supporting rod, during assembly and interconnection of such support to the underside of a table surface, during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Berod Tableworks Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard O. Berkowitz, Elliott W. Baum, Lucian N. Chirea, Robert J. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6431654
    Abstract: An extendable rotor arm for a mining machine includes a rotor arm having an end portion, a sleeve removably secured on at least part of the end portion, a rotor arm extension having an internal opening in which the sleeve and the end portion of the rotor arm are axially slidably received and nonrotatable, and a seal between an internal surface of the internal opening of the rotor arm extension and the sleeve. Methods of repairing an extendable rotor arm for a mining machine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Eimco LLC
    Inventor: Maurice K. LeBegue
  • Patent number: 6386066
    Abstract: A variable stroke crankshaft assembly includes a drive shaft surrounded by a sleeve. A crankshaft is disposed inside the drive shaft with the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A gear projecting outwardly from the crankshaft through a window in a drive shaft engages angled gear teeth on the inner surface of the sleeve allowing sliding movement of the sleeve relative to the drive shaft to rotate the crankshaft. A crankpin is attached to the crankshaft but offset from the rotational axis of the crankshaft. Rotational movement of the crankshaft with respect to the drive shaft thus pivots the crankpin with respect to the rotational axis of the drive shaft creating a crank stroke that may be varied by sliding the sleeve back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Allen M. Shotwell
  • Patent number: 6328361
    Abstract: A garden tool of the type having a shaft handle includes a tool with a handle socket provided with an array of teeth to interengage an array of teeth formed on a lug fastened on the handle shaft so that when the end of the shaft is inserted into the handle socket on the tool, the teeth of the socket will mesh with the teeth of the lug to anchor the shaft in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Spear
  • Patent number: 6152849
    Abstract: A friction roller type continuously variable transmission comprises input and output discs arranged on a common axis; friction rollers each being operatively interposed between the input and output discs to transmit torque therebetween; supporting members each rotatably supporting the friction roller and having a shaft extending therefrom; servo-pistons each including a hollow boss portion which has the shaft of the corresponding supporting member slidably received therein, the hollow boss portion being capable of pushing the corresponding supporting member to pivot the corresponding friction roller to continuously change a speed ratio between the input and output discs; and links each connecting corresponding ends of the supporting members to suppress displacement of each friction roller which would occur when the friction roller is applied with a certain thrust from the input and output discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Masaki Nakano, Jun Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6116807
    Abstract: A socket pivotally retains the end of a rod that is inserted axially into the socket from either axial direction comprises a lever and two annular retaining clips. One clip is inserted into a hole in the lever from one side and the second clip is inserted into the first clip from an opposite side. The second clip has two sets of fingers at opposite ends that have lugs that engage an internal collar of the first clip to retain the clips in assembly with the lever. The second clip also has two more sets of finger at opposite ends that have catches that engage indents in the rod end to retain the rod end in the socket. The catches and indents are shaped so that the rod end can be inserted into the socket from either axial direction and retained in the socket irrespective of the axial direction of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Adam Dzurko, Frank Joseph Arabia, Jr., Donald Michael Perkins
  • 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: 5988931
    Abstract: A motor and generator coupling device including a coupler having a generally cylindrical configuration. The coupler has an inner end and an outer end. The outer end has three studs extending outwardly therefrom. The three studs are dimensioned and are aligned for extending within three holes within a drive disc hub of a generator. A circular flange is secured to an outer wall of the generator and is disposed over the inner end of the coupler. A hydraulic motor is secured to the circular flange in communication with the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: James L. Otwell
    Inventor: James L. Otwell