Split Or Slotted Bushing Patents (Class 403/371)
  • Patent number: 5993102
    Abstract: A rotary body fixing device capable of mounting and removing a rotary body on a shaft easily and rapidly. The device has inner and outer elastically deformable rings and a pair of oppositely tapered rings for wedging between the inner and outer rings in a clamping position. Extraction bolt holes 4F for threaded engagement with extraction bolts 7 are formed axially through one tapered ring 4. The extraction bolts 7 come into abutment at their tip ends against an end face of the other tapered ring 5 to move both tapered rings away from each other. In an axially medial part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 2 and of the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 3, annular grooves respectively form stepped portions on both sides of the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Michio Miyako
  • Patent number: 5984567
    Abstract: A split sleeve bushing for providing a tight fit between a support post and chair base comprises two hemi-cylindrical components which mount about the support post and are received within the support post receptacle of the chair base. The split sleeve bushing includes external stability rings and vertical ribs extending along the external surface thereof. The vertical ribs are tapered to match the draft angle of the support post receptacle of the chair base. The upper end of the split sleeve bushing includes a circumferential flange which is slotted for snap lock engagement with the chair base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Gollin & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Gollin, Dale W. Mason
  • Patent number: 5971415
    Abstract: A bicycle front fork packing device including a bottom split taper ring supported within a top cover of a bearing assembly at the top end of the head tube of a bicycle frame, a top split taper ring mounted on the bottom split taper ring around the top coupling tube of a front fork and stopped at a bottom end of the vertical tube of a handlebar stem, and a sealing cover covered on the top cover of the bearing assembly around the bottom end of the vertical tube of the handlebar, the bottom split taper ring being moved up with the bearing assembly and the top split taper ring being forced to expand by the bottom split taper ring and to firmly engage with the inside wall of the sealing cover when the vertical tube of the handlebar stem and the top coupling tube of the front fork are fastened tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 5964474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved headset for bicycle in which the head tube and the front fork tube are provided with a retaining ring and an inner and outer tapered bearing socket and tapered bearing respectively. The inner and outer tapered bearing socket and tapered bearing are firstly assembled to make the assembling work more easy and quickly. The headset assembly features a simplified and durable configuration which can be readily and quickly assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Chia-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 5951198
    Abstract: A coupling/mounting system for securing a shaft to a sleeve or hub includes an inner insert or bushing and an outer insert or bushing. The inner bushing has a slot permitting its radial compression during insertion into the hub. One or more radially extending projections are provided about the cylindrical outer periphery of the inner bushing. The projections enter into engagement in a corresponding recess within the bore. The inner bushing has a tapered inner surface that contacts a corresponding tapered outer surface of the outer bushing. The outer bushing has a elongated slot that permits its radial compression about the shaft when the system is assembled. The outer bushing includes mechanical features which permit it to be drawn into engagement between the inner bushing and the shaft, and thereby to exert radial forces for securing the shaft to the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventor: Allyn E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5927892
    Abstract: A fastening device to fasten a cable to a board. The device includes a collar within a clamp that is compressed by tightening a chuck. The collar includes an annular groove in its end that allows uniform crushing of the collar as it is compressed. The annular groove receives pawls on the clamp as the chuck is tightened, and the pawls compress the collar in the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Chiu Teh-Tsung
  • Patent number: 5924816
    Abstract: A threaded connector is disclosed for attaching a handle to a tool head, such as a rake or a broom. The threaded connector may include a central cap or plug and a plurality of opposed wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings are in the form of hollow partial cylinders and are hingeably attached to the cap. The cap is positioned on the end of the handle and the wings are folded downwardly and inwardly to engage the handle. Each wing includes partial thread segments that register to form a full thread when the wings are folded together. The full thread has a shallow taper such that tightening of the connector within a mating socket in a tool head causes the connector to bind or wedge itself into the socket. To provide additional resistance to loosening a locking ring has longitudinal tenons which key into aligned rabbets in the connector and in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Otto Schuele
  • Patent number: 5921700
    Abstract: A transition piece for use on tools of the type having a tool head with a socket to receive a tool handle. The transition piece includes a hollow cylindrical body and an annular skirt extending from the cylindrical body and encircling the body to define a recess for receiving the end of a tool head socket. A lower portion of the body is provided with slots to define a split end, and such insertion of a tool handle through the transition piece causes the split end to be biased radially outwardly into engagement with the tool head socket. In addition, the transition piece provides a smooth visual transition between the handle and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: True Temper Hardware Company
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Haver, Robert Leroy Diekman
  • Patent number: 5887837
    Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
  • Patent number: 5882139
    Abstract: An assembly is formed of two parts sleeved together in a cruciform arrangement, namely an at least locally cylindrical part and a tubular part having a transverse hole into which the cylindrical part is forcibly inserted. To brace internally the wall of the tubular part on the side from which the cylindrical part is inserted, before such insertion a spacer is inserted into the tubular part through the hole in it and thereafter extends along a portion of the perimeter of the hole. Applications include the assembly of two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventor: Daniel Valin
  • Patent number: 5876127
    Abstract: A bearing assembly adapted to be mounted on a shaft, the assembly including a sleeve having a frustoconical outer surface and a bore adapted to be placed on the shaft; and an inner ring defining a second bore, the second bore having a first portion which is engageable with the outer surface of the sleeve and the second bore having a second portion adjacent the first portion and extending at an angle radially outwardly from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Marlon R. Casey
  • Patent number: 5860760
    Abstract: A gripping device (10) is described which has an inner member (14) and an outer member (12). The inner member has a split (20) which define a first end (6) and a second end (8). A selectively operable device (18) is also included to keep the first and second ends (6, 8) apart to permit the device (10) to be placed around an object (30) and to permit the first and second ends (6, 8) to move towards each other so that the inner member (14) grips the object (30). At least part of an outer face (26) of the inner member (14) interfits with at least a part of an inner face (22) of the outer member (12) in a manner such that when a load is applied to the outer member (12), the inner face (22) of the outer member (12) acts upon the inner member (14) to cause compression of the inner member (14) thereby increasing the grip of the inner member (14) on the object (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Downhole Products plc
    Inventor: Ian Alastair Kirk
  • Patent number: 5810504
    Abstract: A tap handle contains an attachment assembly to adjustably attach the handle to a tap spindle over a range of different axial positions relative to a closure member sealing an opening in a wall. The attachment assembly includes a locating member axially slidable within a bore of the handle to rotatably engage the spindle and a locking member which cooperates with the locating member to lock the locating member at a preselected axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Dorf Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Eduardo Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 5803643
    Abstract: A device for mutual locking concentrically, overlapping telescopic tubes which is actuated and maintained by axial pressure. The mutual locking device may be used to provide telescopic handles for floor brushes, brooms, mops and the like. An internal tubular section with a pin mounted to the end thereof is concentrically inserted within an external tubular section. A wedge-shaped tongue projects axially from the pin. Positioned circumferentially around the pin is an expansion bush provided with a wedge-shaped slot extending at least partially along the length of the bush and ending at a proximal end with asymmetrical entrance shoulders. Upon sliding the internal tubular section into the external tubular section, the tongue causes the bush to expand to lock the two tubular sections together by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Quinto Patelli, Giuseppe Patelli
  • Patent number: 5775709
    Abstract: A headset assembly includes a race mounted on a ball bearing rotatably mounted in an upper bowl. A compression member has two semi-annular urging elements each mounted between a steerer tube and the race and each having an outer tapered surface engaged on an inner tapered surface of the race. A cap is mounted around the steerer tube and supported on the upper bowl. A biasing member is mounted between the two semi-annular urging elements and the cap. A sleeve is fixedly mounted around the steerer tube and urged on the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Chiung-yao Chen
  • Patent number: 5765961
    Abstract: An adaptable mounting arrangement is provided for securing a shaft to a hub of a speed reducer or other mechanical power transmission device. The hub is configured having a pair of tapered interior surfaces converging to a location approximately at the midpoint of an axial bore defined in the hub. A pair of counterbores are also defined in the interior surface of the hub at opposite axial ends thereof. One or more tapered sleeve members may be provided to engage the tapered interior surfaces defined in the hub. Alternatively, annular bushings may be provided in each of the counterbores when the hub is to be secured to a screw conveyor drive shaft or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventor: Allyn E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5735630
    Abstract: A striking tool assembly comprises a tool head including a tool eye having disposed therein a sleeve member for receiving an elongated tool handle to perform a manual tool work operation. A flexing structure enables the annular wall structure of the sleeve member to temporarily collapse inwardly for a retaining section to be located in a sleeve securing position when the sleeve member is moved in a longitudinal axial direction into the tool head eye. The sleeve member includes a tool eye mating portion and an overstrike portion. The tool head system comprises a plurality of tool heads each of which is effective to perform a different manual work operation. The sleeve member of each tool head assembly has an inner tapered bore including an inner frictionally mating surface effective to frictionally mate with a preselected elongated tool handle, which may be used interchangeably with each tool head of the tool head system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignees: IXL Mfg. Co., Inc., Mann Edge Tool Co.
    Inventors: Bob N. Keathley, John A. Waddell
  • Patent number: 5735631
    Abstract: A joint is disclosed for the swivel bearing of a casing tube of an inclination-adjustable steering column on a casing tube suspension, having a joint head which is held between laterally surrounding fork legs, coaxial passage bores in the surrounding fork legs from which a longitudinal section of a bearing axle projects into an opposite fitted seat of the joint head, and two bearing bushes which surround the projecting longitudinal section of their bearing axle and which are conically constructed on their outer circumference and engage in their associated, fittingly conical fitted seat. An axial loading of the bearing bushes tapering toward one another is by way of a screwed advance of their bearing axle by means of which the bearing bushes are pressed without play into their fitted seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Helmut Patzelt, Manfred Link
  • Patent number: 5716160
    Abstract: A device for mounting a cushion plunger to one end of the piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder, the cushion plunger constituting a part of a cushion mechanism installed to dampen the impact generated during the rotation of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder. The mounting device includes a recess provided at the end of the piston rod and adapted to partially receive the cushion plunger, a pin hole provided at the piston rod, the pin hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the recess such that it communicates with the recess, another pin hole perforated throughout the cushion plunger radially of the cushion plunger, the pin holes being aligned with each other at a state that the cushion plunger is received in position in the recess, a fling pin inserted into the pin holes being aligned with each other, the fling pin being adapted to fix the cushion plunger to the piston rod, and a clearance defined between the outer diameter of the fixing pin and the inner diameter of the pin hole of the cushion plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industries
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 5713169
    Abstract: A conical anchoring system to anchor one or more loaded, stressed or pre-stressed tension elements (9) comprising a conical anchoring casing and an anchor body (7) fitting into the casing and retaining the tension element(s). The boundary surface between the anchor body and the casing wall is substantially designed to allow free sliding. To prevent the tension elements from being torn out of the anchor body or rupturing the anchor body itself, the rigidity of the gradient material forming the anchor body increases from the site of entry of the tension element at the cone, that is from the front zone, to the rear part of the anchor cone. Substantially improved shear distribution along the surface of the tension element(s) is achieved thereby over the case of substantially uniform rigidity of the anchor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eidgenossische Materialprufungsund Forschungsanstalt EMPA
    Inventors: Urs Meier, Heinz Meier, Patrick Kim
  • Patent number: 5695297
    Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves effects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the outer sleeve without straining the material of the sleeve or the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fenner, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall R. Geib
  • Patent number: 5692865
    Abstract: A novel quick release fastener system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment of one or more work pieces secured by the fastener system. The fastener system includes a bolt and a nut. The bolt includes a shank with a head on one end with a leading end on the shank opposite the head. The nut has a wall which generally defines a bore having opposed edges which define a slot at least partially extending through the wall. Displacement structures are provided on the nut which provide a mechanical advantage in translating rotary and axial forces into circumferential and radial forces. Threads are provided on at least the nut for promoting axial displacement for engaging and disengaging the displacement structures. Threaded engagement and disengagement of the displacement structures deform or release the wall of the nut resulting in displacement of the opposed edges of the wall. In one embodiment the nut includes a constricting gripper which is threadedly engaged with a driving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5683200
    Abstract: One end of a flexible cable of specified length attached to the end of a shaft and the other end attached to a light-weight and disengageable restraint anchor with a wedge-shaped cross section within a tube. The shaft cannot be removed from the tube, nor can cable be cut, because the anchor is located at a depth in tube greater than the specified length of cable. Anchor is comprised of an inner and an outer piece and operably attached to cable via the inner piece. Outer surface of outer piece essentially conforms to the tube inner diameter. During normal operation (random vibration and impact) the anchor is held in a specific location by a low-force radial force means comprised of a metal snap ring pressing outwards on outer piece. During an undesired removal, the inner piece and outer piece together provide a high-force radial constraint by means of wedge-shaped cross section such that any amount of tension on cable will be insufficient to move anchor from specified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 5667333
    Abstract: A shaft-carried speed reducer is provided having an adaptable mounting arrangement. The hub of the speed reducer is configured having a substantially cylindrical axial bore. At least one annular groove may be defined in the axial bore to receive a snap ring when desired. A removable adapter having a tapered interior surface may then be situated in the hub bore to abut the snap ring. As an alternative to such a snap ring, an annular flange may be provided on the removable adapter to engage an end face of the hub. A tapered sleeve member engages the tapered interior surface defined on the removable adapter to effect securement of the hub to the shaft. If a single adapter is used, it may be inserted from either side of the hub in some configurations. Further, some configurations permit a pair of adapters and corresponding sleeve members to be used. The adapter and snap ring, if any, may be removed when the hub is to be secured to a screw conveyor drive shaft or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventor: Allyn E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5649780
    Abstract: A collet assembly for telescoping pole structures and the like including inner and outer collet members. The inner collet member is mounted upon a first pole and includes a plurality of integral flexible fingers. The inner collet member is staked to the pole by deforming small sections thereof into spaces between the flexible fingers. The outer collet member has a tapped interior threadedly engaging a tapped exterior portion of the inner collet member, which threaded portion is spaced inward from the free ends of the flexible fingers. An interior peripheral portion of the outer collet member is tapered to urge the fingers radially inwardly when the outer collet member is threaded onto the inner collet member. A collet ring is positioned within an annular recess collectively formed by recesses provided along the interior periphery of each of the fingers and is pressed against a second tube telescoped into the collet assembly when the outer collet member is tightened onto the inner collet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Delair Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Frederick Schall
  • Patent number: 5647685
    Abstract: The frictional type connector 10 includes an inner ring 20, an outer ring 30, and bolts 40. The outer surface of the inner ring 20 is formed into a tapered surface 23 which decreases the diameter from a flange portion 21 toward the other end of the inner ring. The outer ring 30 has an inner tapered surface 31, so that the tapered surface can face the outer tapered surface 23 of the inner ring 20. The taper angle .theta.i of the tapered surface of the inner ring 20 is larger than the taper angle .theta.o of the tapered surface of the outer ring 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Toyoakira Fukui, Yoshio Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 5625851
    Abstract: A composite guide rail for bellows type cameras is disclosed in which the composite rail is comprised of two rail pieces. A multi-fingered connecting insert has a base secured to the end of the first rail while the fingers conform to an inner cavity in one end of the second rail and can be slidably inserted-therein. A wedge having a threaded central bore is movably disposed between the plurality of fingers and is connected to a thumb screw by a threaded connecting rod, the thumb screw located at the opposite end of the first rail from the connecting insert. When the fingers are inserted into the cavity of the second rail and the thumbscrew turned in one direction, the fingers are expanded by the wedge being drawn therebetween such that the fingers come into pressing engagement with the walls defining the inner cavity of the second rail. When assembled, the first and second rails take on the aspect of a single rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: William M. Boxer
  • Patent number: 5603584
    Abstract: A threaded connector is disclosed for attaching a handle to a tool head, such as a rake or a broom. The threaded connector may include a central cap or plug and a plurality of opposed wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings are in the form of hollow partial cylinders and are hingeably attached to the cap. The cap is positioned on the end of the handle and the wings are folded downwardly and inwardly to engage the handle. Each wing includes partial thread segments that register to form a full thread when the wings are folded together. The full thread has a shallow taper such that tightening of the connector within a mating socket in a tool head causes the connector to bind or wedge itself into the socket. To provide additional resistance to loosening a locking ring has longitudinal mortices which key into aligned rabbets in the connector and in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Otto Schuele
  • Patent number: 5577857
    Abstract: End plates are forcibly fixed on the longitudinal end surfaces of pillars such as foundation piles buried in the ground. The upper and lower end plates are butted, and are vertically held by a circumferential recessed groove on the inner surface of an inside ring which is divided in a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction. The inside ring is provided with a conical taper around the outside diameter surface. The conical taper is fastened by an outside ring externally fitted around the outside diameter surface of the inside ring, to join the pillars to each other. This joint structure is simple, and makes it possible to certainly join the pillars at the job site, without any welding. Moreover, there can be provided a tough joint structure against bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignees: Daido Concrete Co., Ltd., Shintoku Kogyo Co., Ltd., Nippon High Strength Concrete Co., Ltd., Maeta Concrete Industry Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Miyasaka, Yoshitaka Ito, Hiromichi Toshigami, Takashi Matumoto, Satoshi Yamada, Masaaki Tada, Hiroshi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 5571184
    Abstract: A graft fixation device and methods for using them. The device comprises a collar disposed about a central axis and having a threaded interior surface, an optionally threaded exterior surface, first and second annular drive elements disposed concentrically within the collar and externally threaded for engagement with the collar, and a graft securing element disposed concentrically between the drive elements. The collar and first drive element include driver elements at their respective, first ends for receiving a rotatable driver. The first drive element is rotatable relative to the collar for axial advancement toward the second drive element such that the graft securing element is sandwiched between the drive elements to form a unitary structure. The collar is rotatable relative to the unitary structure of the drive elements and graft securing element for moving the graft axially to apply a desired axial tension thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen DeSatnick
  • Patent number: 5570496
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a simple and convenient hose end expansion device which slides within the hose end and is then quickly expanded by means of mechanical or hydraulic pressure, thereby stretching the hose end to a larger diameter. The device is then quickly collapsed and removed from the hose end, and a barbed coupling is inserted within the hose before it has sufficient time to return to its original diameter. As the hose returns to its original diameter, the hose coupling becomes secured within the hose end. External hose clamps may be added for increased security and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: R. E. Joe Felske
  • Patent number: 5564835
    Abstract: A flanged linear ball bearing is provided with a linearly translocatable flange which can be secured to a flange support. A gap is formed between the flange and the ball bearing proper and an intermediate member is adapted to fit in the gap so as to secure the flange to the outside of the bearing proper. The flange is adapted to be secured to a flange support which extends around the bearing proper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Hihaisuto Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Hirose, Kusuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 5562358
    Abstract: A device for clamping upper and lower rims to the respective upper and lower spindles of a tire uniformity machine. The device includes wedge component having an outer surface contacting the inner surface of a rim and a tapered inner surface contacting a similarly tapered surface of the spindle, is displaced axially relative to the tapered surface of the spindle. Such axial displacement is translated into a radial displacement of the wedge component as a consequence of the wedge effect between the tapered surface of the wedge component and tapered surface of the spindle. If the wedge component is displaced radially outward, its outer surface pushes against the inner surface of the rim and the rim is clamped through the frictional force between the inner surface of the rim and the outer surface of the wedge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Masayoshi Okamoto, Toshikatsu Nonaka, Katsunobu Hagiwara, Taiji Orimo
  • Patent number: 5551794
    Abstract: A swivel link, particularly for use for rotative interconnection of two relatively pivotable machine parts (1, 2) or similar mutually articulated members at their adjacent end portions. The swivel link comprises a bolt (4) and two expandable, internally conical sleeves (5', 5"). The bolt (4) is formed with two oppositely directed, conically tapering end portions (4', 4") each intended to be positioned in an attachment hole (3) of one of the parts and to cooperate with one of said internally conical sleeves (5', 5"). A nut (6, 7) engages each of said sleeves to axially displace the respective internally conical sleeve (5', 5") along the tapered end portions, in order to bring the latter into engagement respective attachment hole (3). The bolt (4) is formed with a through-going, central, axially directed bore (8) for rotatively accommodating a shaft (9) having threaded portions for the nuts (6, 7) carrying the conical sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Arne Aarre, Knut S. Oaland
  • Patent number: 5538356
    Abstract: A swivel link, especially for use in rotatable interconnection of two relatively pivotable machine members (1) at the adjacent end portions. One (1) of the two members may be bifurcated to embrace the other member and formed with two aligned swivel link attachment holes (2). The swivel link comprises a bolt (3) and two expandable, internally conical sleeves (5). In the area of each cone sleeve (5), the bolt (3) has a correspondingly conical portion (3"). A coaxial threaded end trunnion (3") at each end of the bolt (3) mounts a tightening nut (4) adapted for axially directed displacement of the adjacent cone sleeve (5) into the space between the attachment hole wall (2) and the conical portion (3") of the bolt (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Arne Aarre, Knut S. Oaland
  • Patent number: 5536105
    Abstract: A device for tight fixing a rotary body such as a gear and a pulley, to a rotary shaft such as a motor shaft and a transmitting shaft, provides a slippage between the rotary body and the rotary shaft when an over-load occurs to the rotary body. A groove portion is formed either at the inner surface of a mounting hole in the center of the rotary body or at the outer surface of the rotary shaft, in which a pair of key members having a tapered contact surface are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft. A clamping bolt going through one of key members is screwed into the other key member, and pressed to both key members. Due to the pressure from the clamping bolt, each key member is displaced outward as guided by the tapered surface. One of key members makes a contact with the inner surface of the mounting hole or rotary body, and at the same time, the other begins to press the outer surface of the rotary shaft, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Myotoku, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Ise
  • Patent number: 5517878
    Abstract: A lightweight handlebar/steerer locking mechanism for use on road and mountain bicycles. The invention provides higher fatigue and impact resistance, lower material and production costs, and improved adjustability, compared to prior art designs, all at a reduced weight.The superior structural performance of the invention is provided by a unique, 3-dimensional, sliding, compression wedge. The 3-dimension wedge improves the stress distributions within the device my introducing a more uniform wedging (locking) action on the circumference of the steerer tube. This allows the mating parts to be designed lighter, thereby reducing the total weight of the assembly. The configuration of the design also lends itself to modern metal working methods. This further improves the strength of the parts by increasing the material allowables. Also, these metal working operations help to reduce material scrap, thus reducing material costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Klein Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Gary G. Klein, Darrell W. Voss
  • Patent number: 5511895
    Abstract: The adaptor for locking the internal components of a torque converter including a mandrel or pin having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the mandrel extends into a torque converter opening to engage the internal components of the torque converter. A collet of the torque converter circumscribes the mandrel during this extension. An intermediate element having a hollow end portion is capable of fitting over the collet and the second end portion of the mandrel. An intermediate element is fastened or fixed to the mandrel which may be interchangeable, dependant upon the particular torque converter being stabilized. A bushing is interposed the intermediate element and the collet and maintained in this position such that the open hollow end portion of the intermediate element, the bushing, and the collet are sandwiched together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Torque Converter Rebuilding, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Myers
  • Patent number: 5499885
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining a first structural element, having a passageway formed therein which opens to the exterior thereof, to a second element. A plurality of members are assembled into a joining device which is then nested inside of the passageway. The members are then moved with respect to each other to enlarge the size of the joining device so that the members engage the wall of the passageway in supporting contact therewith. The members of the enlarged joining device are then secured together into a unitary support block, with the members in supporting contact with the passageway wall. The unitary support block is connected to the second element. Unique member components, member securing means, member moving means, and the like form a new and useful apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: William A. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5496127
    Abstract: A tensioning device is so constructed that even thin-wall parts to be clamped can be secured and clamped reliably radially as to a driving shaft. During tensioning procedure, radial forces need not be taken up by a part to be clamped. For this purpose a force taking-up part is provided which is seated in a region of tensioning cones upon this part to be clamped or secured. For this reason very thin-wall construction can be employed and nevertheless reliable clamping radially upon the driving shaft can occur because the force taking-up part hinders and prevents that any thin-wall part is radially widened and expanded. With the tensioning device therefore it is also possible to clamp thin-wall parts, as for example thin-wall hollow shafts, with coarse-tolerance driving shafts and with driving shafts of differing basic diameter to be clamped radially in a reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Sto/ ber Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich Mu/ ller, Jo/ rg Recktenwald
  • Patent number: 5480252
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for quickly coupling a rotor body to its drive and driven journals and obtaining radial and axial alignment thereof in a closely confined space is provided. The coupling mechanism includes a split ring collar and a clamping ring securely holding in appropriate placement a chamfered split ring for radially and axially aligning the rotor and the journals, referred to as co-axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Farrel Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas W. Poscich, Douglas E. Mosher
  • Patent number: 5474403
    Abstract: A mounting device for anchoring a machine element having a tapered bore coaxially upon a rotary shaft. The device fits between the interior tapered bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer segmented sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves effects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of an internally threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the outer sleeve without straining the material of the sleeve or the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Fenner, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Ronald Hetrich
  • Patent number: 5462381
    Abstract: A novel bushing for use with industrial equipment such as a gear box is disclosed as being particularly adapted for long time usage in an adverse corrosive environment, such as salt water. The bushing is coated on all exposed surfaces with a fluorocarbon poller which is tough, resilient and is unaffected by the harsh environment. Preferably, the fluorocarbon is a polytetrafluoroethylene, and if applied as a first layer directly to the metal bushing, also includes a thermoset binder material such as a phenolic. Top or outer coatings may also be applied and such coatings do not contain a binder. A mechanical advantage is provided for assembly and disassembly as well as protection for the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventors: Gary DeWachter, John K. Newton
  • Patent number: 5454165
    Abstract: A lightweight renewable hand-held tool that may be easily renewed in the field including a tool head having a tapered shaft, an expandable sleeve, a hollow handle, and a movement assembly for moving the expandable sleeve back and forth along the tapered shaft in response to a rotation of the hollow handle. The expandable sleeve includes a tapered interior that slidably mates with the tapered shaft. Consequently, rotation of the hollow handle adjustably expands the expandable sleeve, forming a tight fit between the tapered shaft and the interior of the hollow handle. The preferred movement assembly is a threaded nut that engages a threaded stud located at a lower end of the tapered shaft. An antirotation fastener is preferably used to prevent the hollow handle from thereafter rotating during use of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Thompson, William E. Gagner
  • Patent number: 5419650
    Abstract: A pipe fastening device including a split sleeve main tubular body with an upper and a lower internal tapered surface. A lower fixing member at the end of the pipe having a frusto-conically shaped body matching the lower tapered inner surface of the tubular body. An upper movable member also having a frusto-conically shaped body matching the upper inner tapered surface at the top of the tubular body. A bolt from an installation member passes through the fixing member and is fixed in the movable member so that tightening of the bolt draws the movable member toward the fixing member. The tapered surfaces cause the tubular body sleeve to expand for securing the tubular body in the pipe. The fixing member and the movable member have protuberant parts received in the groove of the split sleeve tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5415492
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for quickly coupling a rotor body to its drive and driven journals and thereby obtaining radial and axial alignment thereof in a closely confined space is provided. The coupling mechanism includes a split ring collar and a clamping ring securely holding in appropriate placement a chamfered split ring for radially and axially aligning the rotor and the journals, hereinafter referred to as co-axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Farrel Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas V. Poscich, Douglas E. Mosher
  • Patent number: 5407047
    Abstract: In order to secure the flywheel (5) of a motor vehicle friction clutch (3) to the output end of a crankshaft (23) of an internal combustion engine, it is proposed that the flywheel (5) is fastened to the output end of the crankshaft (23) by means of an axially detachable centric clamping arrangement (21). The flywheel (5) is hereby supported on a pipe end (37) of the crankshaft (23). Conical expansion elements (45), which may be axially displaced by means of a centric screw element (43) to generate radial clamping forces, are inserted into the centric cavity formed by the pipe end (37). The screw element (43) is structured in such a way that it may be screwed through the hub (27) of a clutch disc (9) of the friction clutch onto the crankshaft (23) by means of a screw attachment tool (51). The friction clutch (3) may thus be preassembled together with the flywheel (5) to form a structural unit before it is secured to the crankshaft (23) .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Weidinger, Reiner Weisenberger
  • Patent number: 5407296
    Abstract: A one piece shaft clamp is disclosed having a flange and a tapered shank. The shaft clamp has a central bore that conforms in size and shape to the cress-sectional shape of a shaft. Relatively thin cuts are formed in the clamp through the shank and partially through the flange to form segments. Additional cuts are made in the flange adjacent the thin cuts to form relatively thin beams that resiliently interconnect the segments. The one piece shaft clamp is used in conjunction with a member that is to be secured to the shaft. The member has a tapered bore that mates with the tapered shank of the clamp so that when the shank is forced into the bore, the segments are urged into locking engagement with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher K. Brown
  • Patent number: 5405410
    Abstract: An adjustable lower limb prosthesis has a pylon connected to both a prosthetic foot and to the stump adapter by way of a foot/pylon joint and a pylon/stump joint, respectively. Each of the joints is similar and includes a tapered socket holding a truncated conical wedge sleeve. The wedge sleeve has a bore which may be angled with respect to the cone axis, and into which the pylon is fitted. A cap locks the wedge sleeve in the bore and locks the pylon in the wedge sleeve. For adjusting the prosthesis, a set of wedge sleeves are available to the prosthetist, each having a bore with a different offset with respect to the conical axis of the sleeve. The prosthetist selects the appropriate sleeve based upon a prior determination using a temporary pylon and an alignment adapter. The correct foot wedge sleeve and circumferential alignment of the wedge sleeve are set with the aid of discs having offset holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Arbogast, Eric K. Bartkus, James M. Colvin, Joseph Arbogast
  • Patent number: 5393079
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage including a body portion formed with a recess at two corners, a L-shaped member mounted the bottom of the body portion, an axle disposed on the L-shaped member and mounted across the two corners, two wheel protectors each fitted in the recess of the body portion, two wheels each pivotally connected with an end of the axle, two sleeves each including a plug having a cylindrical portion enclosed with a plurality of clamping members having a hook portion at the lower end and an annular member having an inner diameter which is just equal to an outer diameter of a cylinder formed by the clamping members, the annular member being shorter than the clamping members in height, the plug being fitted on a top of the body portion, the annular member being put on to the clamping members of plug, two tubular members having a lower end vertically mounted on the L-shaped member and an upper end inserted between the cylindrical portion and the clamping members of the plug, and a handle having two pull rods e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Yuan L. Wang