For Telescoping Members Patents (Class 403/377)
  • Patent number: 11761345
    Abstract: An assembly for a turbine engine turbine includes a turbine rotor disc centered on a longitudinal axis and a turbine shaft centered on the longitudinal axis and driven in rotation by the rotor disc. Torque from the rotor disc is transmitted to the shaft, wherein the rotor disc is locked in translation relative to the shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis by a screwed member on the shaft. Torque from the rotor disc is transmitted from the rotor disc to the screwed member when the torque ceases being transmitted from the rotor disc to the shaft. The screwed member has an unscrewing direction identical to the direction of rotation of the rotor disc in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Antoine Hervé Dos Santos, Joao Antonio Amorim, Pascal Grégory Casaliggi, Nicolas Xavier Trappier
  • Patent number: 11554846
    Abstract: A device for releasing a panel of an aircraft, the device being configured to be secured to a support, the support having an opening and the device being attached to cover a periphery of the opening, the device comprising a panel configured to be arranged at least opposite the opening. Such a device comprises: at least two ejector members, each of the at least two ejector members comprising at least one link; and at least one control member for applying a pulling force to the at least one link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Daniel Penella
  • Patent number: 11332931
    Abstract: A splice plate for joining and aligning extruded trim strips used in suspended ceiling islands and fascias. The splice plate has at least one cam lock connected to a base plate by a fastener. The fastener passes through an aperture in the cam lock and an aperture formed by a projection in the base plate that projects a distance from the face of the base plate. To prevent deformation of the trim strips, the cam lock and base plate may each include bend lines forming an obtuse angle wherein the obtuse angle of the cam lock is less than the obtuse angle of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Jeff Markley, Joshua L. Neal, Yu Lin, Daniel R. Diamondstone
  • Patent number: 11231435
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bracket for a wheel speed sensor, and a wheel speed sensor, which can be obtained at low cost and can prevent a bolt from loosening. A bracket capable of fixing a wheel speed sensor for detecting a wheel speed to a fixing portion of a vehicle includes: a main body portion made of synthetic resin through which an insertion hole that allows insertion of a bolt that is to be fixed to the fixing portion, and an attachment hole that allows insertion of a wheel speed sensor assembly are formed; and a collapsible portion that is provided along a circumferential direction of the insertion hole on a side opposite to the fixing portion, and that is collapsed in accordance with tightening of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moriyuki Shimizu, Hironobu Yamamoto, Toshinari Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10508741
    Abstract: A coupling device (32) provides a rotary coupling of a pivot shaft (18) of a flap diaphragm (16) of an exhaust gas flap (10) with a drive element (34). The pivot shaft is to be rotated about a pivot axis (A). The coupling device (32) includes a first coupling part (36) with a first coupling area configured for coupling with the pivot shaft (18) and a second coupling part (38) with a second coupling area configured for coupling with the drive element (34). The first coupling part (36) and the second coupling part (38) are in a rotary coupling positive-locking meshing state with one another in the coupled state and are supported on one another in the direction of the pivot axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steffen Schmitt, Georg Wirth, Maximilian Kühnemund
  • Patent number: 9365234
    Abstract: A telescopic steering apparatus includes a steering column having an outer column and an inner column. An inner peripheral surface of the outer column has a supporting portion that supports the inner column. An inner peripheral surface of the outer column further has a shock absorbing portion at a location shifted toward one side in an axial direction from an axial end face of the inner column, a diameter of an inscribed circle of the shock absorbing portion being smaller than an outer diameter of the inner column. The outer column, including the supporting portion and the shock absorbing portion, and a movable bracket are integrally formed by an expansion forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9333984
    Abstract: A telescopic steering apparatus includes a steering column having an outer column and an inner column. An inner peripheral surface of the outer column has a supporting portion that supports the inner column. An inner peripheral surface of the outer column further has a shock absorbing portion at a location shifted toward one side in an axial direction from an axial end face of the inner column, a diameter of an inscribed circle of the shock absorbing portion being smaller than an outer diameter of the inner column. The outer column, including the supporting portion and the shock absorbing portion, and a movable bracket are integrally formed by an expansion forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9234537
    Abstract: An automatically extensible telescopic apparatus includes a first tube inserted in a second tube. A positioning unit includes a ferrule, two fins, a shaft, a toothed wheel and a first detent. The ferrule is provided on the second tube. The fins extend from the ferrule. The shaft is supported on the fins. The toothed wheel is supported on the shaft and includes teeth for insertion in recesses defined in the first tube. The first detent is supported on the fins for engagement with the toothed wheel. A handle includes two blades and a second detent. The blades are placed between the fins and supported on the shaft. The second detent is supported on the blades for engagement with the toothed wheel. An elastic element compressed between the first and second tubes for extending the first tube from the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 8851305
    Abstract: A tension rod mechanism for a tension rod having a first outer shaft with a second inner shaft slideable therein has a unidirectional slip-lock configured to be received in the first outer shaft for rotational movement therewith and unidirectional slidable axial movement relative thereto. A threaded shaft is fixedly connected to the unidirectional slip-lock. A collar is threadingly engaged with the threaded shaft and configured to be fixedly received in the second inner shaft for movement therewith. When the unidirectional slip-lock is in the first outer shaft and the collar is fixedly received in the second inner shaft, slidable axial movement of the unidirectional slip-lock relative to the first outer shaft may occur only in an expansion direction A rotation of the first outer shaft relative to the second inner shaft increases the axial distance between the unidirectional slip-lock and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Zenith Products Corporation
    Inventor: Kaveh Didehvar
  • Patent number: 8814459
    Abstract: An adaptor kit or system for use with conventional can light fixtures to adapt the can light fixture for use as a hanger assembly for auxiliary fixtures such as a hanging lamp, a flush-mounted lamp, or the like includes a stem member received within a stem-receiver. The stem-member includes a plurality of axial spaced detent positions and the stem-receiver includes a resilient spring clip the yieldable engages a one of the available detent position. Application of a sufficient axial force causes the spring clip to disengage with a current detent and re-engage with another detent to allow controlled extension thereof by an installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur J. Berge
  • Patent number: 8337112
    Abstract: A joint and method for connecting elongated members end to end in which outer sleeves are anchored in blind holes extending in from each end face and a threaded rod is advanced into threaded nut receptacles affixed to the inside end of each sleeve to draw the end faces into abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Kauppila
  • Patent number: 8297870
    Abstract: An adjustable-length pole (10) for sticks, having an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (11) that can be inserted telescope-like into the outer tube (12) for adjusting the length of the tube, and having a spreading device (15) that is supported at the insertion end of the inner tube (11), the spreading device being able to clamp the inner tube (11) axially in the outer tube (12) and having a spreading element (16) that can be radially pressed apart and that is furnished with an inner cone (27), an interior element (17) that is provided with a reverse-oriented outer cone (22) and that is accommodated in the spreading element (16) so as to be axially movable, and an adjusting screw (18) that is axially oriented and is supported in a rotationally fixed manner on the inner tube (11), the adjusting screw having an operational connection to an internally threaded bore (21) in the interior element (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Leki Lenhart GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Publication number: 20120181402
    Abstract: Adjustable bushing assemblies for mounting panels to a support surface include an upper bushing and a lower bushing. The upper bushing is configured to be secured to the lower bushing and prevent over tightening of a fastener secured through the upper and lower bushings. In addition, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more support surfaces using one or more adjustable bushing assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: 3FORM, INC.
    Inventors: Danielle M. Putz, William Gatti, Brian Hillstrom, Bryan K. Harris
  • Patent number: 8192107
    Abstract: A locking and release mechanism device for use with collapsible telescoping members, such as a tow bar that can be collapsed for ease of storage when not in use, and provide for attachment, locking and detachment regardless of load, e.g. to towed and towing vehicle devices regardless of vehicle static load relative to each other. Exemplary In embodiments of the invention include a locking mechanism using roller release members which are lever actuated, the roller release member according to the present invention cooperate with the telescopic members and related elements such that to release the locking mechanism members, a minimum lever force is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn S. Solberg
  • Patent number: 8186012
    Abstract: A grip for an extension pole has an opening at one end sized to receive the inboard end of the extension pole, and another opening at the other end communicating with a storage compartment inside the grip for storing at least a portion of an adaptor. A gripper inside the grip engages the adaptor when inserted into the storage compartment to prevent the adaptor from inadvertently falling out of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventor: David G. Mann
  • Patent number: 8162558
    Abstract: A nut assembly for quick adjustment of axial position relative to a threaded shaft. The nut is formed in two, physically separate sections, each having a surface portion with threads for mating engagement with the shaft. Each nut section is pivotally mounted to a bushing which surrounds the threaded shaft for movement of the nut threads into and out of engagement with the shaft threads. The sections are moved about their pivotal mountings by movement of a second bushing axially with respect to the first bushing through cooperative conical surfaces on the second bushing and on each of the nut sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Terry P. Warner
  • Patent number: 8100780
    Abstract: An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member, and a locking mechanism to hold the upper shaft member in place relative to the lower shaft member. The upper shaft member has an elongated bore therein and the lower shaft member has a cylinder and a rod having one end fixed to a proximal end of the cylinder. A fixed bushing is positioned within the elongated bore of the upper shaft member and has an elongated bore extending therethrough and a groove. The locking mechanism includes a pin that has a tapered tip configured to engage into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kim Chol
  • Patent number: 7976402
    Abstract: An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member and an inner rod. The upper shaft member includes an elongated bore therein with an upper bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The lower shaft member has an elongated bore therein with a middle bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The inner rod includes a lower end dimensioned to be fixed to a lower bushing that can slide relative to the lower shaft member. The inner rod is adapted to slide within the middle bushing as the length of the shaft changes. The shaft also includes a fastener or locking mechanism, which secures the lower shaft member within the upper shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kim Chol
  • Patent number: 7874933
    Abstract: An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member and a torque resistant mechanism. The adjustable golf shaft includes an upper shaft member having an elongated bore therein, an outer torque resistant member having a substantially cylindrical shape and secured to an inner surface of the upper shaft member, a lower shaft member having a flared upper end configured to fit within the inner surface of the upper shaft member, and an inner torque resistant member having a substantially ring shape and secured to an outer surface of the lower shaft member. The inner torque resistant member is slidably engaged into the outer torque resistant member and configured to prevent the inner torque resistant member from rotating relative to the outer torque member, to thereby form a torque resistant shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Kim Chol
  • Patent number: 7874303
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sliding device used on the supporting shaft, which utilizes the button to achieve singlehanded operation, utilizes horizontal slide of the bolt to achieve the steady locking of tiny clearance, and utilizes the active connection with relative turn and relative slide between the sliding base and the button to achieve transmission between the pressing of users and the horizontal slide of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignees: China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Xiamen Corporation
    Inventor: Wencang Xie
  • Patent number: 7815391
    Abstract: A connector and method for joining one end of a first wood member such as a wood log or beam to a side of a second wood member involving metal sleeves secured in aligned holes in a respective member with a protruding one of the sleeve slidable into the other sleeve. A bolt is threaded into an internally threaded element on the inner end of the sleeve in the first member and advanced to pull the members together. The sleeves are secured in the holes with spike features driven out into the surrounding wood. Alternatively, a tee connector has a plate portion fitting into a slot extending through aligned holes in the plate and one end of the first member. A cross plate is held against the one side of the other member with thread fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Richard W. Kauppila
  • Publication number: 20100215428
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-locking apparatus for releasably holding individual masts together and a method of making the connector and mast assemblies. The apparatus provides first and second elongate individual mast members with the first mast having a hollow end for telescopic engagement with a protruding reduced dimension end on the second mast. A releasable co-operating pin and slot engagement is provided between the hollow end, and the reduced end with the first and second members movable between first and second positions relative to one another. The first position allows the hollow end and the reduced end to be moved into and out of telescopic engagement with one another while the second position holds the ends non-movable in relation to one another. A pair of co-operating collars on one of said ends, in co-operation with the pin and slot engagement, holds the masts in the second position in locked relation to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Charles Edward Trice
  • Patent number: 7774889
    Abstract: A connection system for securing a mop head to a mop handle. The system uses a handle connector component secured to the mop handle and a mop head connector component secured to the mop head. Through holes in the handle connector component are aligned with through holes in the mop head connector component. A resilient clip with protruding tabs is positioned in and around the mop head connector component, such that the tabs of the resilient clips extend through the aligned holes in the connector components. The resiliency of the clips compels the tabs into the holes, thus securing the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace A. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20100187362
    Abstract: A fastening element includes, but is not limited to at least one first body, at least one second body, and at least one locking device. The first body and the second body in each case on one end include, but are not limited to a pressing element for pressing an insulation package against an object. The first body and the second body movably engage each other so that the pressing elements are located at opposite ends of the fastening element. The at least one relative position of the first body to the second body may be fixed by means of the locking device. In this way effective fastening of insulation packages to objects in an aircraft cabin may be ensured without all the insulation packages having to comprise openings for accommodating fastening pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk HENNY, Christian THOMAS
  • Patent number: 7681349
    Abstract: A hand-held ground-supported display device for warning passersby is disclosed. Included is a self-supporting sign panel and a plurality of at least three mast sections telescopically interfittable, one within the other. A coupler is attached to the sign panel, with a socket for releasably engaging the top mast section. The mast sections have progressively smaller internal diameters and progressively shorter lengths, with the outermost mast section having the largest internal diameter and the longest length. Middle mast upper and middle mast lower stop members are attached to upper and lower ends of the middle mast section, respectively. In one example, the middle mast upper stop member has an end wall with first and second sidewalls extending downwardly therefrom with lower free ends for interfering with stop members associated with the top and the bottom mast sections. A kit including the display device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, Richard Norman Dunbar
  • Patent number: 7677140
    Abstract: A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ricky Eugene Hull, Steve Batdorff
  • Patent number: 7607854
    Abstract: A variable angle standoff in accordance with an implementation of the present invention includes one or more bearing interfaces, which, in concert with other beveled components (e.g., beveled rings), fastens about a wide range of panel and/or object dimensions. In one implementation, a threaded fastener is inserted through a first bearing interface, which interfaces with a first beveled ring. The threaded fastener further threads through one or more panel and/or object eyelets, through a second beveled ring, through a second bearing interface, and ultimately into a standoff shaft. Despite relatively tight fastening of the threaded fastener to the standoff shaft, the first and second beveled rings can accommodate object curvature by rotating in any of an X, Y, and/or Z dimension, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Talley Goodson, William Gatti
  • Publication number: 20090256341
    Abstract: A fastener (1) for joining together two members (5, 6) includes a ring main body (3), a plurality of projecting portions (4) which are provided on the ring main body in a circumferential direction at intervals, and a plurality of recessed portions (10) which are provided on the projecting portions, whereby when the two members move relative to each other, a stable frictional resisting force can be imparted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Okada, Hirotoshi Aramaki
  • Patent number: 7588042
    Abstract: A folding shaft for umbrellas includes a first section having a circular cross section and the first section is retractably received in a second section which includes an enclosed cross section which includes a plurality of straight sides and a plurality of first curved portions connected between the straight sides. A third section is movably mounted to the second section and including an enclosed cross section which includes a plurality of inward curved sides and a plurality of second curved portions connected between the inward curved sides. The inward curved sides of the third section are located corresponding to the straight sides of the second section. The second curved portions of the third section are located corresponding to the first curved portions. The gap between these sections can be controlled to be the minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Golden Rain Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dragon Chang
  • Patent number: 7568856
    Abstract: A joint and a main beam of a container semi-trailer provided with the joint. The joint includes a first connecting plate disposed on a connecting end of a first main beam of the container semi-trailer, wherein at least one side of the first connecting plate extends outwardly and forms a first extension, first connecting holes are disposed on the first connecting plate and the first extension; a second connecting plate is disposed on the connecting end of a second main beam of the container semi-trailer, wherein at least one side extends outwardly and forms a second extension, second connecting holes corresponding to the first connecting holes are disposed on the second connecting plate and the second extension; and fasteners are inserted into the first and second connecting holes and fastened to connect the connecting ends of the two main beams to form a complete main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd., CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhuoan Wu, Liangfu Xie, Xiya Li
  • Patent number: 7563173
    Abstract: An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member and an inner rod. The upper shaft member includes an elongated bore therein with an upper bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The lower shaft member has an elongated bore therein with a middle bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The inner rod includes a lower end dimensioned to be fixed to a lower bushing, and an upper end dimensioned to be fixed to the upper bushing. The inner rod is adapted to slide within the middle bushing as the length of the shaft changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kim Chol
  • Patent number: 7524130
    Abstract: A member-joining device with which, when pipe members etc. are fixed to each other, a sufficient fastening force can be obtained even if the members have thin wall thickness. Member-joining device 8 has a first bridge member, a second bridge member and drawing means 6. First bridge member 81 joins first member 5 having a pair of opposing walls 53, 53 and a second member 31 having a pair of opposing walls 311, 311 and is spanned at a predetermined position of the first member between the opposing walls 53, 53. Second bridge member 82 is spanned at a predetermined position of second member 31 between the opposing walls 311, 311. Drawing means 6 draws first bridge member 81 and second bridge member 82 in the direction where both members are closer to each other. Accordingly, first member 5 and second member 31 are pressed and joined to each other by a drawing force of drawing means 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Zenda, Katsuya Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 7497149
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank which is cooperated with a second part. A positioning hole and a receiving hole are defined in the shank and located on two parallel axes of the shank. A block is received in the positioning hole and a positioning unit is received in the receiving hole. The second part is movably mounted to the shank and has a longitudinal slot with which the block is movably engaged. Two positioning notches are defined in the second part and the bead of the positioning unit is removably engaged with one of the positioning notches. A first recess, a second recess and a third recess are defined in communication with the slot so as to receive the block during adjusting the length of the handle of the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7497014
    Abstract: A sliding bearing for axial and/or radial arrangement of a first bearing member in relation to a second bearing member, comprises a second bearing member, which has a bearing recess provided with a second slide face; a first bearing member, which is lodged in the bearing recess and which is mounted axially and/or radially, the first bearing member having a first slide face, which is opposite the second slide face and spaced therefrom by a clearance; at least one sliding/guiding element, which is disposed between the first and the second bearing members and fixed in relation to one bearing member, for guidance of a motion of the first relative to the second bearing member; an equalizing compound, which is disposed between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the bearing member relative to which is fixed the at least one sliding/guiding element, for adaptation of the guide clearance between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the slide face that is displaceable in relation thereto, the equalizi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Suspa Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Muller
  • Publication number: 20090029783
    Abstract: An axially adjustable driveshaft assembly includes a first section and a second section that engages the first section for relative axial movement. The first and second sections cooperating to define an internal chamber. A valve is provided on one of the first and second sections and provides fluid communication with the internal chamber. The valve may have a passageway portion formed therethrough and first and second sealing lip portions that normally engage one another so as to provide an air-tight seal therebetween. The axially adjustable driveshaft assembly may be installed in a drive train system by varying the pressure within the internal chamber so as to change the length defined by the axially adjustable driveshaft assembly to equal a length defined by the drive train system and installing the axially adjustable driveshaft assembly in the drive train system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Eric M. Fischer, Johnny N. Smith
  • Patent number: 7445398
    Abstract: A coupling spring pin is provided for use in hollow sections or tubes. The coupling spring pin comprises a base spring element and a bolt connected to the spring element. The spring element is provided with a flange and at least two bent spring tongues. The bolt stands perpendicularly on the flange and the two bent spring tongues extend downwards from the flange. The bolt may be provided with a bolt case in order to securely prevent shearing. The bolt case, in its lower region, may be provided with an annular groove and the bolt case may be peripherally (injection) molded on the base in an injection molding tool, so that the plastic material of the flange may fill out the annular groove, which allows the bolt case to be connected to the spring element in an undetachable and stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: PATEA GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Stöckler
  • Patent number: 7434495
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank. Three first holes are defined in the shank and each receive a first stop and a first spring therein. A second hole is defined in shank and located at an axis different from an axis of the first holes, a second stop and a second spring are received in the second hole. A second part is movably mounted to the shank and includes a positioning hole with which one of the first stop is removably engaged. The second stop is slidably engaged with a groove in the second part. A third part is mounted to the second part and includes button which is pushed to remove the first stop from the position hole so that the second part and the third part can be moved relative to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7404686
    Abstract: A snap-fit arrangement for joining component parts, such as tubular sections and fittings includes a male coupling and a female coupling. A portion of the male coupling extends from one component part and includes cantilever prongs with enlarged heads. The exposed portion of the male coupling and prong heads are structured and disposed for insertion into another component part and through the female coupling until the prong heads exit the inner end of the female coupling and snap outwardly into locked engagement, thereby releasably connecting the two component parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Volum
  • Patent number: 7373708
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7344329
    Abstract: A riser for a motorcycle having a front wheel coupled to a steering assembly that is movable to pivot the front wheel and steer the motorcycle. The riser includes a first portion that is adapted to be coupled to the steering assembly and defines an axis. A carrier is adapted to engage the handlebar such that the carrier and the handlebar are fixedly attached to one another. The carrier is movably coupled to the first portion such that the carrier is movable along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hutchinson, Frank Pruss, Steve Zenge, James Richard Schiltz, Wyatt Fuller, Jay M. Klubertanz
  • Patent number: 7344117
    Abstract: An adjustable lift support apparatus includes a base, a sleeve attached onto the base, at least one meshing device, a shaft, and a support attached at the shaft. At least one groove is formed on an inner surface of the sleeve along a first axial direction. Each meshing device corresponds to one of the at least one groove and includes a flexible protrusion. The shaft is inserted into the sleeve. At least one rack is provided on an outer surface of the shaft along a second axial direction, such that the flexible protrusion of the meshing device is meshed between two neighboring teeth of the at least one rack. The support is lifted or lowered by an external force to make each of the at least one rack move with respect to the flexible protrusion of the corresponding meshing device, so as to adjust the height of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Shin She
  • Patent number: 7302745
    Abstract: A locking arrangement includes an inner element (1) and an outer element (3), (302), where the inner element (1) is axially shiftable relative to the outer element (3), such as a shaft of a tool, one end of the outer element (3), (302) has a locking member (4) for locking the inner element (1) and the outer element (3), (302) relative to one another, the locking member (4) is maneuverable by a maneuvering member (5) that is remote from the locking member (4) in a direction toward another end of the outer element (3), (302) via an affecting member (301) that is shiftable along or rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a lengthwise axis of the outer element so that the affecting member has a tube (301) that completely or partially encloses the outer element (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Ragnar Stahle
  • Patent number: 7234664
    Abstract: A draw spring linkage includes a hollow rod formed with a shoulder structure at the first end of the rod and with a slot that extends longitudinally of the rod and is located between the shoulder structure and the second end of the hollow rod. A tongue member includes an attachment portion and a stem that projects from the attachment portion. The stem fits slidingly in the interior space of the hollow rod and is formed with a slot that is aligned with the slot in the hollow rod. A key extends through the slot in the tongue member and the slot in the hollow rod and projects laterally from the hollow rod. A hollow cylindrical spring is threaded by the hollow rod. The first end of the spring engages the shoulder structure, the second end of the spring engages the key, and the spring is held under compression between the shoulder structure and the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Brent W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7198236
    Abstract: A nut assembly for quick adjustment of axial position relative to a threaded shaft. The nut is formed in two, physically separate sections, each having a surface portion with threads for mating engagement with the shaft. Each nut section is pivotally mounted to a bushing which surrounds the threaded shaft for movement of the nut threads into and out of engagement with the shaft threads. The sections are moved about their pivotal mountings by movement of a second bushing axially with respect to the first bushing through cooperative conical surfaces on the second bushing and on each of the nut sections. In one embodiment the second bushing is physically separate from and is moved linearly with respect to the first bushing, and in a second embodiment the first and second bushings are threadedly connected to one another with relative rotation of the two producing the relative axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terry P. Warner
  • Patent number: 7165908
    Abstract: Two telescopic lifting beams are loaded in their protruded position and are driven from a retracted position to a protruded position. In order to improve the bending strength of the lifting beams, the lifting beams are surrounded by two telescopic tubes, one of the tubes being fixed to the outer end of the telescopic first lifting beam and is slideable on the second telescopic tube, which extends inwardly on the second lifting beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Liljedahl
  • Patent number: 7144180
    Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ragnar Stahle, Lill-Hege Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7118601
    Abstract: There are provided an artificial joint device that can realize an artificial limb enabling twisting motion without a drive source, and when with the drive source, reduce the size and costs of the device, and a parallel linkage that can realize the device. The linkage connects a foot portion and a mounting plate spaced from each other. A fixed link has one end fixed to the plate, and the other end connected to the foot portion via a ball joint, making the angle of the fixed link relative to the foot portion changeable in any direction. Expansible links extend between the foot portion and the plate in an expansible/contractible manner and each have opposite ends connected to the plate and the foot portion via respective upper and lower ball joints, making respective angles thereof relative to the foot portion and the plate changeable in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Hiroshi Kiyomoto, Isao Usukura, Youichi Nakahara, Haruyuki Iwasaki, Shungo Umeda, Kazunori Yamamoto, Masamitsu Shiono, Kazuo Okada, Manabu Nakayama, Atsushi Kubo
  • Patent number: 7066511
    Abstract: An extension pole suitable for use in light bulb changing operations. The extension pole comprises first, second, and third telescopically intercoupled sections. A first locking assembly selectively locks the first and second sections to one another, and a second locking assembly selectively locks the second and third section to one another. The extension pole is made entirely of non-conductive materials to thereby reduce the risk of electrical shock to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 7066678
    Abstract: A locking method and device applicable to lock a linearly retractable device includes a locking plate in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. In the first direction, the locking plate is movable in a release position and a safety position. In the second element, the locking plate is movable in a latched and an unlatched position. When the locking plate is in the safety position, it is unmovable from the latched position to the unlatched position so as to prevent any unintentional force to release the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Chia Huang
  • Patent number: 7040832
    Abstract: A locking device has an enclosure partially securely mounted on a peripheral edge of the outer tube and having a lever pivotally connected to the enclosure; and a positioning rod securely connected to a side of the lever to be driven by the lever and having a head formed on a free end of the positioning rod to correspond to one of the adjusting recesses of the inner tube such that pivotal movement of the lever is able to drive the head of the positioning rod to selectively move away from the corresponding adjusting recess to allow the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh