Bearing Component Clamped To Plate Or Side, E.g., Bolted, Etc. Patents (Class 403/71)
  • Patent number: 11478323
    Abstract: A staging tray has a bracket with a hook and a bumper. The hook and bumper are configured to be removably engaged with a lipped tray. A pivot mechanism pivotably connects the bracket to the staging tray. The pivot mechanism is selectively positionable into a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Chris Geiger
  • Patent number: 11105341
    Abstract: An air moving device according to the present disclosure can include a housing and an installation hub. The housing can be connected to the installation hub via one or more adjustable supports. An impeller can be installed at least partially in the housing and configured to direct air out of the housing. In some embodiments, the adjustable supports can be adjusted to move the housing with respect to the installation hub. For example, the adjustable supports can be configured to modify the tilt of the housing and/or the overall distance between the housing and the installation hub. The installation hub can be installed on a ceiling, wall, or other mounting surface. Adjustment of the adjustable supports can permit vertical alignment of the air moving device housing, even when the installation hub is mounted to a slanted or sloped (e.g., non-horizontal) ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: AIRIUS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond B. Avedon
  • Patent number: 10954691
    Abstract: A guardrail base can include a base body, which can include a first foot, a second foot, and a raised portion between the first foot and the second foot; and a rail mount mounted on the raised portion of the base, the rail mount configured to angularly pivot about and between a first position towards the first foot and a second position towards the second foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 10502477
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber, and a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet for accessing the fresh food chamber. The door further defines an ice box. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice maker disposed within the ice box, and a container defining a storage volume for receipt of ice produced by the ice maker. The refrigerator appliance further includes a drain assembly for draining melt water from the container. The drain assembly includes a male connector mounted to the door for flowing melt water therethrough, and a first duct providing fluid communication between the container and the male connector. The drain assembly further includes a female connector mounted within the fresh food chamber for flowing melt water therethrough from the male connector, and a second duct providing fluid communication from the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Miller, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10024338
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a boiling water reactor (BWR) jet pump inlet mixer compliant stop. The inlet mixer compliant stop may be installed in a pocket area between a riser pipe and an inlet mixer of a BWR jet pump assembly. The inlet mixer compliant stop includes a main body and a foot that are separated via the tightening of one or more jacking bolts used to connect the main body and the foot. A cold spring attached to the main body provides a lateral force that is imparted on the inlet mixer, to force the inlet mixer away from a centerline of the riser pipe. A precise lateral force may be imparted on the inlet mixer by gauging a width of a gap between opposing bosses on a front face of the main body and a distal end of the cold spring. The inlet mixer compliant stop imparts a greater lateral force on the inlet mixer as the jacking bolts are tightened, further separating the main body from the foot, as the gap between the opposing bosses is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Robin D. Sprague, Bruce J. Lentner, Emanuel Klein, David B. Drendel, Bret E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9394712
    Abstract: A seismic connection device for connecting a panel to a beam includes a dissipating element with a longitudinal axis fixed to the beam only in correspondence of its longitudinal ends, a sliding connector slidingly mounted on the dissipating element in such manner to slide along the longitudinal axis of the dissipating element, a fixed connector fixed to the panel, a tensioning element disposed between the fixed connector and the sliding connector to allow for a linear displacement of the fixed connector towards the sliding connector. The panel is adapted to move with respect to the beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Innocenzo BECCI
    Inventor: Innocenzo Becci
  • Patent number: 9279269
    Abstract: A canopy shelter bracket for increased structural integrity. The canopy shelter bracket can include an inner portion, an intermediate portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion integrally connected to form a generally ā€œFā€ shape or an ā€œSā€ shape. The inner portion, first outer portion, and/or the second outer portion can include holes for receiving a fastener therethrough to fasten the brackets to cross members. A single fastener can be used to fasten multiple cross members to the bracket. The first and/or second outer portions can additionally serve to space apart a first cross member from a second cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen
  • Patent number: 9163422
    Abstract: A seismic bracing assembly has a first subassembly and a second subassembly that are connected by a sleeve. The first subassembly has a structural yoke used to secure the first subassembly to a structural member. The second subassembly has another yoke used to secure the second subassembly to an anchoring member. The first and second subassembly have a sufficient length to allow rough in assembly of the two subassemblies with the sleeve that couples them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: COOPER B-LINE, INC.
    Inventor: Richard W. Heath
  • Patent number: 9097272
    Abstract: A fixing arrangement for fixing a first motor vehicle component to a second motor vehicle component includes first second fixing elements. The first and second fixing elements are connectable to each other in a positive locking manner. The second fixing element has a pin configured as a ball; and the first fixing element has a sleeve that fits over the spherical pin to produce a positive locking engagement. The first fixing element has a securing device designed as a cap, which is mounted on an outer shell sleeve surface such that the cap is movable in the axial direction. The sleeve is locked on the spherical pin by axial relative movement of the cap from a defined first position into a defined second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann van Niekerk, Mario Ernst
  • Patent number: 8807657
    Abstract: A method and an attachment clamp for attaching a seat belt to a seat frame of a bus seat are provided. The attachment clamp includes at least one upper arm having at least one slot disposed through the at least one upper arm. The attachment clamp includes at least one lower arm that is received within the at least one slot of the at least one upper arm. A receiving channel is defined by the at least one upper arm and the at least one lower arm. The receiving channel is configured to receive the seat frame. The upper arm and the lower arm are pivotable with respect to each other and are fastenable to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erik C Wilson, David M Gerst, Samuel D Wagoner, Patrick E Temple, SanJeev Vij, Eric DeView, John Swenson
  • Patent number: 8616140
    Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian Brethren
    Inventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
  • Patent number: 8413398
    Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Allred, Brian Hillstrom, Guillaume Martin, Jeremy Porter
  • Patent number: 8141503
    Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian Brethren
    Inventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
  • Patent number: 8108978
    Abstract: A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated rectangular tubular backbone member, a plurality of tubular collars positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined longitudinally spaced locations along the backbone member, and a plurality of support structures secured to a side of one or more of the collars utilizing a plurality of fasteners engaging apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Van Zile, III
  • Publication number: 20100189492
    Abstract: A system for assembling a piece of furniture that includes at least two furniture panel labels affixed to at least two furniture panels. The system also has identifying indicia on each label, the identifying indicia including a designation which identifies the panel to which it is affixed. There is at least one directional indicia on each label, the directional indicia includes a designation which identifies the panel intended to be adjacent to the panel on which the directional indicia are placed. The directional indicia also indicate the relative directional position of the adjacent panel for assembly of the piece of furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Bush Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Green
  • Publication number: 20100129142
    Abstract: A disclosed connector assembly for connecting abutting ends of a pair of rods includes a pair of outer clamp members, each adapted to receive one of two inner clamp members. Each inner clamp member has two opposed inner surfaces, each adapted to contact a corresponding shoulder of one of the rod ends. The assembly includes means for urging the outer clamp members toward one another. A described method for connecting the rod ends includes installing one of the inner clamp members in each of the outer clamp members and positioning the outer clamp members about the abutting ends of the rods such that the inner surfaces of the inner clamp members contact the corresponding shoulders. When the outer clamp members are urged toward one another, the inner surfaces of the inner clamp members impart forces on the corresponding shoulders that urge the ends of the rods toward one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: STOUDT OILFIELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas C. LEMAN
  • Patent number: 7594559
    Abstract: An engine support structure improves energy absorbing efficiency at the vehicle body frame in relation to impact input from the vehicle front to rear direction. The support structure includes a vehicle body frame having front frame side members extending in the front to rear direction of the vehicle, a sub-frame disposed below the vehicle body frame and that supports the engine, and connecting members that connect the front frame side members and sub-frame. A suspension device for an automobile prevents insecure tightening. A support member which connects a body vehicle side member and sub-frame is provided with an outer tubular member connected to the sub-frame and that extends in the upper to lower direction, an inner tubular member mated into the upper portion of outer tubular member, and an insulator mated into inner tubular member and whose length in the upper to lower direction is shorter than outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Kitoh, Toru Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7406777
    Abstract: An alignment assembly comprises an outer bushing received in an aperture of a work piece, and an eccentric bushing received in a passage of the inner bushing and rotated to align a passage of the eccentric bushing with passages of other work pieces and/or alignment assemblies. An alignment assembly comprises an outer bushing received in an aperture of a work piece, inner bushing received in a passage of the outer bushing, and an eccentric bushing received in a passage of the inner bushing and rotated to align a passage of the eccentric bushing with passages of other work pieces and/or alignment assemblies mounted in other work pieces. Flanges and/or ends may be machined to accommodate off-center passages. The bushings may be secured via cold work expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Grƶver, William A. Skinner, Mark R. Weiss, Jude H. Restis
  • Patent number: 7367741
    Abstract: A connector element for a post and beam construction having load-bearing glass components consisting of load-bearing glass posts and load-bearing glass beams, the connector element including a first fitting fitted to a first load-bearing glass component; a second fitting fitted to a second load-bearing glass component; and a glass load-transmitting element located between the first fitting and the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Vogler
  • Patent number: 7287928
    Abstract: A swing structure for a wheel set includes a central tube, an axial tube, a spacer, a sleeve, and a fastener. The central tube is provided with a ring plate at the rear end. The ring plate is formed with a through hole thereon. A connection cylinder is disposed at the middle section of the axial tube. The connection cylinder has one end provided with a ring plate. The ring plate of the connection cylinder has a through hole for the sleeve to insert through. The spacer has a through hole for the sleeve to insert through. The sleeve is hollow for the fastener to insert through. The fastener inserts through the sleeve and is secured in the through hole of the ring plate of the central tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20070147953
    Abstract: Rotation fitting secured to a frame (6) of the fuselage of an aircraft and linked to a receiving element secured to the empennage (5) which comprises a central fitting (1) and two side fittings (2,3), the central fitting (1) presenting two lugs (1d,1k) with an opening (1e,1j) each and four side wings (1g,1f,1i,1h), and each one of the side fittings (2,3) presenting a lug (2d,3d) with an opening (2e,3e) each and two side wings (2g,2f,3g,3f), the central fitting (1) being secured to a surface of the frame (6) and the side fittings (2,3) in an opposite surface of the frame (6), such that the frame (6) is arranged between the central fitting (1) and the two side fittings (2,3), such that the lugs (1d,1k) of the central fitting (1) make contact with the lugs (2d,3d) of the side fittings, with all the openings (1e,1j,2e,3e) being aligned in order to house a pin (4) associated with the receiving element secured to the empennage (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventor: Angel Garcia Sacristan
  • Patent number: 7101110
    Abstract: A rivet system for use in motion furniture linkage and the like. The rivet system incorporates an electrically conductive plastic washer which eliminates the need for oil lubrication while maintaining the ability to electrostatically paint the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7044146
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved portable shelter frame having upwardly extending support poles and linkage assemblies connecting the poles. Within the joints of the linkage assemblies are rolling element bearings to reduce joint friction and provide reinforcement support to the shelter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Variflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Losi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6939076
    Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6910243
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for securing a wiper arm, which is driven via a lever mechanism (10) that has a drive lever, connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to the drive shaft (12), and a steering lever (22, 24, 26) connected to an axle (16, 18, 20), which are pivotably connected to a wiper lever (112). It is proposed that the steering lever (22, 24, 26) is braced in the mounting direction (28) on a bearing shoulder (30, 32, 34) on the axle (16, 18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20040208686
    Abstract: A two piece hub and handle assembly comprises a handle having a plurality of flexible fingers and a hub having a bearing surface for engaging the flexible fingers. A lug formed on each flexible finger engages the bearing surface of the hub to limit axial movement of the handle relative to the hub. The handle includes a grip portion and a tubular portion depending from the grip portion, and the tubular portion includes the plurality of flexible fingers. The tubular portion further includes a plurality of splines for engaging a valve. The hub includes a central aperture with internal threads for engaging an end body, with the valve being disposed in the end body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Patent number: 6779940
    Abstract: A fastening device for pivotably fixing one end of a linear drive to a support part includes a first fastening half disposed at an end of the linear drive and a second fastening half arranged on the support part. The linear drive has an installation position and a functional position, the installed position being inclined at an angle with respect to the functional position. One of the fastening halves includes a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The U-shaped or L-shaped section includes a bolt extending transversely with respect to an axis of the linear drive. The bolt has two mutually parallel, flat outer surfaces, the outer surfaces being disposed on two opposite sides of the bolt and extending parallel to a bolt axis. The other fastening half includes a cylindrical bolt socket having a radial bolt-insertion opening in an insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Frank Amrhein, Bernhard Schenk
  • Patent number: 6682251
    Abstract: A system for carrying an apparatus, such as a monitor, includes a pedestal having a base with a circumferential edge, and a peripheral device to be coupled to the pedestal. The base further includes a coupler for coupling the peripheral device thereto. The coupler is arranged to couple the peripheral device to the circumferential edge at any position thereof. This provides for flexibility and freedom of practical use when the set-up and arrangement of the system are altered, such that no substantial force has to be applied for lifting and rotating the pedestal carrying an apparatus, such as a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Kai T. Chung
  • Patent number: 6669394
    Abstract: An attachment for attaching the upper end of a swing device to a raised top bar. The attachment includes a pair of arcuate slide sections having opposite ends in mating engagement to form a circular slide, a U-bolt having a pair of parallel threaded end segments connected by a curved bridging portion slidably engaged in the slide, a generally V-shaped saddle bracket whose arms have first ends connected by a saddle, spaced-apart second ends containing through holes for receiving the end segments of the U-bolt and a pair of opposing sliders projecting from the bracket arms for slidably engaging in the slide, and at least one nut for threadedly engaging an end segment of the U-bolt. The attachment enables a chain or other swing suspension device that is secured to the bracket to pivot 360° around the top bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, William H. Ziegler, Jr., Steven Hanson
  • Patent number: 6619872
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members having a base member releasably connectable to a slide mount wherein said base member is adjustably located along a predetermined path of travel defined by the slide mount. The base member is rotatably adjustable with respect to a midportion via a pair of matingly engaging contoured surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the midportion may also be rotatably adjustable with respect to an end member along a second rotational axis. The midportion and the end member may be adjustably rotated through a pair of contoured surfaces substantially similar to that provided between the midportion and the base member. The end member provides an aperture for releasably connecting a boom rod to the end member. In an alternative embodiment, the midportion is integrally connected to the end member wherein the end member provides an aperture for matingly engaging a first spline rod. The first spline rod may be rotatably adjusted about a second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Norgren Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Crorey, Jeffery Dellach, John D. Walton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6561715
    Abstract: A connection system to interconnect members of a vehicular steering linkage system has a first steering module and a second steering member adapted to receive the first steering module. A clearance exists between the first steering module and the second steering member. The first steering module includes a first steering member and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to secure the first and second steering members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil A. Wasylewski, Joseph S. Balenda, II, Thomas E. Gansenhuber, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 6533487
    Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvester S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6488435
    Abstract: A joint is provided for unfolding systems, e.g. for satellite solar generators that permits sufficiently large unfolding torque, low weight and small dimensions. A drive on one joint half acts on a small pulley to wind a cord on it. The other end of the cord is tautly connected to a large pulley that rotates on the hinge pin and is fixed to the second joint half. The large pulley rotates in the opposite direction of the small pulley when the cord is wound so that the second joint half folds away from the first joint half on the hinge pin into an unfolded state and is held in this state by a stop against the tension of the cord. The joint is used, for example, for unfolding joints for satellite solar generators that consist of two joint halves, a hinge pin and a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: JĆ¼rgen Janson
  • Publication number: 20020122689
    Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Sylvester S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6421965
    Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6415560
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a seismic brace to a support rod, such as for a cable tray, to inhibit movement of the rod during seismic activity. The connector comprises a metal connecting member having an upper portion and a lower portion joined at a juncture. Openings in the juncture, upper portion and lower portion define a slot for entry of the support rod into the slot. The connector further comprises a retainer inserted in a gap between the upper and lower portions. The retainer bridges the slot to retain the support rod in the slot. The connector permits bracing to be added without removal of the support rod from the tray and ensures that the brace remains attached during seismic activity, even where a retaining nut holding the connector to the support has become loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Publication number: 20020071714
    Abstract: A two piece hub and handle assembly comprises a handle having a plurality of flexible fingers and a hub having a bearing surface for engaging the flexible fingers. A lug formed on each flexible finger engages the bearing surface of the hub to limit axial movement of the handle relative to the hub. The handle includes a grip portion and a tubular portion depending from the grip portion, and the tubular portion includes the plurality of flexible fingers. The tubular portion further includes a plurality of splines for engaging a valve. The hub includes a central aperture with internal threads for engaging an end body, with the valve being disposed in the end body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Patent number: 6374566
    Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Weeks Peacock Quality Homes Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin William Weeks
  • Patent number: 6267373
    Abstract: A bearing structure has first and second support members in which first and second stepped small-diameter portions of drive and nip rollers are rotatably mounted by bearings. The first and second support members are disposed in respective first and second holes defined in a side wall and have respective first and second inner engaging teeth and respective first and second outer engaging flanges which are held against respective opposite surfaces of the side wall to retain the first and second support members on the side wall against removal. The first and second support members thus firmly retained in position on the side wall can reliably bear thrust forces from the drive roller and the nip roller. The drive roller and the nip roller and the bearings can be assembled and serviced with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Takata
  • Patent number: 6247274
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°). The base bracket is bent at an angle of 45° from the horizontal which provides extra strength and resistance to lifting from the horizontal according to I.C.B.O. tests. The locking bracket has a conforming bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6123480
    Abstract: A device (10) for preventing a swing from being wrapped over a crossbar (18) of a swing set includes a base (12) and a sleeve (14) rotatably carried by the base (12). The base (12) includes a pair of collars (20) that each have a seat portion (22) bounded by a shoulder (26) at one edge. The collars (20) are attached to the crossbar (18) so that the seat portions (22) abut and cooperate to form a seat (42) that is bounded by the shoulders (26). The sleeve (14) rides on the seat (42) between the shoulders (26). The sleeve (14) is non-concentric and includes a tab (60) that angularly extends radially outwardly from the sleeve (14). The tab (60) has a hole (62) that accepts a bolt (64) that connects a chain (16) of the swing to the device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Little Tikes Commerical Play Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Petty, Michael Francis Vercell
  • Patent number: 6050035
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90.degree.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6026697
    Abstract: The invention provides a drive nut bracket for attaching a drive nut to a driven component to move the driven component. The drive nut is moved by a rotating drive screw. The drive nut bracket provides rotational constraint and linear constraint of the drive nut. It has a nut engaging portion pivotally connected to the base. The nut engaging portion has at least one slide surface portion for sliding engagement with the nut so that the nut may slide relative to the nut engaging portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The pivot and the slide surface accommodate misalignments of the drive screw and the driven component. The nut engaging portion includes at least one drive force receiving surface portion facing generally along the axis of the drive screw to provide the linear constraint of the drive nut relative to the driven component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Marianne L. Krbec, Robert L. Oakley
  • Patent number: 5896820
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved closing wheel attachment mechanism which has longer wear life than that of the typical attachment mechanism. The closing wheel arm on an agricultural planter has installed thereon an improved grease bushing assembly which has increased wear surface and the capability to utilize a grease on the surface. The combination of increased wear surface and greasing will greatly increase the operational life of the planter. Also included in the invention is the process and fixturing to incorporate the improved configuration on to an existing planter closing wheel structure. Included in this attachment mechanism is a welding jig which assures proper alignment of the improved bushing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: May-Wes Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen O. Klinkner, Larry R. Hancock
  • Patent number: 5836209
    Abstract: A shifter having a base and a shift lever assembly pivotally mounted on the base by a separate pivot member. The pivot member includes a device for keying it to the shift lever assembly and the base includes an opening device configured for receiving the pivot member which includes a radially extending tab at its extreme end. After being inserted in the opening device of the base, the tab prohibits the pivot member from being withdrawn from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products Division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: Scott M. Ebenstein
  • Patent number: 5755141
    Abstract: A device for adjusting positions of a bicycle's handlebar is engaged to a steerer tube and includes a base element and a pivotal element which receives the handlebar therein, the base element is securely engaged to the steerer tube, the pivotal element has a second hole defined transversely therein for receiving a rod therein and two slots defined in a toothed under surface of the pivotal element, which communicate with the second hole, the base element has two fourth holes defined therein and a toothed surface defined in an upper surface thereof for the toothed surface of the pivotal element to engage with the threaded surface of the base element and two bolts extend through the fourth holes, the two slots and to threadedly engage with threaded holes defined in the rod received in the second hole such that the handlebar and the pivotal element can be pivoted corresponding to an axis of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-hu Chen
  • Patent number: 5743507
    Abstract: A wall stud mountable baseplate has a wall stud mounted to a front surface of the baseplate and extending perpendicular thereto. A nut is threadably mounted to the bolt and an elongated picture hanging rod has a hanging lug at an outboard end thereof and is rotatably and longitudinally adjustably mounted on said threaded bolt with a threaded nut locking the picture hanging rod at an angularly adjustable position and the hanging lug at a radially adjusted position relative to the bolt. Alternatively, the bolt may be rotatably mounted to the hanger baseplate and may carry a slot slidably receiving the picture hanging rod with a threaded nut frictionally locking the picture hanging rod to the baseplate at a selected longitudinal and rotatable position relative to the hanger baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: S. Everett Rushing
  • 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: 5634684
    Abstract: A foldable chair 100 comprises a front frame 1 made of pipe material with a backrest 12 provided at its top end and having a pair of front legs 11 continuously extending downward from the top end; a rear frame 2 made of pipe material having a pair of rear legs 21 continuously extending downward from its top end with a sliding shaft whose top end is pivotally mounted to the front frame 1 and whose bottom end is slidably inserted into the top end of each of the rear legs 21; and a seat 3 having its lateral sides pivotally supported near its rear side by the rear frame 2 and by the front frame i forwardly of the position supported by the rear frame 2; and is characterized by that the front frame 1 being provided with concaves 4 formed therein above the seat 3 in use by plastically transforming the pipe material, that each sliding shaft is provided at its upper end with a pivot member 51 mounted to the concave 4, and that the front and rear frames 1, 2 are so arranged that the axis of the rear leg 21 is generally
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignees: Kokuyo Co., Ltd., Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kojima, Takao Sugano, Nobuyuki Nagai, Sakuji Ito
  • Patent number: RE38075
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins