Radially Acting Cam Or Eccentric Patents (Class 403/DIG8)
  • Patent number: 6152636
    Abstract: A mount for attachment to a window having a pair of faces and a hole extending between the faces has a body adapted to engage one of the faces and having a pin projecting with play through the hole and past the other face, a retainer adapted to engage the other face and formed with a passage snugly receiving the pin, and an eccentric ring engaged in the hole and having an eccentric passage snugly receiving the pin. Formations on the ring and on the retainer are interengageable in any of a multiplicity of angularly offset position of the retainer relative to the eccentric ring and retain the ring against rotation in the hole relative to the bodies. The pin is in a different position relative to the window hole in each of the angularly offset positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Nass
  • Patent number: 6070919
    Abstract: A panel fastener has a hook and cam assembly with a C-shaped leaf spring mounted in a recess in the camming surface of the cam. The recess is formed with a central barrier with opposed ledges on which the spring is mounted. Rotation of the cam causes the spring to frictionally engage the hook and in so doing become compressed and to flex below the recess edges without crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Burl Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 6053655
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a nut surrounding a collar that in turn surrounds a t, the nut and collar holding a bracket element against a mounting surface. The collar fits closely but slidably within the nut. Of the nut or collar, one has a boss that rides upon a cam surface of the other, so that a camming relation exists between the nut and collar. Turning the nut relative to the collar will thus squeeze the collar into an interference fit with the post so that the fastener attains a locking configuration. A groove adjacent the cam surface accepts the projection and retains it such that the fastener maintains its locking condition. A predetermined torque is needed to rotate the projection to the groove, whereby the fastener is a torque controlled fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Mohammad S. Mazhar
  • Patent number: 6050034
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for securing a pole into ground, which includes a tubular section being retained in the ground for supporting the pole. A support element is disposed on the open end of the tubular member, for supporting the pole proximate to the open end. The support element includes an annular outer member, which is rotatably disposed on the tubular section, and includes a support aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the outer member. An annular inner member is rotatably disposed within the support aperture, and includes a receiving aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the inner member, for supporting the pole. The outer member and inner member are respectively rotatable to vary the positions of the support aperture and the receiving aperture, so as to selectively tilt the poles longitudinal axis to a desired position with respect to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Klaus Krinner
    Inventor: Klaus Krinner
  • Patent number: 6018926
    Abstract: An improved banner pole structure includes a first cylindrical tube, a pole head, a second cylindrical tube, and a bias frictional assembly. The pole head is threadedly coupled to the first cylindrical tube and the first cylindrical tube is telescopically received within the second cylindrical tube. The bias functional assembly is coupled to an end of the first cylindrical tube and frictionally engages an interior wall surface of the second cylindrical tube, responsive to rotation of the first cylindrical tube relative to the second cylindrical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Huang Chen-Chao
  • Patent number: 5947356
    Abstract: A quick latch system for attaching a toolbox to the side panels of a pickup truck. A shaft is attached to a clamp arm, forming a pivot. The shaft is inserted through a hole in the base of the toolbox, and a fastener is attached to the end of the shaft. The shaft is dropped into the box in the side panel of the pickup truck, and the clamp arm is rotated, thereby moving the fastener upwards towards the base of the toolbox. When the clamp arm is snug with the base of the toolbox, the clamp arm is pivoted to a horizontal position, clamping the toolbox to the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald C. Delong
  • Patent number: 5913634
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment device for connecting a steering wheel to a steering shaft. The steering wheel comprises a hub and the steering shaft comprises an end to be associated with the hub and provided with a circumferential groove. The attachment device comprises a locking element which is rotatably mounted on the hub. The locking element is movable between a locking position, in which it engages in the circumferential groove and forms an interlocking connection between the hub and the steering shaft, this interlocking connection being effective in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and a release position where the end assigned to the hub can be withdrawn from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Heilig
  • Patent number: 5865560
    Abstract: A quick-locking pin including a longitudinal rod, a first tightening stop at one end of the rod and a second tightening stop at the second end of the rod. The second tightening stop includes a second tightening ring, a lever mounted and journalled at the second end of the rod beyond the second tightening ring, the lever having a tightening cam off-centered with respect to its axis of rotation. The axle of the lever is borne by a cap located at the end of the rod between two arms. A transversely movable beam located between the arms of the cap is situated between the periphery of the cam and the external surface of the second tightening ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Bruno Pilon
  • Patent number: 5857915
    Abstract: A two-part electric motor shaft assembly. The assembly includes an elongated shank member which has a cavity hollowed out at one end. A cam pin has one end configured to be received in the shank cavity and secured thereto. The other end of the cam pin forms a cam surface which is eccentric with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated shank member. By utilizing a two-piece design, the shank member may be formed of a softer and less expensive material than the alloy steel used to form the cam pin since the shank member is subjected to less loading and wear. The two-part motor shaft assembly of the present invention eliminates the stress riser that occurs with application of loading to the transition joint of a single piece design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Panther Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Leith
  • Patent number: 5813258
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism is provided having a drawbar with a camming lock positioned at one end and an end cap positioned at the opposing end. The camming lock includes an axle having a plurality of primary locking slots formed therein. The camming lock also includes a cam having a receiving chamber formed therein and a tongue radially projecting therefrom. A plurality of primary locking slots extend from the tongue to the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is configured to receive the axle so that the cam can freely rotate relative to the axle and the primary locking slots can be aligned with the secondary locking slots. Selectively positioned within secondary locking slots are a series of pins and springs. When secondary locking slots and the primary locking slots are aligned, select pins extend therebetween, thereby preventing annular rotation of the cam relative to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: Nick Cova, Shawn Lyons-Smith
  • Patent number: 5813788
    Abstract: A coupling for a vehicle steering unit includes a first linking section including two leg portions extending from a hub portion and a second linking section including two wings extending from and integrated to the hub portion and protrusions on the wings pierced with holes for the passage of a tightening bolt for tightening the wings to bear radially on a shaft. The wings are terminated at a longitudinal slot extending substantially in parallel to an axis of rotation of the coupling. This longitudinal slot is wide enough to allow the passage of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Yamamoto, Gunnar Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5792046
    Abstract: A surgical support structure joint includes a shaft having an axis, a first support member rotatably supported about the axis of the shaft and a camming member coupled to the first support member. The camming member is movable between a first clamped position and a second unclamped position. In the first clamped position, the camming member applies greater force to the first support member than in the second unclamped position to prevent rotation of the first support member in the first clamped position and to permit rotation of the first support member in the second unclamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Dobrovolny
  • Patent number: 5788402
    Abstract: A coupling has a first coupling part comprising a holding rod which is provided with a groove for the engagement of locking balls. The locking balls are radially movably arranged in transverse bores of a holding element arranged on a second coupling part. In a non-operative position of the rollover bar, the locking balls are pressed by a cone surface of a locking member into the groove of the holding rod. If the locking member is displaced in a sensor-controlled manner axially against the effect of a spring by an electromagnet, the holding rod is released. To achieve a construction which is as compact as possible and which permits a housing of the coupling also in the very limited space conditions in a motor vehicle, the holding element with the locking balls and the locking member are arranged inside the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke
    Inventors: Ruth Banda, Lothar Heiner
  • Patent number: 5681127
    Abstract: The first component (1) has a female part, and the second (21) a male part. The female part comprises an axial bore (3) containing a tie (4), one of the ends of which is designed to constitute the female part of a bayonet-type fitting. The tie also comprises a transverse passage (5) through which there passes a spindle equipped with two journals housed in two transverse holes in the first component (1). Between the two journals and in the portion to be found inside the passage (5) of the tie (4) there is a cam (12). The male part of the second component (21) comprises one end (24) designed to constitute the male part of the bayonet-type fitting which, together with the female part (6) of the tie (4), axially fastens the two components (1, 21), and a journal (23) of diameter matching the diameter of the bore (3). The spindle is equipped to be turned in order to obtain clamping and release of the two components (1, 21) through the action of the cam (12) on the walls of the transverse passage (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: PCM Willen S.A.
    Inventor: Charles Willen
  • Patent number: 5676487
    Abstract: Connecting hardware for furniture parts, particularly of panel-shaped components of easily disassembled furniture. The connecting hardware includes a bolt which protrudes from one furniture part and can be introduced into a recess in the second furniture part. The bolt is held in a connecting position by a tensioning element provided in the recess and which engages the free end of the bolt, the bolt being held in a fastening bushing inserted in the first furniture part. The end section of the bolt is offset eccentrically to the center axis of the bolt and is disposed rotatably in an associated accommodating opening of the fastening bushing. The accommodating opening for holding the end section in turn is offset by the same amount eccentrically to the external diameter of the fastening bushing. The eccentricity of the end section and of the associated accommodating opening is selected so that the accommodating opening extends to the outside with formation of a slot-like opening in the fastening bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: MEPLA-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Lautenschlager, Gerhard Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 5667327
    Abstract: A connection fitting for the releasable connection together of two furniture parts preferably running together at a right angle. The connection fitting includes on the one hand a pot-like housing to be inserted into one first furniture part and which is provided with a hole, and on the other hand a pin held in the hole and which at its front end extending past the fitting part possesses a preferably eccentric locking member to be introduced into an aligned hole in the other furniture part and which is provided with a radial actuating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 5657935
    Abstract: A wire dispenser for dispensing coiled wire, such as welding wire, wherein the dispenser uses a wire guiding arm which rotates about the spool upper flange. The wire guide arm is mounted upon a vertical column supported by the spool end flange through a base plate concentrically located upon the spool flange. Selectively usable mounting structure defined on the base plate permits the dispenser to be used with spool end flanges having different sizes of hole dimensions and a cam type locking detent mounted upon the base plate firmly locks the base plate with respect to the spool flange. The wire guiding structure mounted upon the column includes a flexible tube permitting the wire guide to be most efficiently related to various sizes of wire coils and an adjustable arm supporting the flexible tube permits operators of ordinary skill to readily accommodate the dispenser to various sizes of spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Elco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5590975
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a plate member to a support includes a post member, a housing member, and a cam member mounted to the housing member. The post member extends through an opening in the plate member and cooperates with the cam member to place the plate member in compression between the housing and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Earl Horntvedt
  • Patent number: 5590973
    Abstract: A connector for detachably connecting a first body and a second body together. The connector includes an insert which is attached to the first body. The insert has a first edge which features an outwardly inclining portion and further features an opposing edge which includes a protrusion. The connector further includes a base member attached to the second body. The base member includes a rotatable shaft which is adjacent the first edge of the insert when the insert is seated in the base member. The base member further includes an overhang which is adjacent to the opposing edge of the insert when the insert is seated in the base member and is directed toward the shaft. The shaft of the base member is shaped so as to alternately secure the insert by confining the inclined edge and the protrusion of the opposing edge of the insert member and release the insert, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: State of Israel Rafael-Armament Development Authority
    Inventor: Yehuda Don-Yehiya
  • Patent number: 5445460
    Abstract: A print head pressure-contact device equipped with a linkage for applying a print head onto a platen of a printer, comprises a drive lever having a driven connection with a motor and a driven lever rotatably linked to the drive lever. The drive lever has a cam and the driven lever has a cam follower cooperative with the cam, such that a power transmission is changed from a linkage transmission to a cam transmission within a predetermined angle range with respect to an angle between the two levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5387047
    Abstract: A double eccentric fastening mechanism releasably mounts brackets to a miary vehicles or other objects where mounting locations on individual vehicles vary in positional relation to one another. The fastening mechanism has a first eccentric member comprising a first collar whose stepped outer diametrical surface closely fits in a complimentary stepped bore in the bracket. The first eccentric member also has a second collar fixed to and eccentric with respect to the first collar. A second eccentric member has a circular portion and a flange affixed concentrically to the circular portion. The circular portion and flange closely fit in the second collar. A socket on the second eccentric member is eccentric relative to the circular member and accepts a fastener, such as a bolt, that attaches a towing lug to the socket. The double eccentric mechanism also includes a plate that faces against the first and second eccentric members so as to inhibit rotation of the eccentric members relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John G. Korpi
  • Patent number: 5191943
    Abstract: A grader especially adapted for use in association with a tractor having a three-point hitch with the grader being capable of use in cutting, moving, spreading and leveling all types of soil, aggregate and the like. The grader can also be used to carry, spread and level hot and cold asphalt, soil, aggregate and the like. The grader has blades adjustable to a predetermined depth with the specific angle of the grader blades and the speed of movement in relation to the surface being worked determining the operational characteristics of the grader. The grader includes a pair of transversely extending blades oriented at a particular angle and being vertically adjustably attached to a pair of side frame members having ground engaging slide shoes along the lower surface thereof. The ends of the blades are vertically adjustably connected to the side frame members and provided with manually operated cam structures to adjust the blades vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Michael K. Minor, Bernie B. Bierman
  • Patent number: 5129336
    Abstract: An eccentric adjusting apparatus for a tree spade which includes a plurality of blades mounted for upward and downward movement on mounting blocks which travel in longitudinal channels of an associated plurality of upright towers. A pair of eccentric pins are used to mount the blades to the mounting blocks. Pivotal movement of the eccentric pins permits quick and easy adjustment of the blades to assist in maintaining the desired alignment of the blades along their adjoining edges and at a common vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Vos
  • Patent number: 5108216
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed comprising two elements connected mechanically together so as not to be able to move apart, as well as a cam mounted for rotation on the first of said elements and having a contact surface pressing against a bearing face carried by the second of said elements.According to the invention, said contact surface of said cam has at least approximately a profile in the form of a logarithmic spiral, whereas said bearing face is flat and said cam may rotate about a hub on the axis of which is located the origin of said logarithmic spiral, said hub being mounted for rotation on said first element about an off-centered axis of rotation opposite said contact surface of said cam. Resilient means are provided for rotating said cam in a first direction such that said contact surface moves towards said bearing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Freddy Geyer, Jean-Pierre Scheffter, Gerard Vezain
  • Patent number: 5078528
    Abstract: This eccentric bushing is designed to save mechanics/operators of agricultural planters money and time in replacement of common bushings formerly employed in these machines. Primarily, the bore of this bushing is eccentric/skewed on its axis and is received on a pin of a frame of a planter, and by its manual adjustment will cause a rubber depth gauge wheel to re engage a disc of the planter to keep the disc sharp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: La Vern Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4968055
    Abstract: A device for changing the axle orientation in a balance beam suspension operates by introducing a variable axial eccentricity between an axle carrier and the beam hanger to vary the amount of yaw on the axle to enable the wheels on the axle to be oriented in alignment with the vehicle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Bruce J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 4813225
    Abstract: The chain for pressing a plurality of annular segments against a pipeline includes a plurality of links which are interconnected by pivot pins. At least some of the pivot pins are provided with eccentrics which are disposed within the inner links so that upon turning of a pivot pin using a suitable tool, the tension on the chain can be adjusted. Nuts are rigidly secured at the ends of the pivot pins carrying the eccentrics to facilitate turning of these pivot pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Hans Fricker
  • Patent number: 4809995
    Abstract: A quick-change mechanism is provided between a male member and a female member which has a socket with an axis. A flange is provided on each member, and in the flange of the female member an eccentric circular cam is pivotably mounted on one side of the socket. The cam may be pivoted through an arc between a locked and an unlocked condition in a single plane. The unlocked condition moves the cam laterally outwardly beyond the cam follower surface in the male member. As the cam is rotated towards the locked condition, the cam locking surface moves in a single plane laterally inwardly and establishes an axially inward force on the cam follower surface. The quick-change mechanism is small and compact and contained entirely within the flange of the female member. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Valdas S. Ramunas
  • Patent number: 4786204
    Abstract: A clamping device for exerting clamping forces in two directions to a shank between a pair of spaced clamping members having a transverse stop. The device includes an elongated bolt like body having a pair of axially spaced sections, a head at one end and external threads on an opposite end portion with a nut on the threads for applying a first clamping force to the spaced members. An eccentric section between the shaft sections applies a transverse clamping force to the shank. A pair of flat plates forming the clamping members has two spaced clamping devices and is arranged to slidably clamp to a variety of movable supports. A pair of spaced clamping plates are affixed to the end of a longitudinal frame with the option of a shim to accomodate shanks of smaller sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: The Eversman Mfg. Company
    Inventor: Bruce H. Mayeda
  • Patent number: 4620574
    Abstract: A manually-operated terminal wire connecting tool having an eccentric cam pivot for adjusting the degree of contact between gear rack assembly and rotating drive assembly. The eccentric cam allows for selective adjustment of contact between gear rack and rotatable drive assembly. Machining tolerances in manufacture of the tools are thereby increased and, in addition, consumers can compensate for gear wear over the life of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Kilmer
  • Patent number: 4591288
    Abstract: A joint connection for space frameworks made of rods and joint members wherein the joint members have concentric threaded bores for receiving threaded bolts for the connection of the rods with the joint members. The required torque is applied by means of screwing tools through non-rotatable but axially slidable drive sleeves on the threaded bolts. The drive sleeves inserted between the rod ends and joint members are also used to bias the threaded bolts so strongly that the bias force is greater than the charges from the outside which have a dynamic effect, in order to avoid the danger of fatigue fractures. For this purpose, each drive sleeve may be formed of three parts which, on the basis of cooperating helical surfaces with suitable relative rotation of the middle part relative to both outside parts, are axially adjustable in opposite directions to axially bias the threaded bolt to lengthen it and therewith to axially bias it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: MERO-Raumstruktur GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Reinhard Schmidek, Manfred Stark
  • Patent number: 4560305
    Abstract: The invention provides a yieldable connection between a metallic rod-shaped body and a holding means through which it passes and is intended particularly for yieldable rock bolts (roof bolts) anchor bolts and yieldable props, e.g. for mining and tunnelling. For that purpose shear bodies, e.g. spheres or inclined cylindrical pins are provided between the holding means and the slidable rod-shaped body and project some distance into the cross-section of the rod-shaped body. On sliding of the latter, in the holding means, these shear bodies form grooves in the rod, whereby energy is absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Franz Powondra
  • Patent number: 4552519
    Abstract: A hydrostatic steering unit is presented with axial spool valve actuation, and a gerotor set with valving in the rotor side face. The gerotor set comprises an orbiting gerotor displacement device with rotor valving, and with an input drive system directly to the gerotor device without driving through the valving, and also with an axially movable valve with a torsion member between the orbiting gerotor member and the input shaft. There is a split actuation pin for the valve, an eccentric bushing for the pin, and an adjustment for the neutral position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Hollis N. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4519626
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly has a slot through the control arm of a steerable wheel suspension system in which a threaded stud of a ball joint extends. Nuts threadably engage the stud and clamp the control arm in place to fix the spindle in an adjusted position. The nuts are longitudinally adjusted along the stud to preload the ball joint to a desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Murphy, Marvin N. Sokulsky
  • Patent number: 4443023
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a chain stay structure, a seat tube extending from the chain stay structure, an inclined down tube pivotally connected to the chain stay structure and disposed forward of the seat tube, a top longitudinally extending element connected between the seat tube and the down tube, a head pipe mounted on the down tube, and an eccentric device connecting the top element to at least one of the tubes to thereby provide for adjusting the pivotal position of the down tube and thereby the position of the head pipe relative to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4433885
    Abstract: A lazy susan (24) including a shaft (30) supported for rotation about a vertical axis within an L-shaped cabinet (10) is provided with a rotary catch mechanism (40) which maintains the shaft at a selected rotary position relative to the cabinet (10). The catch mechanism (40) includes a cam (44) and follower (42) which maintain the shaft (30) in the selected rotary position. The follower (42) is provided with means for adjusting its angular position so as to change the orientation of the follower (42) with respect to the cabinet (10) and thus adjust the position of the shaft (30) and attached door (22a-b) relative to the cabinet (10). The follower (42) is adjusted by an eccentric (70) mounted for rotation with the follower (42) so that upon rotation of the eccentric (70), the follower (42) is likewise rotated to change its position relative to the cabinet (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Leslie Metal Arts Company
    Inventor: Clayton C. Baker
  • Patent number: 4431348
    Abstract: Force transmission device suitable for the performance of deformation work comprising a bush having a tapering interior, including a particulate filling material in the form of spheres and/or a granulate and a ribbed rod passing through the bush, the particulate filling material being present in at least two different sizes and the larger sized bodies of the filling material being essentially accommodated at the converging end of the interior, at least some of the bodies of the filling material being larger than the magnitude by which the ribs of the rod project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Inventor: Franz Powondra
  • Patent number: 4426915
    Abstract: A servomotor which actuates the throw-out device of a clutch, particularly in an automotive vehicle, has a piston which is reciprocable in a housing and is adapted to be coupled to a reciprocable motion transmitting rod for the throw-out device by a compensating device having cylindrical rollers which establish a motion transmitting connection between the piston and the rod as soon as the piston leaves its starting position in response to evacuation of air from the housing at one side of the piston. The rollers are automatically disengaged from the rod when the piston returns to its starting position so that the rod can be moved by the clutch in a first direction to compensate for wear upon the parts of the clutch or in a second direction to compensate for expansion of one or more friction discs in the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Maucher, Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jackel
  • Patent number: 4387752
    Abstract: A tree shearing apparatus including a main frame mountable on support arms of a machine, a pair of pivot pins mounted on the main frame, a blade support arm mounted on each of the pivot pins for pivotal movement about the axis of that pivot pin, a cutting blade having a leading cutting edge mounted on each of the blade support arms, an element mounted on the main frame that pivots the blade support arm thereby moving the leading cutting edges toward and away from each other, causing the leading cutting edges to sever a tree trunk or the like positioned between them, and an element mounted on the main frame and operatively connected to at least one of the pivot pins that adjusts the attitude of the pivot pin and correspondingly adjusts the inter-relationship of the positions of the leading cutting edges of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Rockland Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Tyer
  • Patent number: 4351540
    Abstract: A wheelchair capable of being constructed in several different sizes from components of standard size in order to permit users of different sizes and users with one or more handicaps to utilize such wheelchairs. The wheelchair includes a main frame and a foot support assembly which can be telescopically adjustably affixed to the main frame. In addition, a seat section can be telescopically adjustably affixed to the main frame such that the seat is located at a selected height and the foot support section can extend outwardly from the frame for a selected distance to accommodate users of differing height. The rear wheels are positionally mounted with respect to the main frame such that the rear wheels can be located in several different positions in order to change the overall center of gravity and the wheelbase of the wheelchair. In this way, the wheelchair can be used for conventional wheelchair movement, as well as for athletic activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Quadra Wheelchairs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Minnebraker
  • Patent number: 4296689
    Abstract: A mechanism for immobilizing an arming shaft to preclude axial movement of he shaft until its release is desired, comprising a base and rotor mounted thereon. The rotor holds hardened metal balls in engagement with a circumferential groove on the shaft to lock the shaft in position. The base, rotor and shaft are held in locked position by an arming wire. Compression springs acting between the base and rotor cause relative rotation thereof, when the arming wire is removed, to an unlocked position where the balls can be forced into apertures in the base and release the shaft for axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas K. C. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 4232880
    Abstract: A wheel assembly having an axle with two vertically spaced control arms pivotably mounted to two staggered arms of a spindle assembly. One arm of the spindle has an aperture receiving a rotatably mounted sleeve. The sleeve has an aperture therethrough which is eccentric with respect to the central axis of the sleeve. The eccentric aperture is constructed to receive a tapered ball stud integral with the ball mounted within a control arm. The ball stud extends through the aperture with a fastener threaded thereon to abut the sleeve and to draw a tapered section of the stud into the tapered aperture to expand the sleeve and to frictionally lock the sleeve within the aperture of the spindle. The sleeve when unlocked can be rotated to adjust the camber of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Carroll D. Dickerson, Robert W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4231588
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly for adjusting the camber, and castor, or pneumatic trail, of a wheel assembly includes an inner sleeve with an aperture therethrough adapted to receive a ball stud. The inner sleeve having a partially spherical surface which is received in a complementary socket in a second sleeve which is fitted within an aperture of an upper arm of a spindle. The inner sleeve is pivotable with respect to the outer sleeve to incline the aperture therethrough with respect to the central axis of the outer sleeve such that the upper and lower openings of the aperture have opposite eccentricities with respect to the axis of the outer sleeve to angle the stud varying degrees with respect to the upper arm of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David R. Wotton, Carroll D. Dickerson, Lawrence A. Makowski
  • Patent number: 4225264
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for coupling engagement of misalignable flanges disposed around the exterior of first and second tubular ends which may be initially rotatably or pivotally disposed with respect to one another, each of the flanges having at least one passage which is exteriorly conically tapered in a first direction therethrough. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides plug means which are exteriorly conically tapered in the first direction for companion tapered receipt within each of the conically tapered passages, the relative taper of the passage and the plug means preventing the plug means from freely passing through the respective passage. The plug means has a bore which is disposed therethrough with the center line of the bore being eccentrically defined away from the planar axis of the plug means. Means are provided which are companionly receivable through the bore of the plug means for securement with the plug means and for engaging the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Lynos, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm G. Coone
  • Patent number: 4190124
    Abstract: A stabilizer for use in conjunction with a rotating drill string of a rotary drilling rig. The cutting blades of the stabilizer are received in close tolerance relationship within a longitudinally extending slot formed in a main body portion of the stabilizer. The slot outwardly opens and includes opposed sidewalls and opposed ends. The blades have opposed sidewalls and opposed ends and are made complementary respective to the geometrical configuration of the slot. A groove is formed in each sidewall of the slot and in each sidewall of the cutting blade such that when the blade is positioned within the slot, the grooves jointly form spaced cylindrical passageways. A plurality of holding balls fill the passageways and are removably captured therewithin, thereby releaseably securing the blade to the stabilizer body with great force so that the blade cannot inadvertently become lost downhole in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Thomas L. Taylor
    Inventor: Robert G. Terry
  • Patent number: 4162859
    Abstract: The outer ball joint end of a tie rod in a vehicle steering mechanism is connected to the frustoconical swivelably adjustable joint of a steering knuckle arm by an offset connector. Such connector positions the axis of the steering knuckle arm frustoconical joint offset from the diameter of the tie rod end ball joint which is parallel to such steering knuckel arm frustoconical joint axis. Swivel adjustment of the connector relative to the steering knuckle arm shifts orbitally such diameter of the tie rod ball joint relative to the axis of the steering knuckle arm frustoconical joint so as to alter the effective angle of the steering knuckle arm relative to the wheel spindle for appropriately varying the toe-out of the front vehicle wheels during turns to avoid or minimize sliding or skidding of the front wheel tires when the vehicle is turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Inventor: Loyd O. McAfee
  • Patent number: 4012157
    Abstract: Bolt device for connecting a first component formed with a hole extending therethrough to a second component which is formed with a recess threaded to receive the bolt. The hole has three portions, namely a first shallow portion of large diameter which is an undercut of the end wall of the first component, a second shallow portion eccentric to the first shallow portion, the first component having a lateral groove connecting with the shallow portions, and an elongated recess portion having a smaller diameter than that of the first shallow portion and being coaxial to the first shallow portion. A cup-shaped member surrounds the head of the bolt to prevent rotation of the bolt, and has a disc-shaped base receivable in the undercut and a projection receivable in the lateral groove to prevent rotation of the cup and the bolt relative to the threaded component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: Kraftwerk Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Krause, Ludwig Ilgmeier
  • Patent number: 3989395
    Abstract: A U-shaped holder includes free ends which may be adjustably drawn together by an adjustment bolt such that a bushing positioned in a cavity formed in the free ends is adjustably clamped. A magnetized dowel pin is eccentrically positioned in the bushing. A locater pin may be positioned in the lower end of the cavity and be urged downwardly by a spring between the dowel pin and the locater pin. The bushing is of non-ferrous material to shield the locater pin from the magnetic dowel pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Inventor: Roscoe H. Simmons, Sr.
  • Patent number: RE32242
    Abstract: A wheelchair capable of being constructed in several different sizes from components of standard size in order to permit users of different sizes and users with one or more handicaps to utilize such wheelchairs. The wheelchair includes a main frame and a foot support assembly which can be telescopically adjustably affixed to the main frame. In addition, a seat section can be telescopically adjustably affixed to the main frame such that the seat is located at a selected height and the foot support section can extend outwardly from the frame for a selected distance to accommodate users of differing height. The rear wheels are positionally mounted with respect to the main frame such that the rear wheels can be located in several different positions in order to change the overall center of gravity and the wheelbase of the wheelchair. In this way, the wheelchair can be used for conventional wheelchair movement, as well as for athletic activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Quadra Wheelchairs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Minnebraker
  • Patent number: RE34659
    Abstract: A device for changing the axle orientation in a balance beam suspension operates by introducing a variable axial eccentricity between an axle carrier and the beam hanger to vary the amount of yaw on the axle to enable the wheels on the axle to be oriented in alignment with the vehicle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Bruce J. Reilly