Interference Fit Type Patents (Class 411/339)
  • Patent number: 11897102
    Abstract: A hydraulic screw tensioning device includes a tubular body, with a through opening and an annular cylinder chamber surrounding the through opening and a tubular piston movably supported in the tubular body and connectable to a screw to be tensioned. The tubular piston includes a stepped outer portion and divides the annular cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The second pressure chamber is closed by an annular end cap secured to the tubular body. The first pressure chamber is connectable to a pressure source for hydraulic fluid. The second pressure chamber is connectable to a pressure source for a compressible medium via a conduit connector mounted on the annular end cap. The conduit connector extends radially in relation to a geometric axis (A-A) of the tubular body. A damage protecting structure is provided to protect the conduit connector against accidental physical damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: David Michael Evans, Adam Thomas Lee
  • Patent number: 11795989
    Abstract: A fastener assembly to be used in the construction of semi-trailers consisting of a first fastener having a head and a shank, a mating second fastener, and a plurality of axially extending knurls formed on the shank. The knurls engage in a hole for receiving the first fastener to prevent rotation and removal of the first fastener. The first fastener may also be provided with an encapsulating cover with two sealing points on its underside to seal the fastener to a surface through which the fastener is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INFASTECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES PTE LTD
    Inventors: Mark Theismann, Alan Shindelar, Richard Lukes
  • Patent number: 11440496
    Abstract: A description is given of a bearing unit of a vehicle subassembly, wherein the vehicle subassembly has a vehicle-mounted support, in particular a vehicle steering wheel (10), and a component which is to be fastened on the support, in particular an airbag module. The baring unit comprises at least one adjustable spacer element (14a, 14b, 14c) for orienting the position of the component on the support. Also provided are a bearing unit having a plurality of spacer elements (14a) which can be adjusted independently of one another and a steering wheel subassembly having a vehicle steering wheel (10) and an airbag module, wherein the vehicle steering wheel (10) and the airbag module are connected to each other by the bearing unit. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing a vehicle subassembly having a vehicle-mounted support, a component which is to be fastened on the support and at least one bearing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Dominik Schütz
  • Patent number: 11204050
    Abstract: A flexible bracket for forming a joint assembly between two furniture members includes a fastener head seat, a first arm extending laterally of the fastener head seat in a first direction and a second arm extending laterally of the fastener head seat in a second direction. The first and second arms each have valley portions adjacent the fastener head seat and distal portions laterally outward of the valley portions. The valley portions are disposed below the plane of the fastener head seat while distal portions are disposed above the fastener head seat. The flexible bracket also includes a slotted aperture having a head receiving portion and a slot portion, the slot portion dimensioned to enable a head of a headed fastener to slide within the slot portion from the fastener head receiving portion to the fastener head seat without disengaging the slot portion. The first arm valley portion impedes the head of the headed fastener from exiting the fastener head seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Stance Healthcare Inc
    Inventors: Bruce Kennedy, Randy Price
  • Patent number: 11020260
    Abstract: A navel retainer and related techniques are disclosed. The retainer may be configured to be deployed within a navel such that its body portion interfaces with tissue therein. In some embodiments, the retainer may include an adjustment mechanism configured to expand and collapse the size and, optionally, geometry of the body portion. In some embodiments, the retainer may be a resilient element, allowing it to be temporarily compressed and subsequently allowed to expand in size, in some cases also optionally changing its geometry. In either manner, the retainer may be adjusted in size and/or geometry to buttress the tissue of the navel, minimizing or otherwise reducing opportunity for navel contracture during a healing process. After a desired navel size and shape are achieved, a separate maintenance device optionally may be deployed within the navel. The retainer optionally may be configured to host or otherwise serve as a navel adornment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Pamela Thornton
  • Patent number: 10907673
    Abstract: A tolerance compensating element for a device for connecting components by a connecting screw, includes an inner and an outer threaded part (10, 12), which are in threaded engagement with one another and, together, form a length-adjustable spacer (14), and a sleeve (30) which is held in the inner threaded part (10) and holds a spring element (34) in a position in which it comes into frictional contact with the circumference of the inserted connecting screw, and an unscrew protection device (44) in the form of a ring that is rotatably supported at one end of the spacer (14) and includes at least one arm (48) which projects axially into the sleeve (30) and, at the free end, forms an outwardly cranked claw (50) against which a stop (54) formed on the sleeve (30) abuts when a maximum unscrewing distance of the inner threaded part (10) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Jörg Schwarzbich
  • Patent number: 10758284
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washer assembly for use with a bone. The washer assembly comprises a first portion, comprising a first washer, a first stem non-movably fixed to and extending from the first washer, and a first internal channel defined by the first washer and the first stem. The washer additionally includes a second portion, comprising a second washer, a second stem non-movably fixed to and extending from the second washer, and a second internal channel defined by the second washer and the second stem. The first portion is movable relative to the second portion, to adjust a distance between the first washer and the second washer, and the first internal channel of the first washer is retained in coaxial alignment with the second internal channel of the second washer as the first portion moves relative to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CABLE FIX LLC
    Inventors: Carey Bryant, William Ricci, Mark Brinker
  • Patent number: 10574018
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10518819
    Abstract: A composite compression limiter (44) includes a cylindrical body (46) extending axially with an aperture (48) extending axially therethrough to receive a fastener (18), the body (46) being made of a continuous fiber polymeric tape reinforced by a plurality of fibers ranging from approximately 20% to approximately 65% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Ankur Bhosale, Kipp Grumm
  • Patent number: 10100859
    Abstract: An assembly (110) comprising a core (113) and at least a first sheet (111) held on one side of the core by a rivet (120), the rivet having two ends (121, 122). At least a first one of these ends (121, 122) is flared in shape and extends at least through the entire thickness of the first sheet (111, 112). A method of fabricating such an assembly, in which: a core (113) and a first sheet (111) are provided; the first sheet (111) is placed on one side of the core (113); and the core (113) and the first sheet (111) are riveted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Pierre Savoyat, Jean-Paul Bourgeois, Bruno Dambrine, François Marlin, Dominique Raulin, Régis Servant
  • Patent number: 10085781
    Abstract: A condylar fracture fixation system for use with an intramedullary nail includes a longitudinally extending rod having first and second ends, each end having outwardly extending threads or ridges. The rod extends along a first longitudinal axis which extends in a medial-lateral direction in use. A first and second nut is provided each nut having first and second ends. The second end of each nut having an opening formed by a plurality of resilient legs for respectively receiving the first and second ends of the rod. The second end of the first and second nuts include ridges or threads extending into the opening in each nut. The inwardly extending ridges of nuts respectively engaging the outwardly extending threads or ridges of the rod. A flexible washer is connected to the first end of each nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Nils Zander, Manfred Wieland, Giovanni Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 10064670
    Abstract: A sacral fixation implant can include at least one implant segment, a guide wire, and at least one locking member that is configured to fix the implant segment to the guide wire. The implant segment can be configured to be secured to an ilium bone, and the guide wire can be configured to be secured to the sacrum. The implant can include first and second implant segments that are configured to be secured to opposed ilium bones, such that a first locking member is configured to fix the first implant segment to the guide wire, and a second locking member is configured to fix the second implant segment to the guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Azagen Mootien, Alfred Niederberger, Johann Fierlbeck, Martin Altmann, Martin Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10018209
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an insert apparatus for creating an attachment point in an aircraft panel includes a flange insert configured for bonding against an inner surface of a skin of the aircraft panel such that a portion of a load from a component mounted to the attachment point is distributed through the skin. The flange insert may include a wide flange, a bore, and a central opening through the wide flange and the bore, and a nut including an enlarged end and a shaft, where the nut is disposed in the central opening of the flange such that the enlarged end is proximate the wide flange and the shaft extends along the bore. Upon bonding to the aircraft panel, the bore may extend from an underside of the wide flange to proximate an outer surface of the skin of the aircraft panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Leslie Burd, Venkata Prasanth Suman Neti
  • Patent number: 9907597
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for repairing first and second bone fragments include a bone compression device characterized by an elongated fastener and an anchor. The fastener includes an externally-threaded shank, an enlarged head, and a bore extending through both. The anchor includes an internally-threaded bore configured to receive the threaded shank of the fastener at a first end of the anchor, and an enlarged shoulder at a second end. The fastener inserts fittedly into a first bore formed in the first and second bone fragments, with the head engaging a rim of the first bore. The anchor inserts fittedly into a second bore formed in the second bone fragment, the anchor shoulder engaging a rim of the second bore. During compression of the bone segments, a small space is maintained between the second end of the anchor and an intersection of the first bore and the second bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Charles E. Kollmer
  • Patent number: 9788862
    Abstract: Sacral fixation implants can include first and second implant segments. One of the first and second implant segments is received in the other of the first and second implant segments, and the first and segments can be fixed with respect to movement toward and away from each other, thereby stabilizing a sacral fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Azagen Mootien, Alfred Niederberger, Johann Fierlbeck, Martin Altmann, Martin Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9775648
    Abstract: Orthopedic implants capable of compressing adjacent bone segments into which they are inserted, effective for the fusion, management and repair of bone joints and bone fractures, and methods for their installation, are described. One embodiment of such implants includes an elongated shaft coated to encourage bony in-growth, having a non-round cross section, and a flange at one end, which is laterally inserted into a preformed insertion path formed in adjacent bone segments traversing a joint or fracture location, to the point where further insertion is blocked by the flange intersecting one of the bone segments. The other end of the shaft may have a portion of male thread protruding out of the insertion path in the second of the bone fragments and adapted to be mated to a fastener having female thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Louis E. Greenberg, Kevin P. McAbee, William C. Caile, Jackson L. White
  • Patent number: 9726206
    Abstract: An adjustable tower stud assembly is disclosed for securing an object, such as a roof rack, to an external panel such as the roof of a vehicle. The object requires more support than can be provided by the external panel and it is also connected to a sub-surface support. Upper and lower collared studs are connected by a threaded connection that allows the length of the tower stud assembly to be adjusted. Stops on a lower collar ground the tower stud assembly to the sub-surface support after the tower stud assembly is adjusted to the proper length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David James Spolyar
  • Patent number: 9657687
    Abstract: A hanger is disclosed that has a movable component and a bracket. The movable component has a shaft with a threaded portion, a slider connected to the shaft, and a cap configured to join with the threaded portion. The bracket defines a racetrack aperture and an ingress/egress aperture. The racetrack aperture and the ingress/egress aperture are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Powerbreather International GmbH
    Inventors: Paul R. Senofonte, Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9605706
    Abstract: A rivet nut unit is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a rivet nut unit bonding at least one plate by being riveted to the plate and fastened with a bolt that may include: a head portion supported on an upper surface of the plate at a position corresponding to a processed hole in the plate, and formed with a penetration hole in the middle thereof corresponding to the hole; and an insertion portion extended from one side of the head portion, inserted into the hole, and formed with at least one slot and a protruding end bent to a lower surface of the plate for coupling the head portion to the plate while riveting the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SUNGWOO HITECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seokhwan Hwang, Mun Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9526503
    Abstract: A lumbar occluding device or patch is disclosed for reducing Type II endoleaks in connection with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of aortic aneurisms. The lumbar occluding patch can be applied to a vessel wall and, more particularly, the posterior wall of the aortic artery in the location of the abdominal aneurysm to block or occlude an array of lumbar artery ostia concurrent with or following a stent graft deployment in an EVAR procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Douglas S. Paget
  • Patent number: 9475448
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle airbag occupant restraint system fastener includes a metal clip, a first thermoplastic connector, a second thermoplastic connector, and a thermoplastic tether. The thermoplastic tether extends between the first and second thermoplastic connectors. Opposing ends of the thermoplastic tether are seamlessly integrated into the first and second thermoplastic connectors, respectively. The first and second thermoplastic connectors are formed of a first material and the thermoplastic tether is formed of a second material that is different from the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael Benedetti
  • Patent number: 9382928
    Abstract: A component connection arrangement and a method of connecting components is provided in which a first component having a projecting male fixing element is connected to a second component in a friction-locking manner by a sleeve-like or cap-like clip element snapped on the male fixing element, with the clip element being clamped between the male fixing element and a female fixing element provided on or in the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann van Niekerk, Michael Ahlers, Maik Hammer
  • Patent number: 9243655
    Abstract: Included is a first component having a base outer surface. Also included is a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions extending from the base outer surface of the first component. Further included is a second component having a pocket portion configured to receive the first component therein, the pocket portion defined by a base wall and at least one sidewall extending from the base wall. Yet further included is a plurality of receiving structures defined by the base wall of the pocket portion and configured to receive the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions, wherein the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions is configured to elastically deform upon insertion to the plurality of receiving structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9163653
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism disclosed in the present invention includes a body, a contact portion and an airtight sealing component. The body has a hollow structure and a first end and a second end. The first end is opposite to the second end. The first end passes through an open hole formed on a first object to insert into a positioning portion disposed on a second object, and an outer surface of the body is engaged with an inner surface of the positioning portion in a linear contacting manner. The contact portion is disposed on the second end. The contact portion contacts against a side of the first object opposite to the second object when the body passes through the first object and the second object. The airtight sealing component is disposed on the second end to seal the hollow structure, to prevent external gas from flowing into the hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Jyun-Shuo Liang
  • Patent number: 9095076
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing in which electronic components are mounted. The electronic components may be mounted to a substrate such as a printed circuit board. A heat sink structure may dissipate heat generated by the electronic components. The housing may have a housing wall that is separated from the heat sink structure by an air gap. The housing wall may have integral support structures. Each of the support structures may have an inwardly protruding portion that protrudes through a corresponding opening in the heat sink structure. The protruding portions may each have a longitudinal axis and a cylindrical cavity that lies along the longitudinal axis. Each of the support structures may have fins that extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Vinh Diep, Chiew-Siang Goh, Doug Heirich, Alexander Michael Kwan, Cesar Lozano Villarreal
  • Patent number: 8764363
    Abstract: A riveting structure includes a first workpiece defining a first fixing hole, a second workpiece defining a second fixing hole, a first riveting member and a second riveting member. The first riveting member includes a first head portion and a first riveting portion, the first riveting member defines a riveting hole on the first riveting portion, the first riveting portion extends into the second fixing hole and the first fixing hole. The second riveting member includes a second head portion and a second riveting portion. The second riveting portion extends into the riveting hole of the first riveting member in an interference fit, such that the first workpiece and the second workpiece are fixed together, a receiving chamber is formed between the second head portion and the first riveting portion. The present invention further discloses a riveting method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ren-Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 8757920
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning an object in respective axis directions of an X-axis, a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis and positioning the object around the Z-axis within a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis is provided. A fastener detachably fastens the retainer. A gap is formed between a first reference surface of the retainer and the second reference surface of the fastener when a fixing shaft of the retainer is inserted into a fixing hole of the fastener, an outer surface of a pyramid part of the fixing shaft fits to an inner surface of the fixing hole and the object is positioned in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honma Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kazuo Honma
  • Patent number: 8381368
    Abstract: A centering clip device can include a clip base having an opening for receiving a clip. The clip base can have a top surface that has a first bump, a second bump and a third bump all spaced away from each other. A clip can be included that has a substantially elongated body, a bottom flange formed on a bottom end of the clip, a top flange, an annular slot formed between the top flange and the bottom flange, and an umbrella structure. The top flange may also be formed as an umbrella structure having an inclined camming surface formed on its lower surface. The clip base can be configured to releasably engage the clip within the clip base. The camming surface can be biased against the first, second and third bumps to center the clip within the clip base, and permit connection between a first vehicle component, such as a roofliner, to a second vehicle component, such as a roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haithi Donahue-Yan, Shinichi Yamase, James Seale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8322958
    Abstract: A sleeve interference fastener including a conformable sleeve, wherein the conformable sleeve is comprised of at least one first material having a hardness of X, and a pin member, wherein the pin member is comprised of at least one second material having a hardness of Y, wherein X is sufficiently less than Y so that, in an installed position of an interference fit, at least a portion of the at least one first material of the conformable sleeve conforms to a contour of an inner surface of a hole of a composite structure so as to create a continuous electrical contact at an interface between the inner surface of the hole of the composite structure and the conformable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Haylock, Hasim Mulazimoglu, Liang Zeng
  • Patent number: 8297899
    Abstract: A clinch-type fastener is formed by simultaneously creating an undercut during the same forging that creates the head and displacer of the fastener. A fastener blank is compressed end-to-end between top and bottom dies whereby the axial compression of a blank causes the outward bulging of the shank at its midline. Simultaneously, a tapered end point and a tangential interference band are formed provided by a curvilinear-shaped bulge in the shank. As the bulge is formed an undercut is created between the bulge and a shoulder which extends downwardly from a head of the fastener. This method of formation and the fastener produced thereby are particularly suited to the manufacture of small clinch pins having a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Maloney
  • Patent number: 8269582
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a tuning element assembly and method for tuning an a radio frequency (RF) component, where the component has one or more walls defining a cavity, with at least one wall having at least one bore hole. A bushing is mounted in the bore hole in the wall, and a tuning element is slidably mounted and received in the bushing so that the tuning element projects inwardly through the bushing and into the cavity and is axially adjustable. A method of tuning an RF component also includes providing a bushing mounted in a bore in a wall of the RF component, sliding a tuning element that is slidably mounted and received in the bushing so that the tuning element projects inwardly through the bushing and into the cavity by a distance varying according to the sliding of the tuning element, monitoring a performance characteristic of the RF component, and releasing the tuning element so that a desired performance characteristic is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Jari M. Taskila, Teppo M. Lukkarila, Andrzej E. Stanek
  • Patent number: 8218319
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a fan including a frame, an enclosure, and many fixing members engaged with the enclosure to fix the fan in the enclosure. The frame includes many mounting holes positioned in corners of the frame, respectively. The enclosure includes many sidewalls and many fixing members corresponding to the mounting holes. Each fixing member includes a base, a fixing portion extending from a top surface of the base, an angle shaped clasping portion extending from a sidewall of the base. Each base includes a locating block received in a corresponding locating member, and at least one fixing arms abuts against the corresponding locating member. Each fixing portion extends through the locating member and is received in a corresponding mounting hole. Each clasping portion extends through the corresponding locating member and clasps an inner wall of the corresponding mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Ambit Microsystems (Shanghai) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bao-Kun Wu
  • Patent number: 8109689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow profiles (4) in spacer frames for insulated glass panes. The plug connector (1) comprises at least two connector parts (2, 3) which may be plugged together and which have an essentially U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, which, in the plugged position, have adjacent side walls (6,17) and a positive fit (9). One connector part (2) has at least one retainer element (12) on the side walls (6) thereof (12) with a corresponding wall opening (13). In order to form the positive connection (9), the other connector part (3) has a projection (10) with a positive fit engagement in the wall opening (13) of the retainer element (12) when in the plugged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf M. Kronenberg, Max Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 7871108
    Abstract: A mount for a machine includes a mounting member having an insertion portion and a shoulder portion. During assembly, the insertion portion is swaged into an opening in the frame. A mating member attached to a machine structure is seated on the shoulder portion, and a cap may be attached to the shoulder portion such that the mating member is disposed between the cap and the shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Danny L. Weibling, Billy R. Bedford
  • Patent number: 7841421
    Abstract: A fire protection device has a panel having a plurality of channels formed there through. A plurality of containers is used for holding a fire suppression material. Each container is placed in one of the plurality of channels. An attachment device is used for removably coupling the fire protection device to a structure to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Kulesha
  • Patent number: 7695226
    Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Alcoa Global Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael U. March, Oviedo Arciniega
  • Publication number: 20090288356
    Abstract: Fixing a framing plate to a support structure, using one or more anchor bolts embedded within the support structure. A first hole drilled into the plate is to an oversize diameter which accepts a threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve extends an effective length of the anchor bolt and may comprise a drive head and an interference member, which engages the plate directly or through a washer to fix the plate to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: William Fitzpatrick, Craig Scott
  • Patent number: 7563063
    Abstract: A fastener kit includes male clips that include bodies having a tapered bottom tip having a cone shape and an upper portion with a diameter equal to a bottom tip maximum diameter. A striking region is monolithically formed with the upper portion, has a greater diameter than the upper portion, and has a downwardly sloping outer edge. Female clips that are engageable about the male clips have cylindrical bodies provided with an axial bore extending therealong, an open end, and a closed end. The female body has a striking region formed at the closed end having a planar surface with an outwardly beveled outer edge. Selected female bodies have a fluted outer surface. The bore of the female body has a fluted interior surface for interlocking with the male body. Annular seals that are engageable about the male clips have beveled outer edges sloping away from a center thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Madej
  • Publication number: 20090060675
    Abstract: A tubular beam assembly having a tubular member with first and second spaced apart sides and an internal portion. The first side has an insertion opening and a first fastener receiving opening that open into each other. The second side has a second fastener receiving opening and a shoulder defining opening that open into each other. A reinforcement sleeve includes a fastener receiving sleeve portion and a protrusion that supports the reinforcement sleeve in a fastener receiving position within the internal portion of the tubular member. The protrusion is supported by one or both of the insertion opening and the shoulder defining opening. The fastener receiving sleeve portion is aligned with the first and second fastener receiving openings when the reinforcement sleeve is in the fastener receiving position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Yustick, Richard Kip Mushisky, Gregg John Davies
  • Patent number: 7465135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a U-nut comprising, a substrate including a flex area wherein the substrate and the flex area include a polymer, a first substrate segment, a second substrate segment, and a flex area, wherein the first substrate segment and the second substrate segment are located adjacent to the flex area; a retainer located on the first substrate segment; and an acceptor located on the second substrate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: John Fritsch
  • Publication number: 20080292427
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a bolt having first and second ends and comprising a bolt head at the first end, a first shank portion having a smooth circumferential surface of a first diameter and a second shank portion coaxial with the first shank portion and of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. At least a part of the second shank portion is externally screw threaded and the first shank portion is positioned between the bolt head and the second shank portion. A nut has first and second ends and includes a first bore extending from the first end of the nut and of a diameter greater than the first diameter for fitting over part of the first shank portion of the bolt, and, in the region of the second end, a screw threaded bore for screw threaded engagement with the screw threaded second shank portion, the screw threaded bore being coaxial with and leading into the first bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: James Henry Rowe, John Moore
  • Patent number: 7065963
    Abstract: A vibration and heat insulating board fixed so as to cover at least part of a heat source while forming a gap against the heat source surface, in order to lessen diffusion of heat from the heat source fixed in a vibration source, in which the heat source and the vibration and heat insulating board are coupled by means of a collar member having a pair of locking pieces fitted to the vibration and heat insulating board main body and bolted to a mounting part of the heat source, and ring-shaped coil members interposed between the pair of locking pieces of the collar member and the vibration and heat insulating board main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Niwa
  • Patent number: 7066699
    Abstract: A system (150) and method of tensioning a bolt (44) across a flange assembly (42). A tensioning apparatus (40) includes the bolt and an unthreaded nut (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure to a groove (54) between the nut and the bolt. A tensioner (58) is energized by a pressure to pre-load the bolt by pulling on the bolt while pushing on the nut while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the nut and the bolt. The tensioner is sized to achieve the required pre-load in the bolt at the same working fluid pressure that is necessary to relax the interference fit on the stretched bolt, thus permitting a single pressure source (148) to be used for both functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Charles Gosling
  • Patent number: 7052224
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first molded component to a second molded component is provided. The fastener assembly includes a stud that is a molded part of the first component and extends outward from the first component and a cylindrical wall that is a molded part of the second component. A longitudinal bore is defined by the cylindrical wall and at least one flute extends radially from the cylindrical wall into the bore and longitudinally along the cylindrical wall in a helical manner. The flute secures the stud in the bore of the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the stud into the bore. A method of fastening a first component to a second component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Donald W. Venus, James Skufca
  • Patent number: 7028389
    Abstract: A fixing device for a printed circuit board (PCB) is comprised of a shaft, an elastic washer and a fixing pillar for fixing the PCB on a shell. This device has the functions of fixing, vibration buffer, and preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI). According to the invention, the shaft penetrates through the PCB and the elastic washer and connects to the fixing pillar on a shell, thereby fixing the PCB onto the shell. The elastic washer is elastic such that it can absorb external vibrations and reduce damages to the PCB. By putting the elastic washer into contact with the PCB, the electromagnetic wave is guided to the shell, thus avoiding the EMI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7014387
    Abstract: A single piece coupling device for connecting a load component to a rotatable shaft. The device comprises a sleeve having a bore for containing a rotatable shaft, an externally threaded portion and a tapered engagement face on the outer surface of the sleeve. Radial compression relief associated with the tapered engagement face is provided such that when the device is fitted on a shaft, and as the threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded region on the load component, the tapered engagement face engages the load component and the compression relief enables the sleeve to be radially compressed to grip the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: James Robert Harrison, David William Miller
  • Patent number: 6898918
    Abstract: The invention provides a rivet and method of installing the rivet to attach honeycomb material to other materials. The rivet is installed by drilling a hole through the materials. A back side sleeve of the rivet is inserted through one end of the hole while a front side sleeve with a stem member inserted therethrough is inserted through the other end of the hole such that the head of the stem member and the sleeve portion of the front sleeve are positioned within the sleeve portion of the back sleeve. The shank portion of the stem member is then pulled such that the head of the stem member expands the sleeve portions of the front and back sleeves into the materials to attach the rivet to the materials. A locking collar is also provided to lock the stem member to the front sleeve upon continued pulling of the stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Soheil Eshraghi
  • Patent number: 6880295
    Abstract: A snap lock device is disclosed for hingedly securing an extension to a downspout. The device includes a first member having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank extends through a first hole defined by the extension and through a second hole defined by the downspout. A second member cooperates with the first member and the second member defines an aperture for the locking reception therein of the shank for locking the extension and downspout together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Frey
  • Patent number: 6840800
    Abstract: An anchoring assembly for securing an electrical fixture to a connection box. The assembly may include a receiver having a first engagement mechanism. The receiver may be formed to receive an anchor exclusively by translation in the longitudinal direction. The anchor may have a second engagement mechanism formed as a cantilever extending in substantially the longitudinal direction. The second engagement mechanism may support at least one engagement location. Additionally, the second engagement mechanism may be arranged to deflect when, upon insertion, an engagement location of the at least one engagement position passes the first engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Quixemble, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
  • Patent number: 6840726
    Abstract: A tensioning apparatus (40) for applying a closing force across a flange assembly (42). The tensioning apparatus includes a shank member (44) and an annular member (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure (P1) to a groove (54) between the annular member and the shank member. A tensioner (58) is used to pre-load the shank member by pulling on the shank member while pushing on the annular member while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the annular member and the shank member. Once the pre-load is established, the interference fit is reestablished by releasing pressure P1 to lock the annular member in position for maintaining the closure force across the flange assembly after the tensioner is removed. A lock nut (34) may be tightened against the annular member to provide additional protection against the release of the pre-load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Charles Gosling