Coil Spring Patents (Class 411/438)
  • Patent number: 10687878
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is a new implant for medical use enabling the fixation of at least two adjacent bone elements in a rapid, secure and minimally invasive manner. Said implant is a device in two distinct parts forming a screw once said two parts are assembled. The present invention describes also a fixing method of at least two adjacent bone elements implementing said new implant forming a screw. Said method is particularly adapted for joining at least two vertebrae in order to achieve an arthrodesis; said implant forming a screw is then of a curved shape that makes it particularly well adapted for the spine surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SPINE ARCH BREVET
    Inventor: David François Fischer Lokou
  • Patent number: 10663045
    Abstract: Provided is a screw shaft in a ball screw device. At least a part of the screw shaft includes a cylindrical body which is manufactured by a filament winding method or a sheet winding method, and a spiral member or a partitioned spiral member which is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and forms a thread groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunari Miyazaki, Keisuke Muto, Yutaka Nagai, Satoru Arai, Daisuke Maruyama, Masahiro Nobutomo
  • Patent number: 10233957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coil (10) for transmitting torque to a threaded insert sleeve with an external thread and/or for tapping a thread. The coil (10) comprises a radially outer profile for anchoring the coil (10) in a threaded insert sleeve and for transmitting a torque to the threaded insert sleeve and/or for tapping a thread. In addition, the coil (10) comprises a driving profile suitable for receiving a drive, which can engage in the driving profile in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the drive to said coil (10) and that at the same time the drive limits or avoids any torsion of the coil (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: LUDWIG HETTICH HOLDING GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Hettich
  • Patent number: 9659758
    Abstract: A coil assembly for utilization in a vapor deposition system is described herein that includes at least one subject coil having a length, a height, an inside edge, an outside edge and a thickness, wherein the thickness of the subject coil is measured as the distance between the inside edge and the outside edge and wherein at least part of the thickness of the subject coil is reduced by at least 20% as compared to a reference coil. A coil assembly is also described herein for utilization in a vapor deposition system that includes at least one subject coil having a length, a height, an inside edge, an outside edge, and a thickness, wherein the thickness of the subject coil is measured as the distance between the inside edge and the outside edge and wherein at least part of the height of at least part of the subject coil is reduced by at least 20% as compared to the height of a reference coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eal Lee, Nicole Truong, Robert Prater, Norm Sand
  • Patent number: 9615830
    Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include an internal thread that is threadably attached to the coil body. The head may also be further secured to the coil body with a compression fit therebetween. A locking feature may prevent back-out of the coil body from the head. The surgical fastener may be assembled by threading the coil body through the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ranucci, Saurav V. Gupta
  • Patent number: 9498915
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a reinforced thermoplastic composite part comprises moving a laminate of reinforcing fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix for sequential operations through a heating station and then a forming station. The heating station is used to soften the thermoplastic matrix in a portion of the laminate while the forming station is used to impart a geometry to a portion of the laminate whose thermoplastic matrix had just been softened. The softening and the forming are performed simultaneously on different portions of the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aaron W. Bartel, David E. Gideon, Michael H. Larson
  • Patent number: 9500217
    Abstract: A method for producing a threaded part, includes the following steps: preparing a wire (54) with a rectangular cross-section; winding-up the wire (54) to form a helical spring with tightly wound windings, the wire being fed such that the sides of the rectangle defining the cross-section extend obliquely to the axis of the helical spring; and connecting the windings to each other at their mutually adjoining contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jörg Schwarzbich
  • Patent number: 8757859
    Abstract: A light bar fixing device comprises a light bar defining a through-hole and a heat dissipation mechanism defining a threaded hole corresponding to the through-hole. The light bar fixing device further comprises a helical spring having a pitch identical to that of the threaded hole. A columnar body of the helical spring is adapted to be threaded into the threaded hole, and an outer diameter of a stop end of the helical spring is greater than that of the columnar body. By threading the helical spring into the threaded hole, the light bar can be securely connected to the heat dissipation mechanism with a clearance therebetween being reduced. Also, the light bar can dissipate heat evenly via the heat dissipation mechanism to allow a uniform temperature distribution in the light bar, thus resulting in a desirable light emitting effect and a prolonged service life of the light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tian Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140023453
    Abstract: A wire thread insert including a body having a leading end and a trailing end, a first segment having a first plurality of coils and a first diameter, and a second segment having at least one coil and a second diameter. The second diameter of the second segment is greater than the first diameter of the first segment. A bolt threadedly engages the insert, and the bolt/insert assembly threadedly engages a hole of a workpiece. When the bolt/insert assembly is installed into the hole, the at least one coil expands diametrically outwardly into the internal threads of the hole so that the at least one coil remains seated therein. The bolt is removable while the insert remains within the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Alan HOLLENSEN
  • Patent number: 8142128
    Abstract: An anchor that can fasten to a fibrous or pierceable substrate employs a base with a spaced pair of bores. A pair of hubs are rotatably mounted to axially reciprocate in the pair of bores between a retracted and a deployed position. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on one of the hubs spiral in the opposite direction from the spiral prongs on the other one of the hubs. The hubs when in the deployed position project the plurality of prongs beyond the base. A thrust member mounted over the pair of hubs can thrust them from the retracted to the deployed position. With the hubs placed side by side and with the spiral prongs against the substrate, the hubs can be rotated in opposite directions to embed the spiral prongs in the substrate. An object can then be anchored by being lashed to the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: James Haas
  • Patent number: 8021093
    Abstract: The specification discloses a locking threaded fastener including a body, a coil spring, and a compression ring. The body is hex-shaped and defines a partially threaded bore, an external circumferential groove, and a passage extending radially between the bore and the groove. The coil spring is located within the bore and includes a first end angularly fixed with respect to the body and a second end extending through the passage and into the groove. The compression ring is located within the groove and defines an opening receiving the second end of the coil spring. The compression ring is free to move within the groove and includes portions that extending radially outwardly beyond the flats of the hex shape. When a conventional wrench is engaged with the hex shape, the wrench compresses the compression ring to prevent relative angular movement between the ring and the body. The “locked” compression ring thereby prevents relative angular movement between the second end of the coil spring and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Publication number: 20110158769
    Abstract: A helical-shaped insert to engage a threaded fastener to a receiving member includes a helical coil having a plurality of coil sections having inner and outer surfaces forming a thread shape, and opposing first and second coil end sections. A removable tang extends radially inward from the first coil end section. A continuously curved surface at a finished end of the second coil end section forms a tangent point where the continuously curved surface tangentially meets the second coil end section outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, William J. Lutkus, John F. Carvalho
  • Patent number: 7862283
    Abstract: A helical-shaped insert to engage a threaded fastener to a receiving member includes a helical coil having a plurality of coil sections having inner and outer surfaces forming a thread shape, and opposing first and second coil end sections. A removable tang extends radially inward from the first coil end section. A continuously curved surface at a finished end of the second coil end section forms a tangent point where the continuously curved surface tangentially meets the second coil end section outer surface. A notch in the first coil end section proximate to the tang and positioned between the inner and outer surfaces permits removal of the tang by mechanical failure at the notch. A second notch in the second coil end section and the continuously curved surface assist coil removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, William J Lutkus, John F Carvalho
  • Publication number: 20100272539
    Abstract: The invention is an anti-loose lock nut which prevents a screw coupling between a bolt 12 and a nut 10 by a coil spring 11 which is mounted in the inner circumferential surface of the nut 10 from loosening, the anti-loose lock nut characterized in that: an extended diameter portion 50 whose inner diameter is wider than the thread 13 of the nut 10 and in the inside of which a spiral groove is not formed, is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the nut 10; an insertion groove 52 into which a bent end portion 51 is fit-coupled is formed in the end of the extended diameter portion 50, in which the end of the coil spring 11 is outwardly bent to form the bent end portion 51; a semicircular curved portion 53 is protrudingly formed in the inner surface of the coil spring 11, and the outer surface of the coil spring 11 is formed of a flat cross-sectional plane; clearance spaces 54 and 55 which are respectively wider by one pitch than a thread pitch P of the bolt 12, are formed in the lengthy width of the ext
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: POWERREX CORPORATION CO., LTD
    Inventor: Young Su Park
  • Publication number: 20100221087
    Abstract: A preload locking wire insert comprised of a unitary, coiled wire having a particular polygonal cross-section for use in combination with a threaded fastener and a complementary threaded bore in a work piece, wherein the wire insert provides a ramping surface which locks the threads of the fastener into place against the inner threaded wall of the bore in the work piece. A further embodiment provides for the wire insert to be threaded into the bore in either direction, with no regard to orientation, while still retaining the definitive locking aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Spiralock Corporation
    Inventor: James Patrick Gillis
  • Publication number: 20090317209
    Abstract: A method for mounting a screw and a thread-armoring element in a receiving thread of a component is described, in which the thread-armoring element is immobilized on the screw and the screw with the thread-armoring element immobilized on it is then screwed into the receiving thread of the component in one single work step. An arrangement comprising a screw and a thread-armoring element immobilized on it for carrying out said method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Klaus Friedrich Grubert, Torsten Draht, Wulf Leitermann, Francisco Tovar
  • Patent number: 7441980
    Abstract: A device for joining a first component A and a second component B while leaving a joining gap SP includes a bolt 4 and a compensating coil 2 for compensating tolerances of the joining gap. The compensating coil is adapted to be fixed to the bolt 4 by frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means. The dimensions of the compensating coil are adapted to a helical rim hole portion 6 of the first component A such that actuation of the bolt 4 causes the compensating coil to rotate through the helical rim hole portion until it fills the joining gap for the purpose of tolerance compensation, and the frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means is overcome by further actuation of the bolt 4 so that the bolt can be screwed into a threaded hole of the second component B to join the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wulf Leitermann, Klaus Friedrich Grubert
  • Publication number: 20080008557
    Abstract: A cylindrical threaded fastener is formed by a spring spirally wound to form a coil of a plurality of turns of spring wire in substantially contiguous relationship to one another and driving means formed by the terminal ends of the spring wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Henry R. Bucciero, Matthew Bucciero
  • Publication number: 20070292238
    Abstract: A wire thread insert (1) for forming a helical thread, comprising a wire (7) wound into a closed coil having an outer surface (9) and an inner surface (11), wherein the wire (7) has a first portion (13) defining the inner surface of the thread insert when coiled, said first portion having a cross-section at least substantially in the form of a standard thread, the wire having an opposing second portion (15) defining the outer surface of the thread insert and having a cross-section in the form of a tapered flange with at least one concave face (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Simon James Bowen, Peter Venetis
  • Patent number: 7165925
    Abstract: A fastener system and method of inserting it, that includes a screw or bolt having two interleaved helical threads, which brackets or forms a groove for a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination. The fastener system includes means for latching the tilt of the coil so as to minimize the constraining forces and optimize the motion of the helicoil, that results in the screw or bolt being pushed into the substrate. The fastener may be actuated after it has been partly or completely turned into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: John D. Unsworth, Thomas C. Waram
  • Patent number: 7004702
    Abstract: A fastener system for connecting and releasing two elements. The system comprises a rod-shaped product with a male part and a female part, in which the male part is sized to be receivable in the female part. Either the male or female part is provided with a screw thread and the other is provided with at least one tooth such that, when the male and female parts are assembled, the tooth is engaged with the screw thread. The part equipped with the tooth comprises a strip extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, so that when the male part is pressed into the female part, the tooth is elastically distorted axially onto the screw thread, and the tooth shape and the screw thread prevent axial movement in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Franciscus Antonius Maria Van Der Heijden
  • Patent number: 6955513
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a flexible fastener for coupling members. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fastener may be used to couple members that are non-parallel, non-aligned, or in specific instances when selective compliance in a member is desired. The present invention is directed generally to a fastener that is laterally flexible along its length, comprising a shank covered with a spiral set of teeth and a flexible core material running internally to the shank and along the length of the shank, wherein the shank and the flexible core material are coupled at both distal ends of the fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a means for imparting rotational movement to the fastener is attached at a distal end. The preferred means are a bolt head and a screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: California Polytechnic State University Foundation
    Inventor: Saeed Benjamin Niku
  • Patent number: 6907961
    Abstract: A rod brake, and a method, including an elastic device, such as a coil spring, array of split rings, or an elastic sleeve, that engages one or more grooves in a cylindrical surface to restrain the rod from longitudinal movement relative to another body, and wherein longitudinal force is applied to distort the elastic device and push it out of the one or more grooves to release the rod for longitudinal movement is disclosed. A locking sleeve is added to lock the elastic device against distortion and movement to the release configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Allen, David H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6860691
    Abstract: A faster system includes a screw or bolt having two interleaved helical threads, which bracket a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination. The fastener system includes means for latching the tilt of the coil so as to minimize the constraining forces and optimize the motion of the helicoil, that results in the screw or bolt being pushed into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: John Duncan Unsworth, Thomas Cole Waram
  • Patent number: 6726421
    Abstract: A helical thread insert having a removable tang attached to the front end of the insert, a retention device, and a removal notch located along the rear portion of the insert. The removable tang is oriented radially inward and includes a “V” shaped notch oriented along a bottom of a thread to detach the tang at a specified point. The retention device is located at a rear end of the thread insert and prevents counterclockwise, or removal rotation of the insert by engaging female threads of the bore in which the helical thread insert is disposed. The removal notch is formed along an inner surface of the insert proximal to the retention device to allow a tool to actuate the retention device inward, generally away from the female threads of a parent material, to allow relatively free counterclockwise rotation and removal of the thread insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, John F. Carvalho
  • Patent number: 6726422
    Abstract: Described herein are fastener inserts formed from a titanium alloy which reduce corrosion in a fastener assembly. In addition to reduced corrosion, particularly galvanic corrosion, the fastener insert is lightweight and provides improved strength to weight ratios as compared to stainless steel fastener inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: William Giannakakos
  • Patent number: 6685413
    Abstract: A connection element for a bolt and having a bolt-receiving member (1) the bore of which has a cylindrical receiving region (4) and a tapering, at least sectionally, in a direction opposite to an insertion direction (A) of the bolt (2), region (7) that adjoins the cylindrical receiving region (4) at its side facing in the direction opposite the insertion direction (A), a guide region (11) that adjoins the cylindrical receiving region (4) at its insertion direction side and has an inner diameter (d3) which at most corresponds to an outer diameter of the bolt; and at least one locking member (8) arranged in the bore (5), formlockingly engaging, at least partially, in the outer thread (3) of the bolt (2), and formed as a radially expandable ring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Hermann, Ulrich Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 6652209
    Abstract: A connection element for a bolt (2, 26) including a member (1, 27) for receiving the bolt (2, 26) and having a bore (4) through which the bolt (2, 26) extends, a spring (3) located in the bore (4) of the receiving member (1) for locking the bolt (2, 26) therein, and two, displaceable relative to each other, coaxial with each other and with the spring (3), cone sleeves (9, 10) located in the bore (4) of the receiving member (1) and having each a through-bore (11) which expands conically at its end adjacent to the spring (3) and has a largest inner diameter, which is larger than an outer diameter of the spring (3), and a smallest diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the spring (3) but is at least equal to a diameter of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20030190217
    Abstract: The present invention provides for fastener inserts and methods of manufacturing the same. The fastener inserts include selectively removable tangs which can be broken away more cleanly than with other commercially available fastener inserts. Further, the methods of manufacture offer a significant improvement in the production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, John F. Carvalho, Roger Zitnay, J. Peter Ferreira
  • Patent number: 6551042
    Abstract: A spring collet clamping system and method therefor including a collet disposed about a shaft, for example a rotary motor shaft, a substantially balanced spring clamp having a coil portion with arms extending from generally opposite portions thereof, the coil portion of the spring clamp is disposed about a portion of the collet, for example resilient arms thereof, to constrict and clamp the collet about the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grant, Leonard M. Mallak
  • Publication number: 20030049096
    Abstract: A helical thread insert having a removable tang attached to the front end of the insert, a retention device and a removal notch located along the rear portion of the insert. The removable tang is oriented radially inward and includes a “V” shaped notch oriented along the bottom of the thread to detach the tang at a specified point. The retention device is located at the rear end of the thread insert and prevents counterclockwise, removal rotation of the insert by engaging the female threads of the bore which the helical thread insert is disposed. A removal notch is formed along the inner surface of the insert proximal to the retention device to allow a tool to actuate the retention device inward, away from the female threads of the parent material, to allow relatively free counterclockwise rotation, removal, of the thread insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: William Giannakakos, John F. Carvalho
  • Patent number: 6514257
    Abstract: A device for anchoring an end of an elongated tensile flexible element guided along a tunnel provided through the bones of a joint for reconstruction of a ligament, comprising a female element, which defines an internal thread and can be inserted in the tunnel, and a male element, which defines an external thread and is suitable to be screwed with play into the female element so as to secure the elongated element between the internal and external threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Citieffe S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alan Dovesi, Franco Mingozzi
  • Patent number: 6494659
    Abstract: Described herein is a nitrogn strengthened stainless steel fastener insert and nut assembly which is resistant to galling when used in a fastener assembly. In addition to reduced galling, the fastener insert exhibits good corrosion resistance and a yield strength which is almost twice that of fasteners formed from 304 type stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Emhart LLC
    Inventors: William J. Lutkus, William Giannakakos, Ronald J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6494657
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a screw or bolt having two interleaved helical threads which bracket a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination. The two interleaved threads hold the coil and prevent it from rolling over the threads in high load applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Unsworth, Thomas Waram
  • Patent number: 6461092
    Abstract: An improved bolt/nut structure capable of preventing from dead locking and loosening and being vibration resistive, wherein, an internal threaded lining and an external threaded sleeve are made from helix springs with the cross section of each ring thereof in the shape of “]” and are used as an external thread and an internal thread for the bolt and the nut respectively to provide the function of dead locking and loosening and of vibration resisting. A plurality of expansion slits are provided on the internal and external peripheries of the helix springs, the springs with the expansion slits are suitable for use on the surface with collapsing of screw threads to suitably expand, and to confine the screw threads respectively. Moreover, a single or a plurality of helix springs are provided to form the internal threaded lining or the external threaded sleeve of one of various pitch gauges, thereby, the bolt structure has the capability of changing for the coarse and fine threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Shao-Chien Tseng
  • Patent number: 6276883
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a screw or bolt which can be attached in a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: John Unsworth, Thomas Waram
  • Patent number: 6224311
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing galvanic corrosion in fastener assemblies by coating fastener inserts with a resin bonded fluoropolymer composition having an average viscosity of between about 20 to 30 seconds at 25° C. Also disclosed is a method for providing coated inserts as well as the coated inserts produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Lutkus, William Giannakakos
  • Patent number: 6171040
    Abstract: The thread insert of the present invention comprises a helical body having a front end portion (3) and a back end portion (6), and a detachable tongue (4) connected to the front end portion (3) of the helical body, and a pair of engaging notches (10) are formed in the back end portion (6). A female thread (2) is formed on an inner surface of the helical body, a male thread (1) is formed on an outer surface of the helical body. The detachable tongue (4) has a circular portion (3a) having an outer diameter which is smaller than that of the helical body. A cutting notch (11) is formed between the front end portion (3) and the circular portion (3a) on at least one of a surface facing backward and a inner surface of the helical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kato Spring Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 6146073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-type screw thread insert for insertion into a tapped hole of a workpiece. A cylindrical body comprising a plurality of helically wound coils is provided with at least one insertion zone which is bent radially inwards from the outer diameter of the cylindrical body and extends about a circumferential angle of about 360.degree. to 720.degree.. This facilitates insertion of the insert into a tapped hole of the workpiece so that special tools required hitherto may be dispensed with because the wire-type screw thread insert of the invention may be readily introduced into the tapped hole and may be threaded thereinto by a simple tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bollhoff GmbH Verbindungs - und Montagetechnik
    Inventor: Klaus Kobusch
  • Patent number: 6129363
    Abstract: A drill chuck has a body element formed of fiber-reinforced plastic, centered on and rotatable about an axis, and formed centered on the axis with a rearwardly open spindle hole and a forwardly open tool hole. A ring element is axially fixed but rotatable about the axis on the body element and one of the elements is formed with a plurality of angled guide passages opening axially forward into the tool hole and the other of the elements is formed centered on the axis with a screwthread exposed in the passages. Respective jaws axially and radially displaceable in the passages are each formed with a row of teeth meshing with the screwthread so that rotation of the ring element in one direction displaces the jaws toward one another and opposite rotation displaces them away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Rohm GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Mack
  • Patent number: 5961266
    Abstract: An anti-vibration bolt and nut structure with the shank of a bolt including a plurality of axial teeth. The shank is received in an external threaded sleeve comprising a helical spring. An external wall of the sleeve includes a plurality of engaging internal teeth that mesh with the axial teeth so that the rotational force created by turning the head of the bolt is transmitted to the threads. The shank of the bolt includes a screw hole that can be rotated to rotate the shank when the bolt is use in a closed screw connection threaded hole. The nut includes a hole having a plurality of axial internal engaging teeth that mesh with external engaging teeth of an internal threaded lining to engage the internal threads with the nut. A screw hole in the internal threaded lining to receive a screw so that the internal threaded lining is engaged in the nut. The bolt and the nut can be used with a conventional nut and a conventional bolt respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Shao-Chien Tseng
  • Patent number: 5860779
    Abstract: A locking nut for use with a bolt for connecting members together. The bolt has a head and a shank. The members are disposed between the head and the nut when the locking nut connects the members together. At least a portion of the shank has external threads formed thereon. The locking nut includes a shell having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the bolt. At least a portion of a wall of the bore has internal threads formed thereon. The shell is sized and shaped to permit rotation of the nut on the bolt for tightening the nut on the bolt. The nut further includes a generally tubular insert sized for being received in the bore of the shell. The insert has a threaded portion having an outer surface with external threads for threaded engagement with the internal threads of the shell, and an inner surface with internal threads for threaded engagement with the external threads of the bolt. The insert includes a locking portion constructed for interlocking the insert with the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Rahmatollah F. Toosky, Scott Forrest
  • Patent number: 5639195
    Abstract: Wall panels are fastened to walls or to one another with pairs of identical elically-wound fastener rods which engage each other by turning. Spacer tubes are provided to maintain the desired spacing between panels, or between panels and walls, and to align the helically-wound sections of the fasteners before engaging. Guide prongs may also be used to assist in the alignment of the fasteners with each other before engaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Newell Brabston, Philip G. Malone, Roger H. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5555771
    Abstract: At least one end portion of a nut threadably engaged with a screw shaft is provided a mounting member mounting stepped portion, a radial through-hole is formed in the peripheral surface of the stepped portion and a radial pin insertion aperture is formed in the peripheral surface of a mounting member correspondingly to the through-hole, and an engagement recess is formed at a location whereat the through-hole and the pin insertion aperture are connected together. A pin member is provided with a protruded portion on the barrel portion thereof. The pin member is elastically deformed and inserted into the through-hole, and the tip end thereof is brought into engagement with the pin insertion aperture to fix the mounting member and bring the protruded portion into engagement with the engagement recess, thereby preventing the pin member from slipping out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: Daisuke Kuroiwa, Shigeharu Kobayashi, Mitsuji Kanai
  • Patent number: 5449259
    Abstract: A thread locking device for securing a male threaded member to a female threaded member at a desired interengaged position. A nut, threaded internally, and a spiral spring in combination form the thread locking device. The spring is mounted in the nut with the end tabs of the spring extending radially into a slot provided in the nut. The spring is configured to also threadably engage the threads of a member, such as a shaft, to which the nut will be threadably mounted. The spring in its relaxed state will forcibly grip the thread form of the shaft to frictionally secure the nut in position on the shaft. The radially extending end tabs of the spring are forced apart by a tool to enlarge the diameter of the spring to facilitate the threadable installation of the nut and the spring to the shaft and the removal of the nut and spring from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip E. Clohessey
  • Patent number: 5312214
    Abstract: A spiral member for improving the grip of screws in wooden or other receptive substrates is disclosed. The spiral member has a central axial drive pin by which it can be driven into a thread in the receptive substrate, and it has an improved cross section providing wings or protuberances extending out past the side surfaces of the cross section. The spiral member also has an outwardly facing triangular apex which bites into the old thread while the wings bear upon the flanks of the screw thread of the screw that inserted into the spiral member, thereby improving the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Multiclip Company Limited
    Inventor: Reginald F. Morton
  • Patent number: 5224739
    Abstract: A connecting device connects a tailpipe to an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The tailpipe includes a smaller diameter section and a larger diameter section, and the free end of the exhaust pipe is received by the larger diameter section of the tailpipe. An annular space separates the larger diameter section of the tailpipe and the free end of the exhaust pipe. Screw threads are formed on the free end of the exhaust pipe. A connecting spring is configured as a conical helical spring, the larger diameter end of which is fixed to the tailpipe. The other end of the spring has coils configured as screw threads which screwed onto the screw threads which are formed on the free end of the exhaust pipe. The spring is relatively soft in a direction parallel to an axis of the tailpipe, and is relatively stiff in a direction transverse to an axis of the tailpipe. The spring absorbs vibrations of the engine and centers the pipes with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Udo Sauter
  • Patent number: 5190270
    Abstract: A rebar clamp for clamping rebars to templates during the pouring of footings and the like is disclosed. The disclosed rebar clamp includes a body in the form of a helical coil and a screw member threadedly engaged with the helical coil and having a transverse handle at its outer end. A pair of arms are affixed to the opposite sides of the helical coil and are spread wide enough apart to embrace a template of well known type across its major dimension. The outer of each arm is provided with a hook which can tightly engage a rebar and firmly clamp it against one major face of the template when the screw member is rotated in such manner as to advance it against the opposite major face of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Jerry D. Huston
  • Patent number: 5101213
    Abstract: A screw type coupling device includidng a male screw element formed by installing a coil spring form helical component on the outer surface of a columnar element and a female screw element formed by installing a coil spring form helical component in a tubular element so that the two helical components are screw engaged with each other. With the application of such coupling device to an antenna for vehicles, the antenna having the male screw element at the base is removably attached to a vehicle body by screwing the male screw element of the antenna to the female screw element installed in the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jiro Harada, Heizo Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 5098241
    Abstract: A telescopic connector which may be varied in length and a method for installing the connector is disclosed. The connector includes telescoping male and female members which are joined by the action of a spring, which functions as a lockring, positioned in recesses in the two members. The spring possesses at least one release finger at one of its ends, the release fingers extending through an opening in the female member. The recess in the female member includes a shoulder portion and at least one cam surface. The recess on the male member may be either a recess comprising a shoulder portion and cam surface or a recess created between threads on the outer periphery of the male member. The cam surfaces restrict movement between the telescoping members until such time as the release fingers are manipulated to expand the spring, causing the spring to position within the shoulder of the female member, providing clearance between the spring and the male member which allows for two-way movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: XYZYX International Corp.
    Inventors: James H. Aldridge, Melvin L. Witter