Fastener Or Fastener Element Composed Of Plural Different Materials Patents (Class 411/900)
  • Patent number: 10688350
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with energy storage characteristics are presented herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a body comprising a strikeface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a crown, and an internal radius transition from the strikeface to at least one of the sole or the crown. In many embodiments, the internal radius transition region is not visible from an exterior of the golf club head and comprises a first tier, a second tier and a tier transition region between the first tier and the second tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Martin R. Jertson, Eric J. Morales, Cory S. Bacon, Calvin Wang, Xiaojian Chen, Ryan M. Stokke
  • Patent number: 9931546
    Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip 8, a first member m1 detachably attached, a second member m2 detachably attached, and a tool 102. A minimum force required to detach the first member m1 from the tool 102 in a connection state of the tool 102 and the first member m1 is defined as F1. A minimum force required to detach the second member m2 from the tool 102 in a connection state of the tool 102 and the second member m2 is defined as F2. The force F1 is greater than the force F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Naruhiro Mizutani
  • Patent number: 8790058
    Abstract: A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Quaderer, Eric N. White
  • Patent number: 8756790
    Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 8613580
    Abstract: A fastening device for securing panels together. Threads are formed along an outer circumference of a shank of the fastening device. The shank is coaxially connected to a head configured to be engaged by and to transfer torque loads from a tool to the shank. The shank comprises concentric cylindrical braid layers that each includes braided reinforcing fibers infiltrated with a resin matrix and adhesive layers may be disposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel H. Hecht
  • Patent number: 8574703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for positioning and assembly of two or more parts wherein at least one of which is of a creep sensitive material. The method and apparatus enable very precise positioning of parts during assembly by holding a rough alignment with free play permitting finer alignment. Creep resistant annular inserts are molded into the part and provided with flow apertures to conduct plastic material into the annular insert bore. A spindle defined the geometry of a centering hole within the bore during molding. The annular inserts are operable as compression limiters to prevent deformation of the creep sensitive material under the action of heat or tightening stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Stephane Warnery, Guy Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8434984
    Abstract: A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
  • Patent number: 8282329
    Abstract: A fastener includes an adjustable insert that disposed a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A stud, having cross pins, extends into said central opening, and said cross pins being engageable with said cam and locking surfaces. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert and the bore having an opening at the outer periphery of the insert facing the receptacle. An engagement member disposed within the bore and moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Patent number: 8109706
    Abstract: A composite fastener, a belly nut, a tie system and/or a method reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. The composite fastener, the belly nut, the tie system and/or the method secure a wall to a backup structure. The composite fastener is constructed from a fiber reinforced polymer that has fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The composite fastener has a low thermal conductive value (k-value) and has non-corrosive properties. The belly nut has a fastening hole on a first side of the belly nut to attach the composite fastener to the belly nut. Further, the belly nut has a pathway to receive a leg of a pintle from a top surface of the belly nut to a bottom surface of the belly nut. The pathway is sized to allow for greater vertical adjustment eccentricity between the belly nut and the pintle without creating large horizontal deflections of the tie system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph P. Richards
  • Patent number: 8083452
    Abstract: A hybrid clinch-type standoff consists of two component parts, a metal core base and a overmolded plastic barrel. The base has a through-bore and a displacer flange at the bottom. A first undercut is located immediately above the flange and extends upwardly along an outside surface of the base for providing clinch attachment of the base to a substrate. A frustoconical ramp convergent in the upward direction lies along the outer surface of the base is and is located directly above the first undercut. An axially extending segmented ring with circumferential teeth is located at the top of the base. The overmolded plastic tubular barrel composed of plastic fills the second undercut and surrounds the segmented ring. The barrel has an inner portion including a threaded inner wall which extends downardly inside the through-bore to a point flush with the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Bentrim
  • Patent number: 8052364
    Abstract: A coupling member is employed to couple components of a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by using a plasma. The coupling member includes a threaded rod portion which passes through one component and is screwed and fixed to another component, a head portion which supports the one component and has a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod portion, and an elastic portion which is interposed between the threaded rod portion and the head portion, wherein the elastic portion has a larger strain to an external force than those of the threaded rod portion and the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hachishiro Iizuka, Shojiro Yahata
  • Patent number: 8038375
    Abstract: An expansion anchor comprising a tubular body, which extends along a longitudinal axis and is structured so as to have a head at one end, adapted to be engaged inside a hole obtained in a wall; the head comprising a deformable body made of a first plastic material having a predetermined mechanical rigidity, and at least one longitudinal rigid insert, which is firmly integrated in the deformable body and is made of a second plastic material having a higher mechanical rigidity than the mechanical rigidity of the plastic material of the deformable body itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ITW Construction Products Italy S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Philippe Kohan, Michele Lucon
  • Patent number: 7997843
    Abstract: A fastener comprises an adjustable insert that disposed in a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. An engagement member disposed within the bore is moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Patent number: 7926693
    Abstract: A receiving element which can be introduced into a borehole of at least one component includes a bolt presenting an outer surface that is approximately parallel and advantageously coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the bolt. The receiving element requires few materials and can therefore be produced at a low constructional cost while being provided with high dimensional stability and positioning accuracy. The bold includes an abrasion-resistant sintered material, and a metal tip provided on the front end of the shaft. The end part of the tip is engageable in a recess of the bolt, and there is a direct connection between the end part and the recess in the connection region on the front end of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Friatec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Schramm
  • Patent number: 7897241
    Abstract: A composite spacer operable to be mounted on a first component is disclosed herein, wherein compression loads associated with attaching the first component to some other structure are born by the composite spacer to limit compressive deformation of the first component. The composite spacer includes a first body formed of resin and defining an aperture extending along an axis. The composite spacer also includes a plurality of first fibers positioned in the first body about the aperture. Each of the first fibers extends substantially parallel to the axis and increases a compressive strength of the first body relative to the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Claude Rice
  • Patent number: 7351022
    Abstract: A unified head for a staked fastener wherein the unified head is made from a first member in combination with a supplemental member, and the two members have at least one shared fiber. In a staking operation that forms the unified head, the operation is conducted in such a manner that a portion of a fiber, initially within the first member or the supplemental member, crosses the boundary therebetween creating the shared fiber, i.e., a segment of a single fiber is embedded in the first member and a segment is embedded in the supplemental member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Clark A. Denslow
  • Patent number: 7275612
    Abstract: A sealing member is composed of upper and lower holders which are molded members formed of rubber or resin. The upper holder has a stopper having a tubular shape with a flange inserted on its inner periphery. The lower holder has an inserted nut and outer threaded member on its inner and outer peripheries. In fixing a battery, after the outer threaded member of the lower holder is secured to a seat of a body frame by being screwed therein, the case is attached so that an expanded portion covers the lower holder, and then the upper holder is attached in a hole of the expanded portion. Subsequently, a bolt is presented through a battery holder, and is tightened by being screwed into the nut of the lower holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignees: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Komura, Shingo Usui
  • Patent number: 7182159
    Abstract: A drill member for percussive rock drilling is formed by forming a compound component and friction welding the compound component to the end of a drill rod. The compound component is formed by welding a core part within a shell part and machining a thread into either the shell part (male thread) or core part (female thread). The part in which the thread is machined is formed of low alloy steel, and the other part is formed of stainless steel, wherein the thread bottom is formed of stainless steel, and the thread crests are formed of low alloy steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Johan Linden
  • Patent number: 6953314
    Abstract: A faucet clamp for retaining a faucet to a sink has first and second jaws that are pivoted together by a hinge. The jaws have internal clamping surfaces which include a thread-engaging surface, for example a compliant liner. The thread-engaging surface engages the threads of a faucet pipe extending from the faucet base and clamps the faucet to the sink. The jaws of the faucet clamp pivot to an open position for installation or removal over the faucet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy Magagna
  • Patent number: 6913666
    Abstract: A joining pin (3.2) with which two parts (1 and 2) made from a porous material, particularly wood or a wood-like material, are to be joined together, is anchored in the porous material at predetermined anchoring points (31, 33). For this purpose, a bore (4.2) with a closed inner end (41) is made in the parts (1 and 2). The shape of this bore (4.2) is so matched to the joining pin (3.2) that it can be introduced substantially without force expenditure into the bore and is positionable in a first position. At least one predetermined anchoring point (31, 33) between the joining pin (3.2) and the wall of the bore (4.2) is formed when pressure is built up by pressing the joining pin (3.2) with a pressing force (F) more deeply into the bore to a second position. Energy is supplied in a planned manner to the joining pin (3.2) so that at the predetermined anchoring points (31, 33) the thermoplastic material of the joining pin (3.2) is plasticized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Elmar Mock, Laurent Torriani, Heinz Koester
  • Patent number: 6874986
    Abstract: A self-tapping screw (1) consists of two interconnected sections (7 and 8) of stainless material. The first section (7) comprising the tool access (4) and the thread (6) consists of stainless, austenitic steel and the second section (8) configured as a boring part (5) consists of martensitic steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: SFS Intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Michael Köppel, Bernhard Hinz
  • Patent number: 6769852
    Abstract: A nut and plate washer assembly formed from a separate nut body and a separate washer body. The washer body is press fit onto a shank of the nut body, with a head of the nut body embedded in a recess of the washer body. The washer body and nut body can be made from dissimilar materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward
  • Patent number: 6629808
    Abstract: Mounting pin arrangements are useful for connecting a first and a second structure together. When the pin is inserted in a mounting structure the mounting pin arrangement needs to expand to seal the arrangement to prevent dust and dirt from entering the mounting arrangement. The subject mounting pin arrangement includes a sleeve assembly that has a plurality of sleeve segments and an elastomeric is positioned and connected to adjacent segments and includes an end cap on the end portion of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a tapered bore therethrough. A pair of inserts are positioned in the bore and include tapers that interact with the taper in the bore of the sleeve to expand the sleeve to seal the mounting arrangement. The arrangement of components provides an expandable pin arrangement that will prevent dust or dirt from entering the mounting arrangement to prolong the life of the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin L. Martin, Timothy J. Weirich, Jose Mauricio Tuschi
  • Patent number: 6562206
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 6481943
    Abstract: A holding element 1, for fastening a component 18 to a carrier 4 having an opening 3, includes an insertion piece 2 made of a soft elastic plastics material, and a thrust part 11 made of a rigid plastics material. The insertion piece 2 is formed with a bevelled or cone shaped thrust face 12, which is held in interfacing engagement with a complimentarily bevelled or conically shaped thrust face 7 of the thrust part 11 by elastically deformable ribs 13 and 14. When a screw 15 is inserted through a longitudinal bore 8 of the insertion piece 2 and into an axially aligned bore 10 of the thrust part 11, and is tightened, the insertion piece is compressed to expand radially to anchor the holding element 1 within the opening 3 of the carrier 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Emhart LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Coudrais, Reimar Saltenberger
  • Patent number: 6457924
    Abstract: A fastener designed to press into two slots of a barrier and become captivated with spring tension barbs is disclosed. The fastener thus allows two vertical barriers to be fastened together by driving a screw through a first barrier, a second barrier, and then the fastener, to compress the barriers in place during assembly. The fastener may be provided with a nut holding cage with caged nut or a pair of thread engaging flanges to secure the screw to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Wallace
  • Publication number: 20020076303
    Abstract: A novel insert assembly for use in snowboards and other sporting equipment provides for embedded insert location, regardless of the properties of the insert material per se, and without requiring either expensive equipment or a complex location process. This is achieved by positioning a small inexpensive magnet on or within the insert cavity, or placing a plug-like magnet in the open threaded end of the inserts. After the board assembly is complete, a magnetic material such as iron powder is dusted on the surface of the board to react with the field lines created about each insert, revealing the insert location. Then, the board can be drilled to pierce the insert cap, and facilitate removal of any plug in the insert. It is also possible to provide, through powdered metal technology, an insert material which itself will produce the desired magnetic field of sufficient intensity at the dusted surface of the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: CAMAX Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Newman
  • Patent number: 6244805
    Abstract: A grommet is formed with elastomeric portions and relatively rigid portions by multi-shot core injection molding. The grommet. includes a head and a shank. The head includes a central planar area of the relatively rigid material, such as nylon. The head further includes a lower layer of elastomeric material, facing the shank, which serves as a seal or washer. The head further includes an upper layer of elastomeric material which includes countersunk portions around the blind aperture which is formed in the head and extends through a portion of the shank. The shank includes a rounded nose formed on a distal portion and has elastomeric material formed on an exterior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Everard
  • Patent number: 6129326
    Abstract: Bolted mounting assemblies for use between two mounted components wherein one of the components experiences vibration typically use rubber shock absorbers to dampen the vibration transfer between the components. The rubber shock absorbers are expensive and complicated to manufacture and are limited in flexibility control. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing an adhesive with damping capabilities between washers in a bolt assembly. The bolt assembly is used to mount first and second components with the washers therebetween. The adhesive is spaced a predetermined distance from a longitudinal axis of a bolt and has a non-uniform thickness which increases as the distance from the longitudinal axis increases to provide protection from bending loads about the axis. The washers with adhesive form a washer assembly with damping and flexibility characteristics controlled through variations in the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephane L. Mandon
  • Patent number: 6116832
    Abstract: The screw of the invention is characterized by a threaded shank of which the foot segment is an elastomer and of which the head segment is a dimensionally stable material, preferably a plastic. The screw comprising an elastomer buffer integrated into it in this manner is used to decouple vibrations from two components to be connected without having to resort to any further accessory means. Preferably the screw is used as a locking screw and foremost is applicable to affix a motor vehicle water radiator to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignees: WOCO Franz-Josef Wolf & Co., Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Josef Wolf, Eric Portal, Manfred Schatz, Axel Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 6086305
    Abstract: A selectively hardened nail includes a nail head, an elongated shank, and a tip. A portion of the nail shank is made harder than the remainder by selectively heat treating that portion, and cooling it. The nail has controlled bending properties. The selectively hardened portion does not significantly bend when the nail is fired at a surface using a power driving tool, or during use of the nailed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Geronimo E. Lat, Louis M. Spoto, Kent B. Godsted
  • Patent number: 5685682
    Abstract: A fastener device is provided for connecting a first component having a first aperture therein to a second component having a second aperture therein. The fastener device includes an axially extending first shaft portion for connection within the first aperture of the first component and an axially extending second shaft portion for connection within the second aperture of the second component. A connector portion extends between and interconnects the first and second shaft portions to each other. The shaft portions are each made of a first material and the connector portion is made of a different second material. The second material forming the connector portion is sufficiently flexible to permit axial and transverse movement of the first and second shaft portions relative each to allow for coaxial misalignment of the first and second apertures and to provide noise and vibration isolation between the first and second components in the assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia Ann Glime, Ronald Lee Beckmann
  • Patent number: 5520492
    Abstract: A sliding part having a metallic main body which is formed with a silver plating layer over a surface thereof slidable in contact with other metallic part. The silver plating layer has a crystal structure so adapted that the intensity of diffraction X-rays diffracted by the (200) plane thereof is at least 1/3 of the intensity of diffraction X-rays diffracted by the (111) plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Nobukazu Ikeda, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Akihiro Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5489180
    Abstract: A vibration damping construction, which is useful when it is applied to a vibration isolation washer or a pressed construction such as an oil pan, a ventilation buffle plate, etc. for an automobile, is disclosed, which is so constructed that raw materials, in each of which a rubber visco-elastic layer or such layers is or are disposed on one or two surfaces of a metal plate, are laminated on each other, so that rubber visco-elastic layers are opposite to each other, and adhered to each other to form a laminated body; rectangular pawls are formed on the raw material at the uppermost layer and the laminated body; rectangular cut-off windows, with which the cut and raised pawls can be engaged, are formed in the raw material at the lowermost layer; and these are laminated on each other and bound in one body by spot connection by means of the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Sunao Ichihara, Kunihiko Yano, Takahiro Niwa, Shyuichi Ishiwa, Katsunori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5411288
    Abstract: A door assembly (10) for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint module (14) includes two doors (80, 100) which are pivotally mounted for movement between a closed position and an open position. The doors (80, 100) cover an opening (28) through which an inflatable air bag (22) deploys. Each door (80, 100) has at least one finger portion (120, 140, 152, 154) which overlaps the other door when the doors are in the closed position. The overlapping finger portions (120, 140, 152, 154) prevent inward pivoting movement of the doors (80, 100). A retainer assembly (200) holds the doors (80, 100) in the closed position and releases the doors to pivot outward upon inflation of the air bag (22). The retainer assembly (200) includes a frangible member (224) which ruptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Steffens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5393182
    Abstract: A three piece seal nut comprises an aluminum base having a workpiece engaging surface with an elastomeric seal ring thereon and an annular titanium torque accepting wrench pad that is seated on said base and has a threaded bore for the acceptance of a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Berecz
  • Patent number: 5371992
    Abstract: At least one scored screw is driven into the squeak area with a specialized driving bit and an alignment and depth control fixture. The alignment and depth control fixture is used to direct the scored screw to the proper point into the floor so that the scored area is at or beneath the surface of the floor. The driving bit can stop driving the screw at the desired position. After the alignment and depth control fixture is removed, a gripping tool is used to apply force to the screw and break the screw at the prescored position. The barrel of the screw being left in the floor locks the floor or the step to the desired support. One screw or series of these screws in usually an arcuate or a radial fashion around the squeak area, can eliminate the squeak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Jon L. O'Berry
  • Patent number: 5372466
    Abstract: Squeaks in a floor or stair are eliminated by driving screws in the area. At least one scored screw to be driven into the squeak area combines with a specialized driving bit and a alignment and depth control fixture to eliminate the squeak. The alignment and depth control fixture can be used to direct the scored screw to the proper point while the driving bit can stop driving the screw at the desired position. After the alignment and depth control fixture is removed, the screw is broken at the prescored position. To minimize damage to an in place carpet, a tape is wrapped around the threads of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Jon L. O'Berry
  • Patent number: 5360448
    Abstract: Bone screws are disclosed with and without heads and with the screw shaft provided with axially adjacent longitudinally extending regions, one or more of which have bone ingrowth porous surfaces and alternate with regions having threaded surfaces. The headed embodiments have a region with a threaded surface nearest the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 5314282
    Abstract: A composite fastener member, in one form, having integral head and shank portions is defined by a plurality of superimposed composite fiber reinforced sheets spirally wound about a longitudinal axis. A plurality of fastener members, oppositely disposed within an opening in an article, define a fastener especially useful in joining lightweight composite structures such as aircraft or aircraft engine components. In another form, the ends of a single spirally wound composite fastener member are splayed to fasten a plurality of sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guy C. Murphy, Barrett J. Fuhrmann, Jackie D. Jones
  • Patent number: 5217202
    Abstract: An anti-corrosion plug for closing a threaded condensate drain opening in a compressor air tank. The plug is formed from a material having a lower potential in the electrochemical series than said air tank to prevent electrolytic corrosion of the tank. The plug has a central cavity open to receive any condensate in the tank. An acid neutralizing insert, for example, of limestone, is located in the cavity to neutralize any acidity in the tank condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Air Power Company
    Inventor: Alan G. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5116158
    Abstract: A high temperature ceramic/metallic turbine engine includes a metallic housing which journals a rotor member of the turbine engine. A ceramic disk-like shroud portion of the engine is supported on the metallic housing portion and maintains a close running clearance with the rotor member. A ceramic spacer assembly maintains the close running clearance of the shroud portion and rotor member despite differential thermal movements between the shroud portion and metallic housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Carruthers, Gary L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5098240
    Abstract: A composite fastener which provides up to 70 KSI in shear strength in a 1/4 inch shank diameter and includes several layers having long parallel carbon fibers embedded in resin. The layers are pressed together and heated to form a panel. The panel is cut into bars which are then machined into rods, used to form threaded or unthreaded composite shear pins. The fibers in adjacent layers are angled with respect to one another to provide maximum shear strength in a particular direction. The head of the shear pin is preferably marked to indicate the orientation of maximum shear strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Roland H. Gapp, Clyde D. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5011353
    Abstract: A hybrid ceramic/metallic fastener (bolt) includes a headed ceramic shank carrying a metallic end termination fitting. A conventional cap screw threadably engages the termination fitting to apply tensile force to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 4998853
    Abstract: A self-drilling blind rivet includes a main body having a bore, a mandrel trapped in the bore of the main body, the mandrel including an abutment end toward the main body, and a drill bit welded to the abutment end of the mandrel, the drill bit including a cold forged drill section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Shinjo Seisakusho
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo
  • Patent number: 4958972
    Abstract: A breakable composite drill screw comprises a first shank made of a metal unsusceptible of hardening, a driving head extending from one end of the first shank and engageable with a screw driving tool, a second shank made of another metal susceptible of hardening, the second shank being fixedly adjoined to the other end of the first shank to thereby provide a break zone at said other end, a drill bit formed by cold forging at an end of the second shank, a continuous thread formed by thread-rolling to extend around both outer cylindrical peripheries of the first and second shank wherein a portion extending from the break zone to the drill bit is hardened or quenched, and wherein said shanks are adjoined at their engaging surfaces to each other by projection-welding technique making use of a welding lug protruding from either engaging surface, said lug forming the break zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Shinjoseisakusho
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo
  • Patent number: 4955772
    Abstract: A fastener clip adapted to be mounted onto a substantially plate-shaped carrier and by means of a fastening element is used for fastening of a structural part to the carrier. In order to be able to withstand sufficiently high screwing-in forces by the fastening element and in order to be able to connect the fastening element in a secure manner with the fastener clip, the fastener clip has on its leg a hollow-sleeve portion preferably with a central hole which extends over a length adjusted to the length of the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: EJOT Eberhard Jaeger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Reck
  • Patent number: 4909690
    Abstract: A threaded fastener is made of a composite material made of layers extending parallel to the fastener axis and having elongated filament fibers. A portion of the fibers extend parallel to the axis of the fastener to provide tensile and shear strength to the fastener, and a portion of the fibers extend parallel to the load-bearing thread faces to enhance tensile strength to the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Roland H. Gapp, Clyde Simmons
  • Patent number: 4869633
    Abstract: A lug nut device is provided to enable an adjustable, durable and lockable connection between a wheel and an axle of a vehicle. The lug nut device includes two components, a lug nut composed of hardened metal and a tapered washer composed of aluminum. The lug nut is comprised of a plurality of arbitrarily arranged rounded and flat sides. The tapered washer has a large surface area, allowing for self-centering and weight distribution. The tapered washer and lug nut are connected by press-fitting the base of the lug nut to the flat end of the tapered washer. The two components then are fixedly engaged to a bolt, adjustably connecting the wheel to the axle. The lug nut device is more securely fastened by the means of a socket or key whose interior cavity circumference is complimentary to the sides of the lug nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Haruhiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: RE33901
    Abstract: A breakable composite drill screw comprises a first shank made of a metal unsusceptible of hardening, a driving head extending from one end of the first shank and engageable with a screw driving tool, a second shank made of another metal susceptible of hardening, the second shank being fixedly adjoined to the other end of the first shank to thereby provide a break zone at said other end, a drill bit formed by cold forging at an end of the second shank, a continuous thread formed by thread-rolling to extend around both outer cylindrical peripheries of the first and second shank wherein a portion extending from the break zone to the drill bit is hardened or quenched, and wherein said shanks are adjoined at their engaging surfaces to each other by projection-welding technique making use of a welding lug protruding from either engaging surface, said lug forming the break zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Shinjoseisakusho
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo