Miscellaneous Patents (Class 267/182)
  • Patent number: 11883954
    Abstract: A flexible member is provided which can have excellent load resistance and flexibility while being more compact. This flexible member has a main body part in which multiple wave washers having closed ring shapes is stacked in an axial direction and joined to each other by multiple joint parts, and the main body part is able to be bent with respect to the axial direction due to elastic deformation of the wave washers. Each of the joint parts includes: a pair of welded parts in linear shape, being gradually separated from each other in a circumferential direction from an inner circumferential side toward an outer circumferential side of the wave washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shimpei Kurokawa, Yosuke Kawai
  • Patent number: 11857027
    Abstract: A device for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, a fourth foot, a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and to return energy when the force is removed from the common area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Athletic Propulsion Labs LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Goldston, Ryan Goldston, Adam Goldston
  • Patent number: 11585398
    Abstract: A spring assembly comprises an edge wound wave spring and a shim. The spring comprises a plurality of axially spaced, axially compressible wave-like turns extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion comprises a plurality of closely arranged parallel turns. The shim comprises a shim body and at least one mounting lug projecting radially from the shim body. The mounting lug is received between adjacent turns of the first end portion of the edge wound wave spring for retaining the shim to the edge wound wave spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeremy Kracke
  • Patent number: 11433517
    Abstract: A torque wrench with elastic member includes a tubular body in which an elastic member is disposed for adjusting the torque value of the torque wrench. The elastic member is in the form of a plate body having a front connection section, a rear connection section and at least one bent section positioned between the front and rear connection sections. The front and rear connection sections of the elastic member respectively abut against a click mechanism disposed in front of the elastic member and an adjustment mechanism disposed behind the elastic member, whereby the elastic member can be compressed or released to adjust the torque value of the torque wrench. The elastic member has a novel structure and can ensure the stability of the torque wrench in use and enhance the utility of the torque wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11137721
    Abstract: A balance spring for a balance with a blank containing: niobium: the remainder to 100 wt %, titanium: between 40 and 60 wt %, traces of elements selected from the group formed of O, H, C, Fe, Ta, N, Ni, Si, Cu, Al, between 0 and 1600 ppm by weight individually, and less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Charbon
  • Patent number: 10563381
    Abstract: A ground engaging tool locking system includes a pin having a first, proximal head region and a second, distal end region spaced from the first, proximal head region along an axis. The pin includes a groove located between the first, proximal head region and the second, distal end region. A biasing element is disposed at least partially within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Voelz, Richard Nicoson, James Popp, Matt Gross
  • Patent number: 10406714
    Abstract: A power-tool cutting device that is free of a torque-transmitting element includes at least one cutting strand and at least one guiding unit for guiding the cutting strand. The guiding unit together with the cutting strand forms a closed system. The power-tool cutting device has at least one preloading unit that is arranged on the guiding unit. The preloading unit is configured for automatic play compensation and/or tolerance compensation of the cutting strand at least during a state of the guiding unit in which the guiding unit is removed from a coupling device of a portable power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Duerr, Petr Grulich
  • Patent number: 10185370
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vibration reduction device, an electronic device and mobile equipment containing same. The vibration reduction device comprises: a first fixing component (10) which is a frame structure (11); a second fixing component (100) arranged in the center or near the center position of the first fixing component (10); and a vibration reduction connecting component (50) positioned between the first fixing component (10) and the second fixing component (100) and used for connecting both together. The vibration reduction connecting component (50) comprises a vibration reduction connecting frame (53) connected to the frame structure (11), and an inverted U-shaped structure (51) positioned in the vibration reduction connecting frame (53), connected to the lower part of the vibration reduction connecting frame (53) through supporting legs and connected with the second fixing component (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Di Tan
  • Patent number: 9789625
    Abstract: A separating device for a machine tool includes at least one cutting strand and at least one guide unit configured to guide the cutting strand. The guide unit forms a closed system together with the cutting strand. The separating device further includes at least one cutting strand tensioning unit that is positioned on the guide unit, and that is configured to compensate for at least one of play and tolerance in the cutting strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Engelfried, Petr Grulich
  • Publication number: 20150076784
    Abstract: A striker compresses a bumper of a jounce bumper assembly. The striker includes a contact surface configured to face the bumper of the jounce bumper assembly. The striker also includes at least one ridge extending from the contact surface. The at least one ridge is engageable with the bumper for minimizing radial expansion of the bumper at the contact surface as the bumper is compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventor: Sadiq Al-Dahhan
  • Patent number: 8944676
    Abstract: An assembly including a member made of a first material, which is axially driven into a circular aperture of a part made of a second material that is brittle, using an intermediate part made of a third material and mounted between the member and the part is disclosed. The intermediate part is a continuous cylinder including a hole for receiving the member so that the intermediate part absorbs radially and in a uniform manner, at least part of the axial driving force of the member. The part includes pierced holes forming elastic deformation units distributed around the circular aperture thereof for absorbing any of the radial force not absorbed by the intermediate part, so as to secure the assembly in a non-destructive manner for the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogére Suisse
    Inventors: Thierry Conus, Marco Verardo, Frédéric Kohler, Igor Saglini, Andrés Cabezas Jurin, Jacques Jacot, Maxence Perret-Gentil
  • Publication number: 20140298679
    Abstract: A foot or shoe-borne apparatus comprises a spacer and spring assembly that can be oriented in two orientations. In the first orientation, the assembly is under the sole of a user's foot or shoe such that the assembly acts against the ground for enhanced locomotion for that foot or shoe. In the second orientation, the assembly is positioned away from the sole of the foot or shoe, thereby enabling ordinary use of that foot or shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Riccardo Brun del Re
  • Publication number: 20140227546
    Abstract: A high-carbon steel wire has as steel composition: a carbon content ranging from 0.40 weight percent to 0.85 weight percent, a silicon content ranging from 1.0 weight percent to 2.0 weight percent, a manganese content ranging from 0.40 weight percent to 1.0 weight percent, and a chromium content ranging from 0.0 weight percent to 1.0 weight percent. The remainder is iron. This steel wire has as metallurgical structure a volume percentage of retained austenite ranging from 4 percent to 20 percent, while the remainder is tempered primary martensite and untempered secondary martensite. The steel wire is obtained by partitioning after quenching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NV BEKAERT SA
    Inventors: Christophe Mesplont, Walther Van Raemdonck
  • Patent number: 8794607
    Abstract: A supporting device supports an in-vehicle mounted object on a vehicle body. The supporting device includes a bracket and an elastic member. The bracket has a side-plate part having an opening part. The elastic member is engaged with the first opening part so as to be provided between the bracket and the in-vehicle mounted object. The side-plate part includes a notch having one end connected to the opening part and the other end open outward. The notch does not intersect with a plane containing a line passing substantially a center of the opening part and extending in a main vibrating direction of the in-vehicle mounted object, the plane being substantially perpendicular to the side-plate part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohnosuke Sobajima, Yoshihiro Nakagiri, Toshiyuki Tetsuda, Hiroshi Shimofukasako, Katsuyuki Furuhata, Nobuhiko Yoshioka, Masashi Kodan
  • Patent number: 8783669
    Abstract: A push-push type stylus eject mechanism includes a rail disposed on a substrate, a hook disposed on the substrate, a slide device sliding relative to the substrate, an elastic device connecting the slide device and the hook, and a guide arm having an end pivoted on the slide device and another end having a pin. The slide device could couple to a stylus. The slide device has a pressing element. The rail has a first positioning point and a second positioning point. The pin is moved between the first positioning point and the second positioning point when the stylus is pushed, and the guide arm is pressed by the pressing element to prevent the pin releasing from the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8757426
    Abstract: A beverage container with integrated anchoring system, having a container assembly, a housing assembly, a spring assembly, an anchor assembly, and a base assembly. The anchor assembly anchors onto a surface, such as a tabletop, when a downward force is placed onto the container or housing assembly to keep the beverage container with integrated anchoring system stationary. The anchor assembly releases from the surface when a predetermined rotational force is placed onto the housing or base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: German J. Serrano
  • Publication number: 20140109821
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a fore-body and a flexible aft. The flexible aft includes a flexible body. The flexible body includes a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis, and a cavity. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, David Shane, Michael Conry, Will Ober
  • Patent number: 8668190
    Abstract: An impact-absorbing structure includes a vertical hollow column that telescopically receives a post. A coil spring surmounts a centrally apertured support plate that receives and is secured to the hollow column. A coil spring stands atop the support plate and the upper end of the coil spring is secured to a top plate that surmounts the post. A centrally apertured spacer plate is parallel to the top plate and is downwardly spaced apart from it. A plurality of bolts interconnects the top plate and spacer plate. The post retracts within the hollow column and the coil spring is compressed when a downwardly directed force is applied to the top plate. The coil spring unloads and restores the top plate and the spacer plate to their respective positions of repose when the downwardly directed force is removed. Each bolt is engaged by an eye loop at the end of a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vertical Venture Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Heruska, Stephen Eric Johnston, II
  • Patent number: 8641023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spring for a timepiece, including the following steps: (a) forming a body using first and second metallic materials secured to each other; (b) decreasing the section of the body; and winding the body to form the spring. The invention also relates to the spring obtained via the method. The invention concerns the field of regulating members for timepieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Charbon, Marco Verardo, José Quintina
  • Patent number: 8636270
    Abstract: A low cost, flexible, torqueable structure for use as at least a portion of a medical device comprises a coil formed of a wound element. The coil includes a plurality of adjacent windings. Connected portions of a region between the adjacent windings are formed (by, for example, laser welding) such that torque can be transmitted between adjacent windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaac Ostrovsky
  • Publication number: 20130075210
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive spring, damping or hinge system having functional characteristics that are adaptable to various operating conditions, with provision being made for at least one adaptive spring system or a damping or hinge system formed of shape memory material to be activatable in such a manner that by subjecting it to heating or to an annealing treatment, the spring, damping or hinge characteristics may be modified in operation condition, and/or that at least one variable actuator element formed of a shape memory material is provided and is capable of changing the spring, damping or hinge characteristics of the adaptive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Sven Langbein, Alexander Czechowicz
  • Patent number: 8382653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Corassist Cardiovascular Ltd.
    Inventors: Shay Dubi, Igor Kovalsky, Yair Feld, Amir Loshakove, Boaz Nishri, Amit Tubishevitz
  • Patent number: 8328169
    Abstract: The present application provides a high strength spring steel and a high strength spring that have superior corrosion fatigue strength. The spring steel comprises, in terms of percent by mass, 0.35-0.55% C, 1.60-3.00% Si, 0.20-1.50% Mn, 0.10-1.50% Cr and at least one element selected from 0.40-3.00% Ni, 0.05-0.50% Mo 0.05-0.50% V, the balance being at least substantially Fe and incidental elements and impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Chuo Hatsujo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Kuno, Tomohiro Nakano, Takayuki Sakakibara, Masami Wakita, Shingo Mimura
  • Publication number: 20120301736
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition in the form of a loose powder including the following by weight: 50% to 99.99% of polyamide powder, and 0.01% to 0.5% of polypropylene glycol, out of the total weight of the composition. The present invention relates in particular to a coating composition in the form of a powder including the following by weight: 50% to 99.9% of polyamide powder, 0.01% to 10% of at least one pigment and 0.01% to 0.5% of polypropylene glycol, out of the total weight of the composition. The present invention relates in particular to the use of said composition in methods for coating objects, in particular metal, by means of stuccoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Karine Huraux, Jean-Charles Durand
  • Publication number: 20120278987
    Abstract: Provided is a pool spring cover having an elongate tubular member with openings on first and second sides, respectively. The first and second sides span a longitudinal axis. An attachment member extends generally along the longitudinal axis from a first portion of the second side to a free end. A fastener comprised of a first fastener element and a second fastener element is provided. The first fastener element is associated with the attachment member at the free end and the second fastener element is associated with the tubular member at a second portion of the second side. The first and second fastener elements are adapted to fasten to each other such that the attachment member forms a loop. The first fastener element and the second fastener element may form a one-time use fastener. Also provided are related systems and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Dean Marelli
  • Patent number: 8215621
    Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Kenneth E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8136309
    Abstract: A damper system for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic and wind energy transmitted to the structure, includes first and second pairs of elongated members forming an outer parallelogram, third and fourth pairs of elongated members forming an inner parallelogram, and a pair of energy dissipating devices connected between the parallelograms for dissipating the energy transmitted to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ahmad Rahimian
  • Patent number: 8066036
    Abstract: A complex coil and a fixture for forming same configured such that loops are formed having various configurations relative to each other. The configurations provide improved thrombus formation and reduced rotation or tumbling once implanted. The complex coil is formed of a material that may deformed for purposes of placing the complex coil into a catheter and returns to a complex shape that includes said loops once deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Microvention, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Monetti, George Martinez, Matthew Fitz, Damian Jonathan Perez
  • Patent number: 8007386
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a strand of chain between two sprockets including a tensioner body and a ramp fixed to ground. The tensioner body has an oval shape defined by first and second arcuately curved sides. Each side has a distal end, a proximal end, and a blade spring. The first and second arcuately curved sides are coupled together at the distal ends and pivotally attached to ground at the proximal ends. When the first arcuately curved side is in contact with the ramp, the second arcuately curved side is in contact with the chain strand, and the tensioner body is positioned relative to the ramp such that the blade springs of the tensioner body are compressed, a tensioning force is applied to the strand of chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Smart
  • Publication number: 20110163487
    Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Kenneth E. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110148019
    Abstract: A push-push type stylus eject mechanism includes a rail disposed on a substrate, a hook disposed on the substrate, a slide device sliding relative to the substrate, an elastic device connecting the slide device and the hook, and a guide arm having an end pivoted on the slide device and another end having a pin. The slide device could couple to a stylus. The slide device has a pressing element. The rail has a first positioning point and a second positioning point. The pin is moved between the first positioning point and the second positioning point when the stylus is pushed, and the guide arm is pressed by the pressing element to prevent the pin releasing from the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan LIN
  • Patent number: 7950596
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a fuel injector body defining a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a valve having a first valve state and a second valve state and an actuator for the valve. The fuel injector includes a biasing spring including a cylindrical rolled sheet having a first spring end, a second spring end and defining a longitudinal center axis. The cylindrical rolled sheet is configured to change in length to bias the actuator toward the first actuator position and includes a helical seam located between the first spring end and a second spring end which has a shape adapted to reduce non-uniformity in a spring constant via distributing stiffness about the longitudinal center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Venkataraghavan, Michael Long, Zhenlong Xu, Stephen Lewis
  • Patent number: 7950634
    Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Kenneth E. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110107852
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest using a force responsive element comprising, at least in part, a balanced material. The balanced material is temperature insensitive over a specified range of temperatures such that the force responsive element may estimate the parameter of interest by responding to a desired force with relatively little interference due to temperature changes within the specified range of temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Carl M. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110031668
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a vibration isolation system includes a heater element thermally coupled to a damping element formed of an elastomeric material having an elasticity that varies as a function of its temperature. The damping element physically couples a first structure to a second structure. The heater element selectively heats the damping element to regulate its temperature for controlling the elasticity of the damping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Schlittler, John S. Reed, James A. Pruett, William A. Kastendieck, Zachary A. Zutavern
  • Publication number: 20100320661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a spring for a timepiece including the following steps: a) forming (11) a body using first and second metallic materials secured to each other; b) decreasing (15) the section of the body; c) winding (21) the body to form said spring. The invention also relates to the spring obtained via the method. The invention concerns the field of regulating members for timepieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: NIVAROX-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Charbon, Marco Verardo, José Quintina
  • Publication number: 20100264572
    Abstract: A shock mount assembly includes a base member, a top member, and an isolator disposed between the base member and the top member, the isolator providing a dynamic stiffness in three different directions to limit the movement, deflection, and/or acceleration of a detector array with respect to a casing surrounding the detector array in three dimensions. A detector array including the shock mount assembly is also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Patent number: 7770874
    Abstract: A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Gotohii.com Inc.
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Ali Mirbach
  • Publication number: 20100102095
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: David M. Houser, Adrian J. Purvis, Bhaskar Avutapalli
  • Publication number: 20100096230
    Abstract: An energy absorber for aircraft includes one or more energy absorber elements and a housing, whereby the energy absorber elements can absorb crash impulses by plastic deformation within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Humfeldt, Michael Harriehausen, Jan Schröder, Martin Sperber, Michael Demary
  • Publication number: 20100078863
    Abstract: A vibration isolation assembly for an aerodynamic object comprises a viscoelastic inner layer disposed on the aerodynamic object and being configured to attenuate vibration. The vibration isolation assembly further comprises a rigid or stiff outer layer disposed on an inner layer. The vibration isolation assembly may attenuate the transmission of aerodynamically-induced vibration to components contained or mounted to the aerodynamic object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Steven F. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7685755
    Abstract: A recoil reduction system having an elongated forend portion having a front end, a rear end, a left side wall, a right side wall and a bottom wall; and recoil reduction means attached to said forend, wherein said recoil reduction means further comprises a longitudinally extending rail extending downwardly from a bottom surface of said forend portion; and an upright oriented handgrip having a top end, a bottom end, a front end, and a primary chamber that extends upwardly within said handgrip, wherein a track is formed in said top end of said handgrip, wherein said rail is slidably received in said track to support said handgrip, and wherein said recoil reduction means is mounted in said primary chamber of said handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventor: James K. Bentley
  • Patent number: 7658238
    Abstract: An impact drill for boring a workpiece includes a main frame, a motor housed in the main frame, a spindle movably supported by the main frame and rotatable by the motor and movable in its axial direction, a first ratchet positioned fixedly with respect to the spindle, a second ratchet positioned with respect to the first ratchet, a spring biasing the second ratchet toward the first ratchet. The spring has at least one of a spring constant and a biasing force which prevents the second ratchet and the spindle from abutting against the main frame at least one of when a force ranging from 15 to 25 kg is applied to the main frame for boring the workpiece and when the spindle is moved to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyunichi Toukairin, Kenji Kataoka, Kazuhide Ohzeki, Takuma Saito, Shinki Ohtsu, Shigeru Ishikawa, Hideki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7648589
    Abstract: A method for making a ductile and porous shape memory alloy (SMA) using spark plasma sintering, and an energy absorbing structure including a ductile and porous SMA are disclosed. In an exemplary structure, an SMA spring encompasses a generally cylindrical energy absorbing material. The function of the SMA spring is to resist the bulging of the cylinder under large compressive loading, thereby increasing a buckling load that the cylindrical energy absorbing material can accommodate. The SMA spring also contributes to the resistance of the energy absorbing structure to an initial compressive loading. Preferably, the cylinder is formed of ductile, porous and super elastic SMA. A working prototype includes a NiTi spring, and a porous NiTi cylinder or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Minoru Taya, Ying Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090212245
    Abstract: A bushing for positioning between a first component and a second component is disclosed. The bushing comprises a conical body that includes a first edge, a second edge, and at least one slot extending from the first edge toward the second edge. The slot or slots facilitate the flexing of the conical body. Methods for making a conical bushing are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Hirt
  • Patent number: 7364145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of flexures used to guide motion in mechanical systems. A high specific stiffness flexure includes two narrow and thin flexing sections separated by a longer stiffened section. The present invention provides designs and processes for making flexures and flexure systems with monolithic high specific stiffness frame or box structures for the stiffened sections that creates relatively higher self-resonant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Equipment Solutions, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Knirck, Paul A. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20080036125
    Abstract: In a central fastening element for an axially symmetric, vehicle gas spring, which includes a bellows that has central bores or cutouts in the region of its end faces, the fastening element being fixed to the vehicle body, protruding from the surroundings of the attachment point in a direction normal to it, and being encompassed by the bores or cutouts. The fastening element includes a shaped stud or a shaped cap, the maximum outer diameter of the stud or the cap being at least less than one fifth of the maximum outer diameter of the gas-spring bellows. A device may be provided which allows a gas spring to be installed in a simple manner and allows the spring bellows to rotate with respect to the suspension and/or the vehicle body during the initial installation and/or the initial operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Ludger Burstedde, Michael Guse, Andreas Opara, Christian Ottawa, Hans Scheerer
  • Publication number: 20080036127
    Abstract: A spring device includes an intermittent accumulator and kinetics release trigger that gradually winds up to accumulate energy as driven by manual or other random intermittent kinetics and drives an kinetics release control to trigger off the spring to release kinetics to drive a load once the kinetics to the spring is accumulated to a preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20080018033
    Abstract: A coiled part formed of plastic material by injection molding, wherein the cross section of the coiled part has a polygonal shape having at least one corner portion or a rounded face at a part thereof. The polygonal shape is one of a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape and an octagonal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisya TOSKA, Kabushiki Kaisya MECHMOLD
    Inventors: Toyohisa Hiroki, Tadashi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070194508
    Abstract: A compression spring is formed from an elongated tube by cutting slots at spaced intervals along the length of the tube, leaving only anchors of a small perimeteral extent connecting the beams formed by the remaining tube stock between each adjacent pair of slots. Adjacent slots are formed from diametrically opposed sides of the tube leaving one line of anchors on each side of the resultant spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Henry R. Bucciero