Patents Examined by Carol I. Bordas
  • Patent number: 4960344
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for fixing an outer part (5) on an inner part (4) having locking members (8) which are guided in apertures (7) of the outer part so as to be radially movable in a limited way. In the locking position, these locking members (8) are supported radially outwardly on a locking ring (10). A control ring (16) retains the locking ring in the open position. For this purpose, the control ring (16) is displaced eccentrically and is supported on a stop (19) associated with the outer part (5). By inserting the inner part (4), the control ring (16) is aligned coaxially by the control members (8) so that a spring (12) loading the locking ring (10) can act to move the control ring (16) across the stop (19) so that the locking position is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Jean Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Geisthoff, Klaus Kampf
  • Patent number: 4958806
    Abstract: A snowstorm guard fence structure is constructed by anchoring a wall, which overhangs at an upward slope to a road side, to a supporting wall disposed along one side of the road. The constructed structure can be placed on sides of roads, has a space to discard the snow removed from the road, and also is effective for preventing snow accumulation on the road regardless of the degree of wind velocity and the presence of shelter structures. A jet roof is constructed by disposing a plurality of props on a slant and providing a plurality of panels between the props at spaces for jet openings so that jet openings are gradually narrowed toward the road side. The constructed jet roof is effective for preventing snow accumulation on the road regardless of the condition of wind velocity and the presence of shelter structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Nihon Samicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Sato, Masatoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 4958857
    Abstract: A welding seal assembly for use in joining and sealing two telescoped tubular elements in a lap joint, specifically a tubular pipe in a pipe socket formed in a pipe fitting. The seal assembly comprises a thermoplastic welding sleeve with an embedded electric heating coil for fitting between the pipe and the socket; a mounting collar including a ring-like body that is fitted over the pipe and against the end of the socket element with a thin-walled, compressible flange extending from the body over the outer side of the socket element and overlying the overlapped elements of the joint; an electrical connector in a radially projecting tab on the ring, including electrical contacts connected to the leads of the heating coil; and a clamp ring surrounding the compressible flange and held captive thereon between the tab on the body and detents on the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: R&G Sloane Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Sixsmith
  • Patent number: 4957387
    Abstract: A spline joint includes an externally splined shaft end and an internally splined hub end engaged therewith. The shaft end has an annular groove around the spline portion wherein a plurality of locking balls may ride. The hub has the same number of holes as there are locking balls, each of which hole is adapted to receive a locking ball. A sliding sheath surrounds the hub. This sliding sheath has an annular projection and an annular groove in axially spaced relation around its internal face. The annular projection presses against the locking balls when the spline joint is in operation. The annular groove embraces a polygonal spring, the spring having the same number of sides as the number of locking balls. The center of each side of the polygonal spring presses against a lock ball from a radially outward position and prevents the lock balls from going out of position when the spline joint is being detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: K.S. Sanoyas Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nasu
  • Patent number: 4955741
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of yokes each having two trunnions projecting radially thereof, and an annular intermediate ring having bearings arranged on two diametrical lines thereof intersecting each other at right angles for supporting the respective trunnions. An annular central cover having a spherical outer surface is fixedly intimately fitted around the intermediate ring. Between the ring and a connecting flange at the outer end of each yoke, a collar is formed on the yoke. A pair of annular side covers each having a spherical inner surface slidable in contact with the spherical outer surface of the central cover each have an outer end portion horizontal in section and fixed to the periphery of the collar. An annular seal member in intimate contact with the outer surface of the central cover is provided at the inner end portion of each side cover. A clearance required for the sliding movement of the side covers is formed between the inner ends of the side covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Komeyama
  • Patent number: 4955641
    Abstract: For use in underground sealed liquid distribution systems, embodiments of pipe seals are used to seal between various components used, such as pipes to manholes, pipes to reservoirs, pipes to pipes, repair couplings to pipes, couplings to corrugated pipe and between corrugated pipes, and tee connections to sewer pipes. In each embodiment of a pipe seal, a circumferential seal is initially substantially inserted in a circular receiving volume of a circular positioner. In some embodiments of these pipe seals, each circular positioner has two circular receiving volumes, each one receiving a circumferential seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Larry G. Dent
  • Patent number: 4955645
    Abstract: A gauging device and method for use in coupling threaded tubular articles including tubes and couplings. The device and method provides for the use of gauges for the tube and coupling that provide markings thereon that when in register during coupling indicate when a preselected threading distance has been achieved. A coupling assembly is provided that employs an annular gasket attached to the coupling and adapted to be deformed by the end of a tube when inserted into the coupling to provide sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Tuboscope, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig C. Weems
  • Patent number: 4953898
    Abstract: A connector structure includes a body having a cylindrical recess dimensioned to receive the end of a piece of conduit and a retaining clip to hold the conduit in the recess. The cylindrical recess is provided with an annular recess. The clip comprises a ring with inwardly extending fingers bent out of the plane of the ring, one or more of the fingers having ends thereof bent to form latch tabs. When the conduit is inserted through the clip into the cylindrical recess, the rings are bent against the inner walls of the cylindrical recess so that the tabs enter the annular recess, the intermediate tabe engaging the outer surface of the conduit to hold the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert W. Jorgensen, Vance W. Young, Jr., Scott L. Misenar
  • Patent number: 4953899
    Abstract: An improved clamp assembly for clamping the overlapping ends of metal tubes in an exhaust system. The clamp assembly includes a metal ring having a pair of overlapping end portions disposed in side-by-side contact. A generally U-shaped bracket is secured to each of the end portions and each bracket has a pair of opposed legs connected by a web portion. Extensions project longitudinally outward from the end of each leg and the extensions are offset laterally from each other. One leg of each bracket is welded to one of the end portions of the ring and the welded leg is bent adjacent the weld to position the first extension in slidable contact with the other end portion of the ring. The extension of the opposite leg is disposed in side-by-side relation with the first extension and also serves to slidably receive the opposite end portion of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick H. Printiss, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4953896
    Abstract: A structure for connecting a branch pipe in a high-pressure fuel manifold employs a nut to fasten the branch pipe to a main pipe, the nut having threaded surfaces which are simultaneously brought into thread engagement with the branch pipe and a coupling member which is secured to the main pipe in such a manner as to surround the peripheral wall thereof. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to conduct a welding operation which has heretofore been needed to connect the joint portion of the branch pipe to the main pipe. The connecting structure satisfactorily endures ultra-high fluid pressure even under vibrations. In addition, there is no fear of fuel leaking out through the joint nor risk of the branch pipe coming off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Usui
  • Patent number: 4951977
    Abstract: A tubular arthroscopic sheath having improved irrigating fluid flow characteristics and having a quick coupling socket adapted to quickly connect to and disconnect from an associated arthroscopic tool provided with a mateable, generally cylindrical plug member. The fluid flow is enhanced by centering projections on the sheath interior and by turbulence minimizing fluid ports. The socket comprises an open ended cylindrical housing provided with a plurality of annularly spaced, cylindrical locking pins slidable within throughbores in the housing wall, the throughbores extending radially from the housing axis and axially skewed with respect thereto. Each pin is provided with a notch in its cylindrical surface adjacent the most radially outward end of the pin. A pair of slidable coaxial cylindrical actuating members is adapted to engage all the notches and capture the pins. Moving the slidable actuating members away from the open end of the housing causes the pins to slide radially outwardly in the throughbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: George V. Shutt
  • Patent number: 4948179
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a fitting consisting of a tubular body which may be readily installed over the end of a smooth wall conduit and removed therefrom and may be quickly connected to a standard unisex adapter mounted on the end of a hose line to place the conduit and hose line in fluid communication. The fitting includes a positive lock for attaching the fitting to the conduit and a flexible retainer is employed for safety purposes to resist "blow off".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest F. Kulikowski, Brian A. Mack, Paul J. E. Fournier
  • Patent number: 4946305
    Abstract: A coupling for joining together pairs of shafts set on the same line but not co-axial, comprising a pair of hubs keyed onto the shafts and interconnected by an outer bell-like device and providing, as joining elements between the couplings and the bell, a plurality of rounded rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Nuova Sircop Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Silvano Dell'Acqua
  • Patent number: 4946203
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting for coupling a urinal or water closet to the drain waste pipe whether it be copper, PVC, steel or cast iron pipe without using any adapters, threaded pipe or glue. The fitting having a cylindrical body divided longitudinally into two arcuate members having a pipe receiving socket, and a pair of horizontal bars extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal sides of the cylindrical body. The fitting also consists of a protrusion extending from the receiving socket and a flexible gasket positioned on the inside of the cylindrical body having a lip that envelopes the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph A. Giametta
  • Patent number: 4946205
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a small diameter pipe is disclosed, the arrangement being such that: a joint body formed with an insertion bore for a pipe has large, intermediate and small diameter portions; a seal ring is attached to the intermediate diameter portion; and a holder including a pair of elastic stoppers is set in an opening formed in the large diameter portion, the stoppers engaging with a swelling wall shaped on the pipe circumference, thus positioning the pipe and preventing its removal. The connector further includes a confirmative member which is stopped in the opening when the pipe is in the proper connecting position to the joint body. The confirmative member comprises a securing wall provided at the tips with stopping pawls and having a pair of arms. The confirmative member is disengaged from the opening on the basis of a positional correlation between the swelling wall or elastic stoppers and the securing wall when the pipe is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsushi Washizu
  • Patent number: 4944459
    Abstract: A mounting/dismounting system for mounting and dismounting a spray gun carried on an adapter on and from an arm of a robot comprises a base extending horizontally and having a flat top surface defined by a first side facing the robot and a second side opposing the first side for supporting the adapter when the spray gun is placed on the base. The flat top surface is further defined with a predetermined position on which the adapter is to be held when the spray gun carried by the adapter is waiting for mounting on the arm of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Fujio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4944629
    Abstract: A quick change tool holder including two basic component assemblies, the first component assembly having a central boss portion and the second component assembly having a recess to receive the boss portion when the two component assemblies are attached together. A channel formed in the boss portion is engaged by a pivotally mounted lock bar member when the component assemblies are attached together. The lock bar is moved out of the channel which permits separation of one component assembly from the other by the action of air pressure against a piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Acustar, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie E. Peveto
  • Patent number: 4944536
    Abstract: A blood-down conector assembly is described which employs a rotatatable cap for controlling the axial movement of the conducit in the connector housing between the sealed and bleed-down positions. The cap is mounted concentrically over the housing for both rotational and axial movement with respect to the connector housing. The cap includes a wall portion which is formed to engage a retainer associated with the connector assembly for retaining or maintaining the conduit in the housing. The housing is formed to provide a ramp of varying axial length and the cap is formed with a plurality of depending spring-like tabs which engage the ramp and limit the axial movement of the cap with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 4944626
    Abstract: An apparatus having two slide supports, adjustable with respect to one another, which have attachment surfaces for attaching two holding devices. The balance of the holding devices attached to the attachment surfaces of the slide supports are compensated by having the slide supports each divided into a slide support base plate and an attachment plate with the attachment surface. The attachment plates are connected in a limited adjustable manner with the slide support base plates under spring tension using spring-stressed bolts oriented perpendicular relative to the attachment surfaces. The attachment plate of the first slide support is adjustable in a limited manner through use of an adjustment bolt oriented perpendicular relative to the direction of adjustment of the slide supports on the coordinated slide support base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventors: Armin Dommer, Dieter Dommer
  • Patent number: 4944537
    Abstract: A small-diameter pipe connector comprises a connector body and a socket body. The connector body has a channel, a stepped small-diameter chamber, and a stepped large-diameter chamber formed axially thereinside, whose rear peripheral wall portion defines a support wall. The socket body has obliquely-projecting pawl walls which are adapted to fit into axially-elongate holes formed in the peripheral wall around the large-diameter chamber of the connector body. In the assembled state, an expanded annular wall portion of a pipe is resiliently locked by the distal ends of the pawl walls in the large-diameter chamber, with the rear end inner peripheral surface of the socket body being supported by the outer peripheral surface of the support wall of the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Katsushi Washizu