Patents Examined by Eileen Dunn Lillis
  • Patent number: 6019548
    Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is the preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: United Technologies Corporation, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: George Edward Hoag, Pradeep Vishanji Chheda, Bernard Allen Woody, Gregory Melville Dobbs
  • Patent number: 6019683
    Abstract: A two part flywheel having a torsional vibration damper with a plurality of inertial masses, for installation in the drive train of a motor vehicle. The torsional vibration damper has three inertial mass systems. A first and a second inertial mass system are oriented so that they can rotate jointly and also relative to one another around a common first axis of rotation. The first inertial mass system and the second inertial mass system are connected rotationally elastically to one another by means of a spring system. A third inertial mass system which is movable relative to the first and the second inertial mass systems is rotationally connected by a transmission system to the first and/or second inertial mass systems. One of the inertial mass systems, in particular the first inertial mass system, is designed to be connected to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Jorg Sudau
  • Patent number: 6015350
    Abstract: A telescoping driveshaft assembly that has a relatively low collapse force rating and that does not have a reduced torque carrying capacity includes an inner tube that is received within an outer tube in a press fit relationship. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that a predetermined amount of overlap is formed between the two tubes. A mechanical interlock is formed in the overlapped region for increasing the total frictional force between the inner tube and the outer tube as well as for increasing the torque carrying capacity of the driveshaft tube. The mechanical interlock can be formed using one or more crimps which are disposed in the overlapped region. The length of the overlapped region, the number of crimps and the crimp configuration are a function of a number of factors including the torque requirements of the driveshaft tube, the sizes of the inner tube and the outer tube, and the material chosen for the driveshaft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Breese
  • Patent number: 6015171
    Abstract: A coupling means for connecting two water-handling parts, more particularly rigid or flexible tubular elements, comprises a nipple element, a bush element and a coupling element. The coupling element is arranged on the nipple element or the bush element and movable relative thereto. For assembling the coupling means the nipple element is introduced linearly into the bush element, the coupling element moving by itself into the release position against the force of a spring. As soon as the nipple element is completely inserted, the spring forces the coupling element into a latched position in which the coupling is completed. In this latched position the coupling element can be turned further for adjusting an additional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Grohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Schorn
  • Patent number: 6012986
    Abstract: A rotational coupling of a wheel flange (14) to an output member (12) of a transmission joint for use in coupling a motor vehicle wheel flange to the outward bell housing of a constant-velocity joint in the vehicle-transmission. The wheel flange (14) is mounted so that it can rotate freely through a wheel support (16) by a rolling-contact bearing (18). The wheel flange (14) and the joint output member (12) includes a complementary coupling (19) including a ring (40) attached to the end of the flange facing the output member (12). The ring includes driving profiles (44) designed to interact with complementary profiles (54) associated with the output member. The force-transmission interface of the driving profiles (44) is distributed essentially outwardly of the extension of the end of the wheel flange (14) bearing the ring (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Pierre Louis Guimbretiere
  • Patent number: 6010407
    Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft of this invention is so constructed that a flexible shaft liner assembly is inserted in an external tube, and a flexible shaft is inserted in a flexible shaft liner. The flexible shaft liner has two groups of projecting portions extending in a longitudinal direction, one-group projecting portions extend consecutively in the longitudinal direction, and the other-group projecting portions have notches at plural spots in the longitudinal direction. Vibration-proof rubbers fit in the notches, and the one-group projecting portions fit in grooves formed on inner faces of the vibration-proof rubbers. Outer faces of the vibration-proof rubbers contact with an inner face of the external tube so that the flexible shaft liner fits in the external tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Taiseikozai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6010409
    Abstract: A vent regulator device adapted for use in a constant velocity joint including a housing having an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The inner surface includes an annular portion, and a domed portion which has a relatively small vent hole centrally located therein. The vent regulator device further includes a member having a first end and a second end where the first end is mounted to the inner surface of the housing and the second end is disposed proximate the vent hole. When the constant velocity joint is in one of either a static state and an active state rotating at speeds below a predetermined threshold, the vent hole is overlappingly covered by the first end of the member, thereby preventing grease from penetrating the hole. Moreover, when the constant velocity joint is in an active state rotating at speeds above the predetermined threshold, centrifugal forces cause the second end of the member to move away radially from the vent hole to allow venting of air therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Rory Matthew Johnson
  • Patent number: 6007430
    Abstract: A carrier made up of two housings includes a plurality of drive members that facilitate transferring a driving force between the two housings. When the carrier is used in a vehicle transmission, for example, the two housings preferably include generally cylindrical wall portions. A plurality of lanced drive members are formed on each of the housings. The two housings are interconnected so that the drive members on the first housing engage the drive members on the second housing and a rotary force imposed on one of the housings is transferred to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Koppy Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Prater
  • Patent number: 6003945
    Abstract: A seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle has a pawl which is engageable with a ratchet formed on a upper arm. The pawl 13 is moved along a guide portion 11 having opposed side faces 11a, 11a and a projecting wall 14 having side faces 14a, 14a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 6001018
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drive line assembly includes the initial step of providing a driveshaft tube formed from a metallic material and having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The driveshaft tube terminates in an axially extending cylindrical end portion. Then, a diameter reducing portion is provided that is formed from a metallic material and has a substantially uniform wall thickness. The diameter reducing portion includes an axially extending cylindrical first end which is co-axial with and permanently fixed to the axially extending cylindrical end portion of the driveshaft tube. The diameter reducing portion further includes an axially extending cylindrical second end. The axially extending cylindrical first end of the diameter reducing portion defines a first diameter, and the axially extending cylindrical second end of the diameter reducing portion defines a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Breese
  • Patent number: 5997402
    Abstract: A power coupling mechanism having fluid dampening device with interfitting members which assist in the absorption and transmittance of stress due to torsion and thrust loads, thus reducing the size of a bearing supporting relatively rotatable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Fukushima, Koji Kajitani, Hiroyoshi Tsuruta, Masanobu Fukamachi
  • Patent number: 5996509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet which generally comprises a bottom deckboard, a stringer layer, a covering board, and a top deckboard. The bottom deckboard is provided with a folding flap at each side which is provided with several stringer openings that are spaced from each other. The top surface of the bottom deckboard is disposed with a planar reinforced board. The stringer layer can be attached to the top surface of the planar reinforced board by means of starch glue that is harmless to the environment. The stringer layer is configured by several individual stringer units that are disposed in parallel and spaced from the other. Each of the stringer units is spaced with a space that equals and aligns to the opening of the folding flap of the bottom deckboard. Each of the stringer units is provided with a cutout at the side that serves as an introducing hole for supporting paperboard. At least a covering board 3 is attached to the top surface of the stringer unit 21 with its bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Chein-Tsai Lai
  • Patent number: 5989125
    Abstract: A universal joint apparatus having jointed shaft suited for transmitting high torques, comprising a spider and two yokes for fitting the arms of the spider. Each spider arm is fitted, with a bearing setup having a radial bearing with an outer ring and an inner ring, an axial bearing arranged in the area of the spider arm wrist, in a yoke eye associated with the latter. The axial bearing is disposed in a connecting structure of elastic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH and Co., KG
    Inventor: Hans Lindenthal
  • Patent number: 5989124
    Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises a tripod member (4) having three radially protruding trunnions (5), each of which rotatably carries a roller (7) with cylindrical rolling elements (6) therebetween. The outer circumferential surface of the trunnion (5) assumes a true spherical surface (m) having its center on the axis of the trunnion (5) or is defined with a combination of true spherical surfaces (m.sub.1) lying at both axial end portions of the trunnion (5) and having its center on the axis of the trunnion and an intermediate curved surface (m.sub.2, m.sub.3) standing between the true spherical surfaces (m.sub.1) and having a radius of curvature larger than those of the true spherical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatuhiro Goto, Tsuyoshi Saito, Masahiro Ozawa, Haruo Nagatani
  • Patent number: 5984790
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises a pair of yokes each formed by bending a metal plate, a single piece of cross shaft for connecting the pair of yokes to each other so as to be capable of oscillating and displacing, and a bolt for fixing each of the yokes to an end portion of a shaft. The yoke includes a joint cylindrical portion provided at a proximal end portion thereof and having a discontinuous portion at one place in a circumferential direction, first and second flange portions provided in parallel to each other at a part of the joint cylindrical portion with the discontinuous portion sandwiched in therebetween, a through-hole formed in the first flange portion thereof in such a direction as to bear a torsion positional relationship with the joint cylindrical portion, a screw hole formed in a fixing portion of the second flange portion and disposed concentrically to the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sekine, Akira Aida
  • Patent number: 5984789
    Abstract: A torsion damping assembly which is installed between the crankshaft of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels one of which is driven by the crankshaft and the other of which can transmit torque to the transmission in response to engagement of a friction clutch. The transmission of torque between the two flywheels takes place by way of a damper and a slip clutch which latter is effective only within a selected range of possible angular movements of the two flywheels relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reik, Oswald Friedmann
  • Patent number: 5980388
    Abstract: A loose joint assembly for linking two segments of a shaft which are substantially aligned at either end of the joint assembly co-axially about a axis of rotation. The joint assembly includes a male coupling member disposed co-axially within a female coupling member with an intermediate bearing member to align the coupling members. The male coupling member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced flats located within the space enclosed by the female coupling member. A corresponding plurality of openings, preferably in the form of slots extending in the circumferential direction, are located in the female coupling member, each slot being aligned with a corresponding flat. A drive pin is attached to the male coupling member at each flat and extends radially from the flat and at least partially into the corresponding slot in the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bolander
  • Patent number: 5980389
    Abstract: A driveshaft has two shaft parts (4, 6) which provide a coupling. To facilitate the operation of coupling the two shaft parts (4, 6) to one another, the coupling operation is divided into two phases. A member initially aligns the two shaft parts (4, 6) along a common longitudinal axis (13). Also, the shafts are rotationally fast connected between the shaft parts. A centering journal (20) centers the two shaft parts (4, 6) relative to one another on a common longitudinal axis (13). The centering journal centers the bore (16) of the first profiled tube (12) with a relative rotation of the two shaft parts (4, 6) continuing to be possible. When inserting the two shaft parts (4, 6) into one another, the first coupling part (19), which is firmly connected to the first profiled tube (12), via its claws approaches the claws of the second coupling part (40). The second coupling part (40) is displaceable on the second profiled tube (28) via a setting sleeve (34) against the force of a spring (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Clemens Nienhaus
  • Patent number: 5980387
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and another flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input member of the dampers and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jackel
  • Patent number: 5980386
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and another flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input member of the dampers and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jackel