Patents Examined by Gary Estremsky
  • Patent number: 9803677
    Abstract: A system to prevent a sliding nut in a channel in a bar from escaping from the channel, and to prevent the nut from entering a no-go-zone at the end of the channel. The system is adjustable to position the nut at a desirable location along the length of the channels to mount coupling devices onto the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
  • Patent number: 9790974
    Abstract: A connection assembly adapted for receipt of a male connection member at the interior of a grommet. The connection assembly includes a grommet of hollow construction including a first collar and a second non-circular collar disposed in spaced-apart relation from the first collar. An axial bore extends entirely through the grommet. A sleeve insert including a hollow stem extends into the axial bore so as to at least partially line the axial bore. A complementary retaining panel includes a substantially non-circular access opening adapted to receive the second collar in pass-through relation and to block the first collar against insertion. Upon rotation, the grommet is blocked against withdrawal through the access opening and the retaining panel is held securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Holt, Ronald C. Owens, II, John D. Bisset, Eric B. Jipp, Troy S. Field, Jeremy R. D. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 9790978
    Abstract: A recessed head screw includes a shank, a head, a drilling portion and threads. The head includes a top face where a socket portion is formed. The socket portion has a driving recess and a driving socket formed between the driving recess and the top face. The driving socket communicates with the driving recess. A diameter value of the driving socket is a maximum circumscribed circle diameter value of the driving recess plus a value within 20% of the maximum circumscribed circle diameter value. When a driving tool engages the socket portion, the driving socket can be in close-fitting engagement with the driving tool to increase the engagement between the driving tool and the head and prevent the screw from falling off the tool easily during the driving action of the tool, thereby delivering a full driving force to the head to improve the working efficiency and smoothness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Hung-I Hsu
  • Patent number: 9784297
    Abstract: This threaded fastening element (2) comprising a threading (14) extending along a central axis (A), the threading (14) having at least one screw thread having an apical angle decreasing gradually, continuously and monotonously, between a first apical angle (?1) and a second apical angle (?2) strictly smaller than the first apical angle. The threaded fastening element is a screw or a nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Frédéric Lard
  • Patent number: 9777759
    Abstract: A CAGED NUT, of the type formed by the composition of a container housing and a nut accommodated therein, wherein said nut is formed by a planar base from which emerges a threaded cylinder linked to said base by means of a connection vault; said housing or cage being formed by a stamped clip that clasps said nut between flexed lateral arms and folds at the ends of said clip; tabs for engaging with the panel where said assembly is to be fastened emerging from said end folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Xavier Ros Blanco
  • Patent number: 9771965
    Abstract: An earth bolt with a surface treatment layer are a method of surface treatment of the earth bolt are provided. The surface treatment includes a tin-zinc plated layer, a colored chromate film layer and a silicate coating layer. Since the earth bolt with the surface treatment layer has improved electro-conductivity and anti-rusting property, it may protect electrical/electronic components fitted to a vehicle from electromagnetic shock and remove noise therefrom, thereby improving reliability of a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gyu Man Sim
  • Patent number: 9771962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a component A to a component B with automatic tolerance compensation between the components A and B. The fastening arrangement comprises a fixable base element into which a mounting screw can be screwed via a first thread pair, and an adjusting element with an external thread that can be screwed into the base element via a second thread pair, wherein a first and a second anti-rotation safeguard are provided between the base element and the adjusting element, wherein said anti-rotation safeguards can be used to prevent detachment of the adjusting element from the base element during transport as well as locking of the adjusting element with the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Metten, Hans-Ulrich Figge
  • Patent number: 9759251
    Abstract: A barrel nut with features for reducing tensile stresses under heavy load within the barrel nut has a partial-cylindrical body having a first planar end surface and a second planar end surface. A threaded bore extends through the partial-cylindrical body with a central axis substantially parallel to the first planar end surface and the second planar end surface. At least one groove is formed in each of the first planar end surface and the second planar end surface, the groove having a rounded surface extending at least a part of a distance between a curved upper surface of the partial-cylindrical body to a bottom surface thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Adrian Stanescu, Constantine Kostakis, Michael Ronald Butcher
  • Patent number: 9759249
    Abstract: An occurrence of thermal distortion when heterogenous materials are joined together is suppressed. Provided is a joining structure that includes a first member, a second member, a rivet and a resin-filled portion. The first member is formed of a first material. The second member is formed of a second material that is different from the first material. The rivet penetrates through at least the first member and joins the first member and second member together. The resin-filled portion is provided around the rivet at a side of the first member at which the second member is disposed. The resin-filled portion is formed by at least one of the first member and the second member and forms a gap between the first member and the second member. A resin member is disposed inside the resin-filled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9761989
    Abstract: A connector secured to a panel and connectable to a circuit terminal. The connector extends through a panel opening with a flange abutting the panel rear and a front portion with a connecting terminal projecting from the panel front. A lock washer around the connector front portion includes a planar washer body and integral lock tabs radially outward of its central aperture. A securing tab extends radially from the washer body and is bent away from the panel front face. A nut is secured to the connector outer thread over the lock washer. A protective cover is selectively securable over the connector front portion by threading on the connector outer thread, and a lanyard secures the protective cover to the lock washer securing tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Saint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. L. Blair
  • Patent number: 9752610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking a nut (13) in a tightened position on a rotary shaft (12), said rotary shaft (12) being hollow at least at one end (14). The locking device comprises a plurality of outer notches (16) formed in a face of the nut (13), said outer notches (16) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the nut (13), a plurality of inner notches (15) formed in the end (14) of the rotary shaft (12), said inner notches (15) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the rotary shaft (12), and a ring (18) suitable for being installed inside said end (14) of the rotary shaft (12) and presenting at least one first radial finger (19) for being received both in one of the inner notches (15) and in one of the outer notches (16) with the nut (13) being in a tightened position and the two notches (15, 16) housing said first radial finger (19) being at least partially in alignment in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Alain Jean-Claude Rousseau
  • Patent number: 9732782
    Abstract: A locking washer assembly includes a first locking washer and a second locking washer. The first and second locking washers include a mechanism for engaging an element to be attached by means of a screw joint. The first and second locking washers include a mechanism for engaging each other. The first locking washer includes a central through hole that is larger than a central hole of the second locking washer. An attachment assembly includes a screw intended to be used with the locking washer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NORD-LOCK AB
    Inventors: Mattias Andersson, Catarina Henriksson
  • Patent number: 9732783
    Abstract: An anti-loosening bolt assembly includes a bolt having a bolt head and a bolt shank; a fixed nut having second threads on an inner circumferential surface thereof; and a washer, wherein the bolt head includes a plurality of locking protrusions, each of the locking protrusions having an inclined locking surface and a vertical locking surface, the washer includes a plurality of stop protrusions, each of the stop protrusions having an inclined stop surface and a vertical stop surface, and a magnetic member is provided in the washer such that the magnetic member maintains a combined state of the washer with an objective member using a magnetic force, so that when a rotational force is applied to the bolt in the loosening direction, the inclined locking surface is stopped by the inclined stop surface, thereby preventing the bolt from loosening and rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: FINDMOLD CO., LTD., KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: MooGyum Lee, DongWoo Kim
  • Patent number: 9719550
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a fastener, a washer, and a ratchet plate. The washer includes a washer base, and at least one pawl extending from the washer base. The ratchet plate includes a ratchet base and a ratcheted outer profile extending in a circumferential direction around a circumferential periphery of the ratchet base. The ratchet plate is carried by a head of the fastener, and the ratcheted outer profile cooperates with the pawl of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Nicholas Strumbos
  • Patent number: 9714676
    Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerfried R. Achtner, Thomas D. Hall, Ryan M. Mahn, Javier Manriquez
  • Patent number: 9708933
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plug assemblies within a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a plug assembly includes a boss which includes a shaft and a collar, a retaining element including at least two prongs, and a plug including a shank and at least one retaining feature. The at least two prongs of the retaining element are configured to retain the plug to the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dale William Petty
  • Patent number: 9709085
    Abstract: Fasteners and related systems according to the invention include a collet body having a first part of a two part anti-rotation arrangement and a cylinder body having a second part of the two part anti-rotation arrangement wherein the collet body and the cylinder body are matably axially translatable with respect to each other, and have the same or similar outer diameter in some embodiments or not in others. A threaded member rotationally engages the collet body and compressively contacts the cylinder body during operation of the fastener to creating a clamping effect. Rotational interference between the first and second parts of the anti-rotation arrangement preferably occurs at sectional face portions of at least the collet body. Resistance to induced rotation of the cylinder body relative to a work piece rotation of the threaded member is preferably provided by a tool engaging a tool interface present on the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: CENTRIX, INC.
    Inventor: Travis McClure
  • Patent number: 9705256
    Abstract: An insulated grounding hub locknut for securing a conduit connector or threaded conduit has a locknut and a snap-on insulator. The outer surface of the locknut has grounding-lug mounting pads and raised members, and the inner surface has internal threads for screwing onto threads of conduit connector or a threaded end of the electrical conduit. The snap-on insulator has an annular body with an end face, the outer side of which has a cylindrical surface arranged to snap onto the raised members of the locknut. The cylindrical surface has open slots to receive the mounting pads on the locknut. The end face also has an inner cylindrical sleeve arranged to be placed inside the throat of the first cylindrical member of conduit connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGEPORT FITTINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9706659
    Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods that relate to an attachment device. According to an example, a device may include an elongated shaft including a top portion, a central portion, and a bottom portion, the central portion between the top portion and the bottom portion, a first fastener in the bottom portion of the shaft, a second fastener in the top portion of the shaft, the second fastener having an adjustable fastening location along the top portion of the shaft, and a spring situated between the first fastener and the second fastener such that a spring force of the spring varies depending on a selected fastening location on the second fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Grace Burleson, Brian Sackerman, Sarah Canny
  • Patent number: 9695861
    Abstract: A fastener system is provided. The fastener system includes a pair of nuts having a beveled end and opposed flats, a nut housing having a cavity, the cavity including an end wall with an aperture and a tapered interior portion to engage the beveled end, and opposing internal flats to engage the nut flats, a resilient member to urge the beveled ends against the tapered portion; and retaining element. The nuts may include tapered thread edges to accommodate damaged male threads, or cutting thread edges to repair damaged male threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: QwikLine Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Steffl