Patents Examined by Gregory Binda
  • Patent number: 10036428
    Abstract: A driveshaft includes a shaft defining a passageway and a constant velocity joint defining an interior and having a cover defining a hole. A grommet is disposed in the hole and defines a fluid passage into the interior. The CV joint is coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is disposed against the grommet with the passageway and the fluid passage in fluid communication to vent air from the interior into the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley W. Doner, Chris Peter Nicholas, Duane Allan Lewis, Rakesh Sharma, Brian John Brown
  • Patent number: 10018229
    Abstract: A universal joint shaft protection arrangement has a protection device (3) with at least one protection cone (11) and a projection pot (6). The protection pot (6) is attached to a stationary component. The protection cone (11) at least partially accommodates the protection pot in an axially overlapping manner. At least one driver (25, 25?) is retained at the outside on the protection cone (11). The at least one driver (25, 25?) radially engages a first recess (27, 27?) in the protection cone (11) and a second recess (28, 28?) in the protection pot (6) to support the protection cone (11) and the protection pot (6) in a circumferential direction against one another. The second recess (28, 28?) is formed as a slot in the protection pot (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Hector, Stefan Korber, Wolfgang Adamek
  • Patent number: 9945501
    Abstract: A plug unit and system for connecting capillary tubes, especially for high-performance liquid chromatography, with a plug capillary tube projecting through a hole of a plug housing, which is detachably connectable to a bushing unit. The plug capillary tube front end projects into a capillary tube receptacle in the bushing unit with its end face essentially aligned opposite a front end of a bushing capillary tube or a bushing capillary tube opening of the bushing unit, the end face of which is butted against. The plug housing applies a force, with its end face facing the plug capillary tube end, directly or indirectly on an annular sealing element surrounding the plug capillary tube in the region of the front end of the plug capillary tube such that the front end of the plug capillary tube is sealed through deformation of the sealing element against the capillary tube receptacle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Adolf Satzinger
  • Patent number: 9945415
    Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 9933021
    Abstract: A flexible hub connection is disclosed for joining a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts through the connection. The connection comprises a first flexible means having a first flex plane, a second flexible means having a second flex plane and, an intermediate member. The first flexible means is connected between the first rotatable shaft and the intermediate member, while the second flexible means is connected between the intermediate member and the second rotatable shaft. The first flex plane and second flex plane being substantially coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AUTOGARD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Ross Goody
  • Patent number: 9926985
    Abstract: A sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle includes an outer race that rotates upon receiving rotational power from a transmission and that has grooves formed for use as track grooves in the inner part; an inner race installed in the outer race; ten balls for transmitting rotational power from the outer race to the inner race; and a cage for supporting the ten balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9822911
    Abstract: A method for replacing an outer annular ring of a fluid swivel includes a swivel comprising an inner annular ring and an outer annular ring, the rings being located with their adjacent cylindrical surfaces in close proximity for defining a chamber, for receiving a fluid, between peripheral opposing faces of the inner annular ring and the outer annular ring, wherein the inner annular ring is adapted to be connected to an end of a fluid line and wherein the outer annular ring is adapted to be connected to a product piping on the vessel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: removing the outer annular ring, replacing the outer annular ring by means of a first semi-circular element and a second semi-circular element, and fixing the first semi-circular element to the second semi-circular element, by means of a fixing means, to form a replacement outer annular ring of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril Evrard, Christian Randrianarivony
  • Patent number: 9816655
    Abstract: A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows for rotation locking as between a fitting and an inserted pipe or tubing element. In various embodiments, the arrangement comprises one or more sealing members, a fastening ring with one or more prolated ear members, a tube support member and a push release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9816656
    Abstract: A locking pipe joint assembly, device and method can employ a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, such as a wiper seal and a sealing ring, a sealing ring retainer and a retaining cap. In various embodiments, primary and secondary fastening rings are employed along with a retaining cap sleeve. In embodiments, the retaining cap includes an internal or external thread that mates with an external or internal thread on one side of the center body connector, which allows the retaining cap to tighten the packing arrangement components around an inserted piping or tubing element, and in secure engagement with the interior of the center body connector. In embodiments, a bolt element is provided for further securing of the retaining cap to the center body connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9809394
    Abstract: A return stop device with a freewheel having an internal ring, an external ring, and retaining elements arranged in an annular gap therebetween. A flange is provided at the attachment side and a housing part, between which the external ring is clamped, and a clamping device by which the external ring is pressed with its face between the flange and the housing part against a friction area, in order to generate a friction-fitting connection between the flange and the external ring. A release device is provided to at least partially overcome the contact pressure, in order to reduce or remove the friction-fitting connection. The release device includes an actuating organ, which acts upon a first gliding element, displaceable in an operating direction, to act upon a second gliding element, arranged displaceable perpendicular to the operating direction, that acts via a second wedge against the contact pressure upon the housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: RINGSPANN GmbH
    Inventor: Karlheinz Timtner
  • Patent number: 9810361
    Abstract: A pour spout adapter comprises a housing, a collar and a threaded engagement. The housing has a sealed bore for receiving a tube. The collar has an internal bore coupled to the housing at a rotatable connection so as to permit a tube to extend from the sealed bore through the collar. The threaded engagement is disposed on the internal bore to receive a threaded pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Christopher J. Pellin, Mark T. Weinberger, Andrew M. Spiess
  • Patent number: 9810358
    Abstract: A pipe for connecting to a similar adjacent pipe. The pipe has a male end with a plurality of rigid fingers extending from within and out of at least one exterior circumferential groove disposed on its exterior surface. On the female end is at least one interior circumferential groove sized and positioned to receive the plurality of rigid fingers from a corresponding exterior circumferential groove on the male end of an adjacent pipe. The number of exterior circumferential grooves on the male end typically corresponds to the number of interior circumferential grooves on the female end. When the male end of the pipe inserts into the female end of a similar adjacent pipe, the plurality of rigid fingers is received within a corresponding interior circumferential groove on the female end, thereby preventing the male end of the pipe from being withdrawn from the female end of the similar adjacent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Hennemann, Garth H. Saul
  • Patent number: 9803684
    Abstract: A rolling element shaft assembly includes a solid shaft having a first end and a second end, a tubular shaft configured to receive the shaft first end, and a bearing sleeve coupled to the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve includes a first portion defining a first edge, a second edge, and at least one first bearing aperture, and a second portion defining a third edge, a fourth edge, and at least one second bearing aperture. The first portion is configured to couple to the second portion about the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve further includes at least one first bearing disposed within the at least one first bearing aperture and at least one second bearing disposed within the at least one second bearing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrik M. Ryne, Troy A. Daenzer, Bruce D. Kniebbe
  • Patent number: 9803698
    Abstract: A system includes a rotational coupling including a first rotational joint, a second rotational joint, and a coupling body disposed between the first and second rotational joints. The coupling body includes first and second body portions disposed about a rotational axis, and a layered portion disposed about the rotational axis radially between the first and second body portions. The layered portion includes first and second elastomeric portions disposed about the rotational axis, and a rigid portion disposed about the rotational axis radially between the first and second elastomeric portions. The rigid portion includes a plurality of radial protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter Watson
  • Patent number: 9803697
    Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger can include a first coupling, a second coupling, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the input shaft. The second coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the rotor shaft. The central hub can be disposed intermediate the first and second couplings. The central hub defines central hub bores therein. A plurality of coupler pins can be received in the central hub bores. A first plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive first portions of the plurality of coupler pins. A second plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive second portions of the plurality of coupler pins. The first and second elastomeric inserts can provide dampening between (i) the first coupling and the central hub and (ii) the second coupling and the central hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William Bruce Witherspoon, Thomas Walsh, TouXia Kue, Timothy Kish, John Scott Pierce, Kenneth Arthur Rienas
  • Patent number: 9797457
    Abstract: A fixed ball type joint for a vehicle, which reduces the friction between a cage and an outer race and friction between the cage and an inner race by changing shapes of an inner spherical diameter of the outer race and an outer spherical diameter of the inner race. The fixed ball type joint for a vehicle includes an inner race, an outer race installed at the outside of the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage for supporting the balls. A first inner spherical radius of the outer race is set to be smaller than a second inner spherical radius of the outer race. A first outer spherical radius of the inner race is set to be larger than a second outer spherical radius of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9797291
    Abstract: A flange assembly and related methods of connecting two exhaust pipes together with a flange assembly are provided. The flange assembly includes a first flange having a first mating face and a second flange connected to the first flange, wherein the second flange has a second mating face. A sealing structure is formed with the mating faces of the first and second flanges, wherein the sealing structure comprises a groove positioned on the first mating face and a ridge positioned in the second mating face, wherein the ridge occupies at least a portion of the groove with the first flange connected to the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Finestamping Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Eadie, Jay Church, John Trihenea
  • Patent number: 9797534
    Abstract: One variation may include a telescoping pipe comprising: a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the second pipe is constructed and arranged to stretch and retract along the first pipe so that a length of the telescoping pipe can be extended or shortened; a first O-ring coupled between the first pipe and the second pipe; and a second O-ring coupled to an inner surface of the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Li-Jen Peter Ho, Steven M. Haar, Jeffrey J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9790996
    Abstract: A vehicle joint has a drive sleeve, a pinion shaft and a drive nut. The sleeve has a vent hole, a first set of splines and a first set of venting grooves. The pinion shaft has a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines. A fluid gap radially outboard of the engaged spines extends the length of the engaged splines. A second set of venting grooves is engaged with the first set of venting grooves. The pinion shaft also has a first set of threads. The drive nut has a second set of threads engaged with the first set of threads. The drive nut also has a radial aperture extending through the drive nut. The first vent hole is in fluid connection with the radial aperture through some of the features described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Seth A. Metzger, Seung Tark Oh, Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9784336
    Abstract: In a positive torsion angle region in which a torque is transmitted from an engine side, a small hysteresis torque is generated at all times. Therefore, torsional vibrations of a small amplitude occurring during idle operation can be effectively attenuated by the small hysteresis torque, without switching to a large hysteresis torque, for example, during idle operation of the engine. As a result, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable due to switching to a large hysteresis torque during idle operation, and drivability can therefore be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masataka Sugiyama, Hiroaki Kimura, Akitaka Ichikawa, Masaru Ebata, Tomohiro Saeki, Tsutomu Sekine, Hiroaki Suezaki