Patents Examined by Gregory Binda
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Patent number: 9528547Abstract: In a dust cover for a ball joint in which a one end large-diameter opening portion is retained to an outer peripheral surface of a socket, the other end small-diameter opening portion is constructed by a tube portion fitted and fixed onto an outer peripheral surface of a shaft, and an outward flange portion extending diametrically outward from an end portion in the socket side of the tube portion, and the dust cover is retained onto a L-shaped hard retainer, a reinforcing ring of the other end small-diameter opening portion is constructed by a cylindrical portion and an inward flange portion extending toward an outer peripheral surface of the retainer from an end portion in the knuckle side of the cylindrical portion, and an end portion in the socket side of the cylindrical portion in the reinforcing ring comes into contact with the outward flange portion of the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: NOK CorporationInventors: Tatsuro Hosen, Koji Kanagawa
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Patent number: 9518611Abstract: A drive shaft assembly is formed from two concentrically arranged driveshafts fastened together near to one end of the driveshaft assembly so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween and connectable together near to an opposite end via a torque sensitive drivable connection. The torsional stiffness of the driveshaft assembly is primarily dependent upon whether one or both driveshafts are arranged to transmit torque. The drivable connection may be a mechanical lost motion connection which is operable to either connect the two driveshafts together or not based upon the magnitude of torque applied to the driveshaft assembly. Therefore, the driveshaft assembly provides more than one torsional stiffness allowing it to be better optimized to meet differing operational requirements.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Matt Gillett
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Patent number: 9512885Abstract: A coupling device for industrial applications is provided for torque-transmitting connection of two shaft segments. The coupling device comprises a first coupling part for coupling with a first shaft segment and a second coupling part for coupling with a second shaft segment, wherein the first coupling part has a plurality of coupling projections arranged in regular angular intervals around a center axis of the first coupling part. The second coupling part has a corresponding plurality of coupling projections arranged in regular angular intervals around a center axis of the second coupling part, at least two coupling projections of the first and second coupling part adjacent to each other each having a power-transmitting connection by means of an elastic connection arrangement. The elastic connection arrangement has two connecting links angled relative to one another, which extend between the adjacent coupling projections.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: SÜDDEUTSCHE GELENKSCHEIBENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Armin Huber, Marc Brandl, Joachim Reihle, Johann Löw, Matthias Schneider, Wolfgang Orthofer
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Patent number: 9512863Abstract: A silicon alignment pin is used to align successive layers of components made in semiconductor chips and/or metallic components to make easier the assembly of devices having a layered structure. The pin is made as a compressible structure which can be squeezed to reduce its outer diameter, have one end fit into a corresponding alignment pocket or cavity defined in a layer of material to be assembled into a layered structure, and then allowed to expand to produce an interference fit with the cavity. The other end can then be inserted into a corresponding cavity defined in a surface of a second layer of material that mates with the first layer. The two layers are in registry when the pin is mated to both. Multiple layers can be assembled to create a multilayer structure. Examples of such devices are presented.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Cecile Jung-Kubiak, Theodore Reck, Bertrand Thomas, Robert H. Lin, Alejandro Peralta, John J. Gill, Choonsup Lee, Jose V. Siles, Risaku Toda, Goutam Chattopadhyay, Ken B. Cooper, Imran Mehdi
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Patent number: 9506501Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting joint for transmitting a rotation movement from a first to a second rotating shaft, having a joint outer part, a joint central part, and a joint inner part, wherein for transmitting the rotation movement, the joint outer part is connected to the first rotating shaft and the joint inner part is connected to the second rotating shaft. A plurality of balls are provided in ball tracks, which balls in the ball tracks may change their position in relation to the joint outer part, joint central part, and joint inner part. Rotational movement of the connecting joint, by way of the balls in the ball tracks, is transmittable from the joint outer part via the joint central part to the joint inner part and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AGInventor: Michael Gövert
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Patent number: 9506497Abstract: A lightweight drive axle includes an elongate, tubular body having a first longitudinal end configured for coupling to a side gear in a differential and a second longitudinal end configured to support a vehicle wheel. The shaft further includes a screw disposed at the first longitudinal end of the body. The screw comprise a shank configured to be received within a bore in the body and a head having first and second portions. The first portion is disposed at one longitudinal end of the screw, has a first diameter and is spaced from the first longitudinal end of the body. The second portion is disposed between the first portion and the shank and has a second diameter less than the first diameter such that the first longitudinal end of the body and the first and second portions of the head define a groove configured to receive a shaft retainer.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: U.S. MANUFACTURING CORPORATIONInventors: Adel Mohd Khanfar, Brian Anthony Simon
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Patent number: 9506524Abstract: A lock-up device for a fluid coupling suppresses vibration caused by coil springs. The lock-up device includes an input rotation member, an output rotation member, a plurality of sets of first elastic members, and a float member. The plurality of sets of first elastic members are compressed in a rotational direction by the relative rotation between the input rotation member and the output rotation member. The float member float member is configured to restrict movement of the plurality of sets of first elastic members in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventors: Yuki Kawahara, Kazuhiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 9500216Abstract: Fixing apparatus includes a pressing cover, a base facing to the pressing cover, a movable arm coupled between the pressing cover and the base, a chassis, an elastic element located between the pressing cover and the base, and a positioning shaft extending through the chassis, the base, and the elastic element to insert to the pressing cover. The positioning shaft forms a supporting portion away from the pressing cover. The chassis defines a first slot. When the chassis moves towards the pressing cover, the movable arm is pressed to open outwardly, the elastic element is compressed to press the chassis away from the pressing cover, the positioning portion moves towards the first slot until locks in the first slot. The fixing apparatus can press the device to the plank to fix the device on the plank.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chia-Shih Lin
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Patent number: 9500310Abstract: The invention is a quick connect and disconnect coupling system which limits the free rotation between the female socket and the male plug of the coupling with respect to one another. It comprises a male plug having a coupling end and a female socket having a coupling end with a receiving opening therein to receive the coupling end of the male plug when the connectors are in a coupled condition. A holding mechanism is associated with the coupling end. The male plug includes a non-circular surface that inter-engages the locking balls within the female quick connect socket to substantially prevent relative rotation of the male plug in relation to the female socket. The coupling is particularly useful for attaching accessories for fluid dispensing as used in highly pressurized spray applications to allow the ability to rotationally adjust the dispensing action.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Inventor: Davis A. White
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Patent number: 9500000Abstract: A dynamically adjustable fencing system that includes a first support post having a first pair of arms extending therefrom, a second support post having a second pair of arms extending therefrom, and a crossmember pivotally coupled at a crossmember first end to the first support post via the first pair of arms, and further pivotally coupled at a crossmember second end to the second support post via the second pair of arms, thereby enabling dynamic crossmember adjustability of the crossmember.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Inventors: James E. McCarty, Kurt Rathjen
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Patent number: 9494198Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint includes a conical shield to protect a J-boot from damage due to projectiles such as stones. In order to facilitate vehicle assembly, the conical shield is divided into a number of leaves which each flex radially to permit installation of bolts. When the CV joint is shipped to the vehicle assembly plant, a band is installed to hold the leaves in a stowed position. Once the bolts have been installed to attach the CV joint to a driveline component, the band is removed and the leaves flex to a deployed position in which they protect the J-boot.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Peter Nicholas, Scott Wilson, Jonathan Gretsky
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Patent number: 9494199Abstract: A rolling boot comprises a first fastening region for fastening the boot to a joint casing, a second fastening region for fastening the boot to a shaft, and a fold region between the first and the second fastening region with a first fold near to the first fastening region and a second fold near to the second fastening region. The boot further comprises, between the first fastening region and the first fold, a first transition region comprising a first flange neighboring the first fastening region with a bottom. A ratio between a first minimal diameter D1, defined by the bottom of the first flange of the first transition region, and a second maximal diameter D2, defined by the first fold, where both are viewed in a longitudinal section direction along the main axis, is between approximately 1:1.01 to approximately 1:1.25.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Ralf Schumacher, Winfried Busch, Markus Deisinger, Joachim Wette, Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Schafferus, Achim Schmeink
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Patent number: 9492838Abstract: A flexure joint interposed between and connecting a first end and a second end has a spherical member, a receiving member configured and arranged to maintain and selectively engage the spherical member, and a connector in communication with the receiving member for releasably locking the spherical member in position as between at least a first locked position and a second locked position relative to the receiving member. Repositioning of the spherical member as between the first and second locked positions is effective for repositioning the shaft relative to the handle as between a first locked position and a second locked position.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Makolle Williams
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Patent number: 9488216Abstract: A ball joint mechanism between a connecting rod (1) and at least one journal (3, 3?) is provided. A lateral protection part (12, 12?) interposed between the connecting rod (1) and the journal (3, 3?) is arranged as a one-piece ring comprising a wear member (14, 14?) and a fastener member (15, 15?) that are secured to each other. The fastener member (15, 15?) is made of hard material and is interposed with axial clamping between the journal (3, 3?) and a shoulder (20, 20?) of an assembly pin (7) between the connecting rod (1) and the journal (3, 3?) via opposite end faces thereof with a space being arranged between them to receive the wear member (14, 14?).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Airbus HelicoptersInventors: Patrice Godiot, Claude Bocoviz, Ludovic Somson
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Patent number: 9488215Abstract: A fixed shaft of a hydraulic unit is provided including a body having a first end and a second opposite end. A first flange and a substantially identical second flange are integrally formed with the body of the shaft adjacent the second end. The second end of the body has an outer diameter of 0.990±0.005 inches (2.515±0127 cm). The first and second flange each have an axial length parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body of about 0.085±0.010 inches (0.216±0.0254 cm). The first and second flange having an outer diameter of 1.359 inches (3.452 cm). The first flange and the second flange are separated by from one another by a distance of about 0.3162 inches (0.8031 cm). The portion of the body between the first flange and the second flange has an outer diameter of about 1.2013 inches (3.051 cm).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Kris H. Campbell, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Mark J. Franklin
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Patent number: 9487967Abstract: A kit for a temporary barrier includes at least two vertical post members, a contiguous wire and a tensioning device. The at least two vertical post members define respective top and bottom ends thereof and are positioned on an underlying surface in a spaced apart relationship. The wire runs between the two vertical post members at least towards their respective top ends and at least towards their respective bottom ends thereby providing a top wire portion and a bottom wire portion extending between the two vertical post members. The two vertical post members have respective arcuate bodies along their respective length for arcuately receiving the wire. The tensioning device is mounted to one of the two vertical post members near one of the top or bottom ends thereof and provides tension to the wire. A barrier is provided by the previous kit. A method for building a temporary kit includes mounting vertical posts on an underlying surface in a spaced apart relationship and running a wire between them.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Inventors: Andrew Philip Anson, Benjamin Buchanan Anson
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Patent number: 9482257Abstract: A configuration has a component equipped with a retaining foot and a fixing system with a fixing element for elastic attachment of the component to a panel-shaped support part. The fixing element has a central connecting region in the form of a shaft, to which a support plate is attached at one end and to which a cam element is attached at the other end, and an elastomer sleeve surrounds the connecting region, the sleeve having a groove into which the retaining foot engages. The cam element is inserted through a borehole in the support part such that the elastomer sleeve is pressed together between the support plate and the support part, and the fixing element is rotated for a latching connection. A retaining foot plug part with an annular shape partly open in a C shape and adapted to the inner diameter of the retaining groove.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Volkswagon AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jens Junggebauer
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Patent number: 9482265Abstract: A variable shaft of a hydraulic unit is provided including a body having a first end and a second opposite end. A first flange and a substantially identical second flange are integrally formed with the body of the shaft adjacent the second end. The first flange and the second flange each have an axial length parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body of about 0.085±0.010 inches (0.216±0.0254 cm). The first flange and the second flange have an outer diameter of 1.359 inches (3.452 cm). The first flange and the second flange are separated by from one another by a distance of about 0.3162 inches (0.8031 cm). A portion of the body between the first flange and the second flange has an outer diameter of about 1.2013 inches (3.051 cm).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Kris H. Campbell, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Mark J. Franklin
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Patent number: 9482256Abstract: A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Oakland UniversityInventors: Michael A. Latcha, Sayed A. Nassar, Mehmet H. Uras
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Patent number: 9482306Abstract: This device comprises two coaxial elements mounted rotatably with respect to a spring, and two seats for positioning the spring. Each seat comprises a dorsal pivot projection configured in two coaxial elements. The pivot projection is delimited by a cylinder portion whose section is a first circular arc whose tangent forms an angle ? with the axis of the spring. The section of each receptacle is formed by a second circular arc, having the same center and radius of curvature as the first circular arc, the tangent of which forms with the axis of the spring an angle ? greater than ?. The pivot axes are parallel to one another at a distance L, and are included in a plane located at a distance R from the rotation axis. The maximum deflection angle of the device is ?. ? is within the range [arctg(L/2R)??/8 to arctg(L/2R+?].Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Valeo EmbrayagesInventors: Matthieu Malley, Laurent Caumartin, Adrien Nerriere