Patents Examined by Josh Skroupa
  • Patent number: 11773890
    Abstract: A quick connector with a compressive and rotational locking and unlocking mechanism includes a socket, a plug, a rotatable collar and an undulant resilient piece. The socket includes a first connector body and a plug-connection trackway extending obliquely and having an engaging notch at a terminal end thereof. The plug includes a second connector body and a first limiting wall protruding from the plug. The rotatable collar can be assembled on the plug and includes an engaging protrusion and a second limiting wall. When the rotatable collar is rotated, the engaging protrusion enters into the plug-connection trackway and moves to the terminal end of the plug-connection trackway, and the undulant resilient piece abuts against and forces the first and second limiting walls away from each other, such that the engaging protrusion is lodged in the engaging notch to form a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 11773896
    Abstract: A drive shaft extending along a central axis is configured to operate under dominant unidirectional torsional load. The drive shaft has an asymmetrically-structured composite body which is configured to have a greater torque-carrying capability in a first torsional direction than in a second torsional direction that is opposite the first torsional direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Brayton Reed, Joyel M. Schaefer, Michael King
  • Patent number: 11773897
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a stud member connectable to a first vehicle suspension component and a cup member connectable to a second vehicle suspension component. The stud member includes a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a ball portion extending longitudinally from one end of the stud. The cup member is a two-piece cup comprising a cup base and a cup cap, with the two pieces being connected to hold the stud ball therebetween. The cup base has castle teeth, and the cup cap may have holes for set screws that interlock with the castle teeth to allow adjustment of the tightness of the ball and cup and to lock the ball into position in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Super ATV, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Keller
  • Patent number: 11773548
    Abstract: A cable barrier assembly or system can include line posts extending along a barrier section. Cables can extend along the line posts. In addition, each line post can have a total number of cable retention features that is less than a total number of the cables. Each cable retention feature can include at least a partial loop that limits a range of radial motion of a cable extending through an eye of the partial loop, relative to an axis of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Gibraltar Global LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Faulkenberry, Jerry G. McGee, William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 11767879
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing; a spherical bearing disposed within the housing; a shaft disposed in part beneath the housing and penetrating a portion of the spherical bearing; a bellow circumscribing a lower portion of the housing and providing an interface between the spherical bearing and the shaft; and a cover adjacent a lower end of the bellow and having a circumferential groove configured to enable rotational movement of the bellow, the cover extending to and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the shaft to seal the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Wilko Verbrugge
  • Patent number: 11767886
    Abstract: Connectors are disclosed that include an outer connector, inner connector, and a clutch that can collectively limit a torque transmitted through the connector. The outer connector includes a profile disposed on an inner surface of the outer connector, and the inner connector may be disposed within the outer connector and can include an upper threaded portion and a lower threaded portion. The clutch can be disposed around and rotationally coupled to the inner connector and can include a plurality of clutch teeth extending from an outer surface of the clutch, wherein the plurality of clutch teeth are outwardly biased to be releasably engaged with the profile of the outer connector. The plurality of clutch teeth can be configured to transfer torque from the outer connector to the inner connector when the torque is below a torque limit, and prevent transfer of torque when the torque exceeds the torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Gilbert Leung
  • Patent number: 11761491
    Abstract: A ball-hinged transmission shaft with a straight shaft includes a socket, a ball, and a straight shaft. A rolling element is further coaxially provided on a straight shaft. The rolling element is a rotator with an axis of the straight shaft as a center of rotation. An upper portion of the rolling element is connected to a bearing. A mouth-shaped surface is further respectively provided at two ends of a transmission hole of a ball. The mouth-shaped surface is a curved surface matching the shape of the rolling element. The rolling element is fit and provided in the mouth-shaped surface at the two ends of the transmission hole of the ball. The ball is restricted by an inner positioning spherical surface of a socket, the straight shaft, and the rolling element at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: QINGDAO ACME INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dewei Zhu, Xiaoyu Rong, Rongren Cao
  • Patent number: 11761490
    Abstract: A drive train connector assembly includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The first connecting structure has an attachment protrusion with first and second edges. The first edge extends in a first direction. The second edge extends in a second direction. Both directions are perpendicular to the rotational axis. The first and second directions define a first acute angle therebetween. The second connecting structure defines recessed area. The attachment protrusion fits into the recessed area. The recessed area defines third and fourth edges. The third edge extends in a third direction and the fourth edge extends in a fourth direction. The third direction and the fourth direction define a second acute angle. With the attachment protrusion installed within the recessed area the first and third edges are parallel to one another and the second and fourth edges are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alberto Contreras
  • Patent number: 11761163
    Abstract: A load bearing clamp including a first clamp member, the first clamp member including a first semi-annular clamping surface, a second clamp member, the second clamp member including a second semi-annular clamping surface, the second semi-annular clamping surface opposing the first semi-annular clamping surface and at least one member for drawing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward each other, wherein at least one of the first semi-annular clamp surface and the second semi-annular clamp surface includes at least one irregular surface that deforms at least a portion of a shaft clamped between the first and second clamp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shawn David Downey, Timothy Michael Kemp
  • Patent number: 11761470
    Abstract: A length-adjustable assembly and method including a connecting element for connecting the assembly to a component so that the connection can be subjected to tensile loads and compressive loads, the connecting element being plugged along the longitudinal axis onto an axial end section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The connecting element includes a latching arm elastically bendable outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis in a mounting configuration of the connecting element for plugging the connecting element onto the end portion, wherein the latching arm includes a latching element, wherein the latching element to positively cooperate with a mating latching element of the end portion, the mating latching element of complementary shape to the latching element, in an operating configuration of the connecting element fitted onto the end portion along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: STABILUS GMBH
    Inventor: Jonathan Keßler
  • Patent number: 11761477
    Abstract: A coupling bolt or pin, in particular a ball pin, with a coupling head, such as a ball head, and a thread shaft. The thread shaft comprises a thread in a longitudinal portion of the thread shaft, which extends parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the thread shaft. Within the longitudinal portion of the thread a thread inhibition is provided by means of which a frictional connection between the thread and a counter thread engaging therein and being present at a radial inner wall of a thread opening is increasable. A disc-shaped support structure is provided between the coupling pin and the thread, a radial extension of which is adaptable to a diameter of the thread opening so that the coupling pin is supportable against a lateral load with respect to the axis of the coupling pin within the thread opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Heinrichs, Michael Kahre
  • Patent number: 11754107
    Abstract: A node to panel interface structure for use in a transport structure such as a vehicle is disclosed. In an aspect, the node includes a base, first and second sides protruding from the base to form a recess for receiving a panel, ports for adhesive injection and/or vacuum generation, one or more adhesive regions disposed on a surface of each side adjacent the panel, and at least one channel coupled between the first and second ports and configured to fill the adhesive regions with an adhesive, the adhesive being cured to form a node-panel interface. The node may be additively manufactured. In an exemplary embodiment, the node may use sealant features for including sealants that border and define the adhesive regions, and that may hermetically seal the region before and after adhesive injection. In another embodiment, the node may include isolation features for including isolators for inhibiting galvanic corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: William David Kreig, Chukwubuikem Marcel Okoli, David Brian TenHouten, Antonio Bernerd Martinez, Kevin Robert Czinger, Broc William TenHouten
  • Patent number: 11746831
    Abstract: Devices for connecting a power take off shaft to a drive shaft of an implement. The devices may include a connection device body having a cylindrical housing including a plurality of connection teeth. The devices may include a second body having a cylindrical body member with an annular plate including a slot. The devices may include an annular adapter having a projection adapted for slidable engagement with the slot in the annular plate of the second body, and a plurality of adapter teeth adapted for releasable engagement with the connection teeth on the annular engagement member. The devices may include a cylindrical sleeve disposed around the cylindrical housing of the connection device body and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The devices may include a spring disposed around the cylindrical housing of the connection device body to urge the sleeve into its engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Cedric Williams
  • Patent number: 11739796
    Abstract: A central connector for a universal joint and a universal joint utilizing said central connector. The central connector includes a substantially cylindrical body. The connector further includes a first and second pair of arms positioned orthogonal to one another. The body of the central connector also includes a male spherically concave surface between the first pair of arms, a female spherically concave surface between the second pair of arms. The body further defines an opening allowing communication between the male and female spherically concave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MEA FZE
    Inventors: Ching-Yi Tu, Yi Tung Chan
  • Patent number: 11739795
    Abstract: A spline coupling comprises a male spline member having male spline teeth and a female spline member having female spline teeth complementary to and engaged with the male spline teeth. One or more of the female spline teeth has a tooth height lesser than a tooth height of another one or more of the female spline teeth. The tooth height of the one or more of the female spline teeth is defined by a top land surface of the one or more of the female spline teeth. The tooth height of the other one or more of the female spline teeth is defined by a top land surface of the other one or more of the female spline teeth. A drainage hole in the top land surface of the one or more of the female spline teeth passes through the one or more of the female spline teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Daniel Harvey, Roberto Brito
  • Patent number: 11739794
    Abstract: A steering assembly includes a pinion shaft. The steering assembly also includes a yoke defining a space for axially receiving the pinion shaft and defining an access path for receiving a fastener that couples the pinion shaft to the yoke. The steering assembly further includes an error-proofing device fixed to the yoke and having a deflectable portion blocking the access path in an initial position and deflectable upon contact with the pinion shaft to be clear of the access path in a final assembly position to ensure that the pinion shaft is assembled to the yoke at a predetermined axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Partyka, Sergio R. Molinar, Carl R. Castanier, David G. Matousek
  • Patent number: 11739791
    Abstract: A ball joint and a dust cover in which a stable sealing function can be provided even when a space for disposing the dust cover is small are provided. The dust cover includes a deformable body portion, a fixed portion which is provided on one end side of the body portion and is fixed to a socket, and a seal portion provided on the other end side of the body portion. The seal portion has a main seal part which is provided to be slidable relative to a spherical portion side flange and an opposite side flange while sandwiched therebetween. The maximum length of the main seal part in a central axis direction in a state in which no external force is applied thereto is longer than a distance between opposing surfaces of the spherical portion side flange and the opposite side flange, where the central axis direction is a direction in which a central axis of the dust cover extends in a state in which no external force is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11739790
    Abstract: A ball joint (20) for a vehicle, in particular for an off-road vehicle. The ball joint (20) has a housing (21) and a ball stud (22) which is rotatably and pivotably mounted in the housing (21) and which, with a shaft (23), extends out of an opening of the housing (21). The housing opening is protected against unwanted penetration of dirt and/or moisture by f a seal bellows (25). The seal bellows (25) is surrounded in some areas by a bellows protection (30) in order to prevent damage to the seal bellows (25) due to mechanical influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brunneke, Ulrich Kalmey, Heinfried Helms
  • Patent number: 11719284
    Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger includes a first hub, a second hub, a first side coupling assembly, a second side coupling assembly, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first hub is mounted for concurrent rotation with the input shaft. The second hub is mounted for concurrent rotation with the rotor shaft. The first side coupling assembly has a first side coupling body and a first side elastomeric insert. The first side coupling body includes an inboard body portion having a first series of pockets and an outboard body portion having a second series of pockets. The first side elastomeric insert has a first and second plurality of lobes. The pockets of the first and second series of pockets are tangentially offset relative to each other and each receive respective first and second plurality of lobes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Mark Harold Pratley
  • Patent number: 11713782
    Abstract: An insert for a ball joint (19) in a motor vehicle. The insert having a first part-structure (6) for making at least partial slide-bearing contact with a joint ball (2). The first part-structure (6) can be connected, by over-molding, to a joint socket (17) and/or to a joint housing (18). The insert (1) can be positioned and/or handled to cover a pole surface, to increase the extraction force, the insert (1) has an open part-structure (20) such that a cage-like configuration can be produced for surrounding the joint ball (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Frank Nachbar, Jan Pabst, Volker Grube