Patents Examined by Marc W. Butler
  • Patent number: 5743015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of securing a shaft-bearing bush (3) of a non-weldable material, particularly a sintered metal, in a hole (2) in a metal mounting plate (1), a metal sleeve (4), whose material is weldable to the metal mounting plate (1), being securely press-fitted onto the outer wall (3a) of the shaft-bearing bush (3), the shaft-bearing bush (3) with the press-fitted metal sleeve (4) being introduced into the hole (2) in the metal mounting plate (1) and being locked in the desired axial alignment, and the metal sleeve (4) being welded to the metal mounting plate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kunze, Dieter Muller
  • Patent number: 5743016
    Abstract: A method for mounting on a shaft extending through a housing a preloaded rolling bearing assembly incorporating first and second rolling bearings capable of supporting axial load, involves mounting the outer race rings of both bearings in axially fixed positions in the housing, mounting the inner race rings with a shrink fit on the shaft and with rolling bodies disposed between the inner and outer race rings, and introducing in the interface between the inner envelope surface of the inner race ring of the second bearing and the shaft a pressure medium to create a thin medium film in the interface for allowing the inner race ring of the second bearing to be axially displaced on the shaft. An axial force is then applied to the inner race ring of the second bearing and the axial force thus applied is measured. The pressure medium is then drained from the interface between the inner race ring and the shaft when a predetermined axial force is reached, whereupon the axial force is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Aktiegolaget SKF
    Inventors: Nils Manne, Per-Olof Johansson
  • Patent number: 5743839
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a roll mantle of a roll for a paper machine or equivalent in a lateral direction, in particular in the direction transverse to a principal loading direction, such as the nip plane. The roll mantle is rotatingly supported on a stationary roll axle, e.g., by support and loading members, and is displaceable in relation to the axle substantially in the principal loading direction. The roll mantle is also supported on the roll axle radially by glide bearing elements acting in opposite radial directions so that, when the roll mantle is displaced in the principal loading direction, the movement of the roll mantle is guided to take place along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Juhani Niskanen
  • Patent number: 5735048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spherical bearing having high mechanical strength, and its method of manufacture. This spherical bearing includes a cage (3) containing an internal articulation element (1) and slit along a radius, the edges of the slit (5) of which are connected together, for example by welding, in their final position, at least one of the elements, the cage or the articulation element, being made of an austenitic manganese steel and the other having a treatment to a very high hardness on the articulation surface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Internationale des Applications et Techniques Mangachoc
    Inventor: Henri Peters
  • Patent number: 5735783
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a spreader roll drive where the driving motor (6) is directly connected to one end of the spreader roll (1). The supports (4, 5) of the spreader roll (1) comprise rubber rings (19) which are flexible and will receive the angular changes. The motor (6) shaft (8) comprises an extension shaft (14), connected to rotate the roll segments (3) placed on bearings on the arched shaft (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Raahen Tevo Oy
    Inventor: Teuvo Joensuu
  • Patent number: 5732466
    Abstract: Excess length 20 of brush seal wires 14 is sheared off with a punch 30 and die 26. A true and accurate diameter 22 is formed. The wires can be ground to a final finish diameter 18 if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Bouchard
  • Patent number: 5727301
    Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisaku Kugo
  • Patent number: 5727317
    Abstract: An outer ring of an axle bearing is heat-treated and a through hole can be formed quickly and reliably. The outer ring has raceways on its inner periphery along which rolling elements roll. A through hole for mounting an antilock brake sensor is formed in the outer ring to extend from its outer periphery to the inner periphery. A plug is inserted into the hole thus formed. After hardening the raceways, the plug is pulled out of the hole. Since the hole is formed before hardening the raceways, it can be formed easily by drilling with an ordinary carbon steel tool. Since the raceways are hardened after inserting the rod-shaped metal plug into the hole 9, the heat produced during hardening will disperse through the plug. It is thus possible to prevent shoulder portions of the raceways from melting due to overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Itsuro Bekku, Eiji Tajima
  • Patent number: 5724724
    Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisaku Kugo
  • Patent number: 5724735
    Abstract: A catalytic exhaust treatment device for an automotive vehicle includes a generally cylindrical substrate having a support seal at either end and with each of the support seals encircling an end of the substrate, and an intumescent mat applied to the cylindrical surface of the substrate, with the mat extending between the support seals. The catalyst further includes a cylindrical container having an inside diameter sized so as to compress the support seals and the mat such that the seals and mat are maintained in contact with the substrate and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter D. Ickes, Andrew J. Montalbano
  • Patent number: 5718049
    Abstract: The end surface 2e of the press-fit portion 2c of the axle 2 is machined with high precision to serve as a reference surface for measuring the negative bearing clearance upon completion of the assembly. The inner ring 3 is press-fitted on the press-fit portion 2c of the axle 2 and is fixed in position by the nut 6 screwed on the threaded portion 2d of the axle 2. In this axle bearing assembly, the inner ring 3 abuts against the shoulder portion 2d of the axle 2 with no clearance defined therebetween, and the negative bearing clearance is assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Ohtsuki, Motoharu Niki, Yasunori Terada, Nobuyoshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5718033
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a painted end frame assembly of the type used in a bed, crib, or cradle. Components of the end frame assembly are first formed and a selected color of paint is applied to each component to produce a multi-colored end frame assembly following later assembly of the components. In one embodiment, a process is provided for making a painted end frame assembly with multi-colored spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Alvin Fowler
  • Patent number: 5718543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for consistently machining a side bearing component for railroad cars such that the components produced all have similar performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5718043
    Abstract: A method to automatically align internal splines (20) of a torque converter (16) to mating external splines (18) of a transmission subassembly (14) during the assembly of the torque converter (16) to the transmission subassembly (14). The apparatus includes a robotic end effector assembly (26) coupled to an arm (22) of a robot (24). The end effector assembly (26) includes a counterbalance mechanism, such as spring assemblies (62) and a position sensor (64) that provide for a reduced effective weight of the torque converter (10) to allow the splines to align and detect if the splines are not properly aligned. Upon sensing non-engagement, robot (24) lifts, rotates and lowers the torque converter (16) until the position sensor (64) detects alignment of the mating splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5715600
    Abstract: A tool for installing and aligning a bearing cap in a universal joint so as to position an end surface of the bearing cap a predetermined distance above the outer surface of the arm of the end yoke is generally cup-shaped, including a generally flat, circular end portion having a hollow cylindrical skirt portion. The skirt portion defines an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bearing cap. The skirt portion also defines an axial length which is equal to the desired predetermined distance. A cut-out may be formed in a portion of the tool to receive a spring tab or other axial retaining structure for the bearing cap. Also, one or more apertures may be formed in the end portion of the tool to receive anti-rotation protrusions formed on the end surface of the bearing cap. The universal joint is assembled by initially disposing the tool over the end surface of the bearing cap such that the inner surface of the end portion abuts the outer end surface of the bearing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Marriott, Steven L. Ingalsbe
  • Patent number: 5715587
    Abstract: A double-containment piping assembly has two anchor supports, and at least one elbow fitting with an outer elbow section and an inner elbow section received within the inner elbow section. A first leg having a first inner pipe received within a first outer pipe is coupled between an anchor support and the elbow fitting. A second leg having a second inner pipe received within a second outer pipe is coupled between the other anchor support and the other side of the elbow fitting. First flexibility supports are mounted on either side of the elbow fitting, and permit axial and lateral movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe in the areas of the elbow. First axial-guiding supports, which permit axial movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe, but prevent lateral movement of the inner pipe, are each mounted a minimum distance from the elbow fitting between the inner and outer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 5711073
    Abstract: A refrigerated beverage trailer is disclosed having floor, wall and roof members formed of polyurethane with a covering layer of fiberglass reinforced resinous material to form a monolithic enclosure with a closure member. Beverage dispensing spigots are provided on the side of the enclosure and a wheel and hitch assembly is secured to the floor member by the same resinous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph R. Tippmann, Vincent P. Tippmann
  • Patent number: 5711074
    Abstract: In a method of producing split bearings, comprising the steps of forming at least one of the two end surfaces of a bearing ring 1 with notches 2 being on a dividing line for splitting, and pressing the bearing ring 1 between upper and lower molds 4 and 5 along the dividing line on which the notches 2 are provided, the raceway surface 1a of the bearing ring 1 is ground in the shape of an ellipsoid which major diameter lies on the dividing line, and in that natural splitting is then effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Harimoto, Ikuo Fujiniwa
  • Patent number: 5709021
    Abstract: A seamless metal tube is made by elongating an assembly of a tube blank and a metal core by mechanical working, and then stretching the core plastically so that it diminishes in diameter sufficiently to permit its removal from the tube. The core metal is preferably a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Memry Corp.
    Inventors: John A. DiCello, Bhupinder S. Minhas, Jeffrey W. Simpson, Rajendra S. Cornelius, John D. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5706581
    Abstract: A high precision mounting method for linear guide rails is performed with the steps of: fixing the first linear guide rail to a first predetermined position while pressing the first linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig, disposing the mounting jig at a second predetermined position so that a section shape of the reference surface of the mounting jig in a longitudinal direction thereof is symmetric with respect to a center line between the first and second linear guide rails, and fixing the second linear guide rail to the mounting bed while pressing the second linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig disposed symmetrically. The mounting method is capable of mounting the linear guide rails in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichiro Kato, Hideyuki Tajimi