Patents by Inventor Andrew R. Slayne

Andrew R. Slayne has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11859670
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer member; an inner member; and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the tolerance ring is a split ring comprising opposing edges, where the edges engaged with at one of the inner member or the outer member so as to prevent or restrict movement between the tolerance ring and at least one of the inner member or the outer member, or where the tolerance ring is deformed as installed between the inner member and the outer member and forms at least one buckled region in the tolerance ring due to an interference fit between the inner member and the outer member, where in an uninstalled state, the buckled region is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Haines, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Publication number: 20230030203
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer member; an inner member; and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the tolerance ring is a split ring comprising opposing edges, where the edges engaged with at one of the inner member or the outer member so as to prevent or restrict movement between the tolerance ring and at least one of the inner member or the outer member, or where the tolerance ring is deformed as installed between the inner member and the outer member and forms at least one buckled region in the tolerance ring due to an interference fit between the inner member and the outer member, where in an uninstalled state, the buckled region is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Paul HAINES, Andrew R. SLAYNE
  • Patent number: 11512742
    Abstract: A tolerance ring having a first axial end, a second axial end, and a central axis, the tolerance ring including an annular band; a plurality of protrusions, all of the plurality of protrusions extending from the annular band; and a guide portion extending from the annular band towards the first axial end of the tolerance ring, where the guide portion includes a guide surface that is curved in an axial section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Niki S. Woodhead, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Patent number: 11499591
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer member; an inner member; and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the tolerance ring is a split ring comprising opposing edges, where the edges engaged with at one of the inner member or the outer member so as to prevent or restrict movement between the tolerance ring and at least one of the inner member or the outer member, or where the tolerance ring is deformed as installed between the inner member and the outer member and forms at least one buckled region in the tolerance ring due to an interference fit between the inner member and the outer member, where in an uninstalled state, the buckled region is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Haines, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Publication number: 20210180653
    Abstract: A tolerance ring including a sidewall including a plurality of radially extending projections on a first radial surface and an unformed region on a second radial surface opposite the first radial surface, where the tolerance ring provides a first break-away torque, ?1, defined as the breakaway torque between the tolerance ring projections and an inner component or an outer component, where the tolerance ring provides a second break-away torque, ?2, defined as the breakaway torque between the unformed region and the other of the inner component or the outer component, and wherein 1.1 ?2??1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Stephen Saunders
  • Publication number: 20210156432
    Abstract: A tolerance ring having a first axial end, a second axial end, and a central axis, the tolerance ring including an annular band; a plurality of protrusions, all of the plurality of protrusions extending from the annular band; and a guide portion extending from the annular band towards the first axial end of the tolerance ring, where the guide portion includes a guide surface that is curved in an axial section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Niki S. WOODHEAD, Andrew R. SLAYNE
  • Patent number: 10371213
    Abstract: A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Parag Natu
  • Publication number: 20190101163
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer member; an inner member; and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the tolerance ring is a split ring comprising opposing edges, where the edges engaged with at one of the inner member or the outer member so as to prevent or restrict movement between the tolerance ring and at least one of the inner member or the outer member, or where the tolerance ring is deformed as installed between the inner member and the outer member and forms at least one buckled region in the tolerance ring due to an interference fit between the inner member and the outer member, where in an uninstalled state, the buckled region is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Paul HAINES, Andrew R. SLAYNE
  • Publication number: 20190080711
    Abstract: A tolerance ring can be disposed between an inner component and an outer component, the inner and outer components defining stepped sidewalls. In an embodiment, a preassembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, an assembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, a hard disk drive preassembly can include an actuator arm defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, a pivot having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the pivot and the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin NIAS, Andrew R. SLAYNE, Simon A. HUGHES, Robert WINTER
  • Patent number: 10157635
    Abstract: A tolerance ring can be disposed between an inner component and an outer component, the inner and outer components defining stepped sidewalls. In an embodiment, a preassembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, an assembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, a hard disk drive preassembly can include an actuator arm defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, a pivot having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the pivot and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Nias, Andrew R. Slayne, Simon A. Hughes, Robert Winter
  • Patent number: 10094426
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is adapted to be deployed between inner and outer components. The tolerance ring includes a generally cylindrical body. The sidewall can include an undeformed portion. The sidewall can further include a plurality of wave structures. The wave structures can protrude radially from the undeformed portion. Some or all wave structures can protrude inwardly or can protrude outwardly. Furthermore, the tolerance ring when placed in an assembly having an inner component and an outer component can have a first torque break-point T1 in a first rotational direction. A torque break point for an assembly comprising an inner component, an outer component, and a tolerance ring is the torque at which slippage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Llewelyn Pickering
  • Publication number: 20160012836
    Abstract: A tolerance ring can be disposed between an inner component and an outer component, the inner and outer components defining stepped sidewalls. In an embodiment, a preassembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, an assembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, a hard disk drive preassembly can include an actuator arm defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, a pivot having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the pivot and the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Nias, Andrew R. Slayne, Simon A. Hughes, Robert Winter
  • Patent number: 9206853
    Abstract: A tolerance ring has a band (16) with outwardly extending corrugated protrusions forming waves (2) which engage a surface (8) of the bore (4) in a housing (5). At one end of the tolerance ring is an outwardly flared guide surface (15a) extending axially from the band (16). The guide surface (15a) acts as an enlarged entrance to the band (16) from a shaft (3) to be mounted in the bore (4) by insertion into the tolerance ring. The use of the guide surface (15a) assists assembly and reduces or eliminates particle production. It is also possible for the corrugated portions to extend inwardly, for the guide surface to be inwardly flared, and for the tolerance ring to be mounted on the shaft prior to insertion in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventors: Niki S. Woodhead, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Patent number: 9074637
    Abstract: A tolerance ring with a generally cylindrical body having a sidewall, wherein the sidewall includes an undeformed portion and a plurality of wave structures protruding from the undeformed portion. The wave structures each having a feature disconnected from the adjacent sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Llewelyn Pickering
  • Publication number: 20150114549
    Abstract: A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Parag Natu
  • Patent number: 9004802
    Abstract: A tolerance ring has a band with outwardly extending corrugated protrusions forming waves that engage an outer surface of a shaft. At one end of the tolerance ring is an inwardly flared guide surface extending axially and radially from the band. The guide surface acts as a tapered entrance to a bore of a housing to assist during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventors: Niki S. Woodhead, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Publication number: 20150001025
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is adapted to be deployed between inner and outer components. The tolerance ring includes a generally cylindrical body. The sidewall can include an undeformed portion. The sidewall can further include a plurality of wave structures. The wave structures can protrude radially from the undeformed portion. Some or all wave structures can protrude inwardly or can protrude outwardly. Furthermore, the tolerance ring when placed in an assembly having an inner component and an outer component can have a first torque break-point T1 in a first rotational direction. A torque break point for an assembly comprising an inner component, an outer component, and a tolerance ring is the torque at which slippage occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Llewelyn Pickering
  • Publication number: 20150000098
    Abstract: A tolerance ring with a generally cylindrical body having a sidewall, wherein the sidewall includes an undeformed portion and a plurality of wave structures protruding from the undeformed portion. The wave structures each having a feature disconnected from the adjacent sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Llewelyn Pickering
  • Publication number: 20140161519
    Abstract: A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Parag Natu
  • Patent number: 8363359
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner component, an outer component; and a tolerance ring located between the inner and outer components to provide an interference fit there between. The tolerance ring includes a strip of material having a plurality of radially extending projections. The strip of material is curved into a ring having a gap. The radially extending projections are compressible between the inner and outer components, and the stiffness of the radially extending projections varies around the circumference of the tolerance ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventors: Andrew R. Slayne, Simon A. Hughes