Patents by Inventor Richard W. Van Der Drift

Richard W. Van Der Drift 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: 5538378
    Abstract: A self-locking threaded connecting device comprising a male component (11) with a recess locking thread type (31) and a female component (12) with a flexible thread segment (21). Tension from the alignment of the internal flexible thread segment urges projections (22) of the flexible thread segment into the recesses (32) of the recess locking thread and thereby prevent the threaded fastener from loosening and coming apart in response to axial pressure optionally combined with vibration, expansion, contraction or other movement. The projections and recesses are shaped so that the faces glide by each other and unlock with the application of adequate torque. The two threads are designed to work together. The female component when used with a standard male component without recesses provides resistance to inadvertent loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Richard W. Van Der Drift