Patents Issued in January 26, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170023006
    Abstract: A fan blade for a turbofan gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fan blade includes a body having a pressure side and a suction side and a cover. The suction side of the body includes an opening and at least one cavity for purposes of reducing the weight of the fan blade. The cover overlays the opening and includes a peripheral edge that is received in a slot defined by the body. The cavities are filled with a filler material that may form a permanent part of the fan blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Charles H. Roche
  • Publication number: 20170023007
    Abstract: A fan blade for a turbofan gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fan blade includes a body having a pressure side and a suction side. The body also includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a distal tip and a base that is coupled to a hub. The suction side of the body includes at least one cavity for purposes of reducing the weight of the fan blade. The at least one body is surrounded by a slot that extends outwardly away from the cavity. A lip that extends inwardly towards the body further defines the slot. A cover is provided that overlays the cavity and includes a peripheral edge that is received in the slot and that is at least partially covered by the lip for a robust connection between the fan blade body and the cavity cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Charles H. Roche
  • Publication number: 20170023008
    Abstract: A fan blade for a turbofan gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fan blade includes a body having a pressure side and a suction side and a cover. The suction side of the body includes an opening and at least one cavity for purposes of reducing the weight of the fan blade. The cover overlays the opening and includes a peripheral edge that is received in a slot defined by the body. The cavities are filled with a sacrificial material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Charles H. Roche
  • Publication number: 20170023009
    Abstract: A lightweight fan blade for use in turbofan gas turbine engines is disclosed. The fan blade includes a metallic body having a pressure side and a suction side. The suction side of the body includes one or more cavities. A cover is then attached to the suction side of the body to cover or enclose the one or more cavities. The cover includes one or more transverse weakened areas, such as a transverse slit so that the cover separates into one or more smaller segments in the event of a foreign object damage (FOD) or fan blade out (FBO) event occurs. The smaller segments of the cover are less likely to do damage to downstream components such as the low and high-pressure compressors. A single smaller segment of the cover may allow for continued operation of the engine because the imbalance created by the event may be tolerated by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Charles H. Roche
  • Publication number: 20170023010
    Abstract: A blade comprises an airfoil extending from a trailing edge to a leading edge. The airfoil includes a body formed of an aluminum containing material. A sheath is at the leading edge and is formed of a titanium containing material. A sandwich is positioned intermediate the sheath and the airfoil body, the sandwich including an outer adhesive layer adjacent the sheath, an intermediate fabric layer and an inner adhesive layer adjacent the body. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Lee Drozdenko, James O. Hansen, Jesse C. Meyer, Maria C. Kirejczyk, Scot A. Webb, Brandon A. Gates, Richard B. Bergethon
  • Publication number: 20170023011
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a turbomachine assembly, which includes a shaft, a radial gas expander supported on the shaft between a first bearing and a second bearing, and a compressor supported on the shaft in overhung position adjacent to one or the other of the first and second bearings. The compressor includes a plurality of movable inlet nozzles and the radial gas expander includes a plurality of movable guide vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Nuovo Pignone Srl
    Inventors: Matteo BERTI, Paolo DELTURCO, Matteo DALL'ARA, Alberto Scotti DEL GRECO
  • Publication number: 20170023012
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a fan nacelle assembly circumferentially surrounding a fan section, the fan nacelle assembly including an inner wall including an inner wall axial length, and an outer wall an outer wall axial length, wherein the outer wall axial length is greater than the inner wall axial length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20170023013
    Abstract: A gas turbine casing made of organic matrix composite material includes reinforcement densified by an organic matrix defines an inside volume. On its inside face the casing has a structural part with a first face facing the inside face of the casing, and an opposite second face defining a flow passage portion. Recesses opening out into the inside volume of the casing are present between the inside face of the casing and the first face of the structural part facing the inside face of the casing. In the event of a fire, the recesses allow gas coming from degradation of the resin of the casing to be discharged into the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Helene QUILLENT, Thomas LANGEVIN, Jean-Pierre Andre Joseph MOURLAN, Adrien PAIXAO, Francois SFARTI
  • Publication number: 20170023014
    Abstract: A diffuser component for a gas turbine is provided, where a fluid flow in the direction of a combustion chamber of the gas turbine can be slowed down by the diffuser component, and a flow cross-section of the diffuser component, which is defined by a diffuser wall is widened to do so. The diffuser wall is at least locally braced, in that at least one stiffening element with a lattice-type structure is provided on the diffuser wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Carsten CLEMEN, Ivo SZARVASY
  • Publication number: 20170023015
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes a diffuser connecting a compressor section and a turbine section. The diffuser includes a diffuser frame and multiple diffuser case sections are connected to the diffuser frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Albert Veninger, Conway Chuong
  • Publication number: 20170023016
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes an inlet for introducing fluid into the fluid pump; an outlet for discharging the fluid from the fluid pump; a motor having an armature which rotates about an axis such that the armature is supported at one end by a first bearing and at second end by a second bearing, the motor also having a stator which circumferentially surrounds the armature such that a fluid passage is defined radially between the armature and stator through which the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet; a pumping arrangement which is rotated by the armature and which pumps the fluid from the inlet to the outlet; a flow impedance member extending axially in the fluid passage which impedes circumferential flow of the fluid within the fluid passage, thereby generating a pressure gradient circumferentially within the fluid passage which applies a lateral force to the armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: JOHN G. FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20170023017
    Abstract: A fan casing assembly for a turbine engine including a fan casing having a peripheral wall, a surface cooler having a first surface confronting the peripheral wall and forward and aft projections, which are radially spaced from the first surface and located between the peripheral wall and the first surface, and a mounting bracket to mount the surface cooler to the fan casing and a method of mounting a surface cooler to a fan casing of a turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Derek Thomas Dreischarf, Bernard Albert Luschek, Walter Arthur Hundley
  • Publication number: 20170023018
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a compressor section and a turbine section, coupled by one or more shafts, is provided. The compressor section progressively compresses air and includes an aft-stage of rotor blades rotatable about an axial direction of the gas turbine engine. A cooling system is included with the gas turbine engine for cooling compressed air in or from the compressor section. The cooling system includes a fluid tank for storing a volume of cooling fluid and one or more fluid lines in fluid communication with the fluid tank. The one or more fluid lines include an outlet positioned adjacent to the aft-stage of rotor blades for injecting cooling fluid into the compressed air proximate the aft-stage of rotor blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne MILLER, Jeffrey Anthony HAMEL
  • FAN
    Publication number: 20170023019
    Abstract: A blower fan includes a lower plate portion made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W/(m·K) or more, and a side wall portion made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W/(m·K) or more. An upper plate portion arranged to cover an upper side of the impeller includes an air inlet. The upper plate portion, the side wall portion, and the lower plate portion are arranged to together define an air outlet on the lateral side of the impeller. The blower fan further includes a heat source contact portion with which a heat source is to be in contact, the heat source contact portion being arranged in a surface of the blower fan which faces away from the impeller. The heat source contact portion and the tongue portion are arranged to at least partially overlap with each other in the plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehito Tamaoka, Kazuhiko Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20170023020
    Abstract: A compressor has a plurality of stages, and each of the stages includes a wheel. Each wheel is configured to receive one or more rotor blades. The compressor includes a patch ring mounted on a first rotor wheel. The first rotor wheel has a first rabbet machined therein, and the patch ring is located on the first rabbet. A second rotor wheel is located upstream from the first rotor wheel. The second rotor wheel has a second rabbet machined therein, and the second rabbet is configured to be located opposite to the first rabbet. The second rabbet has a second fillet located between axial and radial surfaces of the second rabbet. The patch ring has a radial height greater than or equal to a radial height of the second fillet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph Colletti, Bryan Edward Williams
  • Publication number: 20170023021
    Abstract: A turbo machine according to present disclosure includes a rotating shaft, a first impeller, a first fluid bearing, a first holding member, a first lubricating liquid casing, a first supplying passage, and a first squeeze film damper. The first fluid bearing rotatably supports the first taper portion and the first cylindrical portion. The first fluid bearing is attached to the first holding member. The first lubricating liquid casing forms a first storing space. The first supplying passage is a passage through which a lubricating liquid is supplied to the first storing space. The first squeeze film damper is a space located between the first fluid bearing and the first holding member. The first squeeze film damper communicates with the first supplying passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: TAKESHI OGATA, TADAYOSHI SHOYAMA, AKIRA HIWATA, HIDETOSHI TAGUCHI, KAZUYUKI KOUDA, HIROSHI HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170023022
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes an inlet; an outlet; a motor; and an impeller rotated by the motor about an axis, the impeller being positioned axially between an inlet plate and an outlet plate. The inlet plate includes a channel that receives fluid from the inlet, the channel being defined by an inner wall and an outer wall. The channel has a first region extending over an angle of at least 150° and a second region extending from the first region over an angle of 61.8° to 71.8°. The inner wall has a first radius centered about the axis which is constant over the first region and the second region. The outer wall has a second radius centered about the axis which is constant over the first region and also has a third radius not centered about the axis which is constant over the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Herrera, Partab Jeswani, John G. Fischer, Mohammed Aslam
  • Publication number: 20170023023
    Abstract: A rotor, in particular a drum of a low-pressure compressor of a turbojet aero engine, is disclosed. The rotor includes an outer annular wall delimiting a primary annular flow of the turbine engine, sealing devices with two rubbing strips or annular ribs formed on the wall. The rubbing strips cooperate by abrasion with inner shrouds. In addition, the annular wall includes rows of intake orifices for leakages which are arranged between each pair of rubbing strips in order to aspirate the recirculation leakages there. A plenum for leakages is formed inside the rotor by means of a composite partitioning, then evacuates the parasitic flow downstream of the turbine engine via the central shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Stéphane Hiernaux
  • Publication number: 20170023024
    Abstract: A cooling fan includes a frame base including a frame wall, a bottom plate and a cover plate for enclosing and defining a containing space. The vane wheel is installed in the containing space and provided for producing a cooling forced airflow when the vane wheel is in a forward rotation status and forming a strong wind area, and producing a dust discharging forced airflow when the vane wheel is in a reverse rotation status. The moving baffle module is rotably installed in the strong wind area, and the frame base includes a dust discharging opening configured to be corresponsive to the periphery of the strong wind area, and the dust discharging forced airflow is affected by the moving baffle module to discharge dust from the dust discharging opening to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Han-Tsung HSIN, Shih-Hao FENG
  • Publication number: 20170023025
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the energy-optimized hydraulic control of at least one double-action working cylinder of a work machine comprising a hydraulic pressure transducer which is hydraulically connected to a first piston surface of the working cylinder, to a second piston surface of the working cylinder and to at least one pressure accumulator, wherein the pressure transducer is configured such that the hydraulic energy of a high-pressure volume flow conveyed by the first piston surface to the pressure transducer can be stored completely or at least partially by the at least one connected pressure accumulator and such that the cylinder chamber of the second piston surface of the working cylinder can be filled with a low-pressure volume flow by the pressure transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Philipp Hahn, Volker Gliniorz, Guillaume Bonnetot
  • Publication number: 20170023026
    Abstract: A working valve section for a sectional fluid control valve comprising a valve section housing having a substantially planar surface for being attached to an adjacent valve section housing; a main control spool bore (43) extending into the housing substantially parallel to the planar surface; a compensator spool bore (46) extending into the housing substantially parallel to the planar surface, the compensator spool bore being spaced from the main control spool bore; a first relief slot (49a) extending across the planar surface substantially coextensive with the main control spool bore; and a second relief slot (49b) extending across the planar surface substantially coextensive with the compensator spool bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Coolidge
  • Publication number: 20170023027
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a vertically stowable aircraft storage unit for providing additional storage in a cabin area of an aircraft can include a storage compartment and a vacuum lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the storage compartment between a stowed position and a deployed position. The vacuum lift mechanism can include at least one vacuum actuator in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The aircraft storage unit can further include an overhead mounting frame for mounting the vacuum lift mechanism to an upper structure of an interior of the aircraft, and a storage compartment frame configured to releasably receive the storage compartment. The vacuum lift mechanism may be releasably attached, at an upper end, to the overhead mounting frame, and at a lower end, to the storage compartment frame. The upper structure of the interior of the aircraft can be above a ceiling of the cabin area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn A. CLAFLIN, James B. HAUSER
  • Publication number: 20170023028
    Abstract: A vacuum powered system for moving a movable component, such as for raising and lowering a stowage container, includes a vacuum actuator connected between a fixed structure and a movable component. The vacuum actuator includes one or more intake ports that are configured to connect with a source of vacuum for moving the movable component in a first direction to a first position, and one or more bleed valve ports for venting the vacuum actuator to move the movable component in a second direction to a second position. The vacuum actuator may be an air bellows, a single acting linear vacuum actuator, or a dual acting linear vacuum actuator. A guiding system is further provided that includes elongated tracks in a stationary stowage container housing that houses the movable component, and corresponding guide elements on the movable component that slidably engage with the elongated tracks for moving the movable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn A. CLAFLIN, James B. HAUSER
  • Publication number: 20170023029
    Abstract: An adsorption separation device is used with a cylinder, wherein the cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a first piston, and a second piston. The first piston and the second piston are arranged inside the cylinder body, and the first piston and the second piston are be spaced from each other. The cylinder further comprises a first shaft and a second shaft where the first shaft extends into the cylinder body and is connected with the first piston, and the second shaft is slidably sleeved in the first shaft and connected with the second piston. The adsorption separation device includes the cylinder. The cylinder and the adsorption separation device are actually two or more cylinders sharing the same cylinder body and controlling two or more pistons and shafts respectively. The control directions and strokes of the pistons are independent relative to each other and do not affect each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Yinghui GUO
  • Publication number: 20170023030
    Abstract: A failsafe piston retention assembly, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. A failsafe piston retention assembly comprises a head comprising a head body having a first surface. The assembly also includes a piston having second surface, the piston slidably coupled with respect to the head. The piston has a retracted configuration and an unretracted configuration. In the retracted configuration, the second surface is fixed with respect to the first surface by a magnetic force. One advantage of this arrangement is that the piston is retained in its retracted configuration in the event of an operational failure of the piston mechanism. For example, for a hydraulically controlled piston, the magnetic force retains the piston in a retracted configuration even in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Andrew Broderick, Stephen Firkser
  • Publication number: 20170023031
    Abstract: An actuator comprising: an inner cylinder received in an outer cylinder and a piston received in the inner cylinder that extends from the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, the piston being slideable relative to the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder in response to the application of fluid pressure to cause the piston to extend further from the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; and an auxiliary drive mechanism operable to cause the inner cylinder to extend from the outer cylinder, wherein the piston moves together with the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Eric WILDMAN
  • Publication number: 20170023032
    Abstract: A hydraulic loop-flushing device (50) for a hydrostatic apparatus (1) comprising a valve housing (8) having a cylindrical valve bore (9) with a high pressure inlet (5 or 6), a low pressure inlet (6 or 5) and a discharge outlet (7). A first flushing valve spool (12) is arranged elastically pre-stressed within the valve bore (9) for enabling a fluid connection between the low pressure inlet (6 or 5) and the discharge outlet (7) by means of a first fluid channel (16). Further, a shuttle valve spool (22) is arranged elastically pre-stressed within the valve bore (9) for further enabling the fluid connection between the low pressure inlet (6 or 5) and the discharge outlet (7) by means of a fluid passageway (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Arne Streblau
  • Publication number: 20170023033
    Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice wherein the gas path edge of each blade is spaced apart from the other blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Qingsheng Lin, John A. Sund, JR., Craig A. Penterson
  • Publication number: 20170023034
    Abstract: A choke for a flow line having an inner diameter has a body with an upstream end, a downstream end, and a sidewall that extends between the upstream end and the downstream end. The sidewall has a diameter that is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the flow line. A fluid impact face is provided at the upstream end of the body. The fluid impact face has a recessed central portion. One or more passages provide fluid communication between the downstream end and the sidewall of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Derek J. KERR
  • Publication number: 20170023035
    Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Qingsheng Lin, John A. Sund, JR., Craig A. Penterson
  • Publication number: 20170023036
    Abstract: A plastic component has a connecting element that includes an attachment portion protruding at least in part from the plastic component as well as an anchoring portion, by which the connecting element is releasably connected to the plastic component and which has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Maik HAMMER, Johann VAN NIEKERK, Juergen GREIL, Lars LEICHTL, Katrin KRUKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20170023037
    Abstract: A fixing screw structure for adjusting a fixing procedure used for fixing a panel to a casing, including a screw, an elastomer and a fixing frame. The screw includes a threaded portion and a tapered portion, and passes through the panel, and the threaded portion is screwed on the casing. The elastomer is annular and disposed around the screw, and has a taper hole corresponding to the tapered portion. The fixing frame is a hollow tube, and is fixed on the panel and positioned around the elastomer. When the screw is screwed, the tapered portion abuts the inner wall of the taper hole and the elastomer is expanded outwardly to fitly abut the inner wall of the fixing frame. The instant disclosure transforms the longitudinal screwing force into a transverse expanding force to fix the panel, thereby eliminating the cumulative tolerance of the casing and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: HOU-AN SU, YU-LIANG SHAO
  • Publication number: 20170023038
    Abstract: A dissimilar material joining structure includes: a plate-shaped resin member; a plate-shaped metallic member; and a metallic rivet. The rivet includes a shaft, and a head integral with a first end of the shaft, and disposed outside a hole of the resin member hole. The shaft includes: a pillar; an enlarged diameter portion; and a punching portion that is joined to the metallic member via a weld. The hole of the resin member includes: a small-diameter hole portion adjacent to the pillar, and having an inner diameter equal to a diameter of the enlarged diameter portion; and a large-diameter hole portion adjacent to an outer circumference of the punching portion, and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi IZUHARA
  • Publication number: 20170023039
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a component connection, which has a first component and a male connecting element with at least one sphere or at least one spherical element. The at least one ball or the at least one spherical element is pressed into the material of the first component in such a way that a positive-locking connection results between the first component and the connecting element, by which positive-locking connection the connecting element is connected to the first component in a translationally fixed and rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Johann VAN NIEKERK
  • Publication number: 20170023040
    Abstract: A lower corner connector for a modular sports goal comprises a first tube having a generally circular inner surface and a second tube extending substantially perpendicularly to the first tube. The first tube has an open end for receiving an upright and a base opposite the open end for resting on a surface. A retainer projects inwardly from the inner surface of the first tube for engaging and retaining the upright and permitting the upright to rock toward and away from the second tube within the first tube to assist in absorbing impact forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20170023041
    Abstract: A friction fit clip fastening system that creates a firm and invisible connection between panels or substrates without the use of tools or glue, comprising a fastener and mating rout. The fastener has a clip element that allows it to clip and connect to a mating rout. Different routs are used for different embodiments of the fasteners. The rout is formed directly in the panel face or edge or formed on a substrate by a router bit that has three cutting edges. The connections made by the friction fit clip fastening system are invisible. The fasteners can be installed at the manufacturing site so the user simply clips or slides the fasteners into the appropriate slot or rout when assembling. The friction fit fastening system is easily removable from the panels making assembling and disassembling quick and easy because the fastener is made of one piece. The friction fit clip fastening system can also be permanent if the permanent rout is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Bryan Koelling, Daniel Savage
  • Publication number: 20170023042
    Abstract: A device for connecting two furniture parts, wherein the device comprises a housing arrangeable on a first furniture part and an eccentric element rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing is on one wall side flattened, and the flattened wall side of the housing has a continuous opening. The eccentric element is configured to cooperate with a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is arrangeable on a second furniture part, and wherein the connecting element can be coupled with the housing and the eccentric element such that the first and the second furniture part are fixedly connected to each other. The device is characterized in that the continuous opening in the housing on the flattened wall side is fully enclosed at the margin by wall portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: GRASS GMBH
    Inventors: Guenter GRABHER, Zeljko KOVACIC
  • Publication number: 20170023043
    Abstract: A friction fit fastening system, that creates a firm and invisible connection between panels or substrates without the use of tools or glue, comprising a fastener and mating rout. The fastener has a ramp element that allows it to slide and connect to a mating rout. Different routs are used for different embodiments of the fasteners. The rout is formed directly in the panel face or edge or formed on a substrate by a router bit that has three cutting edges. The connections made by the friction fit fastening system are invisible. The fasteners can be installed at the manufacturing site so the user simply slides or inserts the fasteners into the appropriate slot or hole when assembling. The friction fit fastening system is easily removable from the panels making assembling and disassembling quick and easy because the fastener is made of one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Bryan Koelling, Daniel Savage, Hoang Dang
  • Publication number: 20170023044
    Abstract: An anchoring device for insertion in a hole provided in a structure such as a wall (hollow or solid) comprises proximal and distal sections. The proximal section includes a head defining an aperture for receiving a fastener, and the distal section includes a pair of expandable wings displaceable between collapsed and expanded positions. Each wing is biased towards its expanded position such that the wings can engage the structural material delimiting the hole or a distal surface of the structure. The distal section comprises, proximally of the wings, a variable-length flexible portion for allowing the wings to engage the distal surface of the structure for various structure thicknesses. The distal section comprises, distally of the wings, a tip section adapted to spread outwardly when engaged by the fastener. The proximal section comprises a pair of legs each having a toothed rack for engaging the structural material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Pierre MCDUFF, Alexandre POLLAK, Lang NGUYEN, William A. CROSSLEY
  • Publication number: 20170023045
    Abstract: A fastening system for attaching a cover to an underground vault having a bolt with course threads and a composite fiber reinforced polymer nut having a threaded portion extending through the nut which will fail in sheer before the nut and bolt seize. The fastening system can also include a nut retainer sized to allow the nut to float within the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A. Lemacks
  • Publication number: 20170023046
    Abstract: A fastening system for attaching a cover to an underground vault having a bolt with threads and a composite fiber reinforced polymer nut having a thread engagement portion extending through the nut which will fail in shear after the bolt is inserted before the nut and bolt seize. The fastening system can also include a nut retainer sized to allow the nut to float within the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A. Lemacks
  • Publication number: 20170023047
    Abstract: A torsional fastening assembly provides a pin that leverages torque from a torsion spring and a pair of deviated free ends to fix a slotted nut in a locked threaded position. The pin includes a torsion spring that diverges into a pair of legs having free ends. A first free end includes a hump, while a second free end includes a generally 90° bend. The torsion spring exerts a torsional force on the pin that biases the pair of legs to diverge. The legs pass through a slotted nut and a threaded bolt. The hump and the generally 90° bend are engaged around the respective threads of the slotted nut and the bolt, such that the slotted nut is restricted from rotating relative to the bolt. The pin is fabricated from stainless steel to enhance tensile strength and inhibit rust. A cap conceals the pin and the slotted nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel F. Primeau
  • Publication number: 20170023048
    Abstract: A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod includes a main body portion having a bearing surface for engaging a threaded body; the main body portion including a central opening with an inside surface; and a single female thread disposed on the inside surface and extending therefrom, the female thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas M. ESPINOSA
  • Publication number: 20170023049
    Abstract: To provide a fastener having a high anti-loosening effect. A fastener has a thread structure including an upper portion of the crest and a bottom portion at the groove. The upper portion has a load flank surface inclined from the standard load flank surface toward the fastener seat while the bottom has an undercut on at least one of the groove side lower than the extension of the corresponding flank surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Kou Matsubayashi
  • Publication number: 20170023050
    Abstract: Subject matter of the disclosure is a locking pin arrangement with a basic element for receiving an insert and a fall-proof locking pin for fixing the insert in the basic element. The locking pin is at least partially inserted into a borehole of the basic element and is pushed towards an opening of the borehole by a spring. The locking pin has a guiding surface for axial guidance in the borehole, an outer thread and a constriction positioned between the outer thread and the guiding surface, wherein the diameter of the outer thread is smaller than the diameter of the guiding surface and the diameter of the locking pin at the constriction is smaller than the diameter of the outer thread. Further, the arrangement comprises an inner thread going from the wall of the borehole into the space formed by the constriction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Francesco GARBUGLIA, Marc WIDMER
  • Publication number: 20170023051
    Abstract: Provided is a suction cup device with which the work of attaching the suction cup to the attachment surface, and the work of releasing the attachment can be performed quickly, and with which a fixture member comprised by a fixture that is equipped with a suction cup device can be arranged on the top face of the suction cup device. The suction cup device comprises an operation member capable of reciprocating movement in a direction that intersects with a suction cup support shaft, and a means for applying pulling force to the suction cup support shaft as a result of the movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the suction cup device comprises an operation member capable of reciprocating sliding movement in a direction that intersects with a suction cup support shaft, and a means for applying pulling force to the suction cup support shaft as a result of the sliding movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Fumio KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20170023052
    Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski, Hugh Morris
  • Publication number: 20170023053
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Kris H. Campbell, Glenn C. Lemmers, JR., Mark J. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20170023054
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an actuator having a base end and a piston end on an item of equipment. The mounting assembly comprises a plate that is adapted to be mounted to the item of equipment at a first location, a pin hole that is disposed on the plate and has a raised portion, and a pin that is disposed in the pin hole and has a pin diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a channel. The pin is affixed to the cap end of the actuator, the piston end of the actuator is mounted to the item of equipment at a second location, and the channel of the pin is seated on the raised portion of the pin hole. A method for mounting an actuator comprising providing a mounting assembly and moving the actuator between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Engel
  • Publication number: 20170023055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball joint used in a steering system, an apparatus for manufacturing the ball joint, and a method of manufacturing the ball joint and includes a ball stud provided with a stud and a ball formed at one end of the stud, a housing which accommodates the ball to pivotally support the ball stud and is provided with an injection hole into which a lubricant and a base material are injectable, a ball seat formed in a separation space between the ball and the housing, and an injection hole closing portion inserted into the injection hole to close the injection hole, wherein the ball is provided with a dent portion formed by denting the surface to store the lubricant and to mitigate surface pressure between the ball and the ball seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: PRIMAX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kwan Soo LEE