Rod Patents (Class 188/67)
  • Publication number: 20100230217
    Abstract: A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the armature of a linear electric motor in the absence of electrical power comprising a pivotably mounted plate (17) having an aperture (19) for receiving a member (10) attached to the armature of the motor, and an electrically operated holding device (23) contacting a free end (21) of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the member while electrical power is present and to permit the plate to pivot around its second end (20) to a jamming position in the absence of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: GRAHAM MEAD
  • Patent number: 7770700
    Abstract: When respective magnetic fluxes are generated by coils and pass through a plate spring, an electromagnetic force, which results from the magnetic flux, is generated within a plate spring, screws, and a magnetic flux-passing member. Therefore, a brake pad is separated from a slide table in accordance with an action of the electromagnetic force exerted against a resilient force of the plate spring. On the other hand, when generation of respective magnetic fluxes from the coils is halted, the electromagnetic force is extinguished, and thus the brake pad presses against the slide table, in accordance with an action of the resilient force of the plate spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Yajima, Nobohiro Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20100162476
    Abstract: A braking device which can be interposed between mutually rotatable elements and comprises a first body, which rotates rigidly with a first element, and a second body, which rotates rigidly with a second element and can engage rotatably the first body, the device further comprising means for translational motion in order to impart a translational motion of the second body with respect to the first body upon mutual rotation, elastically deformable means being provided which interact between the first body and the second body in order to contrast the translational motion upon mutual rotation between the bodies, at least in one preset direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Livio Cavagna
  • Patent number: 7717239
    Abstract: A linear damper includes a conical housing with a friction cone in the housing and a rod extending therethrough and axially moveable relative thereto. The friction cone is axially moveable in the housing and radially expandable and contractible to provide clamping force against a rod when the rod is moved in one axial direction and to relieve clamping force from the rod when the rod is moved in the opposite axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Toby Berry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7712740
    Abstract: The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Acton, William M. Connors, Walter K. Cousins, Stephen E. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100089708
    Abstract: A motion control apparatus (10) in the form of a linear brake includes a camshaft (23) rotatable in a housing (11) moveable along a linear rail (30). The camshaft (23) is rotated by a gear motor (15) causing an eccentric engagement portion of a cam follower (24) to abut with a facing (12) which engages the linear rail (30) to provide a clamping force thereon. A damper (25) is received on a dowel pin (14) secured to the housing (11) and received in a U-shaped groove in the camshaft (23) to inhibit further rotation of the camshaft (23). A shim (20) separates the outer races of the bearings (22) receiving the camshaft (23) to preload the first and second bearings (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin B. Weiss, Brad Briggs
  • Publication number: 20100065383
    Abstract: A linear motion brake (10) includes a channel shaped shoe guide (90) straddling a linear race (20) and having shoe bores (95) defined in leg plates (92) for receiving brake shoes (12). A piston (100) is reciprocally received in a piston cavity (86) of a plate-shaped housing (80) secured to the shoe guide (90). The piston (100) includes first and second protrusions (76, 134) extending from the piston head (102) in the reciprocation direction. Springs (114) are sandwiched between the shoe guide (90) and the piston (100). Ribs (116) of the piston (100) are slideably received in cutouts (96) formed in the connecting plate (94) of the shoe guide (92). Reciprocation of the protrusions (76, 134) cams the brake shoes (12) against the linear race (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Nexen Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Hein, Jeff Haack, Kevin Weiss, Jeff Hermes, Aaron Lehto, Mike Henk
  • Publication number: 20100065384
    Abstract: A braking system allows for smooth and accurate stopping of a camera dolly operating on tracks. A pair of caliper brake modules attached to the dolly frame are sized so that they fit over and at least partially surrounds the track. When the caliper brakes are activated, brake pads are moved towards the surrounded track squeezing it and providing a significant braking force. This permits the dolly to be smoothly brought to a stop with no possibility of the dolly wheel locking and skidding. The braking system can be temporarily attached to the dolly by a removable fastener system, or it can be permanently built into the dolly. A master hydraulic cylinder with a conveniently placed actuating lever is connected to the brake caliper modules by hydraulic lines so that slave hydraulic cylinders can apply the brakes in response to the actuating lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas KEEGAN
  • Publication number: 20100050859
    Abstract: A clamping sleeve is of generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior and comprises an upper crown, a lower crown, and a tubular sidewall. The upper crown is positioned at an upper end of the clamping sleeve. The lower crown is positioned at a lower end of the clamping sleeve. The tubular sidewall is positioned between the upper and lower crown and includes one or more corrugations that utilize spring like principles such that pressure applied to the external surface of the tubular sidewall circumferentially flexes the clamping sleeve in order to reduce the diameter of the clamping sleeve and apply a clamping force to an object within the clamping sleeve. The clamping sleeve may be utilized in a work support that includes a plunger positioned within the clamping sleeve, wherein a pressurized flowable medium provides pressure to the exterior of the tubular sidewall thereby causing the clamping sleeve to apply a clamping force to the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Vektek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Gray, Nick J. Karras
  • Publication number: 20100038203
    Abstract: A wrap spring moves from a relaxed state to an energised state for braking rotation of the output shaft in a vehicle transmission. The wrap spring may constrict for engagement on the shaft or expand for engagement with an adjacent ground member. Two wrap springs, concentric or axially spaced, provide bi-directional braking. A split ring energises both wrap springs, e.g. using an epicyclic differential arrangement to move opposing ring portions in opposite directions The wrap spring may be mounted in a relaxed state for rotation with the shaft, with a mechanism for inducing drag torque to energise the spring for a braking operation. Means is provided preventing an actuator from energising the wrap spring, e.g. if the shaft is rotating above a predetermined speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Ricardo UK Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan Charles Wheals
  • Publication number: 20090308699
    Abstract: A braking device of a measuring instrument includes a body case and a spindle that penetrates the body case to be axially and reciprocably displaceable. The braking device includes a cylinder of which a first end is attached to the body case for accommodating a second end of the spindle, a piston provided on the second end of the spindle and accommodated to be reciprocably displaceable within the cylinder, a closing member provided on a second end of the cylinder to form a damper chamber between the closing member and the piston; a shaft connected to a side of the piston opposite to the spindle and penetrates the closing member; and a knob provided on a distal end of the shaft. A clearance is provided between the closing member and the shaft to circulate air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Furuta, Kouichi Adachi
  • Patent number: 7594565
    Abstract: A rod brake includes a housing containing a pressure vessel and a piston intensifier. The pressure vessel has a bearing tube with a bore sized to receive a movable rod. A cavity is provided between an inner wall of the pressure vessel and the bearing tube for a pressure medium carried therein. Access is provided for surface-to-surface contact with a portion of the piston intensifier and the pressure medium. The piston intensifier includes a piston movable by an external force such as a compression spring or air pressure. The piston has an inner face having an annular ring attached or integrally formed with the piston. Alternatively, the piston has a plurality of dowels extending from the inner face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Curtis Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7584828
    Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping and/or braking device with a housing, in which at least one plate-like element is held, supported at a first end opposite a stop area of the housing. A second end transfers clamping and/or braking forces to an object, or acts on a pressurizable element, which transfers clamping and/or braking forces to an object. The plate-like element has at least one bending area which is convex in the starting state, which is constructed pressure-resistant and nevertheless elastically deformable so that the bending area forms an elastic element between the stop area of the housing and a pressurizing end of the plate-like element. A pressure space is formed between the convex side of the bending area and the housing. Some embodiments include multiple plate-like elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090145700
    Abstract: A fast braking device for a grinding machine installed in a grinding machine with a spindle comprises: an electromagnet element closely neighbors an inner braking disc; the electromagnet element and the inner braking disc are jointly fixed on the grinding machine. An outer braking disc is separated from the electromagnet element by a lining plate and axially slidably installed on the electromagnet element. Elastic elements are arranged in between the inner braking disc and the outer braking disc. The lining plate rotates synchronously with the spindle. When the user intends to stop the operation of the grinding machine, the electromagnet element provides magnetic force to make the inner and the outer braking discs clamp the lining plate to fast brake the spindle of the grinding machine. Then, the elastic elements separate the outer braking disc from the inner braking disc, and the spindle of the grinding machine can rotate again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-San LIN
  • Publication number: 20090127527
    Abstract: A lift assembly system and method can include: a funnel-shaped drum having a constant diameter portion and a gradually increasing diameter portion; a cable management system adapted to position a cable in a single layer in a tray; a beam clamp tube receiver adapted to allow a tube to slide relative to a beam and be secured to the beam; a cable keeper and a slack line detector adapted to maintain cables in position about a drum upon loss of cable tension; a horizontally oriented low profile cable adjuster adapted to adjust the length of a cable; an overspeed braking mechanism; a fleet pivot arm pivotable on the end of a tube so as to guide cables along a desired fleet angle; and/or a pull-type load sensor connected between a tube and a drum adapted to sense changes in a load force and adjust movement of a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 7510058
    Abstract: An electromechanical braking system includes a brake rotor, a brake stator, an EMA (52) having a rotor shaft (36), a ram (42) operably connected to the EMA (52) having a first end movable between a first position urging the brake stator against the brake rotor and a second position, a clamp device (32) shiftable between a first clamping position in clamping engagement with the rotor shaft (36) and a second clamping position and a clamp controller (46) for shifting the clamping device (32) between the first and second clamping positions. Also a method of using the braking system as a parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Russ Ether
  • Publication number: 20080224548
    Abstract: A braking device for an electric motor includes two brake pads, which are connected to brake disks, which cooperate with a brake rail. The two brake pads are rigidly connected by a connecting element, which is able to experience a certain deflection under the influence of a piezoelectric element, which is used to distance the two brake pads from each other. An assembly, which includes the two brake pads and their connecting element, is fastened on a support by a fastening device, which is elastically deformable along the direction at right angles with respect to the brake rail and to the two brake pads. The elastically deformable fastening device is formed of plates, which are connected on one end to the assembly and on the other end to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ETEL SA
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Morel
  • Publication number: 20080216999
    Abstract: A wedge device (1) for clamping of pipes (24) and tools during petroleum production, the wedge device (1) comprising an annular mounting element (4) arranged for connection to a deck (2) or a rotary table, where a plurality of main wedges (6), with associated clamps (22) and displaceable with respect to the annular mounting element (4), encircle the vertical central axis (8) of the wedge device (1), and where the clamp (22) is located on an auxiliary wedge (18) displaceably or rotatably coupled to the main wedge (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Helge-Ruben Halse
  • Patent number: 7395855
    Abstract: Slips (1, 21, 41) for engaging any jointed, coiled or flexible tubular with substantially no scoring, gouging or scraping, such as when supporting a drill string in a borehole or gripping a tubular (2, 22) during the connection or disconnection of a tool joint or pulling a cable or pipeline; additionally, applying a pre-determined minimum gripping force in order to avoid rotary slippage when the weight of the string is insufficient to achieve a conventional slips action; additionally, including a coarse wedge (30, 50) to take up the extra travel of a worn tool joint or a tubular of smaller diameter, with a means to ensure that the coarse wedge acts before the fine wedge (29, 49) does and a means to ensure that the wedging action remains if the actuating force is removed; additionally, including a secondary slips (40) to interfere with the upset on the tool joint to avoid relying on friction to support the string and a means of integrating this with the gripping slips and ensuring that the secondary slips act
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Coupler Developments Limited
    Inventor: Laurence John Ayling
  • Patent number: 7392886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping and/or braking device with a base element (7) and a force-applying element (17), by means of which the generated clamping and/or braking forces can be transferred to an object (39), as well as at least two adjacent wall sections (3), which each apply force with an end region on the base element (7) and the force-applying element (17), and wherein the two or more adjacent wall sections (3) define an essentially sealed pressure chamber that can be pressurized with pressure or negative pressure, wherein the two or more wall sections (3) each have a bending region (3a), which is resistant to tensile force and nevertheless can be bent elastically so that the bending regions (3a) form an elastic element between the base element (7) and the force-applying element (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Klaus Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7350628
    Abstract: A spring system for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the spring system. The spring system includes a housing having an axis, an internal chamber, and axially opposite bottom and top ends, a spring rod coaxial with the axis and positioned within the internal chamber and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of the top end. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member to support the rod member for reciprocation axially of the housing between retracted and extended positions relative thereto. A locking arrangement is provided to engage the spring rod and inhibit axial movement of the spring rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Adoline, Bruce J. Fondren
  • Patent number: 7344005
    Abstract: A self locking apparatus is disclosed having a housing, a load initiating element located within the housing, a spring located adjacent to the load initiating element and configured to expand in compression against the housing in response to a compressive load, and a compression member slideably disposed within the housing and configured to compress the spring from a side opposite the load initiating element. The load initiating element, spring and compression member are slideable within the housing in a first axial direction and in a second opposite axial direction in response to an axial load on the load initiating element, and lockable within the housing in the second axial direction in response to an axial load on the compression member in the second axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Meernik
  • Patent number: 7322451
    Abstract: A friction damper includes a base body; a support secured to an elongated member of the base body and having a through hole; a rod which extends in such a manner as to pass through the through hole of the support and is movable in an axial direction with respect to the support; a friction member which has a hollow cylindrical portion interposed between the support and a main body portion of the rod in the through hole of the support, and which is fixed immovably with respect to the relative movement of the rod in the axial direction with respect to the base body; and a tightening structure provided for the support so as to tighten the hollow cylindrical portion of the friction member onto the main body portion of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Okimura, Kazuhiro Nagashima, Go Tanaka, Yoshikazu Arai
  • Patent number: 7188793
    Abstract: A spool control unit includes a circuit board, a plurality of electric components, an external device connector, and an insulating film. The circuit board includes a printed circuit on a surface thereof. The plurality of electric components include a microcomputer that controls the fishing equipment through a control program, and are disposed on the circuit board such that they are electrically connected to the printed circuit. The external device connector is mounted on the circuit board such that it is electronically connected to the printed circuit, and serves to connect to an external device. The insulating film covers at least a portion of the circuit board as well as the electric components but does not cover the regions of the circuit board on which the external device connector is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Ken′ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7178639
    Abstract: A device is provided for clamping a loaded rod (2) with at least one clamping element (3), which is movably mounted on its conical outer periphery in a corresponding conical outer ring (4). The outer ring (4) is thereby axially movable in a housing (1) and is pre-stressed by springs (9) against the load direction. The pre-stressing is apportioned such that a shift of the outer ring (4) does not occur until a preset, defined load in the rod (2) is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sitema GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Erich W. Schmalenbach
  • Patent number: 7156590
    Abstract: A quill lock assembly for locking a quill of a device such as a drill press is described. The quill lock assembly includes a cam assembly and a handle connected to the cam assembly. The cam assembly is connected to the device, such as with a mounting bracket or the like, and is capable of rotating for alternately engaging and disengaging the quill. The cam assembly is self releasing, allowing a user to translate the quill toward a work piece and release the cam assembly from engagement with the quill in one motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Carroll, Jeffrey D. Weston
  • Patent number: 7140477
    Abstract: A parking brake for a rail vehicle can automatically lock the rail vehicle brakes in an applied position, such as by clamping the brake cylinder push rod to prevent retraction from an applied position to a release position. An actuator can operate the parking brake, and a manual release can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Engle, James E. Hart, Jason Connell, Joseph Pollono, Andrew Marko
  • Patent number: 7134531
    Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Access Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Stewart Ramey, Wilson Andrew Leblanc, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7131518
    Abstract: A motion controller for use with a rod (10A, 10B, 10C) has a backlash reducer (88A, 88B, 88C) that substantially reduces or eliminates the space created after manufacturing parts with specified tolerance dimensions to substantially reduce or eliminate backlash. The backlash reducer (88A, 88B) can be in the form of a holder such as an internal retaining ring (78) and a shim (36), a threaded cap (38), or the like to accommodate various part size variances due to manufacturing tolerances. Alternately, the end cap (45) of the motion controller (10C) can have an outside thread (41) that mates to an inside thread (43) of the inside surface (54) of a housing (29). The motion controller (10A, 10B, 10C) has a friction collar (12) to hold the rod (14) under the action of balls (16) and a piston (18). The motion controller (10A, 10B, 10C) can be fluid powered with a fluid such as air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nexen Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7108108
    Abstract: A device for clamping a rod to stop axial and/or rotative movement between the rod and the device. The device includes pressure and clamp units, the clamp unit having a bushing fixed therein and provided with a radially resilient center section normally sized to permit movement of the rod therein. The pressure unit has an actuating piston normally held under fluid pressure in one position but movable under spring pressure toward a second position should the fluid pressure be lost or released. Such movement results in the application of pressure to the bushing to radially deflect its center section inwardly into clamping engagement with the rod to stop its movement. The center section remains clamped on the rod until sufficient fluid pressure is applied to the actuating piston to move it back to its first position thus permitting radial expansion of the center section to release the rod for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry E. Heinzeroth
  • Patent number: 7097011
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a parking lock for combination with a service brake actuator for a vehicle, preferably a heavy road vehicle. The service brake actuator comprises a fluid actuated piston having a piston rod. The parking lock surrounds the piston rod of the service brake. The parking comprises a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated locking The parking lock has a locking mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The piston rod is free to move in axial, radial and angular directions in relation to the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 7051843
    Abstract: In a friction brake arrangement with emergency braking functions for use with a carriage supported on a guide track, with a friction clamping structure including a friction shoe supported in a housing so as to be disposed adjacent the guide track, a spring element is provided biasing the friction shoe toward the guide track for frictional engagement therewith and also a power operated drive for disengaging the friction shoe from the guide track against the force of the spring element and, furthermore, a blocking member is disposed between the drive means and the spring element and held electromagnetically in the blocking position so that the spring is released and the carriage is locked to the guide track for example upon occurrence of a power outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Günther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7048271
    Abstract: A sheet separator for an automatic document feeder of the invention is capable of separating an outmost sheet from a stack. The separator includes a separating roller driven by a driving device, a friction roller, a first shaft, and a force-applying mechanism for pushing the separating and friction rollers against each other. The friction roller has a first rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by the separating roller, a stationary state when the separating roller feeds a first sheet, and a second rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by a second sheet fed by the separating roller. The first shaft is inserted into the friction roller to provide a damping torque for stopping the rotation of the friction roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng, Huan-Hsing Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7032690
    Abstract: An insert bowl, bushing, or spider includes a bowl having a central bore defined by an inner surface having an upper tapered section for engaging slips supporting a work string and a lower section. A wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, is formed in the inner surface of the bowl and provides a visual indicator of wear to the bowl. A second wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, may also be formed in the inner surface of the bowl. The inability to visually detect all or a portion of the wear indicator signifies that maximum recommended wear to the bowl has been reached and the bowl should be replaced to avoid damage to the work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Access Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Stewart Ramey, Jeremy Michael Louviere
  • Patent number: 6971720
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with he pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 6907961
    Abstract: A rod brake, and a method, including an elastic device, such as a coil spring, array of split rings, or an elastic sleeve, that engages one or more grooves in a cylindrical surface to restrain the rod from longitudinal movement relative to another body, and wherein longitudinal force is applied to distort the elastic device and push it out of the one or more grooves to release the rod for longitudinal movement is disclosed. A locking sleeve is added to lock the elastic device against distortion and movement to the release configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Allen, David H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6786270
    Abstract: A lift lock for blind is disclosed to include a shaft pivoted to a headrail of a blind for synchronous rotation with a lift rod of the blind. The shaft has a constraint device. A switching mechanism is mounted inside the headrail of the blind and has a sliding member movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The sliding member has an engagement device, which engages the constraint device to stop the shaft from rotary motion when the sliding member moved to the locking position, or is disengaged from the constraint device for enabling the shaft to be rotated with the lift rod when the sliding member moved to the unlocking position. And, a control mechanism has a pull rod for pulling by the user to switch the switching mechanism between the locking position and the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Yuh-Jia Ju
  • Publication number: 20040108173
    Abstract: A spring loaded snubber brake is provided for a Power Take Off (PTO) shaft of a tractor. The brake is carried by the PTO shaft and utilizes the centrifugal force created by the spinning shaft to become disengaged as the shaft rotates and become engaged as the shaft is declutched. Since the brake does not apply any frictional force on the shaft as it rotates, there is no parasitic loss of PTO output horsepower. As the shaft is declutched and comes to rest, the brake springs urge it into engagement with the shaft to prevent inadvertent rotation of the shaft due to residual forces produced by hydraulic fluid forces operating on the PTO drive components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Ellis Junior Smith, Hariharan Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 6698967
    Abstract: A device (10) for length adjustment has a bar-shaped component (12) with an external profiling (14) which is received in a receptacle (16) of a base body (18). The base body (18) has at least one profiled segment (22, 24) which, under the influence of an axially slidable hollow element (28), is shifted into a locking position at a first axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially rigidly coupled, and is shifted into an unlocking position at a second axial position of the hollow element (28), in which the base body (18) and component (12) are axially displaceable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Küster Automotive Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Henrich, Bernd Bock
  • Patent number: 6688646
    Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system, in particular a three-point seat belt system, has belt webbing and an end fitting by which an end of the belt webbing is secured to a vehicle. A belt tensioner acts with a pulling eyebolt through which the belt webbing is guided by a webbing guide in the vicinity of the end fitting to transmit a tensioning movement to the belt webbing. The pulling eyebolt has a substantially straight pulling rod by which a pulling movement generated by the tensioning drive is transmitted to the belt webbing during tensioning and during tensioning the pulling rod acts as a webbing deflection rod for the belt webbing guided through the webbing guide. The webbing guide has two deflection points about which the belt webbing is guided during tensioning and the pulling rod acts on a section of the belt webbing guided between these two deflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Specht, Stephan Schwald
  • Patent number: 6681904
    Abstract: A golf cart anti-theft device for locking the brake pedal in the depressed position includes a solenoid member with an extrudable shaft and wedge that is wired into the keyed vehicle on-off switch electrical circuit. When the key is on, the solenoid is activated and the shaft remains in the withdrawn position. When the key is in the off position the solenoid is deactivated and the shaft extrudes to force the wedge against the vehicle break arm solenoid bearing member, brake pedal arm and the vehicle floorboard bottom surface, preventing the brake pedal arm from moving from the depressed position. The device can be retrofitted to existing carts or installed in the original manufacture, and can eliminate the need for a parking brake. The device can also be adapted for an above floorboard installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Hosford, Inez Hosford
  • Publication number: 20040011600
    Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a first slip having an arcuate inner face that has a first longitudinally disposed slot and a first ledge therein. A second slip is connected to the first slip, with the second slip having an arcuate inner face that has a second longitudinally disposed slot and a second ledge therein. A third slip is connected to the second slip, with the third slip having an arcuate inner face that has a third longitudinally disposed slot and a third ledge therein. The device further comprises a first insert having a first shoulder is configured to fit within the first ledge, and wherein the first insert is capable of transferring a load from the first shoulder to the first ledge. A second insert having a second shoulder is configured to fit within the second ledge and wherein the second insert is capable of transferring the load from the second shoulder to the second ledge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Joe Stewart Ramey, Wilson Andrew Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20030226725
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rod brake, and a method, including an elastic device, such as a coil spring, array of split rings, or an elastic sleeve, that engages one or more grooves in a cylindrical surface to restrain the rod from longitudinal movement relative to another body, and wherein longitudinal force is applied to distort the elastic device and push it out of the one or more grooves to release the rod for longitudinal movement. A locking sleeve is added to lock the elastic device against distortion and movement to the release configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Allen, David H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6655741
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with the pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 6640939
    Abstract: An improved snubbing unit including a snubbing unit base, a lifting assembly having a platform positioned above the base, a rotary table positioned on the snubbing unit, and a first slip assembly positioned on the rotary table. The first slip assembly further includes a base plate with a center aperture formed therein, at least two separate slip frames positioned on the base plate around the center aperture, wherein each of the slip frames includes a slip surface, and a die carrier positioned within each of the slip frames, wherein each of the die carriers also includes a surface for engagement with the slip surfaces of said slip frames. Additionally, a second slip assembly will be positioned on the snubbing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Buck
  • Patent number: 6631792
    Abstract: An improved slip assembly having a base and at least two opposing slip frames positioned on the base with each of the slip frames including a planar slip surface. Additionally, a die is carrier positioned within each of the slip frames and each of the die carriers also includes a planar surface which engages the slip surfaces of the slip frames. The improved slip assembly also includes a low friction slip assembly having a base and at least two opposing slip frames positioned on the base. Each of the slip frames will include a slip surface having an effective coefficient of friction less than about 0.07 and die carriers will be position within each of the slip frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Buck
  • Publication number: 20030183461
    Abstract: The invention is a mold spring retainer that allows adjustment by simply pulling a lever. It contains the lever, a pivot point, and spring to hold the lever in place. Release of the lever allows the mold spring retainer to move along the mold knock-out rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Elmer Slack
  • Patent number: 6598713
    Abstract: A hydraulic intensifier generates a hydraulic pressure which is higher than the input hydraulic pressure generated in the discharge port and the outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. The hydraulic intensifier, provided inside a case member, has a discharge part connected with an outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. An input port supplies input hydraulic pressure from the exterior to an input oil chamber of hydraulic intensifier. Oil is filled in a sealed manner in outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber.and discharge part. The hydraulic intensifier is driven by the input hydraulic pressure. The rod is locked by the elastic deformation of a thinned tube part of a sleeve body. A relatively small hydraulic locking device having a relatively high power is achieved. Furthermore, a relatively small hydraulic pressure source having reduced pressure is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Pascal Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20030121344
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for locking/unlocking the movement of a notched member (1), characterized in that it comprises a toothed wheel (2), having a coaxial bore (3c) and whereof the teeth (3a) have a pitch equal to that of the member, and a fixed shaft (4) about which is mounted the toothed wheel (2), said shaft (4) having a diameter leess than that of the bore of the wheel (2) such that, subsequent to a radial clearance (5), the wheel is capable of moving between a centred unlocking position wherein the tops of the teeth (1a) of the notched member closest to the wheel (2), are located outside the pitch circle P of the wheel and the member (1) can then move freely, and an off-centre locking position, when the member (1) exerts on the wheel (2) a force F directed towards the axis (O1) of the shaft (4), position wherein the top of the tooth (1a) of the member (1) is located, between two teeth (3a) of the wheel (2), inside the pitch circle P, so that the member (1) and the wheel (2) are mutually locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Pascal Gillet, Laurent Melin
  • Publication number: 20030111271
    Abstract: A slip spool for selectively supporting or snubbing a tubing string suspended in a wellbore can be mounted to a wellhead. The slip spool has an axial passage to be aligned with the wellbore and at least two radial passages extending through a side wall of the slip spool and communicating with the axial passage. At least two slip blocks are slidably supported within the respective radial passages. The slip spool further includes actuators for moving the respective slip blocks between an extended position in which they engage a component in the tubing string that provides a weight-bearing shoulder, and a retracted position in which the slip blocks clear the axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool facilitates live well service operations and eliminates scoring of an exterior surface of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas