Ring Or Annular Spider Patents (Class 267/161)
  • Patent number: 11885590
    Abstract: An adjustable clip system (1) primarily for use with holsters (3) and holster rigs (2) that attach to a user's belt (17) or waistband (18) or pocket via one or more clips (12). The adjustable clip system allows a user to independently adjust the height of the holster or holster rig without requiring the user to raise or lower the user's belt, waistband, pocket, and/or other clothing to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Richard J. Price
  • Patent number: 11867247
    Abstract: Wave springs having multiple variable turns, methods of pre-loading components with said wave springs, and methods of manufacturing said wave springs are provided. The wave spring has a total height defined by a first end portion and a second opposite end portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion has active turns with waved or non-planar turns and non-active turns with planar or non-waved turns. The wave spring also has a first alignment disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein first alignment comprises at least two waved or non-planar turns being aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ROTOR CLIP COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Elmar Joerg Kampmann, David Marvuglio, James Shamus
  • Patent number: 11536106
    Abstract: A release device for a jarring tool includes a collet positioned between the mandrel of the jarring tool and a trigger sleeve. At least one end of the collet is in contact with a precompressed spring via a bushing. In order for the jarring tool to operate, a force greater than the precompressed force of the spring must be applied to the mandrel so that the collet can move in axial direction against the spring thereby releasing the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Robert W. Evans
  • Patent number: 11480250
    Abstract: V-springs each with a plurality of V-bodies and wherein each V-body has two legs, one shorter than the other. Seal assemblies each with a sealing element having a spring cavity and having a V-spring located therein, the V-spring having a plurality of V-bodies and wherein each V-body each comprising two legs, a long leg that is longer in length than a short leg. The long leg, the short leg, or both long and short legs of the V-bodies can each have one or more bends or inflection points to change a projection of the long leg, the short leg, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 11441610
    Abstract: A quick connect assembly and a retaining member for use in a vehicle. The quick connect assembly includes a first splined member (712) drivingly connected to at least a portion of a second splined member (740). Circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an inner surface (718) of the first splined member is a first splined member retaining member groove (738). The second splined member includes a second splined member retaining member groove (758) circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the second splined member. The second splined member retaining member groove in the second splined member is complementary to and aligned with the first splined member retaining member groove in the first splined member. At least a portion of a retaining member (760) is received and/or retained within at least a portion of the first and second splined member retaining member grooves in the first and second splined members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Marc T. Feichter, Michael J. Horvath, Bao T. Luong, Michael J. Scharf
  • Patent number: 11396921
    Abstract: A wave spring includes an annular body in which crests and valleys are alternately and continuously formed in a circumferential direction. At least a portion of the annular body in the circumferential direction is a joined portion. The joined portion of the annular body is a flat portion extending in a plane orthogonal to a center axis of the annular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Sakai, Atsushi Yoneoka
  • Patent number: 11060578
    Abstract: A conical spring washer includes a symmetrical annular body, a plurality of inner tabs and a plurality of outer tabs formed in the body. Each of the plurality of inner tabs has a width that tapers radially inwardly. Each of the plurality of outer tabs has a maximum width that is greater than a maximum width of each of the plurality of inner tabs. An intermediate portion is defined in the body and disposed between the plurality of inner tabs and plurality of outer tabs. The plurality of inner tabs and plurality of outer tabs are flexibly coupled to the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Mickey Jay Hunt
  • Patent number: 11015478
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exhaust gas turbocharger, for example for a motor vehicle. The exhaust gas turbocharger includes a turbine including a turbine housing and a turbine wheel, a variable turbine geometry including a vane ring and at least one adjustable guide vane, and a spring arrangement including a disc spring structured and arranged to mechanically impact the vane ring in a direction of the turbine housing. The disc spring extends in a circumferential direction with respect to a rotary axis of the turbine wheel and comprises a disc opening that extends up to a radial inside of the disc spring. A heat shield of the spring arrangement extends in the circumferential direction and is arranged on a side of the disc spring axially facing towards the vane ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Daren Bolbolan, Anatolij Martens, Philipp Martin, Kinh Toai Pham
  • Patent number: 10955021
    Abstract: A method of making a carbon fiber wave spring includes forming a disc-shaped ring from prepreg carbon fibers. The disc-shaped ring is then formed into a desired wave shape. The disc-shaped ring in the wave shape is then cured to form a wave spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Donald E. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 10571588
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods to perform or facilitate operation of a seismic survey. The system can include a seismic data acquisition unit. The seismic data acquisition unit can include a cap free subsea connector. The connector can be formed of a snap ring, pin interconnect and socket insert. The snap ring can contact the pin interconnect. The pin interconnect can contact the socket insert. The socket insert can be in contact with isolation electronics within the seismic data acquisition unit. The snap ring can lock or keep the pin interconnect in contact with the socket insert. The pin interconnect can be removable and replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Magseis FF LLC
    Inventors: Michael Morris, Sam Hand
  • Patent number: 10254017
    Abstract: Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Patrick Champagne
  • Patent number: 10112819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extractor tube element (6, 10, 14) for mounting as a part of an extractor tube (1) for a beverage container (16), comprising a contact surface (8) for abutment to another extractor tube element, wherein the contact surface (8) has a protrusion (9), the protrusion tapering into a contact point for reducing a contact area of the abutment to the other extractor tube element and for creating space between the abutting extractor tube elements. The present invention also relates to an extractor tube (1), a beverage container (16), a beverage dispensing system (100) and a cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: MICRO MATIC A/S
    Inventor: Ken Riis
  • Patent number: 10076772
    Abstract: A transducer is provided, which includes a substrate, wherein a cavity is defined at least partially through the substrate, at least one stopper structure arranged within the cavity, a support layer arranged over the at least one stopper structure and the cavity to seal the cavity, and a piezoelectric functional arrangement arranged on the support layer. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming a transducer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Jinghui Xu, Hongbin Yu, Liang Lou, Alex Yuandong Gu
  • Patent number: 9995357
    Abstract: An elastic section 13 is configured by a first elastic section 13a that has one end connected to an outer circumferential surface of an inner circumferential section 12, and the other end connected to an inner circumferential surface of an outer circumferential section 11, and a second elastic section 13b that is symmetrical to the first elastic section 13a about a line that passes through a center point P1 of the inner circumferential section 12 and a connection point P2 of the inner circumferential section 12 and the first elastic section 13a. When the outer circumferential section 11 and the inner circumferential section 12 relatively rotate, the first elastic section 13a and the second elastic section 13b are elastically deformed in such a manner that one is compressed and the other is stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9964483
    Abstract: A low-temperature safe sensor package. The package includes a housing having an internal cavity, an inlet port in communication with the internal cavity and a fluid source, and an outlet port in communication with the internal cavity. A sensor carrier is moveably arranged within the internal cavity. A spring element is arranged between the sensor carrier and a portion of the housing for biasing the sensor carrier into an operating position within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Coates, Robert Qualls
  • Patent number: 9914087
    Abstract: Certain aspects and examples are directed to sorbent devices and methods of using them. In certain embodiments, a sorbent device comprising a body comprising a sampling inlet, a sampling outlet and a cavity between the inlet and the outlet, the cavity comprising a serial arrangement of at least four different sorbent materials is described. In some embodiments, the sorbent materials are arranged from a material with a weakest sorbent strength to a material with a strongest sorbent strength with the weakest sorbent strength material adjacent to the sampling inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Marotta, Miles Snow
  • Patent number: 9909793
    Abstract: An expansion valve includes a vibration-proof spring that develops the sliding resistance by biasing a shaft. The vibration-proof spring includes a base portion constituted by a circular plate having a hole, through which the actuating rod can be inserted, in the central region, a plurality of spring portions, which is installed upright on the base portion and which is so formed as to come in contact with the periphery of the actuating rod, and a plurality of supporting pieces, which extend outward from the base portion and which is formed so that the supporting pieces can be stopped by the body. The supporting piece is structured such that the supporting piece includes a low-rigidity portion whose rigidity is lower than that of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: TGK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Satake
  • Patent number: 9901898
    Abstract: Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis, James A. Rundo
  • Patent number: 9810278
    Abstract: A leaf spring (100) comprises at least two spring arms (120, 130) and an inner fixing hole (110). The at least two spring arms (120, 130) are evenly distributed around a center of the inner fixing hole (110); each spring arm is of the same structure, and an outer fixing hole (122) is disposed at an outermost end of each spring arm. Further provided are a leaf spring group and a compressor. The leaf spring group comprises multiple leaf springs, and the compressor comprises the leaf spring group. The provided leaf spring has a structure of multiple concentric circular arms or a structure of concentric vortex arms, and the leaf spring has smaller equivalent mass, so that the rigidity and inherent frequency requirements can be met without the need of increasing the mass of the components, thereby reducing the product mass and saving the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Green Refrigeration Equipment Engineering Research Center of Zhuhai Gree Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Huang, Yusheng Hu, Huijun Wei, Zhong Cui, Jianping Huang, Chuanshun Huang, Zhujin Chen, Yiming Liang
  • Patent number: 9739335
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mounting an object to a structure. The apparatus includes an elastic arrangement including at least two elastic partial arrangements. The two elastic partial arrangements are arranged at a distance in the direction of a main axis, and the two elastic partial arrangements are soft in the direction of the main axis and stiff in all directions orthogonal to the main axis. Each of the two elastic partial arrangements comprises an inner connection area close to the main axis and an outer connection area farther away from the main axis, and each of the two elastic partial arrangements comprises at least two leaf springs which extend between the inner connection area and the outer connection area and which are spirally wound into each other within a common leaf plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Jörg Melcher, Björn Timo Kletz, Julian Redlich
  • Patent number: 9714584
    Abstract: A damping treatment is applied to the ligaments of a squirrel cage type bearing support. The damping treatment reduces the vibrations transmitted to the engine casing as the engine passes through various resonance frequencies of the various parts of the gas turbine engine. A squeeze-film damper damps engine vibrations, but the oil in the squeeze-film damper can act as a stiffener during certain operational ranges, which increases the transmission of vibrations to the engine structure. Applying a damping treatment to the ligaments of the squirrel cage provides effective vibration damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Morris
  • Patent number: 9570953
    Abstract: A rotary electric machine includes: a stator around which a coil is wound; a frame which fixes the stator; a rotor which faces the stator via a slight air gap; a shaft which is fixed to the rotor and is rotatably and removably supported via a bearing; and a bracket which supports the bearing inside a bearing box. The rotary electric machine includes: an insulating member which is mounted inside the bearing box of the bracket; a metal holder which is mounted inside the insulating member with a predetermined clearance with respect to an outer ring of the bearing, and supports the bearing; and a pressing body which is mounted between the side surface of the metal holder and the side surface of the outer ring of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Soichi Sato, Masaya Inoue, Koichi Ojima, Keigo Maeda
  • Patent number: 9360074
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wave spring and a load adjusting method therefor in which a ratio of a spring constant can be freely adjusted. In a wave spring, a high mountain portion and a low mountain portion form a combination, and the combination is repeatedly formed along a circumferential direction. A valley portion is formed between the mountain portions. Since distance between mountain portions is constant in the conventional design of wave springs, the ratios of spring constant are only specific values (plot indicated by ?). In contrast, in the design of the wave spring, since the pitch angle A of the high mountain portion and the pitch angle B of the low mountain portion can be changed in the combination, the ratio can be freely adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Terada
  • Publication number: 20150084725
    Abstract: The linear bearing (3) comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged springs (2), each spring (2) being designed as a plate spring with a fixing part (2a) and a bore (2c) arranged in the center (Z). Each spring (2) also has a spring arm (2b) which emerges from the fixing part (2a) and ends in an end section (2g). The end section (2g) has the bore (2c), and the bore (2c) is concentric to the fixing part (2a). Each spring (2) has a direction of movement (B) which runs perpendicular to the fixing part (2a), and the springs (2) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement (B). The spring arm (2b) has a spring arm section (2ba) which runs concentrically with the bore (2c) and which extends along an angular range (?) between 100° and 270°, preferably along an angular range (?) between 180° and 300°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Roland Aigner
  • Publication number: 20150076756
    Abstract: An elliptical coned disc spring can be accommodated in a rectangular installation space, can yield non-linear load characteristics, and can reduce stress differences between a bending part at a long radial part side and a bending part at a short radial part side. An elliptical coned disc spring has a body in which an outer circumference is an ellipse in a disc shape. A hole is formed at the center of the body. The hole may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, etc. The body has a long radial part 111 and a short radial part. A plate width of the long radial part is set to be greater than a plate width of the short radial part (that is, a>b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Hironobu Imaizumi, Norihiro Tajima
  • Patent number: 8967969
    Abstract: A prestressing device extending about an axis between a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis and a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane and axially offset relative to the latter. The device includes a first annular body extending in the first plane, and a first series of at least three tabs, each of which is connected to the first body and extending in an essentially radial direction, each of the tabs of the first series including a planar surface extending in the second plane. This arrangement ensures surface contact between the parts of the elements to be subjected to prestressing. The device can be used for example for a rotor, and for example for a rotor of an unducted propeller for a turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Eric Jacques Boston, Michel André Bouru, Laurent Jablonski, Philippe Gérard Edmond Joly
  • Patent number: 8960655
    Abstract: A flexure bearing “planar” spring that can spring multiple, independently reciprocating bodies, such as springing each body to a third body or springing a first body to a second body and springing the second body to a third body. A primary arm set of primary spring arms are separated from each other by openings and extend inwardly from a peripheral frame along a non-radial primary path progressing inwardly toward a central axis and angularly about the central axis. A secondary arm set of at least one secondary spring arm extends along a non-radial secondary path progressing radially and angularly about the central axis. Each secondary arm is interposed in an opening between the primary arms allowing the primary arms and the secondary arms to pass by each other through the openings without interfering with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James Gary Wood
  • Publication number: 20150042025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wave spring and a load adjusting method therefor in which a ratio of a spring constant can be freely adjusted. In a wave spring, a high mountain portion and a low mountain portion form a combination, and the combination is repeatedly formed along a circumferential direction. A valley portion is formed between the mountain portions. Since distance between mountain portions is constant in the conventional design of wave springs, the ratios of spring constant are only specific values (plot indicated by ?). In contrast, in the design of the wave spring, since the pitch angle A of the high mountain portion and the pitch angle B of the low mountain portion can be changed in the combination, the ratio can be freely adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Yusuke Terada
  • Patent number: 8950739
    Abstract: The first corner portion elastically deforms in application of load such that the angle of the first corner portion changes depending on the pressing force from the first member. In this case, the first corner portion can move toward the outside of the inner periphery portion of the main body portion while the angle changes. The second corner portion has the same function as that of the first corner portion, and it can move toward the outside of the outer periphery portion of the main body portion while the angle changes depending on the pressing force from the second member in the elastic deformation of the second corner portion. As a result, the spring can prevent generation of hysteresis in load characteristics without increasing the number of parts, and enables height adjustment of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Tajima, Jun Tominaga, Hidemasa Ito
  • Publication number: 20150010387
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger may include a rotor mounted in a bearing housing via a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing may include an outer shell, an inner shell and rolling bodies running therebetween. At least one annular and vibrational noise absorbing diaphragm spring element may be arranged between the outer shell of the rolling bearing and the bearing housing. The diaphragm spring element may mount the rotor in radial direction and axial direction in a vibration-insulating manner with respect to the bearing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Guido Daimer
  • Publication number: 20140367902
    Abstract: An inexpensive ring spring having high strength and a method for producing the same, are provided. The ring spring can be obtained, for example, by raw material preparation, bending formation, welding, and disk formation performed in this order. The ring spring is formed to have no edge by welding two edge parts of the raw material, and has a welded metal part that is formed at the interface of the two edge parts of the raw material, and a welded heat-affected zone that is formed around the welded metal part and heated by welding, and exhibits tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more. Since the ring spring has sufficient tensile strength as a disk spring and a wave spring, quenching and tempering are not necessary. Furthermore, since the product can be prevented from being deformed due to quenching and tempering, dimensional accuracy of the product can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Noritoshi Takamura, Fumio Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140353891
    Abstract: A flexure bearing “planar” spring that can spring multiple, independently reciprocating bodies, such as springing each body to a third body or springing a first body to a second body and springing the second body to a third body. A primary arm set of primary spring arms are separated from each other by openings and extend inwardly from a peripheral frame along a non-radial primary path progressing inwardly toward a central axis and angularly about the central axis. A secondary arm set of at least one secondary spring arm extends along a non-radial secondary path progressing radially and angularly about the central axis. Each secondary arm is interposed in an opening between the primary arms allowing the primary arms and the secondary arms to pass by each other through the openings without interfering with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James Gary Wood
  • Patent number: 8876094
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a mounting system adapted to attenuate a shock load imparted by a structure to an object being supported by the structure. In one exemplary embodiment the mounting system comprises a mounting plate with a perimeter portion, a central boss, and an array of at least two symmetrically arranged perforations extending through the mounting plate between the perimeter portion and the central boss. The perforations are arranged so as to cooperatively define at least two deformable links that interconnect the central boss with the perimeter portion of the mounting plate, wherein the deformable links are adapted to attenuate the shock load through plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Armorworks Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Aubrey Donald Ridgeway, Richard F. Langner, William J. Perciballi
  • Patent number: 8839932
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing transmission shock of an automatic transmission may include a piston operated by a control pressure, a clutch performing a clutching operation by an operation of the piston, and a cushion spring arranged between the piston and the clutch which varies by stages in stiffness of the spring with an operating position of the piston. The cushion spring may be formed with one or more sets of a plurality of curved-surface springs bent in an operating direction of the clutch and connected with each other, each set of the plurality of curved-surface springs having a different bending height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Hyun Kim, Chang Kook Chae, Heung Seok Lee, Suk Il Oh, Wan Soo Oh, Kwang Min Won
  • Patent number: 8840117
    Abstract: A static sealing element (1) includes an elastic tapered washer (10) the deformation of which enables a force to be transmitted, a casing (18) to establish the seal, and two supporting washers (27 and 28) which transmit the forces originating from the elastic washer (10) to the curved edges (20, 21) of the casing (18) so as to exert on them a pressure which maintains the seal. The casing (18) made thus be manufactured from a ductile material, but one which is less deformable than the customary elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Technetics Group France SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Guimet, Ludovic Morice, Michel Lefrancois, Jean-François Juliaa
  • Publication number: 20140252705
    Abstract: A coned-disc spring device, spring assembly, methods of making the same, and methods of assembling a spring system are disclosed. Such a device includes a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the diameter of the second opening is larger than the diameter of the first opening. The device also includes a lip portion at the second end of the device adjacent to and at least partially encircling the second opening and protruding substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the second opening such that when a portion of a second spring member having a first groove portion is received within the second opening, the first lip portion is received within the first groove portion to optimally align the second spring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W. Campbell, Kelly L. Falls, Donald E. Paul
  • Publication number: 20140241911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compressor leaf springs, in particular, linear compressor leaf springs; the leaf springs comprising at least one spacer (3) disposed between at least a pair of flat springs (2), each flat spring (2) being comprised by at least one outer ring (21), at least one inner ring (22) and at least one connection extension (23) which connects an outer rim (21) to an inner ring (22); According to the present invention, it is defined at least one section of physical contact between at least a pair of outer rims (21) defined by at least one spacer (3), at least one section of physical contact between at least a pair of inner rims (22) defined by at least one spacer (3), and at least one free section of physical contact between at least two connection extensions (23) adjacently arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL S.A.
    Inventors: Alisson Luiz Roman, Celso Kenzo Takemori, Ingwald Vollrath, Paulo Rogerio Carrara Couto
  • Patent number: 8801422
    Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: S.A.C.M.E. Srl
    Inventor: Luciano Badin
  • Publication number: 20140216064
    Abstract: Variations of the devices and methods disclosed herein pertain to an extended travel spiral flexure bearing having spiral arms, each of the spiral arms including an attachment point at the inner end thereof and at the outer end thereof. Variations of the bearing may also include a bearing clamp to be attached to the spiral flexure bearing at the attachment points, the bearing including an outer bearing portion to be disposed on the outer periphery of the flexure bearing and an inner bearing portion to be disposed at the center of the flexure bearing. Variations also pertain to a micro check valve assembly that includes a valve base, a valve cover, and a flexure that are all bonded together. The valve being closed when the valve door rests on the valve seat and open when the valve door is lifted from the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Patrick Champagne
  • Patent number: 8764605
    Abstract: Variators that include a damped roller control part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Paul Fairhurst, Robert A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140158492
    Abstract: Compression spring members, particularly for friction clutch assemblies. The compression spring members include a plurality of deformable members and where the amount of force necessary to compress the spring member lessens over displacement once a peak amount of force is reached. The compression spring members can comprise a plurality of buckling beam spring members, a plurality of connecting members, or the like. One or more ring members can be provided for attachment to the connecting members. The friction clutch assembly is preferably used for a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Joshua L. Roby
  • Patent number: 8707582
    Abstract: A spring shoe, and also in particular a spring, as well as a method of returning energy to a user, are provided. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus stores foot strike energy and releases it after a slight delay, when it will exert a force on the user which includes a forward component. This is accomplished in an embodiment by a spring in the sole which has a decreasing spring force, such that the force required to compress the sole decreases for all or part of the compression displacement as the spring is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: James B. Klassen, David W. Boehm
  • Publication number: 20140090497
    Abstract: A disconnect shaft arrangement interposes a biasing element between a shoulder formed on the disconnect shaft and a cup-shaped washer, in which the cup-shaped washer is sized and configured to be axially displaceable with respect to the disconnect shaft. The cup-shaped washer selectively engages an axially fixed adjacent structure, such as a thrust washer, during disengagement of the disconnect shaft and attendant spring compression. The present disconnect shaft arrangement obviates the need for a retaining ring against which the spring compresses, such that the relatively deep retaining ring groove needed for such a retaining ring need not be cut into the outer surface of the disconnect shaft. Removal of material in the outer surface of the shaft is therefore minimized, such that the torque transmission capability of the shaft is maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AUBURN GEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Eifert
  • Publication number: 20140064944
    Abstract: A preload disk spring assembly structure for applying a preload to a bearing includes a first and a second main body correspondingly connected to each other face to face. The first main body is provided with at least one first retainer, at least one first notch, and at least one first protruded portion. Similarly, the second main body is provided with at least one second retainer, at least one second notch, and at least one second protruded portion. When the first and the second main body are aligned with each other such that the first retainer is tightly engaged with the second notch, the first notch is tightly engaged with the second retainer and the first protruded portion correspondingly contacts with the second protruded portion, the first and the second main body are brought to assemble together and form an integral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Yingliang Li, Qi Ai
  • Publication number: 20140048991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave spring (2) which comprises a spring strip (4) which is coiled in a substantially circular-ring-shaped manner and, over the circumference, describes a wavy line which oscillates about a radial reference plane and has wave crests (6) and wave troughs. The ends of the circular-ring-shaped spring strip (4) are connected by means of a weld seam (10) which is arranged in a low-tension region of the wavy line of the spring strip (4) between a wave crest (6) and an adjacent wave trough (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SCHERDEL INNOTEC FORSCHUNGS-UND ENTWICKLUNGS-GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Doetterl
  • Patent number: 8636080
    Abstract: A handheld power tool with a shiftable mechanism, which is adjustable between two operating positions, has a coupling spring that is coupled with an adjustable shifting member of the mechanism. The coupling spring is embodied as a metastable spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael-Andreas Grunwald, Marco Pawlowski, Joerg Welke, Dietmar Saur
  • Patent number: 8602656
    Abstract: An alternator has front and rear bearings, supported by front and rear frames, to rotatably support a shaft of a rotor extending along axial direction. A washer is located between the rear frame and the rear bearing to apply pressing force to the rear bearing slightly movable along axial direction. The washer has a ring-shaped base portion concentrically located with the rear bearing, slanting portions extending from the base portion toward outside of radial direction such that two adjacent slanting portions arranged as each pair along circumferential direction are inclined to different sides of axial direction, and flattened portions extending from respective slanting portions toward outside and being parallel to the base portion. Flattened portions shifted to front side are in contact with the rear bearing, and flattened portions shifted to rear side are in contact with the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Mashino, Hiroshi Hamada
  • Publication number: 20130278821
    Abstract: A spring plate includes a plate body having a through hole defined at the center, and a terminal perpendicularly extending from the plate body. The plate body includes an outer closed-loop frame, an inner closed-loop frame, and spring parts interconnected between the outer closed-loop frame and the inner closed-loop frame. The terminal has an end portion distal from the plate body with at least one through hole or a recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: PING-HAN KU, CHI-WEI CHIU
  • Patent number: 8523153
    Abstract: A spring, provided between a first member and a second member, includes a main body portion having a hole portion; a cylindrical portion provided at the radially inner circumference and the radially outer circumference of the main body portion; and a corner portion formed at a boundary portion between the main body portion and the cylindrical portion; in which the main body portion is extended to a crossing direction with respect to a direction along suppress strength provided from the first member and the second member, the cylindrical portion has an abutting portion protruding from each circumference of the main body portion toward one of the first member and the second member and abutting thereat, the corner portions can be elastically deformed while varying angles thereof according to the suppression strength, and the corner portion defines a tangent line along the main body portion, and at least one of tangent lines of the corner portions makes a predetermined angle with respect to a straight line betwee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemasa Ito, Norihiro Tajima
  • Patent number: 8500108
    Abstract: Disc springs that are resistant to premature failure caused by friction wear, disc spring assemblies and disc spring stacks including the disc springs, and methods of making and using said assemblies and stacks are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode