Ring Or Annular Spider Patents (Class 267/161)
  • Patent number: 8454290
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a bushing having a flange configured to be urged toward a work-piece, and an isolation spring configured to be positioned between the flange and the work-piece. The isolation spring includes a metal core integrally formed with a rubber coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Schaser, Jason D. Holt, Albert W. Van Boven, Jeremy R. D. Tuttle, Glenn G. Heavens
  • Patent number: 8446073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector with a holding body and a nozzle body which are joined together and which accommodate a coupler module which has a coupler body enclosed by a spring sleeve. The spring sleeve is open in a circumferential direction at a seam thereof which extends in the longitudinal direction. Either the wall thickness of the spring sleeve varies in the longitudinal direction, or a width of at least one hole geometry in the sheathing of the spring sleeve varies in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Uhlmann, Jean-Luc Loutrage
  • Patent number: 8403428
    Abstract: A check valve having a spherical valve body received in a valve chamber, a valve seat for blocking the flow of fluid from the valve chamber toward an inflow port when having the spherical valve body seated thereon, and a plate-like resilient member arranged across the valve chamber. The resilient member has an annular fixed portion fixed on a circumferential wall of the valve chamber and a tongue piece portion radially extending from a radial one side of the annular fixed portion to extend an end thereof beyond an inner edge on a radial other side of the annular fixed portion. The tongue piece portion is formed to be deflected toward the valve seat side from the fixed portion and is resiliently contacted with the spherical valve body at a center part thereof for disengageably pressing the spherical valve body against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Koyama
  • Patent number: 8317170
    Abstract: A spring for applying a biasing force to a disc of a brake hub assembly including a hub having a circumferential groove, at least one disc, and a plurality of guide pins for rotatably coupling the hub and the disc wherein the spring comprises a band for circumferentially engaging the hub. The spring is characterized by a plurality of axial position retention tabs circumferentially spaced and extending radially inwardly from the band for engaging the circumferential groove of the hub and for preventing axial movement between the spring and the hub. The spring is further characterized by a plurality of circumferential position tabs circumferentially spaced and extending radially outwardly from the band and being generally U-shaped and defining a guide pin opening for at least partially engaging one of the guide pins for rotatably coupling the spring and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.
    Inventors: Marshall D. Snyder, Eunjoo C. Hopkins, Thomas V. Valvano
  • Patent number: 8256043
    Abstract: A support element for a cushion cover for seating and lying areas includes a baseplate that can be fixed to a base, and at least one spring element formed by a plurality of spring arms and extending upward from the baseplate in the direction of the cushion cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Froli Kunststoffwerk Heinrich Fromme oHG
    Inventor: Margret Fromme-Ruthmann
  • Patent number: 8256599
    Abstract: A wave spring holding structure includes a wave spring that includes crest portions and recessed portions that are alternately formed in a circumferential direction thereof, and a first gap; a circular member provided to be rotatable around an axis; and an arc-shaped snap ring that includes a second gap, and that restricts movement of the circular member in a direction of the axis. The wave spring and the snap ring share the axis with the circular member. The wave spring and the snap ring are rotatable with respect to each other. The wave spring is disposed and held between the circular member and the snap ring so that the crest portions protrude toward the circular member, and the recessed portions protrude toward the snap ring. The first gap is formed in one of the crest portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shintaro Goto, Terasu Harashima, Naoki Kato
  • Patent number: 8246023
    Abstract: A vibration damper, particularly for supporting compressors, pumps, electric motors and the like, comprising a flat body from which at least two engagement tabs protrude on each of the two faces and at least two elastically deformable contact and shock-absorbing portions protrude on at least one of the faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Mollificio Cappeller S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cappeller
  • Publication number: 20120187216
    Abstract: A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Rekeny
  • Publication number: 20120132001
    Abstract: A spring mounting element is provided having an inner ring with an inner radial circumference and an outer radial circumference, and an outer ring having an inner radial circumference and an outer radial circumference. A plurality of supporting elements are attached to and symmetrically disposed around the outer radial circumference of the inner ring, and attached to the inner radial circumference of the outer ring. The plurality of supporting elements allow the inner ring to move in three dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Dan Tho Lu
  • Publication number: 20120128503
    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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Eric Jacques Boston, Michel André Bouru, Laurent Jablonski, Philippe Gérard, Edmond Joly
  • Patent number: 8176809
    Abstract: A torsion spring comprises an inner mounting segment. An outer mounting segment is located concentrically around the inner mounting segment. A plurality of splines extends from the inner mounting segment to the outer mounting segment. At least a portion of each spline extends generally annularly around the inner mounting segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Adam H. Parsons, Joshua S. Mehling, Bryan Kristian Griffith
  • Patent number: 8091873
    Abstract: A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed by notching a base of the tooth in an approximately circular arc shape in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitoshi Ogawa, Takayuki Ishikawa, Akihiko Kita, Shigeo Tsuzuki, Hiroyuki Nozaki, Hironobu Imaizumi
  • Publication number: 20110210492
    Abstract: A spring for applying a biasing force to a disc of a brake hub assembly including a hub having a circumferential groove, at least one disc, and a plurality of guide pins for rotatably coupling the hub and the disc wherein the spring comprises a band for circumferentially engaging the hub. The spring is characterized by a plurality of axial position retention tabs circumferentially spaced and extending radially inwardly from the band for engaging the circumferential groove of the hub and for preventing axial movement between the spring and the hub. The spring is further characterized by a plurality of circumferential position tabs circumferentially spaced and extending radially outwardly from the band and being generally U-shaped and defining a guide pin opening for at least partially engaging one of the guide pins for rotatably coupling the spring and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Marshall D. Snyder, Eunjoo C. Hopkins, Thomas V. Valvano
  • Publication number: 20110205647
    Abstract: A leaf spring supports a pillar shaped movable portion disposed in a center portion with respect to a cylindrical fixed portion disposed around the movable portion in the direction of a center axis shiftably so as to position the movable portion in a radial direction. The leaf spring is made of stainless steel having relative magnetic permeability which is not less than 1.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiko OSAKA, Keiichi Sato, Takashi Uemura
  • Patent number: 7984728
    Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel and reducing valve seat wear within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve assembly and valve biasing member. The valve assembly comprises a lower and upper valve member where the lower valve element contains a plurality of fuel passages. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through the lower valve member by opening and closing an upper valve member. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. The fuel flows past an open upper valve member through the plurality of fuel passages that encircle the lower valve member to the valve biasing member. The valve biasing member then diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: James Archie Wynn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7971690
    Abstract: A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed in a flat shape or a curved shape at an edge portion of a circular arc portion at the base of the tooth in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironobu Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 7958978
    Abstract: A brake hub assembly including a hub defining a central axis, a plurality of guide pins, each of the plurality of guide pins extending from the hub and being generally aligned with the central axis, and a disc having at least two friction surfaces, the disc defining a plurality of guide pin receiving bores, wherein each of the plurality of guide pin receiving bores are positioned to receive an associated one of the plurality of guide pins therethrough such that the disc is moveable relative to the hub along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.
    Inventors: Marshall D. Snyder, Eunjoo C. Hopkins, Thomas V. Valvano
  • Patent number: 7959117
    Abstract: A seat structure is provided for disposing below an assembly in order to support the assembly from underneath. The assembly has a base portion formed with an opening. The seat structure includes a bottom seat for placing within the opening in the base portion and a plurality of flexible connecting elements. Each flexible connecting element includes an outer bent end connected to a periphery confining the opening in the base portion, an inner bent end connected to the bottom seat and a main body between the outer and inner bent ends. The vibration of the assembly is absorbed by the seat structure to provide stability to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Chih Chiu
  • Publication number: 20110057368
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihiro Tajima, Jun Tominaga, Hidemasa Ito
  • Publication number: 20110037210
    Abstract: Disc springs that are resistant to premature failure caused by friction wear, disc spring assemblies and disc spring stacks comprising said disc springs, and methods of making and using said assemblies and stacks are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: John E. RODE
  • Publication number: 20110006467
    Abstract: A metal strip 10 is bent to form a ring and end parts 12 and 14 are connected to each other. An electron beam 26 may be defocused and emitted to a welded section 20 along a crosswise direction of the metal strip 10. Next, a focal point 28 of the electron beam 26 may be focused onto a weld-melted portion 25 to execute electron beam welding. Subsequently, the electron beam 26 may be defocused emitted to the welded section 20 along the crosswise direction of the metal strip 10, and the welded section 20 may be further cooled. The average of the dendrite secondary arm spacing of the weld-melted portion may fall within a range of 7 to 30 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Mizuno, Yuichi Hirata
  • Patent number: 7819132
    Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having a fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve biasing member through a fuel chamber and lower valve element with fuel passages. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through a fuel chamber by opening and closing a ceramic valve element. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. The fuel flows past an open valve element through the lower valve element fuel passages to the valve biasing member. The valve biasing member then diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn M. Etheridge, James Russell Morris, James Archie Wynn, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100078284
    Abstract: A torque transferring arrangement (10) includes a member defining a first part and a second part and a first element (16) in frictional contact with the first part, the first element (16) defining a first maximum torque transfer limit determined by the frictional contact between the first element (16) and the first part, and a second element (26) in frictional contact with the second part, the second element (20) defining a second maximum torque transfer limit determined by the frictional contact between the second element (20) and the second part being larger than or substantially equal to the first frictional coefficient. The first element receives torque from a torque generating unit, the second element transfers torque to a torque consuming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Stig Nilsson, Tomas M. Jorgensen, Per S. Rhiger
  • Patent number: 7677806
    Abstract: 1. Bearing element (4) for a bearing for borne supporting of a bearing counter-element (2), whereby the bearing element (4) has a bearing segment (40) at which the bearing counter-element (2) is supportably borne with a force component (F) in the direction of the bearing segment (40), and, at least one positioning segment lateral to the bearing segment (40) for positioning the bearing element (4) at a wall (32) of the bearing for fixing and/or orienting the bearing element (4) in the bearing, whereby aligning and/or support elements (41, 42) project laterally from the bearing segment (40), whereby the aligning and/or support elements (41, 42) are physically distanced from each adjacent aligning and/or support element (41, 42), and whereby the aligning and/or support elements (41, 42) distanced from the bearing segment (40) each embody at least one positioning segment (43, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: IMS Gear GmbH
    Inventor: Keven Moehring
  • Publication number: 20100019426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring element. The spring element includes a metal ring with a central aperture and radial pleats formed on the metal ring. The radial pleats flatten when pressure is applied axially to compress the ring such that the metal ring increases in effective diameter. The seal element may be used to radially seal an annular bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BJ TOOL SERVICES LTD.
    Inventor: DALE IAN KUNZ
  • Publication number: 20090237819
    Abstract: A resilient plate includes a plate shaped body. A through hole is defined in the center of the plate shaped body. A plurality of slots is defined in the plate shaped body and the slots cooperatively surrounding the through hole. Each of the slots includes a first substantially straight slot portion, a second substantially straight slot portion and a third substantially straight slot portion. The second substantially straight slot portion interconnects between and substantially perpendicular to the first and second substantially straight slot portions. The slots are oriented about 90 degrees with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHAU-YUAN KE
  • Patent number: 7520190
    Abstract: A starter for automotive engines is provided which is equipped with a planetary gear train working as a speed reducer. The starter also includes a partition plate and a thrust washer. The partition plate extends radially of the starter between an electric motor and a planetary gear train to isolate the planetary gear train from a motor chamber. The thrust washer extends radially of the starter in abutment with the partition plate so as to bear a thrust load, as transmitted from the planetary gear train. The thrust washer also includes an outer peripheral portion which is placed between a rear end surface of an internal gear of the planetary gear train and the front end surface of the partition plate and has an elastic mechanism working to elastically urge the internal gear of the planetary gear train frontward in the axial direction of the starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Hasegawa, Sadayoshi Kajino, Hisato Inoue
  • Patent number: 7475873
    Abstract: An adjustable disc spring system includes at least one beveled disc spring axially aligned with the adjustable spacer. The adjustable spacer is compressible in a substantially axial direction relative to the at least one beveled disc spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 7465138
    Abstract: An axially acting undulating washer or wave-shaped spring consisting of a closed annular member which comprises a central X-axis and which is periodically wave-shaped across the circumference, wherein a wave line extends so as to monotonically rise or fall between a plurality of identical minima and identical maxima and wherein in the minima and maximum of the wave line there are formed contact points of the annular member relative to axis-normal contact faces, wherein, starting from each minimum and maximum, the annular member, on both sides, i.e. in each circumferential direction, comprises at least two wave line portions which directly adjoin one another and which, with an increasing axial load, are individually flattened and made to contact and contact faces one after the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Alexander Heim, Andreas Rinsdorf
  • Patent number: 7416362
    Abstract: A fastening system has at least one peripheral spring and at least one peripherally expandable bushing, with the peripheral spring being at least partially enclosed within the peripherally expandable bushing. The peripheral spring and peripherally expandable bushing each contain axial openings for receiving an elongated fastening member to secure two dissimilar structures together. The peripheral spring can be a spring bushing. The spring bushing can comprise a series of radially outwardly bowed ribs joined at one end by a fixed hoop. The axial spring can be a spring washer. The peripherally expandable bushing can be a split bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. North
  • Publication number: 20080191399
    Abstract: A high stability planar spring utilized in a voice coil motor comprises a fixed portion, a deformation portion, a sustaining portion, a force-receiving portion and a stabilized portion. The force-driven portion is connected to the fixed portion by the deformation portion and the sustaining portion in order to maintain the same plane with the fixed portion. The stabilized portion extends from the sustaining portion to the gap between the fixed portion and the sustaining portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Mustek Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Wen Chia Chang
  • Publication number: 20080143090
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator for an inflatable restraint system in an automobile, or more generally, a gas generator. The inflator includes an inflator body having a plurality of inflation apertures and defining a first combustion chamber wherein a first propellant charge is positioned. At least one annular spring containing a cushion is provided for maintaining the integrity of the shape of the propellant charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Wesley D. Pack, David T. Schumann
  • Publication number: 20080136075
    Abstract: A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed by notching a base of the tooth in an approximately circular arc shape in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hironobu Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 7338398
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission or clutch device (10) includes at least one pulley (18) rotatable on a pivot (28) and having a pair of adjustable sheaves (30, 34) including a movable sheave (30) movable along the pivot. An ortho-planar compliant mechanism (14) is capable of elastic deformation and operatively coupled to the movable sheave to bias the movable sheave towards or away from the other sheave. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism includes a substantially flat configuration and is deflectable therefrom as the movable sheave moves. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism can include a center platform (38) disposed on the pivot and a plurality of arms (42) extending from the platform to distal ends (46) coupled to the movable sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Michael J. Whiting, Larry L. Howell, Robert H. Todd, Spencer P. Magleby, Mark C. Anderson, Nathan O. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7334784
    Abstract: Axial corrugated spring comprising an annular spring band 11 which describes a corrugation line oscillating about a radial reference plane around the circumference, wherein the corrugation line has maxima 12, 13, 17 of different height and minima 14, 15, 16 of different height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Vladimir Kobelev, Bernfried Hesselmann, Andreas Rinsdorf
  • Patent number: 7284748
    Abstract: A vibration damping mount includes: a substantially annular damping member having an insertion hole, through which the bolt to be attached to an attachment boss is inserted, and externally surrounds the bolt; a grommet that includes a first retaining section for retaining a heat shield, a second retaining section for retaining the damping member, and a coupling section for coupling the first retaining section and the second retaining section, the second retaining section, the coupling section, and the first retaining section being provided in this order from the attachment boss side; and a collar member that includes a pair of flange sections, which nip the damping member from both sides in an axial direction with gaps formed on both the sides, and a coupling section, which couples the pair of flange sections each other and has a gap in a radial direction between the coupling section and the damping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sanwa Packing Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Mishima
  • Patent number: 7213677
    Abstract: A motor-driven type power steering apparatus includes: a drive gear connected to an output shaft of a motor; a driven gear in mesh with the drive gear, which is connected to a steering unit; a bearing for supporting one end of the drive gear; a support portion in which the bearing is disposed; and a curved leaf spring which has a length larger than a peripheral length of the bearing and fitted between the bearing and the support portion in a resiliently deformed state. The curved leaf spring urges the bearing so that a distance between an axis of the driven gear and an axis of the drive gear decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakamura, Tomonori Sugiura, Souichi Iwasa, Tomomasa Machida
  • Patent number: 7195235
    Abstract: An adjustable disc spring system includes at least one beveled disc spring axially aligned with the adjustable spacer. The adjustable spacer is compressible in a substantially axial direction relative to the at least one beveled disc spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 7182325
    Abstract: A compliant spacer which, in use, is located between planar surfaces of two machine elements which are, in use, clamped together in an assembly, the spacer having a first generally planar face and a second oppositely facing generally planar face which is generally parallel to the first generally planar face, each of the first and second generally planar faces having a plurality of raised regions, the raised regions of the first face being offset with respect to the raised regions of the second face, so that as the two machine elements are clamped together with the spacer therebetween, the spacer deforms out of plane to maintain the clamping load in use, and each raised region including a bearing surface and edge regions where the raised region joins the respective planar face of the spacer, the bearing surface being generally planar and parallel to the first and second planar faces, and the edge regions of the raised regions melding smoothly into the respective planar face of the spacer without any sharp disc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Westland Helicopters Limited
    Inventors: Keith Bryden Fitzsimons, David Edward Painter, Michael John Locke, Andrew Martin Cave
  • Patent number: 7155903
    Abstract: A collar member including a main body part having a bolt hole for inserting a bolt and a flange part projecting horizontally to outside from the upper end of the main body part, a fitting member being a member for fitting with a vibration and heat insulating board main body part, having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the collar member by specified dimension, and disposed at the outside of the collar member, and a spring member disposed in a specified dimension between the collar member and fitting member for coupling the collar member and fitting member at least on three positions. As a result, mounting on the vibration source is stable, the heat insulation effect and vibration control effect are high, and the cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Ishiwa
  • Patent number: 6918479
    Abstract: A diaphragm spring for a friction clutch includes a ring-like body area and a plurality of spring tongues arranged at the inner edge in a row in a circumferential direction and extending radially inward from the body area. Openings are formed between adjacent spring tongues, each opening having a radially outer base area, at least one of the openings being limited in the circumferential direction by a wall area having a curvature which increases as the wall proceeds from the base area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Martin Pahrisch, Ronald Beck, Alfred Schraut, Erwin Ziegler, Frank Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 6916017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damper device for damping vibration, the device comprising an energy converter device mounted on a baseplate for fixing to a structure, the energy converter device presenting a moving portion suspended by at least one spring. The moving portion presents at least one flat centering spring extending between an inside region having a first diameter and an outside region having a second diameter, said centering spring presenting at least two cutouts, each being in the form of a branch having at least one segment turning its concave side towards the outside of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Mathieu Noe
  • Patent number: 6846241
    Abstract: A coupling has an inner ring centered on an axis, an outer ring surrounding and generally coaxial with the inner ring, and an intermediate ring generally coaxial with and between the inner ring and outer ring. A pair of mainly angularly extending, flexible, and parallel inner links have inner ends attached at respective locations to an outer periphery of the inner ring and outer ends attached at respective locations to an inner periphery of the intermediate ring, and a pair of mainly angularly extending, flexible, and parallel outer links have inner ends attached at respective locations to an outer periphery of the intermediate ring and outer ends attached at respective locations to an inner periphery of the outer ring. The outer links extend transversely of the inner links, and the rings and links are unitarily formed with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Centa-Antriebe Kirschey GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kirschey
  • Patent number: 6832675
    Abstract: A disk spring assembly including a flat disk between two angled plates is used in an automatic transmission clutch application. The inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the disk are deflected in opposite directions relative to each other by the angled plates. The maximum deflection of the disk is defined by the angled plates. The stiffness of the disk increases monotonically with the deflection of the disk resulting in smooth clutch application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Anthony L. Smith, Andrew Leslie Bartos, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040195070
    Abstract: A disk spring assembly including a flat disk between two angled plates is used in an automatic transmission clutch application. The inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the disk are deflected in opposite directions relative to each other by the angled plates. The maximum deflection of the disk is defined by the angled plates. The stiffness of the disk increases monotonically with the deflection of the disk resulting in smooth clutch application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Anthony L. Smith, Andrew Leslie Bartos, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040069589
    Abstract: A diaphragm spring for a friction clutch includes a ring-like body area and a plurality of spring tongues arranged at the inner edge in a row in a circumferential direction and extending radially inward from the body area. Openings are formed between adjacent spring tongues, each opening having a radially outer base area, at least one of the openings being limited in the circumferential direction by a wall area having a curvature which increases as the wall proceeds from the base area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Martin Pahrisch, Ronald Beck, Alfred Schraut, Erwin Ziegler, Frank Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 6491189
    Abstract: A dispensing valve is disclosed which requires only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal which serves to open and close a plurality of port openings. The valve is configured so as to allow it to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: International Dispensing Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20020089106
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and cushioning the rotor shaft of a fan motor. The apparatus is mounted within a shaft tube of the motor, which also receives the rotor shaft. The apparatus generally comprises a central portion, a peripheral portion and a connecting portion. When the apparatus mounted within the shaft tube of the motor, the outer edge of the peripheral portion fits tightly against the inner wall of the shaft. The connecting portion connects the central portion to the peripheral portion, and includes a plurality of connecting pieces projecting radially outward from the central portion to the peripheral portion, thereby providing elastic effects to the apparatus for cushioning the rotor shaft, which is loaded on the central portion. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of hooks that are adapted to engage an annular groove on the rotor shaft, thereby locking the shaft in place within the shaft tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Horng
  • Patent number: 6412165
    Abstract: A method of increasing the cycle life of a thermostatic disc element for use in a disc assembly used in thermostatic switches in which a weld slug is used to weld the disc element to the disc assembly thereby causing a heat affected zone of the disc element comprising the step of engaging the surface of the disc element opposite the surface adjacent the weld slug with a fulcrum member at a location spaced from the heat affected zone so that upon reversal of the curvature of the disc element, the disc element will bend about the fulcrum member at a location removed from the heat affected zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Sheldon S. White
  • Patent number: 6382606
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and cushioning the shaft of a fan motor. The apparatus is mounted within a shaft tube of the motor, which also receives the rotor shaft. The apparatus generally comprises a central portion, a peripheral portion and a connecting portion. When the apparatus mounted within the shaft tube of the motor, the outer edge of the peripheral portion fits tightly against the inner wall of the shaft. The connecting portion connects the central portion to the peripheral portion, and includes a plurality of connecting pieces projecting radially outward from the central portion to the peripheral portion, thereby providing elastic effects to the apparatus for cushioning the rotor shaft, which is loaded on the central portion. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of hooks that are adapted to engage an annular groove on the rotor shaft, thereby locking the shaft in place within the shaft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Horng