Including Internal Brace Patents (Class 267/169)
  • Patent number: 11560290
    Abstract: A carriage (1) for a stairlift is configured for sliding along a support guide (2). The carriage (1) comprises a concave shaped frame (101), defining a seat (S) for housing at least a part of said guide (2); at least one upper roller (102), mounted on an upper portion of said frame (101) to be rotatably engageable resting on an upper surface of a head portion (201) of the guide (2); a rolling member (103), mounted on a lower portion of the frame (101) to be rotatably engageable with a lower surface of a base portion (203) of the guide (2); and first and second lower rollers (104a, 104b), mounted on the frame (101) in the proximity of the rolling member (103) in such a way as to be engaged or can be engaged in rolling movement respectively on a first lateral surface (203a) and a second lateral surface (203b) of the base portion (203) of the guide (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: EXTREMA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Federico Lodi
  • Patent number: 11318805
    Abstract: A shock absorber assembly comprises two springs 11, 12 arranged in series so as, in use, to extend between a pair of spaced apart spring seats. A coupling member 13 is arranged between the adjacent ends 11b, 12a of the springs 11, 12. The coupling member 13 is adjustable and is formed by a shaft having a pair of flanges 14, 15 provided on the outer surface thereof. The shaft extends axially beyond each flange 14, 15 so as to extend inside the windings of the abutting spring ends 11b, 12a to locate the spring ends 11b, 12a on the coupler 13. Each flange 14, 15 engages an associated adjacent ends 11b, 12a of one of the springs 11, 12. At least one of said flanges 14, 15 is moveable longitudinally along the shaft so as to vary the longitudinal separation between the two flanges 14, 15 and thereby vary the preload on the springs 11, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: R5 MSS LTD
    Inventor: William Blankson
  • Patent number: 8919752
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include innerspring assemblies or innerspring cores for use with cushioning articles such as mattresses. The innerspring core may have one or more coil springs formed from a high-carbon steel wire alloyed with one or more suitable alloying elements such as titanium and copper and capable of imparting greater strength and durability to the innerspring core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFranks, William J. Ready, Jeremy B. Lynn
  • Patent number: 8800972
    Abstract: A vibration insulation damper (10, 50, 60) insertable into an internal circumferential portion of a coil spring (20) and extending in an axial direction thereof, the vibration insulation damper is provided with an elastic body (14a, 14b, 64a, 64b) having a conical or pyramid outer circumferential surface formed so as to be shortened in distance with respect to the axial direction toward an end portion thereof in the axial direction, and a rib (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f) protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the elastic body to be brought into pressured contact with the internal circumferential portion of the coil spring when the elastic body is inserted into the internal circumferential portion of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: F-Tech Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikiyo Sugimoto, Yoshiya Nakashima, Fumikage Yamanaka, Hidemasa Shukuri
  • Patent number: 8740198
    Abstract: A spring guide is provided between a coil spring and a cylindrical outer shaft member. The coil spring coaxially houses therein a shaft portion of a damper set in which an inner shaft member is fitted in the outer shaft member slidably in an axial direction of the spring guide. The spring guide includes a barrel, at least one first projecting portion, and at least one second projecting portion. The barrel has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction. The at least one first projecting portion is provided at the first end portion of the barrel to project toward an axis of the barrel. The at least one second projecting portion is provided at the second end portion of the barrel to project toward the axis of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akiko Oishi, Kazuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8636270
    Abstract: A low cost, flexible, torqueable structure for use as at least a portion of a medical device comprises a coil formed of a wound element. The coil includes a plurality of adjacent windings. Connected portions of a region between the adjacent windings are formed (by, for example, laser welding) such that torque can be transmitted between adjacent windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaac Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 8579249
    Abstract: A biasing device for use with a piston actuator of a fluid valve includes a tubular seat member, a tubular retention member, a tubular seat bracket, and a biasing element disposed between an external annular flange of the tubular seat member and an external annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat member, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat member. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat bracket, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat bracket. The basing member is seated against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat member and against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 8511658
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes an antivibration element (1) for vibrationally decoupling a handle sub-assembly (6) from another sub-assembly (5) that vibrates along a vibration axis (A), and having a coil spring (7) oriented along the vibration axis (A), and a threaded plug (3) provided with an outer thread (4) longitudinally extending therealong, with the coil spring (7) having a plurality of windings (2) extending along a preload region (V) and screwed on the outer thread (4) under an axial compressive preload, and with the outer thread (4) having a between-flight width (Z) greater than a diameter (D) of the spring wire of which the coil spring (7) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Moessnang
  • Patent number: 8474805
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include innerspring assemblies or innerspring cores for use with cushioning articles such as mattresses. The innerspring core may have one or more coil springs formed from a high-carbon steel wire alloyed with one or more suitable alloying elements such as titanium and copper and capable of imparting greater strength and durability to the innerspring core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFranks, William Jud Ready, Jeremy Lynn
  • Patent number: 8414004
    Abstract: A spring seat is mounted to a suspension arm to receive a coil spring of a suspension, a spring seat body is provided with a receiving part for receiving the coil spring and a locking protrusion, which projects from the spring seat body to the side opposite to the receiving part so as to be locked in a locking hole formed in the suspension arm, are formed integrally using an elastic member, and a core material harder than the elastic member is incorporated in the spring seat body and the locking protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Onda
  • Patent number: 8250944
    Abstract: An accelerating handle assembly for an electric vehicle includes first and second rings fixed together with a gap formed therebetween. A tubular handle has an end received in the gap and abutting a stepped portion of the first ring. A magnet is mounted to the tubular handle. A Hall sensor is fixed to the first or second ring and includes a detecting face facing the magnet. An arcuate clamping member is fixed to an outer periphery of the tubular handle and includes two ends respectively having two attachment seats. A spring unit includes a follower rod having two ends respectively fixed to the attachment seats of the first clamping member. The spring unit further includes a compression spring having a first end abutting an end of the first clamping member. The compression spring further has a second end abutting a restraining block of the second ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Tsung Min Wu
  • Patent number: 8181947
    Abstract: To provide a spring assembly whose production cost is low. It includes a coil spring 1, and a pair of retainers 2 disposed respectively at opposite end portions of the coil spring 1, and the retainer 2 includes a plate member 3 abutting against the end portion of the coil spring 1 and depressed at a central portion thereof toward the inside of the coil spring 1, and a hook member 4 fixed to the plate member 3 so as to hold a free length of the coil spring 1 shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Akahori
  • Patent number: 8061759
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Conner
  • Publication number: 20110204551
    Abstract: A spring guide is provided between a coil spring and a cylindrical outer shaft member. The coil spring coaxially houses therein a shaft portion of a damper set in which an inner shaft member is fitted in the outer shaft member slidably in an axial direction of the spring guide. The spring guide includes a barrel, at least one first projecting portion, and at least one second projecting portion. The barrel has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the axial direction. The at least one first projecting portion is provided at the first end portion of the barrel to project toward an axis of the barrel. The at least one second projecting portion is provided at the second end portion of the barrel to project toward the axis of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akiko OISHI, Kazuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7871240
    Abstract: A damped spring assembly includes a helical spring. The helical spring is movable along an axis and has a winding direction. A damper is movable along the axis and includes a helical shape. The damper is wound in a direction opposite the winding direction. The damper applies a radial load to the spring for damping movement of the spring along the axis as the spring vibrates. The damper has a very low axial spring rate and it contributes very little to the axial load provided by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David Zawilinski, W. Clark Dean
  • Patent number: 7861564
    Abstract: A slot device for holding a portable device that communicates with a controller installed in a vehicle. The slot device includes a retainer for retaining the portable device, a shutter for closing the retainer, and a spring received in a spring receptacle for urging the shutter to close the retainer. The spring is supported in an inclined state to contact the inner surface of the spring receptacle and prevent vibrations and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ito, Shozo Kito
  • Publication number: 20100295222
    Abstract: Disclosed are an actuator capable of preventing interference caused by torsion to thereby improve stability and reliability, and a spring used for the actuator. The actuator includes a first molding part, a second molding part being rotatably connected in an end of the first molding part, and a spring member including a first spring arm that is fixed to the first molding part and a second spring arm that is fixed to the second molding part. In this instance, the first spring and the second spring arms are integrally connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Ho Lee, Byung Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7690630
    Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Victor L. Chun, Brian Lee Taylor, Alexander B. Leibman, Michael Hajjar
  • Publication number: 20090243174
    Abstract: Composite springs and methods of manufacture are described. The composite springs include a flexible core supporting multiple layers of a cured, resin-impregnated composite fiber wherein resin-impregnated composite fiber is wound or braided over the flexible core and cured on a helical mold to form a spring having a desired helical pitch, diameter and spring rate. The multiple layers of resin-impregnated composite fiber are wound or braided at ±5-90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Spencer Composites Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. SPENCER, Zachary B. SPENCER
  • Patent number: 7402108
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling has first and second hubs, each of which is provided with flanges and connected to a transmission shaft. The flange of the first hub has spring holes extended therethrough. A cover is fixed to the second hub so that the flange of the first hub is held between the cover and the flange of the second hub, and the cylindrical part of the first hub extends through the cover. A plurality of coil spring sets each comprises multiple barrel-shaped coil springs. Each of the coil springs is supported in the spring hole so that the adjoining end faces thereof are in contact and in series with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Kyushu Hasec Co., Ltd., Shoyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyakawa, Hitoshi Terado, Kazuichi Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20080116623
    Abstract: A spring holder apparatus to hold one or more springs is constructed of a first base having a first floor, a first flange extending from at least a portion of the first floor, a first wall and a first flexible locking element; and a second base having a second floor, a second flange extending from at least a portion of the second floor, a second wall and a second flexible locking element. The flanges are adapted to axially support the spring and the walls are adapted to radially support the spring. The walls are further adapted to interpose with one another so as to allow them to move past each other as the bases are urged toward each other during compression of the spring. The flexible locking elements are adapted to slidingly engage each other so as to secure the bases to each other while allowing the bases to move toward each other during compression of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frederick Crocker, Steven Dennis Gabrys
  • Patent number: 7370854
    Abstract: A compression spring assembly is disclosed herein. The compression spring assembly may be used in a fuel injection device and may include a compression spring having first and second adjacent turns spaced apart by a distance. The compression spring assembly may further include a damping element arranged between the first and second turns and having first and second spaced apart support regions separated by an arched third support region. The first and second support regions may be configured to exert force on a surface of the first turn, and the third support region may be configured to exert force on a surface of the second turn to at least inhibit movement of the first turn toward the second turn during operation of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Avtar S Sandhu, Sami I. El-Sayed
  • Patent number: 7350774
    Abstract: A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Danly IEM, LLC
    Inventors: Victor L. Chun, Brian Lee Taylor, Alexander B. Leibman, Michael Hajjar
  • Publication number: 20040222578
    Abstract: A prestressed resilient device including a spring (1) and a prestressing cage (2) having a variable axial length up to a maximum length (LO) and being inserted inside the spring (1). The cage (2) includes two U-shaped distance pieces (3, 4) that are coupled through their bases that keep the ends (11, 12) of the spring at a maximum distance apart while enabling them to draw nearer to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Lionel Bourgois, Philippe Bourlon, Martin Thurner, Francois Gaffe
  • Patent number: 6789790
    Abstract: A device for reducing the resonant vibrations of a helical valve spring of an internal combustion engine includes a member, such as a tension cable, attached between one end of the spring and a coil mid-section of the spring for limiting the movement of the coil mid-section away from the one end of the spring to about the distance between the coil mid-section and the one end of the spring when the spring is in a condition corresponding with a condition at which the spring is in static equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Frank H. Speckhart, Brian David Mongold, Hyunjun Chun, Von M Tyler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6619638
    Abstract: A supplementary spring assembly (104) is fitted to three consecutive turns (86.1, 86.2, 86.3) of a vehicle suspension coil spring (102). The spring assembly (104) includes a central torsion-producing portion (105) having a pair of half-turn torsion springs (106, 108). The half-turn torsion springs (106, 108) are connected to each other by a C-shaped bight portion (109) which engages an intermediate turn (86.1) of the coil spring (102) in a clamping fit. First and second arms (110, 112) extend from opposite ends of the torsion springs (106, 108) and pass slidably through complemental apertures (114) formed in mounting blocks (116). The mounting blocks (116) include a clamping arrangement in the form of a C-shaped recess formed in the block (116) which is sized to fit around non-adjacent turns (86.2, 86.3) of the coil spring (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: William Wilfred Spencer
  • Patent number: 6604736
    Abstract: A spring assembly comprising: an axially extending coil formed from a spring wire and having first and second ends and a length there between with an interior having a generally circular cross-section. The coil includes first end portion with a first diameter and extending inwardly from the first end, a second end portion with a second diameter and extending inwardly from the second end and a center portion with a third diameter between the end portions of the coil. An elongated core is placed within the interior of the coil at the center portion and two spaced lugs formed from the spring wire and extending chordally across the circular cross-section capture the core in the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Tomczak
  • Publication number: 20030132561
    Abstract: A spring element comprises an insert (1) of a compact material having a rigidity which is higher than that of the material of which the spring element consists, and comprises a part (2) which acts as an additional spring and a part (3) which acts as a spring pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Burlage, August-Wilhelm Gelmke, Frederic Nyssen, Jan Wucherpfennig
  • Patent number: 6457704
    Abstract: A noise reduction assembly includes a substantially annular isolator and a substantially annular noise guard extending therefrom. The isolator and the noise guard sandwich a first convolution of a vehicle suspension coil spring. The noise guard is aligned to the coil spring such that the noise guard extends between the first and second convolutions between 1.0 and 1.4 turns of the coil spring to prevent contact in this area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Van Eerden, Chris Galea, Anthony VanRoon
  • Patent number: 6409160
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Precision Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 6382607
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Precision Products Group
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 6378854
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Precision Products Group
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 6371465
    Abstract: A coil spring assembly for positive control of the bending of the coil spring having a curved bend control member, which is either a tapered insert member positioned in the coil spring or alternatively a curved exterior surface positioned outside the coil spring and so positioned, such that the spring on bending will contact the curved bend control member and will progressively distribute the bending force over a plurality of individual coils of the spring and thereby mitigate breakage of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: William O. Willis, Elbridge W. Thrasher
  • Patent number: 6341767
    Abstract: A spring system includes an axially moving center attachment located between two static attachments. Bi-directional axial center deflections cause push-pull restoration forces. There is little mechanical fixturing preload stress acting on material also subjected to high cyclic stresses. The spring material includes an unbroken path between the two static attachments, going through the center attachment. In one embodiment, the unbroken path is a length of wire bent into substantially parallel side-by-side helices clamped statically at the bottom of each helix. A moving attachment grips the center of the wire bridging diagonally between the tops of the helices. In a second embodiment, the unbroken path is a length of wire bent into end-to-end helices sharing a common axis and clamped statically at the axially opposite ends of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph B. Seale, Gary E. Bergstrom
  • Publication number: 20010054786
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Publication number: 20010019189
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Publication number: 20010009315
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 6264183
    Abstract: A spring assembly having a coil containing a core and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. The coil includes a core between reduced portions of the coil. One device for manufacturing the coil includes a coiling machine having an insert device operable with a coiler. The coiler is programmed to form coils of appropriate diameter along the length of the coil, including a diameter sufficiently large to contain the core and two diameters sufficiently small to retain the core in the coil. The insert device transfers the core to the coil after the first small diameter is formed and before the second small diameter is formed. The coil with the core contained between the two small diameters is thereby manufactured in a unified automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Precision Products Group
    Inventors: David A. Meier, Dean A. Pranger, Jerry Lee Wigren, Ken Eugene Simons, Norman Edward Bradshaw, John R. Smith, Russell D. Sugarbaker
  • Patent number: 6260833
    Abstract: This disclosure sets out an improved coil spring responding in compression to a tensile load. The load is applied by load engaging equal and oppositely deployed hooks wherein both hooks have a load engaging throat at the lower end connected with a pair of parallel legs. One leg terminates in a hanger having the form of a J-shaped hook and the other leg terminates in a protruding eyelet sized to engage a tang at the end of the spring. The two hooks are maintained at approximate right angles with respect to each other to distribute the forces more evenly in the coil spring to avoid spring bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Drager
  • Patent number: 6186488
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for blocking a spring in a spring strut of a motor vehicle. A spacer element for transporting a vehicle consists of at least one segment which can be snapped into the spring and is supported by a lower free end on a stationary spring plate of the spring strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Juergen Lauer
  • Patent number: 6120014
    Abstract: A twist-correcting device for a wire rope isolator, the retaining bars of which may become twisted in the process of installing the conventional wire rope isolator between a platform and an apparatus, which makes it difficult to assemble the wire rope isolator and prevents the isolator from performing fully. The twist-correcting device includes a pair of clamps for correcting the twisting of the retaining bars of the isolator by holding the retaining bars closely parallel to each other at both end portions of the wire rope isolator. The twist-correcting device is capable of simplifying the installation of a wire rope isolator between a platform and an apparatus and enabling the wire rope isolator to perform at its best.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Seung Kwon Lee, Dae Young Park
  • Patent number: 6098970
    Abstract: A spring having a helical body with opposed ends and two flexible safety cables each of which is coupled to one of said opposed ends, with the two flexible cables extending in opposite directions pass the center of the helical body, terminating in an attachment thereto. The helical body includes a plurality of coils with one end of each of the cables being coupled to one of the plurality of coils. The attachment includes an elliptically shaped journal through which one of the plurality of coils passes, thereby pivotally attaching the cable thereto. In one embodiment, a threaded boss is disposed at each end of the helical body. The threaded boss has a plurality of recesses, each of which is adapted to receive on of the plurality of coils. In this fashion, the threaded boss threadably engages the helical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Winston Lowe
    Inventor: Winston H. H. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5823518
    Abstract: A spring guide retainer is provided for preventing buckling of a spring during spring compression as an upper die moves toward a lower die in a stamping operation. The spring guide retainer comprises a spring guide housing to hold the spring location, a spring guide holder fixed to the upper die to promote spring alignment, and a spring guide pin to maintain alignment of the spring. A screw associated with the spring guide pin is receivable through a pocket of the spring guide housing to secure the spring guide pin and the spring guide housing to the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Engineering North America
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nagamitsu, Robert Duane Dye
  • Patent number: 5433687
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a free-weight exercise apparatus is provided that includes a left standard and a right standard that are removably joined in spaced-apart relationship by a cross connector. The left and right standards are preferably generally triangular in shape. According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided for assisting a person with dead-lift type exercises. The apparatus includes left and right lifter assemblies, each of which has an upper bar and a lower bar, the bars being maintained in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship by two vertically oriented piston-cylinder units. A spring is positioned co-axially around each of the piston-cylinder units. One of the ends of one of the two piston-cylinder units of each assembly is pivotally connected to one of the bars and the other ends of the two piston-cylinder units are rigidly connected to the bars, whereby binding of the piston-cylinder units is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: August O. Hinzman, Larry G. Beck, Christopher K. Hinzman
  • Patent number: 5390903
    Abstract: A variable force die spring is disclosed which combines high force, short axial compression distance spring assembly, such as belleville springs, and low force, high axial compression distance springs, such as coil springs, in a telescoping casing having an internal cavity. The springs are arranged within the cavity so that upon receiving a load the low force spring will compress first resulting in a large axial compression and low force resistance. The load applied to the telescoping casing will then transition from the low force spring to the high force spring. The high force spring then compresses as the load continues to be applied. In alternative embodiments, a third intermediate spring is added that compresses moderate distances under moderate pressure thereby increasing the overall axial compression and load capacity capabilities of the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Connell Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Erich D. Fidziukiewicz
  • Patent number: 5368283
    Abstract: A torsion spring assembly particularly adapted for use in closing the throttle valve of an automotive throttle body. The assembly includes two bushings formed with sleeves adapted to telescope into the end portions of a torsion spring. As an incident thereto, the bushings automatically interlock with one another to hold the bushings and the spring in assembled relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Precision Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Pavlin
  • Patent number: 5360211
    Abstract: This is an all-plastic protective sleeve for the needle of a medical device. It comprises, a plastic base carrying a bottom end of the needle; a plastic end-cap slidably mounted on the needle adjacent a tip end thereof; a plurality of longitudinal plastic slats extending from the base to the end-cap; a cylindrical plastic locking collar disposed over the plurality of longitudinal slats adjacent the end-cap; and, a plastic spring disposed over the plurality of longitudinal slats between the base and the end-cap. The spring is a unitary plastic helical compression spring comprising a cylindrical collar portion disposed over a center portion of the plurality of longitudinal slats with first and second portions of helical compression spring turns extending therefrom toward the base and the locking collar, respectively. The locking collar has an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the spring and is of a thickness sufficient to produce a textured grippable area at the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: InjectiMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Smith, Randall E. Ohnemus
  • Patent number: 5351947
    Abstract: The vertical stack of trays in a movable tray sorter for sheets of paper exiting a copies is moved in a manner to enlarge the spacing between consecutive pairs of the trays to accept consecutive sheets of paper by moving the trays along a pair of helical coils, each of which has a turn of relatively coarse pitch. The turns of relatively coarse pitch are located at the copier paper chute and causes an increased separation of adjacent trays only at that position as the coils are turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Gradco (Japan) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Aaron
  • Patent number: 5316259
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for use in dampening impact loading transmitted between a cycle frame and a cycle seat. The cycle seat support apparatus has: an elongated sleeve attachable at one end to the cycle frame and having an opening extending into the sleeve at the opposite end; an elongated post attachable to the cycle seat at one end and the opposite end being slidably positioned in the opening of the sleeve; and structure for biasing the post to urge the post toward an at rest position when the post is moved relative to the sleeve. The opening in the sleeve has an inner surface and the post has an outer surface which are in sliding engagement during relative sliding movement of the post and the sleeve. The outer surface of the post and the inner surface of the sleeve being made of compatible plastics exhibiting sufficient lubricity to permit sliding movement of the post relative to the sleeve thereby minimizing wear of the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Zenon Pawlykowych, Hy Rosenstein
  • Patent number: RE35846
    Abstract: The vertical stack of trays in a movable tray sorter for sheets of paper exiting a .?.copies.!. .Iadd.copier .Iaddend.is moved in a manner to enlarge the spacing between consecutive pairs of the trays to accept consecutive sheets of paper by moving the trays along a pair of helical coils, each of which has a turn of relatively coarse pitch. The turns of relatively coarse pitch are located at the copier paper chute and causes an increased separation of adjacent trays only at that position as the coils are turned. .Iadd.The coils support the trays approximately midway between the ends of the trays in a sheet feeding direction and the sorter has vertically extended guides at opposite sides of the trays adjacent one end in which side portions of said trays slide to maintain the trays substantially parallel. .Iaddend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Gradco (Japan) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Aaron