Flexible Sleeve, Boot, Or Diaphragm Patents (Class 277/634)
  • Patent number: 11976884
    Abstract: A flexible two-phase conversion heat transfer device includes a main body enclosing a chamber. A working liquid is received in the chamber. A capillary structure body is disposed in the chamber. The main body has at least one bellows section. The bellows section has multiple waved stripes. The waved stripes at least have a waved stripe feature including a waved stripe height or a waved stripe width or a waved stripe pitch between each two adjacent waved stripes. By means of the different waved stripe features, the main body is bendable by an angle ranging from 0-180 degrees without interference between the waved stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components (China) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Min Liu, Xiao-Xiang Zhou, Shi-Lei Wei
  • Patent number: 11761492
    Abstract: A boot for a constant velocity universal joint includes large- and small-diameter mounting portions to be mounted to an outer joint member and a shaft, respectively, with boot clamps, a bellows portion integrally coupling the large- and small-diameter mounting portions to each other, and a cylindrical shoulder portion formed at a bellows portion-side end of the large-diameter-side mounting portion, and connected to the bellows portion through two auxiliary crest portions and one auxiliary trough portion between the auxiliary crest portions. A radial distance between each of the auxiliary crest portions and the auxiliary trough portion is shorter than a radial distance between a crest portion and a trough portion. A diameter passing through a center of the radial distance between each of the auxiliary crest portions and the auxiliary trough portion is larger than a diameter of the cylindrical shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 11437631
    Abstract: A passage bead seal of a fuel cell joint separator includes a straight portion and curved portions. An oxygen-containing gas bridge section connecting the inside and the outside of a portion surrounded by a passage bead seal includes inner tunnels and outer tunnels coupled to an inner side wall and an outer side wall of a straight portion, and protruding in a separator thickness direction. The tunnel height is determined to be smaller than the bead seal height by not less than a predetermined value in a manner that a line pressure applied by a compression load to a front end surface of the straight portion becomes the same as a line pressure applied by the compression load to a front end surface of the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuro Okubo, Suguru Ohmori, Kentaro Ishida
  • Patent number: 11374239
    Abstract: A frame gasket may include a flat base, which is positioned along the edge of stack constitutional parts and which includes a first elastic base and reinforced fibers mixed therein to ensure sealing of a fuel cell stack, and first projection units, which project over the base and which include a second elastic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Seong Il Heo, Soo Jin Lim
  • Patent number: 10617848
    Abstract: Drive systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for performing medical procedures on a patient. The drive systems include various handle types and triggers for controlling catheters and end effectors. The various handle types include a flexible handle and ambidextrous handles that can alter the handedness of the handle for particularized use. The handles drive articulation sections of the catheter and end effectors with various degrees of freedom, and include locks for holding the catheter and/or end effector in place. The catheter systems include structures for allowing degrees of freedom, such as notches, mechanical interlocks, and articulation joints. In addition, the catheters articulate via cables or fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Weitzner, Paul Smith, Michael Barenboym, Gary Kappel, John Golden
  • Patent number: 10378593
    Abstract: A boot assembly for a joint includes a boot and a boot can coupled to the boot at a connecting portion. The boot can includes a mounting portion including a flange having an inner surface and a retainer. The retainer is connected to the flange at a first location and is separate from the flange at a second location spaced from the first location. The retainer includes an inward portion spaced from the first location, and the inward portion is arranged closer to the axis than is the inner surface of the retainer between the first location and a midpoint of the retainer. The inner surface of the retainer is not at a constant angle relative to the axis along the length of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Cassell
  • Patent number: 10361550
    Abstract: An arrangement for a moisture tight passing of a line (14) through a wall is indicated. The arrangement includes a line (14) surrounding the passage (1) in the mounted position. The passage (1) has an approximately sleeve shaped housing (2) with an interrupted sleeve shape opening (9) that can be placed in the radial direction on the finished line (14). The passage (1) further has a sealing element (3) which has a ring shaped part (5) and a web (4) which protrudes in the axial direction from the ring shaped part which tightly closes the opening (9) of the housing (2) in the mounted position. The web (4) has a slot (7) extending in its longitudinal direction, which at its one end is open toward the outside and the other end ends in a hole (6) in which the line (14) is located tightly surrounded after pushing the sealing element (3) radially on the same in the mounted position. The ring shaped part (5) of the sealing element (3) is, after assembly of the housing (2), secured to the outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Gerhard Lindner, Hermann Teicher, Martin Reinwald
  • Patent number: 10156319
    Abstract: In a cylindrically-formed gasholder sealing member interposed between an inner circumferential surface of a tank constituting a gasholder and an outer edge of a shock-absorbing member that rises and falls within the tank along with a movable piston that rises and falls within the tank at an outer circumferential side of the movable piston, both surfaces of at least a tank-ward end, out of a tank-ward end on a side anchored to the inner circumferential surface of the tank and a shock-absorbing member-ward end on a side anchored to the outer edge of the shock-absorbing member, are covered by ethylene propylene diene rubber, and a portion other than the tank-ward end and the shock-absorbing member-ward end is not covered by ethylene propylene diene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shibayama
  • Patent number: 10085613
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion that includes a distal end portion in which an image sensor and a laser diode are disposed, a bending portion, and a flexible portion, the image sensor outputting an image pickup signal, the laser diode converting the image pickup signal into an optical signal; an operation portion; an universal cord; a connector; an optical fiber that is inserted through the insertion portion and transmits the optical signal; and a stress relief portion that changes an effective length L1 of the optical fiber in accordance with a stress applied to the optical fiber, the effective length being a length of the optical fiber along an insertion direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideharu Miyahara, Hiroyuki Motohara
  • Patent number: 10005484
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes a body having a wall. The body includes a detent that is attached to the wall at a hinge. The detent is bendable about the hinge in a radial direction relative to a central axis. A locking pin is supported by a post extending from the body, and is axially moveable along the central axis, between an insertion position and a locking position. When in the insertion position, the locking pin is disengaged from the detent to allow the detent to bend about the hinge. When disposed in the locking position, the locking pin is engaged with the detent to prevent the detent from bending about the hinge. The post and/or the locking pin include a tactile feature to provide tactile feedback when the locking pin is moved between the insertion position and the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Patent number: 9902366
    Abstract: A locking retractor includes a frame, a spool shaft rotatably mounted thereto, an outer surface of a base of a housing mounted to the frame with one end of the spool shaft extending into an opening defined through the base, one or more locking components arranged on an inner surface of the housing and configured to cooperate with the spool shaft to selectively block rotation of the spool relative to the frame, a sealing member configured to extend about and engage a periphery of the first opening and to extend about and engage a periphery of the spool shaft to form a seal between the base of the housing and the spool shaft to block ingress of moisture and particles, and a cover hermetically attached to the housing with the locking components sealed between the cover and the base of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris P. Jessup, Guy R. Dingman, Grant Bryant
  • Patent number: 9835215
    Abstract: A disc brake, in particular for commercial vehicles, has an adjustment device for compensating for brake lining/brake disc wear. The adjustment device is arranged at least partially inside an interior space of the brake caliper and has an adjustment gear with an adjustment nut having an internal thread, and an adjustment spindle screwed therein with an external thread. For adjustment during normal operation of the brake, the adjustment nut is rotated in relation to the adjustment spindle, which is fixed against rotation. A first sealing device at least partially seals off an annular space on the brake disc side between the inner wall of a through-opening in the brake caliper and the axially adjustable adjustment spindle, which extends through the through-opening and toward one of the brake linings, wherein the first sealing device is held on the caliper at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBA
    Inventors: Hans-Christian Jungmann, Gunther Stingl
  • Patent number: 9803625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising at least one vertical pump (3) and at least one associated turbine (4) for transporting, over a level difference, a heat-transfer fluid brought to a high temperature, wherein the device further comprises a device for mechanically coupling the turbine (4) with the pump (3), comprising a gearbox (21) with a gimbal coupling (41) located on the turbine (4) side, allowing the mechanical energy produced by the turbine (4) to be reused to actuate the pump (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Cockerill Maintenance & Ingenierie S.A.
    Inventor: Alfred Dethier
  • Patent number: 9763559
    Abstract: An endoscope with an instrument housing and with a shaft that is mounted on the distal end of the instrument housing and consists of an outer tube and an inner tube that is mounted at least partly in the outer tube, so that the outer tube and the inner tube are mounted on the instrument housing so that they can move with respect to one another in the axial direction of the shaft. To provide an endoscope that ensures a constantly fluid-tight relative motion of the two shaft tubes with respect to one another, it is proposed with the invention that the outer tube and inner tube should be mounted on the instrument housing so that they are mobile with respect to one another in the axial direction of the shaft by means of at least one flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Dahmen, Elmar Teichtmann
  • Patent number: 9541197
    Abstract: A system including a seal is provided. The seal includes a first layer made of a first non-metallic, elastic material. The seal further includes a second layer made of a second non-metallic, heat resistant material. The second layer is configured to thermally protect the first layer from heat. The seal is configured to extend across a gap between first and second surfaces, and the first and second layers are formed into a bended structure configured to expand and contract in response to a dimensional change in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gerardo Plata Contreras, Douglas Alan Jones, Sofia CayĆ³n Aguilar
  • Patent number: 9381888
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sealing locking components of a retractor, wherein the retractor has a spool shaft extending therefrom. A base of a housing defines an opening therethrough, and an outer surface of the base is mounted to the retractor with the spool shaft extending into the opening. The locking components are arranged on an inner surface of the base of the housing. A sealing member engages the base of the housing and extends about a periphery of about the opening, and also extends about and engages a periphery of the spool shaft, to form a seal between the spool shaft and the base of the housing to block ingress of moisture and particles to the locking components. A cover is hermetically attached to the housing about a periphery thereof with the locking components sealed between the cover and the base of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris P. Jessup, Guy R. Dingman, Grant Bryant
  • Patent number: 9266497
    Abstract: A method is provided for sealing locking components of a retractor, wherein the locking components cooperate with a spool shaft extending from, and rotatable with, a rotatable spool of the retractor to selectively lock rotation of the spool. The method includes mounting a base of an open-ended housing to the retractor with the spool shaft accessible via an opening in the base when so mounted, positioning a sealing member to extend about and engage a periphery of the opening and to also extend about and engage a periphery of the spool shaft, operatively arranging the locking components within the interior of the housing, and hermetically sealing a cover to the open end of the housing after the housing is mounted to the retractor. The sealing member engages the peripheries of the first opening and the spool shaft and blocks ingress of moisture and particles to the locking components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris P. Jessup, Guy R. Dingman, Grant Bryant
  • Publication number: 20150137462
    Abstract: A seal for sealing a cable anchor device (4) to a structural element (1, 3), the cable anchor device (4) being arranged to anchor at least one cable (2) to the structural element (1,3) and having a front surface (15) facing an opening (6) of the structural element, through which front surface the at least one cable (2) extends towards the exterior of the structural element, characterized in that the seal comprises a sleeve (12) which extends from a perimeter of a surface of the structural element including the opening (6) of the structural element to a perimeter of a hermetic portion of the anchored cable (2) comprising at least the front surface (15) of the anchor device (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventors: Erik Mellier, Ivica Zivanovic
  • Patent number: 9022180
    Abstract: A bellows arrangement on a guide bar of a disc brake, particularly of a commercial vehicle, has an end of the bellows comprising a sealing ring, particularly a quad ring, lying in a circumferential groove of the guide bar. The bellows is pressed into the groove by a retaining ring placed thereon, and is designed so that an air passage can form in the contact area of the sealing ring at the base of the groove, reducing the volume enclosed by the bellows and the guide bar. To this end, the contact shoulder formed on the retaining ring is circumferentially interrupted in segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gruber, Christian Raffin
  • Publication number: 20150056089
    Abstract: Described is a method for manufacturing a diaphragm assembly through the use of injection molding. The method can avoid the use of PTFE as a chemically resistant coating. Further, the method can increase overall adherence of a polymer diaphragm to an insert through the use of an interference surface on at least the surface of a head of the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert E. Gledhill, III, John T. Nguyen, Steve L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150054231
    Abstract: For sealing the steering column opening in a body panel located between passenger cell and engine compartment, an assembly consists of at least one steering column mounting bearing, at least one body panel flange and at least one elastomer suspension, via which the steering column mounting bearing is suspended from the body panel flange. The body panel flange is expanded housing-like into at least one series-specifically designed reducing piece, the elastomer suspension being at least partially embodied as a series-independent universal suspension. At least two damping chambers located between the reducing piece and the steering column mounting bearing are formed with the elastomer suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Wilhelm LICHTENBERG
  • Patent number: 8936248
    Abstract: A boot seal for variable compression-rate engine includes a boot-seal element, and a reinforcement member. The boot-seal element includes an inner layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer is disposed on the inner face of the boot-seal element, and is composed of a fluorinated rubber. The outer layer is disposed on a more outer side of the boot-seal element than is the inner layer. Moreover, the boot-seal element is formed in a circumferentially developed state so as to have circumferential ends, and is then completed by joining the circumferential ends with each other. Thus, the boot-seal element makes an elastically deformable cylindrical bellows shape having a root that dents inward diametrically. In addition, the reinforcement member is disposed in the root of the cylindrical bellows-shaped boot-seal element at least.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Mitsui, Katsuhisa Ota, Kaoru Itou
  • Patent number: 8931784
    Abstract: A gaiter includes a bellows formed of a rubber resilient material and extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The bellows includes at least two pocket-shaped bulges on an end face at the first end of the bellows that are formed integrally with the bellows from the rubber resilient material. The bulges extend radially inwards and in a circumferential direction of the end face. Each of the bulges have two flanks disposed adjacent to one another with an axial spacing therebetween. The bulges are configured to be placed in a sealing manner on a congruently configured pivot of a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Hans-Martin Wache
  • Patent number: 8925332
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbojet nacelle includes a first end fastened to a first structure, and a second end contacting against a bearing zone of a second structure. The seal assembly further includes a plurality of adjacent blades arranged along the first end and extending longitudinally and perpendicularly thereto. In particular, a portion of the blades has an accordion-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Stephane Beilliard, Alexandre Phi
  • Patent number: 8893368
    Abstract: A pivot joint assembly has a first part with a hole. A pivot pin passes through the hole. A second part is carried by the pivot pin to be rotatable relative to the first part. A bush has an annular sleeve with an inner face engaging the pivot pin and an outer face engaging a bore wall of the first part. A sealing ring between the bush and the first part. The sealing ring has a body attached to the first part, and a sealing member extending away from the body in a radial direction to a sealing lip which engages the bush without being attached thereto. The sealing member is resiliently compressed to urge the sealing lip towards the bush to maintain engagement with the bush in the event that the bush moves away from the body in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Jey Williams, Colin West
  • Patent number: 8888132
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first panel having a first side and a second side and defining a first hole. The apparatus also includes a second panel having a third side and a fourth side and defining a second hole. A seal assembly extends from the first panel to the second panel and through the first and second holes. The seal assembly includes a first wall that defines a passageway from the first hole to the second hole, and a second wall that surrounds the first wall and cooperates with the first wall to define a chamber therebetween. The seal assembly forms a first seal around the first hole and a second seal around the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Publication number: 20140203522
    Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of attaching members extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and the connecting member further includes an accordion pleat for adjusting the distance between the attaching members to thereby accommodate walls of different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: EDWIN E KSIEZOPOLSKI
  • Publication number: 20140131956
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a piling to a planar member extending around the piling comprises a base collar sized to surround the piling at a first location and having a planar base flange extending therefrom and an upper collar sized to extend around the piling at a second location, the upper collar being sealable around the piling. A longitudinally extendable sleeve extends between the base collar and the upper collar sealing the base collar to the upper collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Andrew Snethun
  • Publication number: 20140125015
    Abstract: A boot unit may comprise a boot that includes a small diameter portion formed at one side, a large diameter portion form at the other side, and a wrinkle portion formed between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, a bushing that is integrally formed with an interior circumference or an exterior circumference in a circumferential direction and having a predetermined thickness, and a band that is formed in the bushing along the circumferential direction of the bushing and has substantially a ring shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, KD A&T CO., LTD., Hyundai Wia Corporation, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Won Jun Choi, Yong Jin Kim, Hyangcheol Jo, Kwangduck Her
  • Publication number: 20140110906
    Abstract: Disc brake piston cap (3) interposed between the caliper (1) and the piston (2) to protect the piston (2). The cap (3) has a bulge (351) on the inner fold (35) which is engaged in the groove (22) of the piston (2), and has an overmoulded insert (31) fixed to the annular groove (11) of the caliper. The folded cap (3), with the overmoulded insert (31), intermediate folds (33, 34) and an outer fold (32), comprises longitudinal ribs (352) on the face of the inner fold (35) to stiffen this fold and allow air to pass from the inside to the outside around the bulge (351) of the inner fold (35), housed in the groove (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: CHASSIS BRAKES INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Pascal Champion, Philippe Barret, FranƧois Daguzan, Thierry Bindner
  • Patent number: 8657300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element for sealing off component groups capable of being positioned in relation to one another, for use, in particular, in the vehicle and building technology sector, the sealing element has a first seal part 11 performing a sealing function and having a soft fraction and a second seal part 12 performing a reinforcing function and having a hard fraction. The sealing element is essentially an annular design and has an essentially accurately designed first seal part directed inward in the operating position, with a soft fraction, and an essentially frame-shaped second seal part arranged at the inwardly projecting end of the first seal part, with a hard fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Wolff, Birgit Budde
  • Patent number: 8651527
    Abstract: A double wall dome seal seals between a steering gear and a dash panel of a vehicle. The dome seal includes a cover portion, a base portion, and a collapsible seal. The cover portion surrounds an axis and seals against the dash panel. The cover portion defines a first opening. The base portion surrounds axis and seals against the steering gear. The base portion defines a second opening. The collapsible seal surrounds the axis and is disposed between the cover portion and the base portion. The collapsible seal defines a cavity which opens between the first opening and the second opening such that the axis extends through each of the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening. The collapsible seal deforms between an extended position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Patent number: 8640815
    Abstract: A boot assembly includes a boot and a retention band. The retention band includes a ring, a lever attached to the ring and a clasp associated with the ring and configured for selective engagement with the lever. The boot includes an annular wall defining a hollow interior configured to receive a portion of a drive assembly of a vehicle. The boot further includes a rib, the rib being integral with the annular wall and extending radially outwardly from the annular wall. The rib and the annular wall cooperate to define an annular channel that is configured to receive the retention band. The rib extends radially outwardly beyond the ring, the lever and the clasp of the retention band when the retention band is seated within the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8556608
    Abstract: A rotor drive mechanism 25 is configured to transfer rotation of a driving shaft 38 to an external screw type rotor 22 of a uniaxial eccentric screw pump 23 via a connecting shaft 39, the driving shaft 38 being rotated such that the center thereof is located at a fixed position. The rotor drive mechanism 25 is configured such that: the driving shaft 38 includes an inner space 46 which is open toward the rotor 22; the connecting shaft 39 is inserted in the inner space 46; and a first seal portion 55 seals between an inner peripheral surface of an opening of the driving shaft 38, the opening being open toward the rotor 22, and an outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft 37 connected to the rotor 22 configured to carry out an eccentric rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Heishin Ltd
    Inventor: Noriaki Sakakihara
  • Patent number: 8550740
    Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) with a pivot pin (2), in particular with a pivot pin (2) having a head region (3) which is movable with respect to a receiving joint socket (4), wherein the pivot pin (2) is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential sealing collar (7), is configured so that the outside of the sealing collar (7) is covered by a separate protective cover (11) which conforms to the shape of the sealing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brunneke, Christian Lƶsche, Werner Schmudde
  • Publication number: 20130249172
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine comprises a seal support having a hub portion and a peripheral rim portion. A seal member is mounted to a radially inner surface of the hub portion. A first set of circumferentially spaced-apart channel segments project from the peripheral rim portion of the seal support. A second set of circumferentially spaced-apart channel segments projects from a mating stationary structure of the gas turbine engine. The first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart channel segments circumferentially may be aligned to complementary form a circumferentially extending channel. A retaining ring may be mounted in the circumferentially extending channel for retaining the seal support on the mating stationary structure of the engine. The seal support may be provided with a diaphragm to provide flexibly between the seal member and the point of attachment of the seal support to the mating structure of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Richard IVAKITCH, Andreas ELEFTHERIOU
  • Publication number: 20130228980
    Abstract: An increased resilience seal utilizing a sealed gas filled inner chamber in a bellows spring that functions as both a mechanical spring and a gas spring to provide a more constant level of separation force between two face plates to provide a seal between two mechanical components such as those found in an aircraft jet engine. The bellows spring is made of a plurality of walls that are joined together in a pressurized chamber that is filled with a gas, such as an inert gas. In alternative embodiments, the bellows spring is made of walls that are shaped and oriented to optimize the operating characteristics of the bellows spring when the pressure is increased in a sealed inner chamber in response to elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the walls forming a portion of the chamber overlap to optimize the geometry of the bellows spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Swensen, Matthew E. Roach
  • Publication number: 20130192936
    Abstract: Flexible sheathing for the protection of piston-cylinder units for disc brakes are provided. Such flexible sheathing may be arranged in a retracted condition wherein the piston is completely accommodated within the cylinder and in an extended condition wherein the piston is completely extracted from a caliper body defining the cylinder, said piston having a piston outer surface suitable to co-operate with a cylinder inner surface of the caliper body which accommodates the piston, said outer surface having a predefined piston diameter and said cylinder inner surface having a predefined cylinder diameter, wherein said piston comprises a piston body and a head thereof suitable to press against a pad of the disc brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Fabio Scotti, Antonio Gotti, Armando Puddu
  • Patent number: 8496254
    Abstract: Provided is a boot for a constant velocity universal joint capable of being properly engaged with an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint and capable of increasing durability thereof. Over a shoulder portion (5) and a root portion (13) of a boot (1) for a constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, there are formed a circular arc portion (14) adjacent to a large diameter portion (2) and having an axial sectional shape protruding radially outward and a linear portion (15) adjacent to the circular arc portion (14) and having a linear axial sectional shape. An innerperipheral surface (16) of the linear portion (15) is brought into contact with an opening end portion (17) of an outer joint member (7) of a constant velocity universal joint (6) such that a thickness from the circular arc portion (14) to the linear portion (15) is uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Takabe
  • Publication number: 20130167505
    Abstract: A primary seal assembly for a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) equipped turbofan engine includes a deformable seal and a seal retainer attached to the seal. The seal includes an inner wall and webs attached to the inner wall and extending transversely there-from. The inner wall and the webs extend circumferentially at least partially around a bypass duct of the turbofan engine. An inner surface of the inner wall interfaces with the VAFN when the VAFN is in the stowed position. The seal is compressed between the VAFN and the seal retainer when the VAFN is in the stowed position. And each of the webs is deformed into a non-planar configuration when the VAFN is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Kent Gormley
  • Patent number: 8469366
    Abstract: An expanding bellows is disclosed for sealing an annular gap between two parts, which are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and may be angled to one another, in a constant velocity joint. The expanding bellows has a first larger flange and a second smaller flange and an annular fold area, which extends between the first flange and the second flange, having annular folds implemented as outer folds, each having two annular flanks and a fold peak between two fold valleys. The expanding bellows further comprises a first area of at least two annular folds adjoining the first flange having diameters of the fold peaks and fold valleys decreasing in the direction toward the second flange and a second area having at least one annular fold adjoining the second flange having essentially uniform diameters of the fold valleys. A use of the expanding bellows is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Deisinger, Dietmar Oberste
  • Patent number: 8448289
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper drive arrangement (1) having a drive shaft (4), extending out of a gear mechanism housing (3), for a windscreen wiper, in which the drive shaft (4) is guided axially through a protective sleeve (15) which is sealed with respect to the drive shaft (4) by means of at least one inner sealing element (18) and with respect to a vehicle component (11) by means of at least one outer sealing element. The invention provides for the protective sleeve (15) to be secured to the gear mechanism housing in order to protect said protective sleeve against axial movement in the direction of the vehicle component (11) and/or against rotational movement relative to the gear mechanism housing (3) by frictional engagement and/or by means of at least one separate securing element (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Reith, Gerard Albrecht, Verena Lipps, Roland Bohn, Mario Huesges, Guenther Friderichs, Paul Geubel
  • Patent number: 8449275
    Abstract: A pump apparatus includes a first rotor drive mechanism configured to transfer rotation of an input shaft portion to an output shaft portion coupled to an external screw type rotor of a uniaxial eccentric screw pump, the input shaft portion being rotated with a central axis thereof kept in a certain position, and a uniaxial eccentric screw pump. The output shaft portion is rotatably provided via a bearing at a position eccentrically located with respect to the input shaft portion. The rotation of the input shaft portion is transferred through a first power transmission mechanism, including an inner gear, to the output shaft portion to cause the output shaft portion to carry out an eccentric rotational movement. The input shaft portion and the output shaft portion are arranged inside a pitch circle of the inner gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Heishin Sobi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruaki Akamatsu, Mikio Yamashita, Nobuhisa Suhara
  • Publication number: 20130121813
    Abstract: A flexible seal system for a gas turbine engine includes an annular mounting bracket, an annular support bracket, an annular flexible seal and a plurality of mounting spacers. The flexible seal extends axially between a first mounting segment and a second mounting segment. The first mounting segment is connected axially between the mounting bracket and the support bracket, and includes a plurality of mounting apertures that extend axially through the first mounting segment. Each of the mounting spacers is arranged within a respective one of the mounting apertures, and extends axially between the mounting bracket and the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jocelyn C. Damgaard, Steven D. Roberts, Timothy Dale
  • Patent number: 8424398
    Abstract: A tight package sensor seal includes a first seal portion engaging an outer surface of a sensor body and including a stop surface floatingly engaging a peripheral face surrounding a bore in a cover member. The first seal portion includes a reinforcing insert disposed therein. A second seal portion is axially spaced from the first seal portion and a flexible membrane extends axially between the first and second seal portions. The second seal portion engages an inner diameter of a bore in a cover member and includes a reinforcing insert therein. The sensor seal takes up a small radial space yet allows for radial offset of the sensor body relative to the bore of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: John B. Wagner, Kane A. Myers, J. Brian Cloud
  • Patent number: 8424878
    Abstract: A device including a metal substrate and a ceramic substrate including a back-tapered groove separated from each other by a sealed flexible link. The link includes: a metal element including an end connected to the metal substrate and at another end housed in the groove of the ceramic substrate, the metal element being elastically deformable both in the groove along a direction radial to the groove and, in the separation space between the metal substrate and the ceramic substrate along the separation direction, and a joint-forming mass with a greater thermal expansion coefficient than that of the ceramic substrate and adhesively bonded to the end of the metal element housed in the back-tapered groove, the joint fitting with direct contact a portion of the height of convergent sidewalls of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Philippe Bucci
  • Patent number: 8393624
    Abstract: A boot which has reduced deformations during operation is disclosed. The boot includes a first fastening region, wherein the first fastening region is displaced axially, with respect to the direction of a main axis of the boot, and with respect to a housing part on which the boot can be mounted, in such a way that the first fastening region at least partially projects beyond an edge of the housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Lukas Hoets, Wolfgang Schlosser
  • Publication number: 20130026716
    Abstract: An arrangement including a receptacle part (1) and a connecting body (2), wherein the connecting body (2) has a base body (3) having an inside surface (5) which is in contact with an outer surface (6) of the receptacle part (1). The base body (3) includes a thermoplastic elastomer connected to the outer surface (6) of the receptacle part (1). The outer surface (6) is designed to be rough enough so that the thermoplastic elastomer will enter into a form-fitting connection and/or an adhesive bond with the outer surface (6) after softening and then solidification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Olaf Nahrwold, Stefan Schirmer, Rainer Knorr, Christian Ziegler, Frank Birkwald, Frank Blaszyk
  • Publication number: 20130014519
    Abstract: A frozen beverage device to convert a liquid beverage into a semi-frozen or frozen form has inner and outer walls forming a refrigerant cavity containing a refrigerant material with a freezing point below the freezing point of the liquid, the refrigerant material occupying at least 80% of the volume of the refrigerant cavity. The outer wall has a base portion which can be moved from a first position, where the liquid is at least semi-frozen, to a second position where the internal pressure in the refrigerant cavity urges the inner wall outwardly towards the outer wall so that the refrigerant material contacts a maximum area of the surface of the inner wall in the refrigerant cavity for maximum heat transfer and to minimise constriction of access to the frozen beverage. Alternative methods to seal the inner and outer walls to close the refrigerant cavity are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HYDRO-TURBINE DEVELOPMENTS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Alfio Bucceri
  • Patent number: 8353142
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sealing containment sumps used in connection with underground storage tanks. A sump cover sealing system includes an expansion ring assembly adapted to affix to the interior of the sump, and to fastenably attach with the sump cover to removably seal the sump cover to the sump. A contraction band assembly is also provided to affix to the exterior of the sump opposite the expansion ring assembly. Methods of using the system are described. A sump cover with an observation portal is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Ross