By Deforming Interlock Patents (Class 29/437)
  • Patent number: 11460102
    Abstract: An assembly of a first component designed as an axle or a shaft on a second component, is provided, in particular for a vehicle. The first component is secured to the second component at least in the axial direction of the first component. At least one of the components has at least one first deformation on one side, the deformation being used to secure the first component on the second component in a first direction which coincides with the axial direction. At least one of the components has at least one second deformation on the same side, the second deformation being used to secure the first component on the second component in a second direction which coincides with the axial direction and is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Aigner, Michael Staake
  • Patent number: 11261940
    Abstract: The present application relates to a planet carrier assembly for a vehicle door closing actuator. The planet carrier assembly comprises a plurality of planetary gears and a planet carrier body. The planet carrier body comprises a disc portion, a cover portion and an output shaft portion, wherein the plurality of planetary gears are rotatably mounted on the disc portion via a corresponding number of mounting shafts fixed to the disc portion, one end of the mounting shaft protruding from a central hole of the planetary gear is pressed into a corresponding receiving hole on the cover portion, and the planet carrier body is further provided with a rotation locking device to prevent the cover portion from rotating circumferentially relative to the disc portion. The planet carrier assembly according to the present application has the advantages such as low cost, high strength, and simple assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG ZHAOQING L&V CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Hongyu Gong, Yuan Jiang, Xianghuai Qiu, Qingchun Yang
  • Patent number: 11129600
    Abstract: A device comprises an outer tube defining a longitudinal axis and comprising an aperture near a distal end thereof; a cutting element disposed within the outer tube and configured for rotation and movement across the aperture along the longitudinal axis, the cutting element comprising an engagement feature at a distal end thereof; and a distal tip comprising a tapered distal end and a proximal end that comprises a mating feature. The cutting element may be configured to rotate and cut tissue as it moves along the longitudinal axis across the aperture until the engagement feature at least partially engages the mating feature of the proximal end of the distal tip and entrains the distal tip in oscillation along the longitudinal axis and/or rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TransMed7 LLC
    Inventor: James W Vetter
  • Patent number: 10738874
    Abstract: A rolling bearing is mounted on a gear shaft, which extends along an axis and carries a first and a second toothing axially separated from each other by a cylindrical portion of the gear shaft. Such a cylindrical portion has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first toothing. The bearing is provided with rolling bodies, a cage with seats engageable by the rolling bodies, and an outer ring defining an outer rolling path for the rolling bodies. During assembly, the cage is fitted around the first toothing and axially displaced towards the second toothing until it is arranged around the cylindrical portion. In this step, the tenons of the cage pass in the slots between the teeth of the first toothing. Subsequently, the rolling bodies are radially inserted in the respective seats so as to be arranged against the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: GE AVIO SRL
    Inventors: Paolo Altamura, Salvatore Percacciolo, Leonardo Orlando, Marco Maffiotto
  • Patent number: 10444692
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an apparatus for assembling a multi-component structure. The apparatus for assembling includes a pushing member fixed to a first component, a latch unit corresponding to the pushing member, the latch unit fixed to a second component. when the first component is not installed to a predetermined position of the second component, the latch unit stays in a locking position to prevent the second component from being installed to a third component; when the first component is installed to the predetermined position of the second component, the latch unit stays in an unlocking position and the second component is released to be installed to the third component. A multi-component structure is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Cloud Network Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Chen Wang, Huang-Jyun Lu
  • Patent number: 10240371
    Abstract: A rolling door lock for a roll-up door, and more particularly a roll-up door that includes a latching handle assembly fitted to the exterior surface of a roll-up door. The latching handle assembly includes a handle and a hook. The rolling door lock attaches to the hook and handle of the latching handle assembly to prevent forced opening of the roll-up door. The rolling door lock includes a main body and a detachable bracket. The main body includes a hook securing portion and a pocket. The pocket includes a slot. During normal use the hook securing portion of the rolling door lock secures the hook of the latching handle assembly, and the detachable bracket secures the handle of the latching handle assembly. The lock mechanism locks the detachable bracket with the handle secured therein to the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Patent number: 10231715
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a patient's target site. The device includes a probe member with a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture, and a tissue cutting member which is rotatable disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture. The longitudinal edges of the aperture are preferably sharpened to engage the cutting edges of the tissue cutting member. Vacuum may be provided in the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue therethrough. Rotation, rotational oscillation and/or longitudinal reciprocation of the tissue cutting member is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue. An accessing cannula having an tissue receiving aperture may be concentrically disposed within the probe member and about the tissue cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SENORX, INC.
    Inventors: Richard L. Quick, Frank R. Louw, Paul Lubock, Martin V. Shabaz
  • Patent number: 9561536
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming and sealing an adjustable duct member for use in an air handling system. At least one work station accommodates a tapered work piece. A repositionable die is positioned relative to the work piece, and a cutting and forming assembly cooperates with the repositionable die to cut the work piece and form a coupling bead to reconnect the members together. A sealing assembly cooperates with the first repositioning die to seal the coupling bead in the first and second members. The work station includes an insertion channel having predetermined dimensions to accommodate at least a portion of the work piece. A clamping assembly is associated with the insertion channel to securely hold the tapered work piece at the predetermined position during the cutting and forming and sealing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CLEVELAND TOOL & MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Victor Bota
  • Patent number: 9499070
    Abstract: A striker for use with a vehicle having a lock element, which comprises an engagement portion engageable with the lock element and a reinforcing bracket disposed relative to the engagement portion of the striker, such that a predetermined space is provided between the reinforcing bracket and engagement portion. When a relatively small load is applied via the lock element to the engagement portion, an impact energy of the load to body side of the vehicle is absorbed by the striker in a period of time during which the engagement portion is deformed within the predetermined space. If the load is great, the engagement portion is deformed over that space and contacts the reinforcing bracket, thereby being prevented against further deformation, such that an impact energy of the great load to the body side of vehicle is absorbed and reduced in the striker and reinforcing bracket in a stepwise way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujii, Toshinari Mitsumoto
  • Patent number: 9486232
    Abstract: Minimally invasive endoscopic cutting instruments having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes means for eliminating or modifying the distal end axial bearing surfaces so as to reduce manufacturing costs as well as the opportunity for galling and metal shedding. The present invention further describes an improved hub attachment method that may further or alternatively reduce overall manufacturing costs. The present invention yet further describes means and methods for improved bendability in the field, which, in turn, enables improved access to remote surgical targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HANSHI LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Heisler, Robert A. Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 9433432
    Abstract: A surgical milling instrument, comprising two tubular cutters arranged one inside another, each of which has a cylindrical shaft tube, an integrally formed distal end piece in a hollow hemispherical shape, and a cutting window, wherein the outer tubular cutter is non-rotatably mounted on a main body and the inner tubular cutter is mounted in a rotationally driven manner thereon, is characterized in that at least one of the end pieces, in a hole surrounding the axis of the associated shaft tube, has an insert plate connected on the edge thereof to the edge of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Schoeler, Dido Armin Zweibrueck, Andre Scheel
  • Patent number: 9404523
    Abstract: A unitized component assembly includes an component having an aperture, and a plurality of discrete projections extending into the aperture and spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the aperture, and a fastener having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a necked portion and a threaded portion adjacent the necked portion. The shank is positioned in the aperture such that the necked portion is in facing relationship with the projections. The threaded portion is engageable with the projections to provide an axial stop for limiting movement of the fastener relative to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Koyo Bearings North America LLC
    Inventors: Anthony P. Copper, Justin R. Ballenger
  • Publication number: 20150135508
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cap, which can insert a sheet member easily into a predetermined position of an upper part inside a cap body, without causing deformation to the sheet member or the cap body. The sheet member does not separate when a container is brought to reduced pressure. An annular protruding portion protruding on a lower surface side is formed in an annular flat region of a sheet member of an inside plug. After or at the same time that the sheet member is inserted into and installed at a predetermined position within a cap body, the annular protruding portion is pressed axially toward a top panel wall and deformed so as to become close to a flat shape, to enlarge the outer diameter of the sheet member. The inside plug is thereby held to be inseparable from inside a skirt wall and to be axially movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Ichimura, Mitsuo Kumata
  • Publication number: 20140352130
    Abstract: Crimping machines, including constructions thereof and methods for their manufacture and use. The crimping machines include at least a first load-bearing component that comprises a plurality of load-bearing laminates that are assembled and secured together. The first load-bearing component is installed in the crimping machine so that a crimping load of the crimping machine is imposed on the first load-bearing component during a crimping operation performed by the crimping machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Custom Machining Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Vincent Intagliata, Jeffrey Robin Intagliata
  • Patent number: 8806748
    Abstract: A heat pipe mounting method and a heat pipe assembly thereof are disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a heat-transfer block and a plurality of heat pipes. A plurality of heat pipe grooves is formed on the heat-transfer block. The heat pipes are then press-fitted to respective heat pipe grooves. During the press-fitting step, the heat pipes are flattened to force the flattened part of one heat pipe into abutment against the flattened part of another heat pipe in a flushed manner. Thereby, the heat pipes are abutted to each other with no separation therebetween. Hence, the heat transfer performance is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8763228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting and crimping a ring on an attachment rod in a hole, comprising a robot, a monitoring and control system and an end tool designed to crimp the ring on the rod. The end tool includes a crimping device and a ring installation device which are solidly connected to a fine-positioning device, by means of which the end tool is attached to an end element of the robot. A ring insertion subassembly of the ring installation device and a crimping nose of the crimping device can move on the end tool so as to be positioned alternatively on an axis of an attachment to be installed, with no controlled movement of the robot when the end tool has been pre-positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: European Aeronautic Defence And Space Company EADS France
    Inventor: Philippe Le Vacon
  • Patent number: 8646178
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a heat exchanger, a metal body includes a bore and inlet and outlet connectors fitted to the body at respective inlet and outlet ends of the bore. The connectors each include an inner surface in which annular grooves are formed. A tube is inserted in the bore such that inlet and outlet ends of the tube are respectively located in the inlet and outlet connectors. A mandrel is operated to expand at least a portion of the tube into contact with the body, and to expand the inlet and outlet tube ends into contact with the grooves of the inlet and outlet connectors, respectively. The heat exchanger provides improved thermal exchange efficiency between the tube and the body, and fluid-tight connections between the tube and the inlet and outlet connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Crisi, Luca Campagna, Silvio Giors
  • Patent number: 8365384
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Alex Watts
  • Patent number: 8181325
    Abstract: A method for mounting a soft member on a longitudinal member by pressing the soft member against the longitudinal member by a roller. The roller is rotated using a servomotor so that the peripheral speed (V2) of the pressing surface of the roller, which forms the outer peripheral surface of the roller, is equal to a transfer speed (V1) at which the roller is transferred along the longitudinal member or the peripheral speed is larger by 10% max. than the transfer speed (V1) partly in a roller transfer route. The soft member is pulled back in the opposite direction of the roller transfer direction by the rotating force of the roller to prevent the soft member from being loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Saeko Komatsu, Toshiyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8151461
    Abstract: To produce a sealing contact between male and female threaded elements, a contact zone is provided, located between male and female threading portions separated from each other in an axial direction. The male and female elements have respective cylindrical portions that extend over the entire length of the contact zone. After expansion, a sealing contact is established between surfaces in two annular areas by a radial interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Eric Verger, Laurent Dubedout, Benoît Duquesne, Andréi G Filippov, Scott A Benzie
  • Patent number: 7908731
    Abstract: In ventilation and air-conditioning technology, so-called spiral pipes have to be joined together in a tightly sealed manner at widely differing angles, which is generally carried out by segment bends and pipe sections. An improved, durable seal of folded-seam connections is achieved by a flange-like double fold which is arranged at a first pipe end and which is surrounded on the outside at least in part with positive locking and with a continuous metal seal, by a second double fold at the second pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Spiro S.A.
    Inventor: Rudolf Binggeli
  • Patent number: 7900353
    Abstract: A method for combining axially heated heat pipes and a heat-conducting base includes the steps of preparing a heat-conducting base and a plurality of heat pipes, providing a plurality of penetrating holes on a surface of the heat-conducting base, inserting one end of each heat pipe into the individual penetrating hole of the heat-conducting base, performing a lateral pressing to the heat-conducting base so as to bring each heat pipe into a tight and planar contact with the wall of each corresponding penetrating hole in the direction of pressing, and grinding the bottom surface of the heat-conducting base to become a flat surface to make the end of each heat pipe flush with the bottom surface of the heat-conducting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Jaffe Limited
    Inventor: Hul-Chun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090151418
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crimp die holder. The crimp die holder includes a main body portion, a pin, and a spring. The main body portion includes a first recess, a second recess, and an opening. The first recess extends from a first side of the main body portion to a middle section of the main body portion. The second recess extends from a second side of the main body portion to the middle section. The opening extends from a third side of the main body portion and through a section of the second recess. The pin is disposed within the opening. The pin includes a first portion along a length of the pin. The first portion of the pin is configured to engage with a portion of a crimp die at the section of the second recess. The spring is between the main body portion and the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas R. Faucher, Mark A. Chiasson
  • Publication number: 20090049673
    Abstract: A joining device for shuttering panels which features a clamp, supported by a hollow tubular body, manually operable by means of a lever which is articulately joined to the tubular body by means of an articulated joint, the device being equipped with a regulating system which allows said articulated joint to be moved longitudinally along the interior of the tubular body, which incorporates a closing cover of said tubular body equipped with a central hole; a regulating nut, equipped with an operating head and an internally threaded hollow rod which is inserted into the tubular body through the hole in the closing cover; and a bracing bush which prevents the removal of the hollow rod from the interior of the tubular body, the regulating nut being joined to the closing cover by the outward splaying of the mouth of the hollow rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: INVERAL, S.A.
    Inventor: Pedro Xammar Bove
  • Patent number: 7478469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a 2-piece skin door comprising a bottom skin (10) and a top skin (20) wherein each of the bottom and top skins' longitudinal edges have been bent and folded to complementarily hem each other in an interlocking manner to form a seam, the method including: holding the bottom skin in an upwardly open pan manner; holding the top skin in an inverted pan manner wherein its folded and hemmed edges are aligned with the corresponding edges of the bottom skin; and pushing the top skin to insert said top skin's folded edge into the bottom skin's corresponding folded edge to form said interlocking seam. The bottom skin may be held securely on a substantially planar surface with securing means. The top skin may be provided with means for pulling it in alignment towards the bottom skin by winch and cable with hook means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Malaysia Woodworking (Pte) Ltd
    Inventor: Toong Chuan Yong
  • Patent number: 7382819
    Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure of a gas species up to at most a predetermined maximum pressure value is disclosed. The method includes exposing the gas species to transmission of laser light, periodically modulating the wavelength of the laser light over a wavelength band including at least one absorption line of the gas species, optoelectrically converting the transmitted laser light, thereby generating an electric output signal, performing at least one of first filtering the electric output signal with a filter characteristic having a lower cut-off frequency not lower than a transition frequency and of second filtering the electric output signal with a bandpass filter characteristic having an upper cut-off frequency not higher than the transition frequency and a lower cut-off frequency above the modulation frequency of the periodic wavelength modulation. The output of at least one of the filterings is evaluated as a pressure indicative signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Lehmann, Jean-Noel Fehr, Martin Liechti, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 7281329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a roller follower assembly, comprising the steps of fabricating a lash adjuster body, fabricating a roller follower body, fabricating a leakdown plunger, fabricating a socket, wherein at least one of the lash adjuster body, roller follower body, leakdown plunger, and socket is fabricated at least in part by forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Dhruva Mandal, Carroll Williams
  • Patent number: 7197797
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle door hinge having a hinge axis, the method including providing a first hinge part having a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, the hinge axis passing through the first arm and the second arm. The method also includes bending a strip of material to form a second hinge part having a first end, a second end, and a bent section between the first end and the second end, the first end having a first section and the second end having a second section, the first section and the second section being parallel relative to one another. In addition, the method includes fixing the first section and the second section relative to one another, and disposing the bent section between the first and second arms about the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Edscha North America
    Inventors: Wojciech Janczak, Craig Spalding, Jonathan Smith
  • Patent number: 6961985
    Abstract: A striking tool comprising a head assembled to a handle having a long axis is characterized in that the head comprises a closed cavity extending into the head in the direction of the long axis, an opening through a wall of the head into the cavity, the opening extending at substantially a right angle to the long axis, and a spreading element inserted through the opening and spreading a portion of the handle within the cavity to urge against walls of the cavity to secure the head to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Mark A. Boys
  • Patent number: 6848160
    Abstract: A manufacturing process (100) for forming a product, such as a thermal shield (20), in a web (102) of material. The thermal shield includes a first plate (22) and a second plate (24) joined to one another at a seam (28). The manufacturing process includes engaging an upper member (128) containing second plate with the web, which contains the first plate. Registration structures (112, 130) are provided to the upper member and web for keeping the upper member in proper registration with the web during formation of the seam. After the seam has been at least partially formed, the thermal shield is separated from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Thermal Shield Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Donald E. Cota, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6748651
    Abstract: This method includes punching a bus-bar pattern out of a conductive metal sheet. A bus bar terminal piece is punched out of the remaining material in the conductive metal sheet. An electrical connection is formed between the bus-bar pattern and the bus-bar terminal piece using male and female connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Miyajima, Shin Hasegawa, Yoshiaki Sawaki
  • Patent number: 6685378
    Abstract: A coupler includes one or more pairs of ears each having an orifice, a lever having one end engaged between the ears and having an aperture aligned with the orifices of the ears for receiving a locking pin. The locking pin includes a head formed on one end and having an inner flat peripheral surface for solidly engaging with the ears, and includes an opening formed in a peripheral wall which may be expanded radially outward to engage with the ears, for solidly securing the locking pin to the ears. A retaining ring may solidly secure the locking pin to the ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent Huang, Jim Huang
  • Patent number: 6679024
    Abstract: A high strength grouted pipe coupler by which either a pair of spaced, axially aligned steel reinforcement bars (i.e. rebars) are reliably spliced to one another or a single reinforcement bar is spliced to a flat steel plate to form a T-headed bar configuration. The reinforcement bars are surrounded by a spiral reinforcing spring within a hollow cylindrical sleeve or tube. The coupler tube is filled with an epoxy or cement based grout within which the reinforcement bars and the reinforcing spring are embedded. Set screws are moved through the coupler tube to maintain the position of the reinforcement bars prior to the coupler tube being filled with epoxy or cement. The pipe coupler herein disclosed has application for connecting together contiguous columns, walls, beams and similar structures to enable buildings, parking garages, bridges, subways and airports to be better able to survive a seismic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kjell L. Dahl
  • Patent number: 6585468
    Abstract: A captivated fastener assembly is provided along with a technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece. The assembly includes a fastener having a head, a shank extending from said head that has an upper unthreaded shank portion and a lower threaded shank portion, wherein the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion exceed the diameter of the upper unthreaded shank portion. The assembly further includes a workpiece having a sleeve with an internal bore with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener shank so that the sleeve can be received over the shank. The sleeve also includes segments that deform inwardly in response to a predetermined compressive force, thereby forming a plurality of deformed segments that protrude inwardly. Thus, the plurality of deformed segments provide an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion, thereby holding the fastener captive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: H. Thad Johnson, Michael J. Draper
  • Patent number: 6454493
    Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Patent number: 6412160
    Abstract: An assembly for retaining a work piece and fitting together for placement in a swage machine. The assembly includes a die and a collar to keep the work piece from moving during the swaging process. The collar includes two clamping sections that are connected together, such as by a hinge. The collar is placed about the work piece and then clamped in place by a retaining bolt at the opposing end of the clamping sections. The die includes a recess for holding the collar and a recess for the tube. The assembly includes an anti-rotation feature to minimize rotation of the collar within the recess. One example of an anti-rotation feature is the formation of the recess and the collar in corresponding hexagonal shapes. The die may also include a recess for retaining a fitting to be swaged to the work piece. The die and collar assembly eliminates the need for nylon inserts and eliminates work piece rotation and axial movement during the automated swaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Carl Glessner, Norman Stanton Baylis
  • Patent number: 6371224
    Abstract: An improved thin walled threaded spacer for use in preventing thread galling in adjacent sections of drill pipe in a drill string is formed by mechanically deforming a strip of copper/beryllium alloy containing 2% beryllium to form a preform having a hollow, truncated conical section and then mechanically deforming the conical section to impart helical grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Freeman, David Krus, Donald Moracz, William D. Nielsen, Jr., Diane Ryan
  • Patent number: 6193038
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-way clutch includes forming an inner plate; forming first and second outer plate members having a common axis; forming at least one strut pocket in one of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; forming at least one notch in the other of the group consisting of the inner plate and the second outer plate member; assembling a strut in the at least one strut pocket; inserting the inner plate between the outer plate members; and securing the outer plate members together to form a unitary outer plate assembly such that the inner plate is rotatably retained within the outer plate assembly and the strut is engageable with the at least one notch to effect one-way torque transfer between the inner plate and the outer plate assembly. The method may also include forming the second outer plate member as two pieces having mating surfaces, and interlocking the mating surfaces together. A one-way clutch manufactured by the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Scott, Brice A. Pawley, Jeffrey J. Prout, Stephen M. Ruth
  • Patent number: 6044536
    Abstract: In a method for making an assembly unit from an assembly bolt (3) that has a bolt head (9) and a shaft (6) and from a sleeve that has an axially movable annular collar (11) toward the head that surrounds a partial axial region of the shaft, first the shaft that has a counterpart back-engagement part is introduced into the sleeve, and then at least one back-engagement part on the sleeve is created by means of a stamping oriented essentially inward from the outer jacket face. The stamping has an action that is oriented radially inward and an action oriented toward the bolt head (9). In the stamping, a counterholder presses against the bearing face (22) of the annular collar (11) oriented toward the bolt head (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Richard Bergner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schneider
  • Patent number: 6004040
    Abstract: In one aspect, an adjustment system includes a first gage part adjustably engaged (e.g., mated and/or threaded) with a second gage part. The gage parts may be employed in a (e.g., pressing) process of direct installation of bearings (e.g., tapered roller bearings) on a final assembly spindle (e.g., a motor, pump and/or speed reducer shaft). Also, the gage part(s) may be employed in providing adjustment(s) (e.g., a preload and/or an endplay setting) for an adjustable spacer during the same process of direct installation of the bearings. The gage parts may have various interface(s) with the bearing(s), retainer(s), and/or housing portion(s), rotationally supported with respect to the spindle with the bearings. Further, the gage part(s) may serve to protect the bearing(s) from path(s) of compression employed in the adjustment(s). In another aspect, the gage part(s) may be employed in providing a desired adjustment for a gear mounted on the spindle. For the desired gear adjustment (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Temper Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 5992894
    Abstract: A quick-connect for attaching plural conduits to a fluid communicating ported block or valve. A recess provided in the block face between the ports has an attachment member, received in the recess and retained on the block by through-bolting from the back side of the block. A snap ring is retained between the attachment member and the block. The conduits are prepared with a convolution and an end fitting spaced from the convolution with a seal ring on the end fitting. A retaining plate has the spaced portion of each conduit received in an edge cutout. The retaining plate has a barbed stud mounted between the conduits; and, the conduit ends with seal rings are inserted in the block ports and the stud inserted in a hole in the attachment member to engage the captured snap ring. Removal of the through bolts from the backside is required for disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William N. Eybergen
  • Patent number: 5972476
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load-transmitting part having at least two lateral engaging surfaces includes stamping a plurality of thin laminas from generally planar stock material. The laminas are stacked together such that the laterally-disposed surfaces of adjacent laminas cooperate to define the lateral engaging surfaces of the part. The laminas are permanently secured together to prevent relative laminar movement when a load is transmitted from one of the lateral engaging surfaces to another of the lateral engaging surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Field
  • Patent number: 5906047
    Abstract: A grease fitting is made by forming its outer shell in a series of cold forging steps to make a blank with the necessary thread blank at one end, a hexagonal center portion, and with a grease-fitting-mating nipple outline at the other end. Threads are rolled onto the thread blank, and the grease-gun-mating nipple is rolled to smooth and burnish its surface. The grease fitting is then successively drilled to make a hole of three different diameters to form the one-way valve ball seat and two ball spring clearance diameters. The ball and spring are inserted, and the end of the hole is formed over the end of the spring to capture the spring into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Alemite Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Miller, Jerry D. Shew, Jerry V. Burton, John T. Callicotte, Jr., Gerald F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5852864
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has a bell-shaped outer joint part which is open at one end. The outer joint part includes longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed outer ball tracks. An inner joint part with longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed inner ball tracks is positioned within the outer part such that the outer and inner tracks are arranged radially opposite one another to form pairs. A torque transmitting ball is received in each track pair. A cage is arranged between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and holds the balls in a common plane in circumferentially distributed cage windows. The cage guides the balls on to the angle bisecting plane when the axes of the outer and inner joint part are articulated relative to one another. The outer joint part is produced, especially by extrusion, forging or deep-drawing. The forming provides outer ball tracks which, if viewed from the open end, are axially undercut-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Peter Harz
  • Patent number: 5839845
    Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint has a threaded ball seat that is screwed into an open end of the joint housing to adjust the axial load on the ball stud and consequent torque characteristics. The adjusted position of the ball seat is then maintained by swaging the joint housing inwardly to engage a hexagonal portion of the ball seat that is used to screw the ball seat into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Brian A. Mattila, Thomas J. Miller, Kenneth G. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5827598
    Abstract: A penetration seal (12) is provided including a flexible patch (14) having adhesive (20) applied to one of the patch's first and second face surfaces (16), (18). An opening (22) is formed in the patch (14) of a size predetermined to fit a particular penetration (24). The opening (22) is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the penetration (24). In addition, a method of sealing the space (28) between an aircraft penetration (24) and surrounding insulation material (26) is provided. The method includes providing a seal (12) having a patch (14) with first and second face surfaces (16), (18), an opening (22) in the patch (14), and adhesive (20) applied to the first face surface (16). The method further includes applying the patch (14) to the penetration and insulation material by passing the penetration (24) through the opening (22) at the first face and pressing the first face surface (16) to the insulation material (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John T. Larsen, John E. Huber
  • Patent number: 5729952
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and assembling reliable mechanical rebar couplers so that a short upstand of rebar that protrudes from an existing concrete structure can be connected to a new rebar at a retrofit work site out in the field so as to provide a connection between a new and the existing structure. According to a first embodiment, one end of the protruding upstand is upset, and a threaded male coupling member surrounds the protruding upstand behind the upset end thereof. The threaded male coupling member is mated to a threaded female coupling member that is affixed to the new rebar such that the upset end of the upstand is retained between the male and female coupling members. According to a second embodiment, one end of each of the protruding upstand and the new rebar is upset, and a threaded male coupling member surrounds the protruding upstand and the new rebar behind the respective upset ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Kjell L. Dahl
  • Patent number: 5685659
    Abstract: Pivot for articulating the load-bearing components of a jack. The pivot comprises a shaft that rotates in a bore. The components are lengths of U section or have lateral flanges or upright edges that overlap in the vicinity of the pivot. The object is to decrease the weight of the jack. Instead of a solid bolt, the axis is a hollow neck (19) stamped through the sides (15 & 17) or flanges (13) of one component and extending through the bore (18) in its counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: August Bilstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Brosius, Reinhard Holscher
  • Patent number: 5613290
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attaching a gear tooth sensor to an object, such as an engine block of an automobile. A clamping bar and a deformable conical washer are associated with a tubular portion of the sensor in such a way that rigid attachment of the clamping bar to the engine block, such as through the use of a threaded bolt, deforms the conical washer into a generally flat shape and, in the process, causes a distal end of the tubular portion of the sensor to move away from a target by a predetermined distance. Prior to deforming the deformable washer between the clamping bar and the engine block, the sensor is moved into contact with a rotatable target, such as a gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene D. Alfors
  • Patent number: 5524330
    Abstract: An electronics component face plate and captured screw assembly and method of forming the assembly. A face plate of sheet metal, such as one provided with indicia (providing source information or information as to indicators, connection elements or controls) is provided with a hole of a diameter sized to correspond to a portion of a screw, between a screw head and screw threading wherein the threading has a diameter greater than the hole. A tab structure is cut into the metal in a circular pattern in a region surrounding the hole. Tabs are formed by removing portions of the metal to leave a portion of the metal surrounded on each side by an area wherein the metal has been removed. The tabs are then pressed upwardly. In doing this, the original hole with the diameter as noted above, expands somewhat such that the threaded area of the screw can be inserted through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Alberini