By Snap Fit Patents (Class 29/453)
  • Patent number: 11345046
    Abstract: A gripping unit for the automated assembly of a component having at least one holding region may include at least one assembly gripper configured to grip the component in the at least one holding region. The at least one assembly gripper may include two gripping fingers that may be axially adjustable towards one another into a gripping position where the component is securable between the two gripping fingers, and that may be axially adjustable away from one another into a released position where the component is releasable from the two gripping fingers. The two gripping fingers may include a first gripping finger having a first gripping contour and a second gripping finger having a second gripping contour. The first gripping contour and the second gripping contour may be structured complimentary to the at least one holding region of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: Ralf Berndt, Anabel Gaule, Nico Held, Frank Nastoll, Jochen Schaudt
  • Patent number: 10738464
    Abstract: A building element includes a sheet of a rigid material and at least one nonlinear energy sink including a blade with two end parts and a nonlinear spring function intermediate part, a mass fixed to the nonlinear spring function intermediate part of the blade, and a fixing element allowing the two end parts of the blade to be fixed to a solid support in such a way that the nonlinear spring function intermediate part can oscillate about its position of equilibrium or its positions of equilibrium. The nonlinear energy sink is fixed rigidly to the sheet by the fixing element. The building element can be contained in a partition wall. Additionally, such an energy sink or building element can be used for reducing the acoustic transparency of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignees: SAINT-GOBAIN PLACO, SAINT-GOBAIN ISOVER, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Pierre-Olivier Mattei, Sergio Bellizzi, Marc Pachebat, Remi Poncot, Sylvain Berger
  • Patent number: 10698166
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fiber optic connector comprising a housing, a spring, a ferrule assembly and a crimping seat. Before being inserted into the housing, the ferrule assembly is pre-assembled into the crimping seat in a manner of being movable relative to the crimping seat. The spring is pre-assembled into the housing before the ferrule assembly is inserted into the housing. After the pre-assembled ferrule assembly and crimping seat are inserted into the housing, the crimping seat is snap-fitted in the housing, and the spring pushes the ferrule assembly, so that the ferrule assembly is capable of being moved against the spring relative to the crimping seat. Before inserted into a housing of the fiber optic connector, some components may be pre-assembled together to form an integral assembly having a size less than that of a housing of the fiber optic connector. Accordingly, the integral assembly may be smoothly pulled through a small long pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TELECOMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Liu, Zhaoyang Tong
  • Patent number: 10595707
    Abstract: Adjustable rack assemblies and end caps for appliances, such as a dishwasher appliance, is provided herein. A rack assembly may include a frame, a rack, a first front wheel, a second front wheel, and an end cap. The rack may be selectively mounted to the frame to receive articles for washing within a wash chamber, and may be slidable along the frame between an extended position and a retracted position. The first front wheel may be rotatably attached to the rack above the frame. The second front wheel may be rotatably attached to the rack below the first front wheel in vertical alignment therewith. The end cap may be attached to the frame at a forward end thereof. The end cap may define a top-end catch profile and a bottom-end relief profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Arpit Singhal, Justin Paul Mudd
  • Patent number: 10536054
    Abstract: A mounting structure includes at least one first hole formed in a first component of the gear motor, at least one second hole formed in a second component of the gear motor, arranged coaxially with the first hole, and at least one expansion member extending into the first and second holes. The expansion member has an interference fit with one of the first and second holes, and has a transition fit with the other of the first and second holes. The present invention can effectively prevent falling off of the expansion member, and reduce the assembly difficulties of the gear motor as well as the degree of deformation of the expansion member during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Electric International AG
    Inventors: Jing Ning Ta, Wei Xing Mao, Qiu Mei Li, Zhi Qiang Wu, Lan Gui Xing
  • Patent number: 10466015
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a releasably engagable system of ballistic-resistant panels including a first ballistic-resistant panel comprising a ceramic plate system, the first ballistic-resistant panel having opposing first ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces; and a second ballistic-resistant panel having opposing second ballistic-resistant panel front and back surfaces. Additionally, the embodiments of the releasably engagable systems of ballistic-resistant panels include at least one of fasteners, an adhesive coating, or a securement element, all of which function to releasably engage the second ballistic-resistant panel front surface with the first ballistic-resistant panel back surface in fixed adjacent relation to provide releasably engaged ballistic-resistant panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Angel Armor, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Michael Richardson, Matthew Jason Wellman, Christopher R. Foth
  • Patent number: 10407910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting beam of composite structure for ceiling systems which are also of a composite structure and which are made at least in sections of concrete, said supporting beam comprising a support, in particular a steel support, which has a base plate and at least one, preferably two webs which, for this purpose, are arranged at an angle, preferably in a perpendicular manner. The invention is characterized in that a space, which is delimited by the web(s) and the base plate, is filled at least in sections with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Krzysztof Janczura, Jerzy Derysz
  • Patent number: 10358823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting beam of composite structure for ceiling systems which are also of a composite structure and which are made at least in sections of concrete, said supporting beam comprising a support, in particular a steel support, which has a base plate and at least one, preferably two webs which, for this purpose, are arranged at an angle, preferably in a perpendicular manner. The invention is characterized in that a space, which is delimited by the web(s) and the base plate, is filled at least in sections with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Krzysztof Janczura, Jerzy Derysz
  • Patent number: 10343273
    Abstract: A dual purpose flip-out and T handle ratchet is able to be used in an L or modified L-handle orientation as well as a T handle orientation. The dual purpose flip-out and T handle includes a handle portion and a ratchet head and neck portion. The handle portion is coupled to the neck portion at a lockable hinge. The hinge allows the head and neck portion to rotate to an L or modified L-handle orientation or to a T handle orientation. When properly oriented the tool is able to be used to tighten or loosen objects such as screws or bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Yugen Patrick Lockhart
  • Patent number: 10302092
    Abstract: An electronic pump is provided, which includes a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes an impeller and a rotor which are separately injection-molded respectively. The material for injection-molding the rotor includes a magnetic material, and the material for injection-molding the impeller does not include a magnetic material. The impeller includes a first fitting portion, the rotor includes a second fitting portion, the impeller and the rotor are cooperated by the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, and the impeller and the rotor are fixed with respect to each other by a fixing device. In this way, the impeller and the rotor may be made respectively by different materials, and an ordinary plastic material may be employed for the impeller, which may reduce the cost of manufacturing material of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongmin Song, Junchao Zhang, Wei Ye, Junfeng Bao
  • Patent number: 10293974
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus to be used in a system that adapts a pallet to cargo handling system. This includes the use of adaptor panels to alter the length of the pallet so that it may conform to a standard pallet length. The present disclosure also relates to a method of use for the adaptor system in applying it to a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dustin Paul Scheer, Wesley K. Stegmiller, Aaron J. Roberts, Wallace Harold Larson
  • Patent number: 10207629
    Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a front-end module and at least one front headlamp on a body of a passenger car, including the steps of: holding the front headlamp in at least one pre-mounting position on the front-end module via a holding device, by which the front headlamp is held on the front-end module so as to be movable relative to the latter; arranging the front-end module on the body together with the front headlamp held thereon via the holding device so as to be movable relative to the front-end module, wherein the front-end module and therewith also the front headlamp are moved relative to the body; and fixing the front headlamp in a final mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Kandlbinder, Manfred Leidenberger
  • Patent number: 10081393
    Abstract: A vehicle canopy includes a vehicle body defining a roof opening. A roof is connected to the vehicle body across the roof opening. A headliner is supported by at least one of the vehicle body and the roof. A frame is supported by the vehicle body. A fabric partition is engaged with the frame and extends across the roof opening between the headliner and the roof. The fabric partition may assist in preventing occupant test dummies and/or other objects from moving through the roof opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Mark Keller, Bruno M. Barthelemy
  • Patent number: 9997885
    Abstract: A method is for producing a cable which comprises a conductor and a barrel. The conductor has individual wires and is enclosed, at least in portions, by a piece of insulation. The conductor is heated and a crimping process is carried out for electrically contacting the barrel with the conductor. The barrel is pressed together with the heated conductor during the crimping process in such a way that the conductor is initially compressed on a first axial sub-portion of the conductor and subsequently the compression of the conductor is spread to a larger second axial sub-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: MD ELEKTRONIK GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Friesinger, Markus Lindner
  • Patent number: 9862422
    Abstract: A rocker panel assembly for a vehicle includes an upper rocker panel, a lower rocker panel, and a fastener. The fastener connects the upper and lower rocker panels. The fastener has a frustoconical tip to locate the fastener on the lower rocker panel, a body with a plurality of fins to stabilize the fastener between the upper and lower rocker panels, and a shoulder including an arrow-head configured to clamp the lower rocker panel to the upper rocker panel between the shoulder and a head of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Jarvis, Steven C. Dworack
  • Patent number: 9827651
    Abstract: A tensioning device and method of use is disclosed, the tensioning device helps tighten a rotationally free screw including a head and an expanding nut, wherein the screw retains an article to a surface through an aperture in the surface. The tensioning device includes an extension and an arcuate element, wherein a user grasps the extension and positions the arcuate element about the screw and underneath the screw head then manually exerting an axial force to tension the screw causing frictional contact of the expanding nut to an opposing hidden surface thereby allowing the screw to be tightened as against the nut and securing the article to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Edwin Robert Shepherd, IV
  • Patent number: 9797455
    Abstract: A roller bearing assembly apparatus is provided that, when assembling the roller bearing, effectively prevents rollers R that are assembled inside an outer ring W from becoming tilted or dropping out from the state immediately after assembly. After the rollers R are aligned into an annular shape by an alignment jig 14, the roller group G aligned in an annular shape is pushed out from the alignment space 26 of the alignment jig 14, and pushed inside a guide hole 39 of an insertion jig 15. As a result, with the diameter of the roller group G being prevented from expanding by the inner-circumferential surface of the guide hole 39, a retaining member 36, the diameter thereof being elastically reduced, is inserted inside the roller group G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Yuuichi Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 9784385
    Abstract: A grommet is at least partially comprised of a clear, rigid material is disclosed. The body of the grommet tapers from a proximal end to a distal end, allowing the grommet to be guided into a hole in a post of a handrail system. The interior of the body includes an longitudinal cannulation open to the exterior of the grommet via a helical cut in the surface, allowing for a wire rope to pass through. The grommet can be installed whether or not a wire rope has previously been passed through a railing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Suncor Stainless, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Striebel, James J. Storrer
  • Patent number: 9714676
    Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerfried R. Achtner, Thomas D. Hall, Ryan M. Mahn, Javier Manriquez
  • Patent number: 9649992
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling a trim part (10) to a sup-porting part (12) of a vehicle, wherein the trim part (10) has an outer surface (16) and an inner surface (18) and is fixable to the supporting part (12) by fixing means (14) provided on the inner surface (18), a fixing connection being established by engaging the fixing means (14) with counter means (20) provided on the supporting part (12), the method comprising following steps of aligning the trim part (10) and the supporting part (12) such that the fixing means (14) and the counter means (20) can be engaged to each other, engaging the fixing means (14) with the counter means (20) by applying force to the outer surface (16) of trim part (10), and fastening an indicator (30) on the outer surface (16) for indicating the position of the fixing means (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ovgu Sayan, Didem Colakel, Aycin Polat
  • Patent number: 9528541
    Abstract: A holder in particular for fastening a lining, for at least partially casting into a concrete element which is cast using a formwork, wherein the holder is aligned by an outer surface with the surface of the concrete element pointing towards the formwork, in particular for use in tunnel-building and engineering construction. The holder for casting into a concrete element is made available which can be handled simply for preparation purposes and during the concreting operation and using which a lining can be fastened simply to the concrete element. This is achieved in that a fastening device for releasably fastening the holder to the formwork is provided, wherein the fastening device has a holding part interacting with the formwork and a clamping element arranged on the outer surface of the holder, wherein the clamping element interacts with the holding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: MEESE GMBH
    Inventor: Ludwig Meese
  • Patent number: 9487285
    Abstract: Provided is an aircraft fuselage structure having an outer skin, a support structure arrangement comprising a multiplicity of frame elements and a floor structure arrangement having a multiplicity of floor support struts. The aircraft fuselage structure provides a connection between the floor structure arrangement and the support structure arrangement which is as simple and quick to produce as possible, while not significantly increasing the weight or weakening the structure. Either the floor structure arrangement or the support structure arrangement can have at a connection there between a male connector element or a female connector element. The male connector element can have a peg which extends in the engagement direction and which has a circumferential outer surface which is provided with a multiplicity of circumferential projections. The female connector element can have a cavity, the inner surface of which is provided with a multiplicity of circumferential tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Goehlich, Alexander Gahn, Kai Fink, Alexei Vichniakov
  • Patent number: 9470109
    Abstract: Turbine blade insertion tool (20) facilitates supported vertical and lateral alignment of a turbine blade root (18) and corresponding rotor slot (14) from under a suspended rotor (12). The blade lift fixture (46) slidably retains the blade root while manually biasable slide (38) provides supported relative vertical alignment between the blade root and rotor slot Supported lateral root/slot alignment is provided by manually swinging the blade lift fixture (46) on three-dimensional motion capable swivel eye (50) and corresponding lift hook (44) that are coupled to the slide (38). The blade insertion tool (20) optionally is maneuverable on swivel rollers (24) under the rotor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Ronald H. Lovett
  • Patent number: 9394703
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to building materials, in particular to attachment of insulating board and trims on building surfaces. Various embodiments of attachment clips to attach the trims on their place without nails or screws through the trim are provided. This disclosure provides an economical, fast, easy, and esthetic method to attach building trims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Fiber Cement Foam Systems Insulation, LLC
    Inventor: Russ Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20150143684
    Abstract: An aircraft window has an inner window assembly retained on an outer window assembly by a plurality of interlocking clips and receptacles positioned around the perimeter of the window. The interlocking clips and receptacles produce a retention force that compresses a seal against an outer structural the window to seal an internal cavity between the inner and outer window assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: JAMES E. EBNER, ERIC ALLEN BRYAN, JEFFREY LEE KELSEY
  • Publication number: 20150144664
    Abstract: A liquid pressure-reducing unit having a first half body with a contact surface and first groove extending over the contact surface is disclosed. The unit has a flexible resilient sealing element having a floor layer lining the floor of the first groove. The unit has a second half body with a contact surface and first and second walls extending out of the contact surface and defining a second groove. The contact surfaces of the first half body and second half body join, wherein the first and second walls penetrate into the first groove so that the free end of the first and second walls forms a fluid-tight contact with the flexible resilient floor layer lining the floor of the first groove, defining a fluid-tight channel bringing in fluid communication a fluid inlet with a fluid outlet. The channel is non-rectilinear and/or having a cross-section varying over the length thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Stijn Franssen, Daniel Peirsman
  • Patent number: 9038258
    Abstract: A sealing and restraint mechanism operable to couple pipes having a restraint mechanism with a cavity formed in an interior region, and a gripping insert operable to be received within the cavity. The cavity of the restraint mechanism is at least partially defined by a stop and a shoulder. The gripping insert is operable to slide along the cavity and between the stop and the shoulder of the restraint mechanism such that, when the gripping insert slides toward the stop, the gripping insert is biased toward one of the pipes by the restraint mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: J-M MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Larry Liao, Chuck Clark
  • Publication number: 20150135509
    Abstract: An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Jeffrey M. Gace
  • Publication number: 20150135783
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided for securing an electronic module to a chassis of a rack enclosure within a mounting slot of the chassis. The locking assembly includes a lock configured to be secured to a vertical rail of the chassis. The lock further is configured to prevent the electronic module from being slidably installed into and removed from its respective mounting slot and to prevent a latch of the electronic module from being opened when the electronic module is secured in place within the chassis of the rack enclosure. The locking assembly further includes a key configured to enable the lock to be removed from the chassis thereby enabling the installation and removal of the electronic module from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yuchun Jiang, Daniel J. Rohr, Gregory Scott Ivey
  • Publication number: 20150137484
    Abstract: A hitch accessory retaining device includes a pair of opposed engagement pins and a biasing device. When positioned within a shank body, the engagement pins are slidable within shank pinning apertures and are normally urged in outward, extended positions by the biasing device. When biased outwardly, a portion of each engagement pin extends outwardly from and projects beyond a shank sidewall while an additional portion of each engagement pin is retained within the shank body. A portion of the biasing device contacts, is attached to, or is part of, the engagement pins. The normally outwardly biased engagement pins are biasable inwardly to a retracted position within the shank pinning apertures to a position wherein the outward ends of the engagement pins are flush with the outward sides of shank sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20150135485
    Abstract: A locking structure for the removable attachment of listing beads to structures comprising an upholstery clip that is provided with a clip base with attached counterpoised clip arm assemblies and a key assembly. The clip arm assemblies are constructed and arranged of legs and hooks and the key assembly is provided with a neck and a key. The clip arm assemblies have a narrow gap between the hooks to receive a listing and attached material. The upholstery clip removably engages with a hard anchor base that is attached to a rigid surface. The hard anchor base is provided with a receiving slot that is sized to removably receive and engage the key of the upholstery clip. The key assembly is inserted into the receiving slot and rotated through ninety degrees of motion to a locking position and is held in position by at least one detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew W. Santin, Carlos A. Neves
  • Publication number: 20150128386
    Abstract: An improved fastener with an annular sealing flange disposed above a lead-in base clip portion adapted for insertion into an acceptance opening in a panel or other structure. A heat-shrunk seal is disposed about the perimeter of the annular sealing flange in partial covering relation to upper and lower surfaces of the annular sealing flange to provide an enhanced sealing relation between the sealing flange and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works INC
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20150128402
    Abstract: A surgical cutting blade for cutting bone material when the blade is coupled to a hand-held surgical saw includes a distal portion comprising a plurality of cutting teeth, a shank portion adjacent the distal portion, and a proximal portion adjacent the shank portion. The proximal portion may include a longitudinally extending slot having a proximal opening. The slot may be shaped to receive a portion of the surgical saw through the proximal opening. The proximal portion may have a plurality of deflectable fingers respectively separated from a plurality of main body portions by respective gaps. The plurality of deflectable fingers may extend adjacent the longitudinally extending slot, and may deflect into the gaps to increase and decrease a width of a portion of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: John Xinghai WANG, Hung Van BACH, Donna J. BURNETTE, Walter Raymond BLACKWELL, Weiguo CHEN, S. Shane DEXTER, Vikram August GARADI, Kevin L. HANEY, Joseph William LOPEZ, R. Mitchell SHERRY, Paul CIHAK, Durrell TIDWELL
  • Publication number: 20150082603
    Abstract: A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The system includes a cap that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and pawls on the interior. The system may also include a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the pawls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Blaine Knight Rawdon, Michael Scott Cameron
  • Publication number: 20150074977
    Abstract: A method for assembling a bone anchoring device includes inserting a bone anchoring element in a first holder of a tool and inserting a receiving part in a second holder of the tool, actuating the tool from a first configuration towards a second configuration to insert a head of the bone anchoring element into the receiving part; continuing actuation of the tool towards the second configuration to move a locking ring and a receiving part body of the receiving part relative to each other until the locking ring assumes a second position with respect to the receiving part body in which the locking ring is latched to the receiving part body in a position where the locking ring compresses a portion of the receiving part body to compress the head, such that the head is held in and cannot be removed from the receiving part body and the bone anchoring element is held adjustably at a first angular position relative to the receiving part, and removing the attached bone anchoring element and receiving part from the tool
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Berthold Dannecker
  • Patent number: 8973216
    Abstract: A grommet has a faceplate with a width that is greater than an aperture width in a metal stud, as well as a front surface and a rear surface that extend downwardly to form a first clip portion. The grommet also includes a flange extending from a perimeter of an opening through the faceplate, to form a duct shaped to receive the flex tubing therethrough. A second clip portion extends downwardly from the flange, adjacent the first clip portion, so that the first and second clip portions frictionally engage the metal stud to hold the duct within the aperture of the metal stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Ralph M. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8973947
    Abstract: A protective plate can be mounted to a fuel tank without using costly melt bonding and insert blow molding. A mounting recess is formed in the peripheral wall of a fuel tank (1) formed by blow molding, and a fixing element (3) for fixing a protective plate (2) to the fuel tank (1) can engage with the mounting recess. The mounting recess is open in two directions, that is, in the direction of mold removal in the blow molding and in the direction of the thickness of the protective plate which direction is generally perpendicular to the direction of the mold removal. The fixing element comprises a first clip (6) provided with elastic leg sections (62) fitted in the mounting recess in the direction of the mold removal, and also comprises a second clip (7) provided with elastic leg sections (72) penetrating through the protective plate and fitting in the first clip in the direction of the thickness of the protective plate. The protective plate is sandwiched between the first and second clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yoshizawa, Ryutaro Inaba
  • Publication number: 20150056009
    Abstract: An elastically averaging snap member aligning and fastening system has a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first body having a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first body including one or more apertures extending between the first and second surface portions. The second component includes a second body having a first surface section and a second surface section, the second body including one or more elastically averaging snap members provided on one of the first and second surface sections. Each of the one or more elastically averaging snap members include a plurality of cantilevered snap elements configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably, elastically and matingly engage with corresponding ones of the one or more apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Publication number: 20150033605
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to the display of yard or lawn signage. One embodiment provides a two-part system for displaying signage. The system includes a flexible sign panel having installation tabs and a rigid, injection-molded stake having holding portions configured to receive and retain the installation tabs of the sign panel. The rigid stake also includes retention barbs to facilitate ground stability and a strike pad designed to absorb and distribute impact forces applied during stake installation. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Mark V. Grush
  • Publication number: 20150030413
    Abstract: A snap fit fastener includes a base, a holder, and a plurality of snap fit arms. The holder extends from the base and includes a holder wall defining a fastener hole. The fastener hole is sized to receive a finger. The snap fit arms are cantilevered from the base. Each snap fit arm includes a beam and an overhang protruding from the beam in a direction away from the holder. Each overhang is configured to engage a panel to couple the snap fit fastener to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Lennin Fitz Román
  • Patent number: 8938869
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatic assembly of universal joints which include a yoke with snap ring grooves in its yoke arms, a trunnion body, bearings, and snap rings to secure the bearings in the yoke, the apparatus comprising: (a) upper and lower parallel spring-separated plate pairs with axially-aligned holes; (b) upper and lower drive members aligned with holes in each plate pair; (c) a base plate; (d) a movable rod plate; (e) upper and lower power sources configured to provide axial movement of an upper driver plate in the upper plate pair and the rod plate, respectively; and (f) a programmed controller controlling the power sources such that automatic sequencing of the upper driver plate and rod plate sequentially urge snap rings into place in grooves within the snap ring grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Robert W. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20150016780
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a front housing having sidewalls each defining a slot and a rear insert with a pair of locking flanges extending radially away, the locking flanges configured to snap-fit into the slots, each locking flange defining a front face and a rear face, the radially outermost portion of the rear face defining an edge, the edge being the rearmost extending portion of the locking flange. Another fiber optic connector includes a front housing defining a front opening at a front end, a circular rear opening at a rear end, and an internal cavity extending therebetween. A rear insert including a generally cylindrical front portion is inserted into the front housing through the circular rear opening, the front portion defining at least one longitudinal flat configured to reduce the overall diameter of the generally cylindrical front portion configured to be inserted into the front housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Allen Skluzacek, Michael D. Schroeder, Michael James Ott, Randall Wendland, Ponharith Nhep, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20150016864
    Abstract: An alignment arrangement for mated components includes a first component having a first and second elastically deformable protrusion. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a first and second slot, each of the slots defined by a first slot sidewall segment, a second slot sidewall segment, an inner slot wall segment and an outer slot wall segment, the first and second slot disposed in a substantially coaxial alignment. The elastically deformable protrusions are each disposed in a contact interference condition with the inner slot wall segment or the outer slot wall segment of the respective first slot and second slot, thereby reducing relative movement between the first and second components, wherein the elastically deformable protrusions are each formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the inner or outer slot wall segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 8931162
    Abstract: A three piece fastener is provided for attaching two layers, e.g. a floor mat for a vehicle to a floor carpet which may then stabilize the mat relative to the carpeting. The three components may connect together through a combination of mechanical connections to provide a relatively simple and cost effective solution to floor mat retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Orlando A. Gonzalez, Greg Conley, Loretta T. Clemons, Bryn Davies, Michelle L. Schneider, Colleen M. Maraffino
  • Publication number: 20150008812
    Abstract: A customizable modular storage unit organizer apparatus with a pair of slides, a pair of slide covers, a pair of hollow cross bars, a pair of retainer clips, and a container for storing articles within the apparatus. The cross bars extend between, are affixed to the slide covers, and have two distal ends, top, bottom, first and second side portions, a slot extending longitudinally along the length of the exterior surface of cross bars for accommodating attachments. The retainer clips allow the slide covers to be selectively, repeatedly, and releasably retained to the slides. The size of the enclosure formed between the slide covers and hollow cross bars may be modified by adjusting the positions of the cross bars on the slide covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen John Lawson
  • Publication number: 20150011949
    Abstract: Drug delivery device comprising a cartridge holder adapted to receive and hold a cartridge in a loaded position, the cartridge holder comprising a distal opening adapted to receive the cartridge. The drug delivery device further comprises an expelling assembly adapted to engage and axially displace a piston in a loaded cartridge to thereby expel a dose of drug from the cartridge, and snap locking means acting on a cartridge being inserted in the cartridge holder, the snap locking means having a locked state in which the cartridge is held in the loaded position and an un-locked state in which the cartridge can be removed from the cartridge holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Morten Soerensen
  • Patent number: 8914963
    Abstract: A mounting station for automatically assembling a razor that includes a shaving cartridge and a razor handle. The mounting station includes providing a razor handle and a shaving cartridge, automatically connecting a first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the first handle connector of the razor handle, and then automatically connecting the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the second handle connector of the razor handle to form a razor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: BIC-Violex S.A.
    Inventors: Vasileios Ntavos, Georgios Koulourias
  • Publication number: 20140366361
    Abstract: A razor having a removable carrier for attaching one or more glide members which fits between the razor handle and cartridge head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin James Wain, Barry Keith Rockell, Alun Thomas Wheatley, Michael John Moloney
  • Patent number: 8912438
    Abstract: This invention is directed to mechanical and electromagnetic shielding features of an electronic device case. An electronic device case is formed of two housings, each housing having integrated snaps, channels, or other retaining features used to secure the housings together. The housings additionally include integrated retaining features used to secure electronic components within the device case. The housings and retaining features are formed of amorphous metals or other materials with high elasticities. Because the retaining features necessary to assemble the case and secure the electronic components to the case form integral parts of the housings, no external retaining features are required to assemble the electronic device in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Zadesky
  • Patent number: 8904645
    Abstract: A method for assembling a rolling bearing by deformation of the outer ring (OR) and/or the inner ring (IR) comprising, before said step of deformation, determining the theoretical position (1?, 2?) that the two extreme rolling elements should occupy so as to allow inserting at least one supplemental rolling element (11) in said space (13), said theoretical position defining an acute application angle (?2) determining the value of forces (F1) to be applied from outside to said outer ring (OR) at three application points, one central point at said nearest or contact location of both inner an outer rings in said symmetry plane and two lateral points at an angle (2?2) equal to the double of said acute application angle with respect to said symmetry plane, verifying that the deformation of the outer ring (OR) resulting from the application of said forces remains elastic and in that case, applying said forces and inserting at least one supplemental rolling element in said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Laurent Varnoux