Inward Deformation Of Aperture Or Hollow Body Wall Patents (Class 29/515)
  • Patent number: 6035516
    Abstract: The headrest support tubes are secured to the seat frame member not by the usual welding, but by gripping the web of the member between two rings or lock-beads swaged into the metal of the tube. The first ring is swaged-out by compressing the tube. The tube, with the one ring, is then assembled into a through-hole in the web of the frame member. Then, the second ring is swaged into the metal of the tube, on the other side of the web, and the web lies gripped between the rings. The seat frame member may be an I-section extrusion, or a round tube with localised squeezed-flat areas, flanked by flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bend All Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Horst Udo Petersen
  • Patent number: 6035521
    Abstract: A crimping apparatus for crimping a workpiece such as a terminal or eyelet around a core such as a wire or a fiber optic cable. The apparatus includes upper and lower identical plates supported for opposing reciprocal motion on respective upper and lower portions of a press. Each plate includes two crimp segments. Each crimp segment has an impingement surface. All four of the crimp segments are supported for mutually convergent motion relative to one another. The vertical motion of the two plates closing together drives both the vertical and the lateral components of the convergent crimp segment motion. The impingement surfaces of the respective crimp segments form a generally annular composite crimping surface for cooperatively crimping a work piece into an arcuate configuration around a core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Schley
  • Patent number: 5991999
    Abstract: A covering for a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein and extending a distance above an upper end of the flower pot wherein the flower pot has a lower end and an outer peripheral surface. The covering includes a sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral edge with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance from the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5967399
    Abstract: An electric wire pressure welding apparatus and pressure welding method capable of exactly specifying the end of an electric wire in a solderless connector and capable of pressure-welding wires from above and below the connector, wherein a wire chuck has a wire holding portion and a pair of wire guide portions projecting from the wire holding portion in a wire-longitudinal direction and having an inner distance larger than a wire diameter for enabling a wire end portion to be disposed between the pair of wire guide portions through which a wire pressure welding blade can go, and wherein the wire guide portions are positioned against a solderless terminal and location of a wire tip is specified by bending the wire end portion about the front end of the wire holding portion in a pressure welding direction by pushing the wire end portion by the wire pressure welding blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 5943759
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a needle attached suture and an apparatus therefor. A needle attached suture is obtained by inserting a suture into an insertion hole formed in the end of a needle N which is held by a needle retaining unit 16 and by swaging the end of the needle with the suture. The method and the apparatus have been developed to accurately position the end of the needle for swaging with the suture to stabilize the swaging strength between the suture and the needle. Before the swaging, the needle is held by the needle retaining unit 16, and the end of the needle N is pushed to a certain position by a rod 99 or its equivalent. Thereby, the end of the needle N relative to the needle retaining unit 16 is accurately positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Azwell (Azwell Inc.)
    Inventors: Kenji Shikakubo, Satoshi Omuraya, Gennai Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5933938
    Abstract: A band clamping machine is provided for clamping a metallic clamping band having a band section, a lever for reducing an inner diameter of the looped band section, and a pair of fixing pieces for holding the lever. The band clamping machine includes a diameter reduction mechanism having a clamping arm for turning down the lever and an arm driving mechanism moving the clamping arm so as to turn down the lever. The arm driving mechanism includes a first mechanism for moving the clamping arm from an initial position to a mid position, and a second mechanism for moving the clamping arm from the mid position to a final position. A fixing mechanism is provided to bend the fixing pieces inward to fix the lever at the final position between the fixing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mihama Seisakusho
    Inventor: Taira Hama
  • Patent number: 5913257
    Abstract: A guitar string, in which an end of the string element is threaded into an enlarged end formed of metal, such enlarged end having been forced radially-inwardly all around the string element end so as to very tightly grip it. A method of making a guitar string, in which the string element end is threaded into a hole in a metal blank. Thereafter, such blank and string element are passed through an extrusion die to make such blank longer and smaller in diameter, to cause such blank to grip the end with great force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
    Inventors: Helmut Schaller, Rene Schaller
  • Patent number: 5903966
    Abstract: An apparatus for microsurgical needle suture attachment includes a clamp for holding a needle such that the needle aperture remains in a fixed position; at least one guide member defining an angled guide area having a relatively wide portion and a vertex portion, the vertex portion being aligned with the fixed position of the needle aperture; a transport mechanism for advancing a suture end portion into the relatively wide portion of the guide member(s); and a deflection spring for moving the suture end portion into the vertex portion of the angled guide area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Marcel Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 5881443
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for partially embedding a biocompatible material, such as a titanium coil, in the surface of a polymer bone implant to provide a porous coating for bone cells to grow through thereby promoting long term stabilization of the implant. In one embodiment, the coil is wrapped around the implant and placed in a manifold where rollers biased by springs press against the coil. The coil-implant is rotated and heated by a hot gas stream, the rollers-springs pushing the coil into the surface of the implant. In a second embodiment, the coil is compressed and placed onto a needle wire which is placed against the surface of the implant. The point of contact is heated and the implant is rotated with the needle wire creating a channel in the softened polymer and feeding the coil, which is simultaneously stretched, therein. The needle wire then pulls the polymer over a portion of the coil as it passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jack C. Roberts, Paul J. Biermann, Amy A. Corvelli
  • Patent number: 5871515
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a pre-formed header module, e.g. a connector header module or an electrode bearing header module, etc., to a hermetically sealed enclosure of the implantable medical device, typically including electronic integrated circuits, batteries, electromechanical pumps, or the like, are disclosed. A plurality of upstanding tabs that are fixed to the hermetically sealed enclosure, e.g. to the enclosure attachment surface, extend into a like plurality of tab channels formed in the header module housing. The upstanding tab(s) are inserted into the respective tab channel(s) during seating of the module and enclosure attachment surfaces and effects an initial alignment of the header module with the hermetically sealed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig L. Wiklund, Daniel C. Haeg, James F. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5869010
    Abstract: The invention provides an intumescent sheet material comprising 20 to 80 dry weight percent of at least one unexpanded intumescent material, 10 to 40 dry weight percent of at least one processed vermiculite selected from ground expanded vermiculite and delaminated vermiculite, greater than 0 to 5 dry weight percent of inorganic fibers having diameters greater than 5 microns, and greater than 0 to 10 dry weight percent of organic fibers; wherein said sheet material comprises substantially no ceramic fibers of less than 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roger L. Langer
  • Patent number: 5853203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for joining flexible tubular members. The connector has a cylindrical body having an outer diameter and at least one circumferential recess. At least one barb member is positioned and retained at least partially in the recess. The barb member has first and second ends with at least one of the ends having a diameter which extends beyond the outer diameter of the tubular body. The first end has a diameter which is greater than that of the second end and a rigid edge for engaging a flexible tubular member. The barb member provided with the connector can resist pull-off of the tubular member from the connector. The present invention also relates to a method for forming such a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Epic Technical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Crandall
  • Patent number: 5842580
    Abstract: In a method of producing a socket plate for wobble plate compressors an insert ring and a holed socket plate parent metal, having different mechanical and physical properties, are formed through extrusion processes prior to hot-forging the parent metal with the ring into a resulting socket plate. In the hot-forging step, the insert ring is seated onto the ring seat of a bottom mold prior to fitting the parent metal over the ring. Thereafter, a top mold is lowered onto the bottom mold, thus forming the resulting socket plate. A plurality of lubrication grooves are formed on the internal surface of the ring during the hot-forging step, with a plurality of projections being formed on the external surface of the ring. The projections bite into the inside wall of the holed parent metal thus integrating the ring with the parent metal into a single body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Sung Young Metal Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Jung Lee, Han Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 5829132
    Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an exhaust processor including a housing formed from a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, an internal inlet cone shield, a substrate, and an internal outlet cone shield. The housing includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the tube is sized down to a desired inlet diameter to form the inlet end of the housing. The internal inlet cone shield is installed into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The substrate is inserted into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The internal outlet cone shield is installed into the tube through the outlet end of the tube. The outlet end of the tube is sized down to a desired outlet diameter to form the outlet end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Arvin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen Sickels, James Dale Quackenbush
  • Patent number: 5802443
    Abstract: A small-sized high performance fixing device is realized by using a thin cylindrical structure having a structure which prevents loss of contact between inner reinforcing members and the thin cylindrical structure and prevents collapsing in the circumferential direction of the thin cylindrical structure due to wall-thinning, when the thin cylindrical structure receives the external force on the peripheral surface thereof.For a fixing device for heat fixing operated by passing recording papers, on which toner images were transferred, through a pressurizing zone formed by a fixing roller formed of a cylindrical structure having a heater in the inside and a pressure roller, a cylindrical structure which is provided with at least one supporting member forcibly inserted in the thin cylindrical structure and is maintained in the firm contact condition with the inside surface of the cylindrical structure at portions of the outside peripheral surface of the supporting members, is used as the fixing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Uehara, Yoshio Shoji
  • Patent number: 5768783
    Abstract: Method of making a flat wire of the type comprising a plurality of bars in substantially axially parallel arrangement relative to one another and including wire slots contained inbetween. Said method comprises providing a plurality of bars and providing at least two bar support members. Each bar support member includes laterally open recesses provided along a longitudinal edge of the bar support member. Each bar support member is capable of being flexed from an initial state to a final state. At the initial state, the longitudinal edge has an initial radius of curvature such that the laterally open recesses are open sufficiently to receive the bars and wherein at the final state, the longitudinal edge has a final radius of curvature larger than the initial radius of curvature such that the laterally open recesses are sufficiently closed to exert a clamping force upon the bars retained in said recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Stoffaufbereitung GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Lange
  • Patent number: 5749138
    Abstract: A connecting and fitting method is provided for metallic pipes with a small diameter. The method includes providing a piping component having a tube wall extending therefrom and defining an expanded chamber. The method further includes providing a pipe member and forming at least one circumferential discontinuity in the pipe member near one end. The end of the pipe member is then inserted through an annular sealing component and into the expanded chamber defined by the tube wall. A diameter reducing area is then formed on the tube wall at a location substantially registered with the circumferential discontinuity in the pipe member to squeeze and tightly seal the sealing component into connecting engagement with the circumferential discontinuity on the pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Katsushi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 5724735
    Abstract: A catalytic exhaust treatment device for an automotive vehicle includes a generally cylindrical substrate having a support seal at either end and with each of the support seals encircling an end of the substrate, and an intumescent mat applied to the cylindrical surface of the substrate, with the mat extending between the support seals. The catalyst further includes a cylindrical container having an inside diameter sized so as to compress the support seals and the mat such that the seals and mat are maintained in contact with the substrate and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter D. Ickes, Andrew J. Montalbano
  • Patent number: 5722991
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a surgical needle of the type having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein and a suture having a generally elongated end portion which is to be positioned in the elongated aperture of the needle includes a pair of dies, each die having at least two generally planar engaging surfaces with a recessed portion disposed between adjacent engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces of the dies each define a plane which is in general parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the respective die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Francis D. Colligan
  • Patent number: 5707391
    Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a surgical needle having an end portion with an elongated aperture defined therein and a suture having a generally elongated end portion to be positioned in the elongated aperture of the needle, includes a pair of dies, each die defining a longitudinal axis and having an inner die surface. The inner die surface includes at least two raised swaging portions extending generally along the longitudinal axis of the die and a generally recessed portion defined between adjacent swaging portions and extending substantially along the lengths thereof. The swaging portions each have an engaging surface defining a plane angularly oriented relative to a longitudinal bisecting plane of the dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Richard P. Carpentieri
  • Patent number: 5689872
    Abstract: A silicone paint brush artist's tool includes a handle and a novel painting tip. The painting tip is made of a resilient silicone having a generally three-dimensional paint contacting working surface that has a maximum cross-sectional diameter no larger than a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the handle. The tip is preferably attached to the handle using a ferrule and expansively locking the tip into a cavity of the ferrule by insertion of an insert. The insert may be a common screw or a barbed, fluted extension of the handle. The tips may include an insert cavity and have various shapes and hardnesses and may be optionally color coded. A formation method for the tool is disclosed with simultaneous insert insertion and joining of ferrules to handles. The ferrules also may be reversibly attached to the handle, in which case a kit comprising multiple interchangeable painting tips may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Ladd B. Forsline
  • Patent number: 5658345
    Abstract: The acetabulum (1) in accordance with the invention comprises a spherically formed outer shell (3) as well as a spherically formed inner shell (4) which is inserted into the outer shell (3). The inner shell (4) can, for example, consist of an oxide-ceramic material, in particular of aluminum oxide. The outer shell (4) can consist of, for example, titanium. The outer surface (4c) of the inner shell (4) is formed such that it has a first partial surface (4c) with increasing outer cross-section from the pole (2a) towards the equatorial opening (4b) to a site (4a) with a largest outer diameter, that a further partial surface (4e) with an outer cross-section decreasing towards the equatorial opening (4b) connects to the partial surface (4c), which goes into a further partial surface (4f) with increasing outer cross-section towards the equatorial opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Sulzer Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventor: Roland Willi
  • Patent number: 5656353
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle heat shield is formed from a laminated sheet material having a thin reflective metallic layer laminated to a structural plastic layer. Mounting brackets are riveted to the laminated sheet material to mount the heat shield between a heat sensitive vehicle component and a heat source. The reflective metallic layer is perforated forming a plurality of prongs which are embedded into the plastic layer through a compression molding process to bond the two layers together forming the laminated sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: TBA Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Martin Butler
  • Patent number: 5579568
    Abstract: A method for installing and securing mechanical elements, such as standoffs and pins, in a plate includes the steps of forming suitable apertures for the elements as desired locations in the plate. First ends of each standoff and pin are inserted into their respective apertures with a portion of each standoff and pin extending through the plate. Pressure is applied to the plate, the standoff and the pin to simultaneously secure the elements to the plate. In a preferred embodiment, the end of each standoff extending through the plate is stamped or rolled over to form a retaining flange. The pins are preferably clenched to the plate by pressing an inverted V-shaped ring into the surface of the plate surrounding each pin. An apparatus for installing standoffs and pins in a plate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Johnson Service Company
    Inventors: Hugh F. Hudson, Jeffrey R. Baldwin, Salvatore A. Mussomeli
  • Patent number: 5498096
    Abstract: A tube joint and seat frame formed with tubes joined with the tube joint of the present invention in which the joint is formed by flaring the end of an outer tube, inserting an inner tube into the outer tube beyond the flare forming a telescoping tube portion in which the outer tube overlaps the inner tube. The clearance formed between the inner and outer tubes by the flare is filled with an epoxy resin adhesive. A metal forming process is performed forming apertures through the inner and outer tubes in the telescoping tube portion in which the aperture in the outer tube is concentric with the aperture in the inner tube and is surrounded by a flange extending radially relative to the axis of the tube into the aperture in the inner tube forming a mechanical interlock between the inner and outer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5490867
    Abstract: A rectangular nickel-metal hydride secondary cell permits improving the air-tightness and-also permits preventing a metal case from being deformed in the step of folding an open end portion of the metal case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kozawa, Kazuo Kojima, Tomoyuki Ono, Hirofumi Yanagawa, Hideaki Kitazume, Kouji Taguchi
  • Patent number: 5451036
    Abstract: A metallurgical dart includes an enlarged refractory head having a top, a bottom, and a central through hole extending from top to bottom of the head and lined with a metallic sleeve, with a portion of the lining sleeve projecting beyond the top and/or bottom of the head; an elongate tail of refractory material with an external and/or internal metallic element and of external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the lining sleeve, such that the tail can pass, as a close fit, through the lining sleeve of the head; and at least one crimped or other joint between the metallic element of the tail and the projecting portion of the lining sleeve, to fix the head and tail together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Monocon International Limited
    Inventor: Owen Eastwood
  • Patent number: 5428897
    Abstract: A mounting spring clamp for securing a heat sink to a device package is secured to the heat sink by positioning the central body portion of the spring clamp in an attachment clip. The clip is compressed and positioned in a groove of the heat sink. The clip comprises a semi-circular shaped seat with ears extending from both sides of the seat and is made from a flexible material. Compression of the ears reduces the seat diameter, thereby trapping the spring's central body, and also creates spring force in the ears, thereby trapping the clip between the fins of the heat sink. The mounting spring has an elongated body with ends extending from the axis of its central body. The ends may be trapped or hooked in appropriate receivers on a frame or socket holding an electronic device package to secure the heat sink adjacent the device package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Thermalloy, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Jordan, Matthew C. Smithers
  • Patent number: 5419042
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, such as a condenser for use in an automobile air conditioning system includes inlet and outlet union elements. Each inlet and outlet union element includes a union joint and a pipe member having one end secured to a header pipe. The other end of the pipe member is temporarily connected to the union joint before a brazing process of the condenser is carried out. Couplers are provided to effect the temporary connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Kado
  • Patent number: 5417710
    Abstract: A suture guide used for inserting a suture into a hole of an eyeless needle positioned between an upper guide and a lower guide. This suture guide comprises a first guide member having a certain plane and the second guide member having a first plane positioned lower than the plane of the first guide member and a second plane crossing the first plane, This suture guide also has fixing means combining the first guide member and the second member together to form a guide having a guiding corner with the plane of the first guide member and the second plane of the second member and the guide disposed next to the lower mold to face the guiding corner to the hole of the eyeless needle. A positioning mechanism of a suture guide for inserting a suture into a hole of an eyeless needle positioned between an upper guide and a lower guide is desirable for the suture guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsutani Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kanji Matsutani, Masaaki Matsutani, Yoshimasa Tochimura
  • Patent number: 5411521
    Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Putnam, Mark L. Stein, Patrick R. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5394768
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a multi strand bicycle pull cable with a fixed cable anchor at either terminal end thereof, wherein the cable directly forward of the anchors is provided with a fixative to prevent unraveling after a cable anchor has been removed,A bicycle pull cable comprised of a multi strand metal cable (1) having a cable anchor (2) secured to either end, portions of the cable at least directly abutting the anchors are bound (3) by a fixing agent to prevent unwinding of the strands of the cable after an anchor has been cut from the cable by cutting across a bound portion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Orrin S. Hallock, III
  • Patent number: 5372449
    Abstract: A wiper system for motor vehicles is described, which wiper system includes at least one wiper bearing as well as one drive member cooperating with a motor, which drive member is operatively connectable to the wiper bearing via a carrier. At least the connecting section between the wiper bearing as well as the carrier and/or the drive member is provided with a medium impermeable coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventors: Kurt Bauer, Eckhardt Schmid
  • Patent number: 5349738
    Abstract: Cylinder-to-cylinder attachment method and construction featuring nonutiltion of mechanical fasteners or bonding, especially advantageous for attachment of cylinders which are composite or to be subjected to hydrostatic pressure. A fastening ring is interpositionally and rotatively engaged and aligned with a toothed axial end of each cylinder whereby the inwardly radial teeth for each cylinder appropriately mesh with the outer grooved circumferential surface of the fastening ring. The resultant joint is easily detachable and less susceptible than conventional joints to damage, breakage, degradation, stress concentrations and fluid infiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Roger M. Crane, Paul Coffin
  • Patent number: 5337642
    Abstract: The invention concerns a punch block support arm adaptable to a perforating device as well as a process for mounting punches on such a block. According to the invention, the block comprises a narrow slot (12, 20, 23) across the whole block thickness, and extending on the whole length of the punch array. The slot extends, at each of its ends (23), perpendicular to the alignment axis (26) of the punches (20, 22), in order to define a longitudinal bar (14) and two transversal bars (15, 16), the slot being located so that the distortion of the longitudinal bar brings relatively closer the portions of transversal bars so as to immobilize the punches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael Long
  • Patent number: 5335411
    Abstract: A method of permanently attaching a fastening element, such as a nut or bolt to panels having a range of panel thicknesses, such as the metal panels used by the automotive and appliance industries. The fastening element includes a tubular barrel portion and preferably an annular bearing face surrounding the barrel portion. The method includes punching a hole in the panel, then plasticly deforming and drawing the panel surrounding the hole into a dome or frusto-conically shaped portion. The panel hole is thus enlarged to receive the fastener element barrel portion from adjacent the apex of the frusto-conically shaped panel portion and the bearing face is then driven against the panel, deforming the panel to a generally planar shape. The panel surrounding the hole is thereby driven against the tubular barrel portion which, in the preferred embodiment, includes radially projecting ribs, providing securement against rotation even in very thin panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf R. M. Muller, Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 5305942
    Abstract: A novel method for sealing the end of tubing connected to and extending from a container housing workpieces to be thermally processed using mechanical as well as thermal means. The invention also contemplates a novel tubing member for connection to such a container, where the sealing material is disposed within the tubing member prior to insertion of the tubing into the container. After fixing the tubing in the container, a plurality of locations along the length of the tubing are identified where mechanical closure of the tubing is effected. Then, the tubing is heated to a temperature sufficiently high to melt the contained sealing material at the crushed locations, such that a metallurgical seal is formed inside the tubing at the crushed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Brunken
  • Patent number: 5291646
    Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to devices for facilitating the temporary attachment of objects to a steering wheel and has particular reference to a device for removably attaching a fly tyer's vise to a steering wheel or other suitable structure. The preferred embodiment consists of a flat strip of metal bent into the shape of a "U" or a "V" and treated so as to achieve a non-skid, protective surface. Several rubber "spacers" may accompany the device for adaptation to structures smaller in diameter than the standard boat or automobile steering wheel; the device sides may also be indented or expanded to obtain a more secure fit. The device is sufficiently wide to accommodate an optional variety holes and notches for holding fly tying equipment. A piece of impressionable, foam rubber-like material can be attached to the device for stowing completed flies. The device is slipped around a steering wheel, open end facing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen J. French
  • Patent number: 5251370
    Abstract: A method of permanently attaching a fastening element, such as a nut or bolt to panels having a range of panel thicknesses, such as the metal panels used by the automotive and appliance industries. The fastening element includes a tubular barrel portion and preferably an annular bearing face surrounding the barrel portion. The method includes punching a hole in the panel, then plasticly deforming and drawing the panel surrounding the hole into a dome or frusto-conically shaped portion. The panel hole is thus enlarged to receive the fastener element barrel portion from adjacent the apex of the frusto-conically shaped panel portion and the bearing face is then driven against the panel, deforming the panel to a generally planar shape. The panel surrounding the hole is thereby driven against the tubular barrel portion which, in the preferred embodiment, includes radially projecting ribs, forming a secure anti-rotation assembly even in very thin panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rudolf R. M. Muller, Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 5150831
    Abstract: A pressure proof reactor vessel and the method of making such vessel wherein the vessel has a cylindrical one-piece outer wall and a cylindrical one-piece cylindrical inner liner, which liner has a smooth continuous interior surface spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall and concentric thereto. The inner cylindrical wall is formed from a one-piece material with its radial thickness being substantially less than the radial thickness of the outer cylindrical wall. Support means in the form of a spiral is positioned in said space between the cylindrical outer wall and the cylindrical inner liner defining a pathway for the flow of coolant between the outer wall and the inner wall. The support spiral is secured to the outer surface of the one-piece cylindrical inner liner prior to assembling of the inner liner to the outer cylindrical one-piece outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Jordan, Michael J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5150602
    Abstract: An improved method for sealing an electrochemical cell comprises applying radial forces to an expanded, upper portion of the cell casing. A resilient sealing member is located in the upper portion so that when the radial forces reduce the diameter of the expanded casing portion the sealing member is compressingly held in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Payne, Robert A. Yoppolo
  • Patent number: 5136772
    Abstract: A process of permanently joining a cylindrical core (2) to a metallic beaker-shaped part (1) which together form an operating piston of a hydraulically operated disc brake includes inserting the core into a bore in the beaker-shaped part, and providing an axially protruding end on the core beyond the annular end surface (7) of the beaker-shaped part having a conical surface (8) extending from its free surface (6) into the front area of the beaker-shaped part (1). A wedge-shaped annular groove (11) is produced in the beaker-shaped part (1), whereby material is radially displaced inwardly so that it abuts against the conical surface (8) of the core to retain the core in the beaker-shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Deutsche Perrot-Bremse GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Rupprecht, Paul Antony
  • Patent number: 5096111
    Abstract: A method of diametrically contracting a cylindrical body, includes the steps of grasping the cylindrical body with a plurality of elongated grasping members, preparing a cylindrical drawing die having an opening at one end and a tapered inside peripheral surface, drawing the grasping members together with the cylindrical body into the drawing die, through the opening, and applying a compression force to the cylindrical body through the grasping members due to the passage along through the tapered inside peripheral surface, to thereby cause the cylindrical body to be diametrically contracted. During the drawing process, since the cylindrical body does not come into direct contact with the drawing die, neither scratches nor baking cracks are produced on the outside surface of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Ishikawa, Mikio Yamanaka, Yutaka Sadano, Shingo Tanioka, Tetsuro Inomata, Toshikazu Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5083362
    Abstract: A key with a resistor pellet is assembled by mechanically inserting the pellet into a suitable aperture in the key and displacing a portion of the key material into the body of the pellet by compressing the key around the perimeter of the pellet in a swaging process. The pellet is automatically selected from a plurality of pellets having a plurality of distinctive resistance properties. The pellet is tested to determine conformance with a pre-selected resistance property prior to insertion in the key. After insertion and swaging of the pellet in the key, the resistance properties of the pellet are reconfirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    Inventors: James R. Edgar, Eric J. Neusen
  • Patent number: 5056208
    Abstract: A method for forming a captive panel fastener assembly, the assembly comprising a bolt having head, shank and threaded outer end portions, slots extending longitudinally down through the bolt threads toward the outer end of the bolt and a retaining ring for securing the bolt to a panel. The metal retaining ring has inwardly tangs which are distanced sufficiently to allow the ring to be slipped over the outer end of the bolt and into the bolt slots. The ends of the slots terminate in abutments. The outer surface of the ring opposite corresponding tabs is provided with outwardly extending alignment tabs. Installation of the retaining ring onto the bolt to form the captive panel fastener is accomplished by first placing the ring alignment tabs into cutout portions formed in the nose area of a tool. The tool and ring are then engaged onto the bolt from the outer end by first aligning visual markings formed on the tool jaws with the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventor: Jay M. Stafford
  • Patent number: 5022151
    Abstract: A water aerosol or fog-generating system comprises a pipe having a plurality of atomizing nozzles threaded to the walls thereof. The pipe has thin walls made from an alloy, preferably stainless steel, with nozzles affixed at various points along the piping. A plurality of pilot holes are provided at each nozzle location and the edges of each pilot hole are deformed inwardly by a punch so that more surface area is provided for threading the walls of the pilot hole. Preferably, the pilot hole has been reamed after punching and before the threads are made. An atomizing nozzle is mated with the threads on the punched and reamed hole. Seals are to be placed between the nozzle and the exterior piping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Baumac International
    Inventor: J. Frank Sorenson
  • Patent number: 4950838
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a first conductor to a second conductor. The electrical connector includes a generally E-shaped body which defines first and second conductor receiving cavities for accommodating the respective conductors. An intermediate member extends generally centrally in the interior of the body member, serving to separate the conductor receiving cavities. The body member is provided with an opening communicating with the conductor receiving cavities, by means of which the conductors are adapted to be positioned within the cavities. A plurality of rib members project from the body member into each of the cavities, and are deformable under pressure to vary the size of the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventor: Gregg Gordon
  • Patent number: 4939827
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing device having a housing into which a bearing bush is press-fitted. This method includes forming a tapered shape of a bearing hole of a bearing bush, and press-fitting the bearing bush into a bore of the housing having a uniform inside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Diado Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Iizuka
  • Patent number: 4938918
    Abstract: The zirconium cladding of a coolant-displacement rod of a nuclear reactor is precollapsed in the zirconium oxide stack of pellets which supports the cladding. Current is conducted through the cladding in an atmosphere at reduced pressure containing residual oxygen, to heat the cladding to a temperature at which its yield strength is reduced. Then, while the rod remains at this temperature, it is subjected to isostatic pressure which collapses the cladding uniformly. The formation, by reason of exposure to neutron flux, of a long unsupported gap in the cladding which might be collapsed under the pressure of the coolant is precluded. In addition, the rod retains its symmetry. The outer surface of the cladding is oxidized, facilitating the movement of the rod into its thimbles of the core and improving the resistances of the cladding to reaction with the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Albert Weiss
  • Patent number: 4921734
    Abstract: Cylinder liners for internal combustion engines, particularly diesel engines, are described the liners comprising a metal outer sleeve having therein an inner sleeve comprising a ceramic material which is held by compressive hoop stresses under all normal engine operating conditions, the inner sleeve extending over at least a part of the axial length of the liner. In a preferred embodiment the inner sleeve comprises a composite material of two different ceramic materials. For example an inner sleeve is described having a silicon nitride working surface with a layer of partially stabilized zirconia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventors: William A. Thorpe, David C. Evans