Radially Expanding Part In Cavity, Aperture, Or Hollow Body Patents (Class 29/522.1)
  • Patent number: 11759845
    Abstract: An assembly includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a self-piercing rivet. The lower substrate defines a preformed interior cavity and a preformed exterior profile adjacent the interior cavity to define a variable thickness wall. The self-piercing rivet extends through the upper substrate and into the preformed interior cavity of the lower substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garret Sankey Huff, Amanda Kay Freis
  • Patent number: 11146126
    Abstract: An iron core including a laminate of a plurality of fixed electromagnetic steel sheets, a laminate of alloy thin strips which is sandwiched between the laminate of the electromagnetic steel sheets, a fastening mechanism which penetrates the laminates of electromagnetic steel sheets and alloy thin strips, and a fixing base. The laminate of alloy thin strips reduces compressive and torsional forces acting on the laminate of alloy thin strips by using the iron core having a structure in which upper and lower portions of a laminate of alloy thin strips having nanocrystal grains are sandwiched together with laminates of amorphous alloy thin strips. Furthermore, a motor including a rotor and the above-described iron core is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Nishikawa, Mitsuo Saitoh
  • Patent number: 10689131
    Abstract: A satellite configuration includes a plurality of individual satellite buses each having a number of side panels that form a polygonal shape, where the individual satellite buses collectively fit together to form the satellite configuration having a regular polygon shape. A method of producing the satellite configuration includes forming a plurality of individual satellite buses each having a polygonal shape, and fitting the individual satellite buses together to form the satellite configuration in a regular polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond Edward Fraze
  • Patent number: 10376946
    Abstract: A system and method of making a one-piece expanded metal gutter cover having a solid edge margin is disclosed. The system and method involves feeding a continuous web of solid metal to an expanding station, expanding the continuous web at the expanding station to form an expanded web of material having a screen section of expanded metal and a solid section of non-expanded metal, cutting the continuous web to form a gutter cover blank having screen and solid sections, and slitting the solid section of the gutter cover blank to remove a wavy side edge of the blank and create a substantially straight side edge extending along the blank. A system for carrying out this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: James E. Ealer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10292845
    Abstract: According to a method for producing a stent which is formed into a tubular body and includes at least one marker formed from a marker housing and a marker insert including: using an indenter having a partially spherical shaped distal end, the distal end coming into contact with the marker insert when the marker insert is pressed with the indenter and is pressure fitted to an opening provided on the marker housing to fix it thereon, a sufficient load can be applied to a radiopaque marker insert when the marker insert is attached to the stent, and further a stent having a radiopaque marker whose marker housing has little damage can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryogo Higashi, Tamotsu Shimada
  • Patent number: 10231813
    Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Vertera, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Hsang Chang, Stephen Lee Laffoon, Christopher S. D. Lee, David Lee Safranski
  • Patent number: 9980818
    Abstract: An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The base stent desirably has three position markers projecting in the axial direction from the outflow end of the base stent to assist in aligning the stent with respect to the commissures of the native valve. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Chau, Qinggang Zeng
  • Patent number: 9848973
    Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: VERTERA, INC
    Inventors: Wei-Hsiang Chang, Stephen Lee Laffoon, Christopher S. D. Lee, David Lee Safranski
  • Patent number: 9700443
    Abstract: A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Rommel Lumauig, Joel Harrington, Chad Abunassar, David D. Hart, Cornel I. Ciurea, Mark A. Ritchie, Jay A. King, Jill McCoy
  • Patent number: 9417398
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for shaping plastic optical fibers (POFs), more specifically for optically modifying and yet more specifically for rapidly joining two portions of the plastic optical fibers to create a new optical connection. The plastic optical fibers may be heated under controlled conditions, to soften them and lens, sensor or patterns may be imprinted on portions of the fiber. Methods are provide to optical joints, and combined physical and optical joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Henry Jameson White, Geoffrey Martland Proudley, Ying Lia Li
  • Patent number: 9021680
    Abstract: An apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has a drive element, an output element and a side cover. The drive element is brought into drive connection with a crankshaft, the output element is brought into drive connection with a camshaft, and the output element is arranged such that it can be pivoted with respect to the drive element. The side cover, which has a sealing cover with an opening and a mating element, axially delimits the output element and/or the drive element, and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive or output element by means of a fastening element. The fastening element reaches at least partially through the opening and interacts with the fastening element producing a rotationally fixed connection between the side cover and output element or drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Weber, Andreas Schulte
  • Publication number: 20150114586
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly, for a metal casting apparatus selected from a sliding gate and a tube exchange device, comprises a first refractory element comprising a first coupling surface which includes a first bore aperture, and a second refractory element comprising a second coupling surface, which includes a second bore aperture, the first and second elements being coupled to one another in a sliding translation relationship through their respective first and second coupling surfaces such that the first and second bore apertures can be brought into and out of registry to define, when in registry, a continuous bore for discharging molten metal from a molten metal inlet to a molten metal outlet of said nozzle assembly. A sealing member is provided between the first and second coupling surfaces of the first and second elements. The sealing member comprises a thermally intumescent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: VESUVIUS CRUCIBLE COMPANY
    Inventors: James Ovenstone, Martin Zhou
  • Patent number: 9017213
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening structure of a ring gear, wherein a ring gear is fastened to a flange of a differential case constituting a differential subassembly. The ring gear has an inner peripheral surface to be press-fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the flange, and is swaged by a swaging portion provided on at least one end of the flange in the axial direction. In order to prevent the ring gear from deforming in the radial direction, an engaging means for engaging the flange with the ring gear using the relationship between a recess and a protrusion is provided. The engaging means is comprised of a recess formed at an end face of the ring gear and a protrusion formed on the flange. The protrusion is engaged in the recess by swaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Taniguchi, Hiroyuki Shioiri
  • Patent number: 9003650
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thu A Nguyen, Michael G Parent, Russell Joe Heeter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20150064546
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electric storage apparatus includes an electric storage device; an insulating member arranged in alignment with the electric storage device; and a sandwiching member made of metal configured to sandwich the insulating member with the electric storage device, wherein one of the insulating member and the sandwiching member includes a recess having an opening on a first surface and having a recess-side large-diameter portion, on the bottom side, with an inner circumference larger than the opening, and the other of the insulating member and the sandwiching member includes a projection-side large-diameter portion, on the distal end side, with an outer circumference larger than the opening, the projection-side large-diameter portion being arranged inside the recess-side large-diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Satoshi Murakami, Shinsuke Yoshitake, Yuta Yamamoto, Yoshiyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 8960074
    Abstract: A pair of penetrating holes are formed along a longitudinal direction in the interior of a cylinder body that constitutes a fluid pressure cylinder. One end of the pair of penetrating holes is sealed by a pair of caps formed in plate-like shapes. The caps, for example, are formed by press molding a plate body made up from a metal material such as aluminum or the like. Outer edge portions of the caps include bent portions, which are inclined at a predetermined angle in a radial outward direction. In addition, the caps are installed by means of the bent portions biting into inner circumferential surfaces of the penetrating holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hara, Yusuke Saito, Toshio Sato, Hironobu Imamura
  • Publication number: 20140349773
    Abstract: In one aspect, a solid shaft sub-assembly is provided. The solid shaft sub-assembly includes a solid shaft having a first portion and a second portion, and a yoke including an inner wall defining an aperture to receive the solid shaft. The aperture has a non-circular first cross-sectional profile, and the solid shaft first portion is positioned within the aperture and is deformed such that the first portion is formed with a second cross-sectional profile complementary to the first cross-sectional profile to axially and torsionally couple the solid shaft to the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Anders, Daniel C. Simon, Patrik M. Ryne, Troy A. Daenzer
  • Patent number: 8881396
    Abstract: In one aspect, a fan assembly is provided that can be manufactured while producing a significantly reduced amount of scrap material. More specifically, the fan assembly utilizes a hub ring and one or more hub strips to support a plurality of blades rather than a solid center disc or end disc used by some prior approaches. In another aspect, a method is provided that includes bending a member into an annular configuration and joining end portions of the member together to rigidly fix the member in the annular configuration. The rigid annular member may be used as an end ring, a hub ring, an orifice, or other component, while producing significantly less scrap material than traditional approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Revcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Hall, Dominic Phillip Menoni, Richard R. Shelby, Stephen A. Adamski, Michael F. Buckley
  • Patent number: 8869377
    Abstract: The invention relates to an Integrated Valve Sleeve for a spool and sleeve valve and solenoid housing for accepting a solenoid assembly. The apparatus is integrated insofar as it is fashioned from one piece of malleable material through a cold-forging process, thus avoiding the structural weakness endowed in similar assemblies formed through welding processes and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Shreyas R. Mehta
  • Patent number: 8857036
    Abstract: A method of forming a leak tight connection between a pipe and a port made of different metals is described. A leak tight connection between a pipe made of a first metal and a port made of a second metal is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Christoph Kuebel
  • Patent number: 8832941
    Abstract: A method for assembling a propshaft assembly. The method can include: providing a tubular member, the tubular member having an annular wall with an inside circumferential surface; pushing a first ram through the tubular member; loading a damper between the first ram and a second ram; twisting the damper between the first and second rams; moving the first and second rams to translate the twisted damper into the tubular member; untwisting the damper in the tubular member; and withdrawing the first and second rams from the tubular member. A machine for assembling a propshaft assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Cardinal Machine Company, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pennington, Jeremy Clontz, Britten Coleman, Scott Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8826510
    Abstract: A composite part defining a button shaped protrusion and including fibers reinforcing a resin matrix throughout the part. The fibers may be in the form of a woven mat or in the form of loose fibers that are deposited in a mold. Methods of making the composite part with a woven mat or loose fibers being provided in the button shaped recess that defines a void in the fiber reinforced composite part at a predetermined location where a self-piercing rivet is to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aindrea McKelvey Campbell
  • Patent number: 8814234
    Abstract: A bumper beam of the present invention is provided with a tubular bumper reinforcement member (1) and a tubular crush box (2). A reinforcement member hole (15) is provided in an outer peripheral wall (11) of the bumper reinforcement member (1) in a penetrated manner. A partition wall (22) is provided so as to bridge opposed inner wall surfaces of an outer peripheral wall (21) of the crush box (2). The tip end portion of the crush box (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the reinforcement hole (15). In this state, ridge portions (25a, 25b) are formed, by means of a tube expansion process using a tube expansion die, on the crush box (2) so as to extend in a circumferential direction thereof at a front side and a rear side of the reinforcement hole (15). With this, the crush box (2) is secured to the bumper reinforcement member (1). According to the present invention, the bumper beam can be reduced in size and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Sadao Kokubo, Yasuji Kawamata, Satoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8795444
    Abstract: A method of thermomagnetically processing a material includes disposing a workpiece within a bore of a magnet; exposing the workpiece to a magnetic field of at least about 1 Tesla generated by the magnet; and, while exposing the workpiece to the magnetic field, applying heat energy to the workpiece at a plurality of frequencies to achieve spatially-controlled heating of the workpiece. An apparatus for thermomagnetically processing a material comprises: a high field strength magnet having a bore extending therethrough for insertion of a workpiece therein; and an energy source disposed adjacent to an entrance to the bore. The energy source is an emitter of variable frequency heat energy, and the bore comprises a waveguide for propagation of the variable frequency heat energy from the energy source to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Roger A. Kisner, Orlando Rios, John B. Wilgen, Gerard M. Ludtka, Gail M. Ludtka
  • Patent number: 8763229
    Abstract: One or more crack inhibitors can be installed to improve fatigue performance by producing stress states that prevent or inhibit crack initiation. Crack inhibitors can also prevent or retard crack growth. A mandrel can be used to radially expand the crack inhibitors to both induce compressive residual stresses and to form an interference fit between the crack inhibitor and a workpiece. The mandrel can be removed from the installed crack inhibitor, which is left in the workpiece to ensure proper stress states are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Kevin J. Dooley
  • Patent number: 8739385
    Abstract: A method of assembling a member made of a first material in a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, including forming the part with an aperture; inserting an intermediate part, which is made of a third material and includes a hole into the aperture without any stress; introducing the member into the hole without any stress; elastically and plastically deforming the intermediate part by moving two tools towards each other axially, respectively on the top and bottom parts of the intermediate part, so as to exert a radial stress against the member and against the wall of the part surrounding the aperture by causing the elastic deformation of the part, in order to secure the assembly in a manner that is not destructive for the part. The member can be a time piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Verardo, Pierre Cusin, Arthur Queval
  • Patent number: 8739408
    Abstract: A shape memory polymer is initially fabricated to a size where its peripheral dimension will be at least as large as the borehole wall in which it is to be deployed. After the initial manufacturing the material temperature is elevated above the transition temperature and the material is stretched on a mandrel to retain its inside dimension as its outside dimension is reduced to size that will allow running the seal to a desired subterranean location without failing the material during the stretching. The material is allowed to cool below the transition temperature to hold the new shape. The material on the mandrel is then secured to a tubular string and delivered to the desired location. Wellbore fluid at given temperature raises the material again above the transition temperature, which causes the material to revert to its originally manufactured shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ping Duan, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8707536
    Abstract: A method of assembling a member made of a first material in a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, includes forming the part with an aperture, inserting a radially flared portion of the member into the aperture, without any stress, and elastically and plastically deforming the flared portion of the member in the aperture by moving two tools towards each other axially, respectively on the top and bottom parts of the flared portion, so as to exert a radial stress against the wall of the part surrounding the aperture, causing the elastic deformation of the part, to secure the assembly in a manner that is not destructive for said part. The member can be a timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Verardo, Pierre Cusin, Arthur Queval
  • Publication number: 20140088565
    Abstract: A medical implant delivery system maintains an orientation between a guidewire lumen of an inner member of the system and a rapid-exchange port in an outer member. The medical device is disposed intermediate the inner and outer members and in friction or pressure-fit contact with the outer member. Once the guidewire lumen of the inner member and the rapid exchange port of the outer member are oriented, the friction or pressure-fit operates to maintain the orientation until deployment of the medical implant. Orientation is further maintained by a telescoping coupling of the guide wire lumen with the rapid exchange port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Khamla Vongphakdy, Huisun Wang, Adel Hashw, Lixiao Wang
  • Patent number: 8656751
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an implant having a screw thread on an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface thereof by die-casting or pressing an amorphous alloy. The apparatus for manufacturing an implant using an amorphous alloy includes: a heating unit for heating a pre-form formed of an amorphous alloy into a semi-solid state; a forming unit for forming a screw thread in the heated pre-form by using a pressing mold; and a cooling unit for cooling the pre-form having the screw thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ho Do Lee
  • Patent number: 8646176
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for sheathing an electrical conductor with an elastic sealing element. In the method, first a through-opening is produced in the sealing element with a first equivalent diameter. Next the through-opening which has been produced with a first equivalent diameter is expanded to a second equivalent diameter, in order to be able to introduce an electrical conductor into it. Then contraction of the through-opening which has been expanded to the second equivalent diameter is brought about, in order thus to obtain sealing off of the electrical conductor from the elastic sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Urbaniak, Rudolf Maron
  • Publication number: 20140021642
    Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a carburetor includes a body having a fluid passage formed therein and a counterbore located along the fluid passage. The counterbore has a first sealing surface and a central axis, and the body further includes a second sealing surface located radially closer to the central axis than is the first sealing surface. The carburetor also includes a plug affixed to the body at the counterbore and in contact with both of the first and second sealing surfaces. Engagement of the plug with the two sealing surfaces may improve the connection between the plug and carburetor body. In at least some implementations, the plug may be held in place without aid of an adhesive or other secondary connector or connection aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: WALBRO ENGINE MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Noriyu Nagata, Hidenori Sasaki, Daisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8590149
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lift transmitting component (2), particularly for a gas exchange valve train or a fuel pump drive of an internal combustion engine (1), is provided, The lift transmitting component includes a housing (6), a bearing pin (7) fixed in a reception bore (9) of the housing (6) and a roller (8) mounted through a sliding or a rolling bearing on the bearing pin (7). The bearing pin is core-hardened over an entire axial length to a core hardness of at least 650 HV, and pin ends (10) of the core-hardened bearing pin are radially widened relative to the reception bore for enabling a connection of the bearing pin to the housing (6) through positive engagement. The hardness of the bearing pin is at the most 780 HV, the radial widening of one of the pin ends being realized with a shaping die (11) which travels axially parallel to the bearing pin (7) and applies a force to the pin end in a transition region between a periphery and a front end surface of the bearing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Meisborn, Peter Kares
  • Publication number: 20130305516
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a heat sink/filter positioned between a pressure vessel and a diffuser in an air bag inflator. The pressure vessel is constructed so that upon activation of the inflator of the area of gas exiting the pressure vessel is smaller than the area of gas exiting the diffuser to create pressures in the pressure vessel that are higher than the pressures in the diffuser. This results in deformation of the pressure vessel that is equal to or greater than the deformation of the diffuser to maintain compression of the heat sink/filter between the pressure vessel and the diffuser during activation of the inflator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas Earl Overton, James Michael Rose
  • Patent number: 8533929
    Abstract: A coin assembly and a medal assembly which have triple-structures, respectively, and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coin assembly includes an internal ring; an external ring coupled to an outside of the internal ring; an insert coupled to an inside the internal ring; a first recess formed in an outer surface of the internal ring, to have a predetermined portion of an outer surface of the external ring inserted therein, when the internal ring and the external ring are assembled with each other; and a second recess formed in an outer surface of the insert, to have a predetermined portion of an outer surface of the internal ring therein, when the insert and the internal ring are assembled with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Poongsan Corporation
    Inventors: Won Hone Kim, Jong Soo Yuem
  • Patent number: 8522417
    Abstract: Vibration damping is important with regard to such components as hollow turbine blades in gas turbine engines. Traditionally damping has occurred through damping elements secured at the root or tip of such blades. Such damping is not optimised and results in potential problems with wear in operational life. By providing a tube of deformable material which can be located within a hollow cavity it is possible to provide an element which through friction engagement can absorb vibration energy and therefore damp such vibration. The tube incorporates a number of cuts and/or grooves in an appropriate pattern in order to define a deformation profile once the tube is expanded in location. The tube is secured in position internally upon an expandable element which is typically an inflatable device. Once in position the tube is retained in its expanded deformable profile and the engagement between the tube and the hollow cavity wall surface results in energy absorption through vibration episodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: David Miller
  • Patent number: 8499600
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Value Extraction LLC, Szuba Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Publication number: 20130192049
    Abstract: A system and a method for plugging a heat exchanger tube or the like. The system includes a plug member having a central shaft having a compressible member mounted on the central shaft such that axial compression of the compressible member radially expands the compressible member into sealing engagement with an inner wall of a tube in which the plug member is inserted. The system further includes a drive means removably engaged with the plug member for inserting the plug member into the tube and for providing axial force on the compressible member to cause radial expansion of the compressible member into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: GREGORY J. SAXON, Mike Toth, Jerry F. Hall, JR.
  • Patent number: 8479368
    Abstract: An anchoring device comprising a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end, and an anchor attached to the second end, wherein the anchor comprises a plurality of flukes to secure the anchoring device to a wall and at least one hole in fluid communication with the shaft to deliver a securing compound injected into the first end of the shaft to the flukes to facilitating securing the anchoring device to the wall. The flukes may be bendable or hingedly attached to the base of the anchor so as to accommodate a closed configuration to be insertable into a hole in the wall and expandable into an open configuration to prevent the anchoring device from being removed from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Hanratty
  • Patent number: 8458885
    Abstract: Process for assembling a first part made of metal material and a second part made of composite material, by an attachment element, which includes: —pre-piercing the parts to form a recess with a diameter D1 in the first and the second parts; —installing an insert having a variable diameter in the direction of the thickness of the parts in the recess, the insert including a main hollow body and at least one flange designed to rest at least partially against the outside surface of a part, the insert being designed to accommodate the attachment element; generating residual compression constraints by radial expansion on the inner wall of the insert by an expansion tool having an outside diameter that works with the inside diameter of the insert in at least one zone of the two parts along the circumference of the insert; —boring the recess of the main body wider so that the insert has a final inside diameter that is significantly greater than the outside diameter of the attachment element to allow play between the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Stephane Bianco, Laurent Pinto
  • Publication number: 20130127156
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a tube coaxially arranged around a measuring probe in a measuring probe unit of a fill-level measuring device comprising: a cable- or rod-shaped measuring probe and a tube coaxially surrounding the measuring probe. The measuring probe unit is connected to the container by means of a process connection element, wherein the measuring probe and the tube arranged coaxially around the measuring probe for the measuring probe unit are connected releasably to the process connection element. The coaxially arranged tube is connected releasably to the process connection element via a shape interlocking, threaded connection in a defined connection region, and the releasable, shape-interlocking, threaded connection of the coaxially arranged tube to the process connection element is secured by means of a radially directed deformation of the coaxially arranged tube in the defined connection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO KG
    Inventor: Dirk Osswald
  • Patent number: 8424209
    Abstract: There is provided an assembling method of a bearing unit which has a bearing having an outer ring and a retainer plate having a retainer hole for holding the outer ring. The assembling method has pressing a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction of a circumferential edge of an inner circumferential portion of the retainer hole of the retainer plate in an axial direction so as to form engagement pawls and moving the engagement pawls of the retainer plate from one axial end of the outer ring to a engagement groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring so as to engage the engagement pawls of the retainer plate with the engagement groove of outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Katougi, Tomoharu Sugiman
  • Patent number: 8402806
    Abstract: Installation/processing tools may be used to install one or more expandable structures in a workpiece. An installation/processing tool may include an expansion mandrel, a processing tool, and an expansion assembly having an expansion jaw movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An expandable portion of the expansion jaw is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member. When the mandrel is moved through the expansion assembly, the expansion jaw is moved between the collapsed and expanded configurations to cause expansion of the expandable member. The installation/processing tool can also be used to cold work a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Glenn, Jonathan M. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20130062989
    Abstract: A method for securing the end sections of an annular laminated article, such as a stator core, which includes a plurality of serially joined sections, each section formed of a plurality of stacked, planar laminas. The article is initially manufactured in a liner form, and is then formed into an annular form with the end sections disposed adjacent one another. At least one tab associated with one of the end sections is displaced by a forming tool into a corresponding cavity of the other of the end sections to secure the end sections together. In another embodiment, a pair of tabs each associated with one of the end sections are respectively displaced toward one another and into corresponding respective cavities each associated with the other of the end sections to secure the end sections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: L.H. CARBIDE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas R. Neuenschwander, Barry A. Lee
  • Patent number: 8375580
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing cams for composite camshafts with the steps hot-forming a cam 11 such that a cam outside contour is produced and a cam bore 13 is punched and axially and radially calibrating the cam 11, wherein the calibration comprises the steps inserting the cam into an undivided mold 21 that defines the calibrated cam outside contour 12, inserting an arbor 23 into the cam bore 13 that defines the calibrated cam bore 13, and axially shortening the cam 11 between a lower die 22 that is situated between the mold 21 and the arbor 23 and on which the cam 11 lies with a first end face 14 and an upper die 25 that is guided between the mold 21 and the arbor 23 and acts upon the second end face 15 of the cam 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Bonse, Jürgen Schellbach, Jochen Wolf
  • Publication number: 20130025886
    Abstract: An electronics package of substantially monolithic configuration. The package is particularly adept at enhancing heat dissipation and avoiding secondary shock when placed in harsh application environments. Thus, the package may be particularly well suited for use in conjunction with high shock producing downhole application environments such as bridge plug setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ruben Martinez, Adan Diaz
  • Patent number: 8359725
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for forming materials that may comprise a body having a channel and an insert. The channel may extend to a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. The embodiments may also provide a mandrel disposed in the channel of the body and the insert of the body. The mandrel may have a shaft, a head on the shaft, and a compressible material disposed between the head and the insert of the body. The embodiments may also provide a collar. The collar may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body. The embodiments may also provide a biasing system configured to guide the collar in a first direction to a first position and then to a second position and configured to apply force to the body in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul Jeffrey Tauzer
  • Patent number: 8339745
    Abstract: A cylindrical boss portion is press-formed on a baseplate of a disk drive suspension. The boss portion is penetrated by a ball insertion hole relative to the thickness of the baseplate. The baseplate is formed of stainless steel. A chemically-polished surface is formed on an inner circumferential wall of the ball insertion hole by chemically polishing the baseplate after heat-treating it. The boss portion is inserted into a mounting hole of an actuator arm. A ball having a diameter larger than the inside diameter of the ball insertion hole is passed through the ball insertion hole. As the diameter of the boss portion is enlarged by the ball, the boss portion is fixed to the actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., Ogaki Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Yabu, Masakazu Sugino
  • Publication number: 20120317787
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: FATIGUE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James Ryunoshin Ross, Timothy Howard Johnson, Scott Harlow Gulick
  • Publication number: 20120311845
    Abstract: An annular caulking-fastened component to be fastened to a counterpart component by caulking includes a notch formed in an inner peripheral edge portion at one end side in a center axis direction, the notch being to be fixed to the counterpart component by caulking; and at least one of an inner-peripheral stepped portion formed between an inner peripheral surface and the inner peripheral edge portion and outward from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction and an end-face stepped portion formed between an end face at one end side in the center axis direction and the inner peripheral edge portion and from the end face toward the other end side in the center axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Taniguchi, Yuki Kurosaki, Yoshihiko Ukai, Jun Kamitake, Jo Kayahana, Shuhei Yamaguchi, Katsuaki Makino