Multipart Cooperating Fastener (e.g., Bolt And Nut) Patents (Class 29/525.02)
  • Patent number: 8117752
    Abstract: A method and an assembly device for producing a rotary joint between a drive element and a flange are defined. The drive element and the flange are screwed together by a nut and a bolt of the drive element. The bolt is drawn axially in to a bore in the flange by the rotation of the nut and until the drive element attains a final position in relation to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Breitenbach, Florian Koeniger, Peter Niebling
  • Publication number: 20120039686
    Abstract: A wedge fastener configured for use in extreme ambient conditions includes a pin or bolt having a head and a shank with an elongate slot through the shank. The wedge fastener also includes a wedge sized so that at least a portion of the wedge may extend through the elongate slot to grip a flange between the head and the wedge. The wedge fastener also includes a locking mechanism for locking the wedge in a gripping position against the flange. In one example, the locking mechanism includes locking keys with angled ridges configured to slide in angled slots on the wedge until the locking keys engage the shank. In another example, the locking mechanism includes a jack plate attached to the wedge and adjustment screws for engaging the shank to pull the wedge through the elongate slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: David E. Miller, Scott W. Allen
  • Publication number: 20120040110
    Abstract: A kit for securing a tree topper to a tree includes an extension member for receiving the tree topper includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body includes at least one opening positioned between the first end and the second end. At least one fastener extends through at least one of the openings to secure the extension member to the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: THOMAS MACMARTIN HARMAN, II
  • Publication number: 20120038146
    Abstract: A threaded union includes a threaded union nut configured to couple abutting ends of a threaded nipple on a distal end of a first joint and a shouldered nipple on a distal end of a second joint and a lower wedge and an upper wedge positioned within an offset distance formed between a lower surface of the union nut and an upper surface of an enlarged section of the shouldered nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DIAMOND OFFSHORE DRILLING, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Post Curtiss
  • Patent number: 8112862
    Abstract: Methods for assembling a first rotor and a second rotor having non-complementary flange openings may include providing mating elements at substantially the center on corresponding rotor flanges, coupling dowels into each of a plurality of circumferentially spaced flange openings in one rotor flange, and mating the mating elements and extending the dowels through corresponding flange openings in the other rotor flange. The rotors are then progressively drawn closer by threading a threaded collar onto each dowel while ensuring alignment between the rotor flanges. Once the flanges contact, machining the flange openings makes them complementary. Once the dowels are removed, the rotors can be coupled by a fastener in each set of complementary flange openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Jon Chevrette
  • Publication number: 20120033781
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for physically restraining an inlet mixer of a boiling water reactor (BWR) jet pump assembly. An inlet mixer clamp assembly is attached to the top of a transition piece of the BWR jet pump assembly, to provides a downward clamping force on the top of the inlet mixer. The clamping force restrains the inlet mixer from experiencing vibration and mitigates leakage between the inlet mixer and the transition piece sealing surfaces of the jet pump assembly. The clamping force also restrains the inlet mixer from undesirable rotation, especially during operation of the jet pump assembly. The inlet mixer clamp assembly may be used as an alternative to conventional jet pump beam assemblies. Alternatively, the inlet mixer clamp assembly may be used as a redundant physical restraint in addition to the conventional jet pump beam assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Michael S. DEFILIPPIS
  • Publication number: 20120030925
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the space occupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fence post. The space occupying means fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying means can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment means and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post. The method of using the fence end spacer apparatus to removably fill the space between the fence post and the nearby structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Robert B. Barter, Ruby G. Barter
  • Publication number: 20120024331
    Abstract: The present invention uses special fastening brackets to assemble a canopy. The fastening brackets are uniquely shaped so it could bind the metal bars together without the need to drill holes through them, thereby causing the need to match the holes. Therefore, as the canopy changes its shapes as it is being used, the assembling would not be a problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Lifeng Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120011702
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blind bolt fastener that includes a threaded nut and bolt combination that passes through a deformable sleeve that has a shoulder, a deformable portion and a non-deformable portion. Upon tightening of the threaded bolt and nut combination, the deformable portion is compressed so that it bulbs to form a bulbed head. The shoulder on the sleeve blocks further compression of the deformable portion once the bulbed head is substantially completely formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8096591
    Abstract: A split ring restraint device having dual pipe size capability for securing the connection between adjacent pipes in water piping systems to prevent leakage or failure of the pipe connection. The restraint device comprises an interlocking, stepped joining interface that can be assembled in one orientation to fit a pipe having a first outside diameter and assembled in another orientation to fit a pipe having a second outside diameter. The restraint device can be used without modification on pipes having different outside diameters. The restraint device can be installed more rapidly than current state-of-the art split ring restraint devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary J. Gentile, Jr., Earl Sinjon Bradberry, Adam Pennington, John K. Lonergan
  • Publication number: 20120000062
    Abstract: A threaded element in the shape of a wire thread insert with a specific geometric design is disclosed. This threaded element contains, in particular, a narrowed helical winding of at least two helical winding sections that enclose one or a plurality of sequential secants. Based on this geometric design of the threaded element, a matched installation process is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Marxkors, Francisco Tovar, Ralf Dorr
  • Publication number: 20120003032
    Abstract: A structural unit, e.g., a tie rod, that has a tube which is provided with an internal thread, on at least one surface thereof, which is threaded in a first rotational direction, and into the end of which a threaded sleeve is screwed. The threaded sleeve has an internal thread which is threaded in a second direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, and has a shank screwed into the sleeve. The entire threaded sleeve is accommodated within the tube, and the threaded sleeve has a coupling contour on the opening side of the tube. A method of applying the structural unit such that, by rotating the threaded sleeve within the tube, the shank and the tube are moved in opposite directions. In the method, the coupling contour of the threaded sleeve serves to introduce the torque required for rotational motion of the threaded sleeve by way of a tool or an adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stefan Rump, Andreas Rosengarten, Dirk Sokolihs
  • Publication number: 20110315837
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a multi-screen display unit which forms a large screen by contiguously disposing a plurality of display units with respect to a mounting pedestal by making a first supporting member provided on the back surface of the display unit be engaged with a second supporting member provided at the mounting pedestal, wherein the first supporting member includes a monitor fitting which has a display-side supporting plate provided so as to protrude from the back surface and is disposed at a corner portion of the back surface of the display unit, the second supporting member includes a fixing-side supporting plate which is provided at a position corresponding to the display-side supporting plate to protrude toward the back surface and supports the display-side supporting plate, and a pin member is provided in an upright manner at the fixing-side supporting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Renichi Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8086340
    Abstract: Distance meters measure distances from a reference position to a first area including an upper pitch circle portion and a second area including a lower pitch circle portion. Center coordinates of the hub is calculated based on respective center coordinates of two hub bolts included within the first and second areas. Coordinates of three points defining apexes of a triangle are acquired. Inclination angle of the hub relative to a vertical plane is calculated based on the coordinates of the three points, and an orientation of each of the hub bolts is calculated based on the center coordinates of the hub and the center coordinates of the hub bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kondo, Takao Shibayama
  • Patent number: 8079128
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas, Matthew P. Rubal, Gregory A. Trees
  • Publication number: 20110302750
    Abstract: A quick assembly surface fastening system for mounting accessories to a desk or another type of support member, without requiring a separate tool, is provided. The fastening system includes an adjustable clamping device for frictionally engaging an edge of a desk; a clamp nut assembly having a tightening member pivotally attached thereto and adapted for pivoting between a first and second position; and an accessory sleeve configured for mounting upon the clamp nut assembly. The tightening member pivots between the first position to function as a tool for adjusting the clamping device to bring the clamping device into frictional engagement with the support member. The tightening member pivots to the second position where at least a portion of the clamp nut assembly including the tightening member is configured for receiving the accessory sleeve. A method for mounting an accessory to a support member is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: BUSH INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Green
  • Publication number: 20110305422
    Abstract: An enclosure system for receiving a cable includes an enclosure having an inner chamber and an open position exposing the inner chamber and a closed position covering the inner chamber. A cable receiving port in a wall of the enclosure extends along a longitudinal axis from outside of the enclosure into the inner chamber. The cable receiving port is configured to receive a cable therein when the cable is advanced axially into the port without rotation of the cable when the enclosure is in the closed position. A mating member is associated with the cable receiving port that limits rotation of the cable when the cable is advanced axially into the port. An axial retention member is associated with the cable receiving port that limits axial movement of the cable out of the port when the cable is advanced axially into the port to a lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Roy Keller Thompson, Thomas Marmon, Julian Mullaney, William Alan Carrico, Barry Allen
  • Patent number: 8074337
    Abstract: A metal plate member fixation device installation method includes the step of preparing a barrel, the step of bonding the barrel to one of two metal plate members to be affixed by a reflow soldering process, the step of providing a screw member and a cap and coupling the screw member and the cap tightly together, the step of preparing a spring member and sleeving the spring member onto the shank of the screw member and then inserting the screw member and the spring member into the barrel at the metal plate member, the step of axially slidably coupling the cap to the barrel to let the spring member be stopped between a step in the barrel and a part of the shoulder of the screw member, and the step of releasing the pressure from the cap to finish the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20110296668
    Abstract: A self locking fastener is disclosed herein which is self-contained and resists loosening even when used in applications and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one form the present invention provides a self locking screw-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides a self locking nut-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In still other forms, the invention provides components for creating self locking fasteners using at least in part conventional materials and/or fasteners, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides prepackaged kits for customizable fasteners that purchasers can buy and use to assemble customized fasteners in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Scott J. Emmerich
  • Patent number: 8069547
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an installation-ready pipe coupling is disclosed. The method includes providing pipe coupling segments each having an initial radius of curvature and an initial subtended angle. The segments are each deformed so as to take a permanent set and have a final radius of curvature greater than the initial radius of curvature and a final subtended angle smaller than the initial subtended angle. The deformed segments are assembled in end-to-end relation using adjustably tightenable fasteners to form a coupling. The deformed segments are maintained in spaced relation so that pipe elements can be inserted between them without disassembly of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 8065800
    Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo P. Oriet, Jules Cazabon, Nouri Matar
  • Publication number: 20110284206
    Abstract: A multi-component C-ring coupling is provided that includes a connector, an internal C-ring, and a lower ring. In one embodiment, the multi-component C-ring coupling may include a diverter connector to weldlessly couple a diverter to a pipe, such as a conductor. In other embodiment, the coupling may include a casing housinghead connector to couple to a casing housinghead. The lower ring may be engaged with the connector via axial fasteners. The lower ring and connector may include angled internal surfaces to exert radial forces on the C-ring and cause engagement of the teeth of the C-ring with the outer wall of a pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8061008
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a shaft retainer, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Thomas, Gregory A. Trees, Vincent Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Alan Scott, Scott Allen Harris, Matthew Paul Rubal
  • Patent number: 8056237
    Abstract: A guardrail system and method comprises utilizing at least one through-hole of a poured concrete wall of a structure to affix a stanchion to the wall inside a bay of the structure. The stanchion allows for a guardrail to be conveniently and securely positioned within the bay without damage to the structure and without covering an edge of the structure. A fastener inserts through the through-hole which is preferably a pre-existing tie-hole resulting from formation of the wall. In one optional aspect a guardrail stanchion includes a base segment having at least two slots for receiving fasteners which insert through two tie-holes of the wall, and at least one side segment having at least one adjustment port, the side segment extending generally perpendicular to the base segment. A pair of stanchions may be affixed to opposing walls within the bay, and guardrails affixed thereto and spanning across the bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: OuiCanDuit, LLC
    Inventors: Lewis Candler, Wesley Wiedenbeck, Anthony J. Bourget
  • Publication number: 20110272211
    Abstract: A paint roller tray mounting device includes a platform that has a width sized to fit between first and second side rung supports of a ladder, a length sufficient to support a paint roller tray. The platform has a recess in an upper surface sized and shaped to provide a gripping surface for a ladder rung. At least two securing hooks have a hooking end and an attaching end. The hooks are symmetrically attached at the attaching end adjacent opposite edges of the platform. The hooks extend from at least a lower surface of the platform to a surrounding upper edge of the paint roller tray. The hooks have a tightening device for urging the tray and the platform together. The platform is located beneath the ladder rung or a top shelf of a step ladder. The paint roller tray is located above either the rung or the top shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Marvin E. Beachy
  • Patent number: 8051545
    Abstract: Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: SAF Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Peveler
  • Publication number: 20110266389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection assembly of an engine pylori underneath an aircraft wing, the wing being provided with a fitting (6), the engine pylori being provided with a fork joint (5) nested in the fitting and fixed to the said fitting by means of a traversing pin system (10), provided with: an external primary pin (11), a secondary pin (12) mounted inside the primary pin, a primary shoulder (13) mounted directly around the primary pin, at a blind end of the pin system, to block the said pin in translation, a secondary shoulder (14) mounted around one end of the secondary pin, at a blind end of the pin system, to block the system in rotation, an interlocking assembly (15, 16) mounted around the primary pin and the secondary pin, at a free end of the pin system, to block the pin system in translation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Stephane COMBES, Pascal Gardes
  • Publication number: 20110267243
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to mounting antenna components, modules, assemblies, etc. to mounting surfaces, such as vehicle roofs, hoods, trunk lids, etc. Other aspects relate to antenna assemblies including the mounting apparatus. An exemplary embodiment generally includes one or more contact parts, a clamping piece, and a fastener. The one or more contact parts, clamping piece, and fastener may be used for mounting an antenna assembly to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle body wall (e.g., a vehicle's roof, hood, trunk lid, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Steinkamp, Jens Simon, Rainer Ecker, Otto Heinemeyer
  • Publication number: 20110268495
    Abstract: A connecting system is provided comprising a bolt with a fastening portion at one end thereof adapted for fitting with a intermediate component, wherein the fastening portion has one or more grooves adapted for providing a stress-relieved geometry; a clamp component adapted for clamping the bolt, wherein the clamp component has one or more protrusions on the inner side of the clamp component and a thread on the outer side of the clamp component, wherein the one or more protrusions are adapted for fitting with the one or more grooves of the fastening portion of the bolt; and a nut having a thread on the inner side and being adapted for fastening the clamp component by fitting with the thread on the outer side of the clamp component so that a form closure between the clamp component and the fastening portion of the bolt is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Denis HEIDE
  • Patent number: 8047577
    Abstract: A hose coupling employs a tailpiece, a sleeve and collar to prevent the hose to be removed from the coupling. The tailpiece includes an exterior having: a first sinusoidally shaped (in cross-section), partially diamond shaped knurled contour, and, a cylindrically shaped interior. The sleeve includes an interior second sinusoidally shaped contour reciprocal to the first undulating contour of the tailpiece. The sleeve includes first and second halves each having two sets of fingers which interengage the fingers of the other half. A hose is disposed between the sleeve and the tailpiece and the hose includes a grounding wire which engages the collar or the sleeve. The collar includes first and second halves and each of the halves of the collar interengage the sleeve urging the sleeve against the hose compressing the hose against the contour of the tail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: All-American Hose LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Zeiber
  • Patent number: 8046899
    Abstract: A connector for releasably securing a shaft and a head having a hosel with a bore of standard size. The connector includes a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, and a compression nut. The shaft adapter has a shaft bore sized to receive the shaft, a first threaded coupling member, and a axial shaft. The hosel adapter has a hosel bore and a main body portion. The hosel bore is sized to receive the axial shaft. The compression nut has a second coupling member. The shaft is secured within the shaft bore and the main body portion is secured within the bore of the hosel using an adhesive and the axial shaft is inserted within the hosel bore. Thereafter, the compression nut is rotated to couple the first and second coupling members together thereby securing the shaft and head together without the shaft being received within the bore of the hosel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Club-Conex, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Burch
  • Publication number: 20110259462
    Abstract: A large scale structure includes a plurality of panels, wherein each panel has at least one opening therethrough. And each panel has opposed edge profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels and opposed end profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels. A plurality of rods extend through aligned openings so as to interconnect the plurality of panels to one another. And a plurality of coupling nuts, each coupling nut attachable to an end of one of the rods, wherein the coupling nuts secure the panels to one another. An insert with apertures aligned with the openings allows a rod to extend through the insert and facilitate securement of the insert to the plurality of panels so as to form a section. Additional sections can be assembled as needed to form the structure. A method of assembling the structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Randy L. Gaigler, Kishan L. Goel, Tushar K. Shah
  • Publication number: 20110253236
    Abstract: A massage jet pump may include a motor to rotate a first shaft, a first magnetic pole array may be adapted to be rotated by the first shaft, a second magnetic pole array may be magnetically coupled to the first magnetic pole array and may rotate in accordance with the first magnetic pole array, an impeller may pump the fluid in accordance with the rotation of the second magnetic pole array. The pump may include a mounting housing for pump mounting and prevent water leaking to the motor, a jet assembly to pump the water into dual jet streams, and an electronic sensor circuit to detect the presence of the jet assembly and shut down the motor when the jet assembly is removed from the pump or water level in the basin is low. The jet assembly may include a back cover, a fixed shaft, an impeller, a second magnet plate, and a front cover. The front cover of the jet assembly includes two output ports which guide the water jet streams in parallel or 45 degrees with respect to the axis of the fixed shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin Le, Thanh Le
  • Publication number: 20110252627
    Abstract: An elbow clamp assembly structurally supports or replaces a connection between a main pipe and an elbow pipe. The elbow clamp assembly includes an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body securable on opposite sides of the main pipe in facing relation. The upper and lower clamp bodies are connected by a clamp bolt extendable through the main pipe. An elbow boss is securable to the elbow pipe, and a cross bolt is extendable through the elbow pipe and connected between the elbow boss and the clamp bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventor: Grant Clark Jensen
  • Patent number: 8033000
    Abstract: A screwed connection has a threaded bolt; a nut; a washer arranged between the nut and a surface of a component to be clamped; a screwing device with a housing, a holding tool connected to the housing, and a tightening tool that engages positively the nut; a measuring element arranged in the washer for measuring a compressive force generated by tightening the screwed connection. The washer has an anti-rotation device oriented toward the surface of the component. The outer periphery of the washer is positive-lockingly engaged by the holding tool. The washer has no positive or frictional connection to the threaded bolt, and the holding tool has no torque supporting action on the threaded bolt or on any other part so that a reaction moment, generated when tightening the nut, is introduced from the housing of the screwing device through the washer into the component to be clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Publication number: 20110239439
    Abstract: An eccentric fitting assembly includes an outer eccentric fitting which defines an outer axis, the outer eccentric fitting defines an opening offset from the outer axis and an inner eccentric fitting which defines an inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting defines a stud opening offset from the inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting receivable within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Rpbert W. Maxwell, Scott A. Chasen, Barton J. Hainsworth
  • Publication number: 20110240072
    Abstract: In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a protective cover for manually operated movable carriages. Specifically, the protective cover of the present invention includes a double layered canopy portion and a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion further includes an attachment device that can be securely clamped onto the body of such movable carriages. A dual clamp mechanism is provided with the attachment device to help an operator adjust the orientation of the protective cover according to his requirement and also to allow a 360° rotation to a closed protective cover thus achieving an easy storage solution. Further, the protective cover is structured and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions without getting toppled over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Gina Barac-Bauer
  • Patent number: 8029221
    Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a cage, a nut and a heat sensitive adhesive. The cage includes a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber and an open end. An opening is formed through one of the walls. The nut is secured to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut includes a threaded channel exposed through the opening. The heat sensitive adhesive adhesively secures the nut to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut breaks away from the cage within the internal chamber when heat is applied to the heat sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Curley, Jr., Anthony Pascariello
  • Publication number: 20110232071
    Abstract: A wind turbine is proposed which has a plurality of construction sections each having at least one connection region for connecting at least two construction sections to one another, a plurality of fasteners to fasten at least two connection regions of two construction sections to one another, and an identifier for each fastener to distinguish it from other fasteners. A testing device to test the fasteners of a construction section of a wind turbine having a tool section for tightening and/or retightening the fasteners to obtain a desired tightness and/or to test the fasteners with regard to tightness, and a detection unit for detecting an identifier of each fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Knoop, Guido Trauernicht, Tina Maria Trauernicht, Marie Annette Trauernicht, Anna Marie Trauernicht
  • Publication number: 20110225802
    Abstract: An assembling arrangement serves for securing a tubular furniture leg to the top plate of a piece of furniture. The assembling arrangement comprises a through opening formed in the top plate, a top mounting, which spans the through opening on the top side of the top plate, a bottom mounting, which spans the through opening on the bottom side of the top plate and is attached to the leg, a first bore formed through the top mounting and a second bore formed through the bottom mounting in line with the first bore, a screw having a shaft extending downwards in the leg via the first bore, the through opening and the second bore, a nut for the screw shaft placed in the leg, and an anchoring mechanism for firmly anchoring the nut in the leg in the secured state of the leg. The assembling arrangement is inexpensive and strong and can advantageously be used for mounting legs upon cantilever tables and chairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Steen Mandsfelt Eriksen, Gunilla Mandsfelt Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8020278
    Abstract: An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 8017213
    Abstract: A temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment, a method of forming a sheet of the hooks and, a method of insulating the skin of a flight vehicle. Temporary loops are formed in a fabric containing temperature tolerant fiber tows, e.g., the tows may be carbon, a metal, a carbide such as carbon silicide, a nitride, or an oxide. The temporary loops are stiffened (e.g., with resin, metal or ceramic), and severed to form temperature tolerant fiber composite hooks. The sheet may be cut and permanently applied, for example, to the skin of a spacecraft or aircraft. A fibrous material, e.g., fibrous insulation or batting, may be pressed in place or formed into the hooks, or the fibrous material may be attached to another structure and pressed in place for a temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Olivier H. Sudre, Janet B. Davis, Stanley A. Lawton
  • Patent number: 8002506
    Abstract: A self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt includes a dowel having a guard rail fastening end and a ring. The fastening end is configured to be driven in rotation, and the ring is configured to rigidly connect to a first screwing end of the dowel by an incipient fracture portion. The self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt further includes a counter-dowel screwed to the dowel by a second screwing end. The counter-dowel includes an expansion cone, and an anti-rotation head having at least one edge which projects beyond a periphery of the dowel to prevent rotation of the counter-dowel about an axis of the guard rail bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Societe de Prospection et d'Inventions Techniques SPIT
    Inventors: Fabrice Pourtier, Christian Ricordi
  • Publication number: 20110201447
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares
  • Patent number: 7996981
    Abstract: A method for connecting pipe elements together end to end. The method includes providing a coupling having a plurality of segments with at least one camming surface, the segments being joined end to end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, positioning a first and a second of the pipe elements in end to end relation, positioning the segments surrounding the ends of the pipe elements, engaging the camming surfaces on the segments with grooves on the pipe elements and tightening the fasteners so as to draw the segments toward one another. The camming surfaces slide into the grooves and move the first and second pipe elements away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Anthony J. Cuvo
  • Patent number: 7984542
    Abstract: An insertion tool for manipulating a cable termination device having an auxiliary handle section pivoted to a base handle section, the inner and outer bodies of a cable termination device nested together with multiple cable strands positioned between the two bodies, and the inner strand of the cable extending through an aperture in the inner body and being adapted to be bend 90 degrees by manipulation of the handle sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan W. Tillitski
  • Publication number: 20110175338
    Abstract: The invention is a single pole with a flexible end, a universal gripping end, and additionally, an intermediate grip for the upper portion of the single pole. The pole alternately is connected together from shorter pieces so that its length can be shortened for storage or transport. The single pole is designed to be used by one or both hands for stability or for pushing forward on a skateboard, or similar board like surface on top of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip E. Senseman
  • Patent number: 7979986
    Abstract: This method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve in a rotating shaft sealing assembly uses one or more plunger locks to secure the rotary face of the seal assembly to the sleeve. Such seal assemblies have been previously secured with set screws. This plunger lock method for securing the rotary face of the cartridge seal avoids the use of set screws altogether. Instead, one or more spring activated plunger locks located in the rotary face seal assembly are mated into precisely located receptacle bores in the sleeve. The resulting attachment will not leak, require additional tightening, or distort the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: L. Kimball Simmons, Kevin D. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110171047
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pump has a pump assembly joined to a seal section. The pump assembly shaft, which may experience upthrust axial forces, may joined to the seal section shaft by a detachable coupling. The detachable coupling may have splines on its inner diameter that engage splines on the outer diameters of the pump assembly shaft and the seal section shaft. The detachable coupling can be bolted to one of the shafts. Locking members, such as plates, can be inserted through slots on the coupling to engage a recess on one of the shafts. A retaining device, such as a sleeve, can be used to hold the locking members in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry J. Parmeter, Joseph Scott Thompson, Josh S. Ledbetter, Dan A. Merrill, David W. Chilcoat
  • Patent number: 7967562
    Abstract: A fastener for a turbine engine includes a bolt and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cap mechanically secured to the bolt. CMC components are attached to an exhaust nozzle case with the fasteners. The fastener includes a bolt made of metal and having a head. A CMC cap is located on the head of the bolt and secured to the bolt by a mechanical device. The mechanical device allows the CMC cap to have a different thermal expansion than the bolt. The CMC cap also acts as a thermal shield for the bolt, aiding in the reduction of a heat signature of the turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Allen R. Frost, John D. Riehl