Multipart Cooperating Fastener (e.g., Bolt And Nut) Patents (Class 29/525.02)
  • Publication number: 20110147555
    Abstract: A variable length standoff assembly is configured to mount one or more portions of one or more panels to a frame or support structure, regardless of curvature or angling in the given panel or frame. The variable length standoff assembly includes a connector bar to which one or more variable length standoffs can be attached. Each variable length standoff includes a standoff barrel and adjustable extender to which a manufacturer can attach a portion of a given panel via a mounting cap. Each variable length standoff can be rotated about the connector bar, and can be extended or shortened to a wide range of lengths. In one implementation, a variable length standoff can also be configured to rotate with respect to the connector bar in at least two planes, thereby providing additional degrees of freedom for attaching variously curved and/or differentially orientated panels to a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: 3FORM, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan K. Harris, Jeremy Porter
  • Publication number: 20110147074
    Abstract: A fixing rack for a telecommunication apparatus allows the easy mounting, heat dissipation and maintenance of the telecommunication apparatus. A frame of the fixing rack is configured with a second hanging portion, a second joint portion and a fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion fixes the fixing rack on the installation surface, the second hanging portion hangs the telecommunication apparatus on the fixing rack with the first hanging portion configured on the back of the telecommunication apparatus, and the second joint portion joins with the first joint portion of the telecommunication apparatus and fixes the telecommunication apparatus on the fixing rack. The second hanging portion and the first hanging portion allow the telecommunication apparatus to be conveniently mounted onto the fixing rack. The fixing rack generates a gap between the telecommunication apparatus and the installation surface and facilitates heat dissipation and maintenance of the telecommunication apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ASKEY COMPUTER CORP.
    Inventors: YUNG-CHI CHENG, CHING-FENG HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20110150600
    Abstract: A grab bar or other accessory is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, an arm having a hub portion and an arm portion, and a mounting plate that is supported by the arm. The arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. A spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the arm in place during installation. The mounting plate includes a plurality of hole locations spaced radially outwardly from a center opening. The mounting plate is rotatable to position the plurality of hole locations at one of many different desired mount positions for a variety of grab bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: William H. Spencer, JR., Neil Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110139372
    Abstract: Vacuum processing chambers having provisions for thermal expansion and contraction. Specific embodiments provide a plasma processing chamber having a showerhead that enables thermal expansion and contraction without imparting structural stress on the chamber body and without breaking any vacuum seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Wendell Thomas BLONIGAN, Michael Allen Renta
  • Patent number: 7950152
    Abstract: A method is described for the mounting of a bearing block of a coupling plate on a mounting plate, with the bearing block having a bridge-like shape, being provided with bores at its opposite front and rear ends to accommodate fixing screws and being kept in place on the mounting plate by means of the fixing screws, and the coupling plate engaging with the bearing block in a central area, with the attachment of the bearing block to the mounting plate comprising at least one additional form fitting element. The invention was based on the task of providing a secure attachment of a self-supporting bridge-like bearing block to a mounting plate even under the extreme operating forces that are to be expected. The task is solved in accordance with the invention by means of a method in which by tightening the fixing screw together with the at least one form fitting element causes a deformation of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: José Manuel Algüera Gallego
  • Publication number: 20110121567
    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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Zachary J. Gentile, JR., Earl Sinjon Bradberry, Adam Pennington, John K. Lonergan
  • Patent number: 7946021
    Abstract: A double safety fastener prevents accidental disengagement. The double safety fastener is composed of a first and second threaded fastener. The two fasteners are joined with a pivotable protrusion extending from the first fastener into a recess of the second fastener. When both fasteners are engaged with a threaded rod, torque is transferred from the second fastener to the first fastener through the protrusion, recess interface. If the second fastener disengages the threaded rod, the second fastener will swing away from the threaded rod eliminating transfer of torque to the first fastener, thus eliminating the disengagement of the first fastener from the threaded rod. Conversely reengaging the disengaged second fastener to the threaded rod is accomplished by rotating (typically clockwise) and pressing the second fastener toward the first fastener thereby catching the beginning thread of threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Kochanowicz
  • Publication number: 20110111881
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter may have a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having either a shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Sander, Gregory A. Trees, Matthew P. Rubal, Michael S. Ulrich, Timothy J. Lastrapes, Matthew S. Young
  • Publication number: 20110112582
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a load sharing mechanism in between a screw head and a bone fixator component; attaching the screw head to the bone fixator component such that the load sharing mechanism provides tensile resistance to the screw head; securing the bone fixator component in a bone; securing a locking pin in the screw head; engaging the locking pin with the bone fixator component; inserting a longitudinal member in the screw head; and inserting a blocker in the screw head. The method may further comprise positioning a longitudinal member in a slot configured in the screw head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Mahmoud F. Abdelgany
  • Publication number: 20110099794
    Abstract: A coupling device provides a pre-tensioned coupling between a first member and a second member. The members are arranged to define a sealed compartment. A piston is housed within the compartment and is translated between the first member and the second member. A first ratchet lock is mounted within the second member and on translation of the piston, the first ratchet lock engages with the piston. A second ratchet is mounted within the second member and, on translation of the piston into the second member, the piston engages with the ratchet. The second ratchet is mounted on a piston, and translation of the second ratchet on the piston applies a tensile force to the first piston to tension or pre-tension the piston. As the ratchets substantially prevent reverse movement of the piston, the tensile force is retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Angus George Bowie, Peter Alexander Duguid
  • Publication number: 20110103918
    Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Wayne K. Woodall, Walter S. Pope, E. Russ Althof, Scott A. Muse
  • Publication number: 20110088244
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: James Thomas, Gregory A. Trees, Vincent Contini, Raymond Sander, James Alan Prescott, Scott Allen Harris, Matthew Paul Rubal
  • Publication number: 20110092144
    Abstract: A power tool accessory is adapted to be mounted to a spindle of a power tool having a power tool housing. The power tool accessory includes a hub, a working element, a bolt, and a nut. The hub includes a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The hub further includes an opening extending through the hub. An axis of rotation of the hub is defined through the opening. The working element is connected to the hub. The bolt includes a head having a cross-section that is greater than the opening of the hub. The bolt further includes a shaft adapted to extend through the opening of the hub. The shaft is adapted to be received on the spindle of the power tool. The nut cooperates with the bolt and includes a head and an aperture extending through the head. The head of the nut has a cross-section that is greater than the opening of the hub. The aperture of the nut is adapted to be received on the shaft of the bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Richard S. Woods, Michael D. Allan, Justin M. Fluegel
  • Publication number: 20110086724
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Burch
  • Patent number: 7921564
    Abstract: The invention concerns the assembly of a cross-member and an instrument panel. The invention concerns an assembly method including assembling a ventilation element (40, 42) on a cross-member (26, 28), and assembling the panel instrument on the cross-member (26, 28) such that a centering device penetrates into the orifice. The method includes: prior to assembling the ventilation elements (40, 42) on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging thereon a base (10) of the centering device of reduced height so that it does not obstruct the assembling of the ventilation elements (40, 42), and, prior to assembling the instrument panel on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging, on the base (10), a body of the centering device. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle cockpits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Laurent Baudart, Albin Descamps
  • Publication number: 20110037250
    Abstract: A seal for pipe couplings and a method of connecting pipe elements. The seal has an elastic ring surrounding a rigid ring. The elastic ring has side portions connected by a recessed center portion. The recessed center portion has a diameter no greater than the final diameter of the elastic ring in its deformed shape which effects a fluid tight joint. The seal is positioned between segments of a pipe coupling. Pipe elements are inserted into the elastic ring against the rigid ring from opposite sides of the coupling. The segments are drawn toward one another by fasteners, compressing the side portions and effecting the fluid tight joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Matthew A. Bowman, Scott Madara, Thomas M. Soloe, Charles E. Wilk, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110031374
    Abstract: A mounting plate for a door actuator, adapted to move a door leaf in at least one direction. The mounting plate is configured to be attached to a body and has fastening devices for affixing the door actuator to the mounting plate. At least at one end, the mounting plate has a fastening portion that serves to affix a connecting member to a first section of the mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Mattias DRUX, Michael HUFEN
  • Publication number: 20110027569
    Abstract: A fastener has a metallic member and a nonmetallic cap member. The metallic member has a head and a shaft. The shaft has a first end at the head, a distal second end, and an externally threaded portion. The metallic member further has a projection extending from the head opposite the shaft. The cap member is mated to the head opposite the shaft and retained by the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shelton O. Richards
  • Publication number: 20110016697
    Abstract: A method for loading a coupling assembly is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a first coupled member and a second coupled member, to a predetermined preload. The method comprises determining a compression distance of a resilient annular member of the coupling assembly corresponding to the predetermined preload, determining a rotation angle of a threaded fastener of the coupling assembly corresponding to the compression distance, inserting a threaded member of the coupling assembly through the resilient annular member, coupling the threaded fastener to the threaded member, and rotating the threaded fastener by the rotation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Shula, Bill Russell Watson
  • Patent number: 7874059
    Abstract: A bushing (30, 31) in a hole (26) through a ceramic matrix composite structure (20) with a flange (34, 38) on each end of the bushing (30, 31) extending beyond and around the hole and pressing against opposed surfaces (22,24) of the CMC structure (20) with a preload that resists buckling of the composite structure fibers and resists internal CMC fiber separation. A connecting element (40), such as a bolt or pin, passes through the bushing (30, 31) for engagement with a supporting element (50). The bushing (31) may be formed in place as a single piece of ceramic, and cured along with the CMC structure (20), or it may be formed as two ceramic or metal parts (32, 36) that are joined together and preloaded by threads (33). The connecting element (40) may be a pin, or it may be a bolt with a shaft threaded into one part (32) of the bushing and a head (42) that pushes the second flange (38) toward the first flange (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Morrison, Jay E. Lane
  • Patent number: 7866023
    Abstract: An arrangement for fastening a support of a scale of a linear measuring device on a mounting surface of an object to be measured. The arrangement includes a clamping jaw and a force-exerting element urging the clamping jaw against the support. The clamping jaw acts together with the support in such a way that the clamping jaw urges said support with a clamping force that includes 1) a first force component against the mounting surface by the force-exerting element and 2) a second force component that urges the support against an attachment face extending transversely to the mounting surface. The attachment face is directly constituted by an attachment body, which can be fixed positively and free of play in a receptacle on the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Haunreiter, Alfred Affa
  • Publication number: 20110000075
    Abstract: An electrical connector to mechanically and electrically connecting first and second electrical conduit assemblies. The first electrical conduit assembly has a first conductive contact and an aperture in the first conductive contact. A first fastener is rotatably received in the aperture. The first fastener has a head member and a body portion. A threaded passageway extends from the head member to a distal end of the body portion. The distal end of the body portion is swaged to prevent the first fastener from being accidentally removed from the aperture. A second electrical conduit assembly has a second conductive contact. A second fastener extends outwardly from the second conductive contact and is adapted to be threadably received by the passageway of the first fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: CABLECO TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keith R. CARVER
  • Publication number: 20100314520
    Abstract: A slope adapting mounting arrangement includes a mounting coupler and a mounting bracket. The mounting coupler is configured to attach to a fixture and includes opposed first and second projections. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base defining a mounting plane, and first and second side walls extending from the mounting base and laterally spaced to receive the mounting coupler therebetween. The first and second side walls include first and second recesses for pivotable bearing engagement with the corresponding first and second projections of the mounting coupler. The pivotable bearing engagement between the first and second protrusions and the first and second recesses permits positioning the mounting coupler at any angle within a pivot range of the mounting coupler with respect to a mount axis substantially perpendicular to the mounting plane. The pivotable bearing engagement also prevents the mounting coupler from axially rotating with respect to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: THE L.D. KICHLER CO.
    Inventor: Ted Collmar
  • Publication number: 20100314150
    Abstract: Disclosed are an RF equipment protection device and a mounting method for same. The RF equipment protection device of the present invention includes a main body with an open front end and an open rear end to accommodate RF equipment having an input/output connector, a first cover which is arranged to cover the front end of the main body, and having a connector hole for the passage of the front end side connector of the RF equipment, and a second cover which is arranged to cover the rear end of the main body, and has a connector hole for the passage of the rear end side connector of the RF equipment. The RF equipment protection device of the present invention is provided with a housing for accommodating the RF equipment, advantageously protecting the RF equipment in a stable manner and reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Yong-Gyu Song, Seung-Chan Hong, Wook Choi, Sung-Soo Chung
  • Patent number: 7849580
    Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lewis Bolt & Nut Company
    Inventors: David M. Barry, David Oram
  • Patent number: 7849602
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Hälker
  • Publication number: 20100308293
    Abstract: A railing system, and more specifically a modular, stainless steel railing system, includes posts that secure to a mounting surface, rails that extend between the posts, coupling members for attaching the rails to the posts, and optionally a rail cap. In one embodiment, the coupling members may take the form of a dowel or pin having an externally threaded portion that is threadably connected to the posts and another portion, either threaded or non-threaded, that is slidably received into the rails. In another embodiment, the coupling members may take the form of sleeves inserted into the rails and mechanically attached thereto. Once attached to the rails, the sleeves are engaged by fasteners that extend through the post and operate to urge the rail and the post into close contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Fred Larkins, Francis Church
  • Publication number: 20100294086
    Abstract: This method of tightening a threaded fastener (6) to a predetermined torque comprises steps in which: axial and rotational coupling is begun, by surface shrinking to a tight fit, of the threaded fastener (6) to a tightening member (2) capable of turning the threaded fastener (6) and thereby tightening it, the tightening member (2) and the threaded fastener (6) being able, from an initial coupled configuration between the tightening member and the threaded fastener, to remain rotationally coupled at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is less than the predetermined tightening torque, and to be rotationally decoupled from each other at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is equal to the predetermined tightening torque; and from this initial coupled configuration, a rotary movement is applied to the tightening member (2) up to a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member (2) to the threade
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Gay, Rene Hubert
  • Publication number: 20100287758
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Breitenbach, Florian Königer, Peter Niebling
  • Publication number: 20100282802
    Abstract: A flashlight holder for mounting in a vehicle, wherein a vehicle console is provided having a console frame formed of opposing side panels interconnected between opposing end panels, and a plurality of console face plates each having portions thereof securable with at least one of the side panels. A flashlight holder is formed of a lengthwise tubular receptacle having a mouth thereinto that is sized to receive a flashlight there through, and a stop positioned opposite from the mouth. Means are provided for securing the tubular receptacle to the vehicle console with the mouth positioned vertically above the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7827669
    Abstract: A method of joining together a first and second workpieces. The method comprises; drilling a first hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a first direction; drilling a second hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a second direction which is not parallel with the first direction, the drill bit passing through the first workpiece into a side of the first hole; inserting a fastener through the second workpiece and into the first hole; inserting an anchor into the first hole via the second hole; and securing the fastener within the first hole with the anchor. The invention also relates to a drill guide for use in such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Timothy David Hall, Brian John Turner
  • Patent number: 7823262
    Abstract: A repair/replacement nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, is provided which can be inserted into an oversized or reworked/reconditioned aperture of a workpiece after an original nut plate has been removed from the original aperture of the workpiece. The repair/replacement nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a stem, a nut retainer, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member is configured to be secured to a nut plate assembly, of the same type originally used to provide the original nut plate in the original aperture of the workpiece to compensate for material lost from the workpiece during the removal of the original nut plate. The sleeve member allows for the original nut plate assembly to be utilized, with only the securement of the sleeve member to the holding bracket prior to setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rahmatollah Fakhri Toosky, Soheil Eshraghi
  • Patent number: 7818869
    Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements in end to end relation uses a coupling that includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the concavities are oriented substantially parallel to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, William A. Nagle, John W. Pierce, William M. McPoyle
  • Patent number: 7815391
    Abstract: A connector and method for joining one end of a first wood member such as a wood log or beam to a side of a second wood member involving metal sleeves secured in aligned holes in a respective member with a protruding one of the sleeve slidable into the other sleeve. A bolt is threaded into an internally threaded element on the inner end of the sleeve in the first member and advanced to pull the members together. The sleeves are secured in the holes with spike features driven out into the surrounding wood. Alternatively, a tee connector has a plate portion fitting into a slot extending through aligned holes in the plate and one end of the first member. A cross plate is held against the one side of the other member with thread fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Richard W. Kauppila
  • Publication number: 20100234145
    Abstract: Rotatable sleeves are disposed adjacent the ends of the crossbar of a goalpost. A stub is integrally formed with each of the sleeves and each stub protrudes through an opening in the crossbar. The opening in the crossbar is dimensioned to permit back to front movement of the stub and corresponding rotation of the sleeve until verticality of the stub and its associated upright is achieved. At that point, the sleeve is locked against further rotation by means of a tapping block previously installed in the sleeve and engaged with a serrated bolt through an appropriately dimensioned opening in the crossbar and corresponding holes in the sleeve. Once the bolts are tightened into the tapping block, the sleeve is drawn tightly against the interior surface of the crossbar, thereby locking the sleeve and the stub and the upright against further rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20100234122
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas, Matthew Paul Rubal, Gregory A. Trees
  • Publication number: 20100234123
    Abstract: A golf club, includes: a head; a shaft; a shaft case, having a cylindrical shape and fixed to a leading end of the shaft, a hosel, mounted on the head, wherein: the shaft case is inserted into the hosel from an upper end of the hosel; and the shaft case is fixed to the hosel so that an insertion depth of the shaft into the hosel is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiaki SATO, Hiroshi TAKAHASHI, Hideo MATSUNAGA
  • Patent number: 7784166
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting tools with different configuration to a driving mechanism. The coupling device may have a longitudinal axis, a first clamping device which may engage a tool with a peg-shaped clamping segment and a second clamping device which may engage a tool with a generally flat portion. The coupling device may be used to connect a tool to a drive shaft which may be attached to a motor. The tools may be locked or unlocked relative to the coupling device by sliding a sleeve along the axis of the coupling device. The sleeve may be biased in a locked position by biasing means such as a spring. The coupling device may be configured so that the first and second tool may be prevented from rotating and/or moving axially with respect to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Tanner
  • Patent number: 7761972
    Abstract: An eccentric fastening device is provided. The eccentric fastening device includes a first threaded fastener, a base and a rotary lug providing a non-fastened pre-assembled position. The base includes a top, a bottom, a stem and a hole, where the stem axially extends from the bottom of the base, and the hole axially extends from the top through the stem of the base. The rotary lug is releasably retained in the hole of the base by the first threaded fastener. The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion having a thread and a head, wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem, whereby a selective structure may be variably clamped and releasably retained between said head and said base. An aircraft having an eccentric fastening device is also provided. A method of installing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard J. LaConte, Michael O. Nebeker
  • Patent number: 7761991
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine assembly including at least a first member and a second member. The method comprises inserting a threaded fastener through an opening formed in a flange, and providing at least one shank nut including a flanged mating end, an opposite non-mating end, and a body extending therebetween. The body includes an internal surface, an external surface, and a centerline extending between the body ends. The flanged mating end includes a substantially planar exterior surface that is aligned perpendicularly to the centerline and an annular groove that extends from the exterior surface at least partially towards the non-mating end. The method also comprises securing the assembly together such that the mating end is positioned flush against the flange and such that the threaded fastener extends at least partially into a bore extending through the shank nut and defined by the shank nut internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Lee Walter, Charles Thomas McMillan, Bradley Frank Anastasia, Jeffrey Lee Mason, Steven Alan Ross, Michael John Vukelich
  • Publication number: 20100184312
    Abstract: A holder for a controller housing of a central airbag unit is arranged on a central tunnel of the vehicle and fixed using fastening bolts by union nuts. A blank paint-free contact area is created around the fastening bolts by the union nuts being mounted on the fastening screws before a painting process. After a painting process, the union nuts are removed from the screws and the controller housing is mounted on the contact areas and secured by the union nuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Mike Bachmann
  • Publication number: 20100181760
    Abstract: A fitting incorporating a snap-fit sealing and locking device and methods of actuating the fitting and forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. The tubing can be corrugated stainless steel tubing having a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing. The sealing and locking device incorporates a bushing that is advanced through the application of axial pressure into a sleeve portion. Fingers on the bushing engage one or more corrugation grooves on the tubing and apply force to the tubing to collapse one or more corrugations to form a metal-to-metal seal. Distal motion of the bushing is inhibited after forming a metal-to-metal seal by contact between the bushing and the sleeve portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: TITEFLEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Duquette, Franz Kellar, Harold Crowder, Vanwijak Eowsakul
  • Patent number: 7757365
    Abstract: A method for securing two frame halves of a frame assembly, including providing a pair of frame halves each having an axially extending attachment rib. The frame halves are temporarily secured for storage and transport by detachably clipping the attachment ribs together with a clip. The frame halves can be disengaged, rotated, and lockingly clipped together for final installation with the same clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Indutries Cover Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Ouellette
  • Publication number: 20100175295
    Abstract: A detachable rail platform adaptable for selective and secure mounting to a weapon's rear iron sight assembly, the rear iron sight assembly having a sight base and a sight guard. The detachable rail platform includes a body having forward and rearward portions. The body further includes a rail portion and is positionable to envelop the rear iron sight assembly. A first clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight base at a predetermined position. A second clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight guard. Upon engagement of the first and second clamp assemblies to the sight base and the sight guard respectively, the rail platform is selectively and securely mounted to the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Trail Hoel, Trent Warncke
  • Patent number: 7748751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for making connections between pipe sections. In one embodiment, a pipe connection consists of a pair of flanges having conically tapered sealing surfaces and a tapered seal ring. A first one of the flanges has a male nose extending forward from the face of the flange, while a second one of the flanges has a female pocket which is recessed into the flange. The seal ring has conically tapered surfaces complementary to those of the flanges so that, when the connection is assembled, a seal is created between the seal ring and each of the flanges. The nose of the male flange extends forward so that, when the connection is assembled, the nose makes direct contact with the pocket of the second flange, forming a substantially gap-free conduit through the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Publication number: 20100154153
    Abstract: A pipeline pig, brush and method of assembly of the pipeline pig brush is provided. The pipeline pig brush has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a plurality of recesses provided in a rear face. The second plate has a plurality of recesses provided in a front face that can be substantially aligned with the plurality of recesses in the back face of the first plate. A number of brushes, each brush having a ferrule and a tuft of bristles, can be clamped between the first plate and the second plate where they are held in place between the first plate and the second plate by the recesses with their tuft of bristles extended beyond the sides of the first plate and second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: 766089 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: MICHAEL HOOPER, WENG CHEE FOONG
  • Publication number: 20100160068
    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: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100160070
    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: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100160064
    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: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Vincent J. Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Prescott, Brian Fortner
  • Publication number: 20100132640
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly is disclosed which comprises an inner shaft, an outer tube surrounding and rotatable relative to the inner shaft, and two groups of cam lobes mounted on the outer tube, the first group of cam lobes being fast in rotation with the outer tube, the second group being rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the tube and connected for rotation with the inner shaft. The connection between the second group of cam lobes and the inner shaft is effected by means of driving members whose positions are adjustable in order to compensate for significant manufacturing inaccuracies between the inner shaft and its associated group of cam lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: MECHADYNE PLC
    Inventors: Ian Methley, Richard Alwyn Owen, Nicholas James Lawrence, Timothy Mark Lancefield