By Elastic Joining Patents (Class 29/789)
  • Patent number: 8789570
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include a support for the tubular covering sleeve; a pair of expanders; driving means configured to introduce the expanders into respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve and to cause radial expansion of the tubular covering sleeve; and devices for disposing the tubular covering sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. The expanders may be configured to be placed in substantially coaxial positions relative to the tubular covering sleeve at the respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Publication number: 20140096358
    Abstract: A device and a method for a field expansion. A support core (30) is inserted into the device by a field expansion apparatus. The field expansion apparatus has a pressure applying means (20) defining a radially expandable inner surface and a flat surface radially outwardly extending from the radially expandable inner surface. The device comprises an elastomeric tubing (10) and an adapter (40). The elastomeric tubing (10) has a forward end opposite a rearward end and an axial bore extending therethrough configured to receive the support core (30). The adapter (40) has a step portion (41) defined by a radial outer surface (42) and a flat surface (43) radially outwardly extending from the radial outer surface (42), and an axial bore (44) extending therethrough. The axial bore (44) has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the axial bore (12) of the elastomeric tubing (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ming Zhang, Jinquan Yang, Zheng Huang, Zhigang Xu, Jiangjiang Ma
  • Patent number: 8522433
    Abstract: A low cost and simple seal installation method provides for easy installation of bonded pistons and lip seals in an automatic transmission or other industrial machine. The installation method utilizes a flexible circular disc that can be inserted in a gap between the bore and the shaft and is pressed against the seal lip to flip the seal lip to its desired orientation while the disc is rolled around the circumference of the gap to orientate the entire seal in its proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventor: Johnny Kinder
  • Patent number: 8273200
    Abstract: A method of disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include arranging the sleeve in a rest and not yet expanded condition; causing radial expansion of the sleeve starting from axially opposite end portions; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. Radial expansion of the sleeve may be carried out gradually, starting from the end portions of the sleeve toward an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve. The method of may include arranging the sleeve; arranging a pair of expanders, each at a respective end of the sleeve and at a substantially coaxial position relative to the sleeve; introducing the expanders into the respective ends of the sleeve; abutting distal ends of the expanders against each other at an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Patent number: 8099864
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforcing bar tie the enables the connection intersecting reinforcing bars. The invention houses a tie made of an elastic member in a reception space, and extrudes it with an extruding member. At this time, the curved portions provided on both ends of the tie advance while guiding portions of a guiding member push them open, and are guided to an intersecting position of two reinforcing bars. Further, by extruding with the extruding member the tie detaches from the guiding member and winds around the intersection of the two reinforcing bars with a force sufficient to couple the two reinforcing bars together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fumoto Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamamoto, Ryouhei Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7562431
    Abstract: A method for placing a locking element that forms the spring of a board that is provided with a spring/groove profiling, in particular, a floor panel, in a first groove that is present on one of the lateral edges of the board, where the locking element displays locking means with whose help two boards, connected via the spring/groove, can be locked together laterally with respect to the direction of connection. The method includes transporting the board and locking element at the same speed parallel to each other along a transport distance in a transport direction (T). During the transport, the locking element runs laterally along a fixed device that constantly narrows the transport distance in the direction of transport (T). By means of the device, the locking element is constantly and increasingly shifted laterally with respect to the direction of transport (T) until in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthias Lewark
  • Patent number: 7320172
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning inserts in a rotating receptacle. The apparatus includes a magazine for holding a plurality of inserts. An insertion arm is provided for positioning inserts within the receptacle. The insertion arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end comprises an insert receiving structure. A first linear actuation device moves the insertion arm between a first linear position and a second linear position. In the first linear position, the insert receiving structure picks an insert from the magazine. A second linear actuation device is connected to the insert receiving structure. When the insertion arm is in the second position, the second linear actuation device causes the insert receiving structure to rotate from about 0° to about 90° to position the insert within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Exedy America Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6925705
    Abstract: Apparatus for making a cage having a number of peripheral and elongate components, and a wrapping component. The apparatus includes an elongate support frame, a mechanism for rotating the cage; a mechanism for dispensing the wrapping component onto the cage; a first carrier mounted on the frame for holding at least one peripheral component; and a second carrier mounted on the frame for holding at least one peripheral component, including a mechanism for adjusting the position of the second carrier on the frame relative to the position of the first carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: NGR Limited
    Inventor: Kamal Neckoula
  • Patent number: 6792664
    Abstract: A device for transferring a film from a carrier strip onto a substrate such as a sheet of writing or drawing paper comprises a housing in which a supply reel and an empty reel are arranged. The film-coated carrier strip is guided over an applicator foot which is looped around by the carrier strip with a clip-type slide element of a friction-reducing material secured to the applicator foot. The applicator foot comprises a pivotally hinged extension arm having an end in the end portion for receiving a profile member for the slide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Pritt Produktionsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Wulf Herrmannsen, Wolfgang Bauersachs, Christoph Manusch, Hartmut Rudolf
  • Publication number: 20040177496
    Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement. The endless conveyor member moves wheels and assemble tires and wheels along the assembly line between the work stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dan Pellerin, Boris R. Teper, Brian Hoy
  • Patent number: 6739037
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting a fastener (3) into a flexible plate or strip (1) which shall act as a packing structure and which has a channel fitted with two lips (2a, 2b) partly closing the channel, the fastener (3) to be inserted between the lips. The method includes slightly bending the plate or strip (1) transversely to the direction of its channel in a way to spread apart its lips (2a, 2b), furthermore to insert the fastener (3) and to substantially reflatten the plate or strip (1) in order that the lips (2a, 2b) shall resume their initial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: ITW Litec France
    Inventor: Thierry Birkel
  • Publication number: 20030154594
    Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Spotless Plastics Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sollanek, Stanley F. Gouldson
  • Patent number: 6560859
    Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Shimadzu Corporation, Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Hayashizaki, Rintaro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6536102
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attaching to an object a substantially flat carrier strap which is intended to engage by means of locking members arranged on each end into an elongate slot in the object, wherein the slots are arranged substantially mutually in line in the object and wherein the apparatus comprises: engaging means for engaging a straightened carrier strap in the proximity of both ends; first rotation means for causing the engaging means to rotate into a position in which the ends of the carrier strap are directed substantially vertically; second rotation means for causing the engaging means to rotate into a position in which the ends of the carrier strap lie substantially in the same plane; and translation means for causing the ends of the strap to each move downward in substantially vertical direction into the slot to a depth such that the locking members grip in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Visser's -Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Willem H. Heuterman
  • Patent number: 6223424
    Abstract: When a seal (10) with a lip (10A) is slid onto a shaft (14), the seal (10) is first slid from a D-cut portion (14C) to the end of a shaft body (14B) contiguous to the D-cut portion (14C), and then is slid at a first speed (at 40 mm/s) from this end to a position in which the seal (10) does not come into contact with a large-diameter portion (14A) of the shaft (14). Since there is a strong possibility that the lip (10A) of the seal (10) will have been completely curled at this time. the seal (10) is pulled out at a second speed (at 10 mm/s) on the shaft body (14B) from this position toward the D-cut portion (14C), and the seal (10) is again slid inward at a third speed (at 70 mm/s) from this position to an appropriate position. Thus, the seal (10) is slid without the lip (10A) being curled. The sliding operations at the second and third speeds may be performed a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Nakajima, Motoi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 6212754
    Abstract: When a seal (10) with a lip (10A) is slid onto a shaft (14), the seal (10) is first slid from a D-cut portion (14C) to the end of a shaft body (14B) contiguous to the D-cut portion (14C), and then is slid at a first speed (at 40 mm/s) from this end to a position in which the seal (10) does not come into contact with a large-diameter portion (14A) of the shaft (14). Since there is a strong possibility that the lip (10A) of the seal (10) will have been completely curled at this time, the seal (10) is pulled out at a second speed (at 10 mm/s) on the shaft body (14B) from this position toward the D-cut portion (14C), and the seal (10) is again slid inward at a third speed (at 70 mm/s) from this position to an appropriate position. Thus, the seal (10) is slid without the lip (10A) being curled. The sliding operations at the second and third speeds may be performed a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Nakajima, Motoi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 5709022
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photographic film cassette whose cassette shell is constituted of a pair of shell halves, and contains a spool having a filmstrip wound thereon. A bucket conveyer successively conveys a plurality of buckets through a series of stations. The buckets each has a recess formed to hold a first shell half stationary therein. The first shell half is put in the recess of the bucket in the first station, and a spool is located in the lower shell half to be rotatable therein in the second station. In the next station, the spool is rotated to be set in a predetermined angular position, and the spool is connected to an end of a filmstrip which is fed through a film feed chute. Thereafter, the spool is rotated to wind the filmstrip onto the spool. In the following station, a second shell half is joined to the first shell half to form the cassette shell so as to contain the spool with the filmstrip therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Shimizu, Takayuki Kambara
  • Patent number: 5690573
    Abstract: A belt of a variator is automatically assembled into a pair of pulleys. The pulleys are held by a pulley holding unit which has a pair of holding members for holding the pulleys such that axial lines of the pulleys become parallel to each other. The pulleys are arranged to be relatively moved such that a sheave half of each of the pulleys is brought into a groove of the other of the pulleys. A belt feeding unit feeds the belt. A belt assembly head pinches the belt to be fed from the belt feeding unit for extending it across the pair of pulleys. The belt assembly head has belt pinching devices and an arrangement for moving the belt pinching devices which pinch an intermediate portion of one side of the belt and an intermediate portion of the other side of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Sato, Wataru Takada
  • Patent number: 5604975
    Abstract: The specification discloses a system for producing and distributing index coded hangers to a plurality of locations, wherein the index indicia is correlated to the characteristics of the garment to be hung from the hanger at each of the plurality of locations. A unique hanger and index cap is disclosed, along with a method and means of making the same that is particularly adapted to high volume semi-automated operation. A device for assembling the index cap and hanger at the time the garment is hung is also disclosed.The system contemplates the localized production of the index caps for improved control of batch color and other characteristics, with remote molding and assembly of the hangers at said plurality of remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: David J. Marshall, Stanley Gouldson, John Mazza, Olaf Olk, Robert Maiorca
  • Patent number: 5524336
    Abstract: A machine for attaching handles to pairs of containers. The machine has a handle reservoir fixture for retaining a stack of handles adjacent to a container flow path. A vertically moveable handle insertion fixture is located above the container flow path for receiving a handle from the stack, delivering the handle to a pair of containers and securing the handle about neck of the containers. A pusher delivers the handle from the stack to the handle insertion fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph R. Gibas
  • Patent number: 5485660
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic connection machine having at least two connecting devices for connecting connexion elements equipping the ends of electrical conductors into connector housings. The device (5) comprises:a body (7) which can be displaced in the direction of the connector (4);an insertion member (8) provided with means for grasping the connexion element (2) to be inserted into the corresponding housing of the connector (4);removable means for fixing the insertion meet (8) to said body ( 7 ); and,means for controlling said grasping means, associated with the body (7) and capable of assuming, when the insertion member (8) is locked, a first position, in which the grasping means hold the connexion element (2) and enable it to be inserted into the corresponding housing of the connector, and a second position, in which the grasping means release the connexion element which is then connected in the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Serge F. Pittau
  • Patent number: 5467517
    Abstract: Upper and lower work-pieces are fitted with each other to obtain a product. The work-pieces are provided with separate pairs of lands 11, 12, 13 and 14 to be fitted with each other. A land of the least rigidity is initially selected, and a fitting operation is carried out for the first land at a portion of an assembling allowance. Then, a self-guided fitting of the remaining portion of the first land is carried out. Then, a provisional fitting condition is created by disengaging the first land except at the least rigid portion. Then, the correction of the deviation in the second land is done by obtaining a relative displacement between the upper and lower work-pieces while the engagement of the first land is maintained. Then, the fitting of the second land is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sugito, Yasuo Hibi
  • Patent number: 5339516
    Abstract: A cord fastener assembling apparatus includes a first inclined chute for gravity delivery of a succession of female members to a first pocket and a second inclined chute for gravity delivery of a succession of male member to a second pocket which is aligned with the first pocket. An assembling block is reciprocally movable between an assembling position in which an assembling chamber is disposed between AND aligned with the first and second pockets and a discharging position remote from the assembling position. First and second rod-like pushers are reciprocally movable, in timed relation to one another, to force the female member and the male member, respectively, form the first and second pockets into the assembling chamber of the assembling clock. Within the assembling chamber, the female member and the male member are forcibly coupled together into an assembled cord fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kiichiro Ishikawa, Yasutaka Nishida
  • Patent number: 5285566
    Abstract: The specification discloses a system for producing and distributing index coded hangers to a plurality of locations, wherein the index indicia is correlated to the characteristics of the garment to be hung from the hanger at each of the plurality of locations. A unique hanger and index cap is disclosed, along with a method and means of making the same that is particularly adapted to high volume semi-automated operation. A device for assembling the index cap and hanger at the time the garment is hung is also disclosed.The system contemplates the localized production of the index caps for improved control of batch color and other characteristics, with remote molding and assembly of the hangers at said plurality of remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Plasti-form Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Marshall, Stanley Gouldson, John Mazza, Olaf Olk, Robert Maiorca
  • Patent number: 5134766
    Abstract: A machine for automatically applying a balance correcting weight (44)-and-clip (46) assembly to vehicle wheel-and-tire assembly (12). The machine includes a conveyor (20) portion for conveying the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to a weight (44) application station, orienting the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) properly to receive at the correct location the balance-correcting weight (44), and conveying the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to which the balance-correcting weight (44) has been applied away from the weight (44) application station. The machine includes a hammer (22, 24) having a storage orientation out of operating position permitting conveying of the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to and from the weight (44) application station and a use orientation in operating position adjacent the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to which balance correcting weight (44) is to be applied, and means for moving the hammer (22, 24) selectively between its storage and use orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Miller
  • Patent number: 5090115
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the automated insertion of elastomeric grommets in the legs of a compressor base. The holes in each of the compressor legs are aligned with respective discharge ends of guide cylinders which function to receive the grommets and to force them upwardly through a converging portion thereof to deform a head portion sufficiently such that it passes through the compressor leg hole and is then allowed to spring back to its original shape to secure the grommet within the hole. Provision is also made for assisting the removal of the remaining portion of the grommet from the guide cylinder by a push rod which engages the base of the compressor at the same time that the grommet head passes through the leg opening, such that the entire compressor is moved upwardly to pull the grommet body from the converging portion of the guide cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jack J. Fuller, Joseph A. Podesta, Daniel J. Yarnold
  • Patent number: 5048173
    Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically applying a balance correcting weight (44)-and-clip (46) assembly to a vehicle wheel-and-tire assembly (12). The machine includes a conveyor (20) portion for conveying the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to which the balance-correcting weight (44) is to be applied to a weight (44) application station, orienting the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) properly to receive at the correct location the balance-correcting weight (44), and conveying the wheel-and-tire assembly (12) to which the balance-correcting weight (44) has been applied away from the weight (44) application station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Miller
  • Patent number: 5014417
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and successively assembling ribbon feeder roller assemblies of ink ribbon cassettes, comprises a fixed base, shaft supplying means for supplying a horizontally positioned shaft to a first predetermined position on the fixed base, a pair of roller supplying means for supplying a pair of elastic rollers to be fitted to the shaft to second predetermined positions on the fixed base where axes of the rollers are in parallel with an axis of the shaft and where the rollers are in axial alignment with each other, a first reciprocating member supported on the fixed base and capable of reciprocating in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft, a pair of second reciprocating members supported on the fixed base on each side of the first reciprocating member and capable of reciprocating in a direction orthogonal to the reciprocating direction of the first reciprocating member, and drive control means for controlling and driving the first and second reciprocating members in a predeterm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Dynic Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Saito, Takenobu Fujimoto, Takuya Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 4984356
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of forming and assembling two-part merchandise display hooks, including new design features of the hook itself, enable two-part hooks to be manufactured and assembled at extremely low cost. Wire from a continuous length is gripped and bent to form the outer portion of the hook. The wire is then severed and bent in a single operation to form a hook-mounting portion. While the severed wire remains gripped by its shaped outer end, a preoriented and guided base member is applied over the just-formed mounting portion of the wire. A retractable bend-forming member is withdrawn when the base member is applied to the wire, to enable the bent portion to be fully received within the plastic base. Major manufacturing economies are realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Trion Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 4920638
    Abstract: There is described a method and a device for the production of a wire jointed-band of alternately clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, wound spirals of metal wire or artificial resin wire, wherein the spirals are guided to a narrow pass such that the windings providing the spirals open themselves in the area of the narrow pass and in this the parallel spirals partly are pushed into each other such that in each case one of the windings of one spiral is placed between adjacent windings of the adjacent spiral whereby the spirals thus fitted into each other are connected with each other by inserting a coupling wire into the space provided by the overlapping windings and whereby in each case several of the pairs of spirals fitted into each other are guided to the narrow space in which area the spirals are driven in the transporting direction. This is resulting in a high production speed and broad wire jointed-bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Friedrich Metzinger
  • Patent number: 4815187
    Abstract: A device for fitting a protective boot to a shaft member particularly in a universal joint wherein an expanding device is provided for expanding the diameter of a first collar of the boot so that a shaft upon which the boot is to be mounted may be inserted into the assembly device and the boot. A stripping device cooperates with the expanding device and is axially movable relative thereto so that the stripping device will leave a receiving region of the expanding device radially freely accessible in order to engage the first collar of the boot thereon. After the shaft member has been positioned with the first collar of the boot extending thereabout, the stripping device is moved relative to the expanding device so that the collar may be slipped off the expanding device and onto a recess in the shaft upon which it is to be mounted. The invention is particularly suitable for use in automated assembly of propeller shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Uni-Cardan Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Rettig, Karl Weiss, Erich Buss
  • Patent number: 4724991
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting direction of two component fasteners having a head element and a backing element for attachment to garment. The apparatus is a reciprocable driving device (8) for receiving the head element (7a) fed in from a hopper feeder (4a) through a chute (5) and charging it into a clamping device (12). The apparatus comprises an interlocking mechanism for rotating a support seat (9) for the head element (7a) in synchronism with the reciprocating movement of the driving device (8), a stopper (56) for stopping the rotation of the head element (7a), and a stopper exchanging device. The stopper exchanging device is a head element pressing section (43) comprising two layers (49, 50). The upper layer (50) having the stopper (56) is rotatable relative to the lower layer (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Morito Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eisaku Niijima
  • Patent number: 4708261
    Abstract: A clip dispenser for dispensing resilient, generally U-shaped plastic clips. The clips are useful in holding closed the folded over ends of a paperboard container for a foodstuff, such as a portable liquid. The dispenser is in the general form of a vertically disposed rack having a horizontal lower portion, the horizontal lower portion being twisted at about 35.degree. with respect to the horizontal. In use, a foodstuff container having a folded over and generally top portion is inserted upwardly into the endmost part of the horizontal portion to receive a clip. The container is then withdrawn, the clip pushed down upon the horizontal portions of the container, thereby concealing the container. The dispenser includes a reciprocating blocking gate for use when the rack is loaded with a new supply of clips. The end of the horizontal portion carries a recess through which the clips are dispensed, the recessed provided with a plurality of spring-urged detents which serve to maintain the clips in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: Michael Sinocchi
  • Patent number: 4604797
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically attaching a sub-assembly such as a strut to a main assembly such as a vehicle body frame in a production line. The method involves the steps of moving the sub-assembly including a separable engagement means to a predetermined location of the main assembly, anchoring the engagement means of the sub-assembly to a positioning part located at the predetermined location of the main assembly so as to temporarily attach the sub-assembly to the main assembly, moving an automatic fastening tool to the opposite side of the predetermined location of the main assembly to which the sub-assembly is attached and tightening fasteners in the automatic fastening tool onto the sub-assembly so as to permanently attach the sub-assembly to the predetermined location of the main assembly. The engagement means can then be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kengo Kitamura, Hitoshi Murata
  • Patent number: 4571823
    Abstract: Apparatus for installing connectors onto flat conductor cables including an improved transport station for transporting connectors from a magazine to an installing station supporting a flat conductor cable. The transport means includes rotatable reorientation means to reorient connector portions at the magazines from vertical orientation to horizontal orientations at an intermediate location. The transport station also includes apparatus to retain connector portions on the reorientation means during transportation and also includes pushers to move the connector portions from the intermediate locations to the installation stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4567649
    Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adrian R. Ades, George S. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4546525
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying gasket material to the skirt of a gasket for the mounting cup of an aerosol container, wherein the gasket material is mechanically applied to the mounting cup through the use of a novel mandrel and cutting arrangement. A mounting cup, having a uniquely placed gasket, said gasket extending from the skirt into the channel of the mounting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: Robert H. Abplanalp
  • Patent number: 4488347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for the simultaneous joining together of a multiplicity of individual helical coils in forming a link belt section intended for co-operation with other like sections to produce a link belt of a requisite length, coils of opposite hand being arranged side-by-side in pairs and such pairs being combined together to form the section. Hinge wires are threaded through the interdigitated turns of adjacent coils to maintain the integrity of the total structure.The apparatus includes a guide means for locating the individual coils one relative to another and a roller nip arrangement through which the coils, in a requisite relative disposition, are caused to pass. Hinge wire insertion means is also provided, whereby individual hinge wires are introduced into the interdigitated turns of adjacent coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Textiel Techniek Haaksbergen B.V.
    Inventor: Gerrit W. E. Leuvelink
  • Patent number: 4485546
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for facilitating the filling of insulation material into cavities (11) in hollow blocks (10). The apparatus comprises one or several drums (14,15), which are arranged over a conveying means moving blocks past the apparatus. Through the drums pre-cut pieces (12) of insulation material are passed toward the block. In each drum (14,15) a press plate (18) further is provided. Each drum is terminated downwardly by a laterally movable plate (16), which at each drum is provided with an opening (17) having a smaller width than the passageway. A reciprocating mechanism (22) is provided to move the press plate (18) to the rear wall (14) of the drum, so that the lowermost piece (12a) of insulation material is compressed, for example to half its thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Farila Lattblock AB
    Inventor: Lennart Forslund
  • Patent number: 4477959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a shackled conveyor belt from prepared helical elements having alternately a left handed thread and a right handed thread in a movable helical element connector which feeds individual helical elements towards the end helical element of the assembled portion of the conveyor by means of a feeding air flow.Two each individual helical elements during the feeding movement are pushed towards each other in their longitudinal direction at an angle by means of the feeding air flow, then the two helical elements are parallelly deflected in the area of their joining with alternating interlacing of their spires. The front end in the feeding direction of the joined pair of helical elements is engaged by means of a feeding air flow at an acute angle to the associated end section of the end positioned helical element of the assembled portion of the shackle conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Jurgens Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Manfred Burnecke, Swen Nyman
  • Patent number: 4279071
    Abstract: A carriage for moving urethane rings along a shaft is driven by an air motor powering a rack and pinion arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom J. Lord, William V. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4274194
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically assembling elastic bulbs to fragile tubular elements, such as the bulbs and pipettes of medicine droppers, in which a bulb and a tubular element held in axial alignment in a fixture are assembled by pressure exerted on the tubular element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular element, including means for automatically inserting said bulbs and tubular elements in said fixture and aligning the same as aforesaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Olympio C. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 4195399
    Abstract: End caps are pressed into the opposite ends of cores of wound rolls of paper, such as toilet tissue, paper towels and the like, by transferring end caps in succession from a rotating drum feeder located at each side of the path of movement along which the rolls are moved to end cap holders mounted to move in an endless course at each side of the roll path wherein each holder picks up an end cap from its adjacent feeder and moves it in synchronism with movement of the rolls along the roll path. The endless course of the end cap holders at each side of the roll path has a portion thereof which travels along a line that approaches the center line of the roll path so that the end cap holders each press an end cap into an end of the roll core and release the cap to the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: Holger Rasmussen, Paul N. Jespersen
  • Patent number: 4170820
    Abstract: The present apparatus is directed to the assembling in concentric relation of a ferrule and a sleeve member wherein one of said elements is resilient. Where the sleeve is resilient and the ferrule is a rigid metallic member the sleeve may be compressed while being forced into said ferrule. A pair of endless members arranged in spaced parallel relation to one another engage said sleeve with the ferrule positioned between said members, and said endless members move over a camming surface for forcing the sleeve onto the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Cooper Tire and Rubber Company
    Inventor: Karl W. Klose
  • Patent number: 4130935
    Abstract: In a quilting machine adapted to drive two mating parts of a quilting button through a work piece and engage these parts, an improved button part holder has spring-loaded pivotally-mounted retainers for holding a male button part and evenly releasing same as the part is very rapidly driven from the holder by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Tuftamatic, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Randolph
  • Patent number: 4115913
    Abstract: A precut strip of 35 mm. photographic film 5 is wound onto a magazine spool 3 by inserting the leading end of the film strip into an aligned spool slot 3a, rotating the spool to wind the film strip thereon, enclosing the wound spool with an open slotted cylindrical cover or shell 4, pinch or squeeze closing the cover slot, and placing caps 1, 2 over the open ends of the cover. A plurality of apparatusses 7 for automatically implementing the above steps are mounted at spaced positions on a continuously moving endless conveyor 6 disposed adjacent a plurality of stationary cams which controllingly engage followers on the apparatusses during the conveyor movement, and all of the work operations are performed on the same moving spool shaft axes, whereby greatly increased production speeds are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuro Moriya, Masao Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 4096620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for mounting a cup-shaped support base onto a convex bottom of a container. The apparatus includes adjacent wheels mounted for rotation about angularly related, non-parallel axes, so that the wheels are closer to one another in one circumferential region than in any other such region. In the method, a container is retained on the periphery of one wheel for displacement along a partial-circumferential path. A cup-shaped support base is retained on a second wheel in alignment with a convex bottom on the container. As the wheels rotate, the base and container are displaced in unison to said one circumferential region, with the base progressively moving closer to the convex bottom for their telescopic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Kontz
  • Patent number: 4090295
    Abstract: A two part shock or vibration mount which comprises an elastomeric member and a metallic member are automatically assembled into an integral one piece unit by feeding the parts on a conveyor in axial juxtaposed relative position into a compressive force device that is mounted above the conveyor at an angle of declination with respect to the conveyed components such that an increasingly progressive compressive force is applied to the juxtaposed components. Upon exiting the force applying device the components are in a force fit engagement one within the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Romaine L. Renbarger
  • Patent number: 4089091
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preparing framed diapositive assemblies by automatically coupling together a diapositive, an integrally formed frame and a transparent plate. The apparatus comprises three partially overlapping horizontal discs, each formed with the same number of openings, symmetrically positioned around a central vertical pivot. The discs are mounted on their pivots at a short mutual distance and the pivots, one of which is driven to rotate, are synchronized in motion. A magazine is positioned over and in correspondence with the upper disc and another magazine over and in correspondence with the lower disc, respectively for feeding into the openings the transparent plates and the frames. The opening on the intermediate disc for the diapositive, is formed at the periphery of the disc itself and comprises an elastic support means, such as two side brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventor: Pietro Alberto
  • Patent number: 4070756
    Abstract: Apparatus for placing a sheath on a vertically oriented elongated member, the sheath having an open end for receiving the elongated member, comprises an upright magazine for containing a stacked plurality of the sheaths with the openings thereof oriented downwardly, a downwardly extending passage having an upper end communicating with the magazine and a lower end having a discharge opening arranged on a vertical axis with which the elongated member is to be aligned for being received in a respective said sheath discharged from the discharge opening onto the elongated member, a first gate defining the boundary between the magazine and the passage and for blocking transit of the sheath from the magazine into the passage and a second gate below the first gate a distance about equal to the length of a respective said sheath for blocking transit of the sheaths to the discharge opening of the passage, whereby the sheaths may be individually discharged by gravity onto respective said elongated members consecutively
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Inventor: Walter A. Shields