Rocking Or Rolling Contact Patents (Class 403/121)
  • Patent number: 9499213
    Abstract: A mounting assembly that includes a strap adjustment assembly having a curved cylindrical portion, a strap end mounting assembly, and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second straps, each of the first and second straps having first and second ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap adjustment assembly and wherein the second ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap end mounting assembly, and wherein each of the first and second straps extends at least partially along the curved cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Piotr Stegawski
  • Patent number: 9381079
    Abstract: A bearing component 2 for a joint replacement prosthesis comprises a first bearing element 4; a second bearing element 6, and a linking element 8, operatively connecting the first and second bearing elements 4, 6 and permitting relative motion there between. The flexible linking element 8 prevents dislocation of mobile bearings in a total knee replacement prosthesis. The invention also relates to a bridging element which retains the linking element 8 with some play, which acts as a ligament support 2051, and which causes a deflection of the line of action of a ligament 1018. A joint replacement prosthesis is also disclosed comprising a biasing element 1140 or a tensioning element 1220 operatively coupled to the artificial ligament 1018. The biasing element 1140 or tensioning element 1220 may be housed in the stem of a tibial tray 1006.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet UK Limited
    Inventors: David Wolfson, Russell Llloyd, John Joseph O'Connor, Mohammed Imran Khan, David Wycliffe Murray, Christopher Alexander Dodd, John William Goodfellow
  • Patent number: 9226831
    Abstract: An intervertebral spacer for therapeutic treatment of a patient includes at least one link sized and dimensioned to fit within an intervertebral space in the patient, and is configured to maintain a separation of two adjacent vertebrae for a period of time. A rigid guiding object, which may be a tool or a successive link, is insertable into the patient, to guide other links into the patient using an MIS approach. A pivot is connected between successive links, or between a guide tool and a link, configured to limit a relative range of angular orientation between the link and the guiding tool, or successive links. Multiple links are so joined to form a chain pushable by the last link, and pullable by the first link, to form a chain which may be formed into a curved configuration corresponding to the patient's intervertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Gahman, Marcin Niemiec, David C. Paul, Andrew Iott
  • Patent number: 9101487
    Abstract: An intervertebral spacer for therapeutic treatment of a patient includes at least one link sized and dimensioned to fit within an intervertebral space in the patient, and is configured to maintain a separation of two adjacent vertebrae for a period of time. A rigid guiding object, which may be a tool or a successive link, is insertable into the patient, to guide other links into the patient using an MIS approach. A pivot is connected between successive links, or between a guide tool and a link, configured to limit a relative range of angular orientation between the link and the guiding tool, or successive links. Multiple links are so joined to form a chain pushable by the last link, and pullable by the first link, to form a chain which may be formed into a curved configuration corresponding to the patient's intervertebral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Samuel Petersheim
  • Publication number: 20150016868
    Abstract: A bushing arrangement for centring two shaft portions to be connected, having at least one outer bushing, and at least one inner bushing arranged radially inwards of the at least one outer bushing, the at least one outer bushing and the at least one inner bushing being connected via at least one elastomer body, on which at least one sealing lip is formed. At least one encircling recess is formed in the elastomer body which extends from one axial end of the bushing arrangement in such a manner into the elastomer body that the at least one recess extends radially around the at least one sealing lip and around at least a portion of the axial extent of the inner bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Stephan Petrik, Josef Stubenrauch, Bernd Scheper, Franz Kobus
  • Publication number: 20130199327
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus having sufficient rigidity in a fixed mode and being freely operable in a steering mode includes one or more arm modules having at least one degree of freedom, each arm module including at least one steering cable to steer the arm module and a plurality of link units to form the at least one arm module, each link unit including a head disposed at an upper portion thereof and having a hemispherical shape, a seat formed at a lower portion thereof, and a sliding ball arranged at the seat, wherein the link units are arranged such that the head of one of the link units is seated on the seat of the other of the link units, and the head of one of the link units and the seat of the other of the link units are slid with respect to each other by the sliding ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8464987
    Abstract: An adjustable conduit clamp to secure a conduit to a structure has a clampback and a strap that interfits therewith. The clampback has sidewalls configured to be placed against a structure and a portion of each sidewall configured to support a conduit. A first spacer is positioned between the sidewalls at a first region of the sidewalls and a second spacer positioned between the sidewalls at a second region. A cantilever member extends from the second spacer and is positioned between the first and second sidewalls, the cantilever member having a free end movable relative to the sidewalls and spaced from an end of the first spacer so as to form an opening therebetween for passage of the strap. The strap has a first end portion shaped to contact a conduit and a second end portion dimensioned for passage through the opening in the clampback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. DeCesare, Erik G. Senseney, Joseph M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8206053
    Abstract: A device can be assembled by a coupling. The device includes first and second body members and positioning structure. The first and second body members are designed to be coupled relative to each other. The positioning structure is designed to provide an interface between the first and second body members, and to position the first and second body members relative to each other via first, second, and third contact areas. The first, second, and third contact areas are each substantially linear and are collectively configured to receive loads, and to limit positioning of the first and second body members relative to each other with regard to five degrees of freedom. A fourth contact area between the first and second body members is designed to limit positioning of the first and second body members relative to each other in a sixth degree of freedom, in a first translational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Richard Bennett, Hyosig Kang, Brian Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7922135
    Abstract: A fastener assembly securely fastens a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing. The fastener assembly includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a fastening medium supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. At least one biasing member is adapted to operatively support the carrier member and provide swiveling articulation of the carrier member relative to the base member. At least one leg extends from the base member and is adapted to operatively engage the carrier member so as to attach the carrier member to the base member in articulating fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Granata
  • Patent number: 7806619
    Abstract: A shaft assembly having a first shaft and a second shaft interconnected by a bipot joint is disclosed. The first shaft and the second shaft are disposed in overlapping spaced relationship. The bipot joint includes a pivot block sandwiched between the first shaft and the second shaft. The pivot defines a mounting surface abutting one of the first and second shafts, and a semi-annular surface opposing the mounting surface and abutting the other of the first shaft and the second shaft. A fastener extends through a bore defined by the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft to interconnect the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft. The fastener includes a spring to bias the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft together, thereby de-lashing the bipot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 7425103
    Abstract: A joint for the connection of components (T1, T2) that are movable relative to one another, on respective longitudinal sides (L1, L2), includes at least two cooperating bands, which are secured with their first ends (E1) respectively on sides of the first component (T1) lying opposite one another and with their second ends (E2) respectively on sides of the second component (T2) lying opposite one another, so that the paths of the bands extend opposite one another in relation to the center axes (A1, A2) of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Juan Perez-Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7367741
    Abstract: A connector element for a post and beam construction having load-bearing glass components consisting of load-bearing glass posts and load-bearing glass beams, the connector element including a first fitting fitted to a first load-bearing glass component; a second fitting fitted to a second load-bearing glass component; and a glass load-transmitting element located between the first fitting and the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Vogler
  • Patent number: 7166132
    Abstract: Adjustable prostheses and related methods provide a wide range of adjustment along or about multiple axes. The prostheses and related methods make possible a straightforward, yet robust way of securing, e.g., a humeral head prosthesis in a desired position and maintaining the prosthesis in the desired position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: IncuMed, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hadley Callaway, Dennis M McDevitt
  • Patent number: 6857809
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for securely fastening a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a linking member operatively extending between the base member and the carrier member such that the base member is disposed spaced from the carrier member. A fastening medium is supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. The linking member operatively interconnects the base member and the carrier member in articulating fashion such that the base member is transversely moveable relative to the carrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Granata
  • Publication number: 20040262873
    Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle has an oblong basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701). The basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701), which can be connected to a motor vehicle component (B) via at least one said fastening element (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702). The basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) is a hollow extruded section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG.
    Inventors: Georg Wolf, Frank Budde
  • Patent number: 6736852
    Abstract: Adjustable prostheses and related methods provide a wide range of adjustment along or about multiple axes. The prostheses and related methods make possible a straightforward, yet robust way of securing, e.g., a humeral head prosthesis in a desired position and maintaining the prosthesis in the desired position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: IncuMed, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hadley Callaway, Dennis M McDevitt
  • Patent number: 6729589
    Abstract: The kinematic mount preferably includes a first plate, a second plate, and a three connectors. The first plate has three indentations therein, where the indentations are each located at respective apexes of an equilateral triangle. The second plate has three grooves therein, where the grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. Each connector comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface forms an annular contact line between the first surface and one of the indentations. The second surface is coupled to the first surface and defines two substantially parallel contact lines between the second surface and one of the grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface defines a spherical surface and the second surface defines a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Gizmonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gad Shelef
  • Patent number: 6705051
    Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Harlin J. Wall
  • Patent number: 6351373
    Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6341669
    Abstract: A pivoting hitch for an elevator rope includes a horizontal shaft or ball having a circular base and a flat top. The shaft or ball rests on a seat. An elevator rope is connected to a rod which passes through a hole in the shaft or ball and is suspended on the flat part of the shaft or ball by a spring. The shaft is used when multiple ropes are used to suspend an elevator car. When used with an overslung or underslung elevator car suspension, the pivoting hitch keeps the rope angles on both sides of the elevator car the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Bruce St. Pierre, Bruce P. Swaybill
  • Patent number: 6108868
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning hinge for use in a portable computer or an electronic dictionary having a main unit and an LCD display, the hinge comprising a pivotal member for mounting the hinge to the main unit; a substantially disk-shaped cam block non-rotatably provided around the pivotal member; a pivotal base rotatably for mounting the hinge to the LCD display. By biasing against the cam block, this invention allows the LCD display of a portable computer to pivot with respect to the main unit so as to adjust the orientation of the LCD display e. This invention can be simply assembled, includes a low number of components, and is of a relatively compact size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Davys Lin
  • Patent number: 5641102
    Abstract: The invention is a swivel holster to enable the pouch of a holster to move in a rotational and/or swivel manner relative to the belt-engaging member. The holster has an adjustable assembly between the holster and the belt loop. The assembly includes a concave first member for mating engagement with a convex second member, there being at least one friction-increasing surface between the first and second members to prevent unwanted relative movement therebetween. A bolt is used to secure the portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Hellweg International Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Albert Wilhelm Hellweg
  • Patent number: 5407334
    Abstract: A scroll type compressor having a main frame, a sub frame and a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the main frame and the sub frame via a main frame bushing and a sub frame bushing, further includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll cooperable with the fixed scroll to compress gas, the orbiting scroll being drivingly mounted on the eccentric shaft portion. A barrel shaped band portion faces the crankshaft and presents a convex surface in at least one of a respective force direction of a compressive load generated in a compression chamber formed between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, and a reactive force direction of a centrifugal load generated by a revolution movement of the orbiting scroll and rotary movements of upper and lower balance weights. The barrel shaped band portion is formed on the sub frame bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumiaki Sano, Masahiko Oide, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Hiroshi Ogawa, Norihide Kobayashi, Yoshinori Shirafuji, Takashi Yamamoto, Keiji Sakaino
  • Patent number: 5405408
    Abstract: An artificial knee having a dual flexion action during locomotion is disclosed. The knee comprises a femur part and a tibia part capable of rolling over each other in two different ways depending on whether or not the artificial leg is loaded. Pressure exerted on a cam surface of the femur part flattens the curvature of the cam surface, limiting the angle of rotation of the artificial knee when the knee is loaded. The parts are connected by elastic ties which are fixedly connected to the femur part and movably connected to the tibia part. When the knee is loaded, depending arms from the femur part contact the movable tibia connection and increase the elongation of the elastic ties, thereby additionally resisting rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Mark R. Pitkin
  • Patent number: 5277280
    Abstract: Brake force is transmitted between a single axially movable push rod (6) and a brake block holder (3) by an intermediate force transmission member (22) to accommodate for movements along the wheel axis. This intermediate member (22) has cylindrical surfaces cooperating with both the block holder and the push rod end. The cylindrical surface (22') of the member (22), which cooperates with the brake block holder portion (21), is arcuate with its circle center coinciding with the center for the cylindrical push rod end (6'). A shackle (24) held on the brake block holder is biassed by springs (28) forward toward a brake application direction to retain and frictionally engage protrusions (23) extending from the actuator push rod (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Sab Wabco AB
    Inventor: Anders O. G. Stjarne
  • Patent number: 5240091
    Abstract: A rail vehicle brake actuator is provided with leaf spring hangers (4, 5) to laterally move to follow axial movement of wheels during braking. The hangers are rotatably attached to both a brake block holder and a shaft 7 on an actuator bracket (2). Rotary braking movement is provided by pivot joints having rubber O-rings and washers held together under prestress. The leaf spring hangers pivot laterally to follow axial wheel movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: SAB Wabco Holdings AB
    Inventor: Anders O. G. Stjarne
  • Patent number: 5222881
    Abstract: A scroll type compressor comprising: a crankshaft having an eccentric shaft portion formed thereon; an orbiting scroll which is given torque by the crankshaft through the eccentric shaft portion; and bearing means for rotatably supporting the crankshaft; wherein at least one of the eccentric shaft portion and the bearing means is constituted by a rotatably engaged bushing and a curved surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumiaki Sano, Masahiko Oide, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Hiroshi Ogawa, Norihide Kobayashi, Yoshinori Shirafuji, Takashi Yamamoto, Keiji Sakaino
  • Patent number: 5149222
    Abstract: A rolling flexure bearing. The bearing is formed of a thin sheet of elastic material that is attached to a surface of a first object. The sheet extends a short distance along the surface of the first object. The sheet then makes a 180 degree elastic bend off the surface of the first object to reverse the direction of the sheet. After making the bend, the sheet then extends a short distance along the surface of the second object substantially parallel to the surface of the first object. The sheet is attached at its end to the surface of the second object.In this configuration, the flexure bearing is stiff along an axis parallel to the bend axis to constrain movement along this axis. The flexure bearing, along the axis normal to the surfaces of the objects, has a high compliance rate to provide damping between the objects. Along the third orthogonal axis, normal to the bend axis, the bearing allows free relative movement between the two objects, until it approaches either of the two attachment areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Lester M. Yeakley
  • Patent number: 5143359
    Abstract: A plastic protective gripping member or guard fits on the jaw of a Vise-Grip type locking wrench whose jaws have lateral protuberances at their tips. The gripping member can be in a form of a block or cup having a slot with internal recesses on each side wall. The gripping member fits onto the jaw and permits swiveling about a transverse axis. The gripping member is installed by pushing it onto the jaw tip and twisting it 90 degrees. Nylon is a perferred material because of its comparatively high coefficient of friction even when wet or oily. The gripping surface can be concave, ridged, or flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Matthew A. Bush
  • Patent number: 5102255
    Abstract: A flex-joint assembly (36) having a pair of identical flex joints (102,104) between three sections of shaft, front (88), center (86) and rear (90). Each flex joint, i.e., (102), consists of a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical bearings (89,93) and a trunnion block (92). The block (92) is a double wedge having long arcuate edges (106,108) at opposite sides thereof, the two edges being orthogonal to each other. The edges (106,108) fit into the bearings (89,93), and the bearings (89,93) and trunnion block (92) fit into complementarily shaped end-sections (91,95) in the facing ends of their associated shafts (88,86). The shafts (88,86,90), the bearings (89,93) and (98,100), and the blocks (92) and (94) are formed with a central bore (121) in which a wire (96) is placed. The wire (96) is placed under tension and affixed at the ends of the front and rear shafts (88) and (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore A. Heinz
  • Patent number: 5037135
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a length of seat belt webbing relative to the body of a vehicle includes a D-ring with a slot through which the webbing can extend. A bolt is fixed to the webbing guide and has a portion extending through an opening in a bracket fixed to the body of the vehicle. The surfaces on the bracket which define the opening in the bracket include a pair of stop surfaces. The bolt is pivotable relative to the bracket. A surface on the bolt abuts the stop surfaces on the bracket to limit rotation of the bolt relative to the bracket and prevent the D-ring from rotating so far forward that the edge of the belt webbing jams or twists in the end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Kotikovsky, Craig A. Busch
  • Patent number: 4997332
    Abstract: A boat trailer which is characterized by laterally spaced longitudinally extending booms or side frame members and cross members which are supported from the side frame members at their ends on axially aligned pivots. The cross members laterally space the booms and have provision for selectively mounting thereon either pairs of transversely spaced longitudinally extending bars which carry assemblies of boat hull engaging members mounted thereon so as to pivot on longitudinally extending axes, or vertically extendable posts with the longitudinal bars and associated boat hull engaging members mounted thereon in elevated relation above the side frame members. The boat trailer eliminates the necessity of rigid cross frame members structurally interconnecting the side frame members, or booms, and enables the trailer structure to be readily adapted to carry either shallow draft, shoal draft, or deep keel boats having various hull configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: EZ Loader Boat Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4993101
    Abstract: Tool system (10) advantageously provides tool (12), adapter (14) and extension member (16) successively coupled so that groove (34) mates with rib (44) in the assembled position. Groove (34) and rib (44) are engaged so that tool (12) is axially fixed relative to adapter (14) yet is axially rotatable relative thereto. In preferred embodiments adapter body (36) includes a shoulder (42), and adapter (36) and handle member (20) are correspondingly tapered with increasing radius from top to bottom so that the snapping, engaging action of handle member (20) on adapter head (36) is enhanced when the system (10) is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Mr. Longarm, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Sr., Robert D. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4957258
    Abstract: A stand for motionably mounting advertisements, such as placards or the like. The stand comprises a foot-structure (1) placed on the ground and a mount (4) for advertisements such as placards, signs or the like resting on the foot-structure (1) by means of a pendulum support having an approximately horizontal swing axis. A pendulum weight (8) is attached to the mount (4) or the advertisement below the swing axis of the pendulum support. Preferably the pendulum support is equipped with an adjustably pressed brake-disk or a return spring means (11). The return spring means advantageously delivers a return force and frictional damping only beyond a predetermined value a deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Esselte Pendaflex Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Roman Tiedemann
  • Patent number: 4951777
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved all-terrain vehicle axle assembly allowing lateral movement of the axle while allowing the axle to rotate. The axle has a central elongated tooth portion which meshes with an arrower outer gear carried by a bearing mounted in a housing mounted attached to the frame of the associated vehicle. The bearing allows rotation of the axle while the sliding interengagement between the outer gear and the inner elongated tooth portion allows lateral movement of the axle with respect to the frame of the vehicle. The drive means for applying torque to the axle includes a similar elongated gear meshing with a narrower gear allowing torque to be imparted to the axle at all lateral positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: Marc J. Champeau
  • Patent number: 4815911
    Abstract: A device for torsion-proof connection of a number of elements (11, 12) in direct or indirect rolling contact with each other, which together make a robot arm or the like, whereby the elements are held together and actuated by force transmitting actuators, for example cords. The object of the present invention is to provide a device with which the individual elements of a robot arm can be torsionally locked so that it can bear significant torsional forces without detoriating the rolling characteristics of the elements. This object has been achieved by the fact that the elements (11, 12; 15) pairwise, with their rolling surfaces (13) turned towards each other, being connected with each other through a torsion member (14) which is flexible and/or joined in the rolling direction of the elements (11, 12) and which has a great stiffness across the rolling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bengt G. Bengtsson, Ove Larsson, Per Lenschow
  • Patent number: 4774876
    Abstract: In a spring suspension of an actuating piston, essentially consisting of a spring plate, a control spring acting on the spring plate and a nut as connection between actuating piston and spring plate, an intermediate underlay (5) is arranged between spring plate (2) and nut (4). The supporting surfaces of the intermediate underlay (5) with respect to the spring plate (2) and the nut (4) are formed by several mutually offset rolling elements (6a, 6b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri Ltd.
    Inventors: Heinrich Lageder, Kamil Prochazka
  • Patent number: 4770155
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a clay target throwing machine on a towing hitch ball which is coupled with a vehicle or a post anchored in the ground. A framework is coupled with an upright cylinder which engages the hitch ball or post allowing movement or apparatus about the vertical axis of the hitch ball or post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventors: David L. Chamberlain, Roy D. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 4460167
    Abstract: The end mounting blocks of full elliptic leaf spring suspension systems are preferably retained by flanged ends on the leaf springs protruding into corresponding openings or slots on the end blocks. The end blocks also include end walls adapted to be abuttingly engageable with the flanged ends. By such a construction, the end blocks are restricted or limited from excessive movement in either a forward or rearward direction relative to the leaf spring ends. The end blocks also include load-receiving members for engaging the ends of the leaf springs whereby the area of load-transferring engagement between the end blocks and the leaf spring ends increases as the leaf springs resiliently deflect under increased load on the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: NI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Silvis, William W. Fant
  • Patent number: 4449953
    Abstract: An articulated coupling has two cylindrical half-couplings facing each other at their end faces. Recesses are formed in the end faces which recesses in which a cage is installed in the recesses with a clearance. Radial coaxial openings are formed in the cage and the half-couplings and rollers are installed in the coaxial openings with clearances. The half-couplings are provided with a device for holding the rollers in the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Permsky Filial Vsesojuznogo Nauchno-Issledovatelskogo Instituta Burovoi Tekhniki
    Inventors: Samuil S. Nikomarov, Anatoly M. Kochnev, Vladimir B. Goldobin, Jury M. Sarapulov, Isaak Y. Valdman
  • Patent number: 4421302
    Abstract: A prefabricated handrail assembly is conformable for use along horizontal or inclined surfaces and is characterized by being adjustable in accordance with the pitch or degree of rise along the surface while retaining the upper and lower rail portions in spaced parallel relation to one another with the balusters extending vertically between the rail portions. Fasteners at opposite ends of the rail portions will automatically conform to differences in the angle between the rail portions and end posts to which they are connected, and a unique bracket or hold-down device is provided for connection to each newel post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Inventors: William G. Grimm, Ronald W. Pott
  • Patent number: 4354799
    Abstract: A cable suspension system for a rotary drum is disclosed which includes cable tension adjustment features providing dynamic load equalization, traction control and variable load distribution. The system includes an endless cable and at least one set of axially aligned support sheaves suspending the drum at its dynamic center of gravity. The system further includes devices for connecting wire rope in endless loops which incorporate load bearing, adjustment, and flexure features minimizing wear of the wire rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Inventor: George P. Hurst
  • Patent number: 4294460
    Abstract: A foot-plate for a ski-binding is intended for arrangement at a distance above the surface of a ski and carries the parts of the binding to grip the sole of a ski-boot at front and rear. The foot-plate is connectable to the ski by resilient members to be oscillatory in all directions in its own plane, and also preferably perpendicularly to the surface of the ski. The resilient members may take the form of inserts or bearers, and the foot-plate is advantageously recessed and in each of the recesses there is arranged a resilient member having an aperture for a connecting screw to pass therethrough. These resilient members at the front and rear sections of the foot-plate may have different degrees of resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Inventor: Bernhard Kirsch
  • Patent number: 4267608
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint has first and second implant members opposed to each other, each having a shank for implantation in a bone of a finger, wrist, or elbow. The implant members have opposed arcuate portions that are images of each other. A pair of flexible spaced outside bands have one end secured to the first implant member and the other end secured to the second implant member with each band being wound in one direction on the arcuate portion of the first implant member and in the opposite direction on the arcuate portion of the second implant member. A central flexible band has one end secured to the first implant member and the other end secured to the second implant member with the central band being wound on the arcuate portion of the implant members in the direction opposite to the direction of wind of the outer bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventor: F. William Bora, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4239598
    Abstract: A support column for a heavy component of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor heat transport system which will deflect when the pipes leading coolant to and from the heavy component expand or contract due to temperature changes includes a vertically disposed pipe, the pipe being connected to the heavy component by two longitudinally spaced cycloidal dovetail joints wherein the distal end of each of the dovetails constitutes a part of the surface of a large diameter cylinder and the centerlines of these large diameter cylinders intersect at right angles and the pipe being supported through two longitudinally spaced cycloidal dovetail joints wherein the distal end of each of the dovetails constitutes a part of the surface of a large diameter cylinder and the centerlines of these large diameter cylinders intersect at right angles, each of the cylindrical surfaces bearing on a flat and horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Elman E. Wade
  • Patent number: 4217474
    Abstract: A simplified linkage and cam member having first and second cam surfaces for interacting with a bail to drive said bail between first and second limits is provided. The cam surfaces restrict the movement of the bail when the bail is at either limit. However, when the bail is intermediate of the limits, the relationship of the effective portions of the cam surfaces allow increased bail movement for a given position of the cam member and associated cam surfaces. The structure is particularly well adapted for actuating a bail from a first to a second position wherein forces other than those applied by the cam also act on the bail; and at a critical bail position, the other forces take control and urge continued motion of the bail independent of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Maria Toth, Frederick A. Reker
  • Patent number: 4206690
    Abstract: In radial piston fluid handling devices, such as for example pumps or motors, piston shoes are pivotable connected to the respective pistons. The invention improves the swing-member portion of the piston shoe in order to increase the efficiency and pressure bearing capability thereby, that the endface of the pivot portion is formed part-cylindrically by a radius which is a little bit shorter than the radius of the associated piston. The fluid pressure balancing pocket in the pivot member becomes formed accordingly, so that the pressure bearing capacity of the piston-piston-shoe pivot-assembly becomes considerably improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Inventor: Karl Eickmann
  • Patent number: 4183104
    Abstract: The joint implant utilizes a pin and socket arrangement wherein the pin and socket are of non-circular cross-sectional shapes. In addition, the socket has a shaped aperture which permits the pin to tilt or rock in the socket without twisting about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The socket has a reduced cross-sectional portion within which the pin is guided as well as widening portions within which the pin may tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Otto Frey
  • Patent number: 4183687
    Abstract: A pivotal joint in which a first member having a wheel-shaped end is pivotally connected to a second member having a forked end enveloping the wheel-shaped end and including a primary pivot bolt arrangement extending through the first and second members at the center of the wheel-shaped end to pivotally join the parts, as the primary pivotal connection therebetween and wherein the forked end of the second member presents a circumferential array of three friction surfaces which will cooperate with the periphery of the wheel-shaped end of the first member to pivotally join the two parts as the secondary pivotal connection therebetween if the primary pivot connection fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Bramwell
  • Patent number: RE36604
    Abstract: A scroll type compressor comprising: a crankshaft having an eccentric shaft portion formed thereon; an orbiting scroll which is given torque by the crankshaft through the eccentric shaft portion; and bearing means for rotatably supporting the crankshaft; wherein at least one of the eccentric shaft portion and the bearing means is constituted by a rotatably engaged bushing and a curved surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumiaki Sano, Masahiko Oide, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Norihide Kobayashi, Hiroshi Ogawa, Yoshinori Shirafuji, Takashi Yamamoto, Keiju Sakaino