Stud Extends Into Ball Patents (Class 403/131)
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Patent number: 6688798Abstract: An adjustable locking mount system permits rotation about at least one of x, y, and z axes. Methods provide for rotating and rocking the mount to obtain the desired position, fixing the mount in the desired position, and mounting an object onto the mount.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: IncuMed, Inc.Inventor: Dennis McDevitt
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Patent number: 6568871Abstract: A spherical joint for coupling three or more links together at one point. The joint includes a bail and a hollow spherical body wrapping the ball therein. The ball is movable in the hollow spherical body. An upper link inserted into and fixed to the hollow spherical body through an upper link insertion opening formed on the hollow spherical body. Lower links are connected to the hollow spherical body through lower link insertion openings, wherein the number of the lower links correspond to that of the hollow spherical body. Link support discs are set within a gap between outer surface of the central ball and inner surface of the hollow spherical body and fixed to each end of the lower link, and all the axes of the lower links and the upper link are coincident with a center point of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Se-Kyong Song, Dong-Soo Kwon, Wan Soo Kim
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Patent number: 6561716Abstract: An adjustable joint unit includes a ball stud having a stud portion that is provided at one end thereof with a ball head portion, a bearing seat to contain the ball head portion, and a generally plate-shaped arm having a generally cylindrical socket portion. Also, an aperture portion permits the stud portion to be inserted therethrough. Additionally, the joint unit includes a mounting opening portion located at the base end of the socket portion, and a closing member which is adapted to be attached in such a manner as to close off the mounting opening portion at the base end of the socket portion and apply a given preliminary load to the ball head portion of the ball stud.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic IshikawaInventors: Yoshihiro Suzuki, Hitoshi Sasaki, Manabu Suzuki, Kazuya Inagaki
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Patent number: 6551006Abstract: The present invention provides a ball joint for use in interconnecting a pair of components to accommodate relative angular movement therebetween. The ball joint includes a socket assembly and a hybrid ball stud. The socket assembly includes a cup-shaped housing defining a cavity therein and an insert disposed within the housing cavity and which defines a spherical ball socket. The hybrid ball stud includes a standard bolt and a polymeric insert attached to, or encapsulating, the head of the bolt to define a spherical ball or a partial spherical ball. The polymeric insert is adapted to be retained in the ball socket. The bolt is a high-volume commercially-available component having a threaded shank segment and a head segment which is over-molded or fitted with the polymeric insert. As such, an inexpensive hybrid ball stud is provided for use in ball joints.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Neil A. Wasylewski, Brian A. Mattila
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Patent number: 6520682Abstract: A bearing assembly for a hitch link having a removable spherical bushing within a socket is arranged to be symmetrical about a plane dissecting the socket lengthwise of the link. The socket is formed with laterally extending protrusion to increase the socket strength at the location of the greatest tension forces. The socket is configured with an entry slot for the bushing that is normal to the length of the link so that the slot does not interfere with the area of the contact wear surface between the busing and the socket. Once the bushing is installed in the socket, a sleeve is inserted into a bore of the bushing. One end of the sleeve has a raised retaining lip and the opposite end of the sleeve carries a snap ring groove. A snap ring is seated in the groove and retains the sleeve in the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Daniel Benjamin Kletzli, Shane Michael Boden
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Patent number: 6446587Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: R. Sanderson Management, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Sanderson, Albert E. Sanderson, Kay Herbert
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Patent number: 6424886Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 6422102Abstract: A wiper drive (10, 12, 14) with a reversible geared motor (16) is fastened to a motor mounting plate (18). The driven shaft (22) of the wiper drive supports a crank (28, 30, 32), which is connected by means of at least one joint (34, 36, 38, 40) to a leaver (68, 70) of a lever mechanism. The crank is a crank plate (28, 30, 32) on which at least two adjacent joints (34, 36) for two levers (68, 70) are disposed adjacent to each other in a plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Gerd Kuehbauch
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Patent number: 6398446Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a multiple part ball stud that is press fit together and then assembled with a ball socket. The ball socket is ultrasonically welded to a ball joint housing, and the ball joint housing is assembled to a heated link to form a strong mechanical joint therebetween. The weld joint between the ball socket and the housing is positioned near the bottom of the ball socket, away from high stress areas of the housing. An annular seal is adhered between an inwardly facing portion of the housing and an outwardly facing portion of the ball stud to heremetically seal the joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Mac Lean-Fogg CompanyInventors: George Pazdirek, Ernst Matthew Gaertner, Victor Almgren
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Patent number: 6382865Abstract: A base mounted lubricated ball joint utilizing a hollow socket case (20) is attached to an automobile axle or other workpiece by welding or bolting. A ball (42) is disposed within a socket (28) contained within the case and rotates freely within. A socket cap (52) is attached to the case leaving an upper portion of the ball (42) exposed, thereby permitting orbiting of the ball (42) upon its rotational axis limited only by its geometrical configuration. To utilize the invention, a shaft, a hydraulic cylinder, a table leg or a heavy machinery coupling is attached to the ball by threads. The ball joint is lubricated with grease through a grease fitting, which penetrate the joint and is distributed through grooves (36) located in both the ball and the case.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Richard C. Paxman
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Patent number: 6364564Abstract: A device for blocking first and second components (1, 2) relative to one another may be provided with first and second parts (3, 4) capable of cooperating with one another in order to effect the blocking, the first part (3) being carried by the first component (1) and being provided with a duct (15) and the second part (4) being carried by the second component (2) and being provided with a blocking finger (24) capable of being introduced frictionally into the duct (15). The first part (3) may have a first pivot system (8) with a pivot (10) that can rotate relative to the first component (1); the duct may be formed by a diametral conduit (15) pierced in the pivot (10) of the first pivot system (8); and the second part (4) may include a second pivot system (23) with which the blocking finger (24) is integral so as to be capable of tilting relative to the second component (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: EurocopterInventors: Daniel Chaniot, François Lenhardt, Jean Paul Castan
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Patent number: 6338589Abstract: The present invention provides a ball joint for use in interconnecting a pair of components to accommodate relative angular movement therebetween. The ball joint includes a socket assembly and a hybrid ball stud. The socket assembly includes a cup-shaped housing defining a cavity therein and an insert disposed within the housing cavity and which defines a spherical ball socket. The hybrid ball stud includes a standard bolt and a polymeric insert attached to, or encapsulating, the head of the bolt to define a spherical ball or a partial spherical ball. The polymeric insert is adapted to be retained in the ball socket. The bolt is a high-volume commercially-available component having a threaded shank segment and a head segment which is over-molded or fitted with the polymeric insert. As such, an inexpensive hybrid ball stud is provided for use in ball joints.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Neil A. Wasylewski, Brian A. Mattila
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Patent number: 6257795Abstract: A connection between a steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage. A spherical bearing having an integral seal formed thereon is disposed within a machined bore formed in one of the steering knuckle arm or tie rod linkage. A mounting stud is pressed into the spherical bearing and extends to the other of the steering knuckle or tie rod end of which the spherical bearing is disposed and extends there through to threadingly engage a nut to secure the mounting stud and firmly connect the steering knuckle arm to the tie rod linkage. The integral seals eliminate the need for separate boot seals thus forming a closer and more precise connection between the steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Clinton Byron Stroh
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Patent number: 6217249Abstract: A joint mechanism and connector includes a rounded member having at least one concavity and which is connected to a first part, at least one actuator having a tip that is received in the concavity to lock a second part connected to the actuator to the first part. The rounded member has a recess defined thereon which receives spherical members on the rounded member. The actuator tip is received in concavities defined by the spherical members.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Werner O. Merlo
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Patent number: 6116646Abstract: A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: MTD Products Inc.Inventors: Matthew John Plas, Robert W. Rush
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Patent number: 6116805Abstract: An energy absorbing guardrail crash attenuator system comprises a row of compressible hoops with left and right border panels extending along at least a portion of the row. Adjacent hoops in the row are attached, with the proximate portions of adjacent hoops defining connection regions. The border panels extend along the left and right sides of the row of hoops, with the panels being separated by a panel distance. The left and right border panels have opposing portion pairs that are restricted in their movement such that the pairs do not move more than the panel distance apart during compression of one or more of the hoops. At least one of the opposing portion pairs is disposed about one of the connection regions. In an aspect of the attenuation system, the hoops have left and right outwardly bowing curved panels having front ends oriented toward the row front and back ends oriented toward the row back.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 6113303Abstract: A metallic ball pin of a universal joint, preferably one with high load-bearing capacity, for motor vehicles, which is mounted movably in all directions in a bearing shell of a housing with a joint ball 2 designed at one end of a pin stump 1. To improve its functional properties and to reduce its manufacturing costs, a machined joint ball 2 with a through-hole 5 is nonrotatably attached to a fastening pin 4 of a pin stump 1 manufactured by cold forming in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin stump 1, and it is held by deforming the fastening pin 4.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AGInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wilfried Lustig
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Patent number: 6095611Abstract: A modular backrest system for a wheelchair is removably attached to backrest posts of the wheelchair. The backrest system includes a back support that provides a surface against which the back of a wheelchair user rests, and a support chassis mounted to the back support for supporting the back support at a desired incline with respect to the posts, and at a desired seat depth with respect to the seat. An attachment assembly is further included that is operably connected to the support chassis at two locations and to the posts to allow the support chassis and back support to be readily removed from or attached to the chair. The particular back support employed in conjunction with the support chassis is based upon the support needs of the wheelchair user. One embodiment of the back support includes a backing plate, and a cushion or insert attached to a forwardly presented face of the backing plate against which the back of the individual rests when sitting on the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Roho, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Bar, Dennis L. Clapper
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Patent number: 6059480Abstract: A composite stud having a shank with a recess at one end receives a stem formed on a ball. The stem and recess have any suitable shape and preferably a shape that prevents rotation of the ball relative to the shank. A further embodiment has a shank with an extension at one end for insertion into a bore in a ball. The extension is deformed to effect a positive connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Garth B. Maughan, Richard F. Brown
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Patent number: 6010272Abstract: A ball joint (10) comprises a socket (60), a bearing (100), and a stud (80). The bearing (100) supports a first end portion (82) of the stud (80) in the socket (60) for movement relative to the socket. The stud (80) has a second end portion (84, 86) projecting from the socket (60) for connecting the stud for movement with the first suspension member (14). The socket (60) has a mounting portion (64) for connecting the socket for movement with the second suspension member (40) relative to the stud (80) and the first suspension member (14). The bearing (100) includes first and second relatively movable bearing elements (110, 130). The first bearing element (110) is movable with the first end portion (82) of the stud (80) in the socket (66), and has a pivot center (118). The second bearing element (130) is disposed between the first bearing element (110) and the socket (60), and supports the first bearing element and the stud (80) for pivotal movement relative to the socket about the pivot center (118).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Littman
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Patent number: 6010271Abstract: A joint assembly (10) includes a metal housing which encloses a head end portion (24) of a movable stud member (22). A metal outer (30) bearing engages the head end portion (24) of the stud member (22). The outer bearing (30) has a cylindrical outer side surface (44) with a diameter which is larger than a diameter of a cylindrical inner side surface (42) of a chamber (18) in the housing (12). The outer bearing (30) is retained against movement relative to the housing (12) by an interference fit. During fabrication of the joint assembly (10), a spring (34) and inner bearing (32) are inserted into the housing (12). An interference fit is established between the outer bearing (30) and the housing (12) by sliding the cylindrical outer side surface (44) of the outer bearing along the cylindrical inner side surface (42) of the chamber (18) in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1996Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Raymond W. Jackson, Donald E. Szczesny
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Patent number: 5931597Abstract: A ball joint (10) for interconnection between relatively movable parts (12, 14/16) includes a ball stud (70) having a central ball portion (24) and a pair of stud portions (40, 42) extending in diametrically opposite directions from the central ball portion. The stud portions (40, 42) and the central ball portion (24) have a central passage (54) extending axially through the stud portions and the central ball portion. A fastener (260) extends through the central passage (54) for attaching the ball stud (20) to the movable parts (12, 14/16). A housing (60) encloses the central ball portion (24) and has opposite openings (74, 88) through which the respective stud portions (40, 42) extend. First and second bearings (100 and 130) for the central ball portion (24) support the central ball portion in the housing (60) for movement relative to the housing. First and second seals (170 and 200) close the opposite openings (74, 88) in the housing (60).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Urbach
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Patent number: 5921698Abstract: The invention concerns a mount for panel-shaped components, in particular glass panels, with a base element that penetrates through an opening in the panel-shaped component and immobilize it, and a ball stud that has at its first end a ball element which is rotatably mounted in an opening of the base element which is complementary in form and function, and that can be fastened at its second, opposite end to a support structure, immobilizing the base element. The base element has an axial length such that at least one end of the base element projects out of the panel plane, the opening to receive the ball element being furthermore arranged in the region of that end. The base element has at least two base subelements that can be fastened to one another at their mutually facing radial surfaces in the radial plane of the base element that extends substantially through the center point of the ball element, thus enclosing the ball element.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Mero-Raumstruktur GmbH & Co. WuerzburgInventors: Dieter Hegen, Wolfgang Kemmer
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Patent number: 5860669Abstract: A ball-exchange trailer bitch system having a post for receiving a ball where the ball is removable from the post for exchangeability with different size balls. The system includes at least a double locking feature between the ball and post. The double lock consists of a side pin lock and a ball and cage lock. The system may also include a third lock which includes threads on the post and the ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Inventors: Lloyd G. Wass, Michael Nelson, Kurt L. Drewelow
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Patent number: 5860757Abstract: A ball joint comprises a metallic stud bolt having a male screw on one end side and a spread portion on the other end side, a resin ball member of synthetic resin having a spherical portion covering the spread portion, and a ball seat of synthetic resin having a spherical recess in which the spherical portion is fitted for relative rotation and rocking motion. A nut is fitted on the male screw. A noncircular detent portion including serrations or the like is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spread portion. A flange portion is formed integral with the stud bolt on the intermediate portion in the axial direction. The resin ball member has a cylindrical portion integral with it, and a dust cover fixing projection is formed integral with the cylindrical portion. An end portion of a dust cover is held between the projection and the flange portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: NHK spring Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hironobu Sugiura
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Patent number: 5788394Abstract: A joint comprising a body member defining an annular groove and a pair of tangential notches intersecting the annular groove at diametrically opposed positions. A socket member is comprised of a preferably semispherically shaped frame having an open side and a pair of diametrically opposed knob or pin member. Each knob or pin member is engagable with one of the tangential notches to snap fit the body member within the semispherically shaped frame and within the annular groove. The body member is secured to a mounting bar and the semispherically shaped frame has an elongated slot and the mounting bar passes through the slot. The arrangement is such that the slot defines one path of rotation of the shaped frame member relative to the body member and the annular groove defines a second path of relative rotation between the body member and the shaped frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Bowles Fluidics CorporationInventors: Richard W. Hess, Craig E. Finch
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Patent number: 5743669Abstract: A ball joint includes a bearing seat crimped in place within a housing. A ball head of a ball stud slides in the bearing seat. A cylindrical crimpable portion of the bearing seat is inserted through a cylindrical portion of the housing. The bearing seat is fixed to the housing with two stopper portions. One of the stopper portions is formed by crimping the cylindrical crimpable portion against one of the ends of the housing. A dust cover is pushed between the ball stud and the other stopper portion. The stopper portion is enlarged outward using ultrasonic vibration. An inner side face of the cylindrical crimpable portion inclines outward at an angle ranging from 3.degree. to 20.degree. with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical crimpable portion. A chamfered portion and rotation-stop portions, shaped like flower petals, are formed at one end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic IshikawaInventors: Kouichi Fujita, Masahiro Yamada, Keiichiro Suzuki, Masao Takayama, Masazumi Suzuki
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Patent number: 5741022Abstract: A ball-exchange trailer hitch system having a post for receiving a ball where the ball is removable from the post for exchangeability with different size balls. The system includes at least a double locking feature between the ball and post. The double lock consists of a side pin lock and a ball and cage lock. The system may also include a third lock which includes threads on the post and the ball.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Inventors: Lloyd G. Wass, Michael Nelson, Kurt L. Drewelow
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Patent number: 5704553Abstract: A compact injector armature valve assembly for a fuel injector allowing the O-ring to O-ring spacing to be reduced. The armature valve assembly is a cylindrical hollow magnetic piece, with a narrow necked down portion to act as the receiving end for a ball, which is directly attached to the necked down portion. The attachment of the necked down portion by means of crimping or chemical bonding above the mid-point of the ball allows the strengths of a pivot style guidance scheme to be used.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventors: David P. Wieczorek, Hans J. Sailer
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Patent number: 5683196Abstract: A flange portion of a ball stud includes a seat surface which abuts a junction face of a concurrent rotation prevention plate. By ensuring that the contact face of the concurrent rotation prevention plate has a larger area than an area of the seat surface of the flange portion of the ball stud, the frictional force between an attached item and the contact face of the concurrent rotation prevention plate is greater than a rotational force applied to the ball stud when a nut is affixed to the ball stud. The ball stud is thus prevented from concurrently turning with the nut during a tightening or loosening operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic IshikawaInventors: Michihito Toyoda, Yoshihiro Suzuki, Keiichiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 5642956Abstract: An adjustable link for kinematic mounting systems. The adjustable link is a low-cost, passive device that provides backlash-free adjustment along its single constraint direction and flexural freedom in all other directions. The adjustable link comprises two spheres, two sockets in which the spheres are adjustable retain, and a connection link threadly connected at each end to the spheres, to provide a single direction of restraint and to adjust the length or distance between the sockets. Six such adjustable links provide for six degrees of freedom for mounting an instrument on a support. The adjustable link has applications in any machine or instrument requiring precision adjustment in six degrees of freedom, isolation from deformations of the supporting platform, and/or additional structural damping. The damping is accomplished by using a hollow connection link that contains an inner rod and a viscoelastic separation layer between the two.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Layton C. Hale
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Patent number: 5613792Abstract: A ball joint includes a socket of synthetic resin having a through-hole that accommodates a ball, a hole into which a rod is inserted and which is formed at right-angles to the through-hole and an accommodation portion that communicates with the rod insertion hole, a ball stud, the ball of which is accommodated in the through-hole, a C-ring mounted in the socket through-hole to maintain the ball in place, a cap that closes the open end of the socket and has a holder portion that locates in the accommodation portion of the socket and which holds the end of the inserted rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignees: Showa Corporation, Nifco Inc.Inventors: Makoto Terada, Teiji Suka, Hiroyuki Nakaya
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Patent number: 5586808Abstract: A chair has two lateral frame parts, each one in the form of a single, continuous member of an elastically yielding material. Transverse rods are connected between the lateral frame parts. A seat is connected to at least one of the transverse rods and a back rest is connected to at least one of the transverse rods. The single member of the lateral frame parts is preferably made of spring steel. Connecting elements that are slipped onto the lateral frame parts are used for connecting the transverse rods to the lateral frame parts. The connecting parts can be balls having throughbores for receiving the lateral frame parts and threaded holes, extending substantially perpendicularly to the throughbores, for receiving the transverse rods.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Frank Oelke
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Patent number: 5501421Abstract: A stay bar support for a door stop of a vehicle door assembly including a stay bar, which is connectable to the door or the door post, a support bracket connectable to the other of the door and the door post, and a spherical bearing which pivotally supports the stay bar on a gudgeon secured in the support bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: ED. Scharwa/ chter GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Bernd-Alfred Klu/ ting
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Patent number: 5445047Abstract: A hanger means for a wheeled vehicle comprises a fastening member which is adapted to be securely mounted above a head set of a wheeled vehicle, and a hanger which has first and second ends, a brake cable passes through the first end of the hanger and the second end of the hanger is pivoted to the fastening member allowing the hanger to be pivotable between a locked lower position and an unlocked upper position where said head set is accessible.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Inventor: Yi C. Chi
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Patent number: 5360282Abstract: A ball and socket joint arrangement for mounting a vehicle headlamp assembly to a vehicle is provided which in a preferred embodiment includes a body connected with the headlamp assembly and having an interior spheroid aperture intersected by first and second apertures with a plug in the second aperture, a portion of the plug forming the spheroid aperture; a ball for pivotally mounting within the body spheroid aperture having pivotal motion on at least two axes, the ball having a bore generally aligned with the first aperture and a circumferential groove, the circumferential groove forming a slot with the bore in two geometrically spaced locations; a rod connected with the vehicle for insertion into the bore of the ball and having a circumferential groove aligned with the circumferential groove of the ball; and an omega spring mounted within the circumferential groove of the ball retaining the rod to the ball after insertion of the rod into the bore of the ball by projecting into the slot of the ball and locaType: GrantFiled: January 13, 1994Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William E. Nagengast, Leslie H. Hallgarth, Brian E. Witte, Paul E. Young, Jr.
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Patent number: 5337609Abstract: An improved handlebar structure for a collapsible bicycle mainly uses a locking mechanism to clamp and lock the upper tube and the lower tube of the bicycle together. The locking mechanism comprises a bolt, a pressing lever and a U-shaped clamping member. The bolt feeds through the pivotal connection of the upper tube and the lower tube, with its front end being secured to the U-shaped clamping member and its rear end being coupled to the pressing lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventor: Su-Yuan Hsu
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Patent number: 5335159Abstract: A multimovable plastic lamp fixture. In the preferred embodiment, the lamp fixture includes a pair of lampholders for supporting a pair of floodlights or the like. Each of the lampholders are attached to a base by means of a ball and socket-type joint. The ball joint is located off-center and provides spherical positioning of the lights. A gasket located in the interior of each socket prevents moisture from entering the base and, in addition, maintains each lampholder in position due to friction. The ball and socket joint includes a knee ball cover having a semi-spherical surface for engaging the ball joint. Tabs located on the outer surface of the knee ball cover limit the rotational movement of each lampholder with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Regent Lighting CorporationInventors: Kent Chen, Suleyman O. Sumer, Jose M. Pinedo
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Patent number: 5331864Abstract: A bicycle headset includes a head tube engaged on a steerer tube, a lower bowl engaged in an upper portion of the head tube, a bearing engaged on the lower bowl, a sleeve engaged on the steerer tube, an upper bowl engaged on the bearing and engaged on the sleeve. A ring extends through the sleeve and couples the upper bowl and the steerer tube together such that the upper bowl and the sleeve and the steerer tube rotate in concert. A tapered surface is formed in the sleeve and the upper bowl so that the sleeve is forced radially inward by the upper bowl.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Inventor: Yi-Chen Chi
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Patent number: 5284398Abstract: A joint comprising a pillow ball having a spherical portion, a bearing for rotatably supporting the spherical portion, and a housing for housing the bearing. The housing has therein a housing bore having a first step for contacting one end of the bearing, a large bore contiguous to the housing bore via a second step, and an attaching bore contiguous to the large bore for receiving a dustproof covering. The depth of the first step is substantially equal to the axial length of the bearing. The joint further comprises an annular plug inserted into the large bore. The annular plug has a taper tapering off toward the side opposite to the housing bore, and the annular plug is pressed and secured onto the second step by caulking or deforming the inside of the housing to fit the taper. The annular plug and the bearing are thus prevented from coming out of the large bore and the housing bore, respectively. The composing members of the joint are simple in their structure and can be easily manufactured and assembled.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1992Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: TRW Steering & Industrial Products (Japan) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motohiro Sakai
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Patent number: 5263731Abstract: A "soft" knuckle for a vehicular suspension system provides additional compliance in the fore/aft, and vertical directions while maintaining desirable high stiffness in the lateral, steer and camber directions. The present spindle and knuckle assembly permit the kinematics and stiffness o a suspension system to maximize handling without compromising impact isolation. Thus, the present invention decouples handling and impact isolation requirements of a suspension system. The present invention can be adapted for both driven and undriven wheels, and thus can be used at any location in either a front or rear wheel drive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Brian W. Deutschel
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Patent number: 5251859Abstract: An adjustable support mount having a clamp plate with a fulcrum and a clamp plate extension. The clamp plate extension has a concave, circular toothed depression forming one half of a socket to hold a ball. The other half of the socket is formed by a jaw plate also having a concave, circular toothed depression positioned on the opposite side of the ball to the clamp plate extension. The jaw plate is positioned on the fulcrum and is kept aligned on the clamp plate by a keyway rib and slot structure. The jaw plate is tightened by a bolt or screw that passes through both the jaw plate and the clamp plate extension into a cap nut. The ball is attached to a shaft which is, in turn, attached to an ultimate support mount. Welded to and encircling the shaft is an eccentric ring. The eccentric ring and shaft are encapsulated by the ball, the ball material passing through and around the eccentric ring and shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: Omnimount SystemsInventors: Alexander Cyrell, Garret E. Weyand
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Patent number: 5230580Abstract: The invention concerns a ball joint with a ball (6) arranged in a joint housing (1), with at least one bearing shell arranged between the joint housing (1) and the ball (6) and with at least one thrust collar (14) arranged between the joint housing (1) and the bearing shell, whereby the thrust collar adjoins the outer surface (11) of the bearing shell and braces the same in the axial direction of the inner space (2) of the joint housing. A consistent bracing of the joint after automated mounting is obtained by the fact that the thrust collar (14) is an elastic metal ring with a generally U-shaped cross section and with two ring limbs (17,18) that form one stopping face (15,16) each, and with a ring web (19) connecting the ring limbs (17,18) to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: TRW Ehrenreich GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Gunther Henkel
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Patent number: 5172819Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing assembly for use in an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1992Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignees: Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Sargent Industries, Inc.Inventors: David W. Daugherety, Jr., Wajih Kanjo, Michael G. Hawryszkow, William D. Wallace, Edward G. Lynch, Jr.
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Patent number: 5171042Abstract: The spigot joint for metallic pipes, particularly for liquids comprises a protector for the lining of the pipe. The protector is associated with an end portion of the outer surface of the pipes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: TDI Tubi Dalmine Ilva S.R.L.Inventor: Aldo Faidiga
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Patent number: 5116072Abstract: A post and ball type hitch apparatus intended for use with a conventional hitch socket is disclosed. The apparatus includes a post formed of a generally elongate cylindrical member having a top portion, a central portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the post is adapted to attach to a bumper or frame of a vehicle, and the top portion of the post includes an annular groove therein. The apparatus also includes a ball having a cylindrical channel formed therein, for insertion thereof over the top portion of the post, and a cylindrical bore formed therethrough which intersects the cylindrical channel in such a manner that the bore of the ball is co-extensive with a portion of the annular groove of the post when the post is inserted into the cylindrical channel. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical pin which can be inserted through the bore and which becomes engaged with a portion of the annular groove of the post in order to secure the post in the cylindrical channel of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1990Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Inventor: John C. Swenson
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Patent number: 5074698Abstract: In a joint fork of a joint for adjusting linkages, the necessary constructional space is kept small by means of a shortened fork shank and a widened threaded bore in the fork shank.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventor: Reinhold Lippert
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Patent number: 5069571Abstract: A spherical rod end assembly includes sealing components, each having a flexible, resilient skirt, integrally formed on a metal body, which overlies and seals the cavity within which the ball of the assembly is seated, to exclude dirt and other foreign matter. The sealing component may take the form of fasteners or washers, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Seals-It, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Matczak, Stanley E. Matczak
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Patent number: 5062655Abstract: A wheel suspension system, particularly a front wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having upper and lower wheel suspension members which are hinged to the wheel carrier and guide it around a turning swivel axis. The lower wheel suspension member and a spring strut are supported in a hinged manner in lower joints of a common bearing element of the wheel carrier. The swivel axis, which is guided through the wheel-carrier-side joint of the upper wheel suspension member, extends through the center axis of the upper joint and of the lower bearing element.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Assignee: Dr.Ing.h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Karl Sommerer
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Patent number: 5056951Abstract: A device for connecting an arm (2) to a fastening plate (3) comprises an external casing (11) rotatably coupled to the fastening plate (3) by a pivot assembly (5). The external casing (11) is provided with a substantially cylindrical cavity having a hemispherical bottom accessible from the outside of the casing (11). The pivot (5) extends with clearance through a cylindrical cavity of a substantially spherical internal casing (21). The internal casing (21) is fastened to an extremity of the arm (2). The arm (2) extends with clearance through a clamping collar (13). The clamping collar (13) is slidably mounted in the cavity of the external casing (11) for exerting pressure against the internal casing (21) and for clamping the arm (2) in a desired variable angular position with respect to a central axis of the cavity of the external casing (11).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Ditta Mariani EnricoInventor: Roberto Mariani