Including Distinct Pin Retainer Patents (Class 403/154)
  • Patent number: 7043858
    Abstract: A backhoe coupling for joining members of a backhoe attachment is provided, the coupling having a pivot pin assembly that includes a pivot pin and a retaining plate. The pin has a groove for receiving the retaining plate. The retaining plate has an edge that is sized to fit into the groove and prevent it from being extracted. The groove has two blocked regions on opposing sides of the pin that prevent the pin from rotating freely with respect to the retaining plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: David V. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6976688
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for use with a mounting surface includes an arm, a pin, a pair of clamping blocks and a fastener. The arm has a cylindrical bore at one end. The pin extends through the bore. Each block of the pair of clamping blocks includes a central opening and is circumferentially discontinuous about the central opening. Each clamping block further includes a slot defined by portions of the block. The slot is dimensioned to allow the pin to pass through the slot when the block is in an unclamped position and to tightly grip the pin when the block is in a clamped position. The fasteners extend across the slots and are configured to engage the mounting surface to mount the blocks to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Archer, Brian K. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6925904
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first support and a second support adjustable in a fore-aft direction relative to the first support. At least one guide is carried by the second support and has a tapered engagement surface engaging the first support and moving along the first support as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction. A spring member biases the tapered engagement surface of the at least one guide into engagement with the first support. A pedal is supported by the second support and is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The second support carries the pedal as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Srini Sundaesan, Gordon Smith
  • Patent number: 6913411
    Abstract: A coupling structure of a watch band in which a coupling member such as a coupling pin or a hair pin does not sup from a coupling hole even if a user practices strenuous sports or a rotation and a twist are always applied to the coupling portion due to use for years, and a method of manufacturing a piece member for the band coupling structure. In a coupling structure of a band comprising a plurality of piece members, a projection protruded in a central direction of a coupling hole from an internal wall of the coupling hole is formed on an outer end of the coupling hole in the piece member positioned on an outside in a transverse direction, and a coupling member is inserted in the coupling hole provided in the transverse direction of the piece member and is engaged with the projection, thereby coupling the piece members to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jindai Yamakawa, Mamoru Sano, Hideo Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6859985
    Abstract: A blade attaching structure including a connecting shaft on a blade side detachably supported on an attaching groove formed on a wiper arm, wherein secure fixation becomes possible while attaching and detaching operations are simplified. An attaching groove formed on a wiper arm has a dovetail groove shape having a groove entrance portion with a groove width, the connecting shaft including a fixed shaft fixed on a bracket and a spacer having a cylinder sliding portion which is incorporated in the fixed shaft to be slidable in the rotational direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakazawa, Yoshinori Masuda
  • Publication number: 20040228676
    Abstract: A frame for a work machine includes first and second wall portions having an axially aligned bore positioned therein. A boom is positioned between the first and second wall portions and has a bore that is alignable with the bores in the first and second wall portions. A first insert is disposed within the bore of the first wall portion of the frame and a second insert disposed within the bore of the second wall portion of the frame with each insert having a bore therethrough. A pin cartridge assembly is positioned in the bores of the first and second inserts and the boom. The pin cartridge assembly includes a pin having first and second end portions and an outer surface. A first collar having a through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A second collar having through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A bushing has a stepped bore that is rotatably disposed about the outer surface of the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Oertley
  • Publication number: 20040114993
    Abstract: An improved articulated pin joint for a track chain used on track laying work machines is provided. The articulated pin joint includes a plug positioned in a central cavity of a track pin. The plug includes an axial passage in which a needle can be inserted to inject grease into the central cavity. The invention facilitates replenishing grease in the field without removing the track chain from the track laying work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Daniel D. Angot, Steve L. Arianoutsos, J. Christopher Barnes, David G. Kupper
  • Patent number: 6694571
    Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is formed by providing a cylindrical pin portion with a boss at one end. The boss has a flat shoulder surface, so that its periphery is non-circular. A lever arm is provided with a bore that fits over and is complimentary to the boss, and the lever arm is held in place on the boss with a removable threaded fastener that secures the lever arm and the cylindrical pin portion together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Albright, Mark F. Bares
  • Patent number: 6659315
    Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: James Talaric, James Barber, Richard Varner
  • Publication number: 20030190185
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1, 34) for positioning a first element (24) with respect to at least a second element (25) by means of a resilient locking member made in a single piece and having two ends (2, 3) connected by a bar (4) capable of being resiliently deformed in its axial direction (5). The longitudinal resilience of the bar (4) is due to the fact that it includes a plurality of apertures (11) over its length, said apertures (11) being located alternately on either side of a median plane (14) of the bar (4). This locking member can easily be manufactured in the form of a moulded plastic part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVICES AG
    Inventor: Augustin Nussbaum
  • Publication number: 20030170070
    Abstract: A quick install positive lock pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disposed. The pin also includes a pair of retention mechanisms located in the handle portion that are moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of a slot formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the mechanisms extend no further than the outer edge of the opening. The retention mechanisms include a pair of plates that rotate upon reciprocal movement of the shaft member to move the retention mechanisms between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: John S. Mills, James M. Snyder, Walter Tsui
  • Publication number: 20030170071
    Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Walter Tsui, J. Steve Mills, James M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6612200
    Abstract: A pedal assembly 10 for use in a vehicle 11 includes a pedal arm 100 that moves in a normal operating range between a rest position and an applied position under a normal operating load. The pedal arm 100 moves in a plane about an axis of rotation. The pedal assembly 10 includes a mechanism 102 for releasing the pedal arm 100 from its support 16 in response to a predetermined force applied to the pedal arm 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Rixon
  • Patent number: 6604883
    Abstract: A connector for use with a remote controlled apparatus comprising a base adapted to receive a control member and a contact surface adapted to slidingly receive a latch. Two fingers extend outwardly from the base and the latch has opposingly located deformable prongs which engage a pin and two arms which engage a contact surface found on the base. The latch is slidingly operable on the contact surface of the base between a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the fingers of the base and the pin form a closed, unopenable structure. In the unlocked position, the fingers and the pin form an openable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Du-Bro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Broberg
  • Patent number: 6561717
    Abstract: A shim for use in combination with a pin and fastener assembly, the pin having a shank portion with an outer diameter and a shoulder on an end of the shank portion, the shoulder defining a reduced diameter portion having threads, the fastener adapted for engagement with the threads on the reduced diameter portion, the shim includes at least one annular member having an inner diameter and an outer diameter with a flat portion at the inner diameter and a cupped portion at the outer diameter, the inner diameter adapted to fit over the outer diameter of the shank portion of the pin, the cupped portion receiving the fastener when the fastener is engaged with the threads on the reduced diameter portion of the pin so as to restrict radial movement of the shim as the fastener is threaded into abutting contact with the shoulder on the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Martinez, Byron R. Moore
  • Patent number: 6390716
    Abstract: An object is to be mounted by two fastening elements. A fastening element comprises an inlet, which extends at an angle relative to a receptacle lodging a bearing journal, and which allows the fastening element to be placed crosswise on the bearing journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SUSPA Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Wolf, Helge Siegner
  • Patent number: 6381933
    Abstract: The device consists of a tapered spline coupler for a drive shaft of a pull-type forage harvester. The first drive shaft and second drive shaft each have a set of tapered splines that are inserted into a tapered, internally splined coupler. A pair of retaining rings affixed to the drive shafts draws the shafts into the coupler. A retaining bolt may be tightened to force the shafts into the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Wanner, Robert A. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 6340263
    Abstract: A fastening of a tube mounting (10) for a wiper system on a vehicle body has at least one fastening bore (58), extending transversely through a mounting tube (12), into which bore a rubber-elastic coupling element (42) with a hole (56) for a screw is inserted. The contour of the coupling element (42) conforms to the internal contour of the mounting tube (12) in the region of the fastening bore (58), protrudes through openings (60) in the fastening bore (58) by a projecting length (44) and, on the inside, covers the openings (60) axially on both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Fleischer
  • Patent number: 6322280
    Abstract: A pin joint including a pin having opposite stepped axial ends and an outer surface extending therebetween, the pin being adapted to be supported for pivotal movement in a bearing of a first member such as a lift arm or the like with the opposite stepped axial ends in predetermined axially spaced relation to axial end faces of the bearing. A pair of annular retainers are adapted to be positioned in apertures of brackets or other elements of a second member such as a bucket or other implement and have inner circumferential stepped surfaces defining cavities adapted for cooperatively receiving and engaging the stepped axial ends of the pin, respectively, for positioning the retainers and the pin in predetermined axial relation to the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Coyne
  • Patent number: 6309133
    Abstract: A process for securing a guiding member on a support which includes at least one opening which is substantially greater in dimension than an end of the guiding member which is supported therein. A space provided between the at least one opening and the end of the guiding member is filled with a polymerizable resin which is polymerized to secure the guide member within the opening after the guiding member has been precisely positioned in a predetermined position. A marking apparatus incorporates the guiding member secured to the support, and elements are provided for retaining the guiding member in position within the at least one opening and, in some embodiments, for selectively adjusting or removing the guide bar from the at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Marie-Christine Curreno
  • Patent number: 6273632
    Abstract: A joint pin lock system or mechanism for a pivotal pin joint which connects one mechanical structural member between a pair of bracket portions of another mechanical structural member pivotally relative to each other by means of a joint pin passed through a connecting end portion of one mechanical structural member and the bracket portions of the other mechanical structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ei Takahashi, Ryohei Suzuki, Toshio Hasegawa, Hiroshige Kurosaka
  • Patent number: 6238127
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for use as a pivot joint for a first member and a second member which have alignable openings therethrough. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener having a longitudinal axis and a bushing mounted on the fastener with the bushing having a first end and a second end. The second end of the bushing being formed wherein upon the combined fastener and bushing being mounted within the aligned openings the second bushing end extends only through the opening of the first member whereby upon its engagement with the second member during installation it flares radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the fastener and between the first and second members thereby providing automatic retention of the bushing and, resilient spacing between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Western Sky Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Khusro M. Jhumra, Raymond C. Scherer
  • Patent number: 6227747
    Abstract: A shaft retaining apparatus has been discovered for retaining a reciprocating shaft within a housing. The shaft retaining apparatus includes a shaft (16) having an outer retainer engaging surface (28) and a shaft housing (18) having a bore for rotatably receiving the shaft and at least one housing protuberance (36) disposed on a shoulder (32) on the housing. A shaft retainer (20) includes a tubular portion (40) and a flange portion (48) disposed at one end of the tubular portion. The flange has at least one retainer protuberance (44) projecting toward the shaft housing. The at least one retainer protuberance has a predetermined height and arcuate length such that it contacts the housing protuberance upon press fitting and disengages thereafter upon rotation of the shaft within the housing, thereby establishing a predetermined clearance between the retainer and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Michael Remington, Paul Vallis
  • Patent number: 6227749
    Abstract: A swivel base assembly for mounting an insulator to a support structure, including a base member having a pair of opposed bearing seats spaced apart from one another in alignment along a bearing axis, and a one-piece coupling member having a first end received within the pair of opposed bearing seats and a second end adapted to be coupled to the insulator. The first end defines a first pivot axis for the insulator and the second end defines a second pivot axis for the insulator, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially coincident with the bearing axis and the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The assembly also includes a mechanism for securing the base member to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 6158917
    Abstract: A pin retention mechanism which prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, such as used for attaching a heavy equipment tool, which provides quick and easy removal. The pin retention mechanism comprises a housing having an opening in which an end of a mounting pin is adapted to be located, and a removable member which is inserted into the housing adjacent the end of the pin. The removable member may be provided with a protruding section which is adapted to extend through a groove in the end of the pin for preventing rotation thereof. The removable member is retained in the housing by a spring catch. In each embodiment, a safety cap screw can be utilized to eliminate movement of the removable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Robert H. Wolin, William E. Wolin
  • Patent number: 6132128
    Abstract: A polymeric torque control is secured to a vehicle armrest and includes an integrally molded coupling surrounding an aperture for receiving and lockably mounting the torque control to a pivot axle extending from a vehicle support member. The integrated coupling is defined by an arcuate slot extending through the torque member in concentric spaced relationship to a pivot axle aperture. A transverse slot in the torque member communicates with the arcuate slot to define a pair of resilient arms having, in the preferred embodiment, outwardly projecting tabs at their free ends extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the torque member. Such construction allows a tool, such as a flat-bladed screwdriver, to be easily inserted between the ends of the arcuate arms for deflecting the arms outwardly from the pivot axle, which they surround, to release the armrest from a captive circumferential recess in the pivot axle for removal of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Bradford J. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6070945
    Abstract: A retainer clip adapted to engage a recess in a shank of a cutting tool for securing the cutting tool to a support block. The retainer clip includes a clip body having first and second end portions and at least three protruding portions disposed between the end portions. The protruding portions are adapted to extend beyond the shank when the retainer clip is engaging the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Cary D. Ritchey, Wayne H. Beach, Stephen P. Stiffler
  • Patent number: 6071033
    Abstract: In many pinned connections between the frames of a machine such as an articulated construction machine, the forces passing through the pin connection caused flexing of the various bolted connections which ultimately could cause the loosening or failure of the bolts. The present invention provides a retainer member for a pin member that has a groove positioned in an engagement surface to divide the engagement surface into radial inner and outer portions. A plurality of fasteners are positioned in the radially inner engagement surface to secure the retainer member to the pin member. The radially outer engagement surface, having a reduced cross-section and no fasteners, is allowed to flex to accommodate the forces passing from one frame to the other, thus maintaining the integrity of the bolted connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Neitzel, Rajesh M. Krishnan
  • Patent number: 6048126
    Abstract: A mushroom-type pin retainer for a pin having a central bore and which connects a piston and a piston rod of an internal combustion engine. The pin retainer is comprised of a mushroom head connected to a shaft. The shaft has a section of larger diameter for insertion into the bore of the pin. This section is no longer than 2 mm in an axial direction and is located remote from the mushroom head, so that the pin retainer may swing by a limited angle during mounting in the bore. This configuration makes the assembly simple to mount, even if it is manufactured by an imprecise manufacturing process such as injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mahle GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kemnitz, Klaus Keller
  • Patent number: 6048125
    Abstract: An article includes an articulation pin (4) engaged in first and second elements (2,3A), to secure the same together, with a tongue and groove respectively formed in the elements and pin to prevent relative rotation. A blocking arrangement fixes the second element and the pin to prevent relative rotation when they are in a predefined relative axial and angular position. The first and second elements (2,3A) and also the pin (4) cooperate so that the application of a force between the first elements (2) and the second element (3A) at least equal to a predetermined threshold, when the pin (4) and the second element (3A) are in the predefined relative axial and angular position, produces a relative axial movement between the pin and the second element, freeing the blocking arrangement so that the pin is free to rotate in the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Emile Droche, Eric Leverger, Olivier Dordet
  • Patent number: 5951193
    Abstract: A mechanism for connecting ornamental parts of wrist watches that permit easily connecting and disconnecting ornamental parts without using any special tool and without marring the appearance of wrist watches. A stepped pin is inserted in a larger-diameter bore of a cocoon-shaped ring fitted in an end piece and a bore in a watch casing. Then, a smaller-diameter part of the stepped pin is moved into a smaller-diameter bore by pulling the watch casing and a band longitudinally. With the stepped pin thus securely held in place, the watch casing and band are firmly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hattori Seiko
    Inventors: Akio Yamamoto, Taro Tanaka, Haruyuki Shimayama, Shunichi Kojima, Noboru Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 5951192
    Abstract: A quick connect system for attaching excavator buckets and other tools to the arm of a hydraulic excavator. The excavator bucket has a first and second mounting plate connected thereto in a spaced parallel relationship. Each mounting plate has a front and rear mounting assembly aligned to receive the front and rear pins respectively of the arm of the hydraulic excavator. Each mounting assembly has a "U" shaped opening formed therein for receiving one end of one of the respective front and rear pins. A pair of locking pads are mounted to the exterior side of each of the mounting assemblies. One end of each of the front and rear pins has a locking head fixed thereto which is adapted to engage one of the locking pads. A pair of retaining clamps receive the other end of each of the front and rear pins after they are positioned within the "U" shaped opening of the mounting assembly. The retaining clamps secure the other ends of each pin to the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Entek Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Vearl L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5920950
    Abstract: Two embodiments of a wiper blade attachment adapter are disclosed, each directed to different market areas. Both embodiments incorporate a partially hollow main body defined by side walls with opposed first and second ends, and joined to and spaced apart by a web extending from the end of the adapter to central pin receiving apertures in the side walls. A bar extends between the side walls at the second end, otherwise the space between the side walls is open between the bar at the second end and the web. The region of the web adjacent the pin apertures includes an extension of those apertures, forming a through open passage of generally keyhole configuration, open at its bottom, which can embrace a central retaining pin on the receptacle structure of the wiper's primary lever. A latch member is integrally attached to the first end of the adapter body by a flexible hinge member (e.g. a "living hinge") such that the latch member is a permanent movable part of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Young, III, Roger Daniels
  • Patent number: 5915875
    Abstract: An end play take up retaining ring between a support element and a retained element is constituted by a longitudinally split sleeve defining at a first end thereof a closed-biased C-shaped spring and at a second end thereof a larger open-biased C-shaped spring. The closed-biased C-shaped spring is expanded to fit the retaining ring over an external annular groove in the support element. At the same time, the open-biased C-shaped spring is squeezed to a smaller diameter. When the closed-biased C-shaped spring is released, it resiliently clamps the retaining ring in the annular groove. When the open-biased C-shaped spring is released, it resiliently expands and thrusts a beveled shoulder against the retained element. The beveled shoulder converts expansion of the open-biased C-shaped spring into relative lateral thrust which seats the first end of the retaining ring against an end wall of the annular groove and the retained element against a stop on the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joen Christen Bodtker
  • Patent number: 5772355
    Abstract: An eyepiece adapter mechanism for providing a quick positive engagement to an interfacing instrument such as a B-styled endoscope. The adapter mechanism comprises a rigid back plate for providing a permanent attachment for the mechanism. A C-clip retainer positioned within a circumferential chamber of the back plate acts as a locking ring under the elastic force of the C-clip material itself to provide a grip around the interfacing instrument when installed into the back plate. An outwardly protruding portion of the C-clip, acting as a lever, releases the interfacing instrument when the level is moved toward a fixed post located a predetermined distance from the lever to facilitate single handed operation. An alternate embodiment provides a quick attach/release adapter without an eyepiece and employing a C-clip retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Ross, Michael P. Clark, Randall J. Deary
  • Patent number: 5632059
    Abstract: A windshield wiper frame connector for use in a windshield wiper assembly for motor vehicles which accommodates different size wiper arms, wherein the wiper frame connector includes a pair of slots, three pair of raised portions and a pair of stoppers on a pair of sidewalls for forming two pairs of spaces, upper and lower elongated seats, and an angled slot, a hole, and a bayonet lock tongue whereby a hook type wiper arm, or a pin type wiper arm, or a bayonet type wiper arm can be easily connected to a blade unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Alberee Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Lee
  • Patent number: 5630673
    Abstract: A maintenance free pivot joint is disclosed that mounts a first member to a second member for relative rotation therebetween. The first member is positioned between a pair of brackets defined by the second member and both members define a plurality of bores aligned along a common axis (X). A pin assembly is positioned within the aligned bores and is secured on one end to one of the brackets and permits a small amount of axial and rotational movement of the pin assembly to allow the pin assembly to seek its own center upon connection of the two members to reduce wear and ease assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Krzywanos, Timothy A. Schaper
  • Patent number: 5619810
    Abstract: Disclosed is a digging implement (such as a dragline bucket) having a trunnion link connected to the implement by a pin secured in place by a retention device. Such device is coupled to the pin along the pin longitudinal axis. The pin has a first portion engaging the implement and having internal threads and the retention device has a stop member and an exteriorly-threaded stem extending therefrom. The stem is threaded to the internal threads of the first portion. Preferably, the stop member is recessed in a protective pocket which helps protect the retention device from damage otherwise caused by material being handled by the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventor: Rikos A. Kasim
  • Patent number: 5588338
    Abstract: A mounting for a control pedal in a motor vehicle includes a mounting bracket fixed relative to the vehicle having apertures defining an axis of rotation. The pedal has a hub defining a pivot axis. Spring loaded bearings in the hub are adapted to automatically snap axially outward from a first position to a second position, thereby rotatably connecting the pedal with the bracket, when the pivot axis is aligned with the axis of rotation. The axes are aligned by manipulating the pedal. Pedal end caps are snapped onto the hub and interposed between the hub and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Carr, Mark A. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 5553962
    Abstract: A screen wiping apparatus comprises a crank which is coupled through a pivot pin to a crank arm, which may for example be part of a screen wiper arm, the pivot pin providing an articulation between the arm and the crank whereby to provide non-circular wiping. The pivot pin has a head joined by a first cylindrical portion to a second cylindrical portion of smaller diameter than the first, the head and the two cylindrical portions being coaxial with each other. The first cylindrical portion of the pivot pin passes through a sleeve fitted transversely in the crank, while the second cylindrical portion extends through the crank arm. At least one ring carried by the crank is immobilised against rotation with respect to the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Systems D'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Eustache
  • Patent number: 5445470
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment mechanism with a positive lock to attach two components together in a confined and blind area. The attachment mechanism, attached to a first component, has in one embodiment, a clevis, while the second component has a knuckle to fit into the clevis and is to be pinned through a passageway through the clevis locking the second component. A U-shaped bracket adjacent to the clevis has sidewalls, the sidewalls having a passageway that aligns with a pin passageway, the pin is locked by inserting a tab lock through the pin and the U-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Schirtzinger
  • Patent number: 5437515
    Abstract: A connecting pin has a body of great strength which will not come off position when locked and will not be caught on the way of insertion and removal.In the connecting pin, a flange 10 for locking is provided on the rear end of a column-like body. A long hole 11 is formed through in the shank part on the forward end side of the body. A shaft 12 is inserted in the shank part on the forward end side of the body in a direction intersecting the long hole and opposed two holes 17 are formed in parallel with this shaft. A lock piece 13 supported on the aforesaid shaft at a midway point and having a plurality of slots 16 in both sides is rotatably inserted and in the hole is inserted a positioning member which selectively engages in one of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Nisso Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuzo Kuramoto, Yoshiyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5433547
    Abstract: A shackle including a clevis (10) and a lock pin (12). Clevis (10) includes eyes (16, 18). Eye (16) includes ramps (30). Lock pin (12) includes a head portion (42), radial flange (48), shank (46), coil spring (62), and lock member (60). Lock member (60) includes detents (64, 66) adapted to engage ramps (30). Coil spring (62) biases lock member (60) toward flange (48) so that detents (64, 66) are in a "lock" position and engage ramps (30) when lock pin (12) is threaded into eyes (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Judy L. Hart, William A. Munday
  • Patent number: 5405398
    Abstract: A posterior stabilized knee prosthesis with removable pin in the femoral component. The removable pin has a tapered split ring lock which prevents the pin from backing out. A split ring is provided on the pin which rides in a groove on the pin. When the pin is properly seated, the split ring engages a corresponding groove within the femoral prosthesis, locking the pin in place. Chamfers are provided on both the front and back of the split ring so that the split ring will compress as the pin is being screwed into the femoral component and also so that the pin can be removed if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Intermedics Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Buford, III, Charles H. Perrone, Jr., Jeffery C. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5398569
    Abstract: A mounting for a control pedal in a motor vehicle includes a mounting bracket fixed relative to the vehicle having apertures defining an axis of rotation. The pedal has a hub defining a pivot axis. Spring loaded bearings in the hub are adapted to automatically snap axially outward from a first position to a second position, thereby rotatably connecting the pedal with the bracket, when the pivot axis is aligned with the axis of rotation. The axes are aligned by manipulating the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Carr
  • Patent number: 5392487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper connector structure, specifically such a structure that connects all types of automobile windshield wipers onto the powered windshield wiper arm by having the capability of supporting many varieties of different connection structures and thus attaining the innovative, practical and economical value that meets the psychological requirements of the majority of consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Ming-Tung Yang
  • Patent number: 5393162
    Abstract: A pivoting joint assembly that includes a first portion formed with a first aperture and a second portion formed with a second aperture, the first and second apertures being alignable. A recess is formed about the second aperture. There is a shaft insertable through the first and second apertures. A bearing surface is formed adjacent one end of the shaft and a retaining member is releasably mountable to the other end of the shaft. A spacing member is insertable between the first and second portions to separate the portions to an extent such that the bearing surface of the shaft engages and retains the first portion on the shaft and the retaining member mounted to the shaft is positioned within the recess of the second portion to define a second bearing surface that engages and retains the second portion on the shaft. The first and second portions are releasably and rotatably locked together for rotation with respect to each other about an axis defined by the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Carl-Erik M. Nissen
  • Patent number: 5358445
    Abstract: A variable angle torque transmitting coupling apparatus for use in an automobile steering column as well as other applications which includes a first member which is generally T-shaped and has an elongated shaft and an elongated head each having an axis. The respective axes thereof are disposed substantially at a right angles. A second member includes a housing in which an elongated slot is disposed, the slot is dimensioned and configured for receiving the head of the first member. The head has side surfaces which are cylindrical section shaped and the sides of the slot are dimensioned and configured for receiving the head. The slot has a generally planar bearing surfaces on the sides thereof which engage the cylindrical section shaped surfaces of the head with sliding engagement therebetween. The head has surfaces at the axial extremities thereof which are spherical section shaped and which slidingly engage spherical section shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Wuebker
  • Patent number: 5339510
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wiper blade for a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle is described, in which wiper blade a pivot pin, that is cylindrical all along its length, is non-rotatably fixed onto a secondary yoke and engages into bearing bushes by way of its ends, which bearing bushes are non-rotatably fixed into the side walls of a primary yoke. This articulated connection is advantageous with respect to corrosional behaviour and thus with respect to the lifetime in comparison to known articulated connections with an articulated rivet that is non-rotatably connected with the primary yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Roth, Wolfgang Scholl
  • Patent number: 5332328
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of total function windshield wiper arm connector structure, specifically referring to a kind of windshield wiper arm connector that can be utilized with many types of windshield wiper arm connection structures, while effectively and practically raising the positive value of windshield wiper arm connectors, lowering the cost when compared to the many types conventionally used windshield wiper connectors and offering a unique design that is useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Ming-Tung Yang