Axially Spring-biased Coaxial Members Patents (Class 403/166)
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Patent number: 12151181Abstract: A transformable modular toy element is provided. The transformable modular toy element is for use in a toy construction system comprising a plurality of modular toy elements. The transformable modular toy element comprises a body portion and a head portion. The body portion comprises one or more coupling members, the one or more coupling members being adapted for releasably coupling the body portion with modular toy elements of the toy construction system. The head portion is attached to the body portion. The head portion comprises a cavity for receiving the body portion therein. The body portion is moveable with respect to the head portion between a retracted position where the body portion is retracted into the cavity, whereby the transformable modular toy element has a first shape, and a deployed position where the body portion is in the axial direction deployed from the cavity, whereby the transformable modular toy element has a second shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: LEGO A/SInventors: Timothy Mark Ainley, Troels Hermann, Jens Peter Haurum, Steffen Gøtske
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Patent number: 11981267Abstract: An apparatus for dampening at least one optical instrument on a military platform. The apparatus includes a plate adapted to hold at least one optical instrument. The apparatus also includes at least one dampening assembly having a first end operably engaged with the plate and an opposing second end operably engaged with a platform. The at least one dampening assembly is also adapted to reduce the movement of the plate and optical device from a ballistic event created by a ballistic device on the platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Dube, William J. Elliott
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Patent number: 11674362Abstract: A slickline stuffing box shock absorber is disclosed. The slickline stuffing box shock absorber includes a first mechanical component adapted to connect to a slickline in a wellbore, an upper rod rigidly coupled to the first mechanical component, a second mechanical component adapted to connect to a rope socket of a tool string in the wellbore, a lower rod rigidly coupled to the second mechanical component, and a spring adapted to absorb shock energy from the tool string so as to prevent breakage of the slickline, where the upper rod is hollow and has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the lower rod to allow sliding movement of the lower rod inside the upper rod, and where the upper rod and the lower rod are elastically coupled to each other by the spring.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Raissan F. Albeshri, Abbas A. Saho
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Patent number: 11589681Abstract: An earthquake protection apparatus and a system thereof. The apparatus includes a U-shaped frame further including a plurality of rods to be attached around periphery of the bed. The apparatus also includes a reinforced material fixed with the rods. The material has a tensile strength enough to bear the weight and slide off any falling debris on any side of the apparatus due to the earthquake. The material is configured to fold and unfold respectively upon triggering of a plurality of motors linked to earthquake detection sensors within the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Inventor: Pulkit Ahuja
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Patent number: 10220324Abstract: A toy apparatus including a figurine, a can for modeling compound mounted to the figurine and arranged as a head and face for the figurine. The figurine includes rotatable arms that are actuated by depressing the head/face can. Cans with different head and face characteristics are interchangeable with different figurine bodies, and the figurine's body includes recess molds for filling with modeling compound.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: HASBRO, INC.Inventors: Matthew Shoaff, Victoria Stratford
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Patent number: 9404542Abstract: A shaft arrangement is disclosed for transmitting torques acting around a rotational axis, with a variably adjustable torsional stiffness acting around the rotational axis and a method for varying the torsional stiffness of a shaft arrangement. The invention includes a first shaft section, having at least one torsion element secured thereto which is not damaged by torque and is axially fixed manner, which is mounted to be dimensionally stable transverse to the rotational axis, a second shaft section spaced axially apart from the first shaft section, to which the at least one torsion element is secured which is not rotatable but is axially movable and that a means for operatively interacts or can be made to operatively interact with the second shaft section for axially moving the second shaft section in relation to the first shaft section and in relation to the at least one torsion element.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DERInventors: David Flaschentrager, Jan Hansmann, Tobias Melz
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Patent number: 8770882Abstract: A ball joint comprising a housing (4) having a pin opening (12), a ball pin (3) having a joint ball (2), the ball pin being movably supported in the housing (4) by the joint ball (2). The ball pin extends out through the pin opening (12) of the housing (4) and the joint ball (2) has a non-planar control surface (7) which is in contact with an abutment (8) provided on the housing (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Metin Ersoy
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Patent number: 8540453Abstract: An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: James D. Hethcock, Rodney H. Jones, Carl A. May
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Patent number: 8398328Abstract: A coupling arrangement has a housing, a cylindrical supporting element having a center axis, which at least partly axially overlaps with the housing and contacts it at a first axial end area to disable movement at least in one direction along the center axis, the supporting element has at least a first protrusion, a connecting element with at least a second protrusion, which at least partly axially overlaps with the supporting element and which is arranged along the center axis facing away from the first axial end area, and a spring arranged and designed such that a first and a second axial end rest on the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively. The spring, the supporting element with its first protrusion and the connecting element second protrusion are designed and arranged such as to provide an axial force along the center axis at the first axial end area.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Daniel Marc, Roberto Ricci
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Patent number: 8197155Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting device of a parking cable for an electric parking brake, which connects an actuator for the electric parking brake with a parking cable. The connecting device includes a connector and a reaction force member. The connector includes a small diameter section having one side into which an outer peripheral surface of the parking brake is inserted, a large diameter section that extends from the small diameter section to have a diameter larger than that of the small diameter section, an axial cutout slit axially formed through upper and lower surfaces of an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter section such that protrusions circumferentially protruding from the actuator are inserted into the axial cutout slit through the large diameter section, a circumferential cutout slit that extends from an inner end of the axial cutout slit in a circumferential direction, and a cutout groove that axially extends from the circumferential cutout slit.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Kang Sung Noh
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Patent number: 8038208Abstract: A bicycle saddle height adjustment apparatus that is mounted on the frame of a bicycle, for adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle. The bicycle saddle comprises a seat post that supports a bicycle saddle and is adapted to fit telescopically within the seat tube of a bicycle frame; a height adjustment mechanism mounted on the seat tube of a bicycle, for adjusting the saddle height; and a spring connected between the seat post and the height adjustment mechanism. Actuating the height adjustment mechanism enables a cyclist to safely and quickly adjust the height of a bicycle saddle while continuously operating said bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Inventor: Yahel Mankadi
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Patent number: 8007196Abstract: In various embodiments, the system includes a tubular female end portion of the first pole section and a male end portion of the second pole section that is insertable into the female end portion. Additionally, the system includes a locking nut including a body portion and a neck portion and is threadingly engaged with the male end portion. Furthermore, the system includes a biased locking sleeve assembly that includes a locking sleeve having an internal cavity such that the locking sleeve fits over the locking nut neck portion, and a biasing device located within the interior cavity of the locking sleeve for applying opposing forces to the locking nut and the locking sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Robert Whitling, Gregory Francisco, William Dale Jones
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Publication number: 20110042634Abstract: A rigging system for raising and lowering a load includes at least one tether suspended between first and second spaced apart connection points. A hoist apparatus is selectively movable along the at least one tether and is coupled to the load so that movement of the hoist apparatus causes the raising and lowering of the load. The hoist apparatus can include drive pulleys and guide pulleys. A connection apparatus for connecting a tether to a fixed surface includes a base plate, a spring mechanism, at least at least one end plate, and a bushing member coupling the second end of the spring mechanism to the end plate. Tension on the tether causes the spring mechanism to compress and reduce distance between the end and base plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Richard William Boychuk
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Patent number: 7775154Abstract: A pivot assembly for use in an electric fryer that rotates heating elements out of a frypot, and a pivot housing that prevents the passage of outside contaminants from entering the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a tube that has mounting position for heating elements, and the elements can be lowered and raised into the frypot. The pivot housing comprises a hood that fits over the pivot assembly and forms a seal around the assembly, preventing the passage of oil therethrough. The tube of the pivot assembly can comprise one or more heating elements, and the heating elements can be lowered or raised independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: The Frymaster CorporationInventors: Charles Milton Hutchinson, Joseph Goodwin
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Publication number: 20100183362Abstract: A tool positioning apparatus permitting tool adjustment in two planes, the apparatus generally including an articulating joint apparatus and a resistance thread mechanism for rotatably positioning a tool about a central axis. In one embodiment the joint includes two halves rotatable about a central axis. The two halves are positionable through use of a push-button release that disengages a gear member and permits movement of the two halves relative to each other. In one embodiment, a gear has teeth disposed on one surface, two opposing substantially straight sides, and two opposing substantially curved sides, with a triangular protrusion mounted on each of the gear's two straight portions. The thread resistance mechanism utilizes an elastomeric threading in a narrowing taper.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: FRANKLIN TOOL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Ronald D. Franklin, Michael D. McCollum, Lucas R. Franklin
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Patent number: 7758275Abstract: An automatic fitting device is configured for assembling a vehicular part. If a spring-forced automatic fitting device is inserted into a bush of a trailing arm of a chassis and the trailing arm is inserted into a vehicular frame in the state in which buttons provided in the automatic fitting device are pushed, the vehicular frame and the chassis are provisionally assembled with each other as the buttons are projected through bolting holes, thereby enabling the automatization of assembling operation and reducing the working hours. In addition, because it is unnecessary to separately manufacture a conventional chassis bracket, the manufacturing costs can be saved.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jae Youn Lee
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Publication number: 20090232591Abstract: An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining a the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: James D. Hethcock, Rodney H. Jones, Carl A. May
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Patent number: 7585126Abstract: A screwless fixing assembly disposed on a frame is provided, which includes a fixed member, a movable member, an elastic member, and a positioning device. The fixed member is fixed on the frame and has an opening form thereon. The movable member is movably disposed to the fixed member and has a pin to pass through a through hole of the frame. The elastic member is provided for pushing the movable member to move away from the frame. The positioning device is disposed on the movable member and protrudes on the fixed member through the opening, for being selectively engaged with the fixed member at a first position and a second position, so as to move the pin to leave or inserted into the through hole. An electronic device is fixed on the other side of the frame by the pin passing through the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.Inventors: Miao Hung Ling, Han Ying Zheng
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Patent number: 7441980Abstract: A device for joining a first component A and a second component B while leaving a joining gap SP includes a bolt 4 and a compensating coil 2 for compensating tolerances of the joining gap. The compensating coil is adapted to be fixed to the bolt 4 by frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means. The dimensions of the compensating coil are adapted to a helical rim hole portion 6 of the first component A such that actuation of the bolt 4 causes the compensating coil to rotate through the helical rim hole portion until it fills the joining gap for the purpose of tolerance compensation, and the frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means is overcome by further actuation of the bolt 4 so that the bolt can be screwed into a threaded hole of the second component B to join the two components.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbHInventors: Wulf Leitermann, Klaus Friedrich Grubert
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Patent number: 7416362Abstract: A fastening system has at least one peripheral spring and at least one peripherally expandable bushing, with the peripheral spring being at least partially enclosed within the peripherally expandable bushing. The peripheral spring and peripherally expandable bushing each contain axial openings for receiving an elongated fastening member to secure two dissimilar structures together. The peripheral spring can be a spring bushing. The spring bushing can comprise a series of radially outwardly bowed ribs joined at one end by a fixed hoop. The axial spring can be a spring washer. The peripherally expandable bushing can be a split bushing.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventor: David D. North
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Publication number: 20080131196Abstract: A slide module includes a first slide member configured to slide upwardly and downwardly, a second slide member slidably mounted to the first slide member, and an elastic force unit disposed between the first slide member and the second slide member, and having an elastic member mounted between a first rod and a support member, and between a second rod and the support member, wherein an elastic force is generated when the first slide member is slid upwardly and downwardly with respect to the second slide member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Chang-Yong Jang
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Patent number: 7182329Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes at least one of sheet dispensing mechanisms (34, 36, 38, 40, 210). Each sheet dispensing mechanism includes a picking member (72, 212). The picking member rotates, and with each rotation generally causes an end note to be picked from a stack (42, 264) of sheets. The picking member (212) includes an arcuate projecting portion (258) that reduces the risk of damage to the leading edge areas of sheets due to opposed picking and stripping forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diedbold, IncorporatedInventors: H. Thomas Graef, Kenneth C. Kontor, Michael J. Harty, Brian M. Jones
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Patent number: 7021852Abstract: An open ring-like device for holding articles such as plastic cards and keys is formed so that its ends are opposed to one another and includes tips at the ends. The distance between the tips is less than the thickness of an article. Articles can be inserted into the device by pushing the edge of an article against the tips to spread the tips apart. The article is slid in between the tips to fit a tip through a hole in the article to hold the article on the device. The device allows for the insertion or extraction of articles without a separate step of opening or closing the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Sherrette, LLCInventors: David C. Turner, III, Bernadette A. Turner, Ted J. Sprinkle, Sheryl L. Sprinkle
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Patent number: 6692180Abstract: A connecting element of a lamp tube comprises a retaining block, a joint, a resisting block and a buffer pad. The distal end of the joint is installed with a threaded section. The middle section of the joint has an embedding portion. Thereby, the resisting block is exactly passed through by the threaded portion of the joint and a lateral side of the embedding portion of the joint is formed with a limiting groove. The resisting block has a position hole at position exactly aligned with the limiting groove. After a pin passes through the positioning hole, a distal end of the pin exactly protrudes into the limiting groove. The buffer pad is positioned between a large stepped end and the resisting block so that a resisting buffering area is formed between the joint and the resisting block. Thereby, a connecting element having a simple structure is formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 6692178Abstract: A pivotable tool includes a pair of pivotally interconnected arms disposed in a crossing relationship and having a manually releasable releasing device which locks the arms in a perpendicular open position for use of the tool as a wrench. In each of two ends of the two arms is mounted a socket. A collar is movably received between the two arms and is pushed to release a lock status by a releasing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Hsiu-E Yu
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Patent number: 6647593Abstract: A hinge assembly has a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, a peripheral surface, and a slot formed in the peripheral surface. A button member extends into the tubular member to undergo sliding movement in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and to undergo rotational movement relative to the tubular member. A pin member is connected to the button member and extends into the slot of the tubular member to undergo movement therein during sliding and rotational movement of the button member relative to the tubular member. The button member is biased in a preselected direction of rotation relative to the tubular member by a first biasing member. The button member is biased in an axial direction by a second biasing member.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Katsunobu Iguchi, Takashi Ito
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Patent number: 6644328Abstract: A stick such as a ski-stick, walking stick or same, provided with a handle comprising a gripping element and a length-adjustable pole in addition to a regulating device that contains a joint and is arranged outside the pole, whereby the gripping element can be positioned at an angle to the pole and a tubular part of the pole can be pushed through the joint into the gripping element of the pole when the regulating device is oriented in a rectilinear position. This ensures that the regulating device is substantially protected against the effects of the environment and the diameter of the pole is increased to a lesser degree. In order to achieve this, a regulating element is respectively formed by the handle on a lower extension piece of the gripping element and a cap that is firmly connected to the upper end of the pole, whereby one respective regulating element is pivotally and moveably accommodated in a recess of the other regulating element.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
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Publication number: 20020094231Abstract: An improved connecting device for connecting a mirror support and a mirror body includes a hollow connecting rod member which has one end forming an outwardly projecting fixed shaft, the other end thereof having an outwardly projecting movable shaft secured thereon. The movable shaft has a compression spring disposed therein such that the movable shaft can resiliently displace. If desired, centers of the fixed and movable shafts may be provided with through holes adapted for passage of electric wires. The fixed shaft of the connecting rod member is inserted into a locking hole in either side of the mirror body, and the movable shaft is pressed so that it retracts inwardly and displaces to the circular groove of the mirror support. When the movable shaft is released, due to the biasing action of the compression spring, the movable shaft projects outwardly to abut against the inner peripheries at both sides of the mirror support.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: David Lee
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Patent number: 6070907Abstract: An athletic pole adapted for minimizing injuries to the hand and wrist of the user in the event of an accident. The pole includes a handle having an enlarged handle base, a shaft extending from the handle and including a proximal end adjacent the handle, a distal end, and an enlarged shaft base on the proximal end that normally engages the handle base. The pole also includes an attachment device for attaching the handle to the shaft and a biasing device exerting sufficient tension on the attachment device for biasing the attachment device to maintain the handle base and the shaft base in a mating, coaxial position during normal use. The periphery of the handle base and the periphery of the shaft base collectively form a fulcrum point for permitting controlled, tensioned articulation of the handle relative to the shaft. Such articulation results when a predetermined bending force is applied to the pole that is sufficient to overcome the tension of the biasing device on the attachment device.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventors: Edward J. Bujold, Eugene P. Wise
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Patent number: 5702197Abstract: A pivot joint including a pivot bolt, which has an elongated flat mounting rod section at one end, a screw rod section at an opposite end, which has two longitudinal planes at two opposite sides, and a collar between in the middle, a mounting frame rotatable about the screw rod section, a lock nut in threaded engagement with the screw rod section, a first packing ring mounted around the screw rod section between the mounting frame and the collar, a second packing ring mounted around the screw rod section between the mounting frame and the lock nut, a locating ring mounted around the screw rod section between the second packing ring and the lock nut and rotatable by the pivot bolt relative to the mounting frame, reversed sets of disk-like spring rings mounted around the screw rod section between the locating ring and the lock nut, and a washer mounted around the screw rod section between the spring rings and the lock nut, wherein the second packing ring has a curved flange abutting the locating ring so that thType: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Chih Ching Industry Ltd.Inventor: Guei-Rung Chen
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Patent number: 5685661Abstract: A rotation joint has two joint elements arranged for rotation with respect to each other about an axle, a cam ring arranged coaxial to the axle in a housing and having a curved track with a spatial curvature, a spring guide element arranged on the axle with springs disposed coaxial to the axle around the spring guide element, and bolts mounted radial to the axle and having bearings whose outer circumference lies in force-transmitting relation on the curved track. In order to make a rotation joint with weight compensation which guarantees sure functioning, and at the same time can be produced economically by a simple construction and a compact structure, the housing is essentially formed by the two joint elements. The spring guide element is rigidly connected with a first joint element, and the cam ring is arranged on the spring guide element and capable of axial motion, but the second joint element is locked against a movement in the direction of the axle, and the bolts are fixed in the second joint element.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Heraeus Med GmbHInventors: Rudolf Marka, Uwe Gampe
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Patent number: 5683064Abstract: A movable support arm positions a surface platform for a keyboard, display monitor, pointing device, wrist support or the like relative to a base structure such as the underside of a desk top. Articulated members between a base member and the platform are coupled by joints having rotational couplings on two mutually perpendicular axes, forming universal joints. The joints have axially facing rotational engagement surfaces that can be splined or otherwise made engageable, and are displaceable toward and away from one another, the latter preferably by a spring coupling that is axially limited in extension. The rotational engagement surfaces resist rotation when engaged. A line such as a cable traverses the joints and normally applies tension via a spring, causing all the joints to lock and to hold the supporting platform at a given position and orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Knoll, Inc.Inventors: Stephan Copeland, Michael McAllister
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Patent number: 5588338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: James E. Carr, Mark A. Lindsey
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Patent number: 5564667Abstract: A movable support arm positions a surface platform for a keyboard, display monitor, pointing device, wrist support or the like relative to a base structure such as the underside of a desk top. Articulated members between a base member and the platform are coupled by joints having rotational couplings on two mutually perpendicular axes, forming universal joints. The joints have axially facing rotational engagement surfaces that can be splined or otherwise made engageable, and are displaceable toward and away from one another, the latter preferably by a spring coupling that is axially limited in extension. The rotational engagement surfaces resist rotation when engaged. A line such as a cable traverses the joints and normally applies tension via a spring, causing all the joints to lock and to hold the supporting platform at a given position and orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Knoll, Inc.Inventors: Stephan Copeland, H. Peter Greene, Michael McAllister
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Patent number: 5531258Abstract: A security gate for positioning within an area way such as a doorway. The gate includes a support structure defined by a frame and a flexible panel supported by the frame. The frame includes horizontal members and vertical members wherein the vertical members may be conveniently folded to a position parallel to the horizontal members whereby the gate is folded to a compact configuration for transportation or storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Gerry Baby Products CompanyInventors: Keith L. Poulson, Paul Fair, Robert M. Parker
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Patent number: 5482394Abstract: A winding spring is preset in a connector, with its winding portion fit at an attaching shaft of the connector, in such a manner that its one end is engaged with the connector and its other end on the side of the fitting lever is engaged with a provisional locking protrusion provided on the connector. The fitting lever is rotated around a supporting shaft of the connector so that a sharp tip of a locking releasing body provided on the fitting lever releases the other end of the winding spring from the provisional protrusion, and the other end of the winding spring, because of its resilient returning operation, is engaged with a locking portion provided at the exterior of the locking releasing body. Thus, the winding spring can be mounted in the connector so that its lever side engagement end is surely engaged with the fitting lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Akira Shinchi, Toshifumi Matsuura
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Patent number: 5398569Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: James E. Carr
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Patent number: 5392870Abstract: The invention provides a liner sleeve (8) adapted, in use, to be interposed between the external periphery of a round shank (3) of a point attack, mineral cutter pick (1), and the internal periphery of a circular, shank-receiving bore (5) of a pick box (6), the sleeve (8) being constituted by a plurality of individual rings (14A, 14B, 14C) stacked end-to-end in abutting relationship about a common longitudinal axis (15), the rings (14A, 14B, 14C) together having an axial length (17) approximating to the axial length (12) of the bore (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Hydra Tools International PLCInventors: William S. Clapham, Alan Wood
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Patent number: 5080634Abstract: A drive shaft adapted for use in driving rolls of rolling mills and the like. It is assembled from a first tubular shaft connected on one end to a first joint member and a second tubular shaft connected on one end to a second joint member, the opposite ends of both shafts being coupled so as to transmit torque and slide axially, as well as a coiled spring assembly provided at the coupling section for biasing the two tubular shafts in axial opposition. The coiled spring assembly has a plurality of coiled spring units and at least one spacer member which is interposed between the two coiled spring units and has a pair of receiving portions into which the ends of the two coiled spring units are fitted so that the two coiled spring units are kept out of contact with the inner peripheral surface of one of the two tubular shafts forming the coupling section and an outer contact portion of each spacer member held in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the one tubular shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1989Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiichirou Makase
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Patent number: 5060894Abstract: A stand with collapsible legs. The legs are held to the stand by a disk member held within a pair of ears. One of the ears has a toothed opening, and the disk member includes a toothed opening. A gear member may be moved to a locked position where the gear contacts both the toothed portion of the disk member and the toothed portion of one of the ears which locks the disk in a fixed position. When the gear member is moved out of contact with the disk member, the disk member can then move freely with respect to the pair of ears. This permits the legs to be placed in numerous locked positions. Preferably, an outwardly extending tab allows the legs to be moved into a preferred position for locking.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1991Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: Alltrade, Inc.Inventor: George Hillinger
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Patent number: 5037231Abstract: A joint device, wherein a shaft is supported by a base member, and can rotate in a first direction and a second direction. Two coil springs are mounted on the shaft. The first coil spring has an end fixed to the base member. The inner diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft. The first coil spring is wound around the shaft in the first direction. The first coil spring is wound tightly around the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the first direction. An arm is attached to the shaft. The arm twists the free end of the first coil spring in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the first coil spring. The second coil spring also has an end fixed to the base member. The free end of the second coil spring is twisted when the shaft is rotated in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the second coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1989Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
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Patent number: 5004368Abstract: A pivot arm for apparatus, particularly medical apparatus has two mounting supports and a connecting cross-member. One mounting support is to be mounted on a stationary support and the other is to be attached to the apparatus to be moved. A first coupling hingedly connects one of the mounting supports to a connecting rod housed within the cross-member, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the other mounting support. A helical spring is supported concentrically with respect to the connecting rod within the cross-member. The cross-member is formed as a single hollow, essentially completely closed, primarily tubular spring housing and a second coupling is provided between a spring support that is near the end of the rod and is stationary relative thereto, and the adjacent mounting support, so that both couplings are always arranged parallel to each other in the housing. The ends of the housing are sealed with caps to prevent the escape of undesirable matter, such as dust, dirt, or lubricants.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1989Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Inventor: Ewald Warga
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Patent number: 4944656Abstract: A telescopic rod includes a hollow handle having a longitudinal slit formed in the handle, an alignment coupler slidably engageable in said hollow handle having a truncated tube section formed in the coupler having an upper inclined surface formed on the tube section, and a reel pole secured with a display sheet such as a flag cloth having a lower portion of the pole rotatably held in the coupler having a lower inclined surface tapered downwardly and tangentially engageable with the upper inclined surface of the coupler, so that upon a depression of the pole and sheet, the pole will be rotated for a tangential engagement of the two inclined surfaces to align the display sheet with the slit of the handle for a quicker retraction of the sheet into the handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1989Date of Patent: July 31, 1990Inventors: Ou-Yang Feng, Ou-Yang C. Ho
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Patent number: 4929113Abstract: A knuckle joint in which a first piece with an eye enters a jaw between two corresponding projections of a second piece having a first and a second eye respectively formed therein, and is retained by a pin member, wherein the pin member comprises a pin having a first end with a button fixed thereat and a second end. The pin passes through the eye of the first piece, which then retractably protrudes the button out from the first eye of the second piece and extends the second end to a position near the second eye of the second piece. A stopper has a protrusion which is passed through the second eye of the second piece, extending into the eye of the first piece, and joined with the second end of the pin. A slide block is passed through by the pin and inserted within the eye of the first piece, retractably protruding into the first eye of the second piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1989Date of Patent: May 29, 1990Inventor: Yin-Ping Sheu
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Patent number: 4871277Abstract: A joint assembly interconnecting first and second rotatable shafts includes an engaging member mounted on a shaft portion of the first rotatable shaft, a tubular assembly including a first tubular member in which the shaft portion is coaxially inserted and which has an engaged member for engaging the engaging member, and a second tubular member coupled to the second rotatable shaft, and an urging assembly disposed in the first tubular member for normally urging the first tubular member and the first rotatable shaft axially away from each other to keep the engaging member and the engaged member in engagement with each other. The engaged member has a central through hole through which the first rotatable shaft is inserted, and holes extending radially from the central through holes for allowing the engaging member to be axially inserted therethrough, for thereby permitting the first rotatable shaft to be connected to and disconnected from the joint assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1988Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Fuchigami
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Patent number: 4852895Abstract: A dolly for movably supporting one end of a load as the opposite end is hand carried. The dolly comprises a rectangular frame that defines an open space in which a lower end portion of the load may be cradled. The rectangular frame has two sections telescopically mounted one to the other whereby the width of the frame may be altered to accommodte loads of different widths by altering the position of one section with respect to the other. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1988Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Inventor: Don Moffitt
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Patent number: 4850560Abstract: An adjustable hanger includes an arm having a suspension member, and having an opening for receiving a hanger support frame. A plunger is slidably mounted on the arm, and has a corresponding opening for receiving the hanger support frame. The plunger is slidable to an unlocked position in which the opening in the plunger is aligned with the opening in the arm to allow the arm and plunger to move freely along the hanger support frame through the aligned openings, and a biasing element is interposed between the arm and the plunger for biasing the plunger against the support frame for locking the adjustable hanger in a desired position.In a preferred embodiment, the plunger is coaxially movable within an axial cavity of the arm, and the plunger includes a button at one end thereof. The arm may include a finger tab, and the suspending member may be in the form of a hook which includes a finger support portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1988Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Fisher Scientific CompanyInventor: Stephen O. Ross
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Patent number: 4836720Abstract: A hand drill guide comprising an annular base and a plurality of telescopic leg assemblies distributed along the base. Each assembly has a hollow cylinder, fixed perpendicularly at one end to the base, and a rod slidably mounted in the cylinder, the rod extending out of the cylinder through an opening. The drill guide also comprises an annular positioning head to which the other ends of the rods are fixed, and an annular drill holding assembly mounted for selective location on the cylinders. The rod has a retaining ring rigidly connected thereto at a given distance from its upper end to prevent the rod from escaping from the cylinder. A ring is floatingly mounted on the upper portion of the rod inside the cylinder and two springs act on the floating ring: one between it and the upper end of the cylinder and the other between it and the retaining ring, both springs being uncompressed when the retaining ring is adjacent to the bottom end of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1988Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Inventor: Terrence B. Hadden
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Patent number: 4832522Abstract: The adapter extension of subject invention provides for the coaxial extension of a plunger or rod whose effective length has become shortened by weakness or failure of a back-up spring which causes the plunger or rod to lose its effectiveness as a strut, for example, a situation that occurs primarily in nuclear reactors where the plunger engages a grid, whereas the grid provides lateral support to the upper end of the dry tube. The adapter is thimble-like and fits tightly over the end of the plunger that engages the grid. The adapter contains a spring which has the effect of substituting for or supplementing the original spring behind or below the plunger. The body of the adapter includes a retainer for holding the interior spring captive during assembly and operation of the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1988Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Adaptive Concepts, Ltd.Inventors: Dale F. Thayer, Robert L. Dickherber, David L. Huizenga
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Patent number: 4831213Abstract: A swivel fitting for an electrical conduit and the like including a first fitting part including a generally cylindrical tubular section extending axially with respect to a central longitudinal axis of said first fitting part; a second fitting part having a head portion and a generally cylindrical section extending axially from said head portion and in sleeved relationship within said tubular section of said first fitting part; cooperable means on said first fitting part and said second fitting part for retaining said fitting parts in assembled relationship to each other while permitting rotation of one fitting part relative to the other fitting part about said axis, said cooperable means including a generally circumferential groove formed in said cylindrical section of said second fitting part and radially inwardly extending projection means on said tubular section of said first fitting part extending into said groove to prevent axial separation of said fitting parts; and means for exerting an axial tensioniType: GrantFiled: October 15, 1987Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Espevik, Christopher R. Wolf