Rod To Member To Side, E.g., Plate, Rod Side, Etc. Patents (Class 403/187)
  • Patent number: 6669160
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for protecting and supporting a fragile thermometer having a column and an integral flange base. The assembly includes a support base defining a threaded bore for receiving the integral flange base of the thermometer. A bottom cushioning pad is also provided for placement in the bottom of the bore. In addition, a ring-shaped upper cushioning pad is provided for being fitted over the column of the thermometer and against the top surface of the thermometer's flange base. The thermometer is secured to the protective support base with a threaded collar member which receives the thermometer column and is threaded into the threaded bore of the support base which secures the thermometer to the base. An adapter bushing may also be used to attach thermometers having smaller diameter columns to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Steinmetz, Gordon J. Waligorski, Robert J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6640517
    Abstract: A pole mounting system mountable on a footing and used for supporting vertical structures. The system includes a pole having a lower end terminating in a lower edge, a base plate having an opening, and ears attached transversely to the base plate adjacent to the opening. The pole is secured within the opening in the base plate to allow the base plate to provide improved structural support. The ears are vertically aligned with the pole and are welded to the pole along their upper edges. The lower edge of the pole is also welded to the base plate. The ears can be integrally formed from the base plate in a process whereby, first, interconnected slots are cut into the base plate such that the slots define the ears, and second, the ears are bent upward so that the ears can received the pole. No additional supports or weld pieces are necessary, so that the improved mounting system may provide sufficient support with two pieces, the pole and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: James Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6604884
    Abstract: A front side frame is disposed with one end portion in the axial direction butted against the side surface of a front bumper beam. A joint member is provided therebetween. The front bumper beam and the joint member are coupled by screwing nuts provided in the end plate part and coupling bolts. Clips with a nut are spring-engaged to either of coupling pieces of the joint member or the outer wall of the side frame. The front side frame and the joint member are coupled by coupling bolts by screwing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Ohkura
  • Patent number: 6591572
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a horizontal member with at least one vertical member in an interlocking manner includes plastic body in the shape of a cylinder, having one flat side which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A pin projects outwardly near a top end in of the plastic body, in a radial manner. A through hole is provided in the plastic body through which a securing screw can be threaded into at least one vertical member against which the connector is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: CS Schmalmobel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Edwin M{umlaut over (uu)}rmann
  • Patent number: 6547286
    Abstract: A joint to connect a tubular ceramic element to a tubesheet. The joint has an internal seal housing to retain the tubular ceramic element and an external seal housing connected to the tubesheet to retain the internal seal housing. A ceramic-to-metal seal is located within the internal seal housing and a metal-to-metal seal is located between the internal seal housing and an external seal housing. The external seal housing is connected to the tubesheet. The internal seal housing is assembled in sections to allow assembly of the ceramic-to-metal seal to be assembled and tested prior to joining the tubular ceramic element to the tubesheet. After perfection of such seal, the internal seal housing and tubular ceramic element is inserted into the external seal housing and sealed within the external seal housing by the metal-to-metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Eric White, Michael John Stanko, William Timothy Gleisle, Victor Emmanuel Bergsten
  • Patent number: 6540427
    Abstract: A connection element for cable pulls, having a cable pull sleeve for protecting the cable pull core and for the transmission of movements with forces, an elongated wire for mechanical strength of the cable, a guide tube for guiding the inner cable core, and rubber elements for damping. Elongated wires having bent ends are provided with an injection molding so that there is a contour with U-shaped cross section in the injection molding. A holder engages in the injection molding via an elastic element which simultaneously carries the guide tube and connects it with the injection molding. A flat strip with sliding tube opens into the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Scheidling, Grant A. Webb, Arnd Bürger
  • Patent number: 6533487
    Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvester S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6533494
    Abstract: A transducer mounting device comprised of a monolith of moldable material overlying and supporting a self-tapping screw at one end for coupling to a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing and a fabricated insert at an opposite end for mating with a monitoring transducer. In a further preferred form a transducer mounting device is comprised of a preform including an internal cavity overlying a magnetic component, an adhesive interposed between the magnetic component and a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing at one end for magnetically and adhesively bonding said preform to the target and a threaded member disposed at an opposite end of the preform for mating with a monitoring transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Bently Nevada, LLC
    Inventor: John Robert Gordon
  • Patent number: 6505453
    Abstract: A T-link of two profile bars, with a link (1) comprising two elongate clamping jaws (6) which can be tightened transversely by a fixing element (5) and can be locked in position, closing like tongs, in undercut casing grooves (7) of a second profile bar (8), and which engage endwise in a cavity (3) in a first profile bar (4) and can be clamped onto cylindrically parallel inner webs (10) of a first profile bar (4) that are arranged between said clamping jaws. Improvement of the stability of the T-link is achieved in that the first profile bar (4) comprises more than two inner webs (10) evenly distributed about its inner circumference, in that tightened clamping jaws (6) exclusively clamp inner webs (10) with longitudinally linear and/or planar contact, and in that the clamping jaws (6) engage by each of their longitudinal edges (70) in a respective clearance (71) provided between the clamped inner web (10) and the inner web (10′) adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
  • Patent number: 6474902
    Abstract: A connector according to the present invention includes a bulk head for connection to a column and a plate extending from the bulk head for connection to a beam. The connector is preferably die cast for ease of manufacturing to avoid welded connections which may provide structural weaknesses. The bulk head has a compact tapered shape which provides a reduced surface area end surface coming into contact with the column. This reduced contact area of the end surface provides an advantageous configuration which avoids the prying action of the prior art T-shaped brackets. The plate which extends from the bulk head is adapted to be welded to a beam and includes a tapered portion that diminishes in a width dimension as the tapered portion extends away from the second surface to a free end. Preferably, the plate includes one or more tuning holes for adjusting the yield strength of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: ICF Kaiser Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Henri Beauvoir
  • Patent number: 6446916
    Abstract: A clamp has a plate-like base 1, a connection leg 2 disposed on a back surface of the base 1 for connecting the base 1 to the panel P, an auxiliary leg 3 provided for substantially constantly maintaining a gap between the base 1 and the panel P generated by the connection leg 2, and a sandwiching portion 4 standing on a front surface of the base 1 and having one and other columns 41 and 42 from which locking projections 4a serving as pull-out preventing members for the long body (cable) c are projecting such as to be opposed to each other, wherein the back surface of the base 1 is provided at a position thereof corresponding to the sandwiching portion 4 with a rib 5 having a height abutting against the panel P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuo Takeda
  • Publication number: 20020098035
    Abstract: A clamping element with a sliding block is provided for fixing in an undercut groove with a narrower insertion area and a wider groove base, as well as a device for fixing cam rails to a machine part, with a clamping element having the sliding block and with grooved rails having the undercut grooves. The vertical spacing of two second parallel side surfaces of the sliding block corresponds to the width of the undercut groove base. There is a blocking member connected to the sliding block. The dimension a1 or b1 generally being selected with a reduction within the tolerance range compared with the dimensions a or b. The blocking member may have a stop face for a cam rail and in particular the blocking member may have a groove for the positive lateral fixing of a cam rail. An area corresponding to the blocking member can also be constructed in one piece on a cam rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Stefan Karlinger
  • Patent number: 6390718
    Abstract: A connection frame for joining two frame members of a facade or glass roof, with the frame members extending perpendicular to one another and having each an interior chamber, includes a joint member so received in the interior chamber of one of the frame members as to extend over a portion of a cross section of the interior chamber. The joint member is securable to an anchoring member which is connected to a wall of the one frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SCHÜCO International KG
    Inventor: Dieter Steege
  • Patent number: 6385929
    Abstract: A building system comprising interlocking log-like construction members to be used with or without screw-like fasteners. Various real-sized structures such as cabins, play-houses and tool sheds may be formed by perpendicular arrangement of recessed surfaces formed in the log-like members. A fastening system allows semi-permanent attachment of adjacent log-like members using a flanged fastener having an axial threaded recess and an axial threaded extension. When two fasteners are axially aligned, the axial threaded extension of one fastener may be engaged in the axial threaded recess of the other. The fasteners extend through holes in the recessed surfaces of the log-like members and thereby secure adjacent log-like members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Richard J. Englehart
  • Publication number: 20020048486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a terminal plug made out of a plastic material for screwing a muntin bar or a muntin cross to a spacer frame of in particular an insulated glass window, comprising a flange which is to be positioned onto an outer surface of the muntin bar, and a plug body to be fitted into a hollow space of the muntin profile, wherein, when installed into the muntin bar, the plug body provides a press fit by at least a part of its surface pressed against a surface of an inner wall of the muntin bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Harald Apfelthaler
  • Patent number: 6367224
    Abstract: A connection is created between a first member and a second member. The connector used to join the first and second members includes the following members: an attachment member, a plurality of fasteners that are received by the attachment member, and an anchor member that is also received by the attachment member. These members can be arranged in the following manner with respect to the first and second members. The fasteners are received by the attachment member and anchored in the second member. The fasteners are driven into the second member through the attachment member, thus the heads of the fasteners are closer to the attachment member than the leading tips of the fasteners. At least one of the fasteners lies at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: 6341466
    Abstract: A new and useful clip is disclosed for securing an elongate member, or lather's channel, to a horizontal T-bar of a ceiling grid, conventionally used to form a drop ceiling. The clip comprises a body having a downwardly opening recess therein for permitting the body to be placed over the lather's channel, without removing the channel from the T-bar. The lather's channel is in a seated position in which the channel is received in the recess of the clip. The clip has clasps depending from the body configured so that as the body is moved toward its seated position, the clasps assume positions on opposite sides of the stem of the T-bar for clasping the T-bar and securing the clip to the T-bar. The clip further includes a spring finger formed integrally with the body. The finger is engageable with the lather's channel as the body is moved to its seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Kehoe, Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 6338592
    Abstract: An article connector including an insertion seat having an insertion hole, an opening and a plurality of installation holes; an connection seat mounted with a mounting shaft to combine with the opening of the insertion seat, and having an engaging slot; and two shaft bodies, one of the shaft bodies being provided with a plurality of screw holes, and the engaging slot being engaged with a mounting hole provided at one side of the shaft bodies, thereby the two shaft bodies are formed into a structure by the insertion seat and the connection seat. The two shaft bodies require no screw or does not require a welding process to form into a connector. Thus, these parts can be dismantled and assembled rapidly, and stored in a limited storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: James C Chang
  • Patent number: 6334731
    Abstract: A connector and a fixing method of this connector, which in particular are used for a submarine apparatus, in which in case that the connector is fixed to the submarine instrument tail cable, a polyethylene sheath covering the submarine instrument tail cable is prevented from melting at brazing process, are provided. A connector main body, a setscrew having slit whose direction is its stretching direction, a coupling end component, and a pipe into which the tail cable is inserted are provided. And the pipe is connected to the submarine instrument tail cable. First, the connector main body and the pipe are brazed together by heat without setting the setscrew having slit. And after the brazing process, the setscrew having slit is set to the pipe through the slit, and then the setscrew having slit is fitted to the connector main body. As a result, the heating process can be performed efficiently and the heating time can be reduced and the polyethylene sheath is prevented from melting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Yatagai
  • Patent number: 6334732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closing bushing (7) which is intended for a clamping device (2) used for removably connecting two profiled parts (1). The clamping device (2) comprises an adjustment knob (6) in which a profiled part (1) can be locked and which can be inserted in a recess (5) formed in said profiled part (1). The closing bushing (7) is designed for the form-fitting reception of the clamping device (2) body through a recess (16), and comprises a bore in which the adjustment knob (6) can be received. The surface oriented in the introduction direction (12) of the clamping device (2) in the closing bushing (7) is larger than the corresponding surface of the adjustment knob (6). A clamping device provided with such a closing bushing (7) exhibits a greater resistance to the traction forces applied in the direction of the arrow (12). Clamping devices (2) of the above-mentioned type can also be used for profiled parts (1) made of materials different from the traditional ones, such as wooden parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Syma Intercontinental AG
    Inventors: Marcel Strassle, Kurt Zullig
  • Patent number: 6322274
    Abstract: The rod end clip includes a detent head with an aperture therethrough. The aperture provides a pivot point with respect to a rod end onto which the rod end clip is being installed. The detent head subsequently provides a pivot point for the rod with respect to an aperture in a panel into which the detent head is inserted. The rod end clip further includes an arm assembly with a semi-circular seat and a flexible finger. As the rod is pivoted into the arm assembly to be engaged by the semi-circular seat, the flexible finger is urged from an unflexed position to a flexed position. The flexible finger thereafter generates an audible clicking sound as the rod passes from contact with the flexible finger and into the semi-circular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Marla A. Binotti, James E. Gugle, George Siragusa
  • Publication number: 20010043833
    Abstract: A coupling device has a coupling receptacle and a matching coupling insert received in the coupling receptacle for connecting two components conveying a fluid. The coupling receptacle has two lateral, diametrically opposed slots and a U-shaped, elastic securing bracket seated on the coupling receptacle with two legs projecting into the lateral slots. The coupling insert has an outer peripheral securing rib and the legs of the securing bracket snap into place behind the securing ring in the coupling position of the coupling device. A securing bushing is arranged inside the coupling receptacle and faces a sealing ring with one end while the other end rests radially outwardly on the securing rib and projects past the lateral slots. The securing bushing has two transverse slots aligned with the two lateral slots, and the two legs of the securing bracket engage the two transverse slots of the securing bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Bahner, Andreas Bauer, Gerhard Wachter
  • Patent number: 6308937
    Abstract: A railing system suitable for decks, stairs, porches and other structures uses a collar connector applied over the open end of a tabular rail for securing the rail to a support surface. The connector has an exterior collar into which the open end of a railing is inserted. The railing is also engaged on the interior of the railing by an inserted plug. The railing is trapped between the inserted plug and the collar whereby a tight connection is achieved. The gap between the inserted plug and the exterior collar narrows from the open end of the collar towards the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: GSW Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick M. Pettit
  • Patent number: 6241107
    Abstract: A modular system (1) including a series of parallel dividers (4,5) attached to a back wall grid (80). The dividers (4,5) and grid (80) are formed primarily of 0.25-inch wires welded together in an orthogonal grid pattern having a center to center spacing of approximately three inches. The modular storage system (1) can be mounted on a wheeled base (2) or directly to a wall (50) by brackets. The width of the modular storage system (1) can be increased indefinitely by extender rails (113) which may be added to the basic top rail (10) and bottom rail (47). Rails may be affixed together in the field by a wedge tube fastener (142). The fastener (142) is formed of a horizontal member (143) welded to two vertical, cantilevered metal strips (145, 146). A bolt (148) extends through the horizontal member (143) and into the interior region (147) formed between the two strips (145, 146).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Michael C. Boyer
  • Patent number: 6213676
    Abstract: This device comprises devices (11-13) for securing tools (10) to a supporting and heating plate (3). The heat exchange surface of the supporting and heating plate (3) is continuous, the securing devices (11-13) being arranged to permit securing of each of these tools (10) in any position within an adjusting range determined on the surface of the supporting and heating plate (3). This permits adjusting the position of, the securing the tools (10) to the supporting and heating plate (3). This device also comprises devices (7-9) for positioning the supporting and heating plate (3) on a removable frame (1) of a press for hot transfer of portions of metallic films onto a paper or cardboard substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bobst, S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Rebeaud
  • Patent number: 6059482
    Abstract: A bolted connector includes a bulk head for connection to a column and a plate extending from the bulk head for connection to a beam. The bolted connector is preferably die cast for ease of manufacturing to avoid welded connections which may provide structural weaknesses. The bulk head has a compact tapered shape which provides a reduced surface area end surface coming into contact with the column. This reduced contact area of the end surface provides an advantageous configuration which avoids the prying action of the prior art T-shaped brackets. The plate which extends from the bulk head includes a plurality of bores for attaching the plate to the flange of a beam. The plate has a first thickness at a portion of the plate which is adjacent the bulk head and a second smaller thickness at a portion of the plate furthest from the bulk head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: ICF Kaiser Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Henri Beauvoir
  • Patent number: 6039496
    Abstract: A device for connecting the bitter end of a cable to a product in a tethered product display. The display has a panel with a small hole sized slightly larger than the diameter of the cable, and the device is secured to the cable after the cable is extended through the hole from a cable retractor located behind the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Vulcan Spring & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: J. Merrill Bishop
  • Patent number: 5934817
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for connecting a vehicle door lock operator to a vehicle door lock, including a rod having an outer end connected to the door lock, and a hooked inner end. A clip has an outer end pivotally connected to the door lock operator. The clip has a hole between its ends in which the hooked inner end of the rod is engaged. The clip has a sleeve at its inner end for holding the rod engaged in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Kim, Andrew J. Palmisano, James E. Marion
  • Patent number: 5732927
    Abstract: A flag display assembly for a vehicle having a license plate assembly including a mast, a plurality of mast support members having a gripping collar and an arm integral with the gripping collar. The gripping collar includes an opening with an inner diameter for receiving the mast and gripping the mast. The arm of the mast support member includes a flat surface for abutment of the arm upon a surface of the vehicle license plate assembly, and includes a hole for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt, for securing to the license plate assembly. The display assembly further includes at least one flag attachment assembly preferably including an attachment member which has a gripping ring and an attachment blade which is secured to the flag directly, or to a shoe attached to the flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Purpura
  • Patent number: 5729948
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rigidly joining construction elements to one another based on providing construction elements each having a connecting bore formed therethrough, positioning elements each having a connecting bore formed therethrough for aligning the connecting bores of adjacent construction elements, and partially expandable locking means dimensioned to extend through the aligned connecting bores of at least two construction elements and one positioning element. The construction elements and positioning elements are further equipped with engagement grooves and engagement ribs, respectively, for positioning adjacent construction elements in any number of predetermined angles. The locking mechanism has a radially expanding portion capable of locking the previously positioned construction elements in a rigid fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Tzadok Levy, Avigdor Bentov
  • Patent number: 5716155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a T-shaped connection frame for connecting car frames, in which a first member is connected to a second member via a joint member to form a "T." The joint member is formed by symmetrically dividing a rectangular tube between its two latch teeth located at the upper-center and lower-center inner walls. The rectangular tube also has protrusions at the left and right exterior walls. The joint member divided in this way has the latch teeth at the upper and lower tips of the mouth formed by the division and has the protrusion situated opposite the mouth so that the first member can be snapped on easily to this mouth and the second member can be attached to the protrusion at the opposite side. This structural arrangement makes the positioning of the frames very simple, obviates a make-shift attachment, and, at the same time, reduces the number of operation steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suguru Yoshida, Kohki Sugawara, Masakazu Sato, Mituo Tuge, Harumichi Hino, Keiichi Sugiyama, Shigeru Kohmura
  • Patent number: 5480251
    Abstract: An assembly of reinforced hollow beams comprises a connection member and an assembly element (8) adapted to be inserted coaxially and then fixed within a stiffening core (2) of a first hollow beam (1) by a suitable immobilization member (10). A positioning member (5) is introduced through one of the surfaces of a second hollow beam (1) so as to open within the interior of the stiffening core (2) of the second hollow beam and to be immobilized within this core (2) by a suitable second immobilization member (6). The positioning member (5) is fixed to the assembly member (8) by a cross member (7) secured on the positioning member (5). The assembly is useful in providing supporting or self-supporting frameworks for added or integrated constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: X 2 M France S.A.
    Inventors: Francois Pavageau, Edith Pavageau
  • Patent number: 5395178
    Abstract: A tripod for engaging and supporting a portable shorthand machine. The tripod includes support legs, a stem coupled to the support legs, and a coupler assembly coupled to the stem. The coupler assembly includes coupler member for engaging the shorthand machine, and a key means for ensuring that the coupler member engages the shorthand machine with a predetermined orientation. The key ensures proper orientation by engaging a key groove that is formed in the shorthand machine and has substantially the same outer geometry as the key means. This outer geometry is chosen such that the key means must be placed in a predetermined orientation with respect to the key groove in order to properly engage the key groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Stenograph Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Chvojcsek
  • Patent number: 5385423
    Abstract: A joint assembly for an arched building structure comprises a non-corrugated flat plate member and at least one corrugated plate member connected to and extending outwardly of the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugated plate member has proximal and distal ends with corrugations extending therebetween and the proximal end abuts the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugations extend in side-by-side relation in a straight line with the line extending in the lengthwise direction of the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugations may have a trapezoidal cross section though corrugations having other shapes may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Toko Tekko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sakio Abukawa
  • Patent number: 5370474
    Abstract: A chair leg fastener is provided for use in securing wooden chair legs and/or backs to the seat of chairs. The fastener effectively prevents the loosening of the joint between the chair seat and leg as a result of temperature or humidity changes, is simple to install, is economical and provides essentially permanent fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Arthur E. Olson
  • Patent number: 5342138
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first structural member, for example, a beam and a second structural member, for example, a column, which connection includes a first plate, a second plate attached substantially perpendicularly to the first plate and a third plate for mounting the connector to the column. The second plate is loosely fitted into a predetermined cut provided in the beam. The third plate is attached to one end of at least one of the first and second plate. The connector includes rods which can be closely fit into predetermined holes provided in the beam so that the connector and the beam can be connected tightly. The rods are pin-shaped and tapered in one end. The beam has a cut portion in a connecting portion for connecting the beam to the connector. The cut portion has loosely fitted therein the second plate and is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the beam. The cut portion is beveled at a lower end thereof so as to easily insert the second plate into the cut portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Nitto Mokuzai Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Rikuro Saito, Kiyoyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 5261164
    Abstract: A swivel axe having a swivel shaft which is attached to a striking means at one end of the swivel shaft. A holed-flange is provided at a connecting end of the swivel shaft. The swivel shaft and a main shaft are connected by means of a ball-lock-pin which is inserted through the hole in the holed-flange and a hole in the connecting end of the main shaft. A push button latch release allows the swivel shaft to rotate upon the ball-lock-pin. Means are provided to lock the swivel shaft in vertical relation to the main shaft so that the striking member attached to the swivel shaft will not reverse momentum upon impact with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Curtis L. Bellegante
  • Patent number: 5224307
    Abstract: A frame assembly, such as for an awning or canopy, includes a master rib having identical keyways running the longitudinal length of the rib. Each keyway is defined by an opposing pair of sidewalls extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. The sidewalls are each formed integrally with a plurality of threadlines extending in the longitudinal direction which face opposite from and are offset in the depthwise direction by a given pitch from those of the other sidewall, so as to form threadable surfaces for a screw to be threaded therein. A cleat member has a body portion with a depthwise bore so that a threaded screw can be inserted depthwise and project from its lower end into the keyway and the master rib. The cleat member can be fastened to the master rib at any position along its longitudinal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen P. Lukos
  • Patent number: 5210544
    Abstract: A steel reinforcement bracket attaches to an aluminum rib of a frame of a dish antenna to relieve the stress causing fatigue in the rib. The bracket is shaped in such a way so as to allow a cradle bracket gripping opposite sides of the rim to form a flat surface against the rib. The reinforcement bracket is secured to the rib and cradle bracket with bolts so as to transfer the stress on the rib to the reinforcement bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Universal Antenna Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Jones, Perry Reed
  • Patent number: 5192145
    Abstract: A cross coupling arrangement for two bars disposed at right angles to one another and provided with undercut longitudinal grooves, having a screw bearing a head and disposed parallel to the symmetry axis of a longitudinally running bar in an undercut longitudinal groove of same, whose other end engages a nut disposed in an undercut longitudinal groove of the transversely running bar, and whose head abuts against a cylindrical insert which is installed axially in the undercut longitudinal groove of the bar and which has a through-bore for the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
  • Patent number: 5181695
    Abstract: A series of horizontally spaced vertical blades each has a uniform thickness and opposite vertical edge portions projecting in opposite directions, and a lower end portion of each blade is locked within a slot of a corresponding cylindrical base member by a pair of retractable cross pins. The base members are mounted on interlocking joints of a series of base rail sections which precisely space the blades and mount on the top surface of a concrete highway median barrier. Bolts extend downwardly through the base members into anchors expanded within the barriers and secure each base member and the underlying rail sections of the barrier. Each blade and corresponding base member are rotatably positionable on the underlying rail sections which have upward projections for locating the base member and blade at a selected predetermined angle. The upper end portions of the blades may be releasably connected by a horizontal cable for use in high wind areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: W. Eugene Arthur
  • Patent number: 5149040
    Abstract: A side beam pipe hanging bracket for principal use in fire sprinkler systems. In the first step of forming the bracket, a generally rectangular shape having an inverted-T-shaped slot, is cut from the metal strip, thereby defining a bolt receiving segment and two hanging segments, one to each side of the bolt receiving segment. The flat bracket is then stamped with threads along the bolt receiving segment, thereby causing the bolt receiving segment to curve and the hanging segments to move laterally toward one another. The hanging segments are then forced further laterally until they overlap one another and holes in each segment are aligned. This motion causes the bolt receiving segment to bend further into a channel with threads around its inner circumference capable of accepting a threaded pipe hanging rod. The bracket is mounted on the vertical surface of a horizontal support by extending a fastener through the overlapped holes in each hanging segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Tolco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard W. Heath
  • Patent number: 5143474
    Abstract: A connector which can separably couple a hollow first profiled member with a channeled second profiled member has an open-ended housing for a reciprocable clawed coupling member and an eccentric which is rotatable to move the coupling member between extended and retracted positions. The coupling member has a front projection which can be pushed by a disc of the eccentric to move the coupling member to extended position in which the claw or claws of the coupling member can enter a channel of the second profiled member. The coupling member further includes a rear projection which can be pushed by the disc to move the coupling member to the retracted position in which the claw or claws bear against an internal surface of the second profiled member and urge an outer side of the second profiled member against the adjacent end of the first profiled member. The rear projection is part of a looped rear end portion of the substantially plate like coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Gerd und Bernd Vieler KG
    Inventor: Gerd Vieler
  • Patent number: 5116299
    Abstract: A fastening system for making right angle interconnections between first and second rigid structural components of a framework, each having at least two flat mutually parallel sides and each carrying a track. A "U"-shaped connector having a flat base and mutually parallel upright stems is disposed so that the base of the connector engages one of the tracks of the first frame member and the upright stems engage the respective tracks of the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Kevin Kvols
  • Patent number: 5061111
    Abstract: A metal connector and a jointing structure with which two wooden members are jointed to each other with a sufficient fastening strength. The metal connector comprises a metal connector body and a pair of driven wedges. The metal connector body includes a bottom plate, a core plate secured vertically to the bottom plate, and a pair of wedge guide elements secured to the opposite side faces of the core plate. The metal connector body is connected to one of a pair of wooden members to be jointed to each other and is closely fitted in a fitting recess formed in the other wooden member such that empty portions are formed in the fitting recess adjacent the wedge guide elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 4953339
    Abstract: A deck bracket is provided for attaching a deck to a building. The deck bracket includes a wide flange and a narrow flange spaced away from each other by a web. The deck bracket is then easily joined to the building, preferably by screws, and the deck easily bolted to the deck bracket. The deck is thus spaced away from the building so that there can be no moisture accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Ricky S. Jewell
  • Patent number: 4951438
    Abstract: An arrangement joins concrete beams and columns for building structures. Adjacent parts of columns and beams to be joined are provided with imbedded joint fittings which can be engaged with each other for joining the beams and the acolumns when erecting the building structure. Each joint unit comprises the following parts: (a) a support casing or box which is imbedded in the end of the beam the box being open and flush with the transverse end surface of the beam, (b) a complementary support casing or box imbedded in the column for each beam, the box being open toward the side surface of the column and running flush therewith, and (c) a separate mountable and removable bridge element positioned in a support box in the column and in a support box in a beam and forming a bridging element between the column and the beam in the joint therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Ostspenn Holding a/s
    Inventor: Bjorn O. Thoresen
  • Patent number: 4923163
    Abstract: A fixing device 30 is provided for securing two members, one of which is formed with a groove, together in a predetermined angular relationship. The device includes two limbs 32,34 having respective free ends 36,46 located at the same end 49 of the device, the limbs being arranged to act as levers which, when pushed towards each other at a predetermined position, cause the free ends 36,46 to move apart to engage walls of the groove. The device 30 also advantageously includes a necked slot 50 for receiving, for example, a screw, for securement to the one planar surface, which necked slot co-operates with the screw such that the screw will push the limbs together in order to effect said engagement as the screw secures the device to the ungrooved member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Titus Tool Company Limited
    Inventor: David N. Harley
  • Patent number: 4903448
    Abstract: A precast concrete beam is supported at its end by columns via the agency of retractable hanger arrangements preferably located in cavities at the upper ends of the beam. Each hanger arrangement includes a hanger member which is movable in the cavity from a retracted position within the cavity through a hanger eye device to an extended position in which the hanger member engages the eye device at an upper central portion of the hanger member and in which the hanger member extends in cantilever manner into a recess defined in the adjacent column. In its extended position, the hanger member has its opposite ends supported on bearing plates located in the cavity and in the recess. The hanger eye device is structurally tied into the beam for carriage and transfer to the beam of the support forces for the beam and of forces arising from loads applied to the beam in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Kabo-Karr Corporation of California
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Compton
  • Patent number: 4893961
    Abstract: A glued-block hanger is intended to support a wooden I-beam joist on a support. A block is secured to the web of the I-beam joist at an end thereof intermediate the top and bottom chords. A bore is formed in the block and end, and extend therethrough at a predetermined position. The hanger includes a top tab and an end plate, wherein the end plate extends the height of the hanger. The top tab is constructed to extend over the top of a support. A pair of opposed flanges extend outward from the end plate and are spaced apart to snugly receive the web of the joist, with the block secured thereto, therein. Each of the flanges includes an opening therein. When the opening is aligned with the bore, the top tab of the hanger is in alignment with the top chord of the joist. A connector extends through the bore and the openings to fasten the joist to the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Trus Joist Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. O'Sullivan, Arthur L. Troutner