Including Frangible Component Patents (Class 403/2)
  • Patent number: 11879383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque limiting device in a torque bearing connecting structure between a gearbox and a stationary structure in a gas turbine engine, wherein the torque limiting device comprises a mechanical fuse in the connection structure comprising an at least partially circumferential weakening of the material. The invention also relates to a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventors: Tomasz Grubba, Jos Raven
  • Patent number: 11702932
    Abstract: A telemetry tool assembly for exploiting subsurface fluids and minerals through well construction and production. The assembly comprises a tube comprising a bore and a bore wall and first end and a second end. The respective ends each comprise internal and external upset portions welded to a pin end tool joint or box end tool joint, respectively. The upset portions comprise an internal and external conical transition section intermediate the respective tool joints and the tube. The external conical transition section comprises at least one socket comprising a removeable cover and side and bottom surfaces within the external conical transition section. The socket and cover comprise a seal between the cover and socket side walls. A telemetry adapter comprising electrical equipment is disposed within the one or more sockets and the assembly comprises a wired drill pipe (WDP). The socket surfaces comprise a hardness greater than the transition section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 11680399
    Abstract: A multi-story building that includes a vertical support core and a plurality of floor plates is described, wherein fabrication of the building includes, in one embodiment, assembling each of the floor plates at or near ground level, and lifting each of the floor plates to a design level on the vertical support core. A system and device for securing one of the floor plates to the building includes employing a vertically-oriented lock-in bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: BIG TIME INVESTMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen T. Houston, Joseph Michael Benvenuto, Aleksei Ivanikiw, Yaroslav Stakhiv
  • Patent number: 11555281
    Abstract: A break-away coupling is formed of metal and has a central axis and a necked-down central region formed by two inverted truncated cones each having larger and smaller bases. The cones are joined at the smaller bases by a narrowed transition region having an exterior surface formed by a curved surface of revolution having an inflection point of minimum diameter substantially midway of the coupling along the axis. The cones each define an angle ?1 and ?2, respectively, at each of the larger bases, wherein both ?1 and ?2 are selected to be within the range of 20°-40° and, preferably within the range of 30°-37°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSPO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur M. Dinitz, Michael S. Stenko, Mahmoud Reda Taha
  • Patent number: 11391344
    Abstract: A swageless cable terminal for gripping a cable includes an elongated terminal housing with a hollow bore, one portion of which is tapered toward one end of the housing. A set of tapered wedges positioned in the bore of the housing define a central passageway that admits a cable inserted into the housing through the one end. An inserted cable causes the set of wedges to shift in the bore of the housing and expand the passageway within the set of wedges to admit the inserted cable. When an attempt is made to withdraw the inserted cable from the one end of the terminal housing, a compliant pressing ring captured on the inserted cable urges the set of wedges into the tapered portion of the bore in gripping relationship with the cable. The inserted cable can then be secured to another object by means of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: C. Sherman Johnson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlton W. Sargent
  • Patent number: 11371384
    Abstract: A turbine engine including a fan shaft driven by a turbine shaft with a rotational speed reduction device. A decoupling element is interposed between the reduction device and the fan shaft which operates to decouple the reduction device and the fan shaft. The reduction device is coupled to the fan shaft by a coupling having trapezoidal teeth of the curvic type which are used during the said decoupling operation. The decoupling element is configured to decouple the reduction device and the fan shaft in response to a predetermined resistive torque, referred to as the decoupling torque, which acts between the fan shaft and the reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Michel Gilbert Roland Brault, Julien Fabien Patrick Becoulet, Arnaud Nicolas Negri, Didier Jean-Louis Yvon
  • Patent number: 11339956
    Abstract: A stage light with a speed reducer including a light head, a supporting arm and a bottom box. The light head is pivotally connected to the supporting arm by a pivot shaft. The supporting arm is pivotally connected to the bottom box by a pivot shaft. The pivot shaft of the light head and/or the pivot shaft of the supporting arm is connected to a drive shaft of a driving mechanism by the speed reducer. According to the stage light with the speed reducer, the pivot shaft of the light head and/or the pivot shaft of the supporting arm is connected to the speed reducer drive shaft of the driving mechanism, thereby realizing using a transmission part in the speed reducer for transmission, avoiding using a synchronous belt. The transmission part will not deform and cause inaccurate scanning positioning or fracture, and the product performance is more stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Weikai Jiang
  • Patent number: 11060562
    Abstract: A locking system for use with a retractable driveshaft includes a housing, a rotating locking ring located at least partially to the housing, and a band configured to cooperatively engage the rotatable locking ring. Applying an axial force to the locking ring with the driveshaft causes rotation of the locking ring, thereby locking the driveshaft with the housing. Applying a second axial force to the locking ring with the driveshaft causes further rotation of the locking ring, which allows withdrawal of the driveshaft from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Stephen Olson
  • Patent number: 11041522
    Abstract: A joint for a vehicle, the joint having an outer sleeve, a joint shell for receiving a movably supported joint inner portion, and an inner sleeve, at least part of which is arranged between the joint shell and the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has two radially outwardly projecting rim cylinders which are axially mutually spaced and run around the outer periphery of the inner sleeve, and the two rim cylinders define a peripheral recess on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve. The joint is characterized in that a press-fit device designed integrally with the inner sleeve extends in the region of at least one rim cylinder of the inner sleeve radially outwards beyond the outer diameter of the rim cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Klaus Broeker, Monnic Hoenke
  • Patent number: 10865918
    Abstract: A traffic flange for a hydrant includes: a body portion defining an arcuate shape and including an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner radial surface, and an outer radial surface, the body portion defining a body portion width in a radial direction relative to a main axis of the traffic flange, the body portion further defining a plurality of holes extending in an axial direction of the traffic flange relative to the main axis from the upper surface to the lower surface; and a break-away portion including a plurality of tabs extending radially inward in the radial direction from the inner radial surface of the body portion, a total width of the traffic flange in the radial direction of the traffic flange at each of the plurality of tabs greater than the body portion width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Channell, Christopher Joseph Duckett, Paul S. Gifford, Gary Wayne Hadley, Nelson Sanders McClure, Jr., Walter Pierce Wojick
  • Patent number: 10830655
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for evaluating post-tensioning tendons, where the apparatus uses a positioning head placed directly into the pocket and against the anchor without making contact with the wedges as the apparatus seats on the tendon. From this position the apparatus evaluates the tendon by marking, measuring the tendon, and/or determining its location with increased reliability and precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: e-Longation, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Wayne Cook
  • Patent number: 10767711
    Abstract: A safety coupling has a driving coupling member engaged with a driven coupling member by a frictional connection. The frictional connection can be disconnected by activation of a release element. The release element can be activated by a centrifugal device wherein a centrifugal unit of the centrifugal device is radially moveable to interact with a shift gate in dependence of the revolution speed of the centrifugal unit and the slip between the driving coupling member and the driven coupling member. The centrifugal device includes a stop to limit the centrifugal force applied to the centrifugal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Ericsson, Mikael Jacobs, David Bergstroem, Per-Olof Berg, Axel Bohler, Jonas Loefgren, Daniel Fors, Kjell-Erik Larsson, Erik Nordstroem, Niclas Olsson
  • Patent number: 10648167
    Abstract: The invention relates to panelized system for a structure. The panelized system typically comprises a plurality of joists structured to be operatively coupled to one or more support members of the structure. Each of the plurality of joists are associated with a joist seat comprising a toe and one or more joist apertures. Typically, at least one or more of a plurality of joist seats are operatively coupled to the one or more support members using a toe weld between the toe and the one or more support members. However, an aperture weld between the one or more joist apertures and the support members is omitted. Moreover, a fastener between the one or more joist apertures and the support members is also omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terence Lee Satchell, Daniel Joseph Watkins
  • Patent number: 10644362
    Abstract: A battery module containing a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to one another in series or in parallel, two contact surfaces (14a, 14b) for the purposes of tapping off a module voltage of the battery module (10) and at least one bolted joint device (22) for the purposes of fixing a component (12), in particular a current-conducting component, of the battery module (10), wherein the at least one bolted joint device (22) is provided with a sensor (26) for the purposes of determining a preload force applied to the bolted joint device (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Bosch
  • Patent number: 10589439
    Abstract: A blade mounting and removal tool, and system, for safely removing a blade from a blade axle of a food product slicer. The blade axle includes a multi-axis locking system for securing the blade to the blade axle. The blade removal tool includes a tool base, a blade engagement assembly, and a blade unlocking assembly. The blade engagement assembly is attached to the tool base and has a blade engagement actuator cooperating with at least one blade engagement retainer. The blade unlocking assembly is also attached to the tool base and has a blade unlocking actuator cooperating with a blade unlocking post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Globe Food Equipment Company
    Inventors: Douglas J. McGuffin-Noll, Peter Dierauer
  • Patent number: 10513941
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine, configured with a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition wall; wherein the partition wall includes a stationary element and a rotating element separated by a seal and either of the stationary element and the rotating element of the partition wall is segmented by a levered joint. The levered joint includes a lever having a trigger plate, a fixture portion and a fulcrum portion; and, the other of the stationary element and rotating element includes a hammer which is axially aligned and separated from the trigger plate in a first position, and forcibly contacts the hammer portion in a second position so as to create a moment on the lever via the trigger plate, the moment forcing the levered joint apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: William James Smith, Andrew Shorney, Paul Mawhinney
  • Patent number: 10487691
    Abstract: A rotary machine unit equipped with rotary shaft provided so as to penetrate the respective opposing surfaces of a first casing and a second casing arranged opposing one another, said rotary machine unit also being equipped with at least two engagement mechanisms equipped with a first engaging part provided on the opposing surface of the first casing and extending radially along the direction from the center part penetrated by the rotary shaft toward the circumferential edge part, and a second engaging part provided on the opposing surface of the second casing so as to engage the first engaging part in a state in which the first engaging part is able to move in the extension direction of the first engaging part. The engagement mechanisms are provided inclined with respect to one another when viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Okita, Atsushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10451031
    Abstract: A rotor blade for addressing the deflection of rotor blades of a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a plurality of exterior surfaces defining a blade body having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade body extending between a blade tip and a blade root. The blade body including a breakaway tip portion defined by a predetermined breaking point. The breakaway tip portion is configured to break away from the remaining portion of the blade body when subject to a predetermined tower strike load. A wind turbine including the rotor blade configuration is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Merzhaeuser, Sara Simonne Louisa Delport
  • Patent number: 10315596
    Abstract: A vehicle clip includes: a clip body including an attachment section that has a pair of retention members for gripping a first exterior, and an insertion hole; and a pin member including an insertion portion that is anchored to the clip body in an inserted state of the insertion portion into the insertion hole and a through hole formed in a second exterior component, a head portion that is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole and that retains the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body, and a pressing portion that extends out from the head portion toward the attachment section side, and that, through one of the retention members, presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Kimihiro Kuji, Kensuke Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10221633
    Abstract: A shear coupler provides a breakable connection between adjacent members of a pump rod string. The coupler features an elongated shear stud, a hollow member in which the shear stud is axially received, a first set of rotational locking features externally defined on the shear member for engagement with a first set of matable rotational locking features internally defined on the hollow member; and a second set of rotational locking features externally defined on the shear member for engagement thereof with a second set of matable rotational locking features internally defined on the hollow member. The first and second sets of rotational locking features of the shear member are disposed on opposite sides of a weakened area thereof, and tensile and torsional loads on the coupler are substantially isolated from one another. Methods and equipment for applying torsional and tensile pre-loads to the coupler are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Innovative Tool Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Wollmann, Aaron Brassard, Wray Sparling, John Doyle
  • Patent number: 10024048
    Abstract: A bracket is disclosed. The bracket is coupled to a joist by rotating the bracket relative to the joist until the longitudinal axis of the bracket is aligned in parallel orientation with the longitudinal axis of the joist to achieve a snap-in engagement. The bracket includes a first bracket section having a first lateral wing and an opposite second lateral wing extending outwardly from a base of the first bracket section and a second bracket section that is aligned in perpendicular orientation relative to the first bracket section. The first lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base, and the second lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base during engagement of the bracket to a joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Getz
  • Patent number: 9926066
    Abstract: A corner fitting may include a male fitting having a convex portion and a female fitting having a concave portion configured complementary to the convex portion. In addition, the corner fitting may include a strap having a strap radius portion and a pair of strap planar portions extending from opposite ends of the strap radius portion. The strap planar portions may be parallel to one another when the strap radius portion is clamped between the convex portion and the concave portion and the corner fitting is viewed from a side, and non-parallel to one another when the corner fitting is viewed from an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas Ludin, Matthew Stauffer, Eric Schulze
  • Patent number: 9771976
    Abstract: A cap of a linear guide device includes a receiving part configured to receive hitting of a hitting jig, a fitting part extending from the receiving part, having an outer diameter to be an interference with the counterbore part, and being press-fitted into the counterbore part, a foreign material receiving groove arranged at an outer circumference of the fitting part, and configured to receive a foreign material generated from the fitting part when the cap is hit into the counterbore part, and a gas discharge groove extending to reach an inside of the counterbore part from the foreign material receiving groove, with the fitting part being press-fitted into the counterbore part at the outer circumference of the fitting part, and configured to discharge a gas in the inside of the counterbore part to a foreign material receiving groove side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9708082
    Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the-release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventor: Varouj G. Baghdasarian
  • Patent number: 9534678
    Abstract: In a power transmission device for a vehicle, a boss portion of a clutch guide, which is an input-side rotation member of a clutch unit, includes: a spline portion spline-connected to a small-diameter portion at one end of a center shaft which is an input shaft; and a fitting portion that extends further from the spline portion in an axial direction to contact the outer circumference of a medium-diameter portion of the center shaft. A recess functioning as a torque fuse is formed in the medium-diameter portion of the center shaft corresponding to the fitting portion. When the center shaft is severed or disconnected at the recess, the medium-diameter portion of the severed cut center shaft can still remain within the fitting portion, so that appropriate centering can be secured and stable self-propulsion of the vehicle can be secured without unwanted misalignment of the axis of rotation of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Imamori, Makoto Tsuchihashi
  • Patent number: 9514907
    Abstract: A member-to-member connection bracket comprising a first connection member for coupling the connection bracket to a first structural member, a second connection member for coupling the connection bracket to a second structural member; and a fuse member disposed between the first connection member and the second connection member, the fuse member comprising at least one of hinge locations. The at least one hinge location provides inelastic deformation at a pre-determined load and the pre-determined load is less than the elastic yield load of a first structural member and a second structural member. The hinge locations may have a reduced thickness. The fuse member may have a tubular cross-section. A connection utilizing the member-to-member connection bracket is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Novel Structures, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick McManus, Jay Puckett, Jack Peterson
  • Patent number: 9447809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal fastener that makes it possible to ensure an electrically conductive surface along the entire thickness of structural elements to be assembled. The fastener thereby comprises a head and a smooth shank extending along an axis of revolution, characterized in that the shank comprises at least one conductive portion and one lubricating portion disposed along the axis of revolution of the fastener along at least one length of the shank. The inventive fastener makes it possible to ensure a conductive surface in the entire thickness of the structure in which it is installed. The inventive fastener is particularly intended for aeronautical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventors: Benoit Regnard, Julien Goyer, Martial Broucke
  • Patent number: 9382722
    Abstract: There is provided, in combination, a mounting assembly for an upright pole through which at least one cable extends and an anti-theft assembly for inhibiting theft of the cable. The pole has a bottom and is supported by a foundation. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of spaced-apart couplers each having a top end configured to connect to the bottom of the pole, a bottom end configured to connect to the foundation and a breakaway point between the top and bottom ends of the couplers. The breakaway points cause the couplers to fail when the pole is impacted by a vehicle. The anti-theft assembly includes an inner sleeve shaped to extend about the cable. The sleeve is robust and tamper-resistant. The sleeve is positioned between the bottom of the pole and the foundation. According to one aspect, the sleeve has an upper end that connects to the bottom of the pole and a lower end that is spaced-apart from the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Valmont West Coast Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Zoltan Banyi, Ted Brockman, Ioan Giosan
  • Patent number: 9243375
    Abstract: A terminal post for a barrier includes an upright portion having an aperture positioned, so that in use: the aperture is located in a region of the upright portion above a ground engaging portion of the upright portion; and wherein located on one side of the aperture is a transverse reinforcing member which includes a slot for receiving a cable. At least one groove, or pair of notches is provided located beneath the aperture, and form(s) a predetermined fail line, along which the post will deform, upon receiving a substantially inline impact, which causes the transverse member to move to release the cable, and wherein the aperture is dimensioned to allow the terminal end of the cable formally retained by the slot to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Valmont Highway Technology Limited
    Inventor: Dallas Rex James
  • Patent number: 9080295
    Abstract: The device includes a base for supporting one or more vertical elements of a piece of street furniture (such as a lamp post, a traffic sign, an advertising post, etc.), wherein the base can include two parts or pieces nested together, one over the other, with a lower part anchored to the ground while the upper part is nested against the other by a pair of flanges. The relative movement between the upper and lower parts is restrained by the action of a brake including a plate which is fastened with a bolt and a nut to the upper part of the base. The plate has a recessed area at each end, where a nylon pellet is placed and whose breakage, when caused by a lateral force to the base, frees the upper part, allowing it to slide over the lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Fulgencio Palazon Martinez, Maria Josefa Palazon Martinez
  • Patent number: 9045895
    Abstract: A connector having a first substantially planar member connected to a second substantially planar member by means of a fold line between the first and second members that allows the first member and the second member to be bent across the fold line such that the first member and the second member are disposed at one of a variety of selected angles to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 9048572
    Abstract: A bolt (10) includes a flange (14) that bulges radially out near a head (12) at one axial end. The flange (14) contacts a second connector (60) at a proper connection to prevent further tightening. A stepped recess (16) is located between the head (12) and a screw portion (13), and is recessed sufficiently to fracture when an excessive tightening torque is applied. A retaining groove (18) is located between the stepped recess (16) and the screw portion (13) and is recessed radially inwardly and receives a retaining ring (80) for preventing detachment of the bolt (10) from a first connector (40) by contacting the first connector (40) before connection. Seal grooves (15) are located between the stepped recess (16) and the flange (14) for receiving seals (30) to be held in close contact with the first connector (40) in a liquid-tight manner at the time of proper connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 8997849
    Abstract: A shearing mechanism in which a male component mates into a female component, the male component having a first groove extending around the male component and the female component having a second groove extending around the female component, the first groove and the second groove cooperating when the male component is inserted into the female component to define an annular recess. A shearing component is provided within the annular recess, the shearing component having a shear load that is controlled by the material and size of the shearing component. An opening is provided within one or both of the male component and female component, the opening being aligned with the annular recess. Stress relief is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Plainsman Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lea-Wilson, Shane McAssey
  • Patent number: 8992117
    Abstract: A form-fitting connection between two components (5 and 14) has a break-away function in one direction. At least one connection element, designed as a shear bolt (6), is formfittingly connected to the first component (5) to be connected. The end of the shear bolt (6) is formfittingly and functionally connected to a second component (14) via an attached component (17) that is resilient in the direction of the formfitting connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ski Data AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Schieren
  • Patent number: 8985627
    Abstract: In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Koyama
  • Patent number: 8973885
    Abstract: A structural rod has a primary rod that has an axial cavity and a secondary rod inside the axial cavity so that the secondary rod is able to move inside the axial cavity along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod. The primary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the first end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the second end. Conversely, the secondary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the second end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the first end. The primary and secondary rods are joined through one or more intermediate linkage elements made of a deformable and elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Mathieu Bonnet, Frederic Journade, Laurent Lafont, Benoit Valery
  • Publication number: 20150060635
    Abstract: A marine pod breakaway connection includes a breakaway connector connecting ends of a vertical shaft in an upper housing section and a vertical shaft in a lower housing section. The breakaway connector is configured to yield or fracture to allow the vertical shafts to separate during a breakaway condition when the lower housing section separates from the upper housing section. The breakaway connection further includes disconnect fittings having upper section in the upper and lower portions in the upper and lower housing sections, respectively, the engage and open when the housing sections are assembled to allow fluid flow, and close when the housing sections are separated to substantially prevent leakage of oil from the housing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Schlintz, Bryan L. Danner
  • Publication number: 20150056001
    Abstract: A mechanical fuse adapted for use in a vehicle steering linkage assembly including an outer housing, an inner housing coaxially arranged within the outer housing, a first crushable element arranged within the outer housing configured to crush under excessive axial compressive loads, and a second crushable element arranged within the outer housing configured to crush under excessive axial tensile loads, wherein the fuse operates normally in an uncrushed state and allows unwanted motion in a crushed state, thereby alerting a driver to an overload condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Gene J. Messenger, Christopher Fink, Matthew L. Dudeck, Charles E. Letts, III, Peter Karkos
  • Patent number: 8950124
    Abstract: A cable end anchorage for fastening at least one cable at a supporting structure includes at least one first connecting element for connection with the supporting structure, at least one second connecting element for connection with the cable and at least one coupling element for connection of the two connecting elements in a force-transmitting manner. In the region of the coupling element, an overload device designed as a predetermined breaking point of the coupling element is provided for unfastening the connection between the two connecting elements when a critical load has been exceeded. A stop device is provided for limiting the relative motion of the connecting elements after unfastening of the connection when a critical load has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Josef Gartner GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Wellershoff
  • Publication number: 20150030374
    Abstract: A shearing mechanism in which a male component mates into a female component, the male component having a first groove extending around the male component and the female component having a second groove extending around the female component, the first groove and the second groove cooperating when the male component is inserted into the female component to define an annular recess. A shearing component is provided within the annular recess, the shearing component having a shear load that is controlled by the material and size of the shearing component. An opening is provided within one or both of the male component and female component, the opening being aligned with the annular recess. Stress relief is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Mark A. Lea-Wilson, Shane McAssey
  • Publication number: 20140363217
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a micromechanical part from a substrate in which the part is fabricated by providing a plurality of fasteners between the part and the substrate, the fasteners being sacrificial, characterized in that the fasteners include at least one hinge at the end of each fastener located beside the part, and in that the method includes a step of breaking the sacrificial fasteners. The micromechanical parts employing this type of sacrificial fastener are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECH- NIQUE SA-RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Francois Barrot, Remy Fournier, Laurent Giriens, Simon Henein, Sylvain Jeanneret, Johan Kruis
  • Patent number: 8904889
    Abstract: The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: NEA Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Rudoy, Larry Leroy McCormick, Edwin Vega, Nury Izrailov
  • Patent number: 8863877
    Abstract: A vehicle battery mounting structure includes a first frame member, a battery unit, a coupling portion, and a brittle portion. The first frame member supports a vehicle floor and includes a front portion, an inclined portion and a rear portion. The inclined portion extends rearward from a rear end of the front portion in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and upward from the rear end in a vertical direction of the vehicle. The battery unit is disposed under the vehicle floor. The coupling portion couples the battery unit to the inclined portion or a second frame member connected to the inclined portion. The brittle portion is provided at the coupling portion and releases the inclined portion or the second frame member from a connection with the battery unit when a forward load is applied to the coupling portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Saeki
  • Publication number: 20140252837
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced resin structure having a hole into which a connector that connects to another member is inserted, wherein a bearing strength at a part of an inside surface of the hole on which a load from the connector acts, represented by a stress at which displacement of the part of the inside surface of the hole starts increasing even without the load acting on the part of the inside surface of the hole from the connector increasing, is less than a breaking strength of a fiber-reinforced resin constituting that part of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Yamaguchi, Nobuhiko Shimizu, Yukitane Kimoto
  • Publication number: 20140254137
    Abstract: A mechanical connector is provided for lighting applications. The mechanical connector, having a modifiable length, includes a connector body portion having an anterior side and a posterior side. A cavity is disposed in the posterior side and sized to receive a lighting apparatus. More than two pins are affixed to the anterior side and extend outward therefrom. Pairs of the more than two pins have a predetermined spacing. Each of the more than two pins is removable from the connector body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Robert A. ANNEE, Steven D. Cole
  • Patent number: 8820698
    Abstract: A break-away hook assembly is adapted for installation for use with a low-voltage residential communication cable. A pair of members is coupled. One of the members has a connector with a terminal portion which receives a terminus of the other member. The connector breaks to release the second member from coupled engagement with the first member so that upon application of a stress in excess of a pre-established load, the cable will sag while maintaining the communication integrity of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Balfour, John Auclair, Anthony Salvador Delmonico
  • Patent number: 8794370
    Abstract: A powertrain system for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit (2), a differential module (3) and a propeller shaft (4) provided to extend in a frontward-rearward direction of a vehicle body to transmit drive power of the power unit (2) to the differential module (3). The propeller shaft (4) is divided into a front shaft segment (4a) a rear shaft segment (4b) through the intermediary of a third universal joint (43), and adapted to be contracted in such a manner that the front shaft segment (4a) is fitted into an end of the rear shaft segment (4b) over a contractable range D1, together with a part of the third universal joint (43). The differential module (3) has a module body (31), and a rear support section (33) which supports the module body (31) to allow a front portion of the module body (31) to be swingably moved downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Hiramatsu, Fumitaka Andou, Toshihide Koyama, Hiroaki Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20140161509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drive shaft that includes a first rotary shaft having a plurality of locking projections for a spline engagement formed along an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the first rotary shaft. The driveshaft further includes a secondary rotary shaft having a plurality of locking grooves for the spline engagement corresponding to the locking projections, which are formed on the inner circumferential surface into which the first rotary shaft are inserted. Additionally, the driveshaft includes fixing members fitted on the outer circumference of the first rotary shaft and fixing apertures which are formed through the outer circumference of the first rotary shaft or the inner circumference of the second rotary shaft to correspond to the fixing members and into which the fixing members are fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: Dae Seung Co., Ltd., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Won Jun Choi, Tae Youl Kim, Moon Mo Kang
  • Patent number: 8726582
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining a generally vertical pole structure to a supporting foundation is provided. The breakaway coupling is provided with a multi-sided, elongated body, which may be square-shaped, hexagonal, or generally polygonal in shape. The multi-sided, elongated body is provided with an upper end and a lower end, an outer surface, and is machined to have an internally threaded bore that extends between the upper end and the lower end of the multi-sided, elongated body. The outer surface of the multi-sided, elongated body of the breakaway coupling is provided with at least one horizontally disposed, circumferential groove extending partially into the multi-sided, elongated body toward the internally threaded bore and also extending to a critical notch depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Hahin
  • Patent number: 8727654
    Abstract: A system for separating a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a first joinder flange having at least one first fastener feature for coupling the first joinder flange to the first component. A second joinder flange is provided having at least one second fastener feature for coupling the second joinder flange to the second component. A separation portion is coupled between the first joinder flange and the second joinder flange, the frangible joint having at least one groove extending along width of the separation portion. An explosive member is arranged adjacent the separation portion. Wherein the first joinder flange includes at least one integral shock attenuation feature formed therein between the explosive member and the at least one first fastener feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventor: John A. Graham