Flexibly Connected Rigid Members Patents (Class 403/220)
  • Patent number: 11825934
    Abstract: A toilet brush comprises a handle and a brush head. A backbone core is coupled to the handle. An inner support piece is further coupled to the backbone core and to the brush head. The handle further comprises an attachment area and the brush head further includes a scraping feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin J. Guthrie, Jordan Smith
  • Patent number: 11786031
    Abstract: A finger grip adherable to a portable electronic device and configured to provide a deployable tool to assist a user in holding portable electronic device. The finger grip includes a base portion, a cap portion, and a flexure bearing. The cap portion is moveable between a captured position where the cap portion contacts the base portion and a relaxed position where the cap portion is separated from the base portion by a gap. The flexure bearing is coupled to the base portion and to the cap portion, and the flexure bearing provides at least one compliant degree of freedom to allow the cap portion to move between captured position and the relaxed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ohSnap, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Backus
  • Patent number: 11730258
    Abstract: A toilet brush comprises a handle and a brush head. A backbone core is coupled to the handle. An inner support piece is further coupled to the backbone core and to the brush head. The handle further comprises an attachment area and the brush head further includes a scraping feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin J. Guthrie, Jordan Smith
  • Patent number: 11685256
    Abstract: A powertrain torque roll restrictor includes a first bracket having an elongated body defining a first bracket opening at a distal end and a central axis, a second bracket coaxial with and adjacent to the first bracket, and a third bracket coaxial with and adjacent to the second bracket opposite from the first bracket, with the third bracket defining a third bracket opening cooperable with the first bracket opening. The second bracket defines a second bracket opening receiving the elongated body such that the second bracket is positioned about the elongated body. The powertrain torque roll restrictor further includes a first rubber element positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket, and a second rubber element positioned between the second bracket and the third bracket, with the brackets being configured to hold the respective rubber element in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Mathai, Kevin Stark, Lin Zhu, Yuvraj Khairate
  • Patent number: 11565585
    Abstract: A motor vehicle tank that includes a tank container formed by a tank wall, and a holding element to fasten a component to the tank wall at an interior of the tank container. The holding element has at least one attachment point for fastening the holding element to the tank wall, at least one fastening element for fastening the component to the holding element, and a plurality of spring elements arranged between the at least one attachment point and the fastening element to facilitate fastening of the component to the tank wall in a spring-elastically decoupled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA Energy Storage Systems GesmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fuchs, Laura Heidenbauer
  • Patent number: 11473616
    Abstract: A multi-axis flexure device can include a first support base, a second support base, and a central coupler. The multi-axis flexure device can also include a first flexure device rotatably coupling the first support base and the central coupler to one another to facilitate rotation about a first axis, and a second flexure device rotatably coupling the second support base and the central coupler to one another to facilitate rotation about a second axis. Each flexure device can include a first flexure, a second flexure, and a flexure coupler coupled to the first and second flexures. The first flexure and the second flexure of the first flexure device can, respectively, be coupled to the first support base and the central coupler. The first flexure and the second flexure of the second flexure device can, respectively, be coupled to the second support base and the central coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bullard, Hans P. Naepflin
  • Patent number: 11362558
    Abstract: The invention is a flywheel rotor that includes a number of adjacent laminations, stacked one on top of another, where each of the laminations has the same shape and is rotationally symmetric around a center axis, and where the shape is substantially circular and includes a plurality of protrusions on the circumference, and each of the laminations includes at least one hole for at fastening bolts to pass through. The invention typically includes an endplate at each end of stack of laminations and one of the two endplates attaches to a stubshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: AMBER KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Seth R. Sanders, Kyle B. Gaiser, Greg Olsen, Mark J. Holloway, Roger Nelson Hitchcock, Peter Thomas Tennessen, Matthew K. Senesky, Edward Young Chiao, Darlene W. Conolly, Keenan William Rodewald
  • Patent number: 11350711
    Abstract: A knee curve cane apparatus for ease of use and safety includes a handle and an upper shaft segment coupled to the handle. The upper shaft segment has an upper top end coupled to the handle. A medial top end of a medial shaft segment is coupled to an upper bottom end of the upper shaft segment. The medial shaft segment is curved and configured to accommodate a user's knee to prevent contact while walking. A medial bottom end of the medial shaft segment is vertically aligned with the medial top end. A lower shaft segment is coupled to the medial shaft segment. A lower top end of the lower shaft segment is coupled to the medial bottom end. A base collar of a base is selectively engaged with a lower bottom end of the lower shaft segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Terrence Selman
  • Patent number: 11035161
    Abstract: A hinge for a hinged opening of a vehicle includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part which are connected to one another via an axis of rotation so as to be movable relative to one another. The first hinge part has a slot and the second hinge part has a fitting hole. A screw is received through the slot of the first hinge part and fitting hole of the second hinge part. A shaped nut clamps the first hinge part and the second hinge part against the screw. The shaped nut forms a step that includes a first part received in the slot and a second part protruding from the first hinge part and resting on an edge of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: AUDI AG, PRINZ Kinematics GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Schabenberger, Paula Wirth
  • Patent number: 10323406
    Abstract: A floor dowel sleeve is provided that includes a rectangular-shaped body portion having a cavity that is configured to receive a dowel plate that spans across a seam between concrete slabs. A pair of break-away interior walls extend within the cavity from the opening to the end wall of the sleeve. The interior walls extend between two opposing (horizontal) walls of the exterior side walls and are continuously spaced from the other two opposing (vertical) walls of the exterior side walls. The body portion is configured to receive the dowel plate in the cavity between the break-away interior walls, where the break-away interior walls are configured to at least partially break-away from the exterior side walls upon lateral horizontal movement of the dowel plate within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Midwest Concrete & Masonry Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Marinus Hansort
  • Patent number: 10053075
    Abstract: A servo brake includes a thrust unit connecting a servo-piston to a primary piston in an actuation direction. The thrust unit includes a plunger with a front end in the form of a spherical cap and pressed in a cup of the primary piston and a rear end that includes a ball joint. A bearing has a base pressed on a reaction disc and a sleeve that receives the ball joint of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Masaki Shiwa, Laurent Lhuillier, Antony Auguste
  • Patent number: 9572432
    Abstract: A chair system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a base comprising a seat for a user and one or more support legs, a back, and a flexible back support element rigidly coupled to the back and to the base, the flexible back support element comprising a flex zone, the flex zone comprising one or more notches, wherein the back is reclinable from an upright position to a reclined position, wherein the one or more notches are configured to narrow as the back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position, and wherein the one or more notches are open in the upright position and closed in the reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HNI Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Deisig, Nils Koehn, Corey J. Susie, John R. Koch, Phillip D. Minino
  • Patent number: 9463958
    Abstract: A chain has inner and outer links pivotally interconnected by transverse pins. In a straight configuration the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction. At least one resilient elongate flexible member is threaded along at least part of the length of the chain between the pins in alternate directions so as to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration. A chain in this form may be proof loaded before service by applying a tensile load and the elongate flexible member may be removed. A chain assembly comprises a plurality of said chains running between first and second connection brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Renold Plc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles Christmas, Torquil Edmund Pyper
  • Publication number: 20150110546
    Abstract: A connector especially suited for connecting sections of floating port security barriers (PSBs) has a central portion joining two spaced apart, generally transverse end sections. The connector has a generally I-shaped cross section shape. Bolts or other fastening members are inserted through holes in the end sections to permit attachment to the PSB sections. The connector is preferably of a cast monolithic structure of a flexible, strong, non-corrosive material such as urethane. High-strength embedments may be formed into the end sections, to increase overall strength of the connector. Another embodiment has an internal tension member, which may be a loop of high-strength fiber, connecting the embedments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Erick Knezek, Matthew Marcy, David Delleart, Jim Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150104305
    Abstract: A fastener includes a main body and a bending body. The main body includes a protrusion section and an extension section. The extension section is connected with the protrusion section. The bending body is connected with the extension section of the main body. The bending body includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is connected with the extension section. The second plate is connected with the first plate. An angle is formed between the first plate and the second plate. The second plate has a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface. The first surface faces toward the main body, and the second plate has a first rib protruding from the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicants: INVENTEC CORPORATION, Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Che HUANG, Chung-Chien WU
  • Patent number: 8999474
    Abstract: A device includes at least one built-in flexible portion (1) between two stiffer portions (10) that are made of a stiff composite material, the flexible portion (11) being suitable for forming a flexible hinge and made of a flexible material including a reinforcing armature that includes at least one connecting layer (13) common to the material(s) forming each stiff portion (10). The device has end surfaces (20) that oppose each other when extended, the opposing end surfaces being arranged to be suited to serve as a longitudinal compression abutment while enabling the thus-made hinge to fold back at least in a direction away from the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
    Inventor: Christophe Casteras
  • Patent number: 8973778
    Abstract: A self-adjusting connector for attaching a fuel tank accessory component to a wall of a fuel tank includes a mounting portion, a flange portion and a load-accommodating portion. The mounting portion is adapted to be attached to a wall of a fuel tank at an attachment site The flange portion is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank accessory component. And the load-accommodating portion is situated between the mounting portion and the flange portion and permits the mounting portion and the flange portion to move relative to one another. In at least some implementations, the relative movement permits loads applied by the fuel tank wall, such as due to temperature or other changes in the wall, to be accommodated without undue stress on the accessory component or undue reaction forces on the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Bernd M. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8960210
    Abstract: An umbrella system relating to the general protection of fixed outdoor umbrellas, especially during windy conditions. The umbrella system uses a supportive shaft equipped with a resiliently deformable region allowing omni-directional bending under wind loading. A preferred embodiment of the deformable region comprises a helical spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: John Andrew Bacik
  • Publication number: 20150037086
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coupling for transmitting forces, acting along a longitudinal axis, between two attachment components, having two coupling parts, which are disposed along the longitudinal axis and which each have a connection region and a coupler region, the connection regions of the two coupling parts facing towards each other, and the two coupler regions being connectable to a respective attachment component. The two connection regions are connected to each other via at least one loop packet, which transmits forces, acting along the longitudinal axis, between the coupling parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SGF Sueddeutsche Gelenkscheibenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Brandl, Martin Wieser, Josef Stubenrauch, Josef Scheitzeneder, Hubert Kaiser, Bernd Scheper
  • Publication number: 20150001315
    Abstract: A clip for holding a pair of nozzle inserts for use with an irrigation sprinkler includes at least two flexible attachment arms, each attachment arm provided with an elongated slot and a retention shoulder on an inside surface thereof, adjacent the elongated slot. Each attachment arm is adapted to be received in an opening in a respective nozzle insert and retained therein by the retention shoulder. A related tool includes a pair of gripper arms and a respective pair of jaws extending from the gripper arms, pivotally secured to one another. One jaw is formed with a pair of parallel prongs, and the other jaw is formed with a flat head projecting toward the pair of prongs. The jaws are adapted to engage the nozzle insert and disengage the retention shoulder to permit removal of the nozzle insert from the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Richard L. Schisler, Barton R. Nelson, Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Meade M. Neal
  • Patent number: 8920061
    Abstract: The coupling includes first gripping members which are connected, facing on one and the same level on corresponding mounting bodies, to respective structures, and second gripping members mounted so as to slide vertically on the first gripping members in order to secure pneumatic covers in two diametrically opposed regions thereof with the collaboration of threaded rods. The gripping members and provide retention walls that extend towards the mounting bodies by means of horizontal retention flanges. The second gripping members have walls with holes for the passage of screws during fitting thereof to the mounting bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Espanola de Plataformas Marinas, S.L.
    Inventor: Andres Quinta Cortinas
  • Publication number: 20140376994
    Abstract: A fastening device fastening an interior equipment element, particularly a passenger seat, to a side wall of a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, includes a fastening element forming a C-profile rail receiving slot nuts detachably fastening the interior equipment element to the fastening device on the wall side. The fastening device can be or is fastened to a structure of the side wall and has an elastic damping configuration elastically fastening the fastening device to the structure of the side wall embodied as a wall structure by an adhesive bond and a damping element elastically supporting the fastening device on a further structure of the side wall embodied as a protrusion. A fastening configuration fastening an interior equipment element to a side wall of a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, includes a structure of the side wall and a corresponding fastening device permanently or detachably fastened to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mihail Calomfirescu
  • Patent number: 8876424
    Abstract: A connection intended to connect together a first and a second element, capable of allowing small movements between the first and second elements, said connection being formed by at least one material capable of being deformed elastically, said connection including a central portion of small transverse dimension, capable of deforming elastically in flexure and in torsion and first and second end portions attached to longitudinal ends of said central portion, at least the first end portion being capable of deforming elastically in a longitudinal direction connecting the longitudinal ends of the central portion, said connection forming an angular linear connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Philippe Fayollas, Francois Macias
  • Publication number: 20140318077
    Abstract: A structural connector is provided that limits transmissions of vibrations between connected structural elements in a building or structure. The structural connector is formed from two opposing sheets with a vibration damping material connecting the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Case
  • Publication number: 20140305282
    Abstract: In some aspects, a musical percussion instrument includes a musical drum having a generally cylindrical musical drum body and a sound generating surface secured to an upper end of the drum body by multiple drum lugs and a drum mounting clamp mounted to one drum lug of the multiple drum lugs for releasable mounting of a mounting rod to the drum body. The drum mounting clamp includes a mounting base for mounting upon the musical drum body. The mounting base has a mounting rod recess and a securement element to secure the drum clamp to a mounting rod, arranging the musical drum body relative to the mounting rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: CONN-SELMER, INC.
    Inventor: Joshua Allen
  • Publication number: 20140286696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a trailer/dolly air brake system module onto a mounting surface of a trailer/dolly using a mounting element. More particularly, a trailer/dolly air brake system module is mounted to an I-beam or C-channel of the trailer/dolly via welding methods, fasteners, or clamps. This allows the trailer/dolly air brake system module to be easily removable and replaceable, minimizing trailer/dolly down time as well as diagnostic troubleshooting/repair time. More particularly, the system module is for a trailer/dolly air brake system module. The method allows for continued use of a trailer/dolly vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Victor J. Raye, Jerry J. Donovan, James L. Greene
  • Patent number: 8827586
    Abstract: A mechanical linkage includes first and second end members and a pair of generally parallel arcuate beams, interconnecting the end members and defining a lateral space therebetween. A plurality of alternating fingers extend from each beam into the lateral space, and a damping member is attached between each adjacent pair of fingers within the lateral space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Edward V. White
  • Publication number: 20140147193
    Abstract: A flexible cardan joint comprises a hollow central longitudinal axis, two hollow pivots mounted orthogonally relative to one another and capable of pivoting respectively about a rotation axis, three axes being mutually orthogonal and intersecting at a point of rotation situated at the center of the cardan joint. Each pivot comprises an annular outer frame extending along a plane containing the central longitudinal axis Z and orthogonal to the rotation axis, a hollow inner ring coaxial to the outer frame and a plurality of sets of flexible blades linked to the outer frame and to the inner ring, and the two pivots are linked together by rigid link parts. Application to the fine rotational guidance of an element or of an equipment of a spacecraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventor: Yannick Baudasse
  • Publication number: 20140117023
    Abstract: A self-adjusting connector for attaching a fuel tank accessory component to a wall of a fuel tank includes a mounting portion, a flange portion and a load-accommodating portion. The mounting portion is adapted to be attached to a wall of a fuel tank at an attachment site The flange portion is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank accessory component. And the load-accommodating portion is situated between the mounting portion and the flange portion and permits the mounting portion and the flange portion to move relative to one another. In at least some implementations, the relative movement permits loads applied by the fuel tank wall, such as due to temperature or other changes in the wall, to be accommodated without undue stress on the accessory component or undue reaction forces on the tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Bernd M. Nickel
  • Patent number: 8708593
    Abstract: A cross-flexural pivot includes a first structure with a first longitudinal axis; a second structure with a second longitudinal axis; an inner flexure member, and an outer flexure member. The inner flexure member includes a face disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes and is coupled to the first structure at a first side and the second structure at a second side opposing the first side. The outer flexure member includes a tubular face surrounding the inner flexure member, the tubular face being disposed obliquely to the first and second longitudinal axes. The outer flexure member is coupled to the first structure at the second side and to the second structure at the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Eric M. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20140112707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for connecting a first load-bearing component (1) to a second load-bearing component (2) in order to form a flexurally rigid frame corner, having a first connecting plate (12), which is arranged on the first component (1), and a second connecting plate (22), which is arranged on the second component (2), wherein a. the connecting plates (12, 22) each contain a first bore, in which a bolt element (3) is introduced in order to form a defined axis of rotation, b. the connecting plates (12, 22) contain further, mutually correspondingly arranged apertures (14, 24), in which is arranged at least one screw (4) which braces the connecting plates (12, 22) against one another, and c. the further apertures (14, 24) and the at least one screw (4) are dimensioned such that rotation is possible through a defined angle of rotation about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Norbert Ruether, Bohumil Kasal
  • Patent number: 8702337
    Abstract: A lamellar rotational flexure pivot may include a first pivot end, and second pivot end, and a divider layer positioned therebetween to allow first and second pivot ends to pivot relative to one another. The first and second pivot ends may include a plurality of spring layers and spacer layers that are stacked in alternating fashion to form the lamellar rotational flexure pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Riverhawk Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Whitney, Charles B. Gibbons, Richard Donegan
  • Publication number: 20140079469
    Abstract: A connection joint includes a first plate (186, 286), a second plate (182, 282), and connection members (184, 284). The connection members are coupled to the first plate and the second plate and positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The connection members are configured to resist rotation of the first plate with respect to the second plate around a first axis and allow a compression or expansion of the first plate with respect to the second plate on the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Alfred Sorvino, Donald N. McDuffee
  • Publication number: 20140037368
    Abstract: A stator coupling for the torsionally rigid connection of two components allows radial and axial relative movements within tolerance limits has a base surface (10) with first (18.1, 18.2) and second (28) lugs. The second lugs (28) are positioned at the straight-line edges between the assembly points (26, 42). Bent edges (30, 32) parallel to one respective edge are bent away at least twice, so that a flange (34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4) surface-parallel to the base surface (10) is formed. Two second lugs, are positioned at edges following one another in the peripheral direction, and overlap with mutually facing ends of their flanges and these ends each together form one of a set of second assembly points (42.1, 42.2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Marc BEHA, Eduard TABLER, Jurgen GIRKE
  • Patent number: 8641319
    Abstract: An apparatus and method compressibly secure together a plurality of components, wherein some of the components may include plastic or other materials susceptible to creep. The apparatus includes a plurality of stackable compression limiters configured to engage axially end to end in tandem and in some aspects to lockably engage. Each stackable compression limiter includes an elongated sleeve member configured to limit the maximum compressive force applied to its associated component, where different components in the stacked assembly may be configured for different maximum compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Kevin Vichinsky
  • Patent number: 8636438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening at least one component of an exhaust system to at least one member of a motor vehicle, including a component leg that is designed for rigid fastening to the at least one component of the exhaust system and one member leg that is designed for rigid fastening to the at least one member of the motor vehicle. A coupling body with or made of an elastomer is provided, the coupling body being connected on the one hand fixedly to the component leg and on the other hand being fixedly connected to the member leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: J. Eberspaecher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Riekers, Holger Prommersberger
  • Publication number: 20140007409
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for selectively securing a recycling container to a refuse container is provided. The coupling apparatus includes a back plate having first end and a second end and a crossover portion extending the said back plate at the first end. The coupling apparatus also includes a coupling portion extending from the crossover portion, the coupling portion having a generally U-shaped profile, and a retaining member extending from said back plate at the second end and positioned generally beneath the crossover portion. The coupling apparatus further includes an elastomeric member configured for selective attachment to the crossover portion. The coupling portion is configured to receive a handle of a trailing container and the back plate is configured to engage a lower bar of a lead container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Edmund F. Trifari, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130343808
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composition that comprises at least a first high density polyethylene component having a density of 0.940-0.968 g/cm3 and a melt index I2.16 of 0.5-10.0 dg/min and a melt flow ratio (flow index I21.6 at 190° C. divided by melt index I2.16 at 190° C.) of at least 25. A second HDPE component may be included in the composition with melt index I2.16 of greater than 10 dg/min and melt flow ratio of 30 or less. The disclosed compositions are suitable for use in living hinge closure applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Brett Christopher Domoy, Barrett Albert Unger, Mark T. Joblonka
  • Patent number: 8608400
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a position arrangement device includes at least one joint module between a first base and a second base. The at least one joint module is configured to adjust a position of the second base relative to the first base based on elastic flexion in the joint module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Joon Hong, In Bae Jang, Sang Hyun Park, Ho Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 8602951
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a resistance chamber for use in an exercise system. The resistance chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to attach to the first chamber and rotate relative to the first chamber. The resistance chamber also includes a core rod. The core rod resides within the first chamber and the second chamber and is attached to the interior of the second chamber. The resistance chamber further includes a resistance tube, where at least of a portion the resistance tube is configured to be placed between the interior surface of the first chamber and the core rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas Morris
  • Publication number: 20130320183
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a fan includes a base board and two blocks to be mounted on opposite sides of a bottom of the fan. The base board forms two rods. Each block defines a fixing hole in which a corresponding rod engages. A resilient member is mounted to a bottom of each block for absorbing vibrations of the fan. The resilient member includes an arc-shaped main piece, and two fixing pieces respectively extending from opposite ends of the main piece to be mounted to opposite ends of the corresponding block, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHENG-HENG SUN
  • Publication number: 20130315657
    Abstract: A unit for an aircraft thruster is provided that includes a first ferrule configured to be attached to a second ferrule and a first connection flange configured to be secured to a second corresponding connection flange secured to the second ferrule. The connection flange includes a portion forming a plane extending along a radial direction with respect to the first ferrule. A link between the first ferrule and the corresponding connection flange is offset to a distance from said plane corresponding to a length for damping a shear-generating flexural moment, generated by fluxes of forces passing through the first ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130298841
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a farming structure (1) for aquatic farming. The farming structure (1) comprises a plurality of longitudinal members (3) and a plurality of flexible joints (4), one at each end of each of the plurality of longitudinal members (3), coupling the plurality of longitudinal members (3) to form repeating triangular structures (5) adjacent to each other. Each end of each of the plurality of longitudinal members (3) is independently movable in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane about a corresponding flexible joint (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nelson Vadassery, Sayash Kumar, Sowmya Lakshmi Balendiran, Sri Sailaja Nori, Shrikumar Suryanarayan
  • Patent number: 8579510
    Abstract: A rotatable bar pin bushing assembly is disclosed for connecting components in a vehicular system, such as a suspension and/or axle system. The rotatable bar pin bushing assembly includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve positioned around the inner sleeve, and an insert positioned between the inner and outer sleeves. The rotatable bar pin bushing assembly also includes a bar pin rotatably positioned within the inner sleeve. The bar pin has at least one end with at least one bore extending therethrough to receive a fastener. The bar pin is rotatable within the inner sleeve to allow indexing of the bar pin for registering the at least one bore of the bar pin with a connector of a different component. A method for assembling the rotatable bar pin bushing assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Noble, Hormoz Kerendian, Ashley T. Dudding, Louis F. Mattia, Charles A. Parrish
  • Patent number: 8572828
    Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting structure for mounting a component between a first member and a second member. According to the mounting structure, the component is first placed on a surface of the first member. Then, the second member is fitted with the component by a fitting device, so that the component is positioned relative to the second member. Thereafter, the component is fixed in position relative to the first member by a joint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sakai, Akihisa Hotta, Koji Katano, Toshiyuki Inagaki, Nobutaka Teshima
  • Publication number: 20130251446
    Abstract: A simple ceramic matrix composite fastening system that is utilized for attaching components of dissimilar materials, particularly, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and metallic engine components. The system is comprised of a detachable subassembly bracket fabricated from metal. The bracket has a metallic engine component attached to one end and a CMC component attached to the other end. The bracket releasably secures the CMC and the metallic component together using rivets or pins, which are inserted into holes through the CMC to securely fasten the adjoining parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Connie E. Bird, Lisa A. Prill
  • Patent number: 8540452
    Abstract: Flexible joint arrangements employ at least one flexure member that interfaces with wrapping surfaces defined on the bases to which the ends of the flexure member are connected. The flexure members are configured to define a traveling instantaneous axis of rotation that moves along a path defined by the interface of the flexure and the wrapping surfaces as the bases move relative to each other. The flexure members and the bases can be constructed of a monolithic material. The wrapping surfaces of the bases can be asymmetric in cross-sectional shape. The radius of curvature of the traveling instantaneous axis of rotation can be configured to change only in discrete quantum steps without reversals. The flexible joint arrangement can be configured as one or more three bar linkages in which the middle bar is rigid and the outer bars are flexure members in accordance with the various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Spinex Tec, LLC
    Inventors: Omar F. Jimenez, Nicholas Ransom Powley
  • Patent number: 8540453
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hethcock, Rodney H. Jones, Carl A. May
  • Publication number: 20130220395
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, devices, and methods for mounting a photovoltaic module to a structure, such as a roof. An embodiment of a method for mounting a photovoltaic module to a structure may include providing a photovoltaic module, a first mounting device, and a second mounting device. The first mounting device and the second mounting device may be coupled with the structure, such as a roofing membrane, so that opposing mounting channels of the respective devices face one another. The method may further include inserting a first edge of the photovoltaic module within the mounting channel of the first mounting device and inserting a second edge of the photovoltaic module within the mounting channel of the second mounting device so that the photovoltaic module is disposed between the first mounting device and the second mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Francis John Babineau, JR., Ethan Nelson McGraw, Lester Mickel Aseere
  • Publication number: 20130180227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening element, in particular to its use in a de-icing device of an aircraft gas-turbine engine, for connecting two components, with the fastening element ensuring a connection of the components with a predetermined relative movability to each other, with the fastening element including two struts arranged at an angle to each other, where two first end areas, spacedly arranged to each other, can be fastened to one of the components, and the two other second end areas can be connected to each other and fastened to the other component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG