Elastomer Interposed Between Radially Spaced Members Patents (Class 403/225)
  • Patent number: 11833879
    Abstract: A bushing assembly, such as for a vehicle suspension, includes inner and outer sleeves, a bushing disposed radially between the inner and outer sleeves, and a two-piece bar pin. The two-piece bar pin is configured such that a first inboard end of a first bar pin component is received in one end of the inner sleeve and a second inboard end of a second bar pin component is received in the other end of the inner sleeve. One or both of the first and second inboard ends of the first and second bar pin components has a closed end bore such that the first and second bar pin components cooperate to form a closed cavity within the two-piece bar pin assembly for weight saving purposes when the first and second inboard ends of the first and second bar pin components are pressed into the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Brent D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 11077797
    Abstract: A rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a base portion mountable to the motor vehicle, an arm portion for carrying a head with at least one of a reflective element, a display element, and a camera, the arm portion being pivotable relative to the base portion around a bolt, the bolt providing a pivot axis, extending through an opening of the base portion and an opening of the arm portion, and fixed within the base portion, a sequence of a first base plate part, a second base plate part, and a spring, and a bearing part which is inserted into the opening of the arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul R. Henion
  • Patent number: 10988015
    Abstract: An exemplary multi-position mount system for a powertrain component includes a mount assembly including a mount housing having a first mount edge defining a rectangular mount opening with at least two mount notch openings on each side of the rectangular mount opening, a sleeve insert having at least two insert tabs extending from each side of the insert, the insert having an insert opening with at least two insert notch openings on each side of the insert opening, a damping assembly including an alignment tab extending from each side of the damper body, and a T-bracket including a T-bracket sleeve having an edge defining an offset opening in the T-bracket sleeve. The sleeve insert interfaces with the mount housing and is rotatable within the mount opening, the damping assembly is rotatable within the insert opening, and the insert opening is spaced apart from the mount opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 10753404
    Abstract: A steering device includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft includes an axial member provided on an axial line, a first abutting member provided on an outer circumference of the axial member, and a second abutting member disposed adjacent to the first abutting member, and having a different hardness from that of the first abutting member. An abutting member support of the axial member where the first abutting member and the second abutting member are provided is formed in a shape other than a circular shape. The outer shaft includes a torque transmitting member which abuts only either the first abutting member or the second abutting member and which is capable of transmitting torque only with the abutting member that is abutting the torque transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 10556283
    Abstract: A grommet is configured to be secured onto a wiring harness even when the diameter of the wiring harness shrinks. The grommet includes a tubular body having an inner wall defining a through-hole which is dimensioned to hold the wiring harness. The grommet includes a hole configured to receive a soldering tip of a soldering iron. The hole is open at the outer surface of the first body member and closed by the inner wall, wherein the inner wall serves as a temporary barrier which prevents the soldering tip of the soldering iron from coming into direct contact with the wiring harness. Thus, the soldering tip can melt a portion of the inner wall to adhere the grommet to the wiring harness without damaging the wiring harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuo Maxted
  • Patent number: 10300947
    Abstract: A strengthening member and a vehicle including a strengthening member are provided. The strengthening member can have a cross section including twenty-eight corners and twenty-eight sides creating twenty internal angles and eight external angles, and at least one recessed area extending along a length of the strengthening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tau Tyan
  • Patent number: 10235986
    Abstract: An acoustic system for cancelling out-of-phase reflected soundwaves of an audio output system is provided. The acoustic system provides an acoustic element operatively associated with a positioning system adapted to selectively and bidirectionally position the acoustic element relative to an acoustic center arc of the audio output system so as to be disposed at or nearest a deepest reflector point of the acoustic center arc, cancelling out-of-phase reflected soundwaves from a wall adjacent to the audio output system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Rudolph Dupuy
  • Patent number: 10088042
    Abstract: The mechanism includes a first part and a second part movable relative to the first part, a spring member acting on the second part such that the second part is biased onto a contoured surface, and a damper element for absorbing impacts to the first part associated with one of the first part and the second part such that movement of the second part relative to the first part causes movement of the damper element relative to one of the first part and the second part without contacting the other of the first part and the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Fico Triad, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Moreno Colom, Santiago Gimeno Grané
  • Patent number: 9908439
    Abstract: A seat slide device includes: a pair of seat slide rails configured to support a seat, each of the seat slide rails including a lower rail and an upper rail; a transfer shaft rotationally driven by motor drive in a state where the transfer shaft is provided in a bridging manner between the seat slide rails, the transfer shaft having a hollow portion; and rail drive mechanisms, each of the rail drive mechanisms being provided between the lower rail and the upper rail and being configured to move the upper rail relative to the lower rail based on a driving force transmitted from a motor via the transfer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Kanehira, Wataru Sakaguchi, Haruo Kato
  • Patent number: 9297400
    Abstract: An elastic mating assembly includes a first component comprising a substantially rigid material and an aperture defined by an aperture wall. The assembly also includes an elastically deformable second component having a cutout portion. The elastically deformable second component also includes a second component outer wall removably engaged with the aperture wall, wherein the second component is disposed substantially within the aperture. The elastic mating assembly further includes a third component removably engaged with the cutout portion of the elastically deformable second component, wherein the elastically deformable second component is configured to elastically deform proximate the cutout portion upon contact with an outer surface of the third component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9113951
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity includes a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract. The seal anchor member defines a longitudinal axis, and has leading and trailing ends with at least one longitudinal port extending therebetween adapted for reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object. The seal anchor member may comprise a memory foam material and may include a plurality of longitudinal ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Paul D. Richard, Russell Heinrich
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8678409
    Abstract: A suspension structure includes lower front and rear links arranged to connect a wheel support member to support a wheel and a vehicle body member swingably, and an upper link located above the lower front link and arranged to connect the wheel support member and the vehicle body swingably. There is further provided a connect bush arranged to connect the lower front link and the lower rear link with each other. The connect bush is located below a connection point between the lower front link and the wheel support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Reo Koide, Keiichi Nakajima, Yoshihiro Kawabe
  • Patent number: 8678695
    Abstract: A device for fastening a rollbar or similar attachment part on a vehicle, in particular a vibration roller, includes an inner installation sleeve, which is or can be operationally linked to a bar receptacle on the vehicle, an outer installation sleeve, which at least partially encloses the inner installation sleeve and is or can be operationally linked to the rollbar, and at least one elastomeric element, which positions the inner installation sleeve relative to the outer installation sleeve in such a way that the two sleeves are spaced apart from one another while partially forming a vibration clearance. In addition, the present invention relates to a rollbar or similar attachment parts for attachment on a vehicle, in particular on a vibration roller, having at least one device according to the above-mentioned type, which is implemented, in particular integrated on the rollbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Baldus, Matthias Bender, Thomas Darscheid, Diana Duenchel, Helmut Roetsch
  • Patent number: 8657351
    Abstract: The GOLF DISC AND FLYING DISC AND MULTIPURPOSE PICK UP TOOL is a lightweight, collapsible, segmented shaft fitted with a durable suction cup. The suction cup provides a vacuum adhesion on either side, or any location, on the golf disc or flying disc or other generally flat and smooth objects. The disc or object can then be picked up (retrieved) from any surface or obstacle within reach. A flick of the finger to the suction cup edge breaks the vacuum and the tool and disc or object are separated. The tool can be deployed and used with one hand. The tool can be carried and used as extended or folded and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Allen Johnson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8562448
    Abstract: A joint structure includes a sleeve, a connecting shaft, a plurality of elastic pieces and a cross-limiting stopper. The sleeve defines a receiving shaft hole and a first cross slot communicating with the receiving shaft hole. The connecting shaft is partially assembled and received within the receiving shaft hole of the sleeve, the connecting shaft defines a second cross slot corresponding to the first cross slot. The plurality of elastic pieces is elastically received within a space formed between the sleeve and connecting shaft. The cross-limiting stopper is mounted to and partially received within the second cross slot, and partially received in the first cross slot, to enable the connecting shaft to be radially and adjustably installed within the sleeve and prevent the connecting shaft from rotating relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Xuan Song
  • Publication number: 20120311840
    Abstract: The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Donald R. Close, Scott R. Bombaugh
  • Patent number: 8100423
    Abstract: A connector piece for the articulated connection of structural elements of a chassis of a motor vehicle. The connector piece has a main body, formed from at least one metal sheet, which has at least one bearing or joint and includes a housing connected to the main body and an inner part which is fitted within an inside space of the housing and can move relative to the housing. The housing comprises a housing portion that surrounds the inside space and includes at least two sheet-metal strips that are arranged adjacent one another, in a longitudinal direction, and are bent between their ends, in opposite directions transverse to the longitudinal direction, such that the metal strips partially surround the inside space on different sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jochen Kruse, Frank Budde, Frank Nachbar, Stefan Schönhoff
  • Publication number: 20110236125
    Abstract: A joint structure includes a sleeve, a connecting shaft, a plurality of elastic pieces and a cross-limiting stopper. The sleeve defines a receiving shaft hole and a first cross slot communicating with the receiving shaft hole. The connecting shaft is partially assembled and received within the receiving shaft hole of the sleeve, the connecting shaft defines a second cross slot corresponding to the first cross slot. The plurality of elastic pieces is elastically received within a space formed between the sleeve and connecting shaft. The cross-limiting stopper is mounted to and partially received within the second cross slot, and partially received in the first cross slot, to enable the connecting shaft to be radially and adjustably installed within the sleeve and prevent the connecting shaft from rotating relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHANG-XUAN SONG
  • Patent number: 7950123
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: R. William Arling, W. Patrick Kelly, Kevin Webber, Andrew Steiner, Michael J. Slate
  • Publication number: 20110051429
    Abstract: A table lamp and rotary joint thereof is disclosed. The table lamp including a base body, a lighting member and a frictional rotary joint connecting the lighting member to the base body is disclosed. The rotary joint includes a housing defining a cavity and a rotary portion defining a rotator. The rotator deforms elastically by means of defining a center hole and a slot extending parallel to the axis of the center hole through the rotator. Compressing the rotator into the cavity, the outer surface of the rotator mates tightly to the inner surface of the cavity. Then the rotator rotates frictionally in the cavity and the lighting member can maintain at a desired angle with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GANG CHENG, MENG-HUA HE, JIA-NING HUANG, YU-TAO CHEN, CHUN-CHE YEN, TE-SHENG JAN
  • Publication number: 20100322704
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a joint and anchor pin assembly, comprising an inner shell, an outer shell, an anchor pin and an elastomer sandwiched between the inner shell and the outer shell, in which assembly, an anchor pin rigid fixed baffle plate is additionally provided at each of both ends of the anchor pin, the inner diameter sidewall of the outer shell is protrudingly provided with a rigid annular stopping plate which extends towards the outer diameter sidewall of the inner shell and is radially movable, between the anchor pin rigid fixed baffle plate and the elastomer there is movably provided a rigid movable baffle plate that is radially movable, the rigid movable baffle plate is in the axial direction in a overlapping state with the anchor pin rigid fixed baffle plate and the elastomer, and in the radial direction in a overlapping state with the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Qing Xin Chen
  • Patent number: 7798722
    Abstract: Round bearings comprise (i) an outer bush, (ii) a bearing element based on polyisocyanate polyadducts and (iii) a hollow inner bush. A surface of the outer bush and/or the hollow inner bush that is adjacent to (ii) the bearing element containing thermoplastic polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Wulf, Ralf Berelsmann
  • Patent number: 7748923
    Abstract: An element is to be mounted on a shaft of a non-positive displacement machine and forms a gap for limited passage of a flowing medium. A bush-like part for mounting on a shaft of the machine has an outer periphery provided with a recess for accommodating a ring. During operation of the machine, the ring, which is partially surrounded on its faces by circular ring-shaped walls of the recess, forms an axial gap with the circular, ring-shaped walls of the recess and a radial gap with the bottom of the recess. The ring is held by frictional contact with a rigid wall which surrounds it. To reduce wear on rings made of soft, flowable material, a second recess is formed in the rigid wall and surrounds the faces of the ring that project from the walls of the bush-like part. One of the lateral bounds of the second recess is formed by a tubular part detachably joined to the rigid wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Bross, Ruediger Koepp
  • Patent number: 7717407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve, in particular an outer sleeve assembly for an elastomer bearing (3), with a first, outer sleeve part (1) forming a slit (S1) being arranged coaxially with a second, inner sleeve part (2), which likewise comprises a slit (S2). The outer sleeve part (1) is, on its inner peripheral surface (I1), and the inner sleeve part (2) is, on its outer peripheral surface (O2), provided with a bonding-agent layer (HS1, HS2). The slits (S1, S2) of the sleeve parts (1, 2) are staggered in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Huhoco Metalloberflachenveredelung GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Welsch
  • Patent number: 7707674
    Abstract: A hand-held motorized household cleaning apparatus that includes a housing, a battery located in the housing, a motor located in the housing and connected to the battery, an output drive shaft connected to the motor, a cleaning attachment coupled for movement with the output drive shaft and a liquid delivery system with a pressurized reservoir. A flexible adapter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Schonewille, Richard P. Rosa, Sean D. Wilkinson, Corey D. MacTavish, Jacob R. Prosper, James D. Marshall, Alex P. Sergyeyenko, Vincent P. Cooper, David M. Shaver, Patrick Marcil
  • Publication number: 20100067979
    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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Philippe Fayollas, Francois Macias
  • Patent number: 7632293
    Abstract: A damping element for the dynamic stabilization of two bones, particularly of two adjacent bodies of the vertebra, includes a flexible spring element having a hollow space. The hollow space is open on a first end and closed on a second end by a wall extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the damping element. A clamping sleeve is inserted at least partially into the hollow space. The sleeve has a front end directed towards the wall of the flexible spring element. The distance between the front end and the wall affects the damping characteristics of the damping element. A coaxial connecting element is attached to each end of the flexible spring element. Each connecting element is configured to be connected within an osteosynthetic stabilizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Stephan Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20090060643
    Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Evgeny I. Rivin
  • Publication number: 20090060640
    Abstract: A lightweight heavy duty bushing assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system and being low cost and having a high assembly tolerance is disclosed. A metal bar pin is press fit into a bushing formed from a metal sleeve bonded to an elastomeric housing. The metal sleeve is deformable such that exact tolerances of the metal sleeve and the bar pin are not required. The metal bar pin has extended ends with a hole in each end for attachment of the metal bar pin to vehicle suspension components, mounting brackets, or to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Gregory Vogler, Michael Brannigan, Ashley Thomas Dudding, Christopher Wayne Forrest
  • Patent number: 7470081
    Abstract: A first annular frame is formed on the bottom surface of an engine cover. A mount rubber of columnar shape is inserted into the first annular frame. Projections of the mount rubber are fitted into holes of the first annular frame. A through hole is formed in the mount rubber. An engagement projection is formed on the inner surface of the through hole. An adapter has a small-diameter part formed in the vicinity of the top end and a predetermined distance away from the top end toward the root thereof. The adapter has a flange formed below the smaller-diameter part. The top end part of the adapter is inserted into the through hole of the mount rubber to fit the engagement projection into the small-diameter part and bring the flange into abutment on the bottom surface of the mount rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Daikyonishikawa Corporation, Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Miyahara, Tatsuzo Hashimoto, Ryou Aoki, Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 7465120
    Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Evgeny I. Rivin
  • Patent number: 7367744
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar system for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar having a circular cross section and a rigid sleeve applied to a section of the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar. The sleeve has a number of circumferentially extending grooves and lands which mate with corresponding grooves and lands formed in an inner cylindrical surface of an elastomeric bushing which is overlaid upon the sleeve. The elastomeric bushing and sleeve may be mated such that relative rotation is allowed at the interface of the bushing and sleeve. Alternatively, the bushing and sleeve may be locked so that no relative rotation may occur at the interface of the bushing and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Juergen Funke
  • Publication number: 20080031685
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Charles Jason Dupriest, Juan Carlos Nava, Craig Steven McDaniel, Gregory Alaimo, Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 7306211
    Abstract: A coupling for resilient interconnection of two objects, especially a wheel axle housing and a chassis of a vehicle. The coupling comprises an elongated supporting piece (50), which extends in a longitudinal direction and two end attachment portions (52, 54) and a central portion (56). The coupling also comprises an elastic element (60), which is arranged around the central portion (56) and has an approximately cylindrical outer surface (64) and two end surfaces (68, 70). The coupling further comprises a first and a second abutment member (82, 84), where the first abutment member (82) has a bottom (90) and a tubular portion (86), which is fixed to the bottom (90) and has an open portion and a cylindrical inner surface (98). The bottom has a trough-going hole (106) through which one end attachment portion (52) can extend. The second abutment member (84) has a hole (108) through which the second end attachment portion (54) can extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ASA
    Inventor: Sven Bjørkgård
  • Patent number: 7258615
    Abstract: An elastic shaft joint is constituted of a joint member, a shaft member being fitted in a shaft of the joint member, and an elastic bush having a cylindrical inner sleeve fitted and fixed on the joint member, a cylindrical elastic member fixed on an outside surface of the inner sleeve, and a cylindrical outer sleeve fixed on an outside surface of the elastic member, for elastic torque transmission between the joint member and the shaft member, wherein the outer sleeve is fixed on the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sadakata, Hiromichi Komori
  • Patent number: 7032473
    Abstract: A two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve whereinside is a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an axial bore and an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section composed of convex and concave surfaces; a transmission shift shaft attachment housing located in the bore; an upper washer connected to the housing and abutting an upper end of the damping body; and a lower washer connected to the housing and abutting a lower end of the damping body. The upper and lower washers are sized to provide a predetermined perimeter separation with respect to the sleeve. The hour-glass cross-section of the damping body provides bi-directional natural frequency of vibration and stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Ply, Steven M. Kline
  • Patent number: 7032474
    Abstract: A mechanical attachment for a two-stage, bi-directional shift lever vibration isolator. A shift lever has a sleeve which receives thereinside a lever vibration isolator which includes a damping body having an outer surface characterized by an hour-glass cross-section; an attachment housing within the damping body; and upper and lower washers connected to the housing. An attachment bore passes laterally through the housing and is lined by a layer of the damping body. The attachment bore is disposed in the center of recessed surfaces of the hour-glass cross-section. An attachment pin passes through the attachment bore and the sleeve. The shift lever vibration isolator is freely slidable on the attachment pin, facilitated by a clearance between the attachment pin and the bore lining layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Brian R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6925906
    Abstract: The vehicular shift lever has rubber bushes tightly fastened to the external surface of a lever axle and a cover pressed over the external side of the rubber bush. The shift lever includes: first and second rubber bushes fastened to the top and bottom of the lever axle with a preset interval therebetween; a plurality of protruders formed radially at the external circumferential surface of one or more rubber bushes; and a third rubber bush installed at the external side of the protruder with the internal and external sides thereof being attached to the external surface of the protruder and the internal surface of the cover, respectively. This reduces the amount of material required for the rubber bushes, and effectively absorbes vibration and decreases noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byeong-Cheol Kwag
  • Patent number: 6840862
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler for in-line coupling of a motor drive shaft of an agricultural system with the square drive shaft of a gearbox, wherein the coupler has an adjustable clamping hub for securing around differing sizes of square drive shafts while maintaining coaxial alignment between the coupler, the square drive shaft and the motor drive shaft. The coupler is adjustable to fit different size square drive shafts, yet maintains symmetry about the center axis of the coupler, thereby reducing off-balance forces that could result in wear points and early fatigue. Contact surfaces between the coupler components are minimized to reduce the likelihood that contaminants can become entrapped between the components. The coupler is comprised of a round hub and a square hub, each attached to the opposite sides of a shock absorbing puck. The square hub is symmetrical about the axis of the puck and is formed of two axially sliding, opposing L-shaped brackets configured to clamp around the square end of a drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Daniel
  • Patent number: 6783297
    Abstract: A projecting portion 52 which becomes convex in radial direction is formed in a rubber elastic body 5 for connecting together an inner cylindrical body 3 mounted to a shaft portion 21a of a lower shift lever member 21 by external interfit and an outer cylindrical body 4 mounted to a cylindrical portion 22a of an upper shift lever member 22 by internal interfit. Formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 4 is a recessed portion 42 which becomes concave with clearances C1 and C2 of respective given amounts left between the recessed portion 42 and the projecting portion 52. This makes it possible to manufacture a shift lever bush 1 having a two-stage spring characteristic at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignees: Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd., Mannoh Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Hashimoto, Yoshihito Hiraiwa, Kenji Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6435757
    Abstract: Mechanical coupling for elastic axial and radial constraint with torsional freedom, especially for elastic pivots and suspensions and the like, comprising, according to the invention, a composite tubular member made of metal and elastomer (11) that exhibits high axial and radial rigidity and the ability to absorb vibrations induced by the mechanical system in which it is fitted and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in that system, and a tubular insert (15), made of nonwear plastic material with a low coefficient of friction which is coaxial and integral, in the form of a fixed inner sleeve, with said composite tubular member (11) and engages with a rotating metallic component (16) fitted coaxially with respect to said tubular insert to provide the torsional freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: F.I.B.E.T. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Casella
  • Patent number: 6430774
    Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. McLaughlin, Frank J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6379071
    Abstract: Self aligning, blind mating connector bodies are provided for connecting to mating connector bodies. One embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two slots disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the slots in the annular housing. A compliant O-ring is disposed between and is resiliently coupled to the inner body and the annular housing. The inner body is free to rotate relative to the annular housing about an axis defined by the dowel pins to provide single axis gimbal motion. Another embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two holes disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the holes in the annular housing. An external housing ring is connected to the annular housing using a second pair of dowel pins located 180 degrees apart that are disposed at 90 degrees with respect to the first set of dowel pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Alfred Sorvino
  • Patent number: 6296416
    Abstract: A device for eliminating vibrations in motor vehicles, more particularly vibrations occurring in the steering wheel rim, includes a fastening plate and a vibratory body which is elastically connected to the fastening plate. An element is provided for limiting the amplitudes of vibration of the vibratory body, this element being coated with a vibration-damping material and being able to abut at a counter clement. The counter element is provided with a rough surface in a region of contact with the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Derk Oreans, Reinhold Kehle, Günter Nawratil
  • Patent number: 6213677
    Abstract: A joint mechanism for a mowing machine which can be easily assembled and disassembled, including a support member of a casing which houses a cylindrical damper, which prevents vibration of a power unit from being transmitted to a rod, a holder in which the rod is inserted, and a clamp, which clamp prevents the damper and the holder from unintentionally separating from the support member, being inserted therein. The clamp has a flexible arm which extends in the direction of an output shaft of a power unit, and an engagement hook is formed on the tip of the arm. An engagement hole which the engagement hook of the clamp engages is provided on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiro Yamane, Tsuneyoshi Yuasa, Kazuhiko Takemoto, Tadao Yashirodai
  • Patent number: 6186694
    Abstract: A device for permanently coupling two shafts rotatable about a common axis comprises a tubular intermediate member disposed between the outer shaft and the inner shaft, an elastic connecting member disposed between the inner shaft and the tubular intermediate member, the elastic member being attached directly to the inner shaft and to the tubular intermediate member; and rotational connecting means between the outer shaft and the tubular intermediate member. When the coupling is mounted on an automobile vehicle steering column, the inner shaft is a tube of the steering shaft and the outer shaft is the connection end of the yoke of a universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lemförder Nacam SA
    Inventors: Antoine Couallier, André Laisement, Benoît De Rincquesen
  • Patent number: 6149526
    Abstract: A variable length steering shaft for steering mechanism of motor vehicles and including an external profile tubular member having a non-circular cross-section, an internal profile member arranged coaxially with the external profile member and having its end portion received in the external profile tubular member, the internal profile member being axially displaceable within the external tubular member, and a slide sleeve formed of a macromolecular material and arranged in the gap formed by the external and internal profile members for formlockingly connecting the external and internal profile members for transmitting a torque therebetween, with an outer circumferential contour of the internal profile member and the inner circumferential contour of the external profile tubular member being at least partially formed each of a plurality of following each other convex and concave sections with radii of the convex and concave sections being respectively located inside and outside of a respective profile member, an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Etablissement Supervis
    Inventors: Josef Sape Boersma, Herbert Muntener
  • Patent number: 6125559
    Abstract: A plow blade is described which has first and second sections, e.g., a moldboard and a trip board, which are rotatable with respect to each other and maintained in a desired angular relationship with respect to each other via an elastic torsion joint. The elastic torsion joint includes an elongated inner member at least partially surrounded by an elongated outer sleeve. Resilient elastic cushioning wedges (e.g., elastomeric wedges) are situated between the inner member and outer sleeve in such a manner that rotation of the inner member with respect to the outer sleeve compresses the cushioning wedges and elastically resists rotation. The inner member and outer sleeve are respectively affixed to the moldboard and trip board (or vice versa) so that when the trip board strikes an obstruction and is biased with respect to the moldboard, the elastic torsion spring resiliently yields, and then causes the trip board to snap back to its original position with respect to the moldboard once the obstruction is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: The Gledhill Road Machinery Co.
    Inventor: William Newton Mullenhour