With Adjunctive Shield Patents (Class 403/23)
  • Patent number: 11698085
    Abstract: A cover for a rod end of an actuator comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignees: GOODRICH AEROSPACE SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jithin Athimannil, Chandru Revanna, Jeremy Kracke, Richard McKay
  • Patent number: 11273527
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for terminating a multi-stranded, non-parallel cable. An anchor is provided on the end of each strand. A collector is provided to link the anchors and connected strands into a single unit. An alignment fixture is provided to transition the strands from the non-parallel lay within the cable to a parallel path adjacent to the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Bright Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard V. Campbell, David W. Hilbig, Kristopher L. Wortham, David E. Sediles
  • Patent number: 10844882
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover for a rod end of an actuator. The cover comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end. Also disclosed is a rod end assembly comprising a rod end and a cover mounted thereto and a method of assembling and retro-fitting a rod end and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: GOODRICH AEROSPACE SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jithin Athimannil, Chandru Revanna, Jeremy Kracke, Richard McKay
  • Patent number: 10215100
    Abstract: A mounting link between a gas turbine engine and a gearbox comprises a gearbox arm, a fusibly breakable bolt, and two engine attachment brackets. The gearbox arm attaches to the gearbox, and extends along an axis defining a first dimension between the gas turbine engine structure and the gearbox. The fusibly breakable bolt extends through the gearbox arm, and has a central shear section that mates with the gearbox arm. The engine attachment brackets have primary and secondary retention annuli, and attachment flanges that attach to the gas turbine engine structure. The primary retention annuli are each concentric to an outer section of the fusibly breakable bolt, and have a radius selected to tightly retain those outer sections in the first dimension. The secondary retention annuli are each concentric to a portion of the shear section, and have a larger radius to loosely retain the shear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Yiwei Jiang, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 9574617
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint boot assembly has a boot can connected to an outer race of the joint. The boot can receives a portion of a boot. The thickness of the boot may be changed in different areas to result in different boot performances. A sleeve is connected to the inner race. A portion of the sleeve may have a complementary shape to a portion of the boot, also to result in different boot performance. A clamp may be located over a portion of the boot to secure it to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Seung Tark Oh
  • Patent number: 9344030
    Abstract: A solar cell module is configured from a solar cell panel, and a frame structural body. The frame structural body is provided with: a plurality of frame members which are provided to peripheral edges of the solar cell panel, and which have a cross-sectional shape having a hollow portion; corner members which are provided in the hollow portions; holding sections which are provided in the hollow portions, and which hold the corner members; and a plurality of formed rivet sections which apply pressure to the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masao Kouyanagi
  • Patent number: 9169966
    Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a polymer bracket that has a first side, a second side, and an opening that extends between the first and second sides. A compression limiting clip includes a plate portion coupled with the second side. A member borders at least a portion of the opening and extends orthogonally from the plate portion through the opening for receiving compression from a fastener engaging the polymer bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Allen Schaffer, Dean Joseph DeAngelis
  • Publication number: 20140037365
    Abstract: A guard (50) is provided for a joint between first (12) and second (14) pivotally interconnected members. The members (12, 14) are pivotable from a first position to a second position about a pivot axis (82) on one side of the members (12, 14), thereby creating a gap between the two members. The gap has a widest part opposite the pivot axis and sides of the gap extend between the widest part and the pivot axis. The guard (50) includes a plurality of shroud portions (52, 54, 56, 58). Each shroud portion (52, 54, 56, 58) is formed as a partial enclosure including side wall portions (66, 72) on opposite sides of the gap. The partial enclosure extends continuously from one side of the gap to the other side of the gap including across the widest part of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FUNTASTIC LIMITED
    Inventor: Sean Edwin Moran
  • Publication number: 20140016991
    Abstract: The invention discloses a joint for the transmission of torques and axial forces in conjunction with an eccentric rotary motion. In a preferred embodiment, the joint according to the invention is used in an eccentric screw pump for connecting the drive to the pump rotor. The joint connects a coupling rod and a tool and/or a drive to one another. When the joint is used in an eccentric screw pump, the tool is the rotor of the pump. Furthermore, the joint is provided with at least one casing. The axial forces acting on the joint can be transmitted by a first joint part and the torques by a second joint part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Hisham Kamal, Stefan Weigl, Christian Bindig
  • Patent number: 8439590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device (1) for a knuckle joint (21) e.g. for the steering and/or suspension of a vehicle, which comprises an annular flange (2) for securing a thermal screen (3) to the knuckle joint, said screen extending lengthwise substantially perpendicular to the flange (2) and widthwise substantially along the annular periphery of the flange. The screen and the flange are formed as a single part in a metal sheet that is folded in a linking area between the screen and the flange, the screen further including a surface portion in the form of a side tab (6) extending along the annular periphery of the flange, said side tab being separated from the flange by a notch (12) in the metal sheet, in the form of a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Florent Garcia
  • Patent number: 8434964
    Abstract: A coupling includes a first portion configured for connection to a first shaft and having a first portion flange and a second portion configured for connection to a second shaft and having a second portion flange. The coupling also includes an isolating member disposed between the first portion flange and the second portion flange and that is formed of ceramic and electrically isolates the first portion from the second portion. The coupling also includes one or more connecting members passing through the first portion flange, the second portion flange, and the isolating member and holding the first portion flange and the second portion flange in a fixed relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Graham, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Thomas Joseph Farineau, William Patrick Rusch
  • Publication number: 20130034377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding device with a shielding element and at least one fastening eyelet for fastening the shielding device to a counterpart fastening piece and for receiving a fastening element. The fastening eyelet is movably supported in a fastening opening of the shielding device. The fastening eyelet is supported by a resiliently embodied coupling device so that the fastening eyelet is resiliently supported relative to the shielding element in an axial direction and is movable in the fastening opening relative to the shielding element in at least one radial direction when acted on with friction force. To produce friction force, radially outer regions of the coupling device cooperate in a resiliently prestressed fashion with sliding zones of opposing outsides of the shielding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: ELRINGKLINGER AG
    Inventors: Thomas Friedow, Bob Bell
  • Publication number: 20130004232
    Abstract: A concrete exclusion structure is formed by a housing having a shell, end walls, and one or more score lines of reduced wall thickness. The housing defines an interior void that is dimensioned to enclose a coupler assembly. Knockouts in the end walls or knockout cones allow passage of tubes associated with the coupler assembly. The exclusion structure prevents uncured concrete from contacting the coupler assembly. The structure can fracture after the concrete has cured thereby allowing portions of the coupler assembly to move relative to each other. Such fracture is typically about one of the score lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8342563
    Abstract: A joint protecting device for a baby stroller, the baby stroller has a pair of guarding housings on the outer surface of two joints on the two lateral sides of the baby stroller. When the baby stroller is collapsed or stretched, each of two upper struts is rotated relatively to a corresponding lower strut on each of the joints and makes one of the two guarding housings rotate about an axle of the joint, thereby the guarding housing obstructs a gap with an angle formed between the joint and the upper strut, and harming by clamping to the baby's fingers can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Kao-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20120321371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener mechanism, optionally comprising a shield. The fastener mechanism is intended for use in preferably cylindrical cavities, such as sewers. It comprises adjustable engagement means for engagement with the inner sides of the cavity; and an activation unit for adjusting the engagement means to the effect that they can be adjusted between a first position in which they are in engagement with the inner sides of the cavity, and a second position in which the engagement means allow introduction of the fastener mechanism into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Preben Fritzboeger
  • Publication number: 20120224912
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a loosening protection means (10) for arrangement on a union nut (12) of a plug connector, having a sleeve (14) and a collar (16) which is formed on the sleeve (14) and, when in an in-use state, at least partially covers a loosening surface (18) of the union nut (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Udo Hoppe, Jens Gerullis
  • Patent number: 8231299
    Abstract: A cover device is used to cover bolts and welded plate edges on a lumber stacking rack to prevent damage to the lumber when it is placed in the stacking rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: David Klauer
  • Publication number: 20120183345
    Abstract: A joint protecting device for a baby stroller, the baby stroller has a pair of guarding housings on the outer surface of two joints on the two lateral sides of the baby stroller. When the baby stroller is collapsed or stretched, each of two upper struts is rotated relatively to a corresponding lower strut on each of the joints and makes one of the two guarding housings rotate about an axle of the joint, thereby the guarding housing obstructs a gap with an angle formed between the joint and the upper strut, and harming by clamping to the baby's fingers can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kao-Hsien LIN
  • Publication number: 20110258787
    Abstract: A joint equipment of a boarding bridge is provided, which is suitable for joining with a downwardly turned boarding gate of the aircraft and comprises a floor frame having a concave notch at its front end; a first floor arranged at the opening of the concave notch; a sliding plate arranged under the first floor and slidable with respect to the first floor through a slide device arranged under the sliding plate; a joining plate rotatablely connected in the front end of the sliding plate; a pair of front cover plates rotatablely connected to the joining plate respectively; a pair of rear cover plates rotatablely connected to the first floor, wherein the front cover plates are partly lapped over the rear cover plates respectively; an activating device for operating sliding movement of the sliding plate; and a pair of turning mechanisms for turning the pairs of the front and the rear cover plates respectively with respect to the joining plate and the first floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicants: Shenzhen CIMC-TIANDA Airport Support Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei SHI, Yuefeng YANG, Zhaohong ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20110194886
    Abstract: A corner joint of a frame for fixing a solar panel disposed between two adjacent frame pieces of the frame includes an L shaped member and a sheath. Two ends of the L shaped member separately extend to one corresponding frame piece of the two adjacent frame pieces to form an extending arm plugged into a latching slot defined in an end of the corresponding frame piece. The L shaped member further includes a bending portion defining a mortise extending to the extending arm. The sheath includes two adjacent joint surfaces for abutting the two adjacent frame pieces. The sheath defines an upper receiving space and a lower receiving space therein. The upper receiving space and the lower receiving space are separately exposed from the joint surfaces. The upper receiving space and the lower receiving space are configured for receiving a corner of the solar panel and the bending portion, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: I-TSUNG WU, Ming-Chang Chiang, Yaw-Der Wang, Chuang-Chun Chueh
  • Publication number: 20110188921
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting piping assembly with limiter, including a first connecting piping and a second connecting piping. The first connecting piping contains a first coupling end, a first assembly portion and a first flow channel. The second connecting piping contains a second coupling end, a second assembly portion and a second flow channel. The first and second assembly portions can be mated and positioned so that the first and second flow channels are interconnected. A locating part is provided with a polygonal through-hole, which can be slidably sleeved on the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions, such that the polygonal through-hole is mated with the perimeter of the first and second assembly portions. The locating part is positioned via a locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CANSHOW INDUSTRIAL, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cing-Jhong Huang, Cing-De Huang, Cing-Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20100272508
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for compressibly securing 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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Kevin Vichinsky
  • Publication number: 20100124454
    Abstract: A sealant-filled enclosure for environmentally sealing a connection includes a first cover member and a second cover member. The first cover member defines a first cavity having a first bottom. The second cover member is pivotally connected to the first cover member for movement between an open position and a closed position. The second cover member defines a second cavity having a second bottom. A first sealant is positioned in the first cavity and extends up to a first level relative to the first bottom without a connection disposed in the first cavity. A second sealant is positioned in the second cavity and extends up to a second level relative to the second bottom without a connection disposed in the second cavity. The first and second levels together exceed a height from the first bottom to the second bottom in the closed position. The first and second sealants may be gels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Harry George Yaworski, Jimmy E. Marks, Mahmoud K. Seraj
  • Publication number: 20100092234
    Abstract: An accessory securing mechanism in electronic device includes a housing member defining an assembling recess, an engaging member detachably assembled in the assembling recess, a string detachably affixed to the engaging member, and a cover member; the engaging member is detachably assembled in the assembling recess, the string is detachably affixed to the engaging member and an end of the string extends out the assembling recess, the cover member covers the housing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: YU ZHANG, SHUI-JIN DONG
  • Publication number: 20100016088
    Abstract: An embodiment of a connection system for a grease cover of a constant velocity joint includes a groove portion formed in a generally annular portion of the constant velocity joint. The generally annular portion is defined, at least in part, by an inner surface. The system also includes a grease cover selectively positioned at least partially within the groove portion. The grease cover includes an outer edge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Madden, Brian Michael Valovick, Jake Lawson
  • Patent number: 7621688
    Abstract: A safety guard 10 has a guard body 12 shaped such that it will fit over the yoke 18 of a power take off shaft. The yoke 18 includes a groove 24 formed in an outer surface near the end 22. Safety guard bearing 26 is mounted to groove 24. Safety guard bearing 26 also has a groove 28 formed in an outer surface. Two levers 30 are pivotally mounted to the safety guard body 12 by pivot pins that extend through apertures 36 in the levers 30. One end of levers 30 has a camming member that includes a lobe 38. Due to the relative position of the pivot aperture 36 and the lobe 38, the lobe 38 acts as an over center cam. When lever 30 is in the locked position, lobe 38 extends into groove 28. Lever 30 also includes a locking tongue 46. When the lever 30 is moved to the locking position, locking tongue 46 also extends into groove 28 on safety guard bearing 26. Thus, locking tongue 46 provides a secondary locking mechanism to assist in maintaining the safety guard 10 on the safety guard bearing 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Allan Bare
  • Publication number: 20090274510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for tightly covering a supporting element (2) in the area of a recess (1). Said system comprises a closing element (3) which can be inserted in the recess (1) and a cover layer (8) covering at least one area of the supporting element (2) surrounding the closing element (3). The closing element (3) is produced from a polyphenylene ether-based plastic material and the cover layer (8) is produced from a polyvinyl chloride-based plastic material. The resulting chemical adhesion of the cover layer (8) to the closing element (3) allows an excellent sealing of the recess (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Edith Basserie, Didier Fraysse
  • Publication number: 20090214286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a boot for a constant velocity universal joint that is compact in shape and can prevent a bellows section from becoming caught at an inner ring opening section. The present invention is the boot for a constant velocity universal joint including a large diameter section 11 that is attached to an opening end section of an outer joint component 4 of a constant velocity universal joint 2, a small diameter section 12 that is attached to a shaft connected to an inner joint component 6 of the constant velocity universal joint 2, and a bellows section 13 that is provided between the large diameter section 11 and the small diameter section 12 and has peaks 16 and valleys 15 alternately disposed along an axial direction. A peak 16 is provided adjacent to the large diameter section 11 and the small diameter section 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ueno, Mikio Tomiyama, Shintaro Harada, Tomonari Oosumi, Atsuto Takemura
  • Publication number: 20090139167
    Abstract: A connector having at least one channel configured to receive the edge of a soft centred panel to be connected wherein the interior walls of the channel are smooth and the end portion of the soft centred panel abuts substantially all the internal area of the channel and at least one attachment portion configured to receive at lease one finishing accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Glen Murray Donaldson, Leonie Rose Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20090129853
    Abstract: A method of covering the inside surface of a steel connection part having an empty inside volume (1-2) defined by said inside surface, with a liner constituted by a layer of substantially uniform thickness of a thermoplastic material. The connection part including at least two open tubular ends suitable for being connected respectively to at least two steel pipe elements, each including the same internal liner. A rotary molding method is implemented in which the connection part acts as a mold. The present invention also provides a connection part obtained by the rotary lining method of the invention, and to methods of assembling a connection part of the invention, as obtained by rotary lining, with a likewise lined pipe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Saipem S.A.
    Inventor: Francois-Regis Pionetti
  • Patent number: 7530757
    Abstract: A rotor coupling having insulated structure which can assuredly prevent galvanic corrosion of beating members, rotors and the like which is caused by shaft voltage, is provided in a shaft system that requires insulation. A generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine. The rotor coupling having insulated structure is employed in power generating equipment in which a generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine, a generator rotor and a rotating machinery rotor are connected, a first grounding electrode is provided to the steam turbine rotor, and a second grounding electrode is provided to the generator rotor, wherein both the rotors between the generator and the steam turbine are connected in an electrically insulated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Toda, Haruo Ishisaka, Yoshiyuki Morii
  • Publication number: 20090087257
    Abstract: A seal device for preventing entry of debris into a rotary cutter drive housing when a shock protection device having frangible drive features is removed after having fractured the drive features following a driveline overload condition. The housing includes an upwardly facing opening through which a drive shaft for the cutter extends. The drive shaft rotationally engages the shock protection device for driving the rotary cutter. The seal device is disposed in the upwardly facing opening beneath the protection device and includes drive means for rotation in unison with the drive shaft. The seal device further includes a seal interface for sealing interface with a contact seal disposed on the inner circumference of the opening thereby preventing the entry of debris into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: MELANIE W. HARKCOM, David M. DeChristopher
  • Publication number: 20080304906
    Abstract: A system for clamping a first member to a second member is disclosed in which an insert is coupled to the first member. The insert is made of a different material than the first member and has a cylindrical through hole with its centerline roughly parallel to the insert's axis. The exterior surface of the insert is roughly cylindrical along the length of the insert except near one or both ends of the insert where the outside diameter increases monotonically in the direction of one or each end of the insert. A bolt passes through the insert coupling with threads disposed in the second member. By making the insert of a material not susceptible to creep, the attachment point is not impaired if the first member suffers from creep. The bolt comes in contact with the insert and not the first member, thereby mitigating corrosion by galvanic action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Henry Maj
  • Publication number: 20080296850
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of a gasket system. At least one embodiment of the gasket system includes a circuit enclosure and a 1-piece gasket, the 1-piece gasket including a plurality of tabs for the 1-piece gasket, the plurality of tabs configured for securing the 1-piece gasket with an aperture, the 1-piece gasket formed from a single piece of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: George D. Megason
  • Patent number: 7193527
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for a downhole tool string comprises a first and second coaxial housing cooperatively arranged. The first housing comprises a first transmission element in communication with surface equipment. The second housing comprises a second transmission element in communication with the first transmission element. The second housing further comprises a third transmission element adapted for communication with a network integrated into the downhole tool string. The second housing may be rotational and adapted to transmit a signal between the downhole network and the first housing. Electronic circuitry is in communication with at least one of the transmission elements. The electronic circuitry may be externally mounted to the first or second housing. Further, the electronic circuitry may be internally mounted in the second housing. The electronic circuitry may be disposed in a recess in either first or second housing of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David S. Pixton, Michael Briscoe, Kline Bradford, Michael Rawle, David B. Bartholomew, James McPherson
  • Patent number: 7037065
    Abstract: An arrangement for cooling or heating of a flange bolt for turbines comprises one or more boreholes, that extend through the bolt, and inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to each end of the borehole. A cooling or heating medium such as air, steam or any other fluid flows through an inlet pipe into and through the borehole thereby cooling or heating the bolt, and exits from the borehole via an outlet pipe. The cooling or heating arrangement enables direct cooling or heating of the bolt itself and ensures stable bolting forces throughout the operation of the turbine. The flange bolts with this arrangement may be applied to gas turbines or steam turbines operated at elevated steam temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology LTD
    Inventor: Martin Reigl
  • Patent number: 7007344
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety unit of a hinge for a folding ladder to prevent a user's finger from being caught in the hinge when the hinge rotates. The hinge includes a first joint unit, a second joint unit, and a locking unit, and the safety unit is provided between a first stop shoulder of the first joint unit and a second stop shoulder of the second joint unit. The safety unit includes a mount part and an insert part. The mount part is provided in the first joint unit to be positioned under the first stop shoulder, and an inside portion of the mount part is rounded to surround a part of the first joint unit. The insert part extends from an upper end of the mount part, and is rounded to have the same curvature as the inside portion of the mount part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Chan Bok Lee
  • Patent number: 6832953
    Abstract: For establishing proper clearance between adjacent parts of a combine harvesting machine spacers are provided which create a clearance between housing parts of the combine. The clearance produces a gap which is to be controlled in terms of its extent. To control the extent of the gap, a flap member of flexible material is used. The flap member provides for control of airflow through the machine after proper clearances are established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Gordon Ennen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6687949
    Abstract: A wiper arm including a securing member and a hinge member coupled thereto via a hinged joint, and a cover cap affixed to the securing member and having a cover wall and side walls laterally contiguous thereto which cover the securing member. Adjacent to the cover cap toward the hinge member is a movable hinge cap which is coupled to the hinge member and covers the hinged joint, while it is guided on the securing member and the cover cap, respectively, in a manner that it is able to swivel and is movable in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6579187
    Abstract: A barrier for use in a constant velocity joint wherein the constant velocity joint has a lubricant within an outer race and a boot secured to a boot cover. The barrier includes a shield wherein that shield is in contact with the outer race and the boot cover. The shield generally has a body with a cup shaped cross section and a circumferential flange extending therefrom. The shield provides a barrier between the boot and the heat and grease lubricant of the constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ramey
  • Publication number: 20030068192
    Abstract: A method enables a link connector to be coupled to a clevis. The clevis includes a pair of arms and an opening that extends therethrough. The link connector includes a first end that includes an elastomer portion that defines an opening. The method includes positioning a support washer including an opening extending therethrough adjacent the link connector elastomer portion, and inserting a fastener through the clevis opening, the support washer opening, and the link connector elastomer opening to couple the link connector and the support washer to the clevis such that the link connector is coupled between the clevis arms by the fastener, and such that the support washer thermally insulates at least a portion of the link connector elastomer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Christopher Schilling
  • Patent number: 6368224
    Abstract: A constant velocity type of universal joint includes a sealing structure that avoids the use of a flexible boot. The constant velocity joint includes a hollow outer joint member, an inner joint member disposed within the outer joint member, and a plurality of ball bearings extending into associated grooves formed in the inner and outer joint members to provide a rotational driving connection therebetween. A sealing assembly is provided for protectively enclosing the components of the joint. The sealing assembly includes an outer sealing member that is sealingly connected to the outer joint member. An outer surface of an inner sealing member is slidably and sealingly engaged with an inner surface of the outer sealing member. An annular flange provided on the inner sealing member slidably and sealingly engages an outer surface of an annular element. An inner surface of the annular element slidably and sealingly engages a shaft connected to the inner joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Knodle, James A. Duggan
  • Patent number: 6257793
    Abstract: An improved joint socket structure used in artificial Christmas trees has enhanced safety, avoiding electrical wires from being squeezed and damaged by rotary branches. The main improvement is an arcuate shield disposed on each pivotal joint socket that connects the branches to the main trunk. The shield covers the space above the joint socket so that electrical wires wound around the Christmas trees will not get into the movement space of rotary branches. By way of this, the joint socket structure according to the invention can prevent electrical current leakage and electrical shocks caused by broken electrical wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Fong Shi Lin
  • Patent number: 6203440
    Abstract: The second boot that protects parts adjacent to a fixed box from which there projects a rotating hub that is to be connected to a driveline (with the possible presence of a friction clutch or of a torque limiting means) comprises—attached to the fixed box (1)—a disc (11) with a peripheral edge (11A) for engagement and fastening; and a sleeve (17) that can be engaged inside the edge (11A-11B) of said disc (11), with fastening clips (22) capable of being clipped to and unclipped from said edge (11A-11B). Said sleeve (17) may include protective layers around the parts which it encloses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Edi Bondioli
  • Patent number: 6158754
    Abstract: A wheel carrier for motor vehicles with a slotted area. The wheel carrier has two limitedly elastic clamping jaws on a wheel side, which are traversed by a clamping bolt, whose tightening torque determines the strength of a clamping joint. This clamping joint fixes an end piece of a pivot pin of a ball-and-socket joint, especially a guiding joint. This end piece is inserted into the wheel carrier. The joint ball of the pivot pin is mounted in a housing accommodating the joint ball movably in all directions. A clamping protector 5 covering the slotted area 1.1 of the wheel carrier 1 is inserted into the slotted area 1.1 of the wheel carrier 1 and is sealingly fixed in the slotted area, while the material of the clamping protector undergoes plastic deformation in at least some areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Torsten Nitschke
  • Patent number: 6095712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective clip (10) that may be affixed to a motor vehicle steering linkage ball joint (7), and in particular to a clip that presents a heat shield (28) between a rubber sealing gaiter (11) surrounding the ball joint (7) and a brake disc (5), and that also covers over a slot (38) in a steering knuckle (4) above the joint (7). The protective clip 10 has a planar mid-section (24) with a hole (26) therethrough through which a ball mounting shaft (40) may pass. The heat shield (28) extends transversely away from a first edge (30) of the planar mid-section (24). A steering knuckle engaging feature (49) is proximate a second edge (32) of the planar mid-section (24) opposite the first edge (30), the engaging feature (49) being non-coplanar with the planar mid-section. A spring clip (34) extends from the second edge (32) and is concave towards the planar mid-section (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Ridley, David John Richardson, Douglas William Ivory
  • Patent number: 5980147
    Abstract: The screen wiper mechanism has a crank, a connecting rod, a pivot pin and an articulating device which couples the crank to the connecting rod. The structure has, in succession: a head which bears against an engagement surface that is formed, in facing relationship with the head, in a first lateral face of the connecting rod. A cylindrical first shank portion and a cylindrical second shank portion that is of smaller diameter than the first shank portion forms an extension to the first shank. The articulating device also has structure that secures the crank on the second shank portion of the pivot pin against relative axial movement and takes up axial clearance. This structure, moreover, is arranged to be compressed while fastening the structure together during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Journee S.A.
    Inventor: Maurice Journee
  • Patent number: 5845470
    Abstract: A deflector cup coupled with a mower blade spindle for preventing material from accumulating around the spindle during operation, the deflector cup including a bottom wall having an opening within which the spindle is positioned, and a side wall extending upwardly from a radially outer edge of the bottom wall. A plurality of slots formed in the bottom wall extend radially outwardly from the opening and define finger portions between adjacent slots. The finger portions extend from the opening to the radially outer edge of the bottom wall and are of a size and shape strong enough to prevent the finger portions from deforming when the spindle is positioned within the opening. The finger portions and slots cause the side wall to deform elastically when the spindle is inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Randy Edward Benway
  • Patent number: 5836367
    Abstract: The pipe spacer washer according to the invention includes a radially split annular element defined by three mutually hinged sector elements; and a snap-on fastening device defined by a tooth and a seat for insertion of the tooth, located at opposite substantially facing circumferential ends of the annular element, and for integrally connecting the circumferential ends to define an inner ring housing the pipe and connected in one piece to an outer supporting ring by a number of radial ribs. The washer is made entirely of a single material of a Shore A hardness of more than 80, in particular xantoprene.RTM.; the retaining tooth is in the form of an asymmetrical arrow, and has an inner axially through cavity elongated circumferentially; and the seat for receiving the retaining tooth is closed partially on both sides by two lateral braces offset circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: ITW-Fastex Italia S.p.A
    Inventor: Rocco Calabrese
  • Patent number: 5791076
    Abstract: A badge holder apparatus for displaying information pertaining to the wearer's official position, comprising a first backing member to which a badge selectively attaches; a second backing member which is connected to the first backing member; a necklace member which is operably associated with the second backing member; a first plate member which is disposed along an exposed surface of the second backing member and having information printed thereon; and wherein the first backing member and the second backing member are substantially rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: A. Carlos Gailliard