Structurally Installed In Diverse Art Device Patents (Class 403/24)
  • Publication number: 20030156889
    Abstract: To obtain an elastic joint of which one end is formed by a heading process, with tooth marking in relief, provision of a toothed rivet is provided. These teeth on the rivets are such that they form cavities interspersed with teeth marked on the edge of one end of the joint. It is shown that, by acting in this way, fewer teeth are needed and a correct indexation of the rivet during its successive revolutions is ensured. A lower number of teeth is favorable to a better blockage of the elastic joint against a side plate of a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Michel Gautheron
  • Patent number: 6607326
    Abstract: A planetary sphere/ring gear, comprising a sphere and a ring, which are interconnected by a ball and a socket. The ball is located on the edge of a circular opening in the ring and the socket is located on the body of the sphere. Used in conjunction with this planetary sphere/ring gear is a pedal-powered three or more wheeled vehicle which comprises a chain wheel, and pedals which swivel and which swing on a cradle. An operator's seat also swings on said cradle. Even though traversing across slopes, the chain wheel, pedals and seat are in a straight-with-the-world position, which is a natural and comfortable position for pedaling. The planetary sphere/ring gear is needed in the vehicle to allow the toothed ring, with a drive chain around it, to change its axis to line up with the drive wheel, as it swivels and swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Lyle J. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6595498
    Abstract: A safety barrier device, particularly intended for small children, and comprising at least two fence-like sections which may be interconnected and positioned at an angle, characterized in that the sections are interconnected by hinge links comprising two cooperating toothed rims arranged so that they may be lifted out of engagement, thereby allowing the sections to be freely positioned at an angle. The structure makes it possible to produce fireguards, pens or beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Baby Dan A/S
    Inventor: Finn Andersen
  • Patent number: 6581493
    Abstract: A fabric or other suitable, flexible material is cut, sewn and furnished with joinable hook and loop fastener portions to become a re-sizable pouch which itself envelopes the rearward portion of a foot operated pedal, preventing the undesirable movement of the pedal from the desired location of operation during use. A base portion of the pouch is fitted with joinable hook type fasteners on the posterior section of the base. The re-sizable pouch is then affixed with joinable hook type fasteners, attached to the posterior section of the base, to a secured portion of loop type material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Maureen S. Gillane
  • Patent number: 6572303
    Abstract: In an arrangement for mounting a loading platform system on the chassis or frame of a vehicle having longitudinal vehicle frame members disposed in spaced relationship, a transverse support frame structure having an adjustable transverse length is provided permitting adaptation of the transverse support frame structure to the distance between the longitudinal vehicle frame members for mounting the transverse support frame structure to the longitudinal vehicle frame members. The transverse support frame structure includes means for supporting the loading platform system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sörensen Hydraulik, Zweigniederlassung, Ulfborg, Filial Sörensen Hydraulik GmbH, Tyskland
    Inventor: Jens Herman Jensen
  • Patent number: 6546637
    Abstract: Leveling instrument—clamping device for mounting leveling instruments to the tripod platform of a tripod. It is provided with a device plate which can be mounted to the bottom of the leveling system and with a stop provided on the upper side of the tripod platform, as well as a clamping device positioned at a distance from the stop with the device plate being mounted removable on the tripod platform via the stop and the clamping device. This allows a quick and secure mounting of leveling instruments by few operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Nestle & Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Fischer
  • Patent number: 6540425
    Abstract: A joining device 10 for constructing arts and crafts projects. The joining device 10 comprises a stem piece 14 having a first end 11 terminating in a base 18 with threads 20 substantially encircling the base 18, and a second end 13 having a plurality of fins 12 attached thereto. The joining device 10 also comprises an extension 24 with a first end 15 coupled to the stem piece 14 adjacent to the base 18 and a second end 17 having a hinging member 26, 28 thereon. A wall 22 between the base 18 and the extension 24 acts in retaining the joining device 10 firmly against an arts and crafts article 34 near the base 18. Two joining devices 10 secured by their respective hinging members 26, 28 form a joint assembly 25 beneficial in building arts and crafts projects in order to provide for a connection between parts via a hinge 42 and controlled rotation around the hinge 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Bob Knizner
  • Patent number: 6525991
    Abstract: A quick-acting retainer assembly to mount auxiliary equipment to a seismic cable is provided. The retainer assembly includes a crescent-shaped outer retainer ring adapted to slip easily over a cable and then slide into position over a mating inner race. The outer ring is provided with a spring-loaded cam knob which conveniently conforms to the outer surface of the outer ring and, when the cam knob is turned, it disengages the outer ring from the from the inner race. To attach the outer ring to the inner race, a pin attached to the cam knob rides up on a bevel or slanted plane of the inner race without any further manual action until the pin engages the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Concord Technologies L.L.P.
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Greiger
  • Publication number: 20030026665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component for holding down measuring leads and measuring devices in a groove (6), provided therefor and having holes (7), of a machine part (5). It is characterized in that the component is designed in the form of a disk (1) which has a cutting edge (3) on its circumference, the cutting edge (3) not being formed continuously over the entire circumference but consisting of two partial cutting edges (3′, 3″) circumferentially opposite one another. In addition, the disk (1) has a central opening (2) in the form of a hexagon socket. For fitting, the disk (1) is put into the hole (7) in such a way that its two partial cutting edges (3′, 3″) point in the longitudinal direction of the groove (6), then a hexagon socket key is inserted into the opening (2) of the disk (1) and the key is turned while the disk (1) is pressed down at the same time, so that the cutting edges (3′, 3″) cut into the material of the machine part (5) and jam tight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Armin Brehm, Goran Radovik, Hugo Wetter
  • Patent number: 6511247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multiaxis robot with at least one gear associated with a robot axis and having a gearbox with positional retaining strips for fixing control cams for monitoring the swivel angle of the robot axis, the retaining strips having a substantially arcuate construction with an inner circumference roughly corresponding to the outer circumference of the gearbox and the retaining strips can be frontally braced against one another for fixing on the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Karlinger
  • Publication number: 20020164195
    Abstract: A connector comprises first and second engagable components for mounting on an implement and a handle and/or shaft, respectively. The first component has a boss formed with an internal socket and an outer peripheral surface surrounding the socket, and the second component comprises an insert member, a sleeve member which is independent of the insert member, and means for interengaging the insert and sleeve members when the insert member is received in the sleeve member. The insert member has an insert portion engagable within an opening in the end of the handle and/or shaft and a spigot portion adapted to fit within the internal socket of the boss. The sleeve member has a first portion engagable with the external surface of the end of the handle and/or shaft, and a second portion engagable with the outer peripheral surface of the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Young
  • Publication number: 20020154940
    Abstract: The device comprises at least two coaxial viscoelastic sleeves, one inside the other, with the interposition of an intermediate ring and between an internal ring and an external ring, the set thus formed being fixed around an internal armature and inside the outer sheath of an external armature, the armatures being connected by connecting members to the two parts etween which the device is mounted. The shear moduli and the geometry of the two elastomer sleeves are chosen so that their stiffness is identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Nicolas Pierre Georges Certain
  • Patent number: 6464422
    Abstract: A seismic adapter for attachment to a steel web joist including two beams with the upper beam having laterally extending flanges with a wood nailer positioned thereon includes two brackets. Each bracket is a plate formed to define a base section, a mounting section and an engagement section. The mounting section is adjacent and perpendicular to the base section while the engagement is also adjacent to the base section and extends at an obtuse angle therefrom. A passage extends through the wood nailer with a shaft extending therethrough to rigidly retain the mounting sections against the wood nailer. The passage has a center distance above the undersurface of the laterally extending flanges which is greater than the distance from the axis of the holes of the mounting sections to the edges of the engagement sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Automatic Fire Control, Incorporated
    Inventor: Kraig A. Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6461071
    Abstract: An auxiliary tool for cable hauling capable of restraining a tip end of a cable, which is exposed due to cutting on a cable laying site, with a restraint force enough to withstand a hauling force, and being applied even on a laying site where pipe size is small. A tension member (51) is exposed and is inserted into and received in a tip end receiving section (2a) and further is inserted through one of insertion holes (41) of a restraint member (4) and held back to be inserted through an other insertion hole (41). The tension member (51) thus held back is held on itself to be subjected to clamping with a first clamping member (42b). The tip end receiving section (2a) and a connection section (2b) are screw-engaged with each other in a state in which the restraint member (4) is received in the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Takayasu Kanemura
  • Patent number: 6454486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detachable fastening of a steering wheel on a steering shaft having an axis. The steering wheel has a hub provided with a through-bore arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the steering shaft and the through-bore intersects a groove arranged in the steering shaft. The device comprises a fastening member arranged in the through-bore. The fastening member has a bolt with a head and a shaft provided at least partially with an external thread and has a nut able to be screwed onto the shaft of the bolt. The nut is able to engage into the groove and the through-bore has two oppositely directed radial support surfaces arranged between the bolt head and the nut. One support surface is arranged on the bolt head side and the other support surface is arranged on the nut side. A spring element is provided which engages one of the bolt and the nut and exerts a force onto one of the bolt and the nut. The force aims for an increase of a distance between the bolt head and the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Kreuzer
  • Publication number: 20020118995
    Abstract: In an arrangement for mounting a loading platform system on the chassis or frame of a vehicle having longitudinal vehicle frame members disposed in spaced relationship, a transverse support frame structure having an adjustable transverse length is provided permitting adaptation of the transverse support frame structure to the distance between the longitudinal vehicle frame members for mounting the transverse support frame structure to the longitudinal vehicle frame members. The transverse support frame structure includes means for supporting the loading platform system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jens Herman Jensen
  • Publication number: 20020085877
    Abstract: A loader coupler includes first and second dump stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler and first and second roll-back stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler. Each of the dump and roll-back stops includes a base connected to or formed as a part of the coupler; at least one shim located adjacent the base; and, a cover releasably connected to the base and located adjacent the at least one shim. Accordingly, the at least one shim is located between the cover and the base. The outer face of the cover can be angled to ensure flush contact between it and an associated arm of a loader to which the coupler is connected. The adjustable stops are used by locating at least one shim adjacent the base and securing the a cover to the base member and adjacent the shim, with the shim located between the cover and the base member. Thereafter, it is determined if the cover contacts the associated loader arm in a desired stop position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Allen E. Kimble
  • Patent number: 6393654
    Abstract: An articulation system between windscreen wiper components provides the perfect adjustment between the windscreen wiper and the vehicle windscreen. The system includes the union of a big arc (1) and a small arc (4), which are isolated by a plastic joint (2) and united by a plastic pin (3). There is also a coupling and articulation mechanism between the big arc (1) and small arc (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Electromecanica Dyna S/A
    Inventor: Marc Nacamuli
  • Patent number: 6382867
    Abstract: A joining device has a female part and a male part for joining with the female part. The female part has a retaining opening, and the male part has an inserting part for insertion in the retaining opening of the female part. The female part further has female shoulders that form an input of the retaining opening, and the inserting part has male shoulders. The male shoulders are inclined with respect to the female shoulders so that the contact between the male shoulders and female shoulders is reduced to a point when the inserting part is inserted in the retaining opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Pascal Serre
  • Patent number: 6382868
    Abstract: A slot lock ring assembly capable of repeated radial expansion and contraction without sustaining permanent deformation and expansion to a load bearing state comprising: a solid metal ring having a toothed profile on one diameter and a tapered actuating profile on the opposite diameter, a top edge and a bottom edge; a spaced group of cuts that allow repeated radial expansion and contraction of the solid metal ring without sustaining permanent deformation, wherein the cuts are made in an alternating pattern, of a first cut starting on the top edge followed by a second cut starting on the bottom edge, and each group of cuts is spaced apart 10 to 40 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Durham
  • Patent number: 6382583
    Abstract: A safety device may be used to provide separation in the event of a side impact collision. The device may be used in a utility pole guy wire system, interposed between the guy wire and the ground anchor. The device operates in bending. A lateral force of sufficient magnitude applied to the device by the errant vehicle causes a rod within the device to break in tension, even though the tensile strength of the rod may be greater than that of the guy wire. In operation, certain massive portions of the device are tied safely to the ground, while other portions are pulled over the moving vehicle by the tension of the guy wire. The invention may be designed to tolerate axial loads, but to fail reliably when a side force exceeds a desired threshold. When installed in series with a utility pole guy wire, the invention will withstand all normal tensile and incidental loads, and will release when subjected to a high side force as from an automobile impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: UTD Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Hill, III, Joram Shenhar, Stephen G. Solga, Donald B. Harris, Eugene L. Foster
  • Patent number: 6345925
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for splicing end portions of conveyor belts together with the fastener having a bolt with a pilot or lead-in portion that provides improved threading of a nut thereto and makes installation of the fasteners on the belt ends faster and easier. The pilot of the bolt is longer than the beveled conical tip portion of prior bolts so that nuts received thereon will stay substantially aligned with the axis of the shank. In this manner, threading of the nut to the bolt shank is easier in terms of avoiding cross-threading problems. Also, as the pilot portion of the shank is free of any threads, the installation of the bolt onto the belt ends can be done more quickly with less resistance during the insertion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventor: John Coleman
  • Patent number: 6322275
    Abstract: A device for mounting a distance sensor, in particular a proximity radar device, on a motor vehicle, the distance sensor being accommodated in a closed housing, the housing being moveably attached to a support and the support being attachable in an immoveable manner to the motor vehicle. The device is characterized in that the housing is attachable to the support by at least three screws arranged in an L-shape relative to each other, that the screws, in the installed state of the distance sensor, are able to be screwed from its front side, and that a screw-out protection is provided for at least two of the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Schmidt, Juergen Zeiher, Bernhard Lucas, Dirk Langenhan
  • Patent number: 6302611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting piece which can be pivotally connected both to the jib of an excavator and to a setting cylinder connected to a jib, and which is intended for linking up a tool, such as an excavator bucket, for example, to the end of the jib. A connecting wedge is connected to the connecting piece, in which two pins extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wedge and being guided in the connecting piece are mounted. An adjusting element is connected to the connecting piece, by means of which the connecting wedge can be moved in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction. The connecting piece comprises a screw spindle, which is journalled in the connecting wedge and which is screw into a nut-shaped member connected to the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Metaalwarenfabriek A.P. Verachtert B.V.
    Inventors: Gertrudis M. G. de Gier, Adrianus M. C. M. Van Doornmalen
  • Patent number: 6296412
    Abstract: A roller assembly for releasably latching a roller to a drive shaft in which a cylindrical roller body has an internal bore and a one-way clutch through which the drive shaft protrudes into a recess within the cylindrical roller body, the recess retaining a spring that engages the drive shaft, and a cap having a cam fixedly rotates about the cylindrical roller body so that the cam engages and urges the spring outward releasing the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Johan P. Bakker, Gunter A. Meyn
  • Patent number: 6283669
    Abstract: A novel concentricity stabilizer acts as both a structural coupling and an alignment device and a means for providing a concentric structure from a series of segmental modules. The concentricity stabilizer creates a self support system that permits construction of the individual modular pocket assemblies into a perfectly circular drum ready for attachment to suitable drum flanges or discs and shaft assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Jerry L. Toney, Nathan E. E. Toney, Gregory F. Ward
  • Patent number: 6285917
    Abstract: An electric power system protection and control system, including, a plurality of protection controllers, each for executing protection and control of an electric power system by inputting a status quantity of the electric power system and for converting the status quantity into digital data, and a display controller connected to each of the protection controllers via a communication network, for displaying and controlling an operation and status of each of the protection controllers for monitoring. The display controller is provided with a program module sending unit for sending out a program module corresponding to contents for display control in the display controller to one of the protection controllers via the communication network, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sekiguchi, Michio Masui
  • Patent number: 6285564
    Abstract: The invention is a retainer assembly that, upon being attached to a panel and placed in a slot in a housing, provides a smooth and continuous surface that allows the panel to slide freely in and out of the housing. The panel can be firmly retained within the housing slot by expanding the width of the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly provides a more uniform heat transfer surface when abutted against the housing slot. The retainer assembly is self-contained to prevent the individual components from becoming dispersed if the assembly is damaged or disassembled. Additionally, retainer assembly provides a mechanism to prevent it from accidentally disassembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Keystone Electronics Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin G. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6269556
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for connecting a blade (7) to the lower edge (6) of a snow-clearing device, such that the blade is given an acute, cutting angle to the base and can be folded backwards, thereby avoiding damage when running into an obstacle, and automatically resume its cutting angle after passing the obstacle. The holder comprises a trilateral hollow beam (1), the three sides of the beam forming respectively: a first fixing element (3) which is adapted to be fixed to the lower edge (6) of the snow-clearing device; a second fixing element (4) which is adapted to engage the back of the blade (7), and a support element (5) connecting the other two elements (3, 4). At least the second fixing element (4) and the support element (5) are made of an elastic polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: AB Mähler & Söner
    Inventor: Gösta Källqvist
  • Patent number: 6238122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for display, having a tailpipe attachment piece, adapted for coupling to the exhaust pipe of a vehicle, a receiver piece coupled to the tailpipe attachment piece, wherein the receiver piece is adapted for coupling to a display piece. In one embodiment, a pollution detection device includes a tailpipe attachment piece, a receiver piece coupled to the tailpipe attachment piece, and a chemical indicator coupled to the receiver piece, wherein the chemical indicator is sensitive to the chemistry of emissions. In one embodiment, a method of presenting an advertisement message is provided by attaching the message to the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Exhaust Etiquette
    Inventors: Craig L. Brooks, Mark A. Mosley
  • Patent number: 6231260
    Abstract: A mounting plane technology for a gas panel comprising a plurality of discreet blocks. The mounting plane of the present invention includes a track and a centering element. The centering element glides along the tracks such that modular blocks may be anchored to any position along the track. Centering elements are easily added to and removed form tracks thus maximizing the speed and flexibility of configuring or reconfiguring the modular blocks. The centering element and track have a geometrical symmetry that allows for highly precise anchoring of the modular block with respect to the mounting plane. The centering element is harder than the plane material and has grooves to increase the friction between the plane and centering element when the modular block is anchored. Centering elements are deliberately manufactured with a slight asymmetry with respect to the track so that high manufacturing yield is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Insync Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Markulec, Dennis G. Rex, Richard E. Schuster, Brent D. Elliot
  • Patent number: 6227754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite body which is assembled from at least two bodies. The first body is made of a first material and the second body of a second material and each of the two bodies has at least one joining surface. The joining surfaces lie opposite each other and the bodies are joined to each other by at least one adhesive connection. At least one recess for a compensating body made of a third material is introduced into at least one of the two joining surfaces. This compensating body is connected with at least one adhesive location or gluing gap to both bodies. An adhesive ensures an adhesive connection between the compensating body and the two bodies at the adhesive location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Kerstin von Nessen-Lapp, Bernhard Trier, Michael Trunz
  • Patent number: 6217248
    Abstract: An improved quick-change winding form assembly in which the support is divided into two parts, one part comprising a bearing collar, being connected to a bearing at the front of the flier assembly, and the other part comprising a mounting plate connected to the winding form or shroud. A pair of bayonet pins having enlarged heads is carried by the bearing collar and engages a pair of arcuate key slots extending through the mounting plate. The bayonet pins engage the arcuate key slots when the bearing collar is rotated relative to the mounting plate until a pair of spring biased balls mounted on the bearing collar enter recesses in the rear face of the mounting plate. Disassembly can be accomplished by simply rotating the winding form with its attached mounting plate in the opposite direction while holding the bearing collar fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Globe Products Inc.
    Inventor: Duane W. Reiff
  • Patent number: 6214057
    Abstract: An overload protection device includes a cup-shaped cap member defining a cavity receiving a cup-shaped yoke member defining a pressurized air chamber receiving a piston having a rounded end surface engaging the cap member. An annular cam member is inserted into the cap member and defines three angularly spaced V-shaped cam surfaces with center seats which receive corresponding steel balls mounted on outwardly projecting ears of the yoke member. A rigid plastic ring is mounted on the yoke member with epoxy and contacts an annular shoulder within the cam member. The yoke member carries a pair of axially adjustable and normally closed electrical contact elements which are opened by an actuator pin projecting from the piston in response to tilting and/or rotation and/or axial movement between the yoke member and cap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Process Equipment Co. of Tipp City
    Inventors: Graham T. Spencer, Michael P. Gardner, Beth Van Haaren
  • Patent number: 6161980
    Abstract: The locking structure of this invention comprises: a gate pillar (1)as a first cylindrical member; a cover (2) as a second member fitted into the first member; locking projections (6) provided to an inner surface of the first member or to an outer surface of the second member, each of the locking projections comprising an inclined surface (6a) progressively rising from the front end side of one of the mating members, from which the other mating member is inserted, toward the rear end side and a locking surface (6b) formed at the rear end of the inclined surface (6a); and locking steps (7) formed in the other member and adapted to engage the locking surfaces (6a) when the two mating members are fitted together. The machining apparatus (A) forms the locking projections (6) by pressing blade portions (9) of tools (8) against the inner surface of the gate pillar (1) with impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 6161983
    Abstract: A device (10) for fastening structural elements (20), in particular pneumatic elements, by fastening elements (22) is proposed. The device (10) consists of several, parallel arranged fastening plates (42, 44, 46), which are arranged by means of screws (18) between two profiled rods (14, 16). Sliding blocks (76, 86) are arranged between the individual fastening plates (42, 44, 46) of the device (10) in grooves (74) of the longitudinal sides (66, 68, 70, 72) of the fastening plates (42, 44, 46). The sliding blocks (76, 78) can be arbitrarily positioned in arbitrary numbers, are easy to mount, hide possible gaps and increase the rigidity of the device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Berger, Johannes Koban, Olaf Klemd
  • Patent number: 6139214
    Abstract: A coupling for releasably connecting first and second parts of an apparatus such as a surgical instrument. The coupling comprises a socket member on the first part of the apparatus, the socket member having an axially extending central opening, and a plug member on the second part of the apparatus. The socket member includes a first manually depressible release button and a first locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the central opening and movable radially with each other relative to the central opening when the plug member is received in the central opening in the socket member. The first locking element moves away from the central opening when the first release button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Zirps, William R. Rebh, Matthew Emans
  • Patent number: 6128973
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal system with adaptable pedal thread surfaces includes a pedal (3) having a first tread surface (4) and an adapter (5) attachable to the first tread surface. The adapter defines a second tread surface (7) opposite to a surface thereof facing the first tread surface when the adapter is attached to the first tread surface. The first and second tread surfaces provide different use modes. The first tread surface (4) includes a cleat engaging device (4a) for engaging a cleat, and the second tread surface (7) defines an antislip device (16) suited to treading by a shoe. In an alternative pedal system, the first tread surface (14) defines an antislip device (16) suited to treading by a shoe, and the second tread surface (19) includes a cleat engaging device (20, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 6126356
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a rotating element to a housing is disclosed. The housing defines an opening through a wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a tube including an aperture therethrough. The tube includes a first tube portion thereof including a cylindrical outer periphery and a second tube portion thereof connected to the first tube portion and securable to the opening through the wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus further includes a cap including a body portion thereof having a body outer periphery thereof matingly fitted to the aperture of the tube. The cap further includes a flange extending outwardly from a first end of the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the body outer periphery of the body portion of the cap. The cap further including a connector extending from a second end of the body portion opposed to the first end. The connector is utilized for connecting the cap to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Russell
  • Patent number: 6102603
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a waterproof connector housing, that enables the formation of a uniform packing ring which is an integral part of the housing by engaging a hollow body of a housing with a trapezoidal engaging portion provided on a male mold, holding the housing by contacting tightly an inner wall of the hollow body with the trapezoidal engaging portion to align the center of the male mold with that of the housing, and injecting a rubber material into a packing ring forming space uniformly defined by one of both of the male and female mold through a rubber supply paths of the housing. The housing having the hollow body with tapered shoulder, a male mold having the trapezoidal engaging portion and a female mold beveled or thinned at the open edge are employed for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Sakai Yagi, Masanori Tsuji, Motohisa Kashiyama, Takuya Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6099191
    Abstract: A power take off (PTO) shaft safety retainer provides for the retention of the output end of a PTO shaft at its connection to a driven machine, in the event of accidental disconnection of the output end of the shaft from the driven machinery due to breakage of a U-joint, dislodging of a safety pin, failure of the gearbox, etc. The device essentially comprises an attachment to the relatively stationary portion of the driven machine, with an arm or strut extending therefrom and supporting a selectively openable retaining band adjusted to surround the PTO shaft near its connection with the driven machinery. The attachment and strut are axially offset from the axis of the PTO shaft, in order to avoid interference with the connection of the shaft to the drive means of the driven machinery. The attachment may be removably or permanently secured to the machinery by opposed flanges and bolts, over center latches, hinges with removable pins, or welded, etc., as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond W. Werner
  • Patent number: 6099975
    Abstract: A molded nipple connection system for permanently molding a metal nipple within a plastic container that is not susceptible to expansion/contraction forces incurred by the plastic container. The inventive device includes a metal nipple having a threaded end or a cincture surrounded end, a lumen, an immersion end positioned within the plastic during molding, and a plurality of openings adjacent the immersion end. The plurality of openings allow the liquefied plastic during molding to project through the exterior surface of the metal nipple into the lumen of the metal nipple where it is joined with liquefied plastic within the lumen of the metal nipple. After hardening of the plastic, the mold is removed and the metal nipple is captured within the plastic container because of the plastic-securing loop created through the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings are preferably slots, however they may comprise various other well-known shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Willis H. Peterson, James Zespy
  • Patent number: 6088938
    Abstract: An implement adapter for providing improved excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation tool assembly for mounting a working implement thereon. The implement adapter comprises a frame for holding a working implement, wherein the frame is coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation tool assembly. A parking projection holds the coupling element of the frame at a sufficient height above a surface when the implement adapter is detached from the excavation tool assembly and supported on the surface by the parking projection and a lowermost portion of either the frame or the working implement. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the parking projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation tool assembly without the need for any manual assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John Duncan Logan
  • Patent number: 6088939
    Abstract: An implement adapter for providing excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation tool assembly for mounting a working implement thereon. The implement adapter comprises a frame for holding a working implement, wherein the frame is coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation tool assembly. A parking projection holds the coupling element of the frame at a sufficient height above a surface when the implement adapter is detached from the excavation tool assembly and supported on the surface by the parking projection and a lowermost portion of either the frame or the working implement. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the parking projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation tool assembly without the need for any manual assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John Duncan Logan
  • Patent number: 6086283
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM), including three spherical base joints, a device for maintaining the base joints in a fixed spaced relation, and six actuator assemblies each having a variable length. Each of the base joints has a first end of two of the six actuator assemblies connected therewith, respectively. A center pole is provided having a first spherical joint connected to a first end thereof and a second spherical joint connected to a second end thereof. A second end of a first one of each of the two actuator assemblies connected to each of the base joints is connected to the first spherical joint of the center pole, and a second end of a second one of each of the two actuator assemblies connected to each of the base joints is connected to the second spherical joint of the center pole, in a manner which forms a hexahedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: John C. Ziegert
  • Patent number: 6059479
    Abstract: An igniter electrode assembly for gas ignition of an oven burner includes a pop-in and pop-out feature that allows for the easy installation, removal, and replacement of an igniter electrode. The feature allows maintenance access to the igniter electrode without any tools or the need to disassemble the burner assembly. A bushing surrounds the igniter electrode and is held in position by set screws. Ball plungers screwed into the burner plate guide the bushing along keyways in the bushing surface. The ball plungers securely snap into recesses located at the end of the keyways. The invention allows for precision positioning of the igniter electrode tip and repeatability of positioning without having to readjust the igniter electrode or the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ensign Ribbon Burners, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Clune
  • Patent number: 6053652
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting the lower riser assembly of a jet pump in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the clamp assembly provides structural rigidity to the lower rise assembly. The clamp assembly includes a lower thermal sleeve clamp and a riser clamp. The lower thermal sleeve clamp is positioned adjacent an interface between the elbow and the thermal sleeve of the jet pump riser pipe assembly. The riser clamp is secured to the riser pipe of the jet pump riser pipe assembly at a location adjacent an interface between the riser pipe and the elbow. The lower thermal sleeve clamp and the riser clamp also are coupled to each other so that as the respective clamps are secured to the lower riser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gerald A. Deaver, Siamak Bourbour, Don Schrein, John G. Erbes
  • Patent number: 5947625
    Abstract: A pivot system is disclosed for pivotally connecting a movable component to a fixed component, the pivot system having a swivel device mounted on one of the movable and fixed components, a headed shaft passing through a portion of the other of the movable and fixed components and engaging the swivel device, the headed shaft having a longitudinal axis forming the pivot axis between the components, an anti-rotation device engaging the shaft so as to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the component to which it is mounted, and an anti-axial movement device engaging the shaft as to prevent relative movement between the shaft and the component to which it is mounted along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This structure enables the shaft to be installed having access to only one end of the pivot shaft, improving over the known systems in which it is necessary to have access to both ends of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5941654
    Abstract: A bus bar panel system utilizes a quick acting and simplified fastening system for making connections. The bus bar is preferably pre-perforated along the edges, although holes may be drilled at the time of fastening. The fastening system uses a stud having threads on one end for receiving the usual washers and nut. On the other end, usually away from the installer, the stud is provided with flats which engage an open slot or yoke on a keeper clip. The clip has a gauge flange to engage the edge of the bar or clamp through which the stud extends. The transverse dimensions of the open slot are related to the flats and the length of the slot to the distance of the perforations from the edge of the bar. The clip also includes a spring section which grabs the end of the stud holding the clip in place so that the installer has both hands free to secure the nut and washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Chauquet
  • Patent number: 5920950
    Abstract: Two embodiments of a wiper blade attachment adapter are disclosed, each directed to different market areas. Both embodiments incorporate a partially hollow main body defined by side walls with opposed first and second ends, and joined to and spaced apart by a web extending from the end of the adapter to central pin receiving apertures in the side walls. A bar extends between the side walls at the second end, otherwise the space between the side walls is open between the bar at the second end and the web. The region of the web adjacent the pin apertures includes an extension of those apertures, forming a through open passage of generally keyhole configuration, open at its bottom, which can embrace a central retaining pin on the receptacle structure of the wiper's primary lever. A latch member is integrally attached to the first end of the adapter body by a flexible hinge member (e.g. a "living hinge") such that the latch member is a permanent movable part of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Young, III, Roger Daniels