Between Rod Shoulder And Terminal Nut Patents (Class 403/259)
  • Patent number: 11835073
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a primary member, a clamping member configured for selectively clamping the primary member to a mounting member, and an engagement mechanism configured to engage an exterior surface proximate to the front side of the primary member. The engagement mechanism may include an abutment member for abutting the surface, an input member for user manipulation, and a linkage between the input member and the abutment member to effect axial movement of the abutment member by the input member. An actuator mechanism for locking and unlocking the clamping member may also be included. The clamping device may be in the form of a barbell clamp in one configuration, which is configured for mounting on a mounting member in the form of a barbell and engaging a weight plate that defines the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Coulter Ventures, LLC.
    Inventor: Tyler Scott Stilson
  • Patent number: 11739782
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is provided having a cylindrical shank with a plurality of annular grooves formed along a length of the shank. A plurality of elongated ribs extends perpendicular to the grooves along the length. A fastener disc is provided with a central opening with a diameter less than a cylindrical shank diameter wherein an inner edge of the central opening includes a contact surface. The fastener disc is retained on the fastener portion in a locked position when the contact surface engages one of the plurality of grooves with a friction fit. The fastener disc is rotated to a release position so that the elongated rib contacts the inner edge thereby releasing the contact surface from the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Sagar Kishor Giri, Jegatheesan Mohandoss
  • Patent number: 11365722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated shaft joint (1) for electrically insulating a rotational member (2) from an end section of a shaft (3) to which the rotational member (2) is connected. The insulated shaft joint (1) comprises a plurality of first grooves (4) arranged in an outer surface of the end section of the shaft (3) and extending in an axial direction of the shaft (3), one or more rows of electrically insulating members (5), and an annular electrically insulating cage (6) arranged circumferentially around the plurality of first grooves (4). The insulating cage (6) comprises one or more rows of through-going openings (7), arranged circumferentially. The through-going openings (7) is being shaped and dimensioned so that they are adapted to surround and guide the insulating members (5). The rotational member (2) is arranged circumferentially around the annular electrically insulating cage (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Christian Bager, Noel Yambeh Yambaha
  • Patent number: 11123843
    Abstract: An abrasive finishing article with an adapter or hub to attach to an appropriate power tool, wherein the hub contains sets of slots to receive ribs positioned on a grinding wheel to permit adjustment of the height of the hub to change the overall height of the grinding wheel and abrasive finishing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL TOOL, INC.
    Inventor: Joon Ho Park
  • Patent number: 10928709
    Abstract: A coupling releasably secures an item such as a body camera to a mount point. The coupling includes a connector and a receiver. The connector includes a crossbar and a post. The receiver includes an opening and a slot. The crossbar moves through the entry opening and the connector is rotated relative to the receiver. The post of the connector is moved through the slot to engage the receiver and hold the connector in a mounted position on the receiver, thereby securing the item to the mount point. Embodiments of the present disclosure also involve methods for securing the item to the mount point using a connector and receiver, as well as systems for mounting an item using a connector, receiver, and mount point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Wine, Andrew Ambach
  • Patent number: 10520795
    Abstract: A coupling releasably secures an item such as a body camera to a mount point. The coupling includes a connector and a receiver. The connector includes a crossbar and a post. The receiver includes an opening and a slot. The crossbar moves through the entry opening and the connector is rotated relative to the receiver. The post of the connector is moved through the slot to engage the receiver and hold the connector in a mounted position on the receiver, thereby securing the item to the mount point. Embodiments of the present disclosure also involve methods for securing the item to the mount point using a connector and receiver, as well as systems for mounting an item using a connector, receiver, and mount point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: AXON ENTERPRISE, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Wine, Andrew Ambach
  • Patent number: 10505358
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a longitudinally extending cable comprises a gland shiftable between an unsealed position and a sealed position, and a receiver including an inner portal-defining wall that defines a portal configured to receive at least a portion of the cable. The gland is at least in part received within the portal when in the sealed position. The receiver defines a radially extending, annular receiver face. The gland includes a tapered body configured to circumscribe the cable. The gland further includes a head including an outwardly extending flange. The flange presents a radially extending, annular seal face that engages the receiver face when the gland is in the sealed position. The tapered body presents an axially tapering outer wall that is spaced in its entirety radially inwardly from the portal-defining wall when the gland is in the sealed position, such that an annular buffer is defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Hutsler
  • Patent number: 10414426
    Abstract: A telescopically translatable steering shaft assembly includes a steering shaft and a sleeve. The steering shaft defines a first plurality of splines extending from a first steering shaft end towards a second steering shaft end along a steering column axis. The sleeve has a first elongate member that extends between a first sleeve end that is disposed about the first steering shaft end and a second sleeve end that is disposed about an end of the first plurality of splines. The first elongate member is disposed on a first spline of the first plurality of splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Chase A. Szostak, Joen C. Bodtker, Damian Z. Gosztyla
  • Patent number: 10404050
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a longitudinally extending cable comprises a gland shiftable between an unsealed position and a sealed position, and a receiver including an inner portal-defining wall that defines a portal configured to receive at least a portion of the cable. The gland is at least in part received within the portal when in the sealed position. The receiver defines a radially extending, annular receiver face. The gland includes a tapered body configured to circumscribe the cable. The gland further includes a head including an outwardly extending flange. The flange presents a radially extending, annular seal face that engages the receiver face when the gland is in the sealed position. The tapered body presents an axially tapering outer wall that is spaced in its entirety radially inwardly from the portal-defining wall when the gland is in the sealed position, such that an annular buffer is defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Hutsler
  • Patent number: 10263409
    Abstract: A cable connecting assembly includes a tubular member, a securing member, a seal unit, and a hollow barrel member that defines an accommodating space. The tubular member is disposed in the accommodating space and has two annular grooves. The securing member has a coupling portion abutting against the tubular member and threadedly engaging the barrel member, and an abutment portion abutting against the barrel member. The seal unit includes two first seal rings respectively disposed in the annular grooves and sealingly contacting an inner surface of the barrel member, and a second seal ring sleeved on the coupling portion of the securing member and sealingly contacting the inner surface of the barrel member and the abutment portion of the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: AMPHENOL FIBER OPTIC TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Linghua Zhu, Songsheng Li, Xuewu Lei, Jinan Zhou
  • Patent number: 10195476
    Abstract: A weight bar system includes a weight bar, and two lock collars on each end of the weight bar for holding one or more weights on each end of the weight bar. The ends of the weight bar include circumferentially positioned grooves. A locking collar is engageable with the grooves both in an unlocked and a locked position. The locking collar includes a main body collar including pins which extend in a cross direction relative to the axis and are moveable radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the grooves. A rotatable collar includes a cam surface to move the pins radially inwardly to lock the locking collar to the weight bar. A stationary collar may also be provided to limit rotation of the rotatable collar, and to provide a gripping surface. A space on the lock collar may be provided to press against the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Prophet Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Russell Jennings, Christopher Lee Tuma, Matthew Allen Nelson
  • Patent number: 10105816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detaching/attaching a hand grinder polishing disk, the device being clamped on the rotating shaft of a grinder main body so as to enable the easier and quicker detachment/attachment of a consumable polishing disk used for finishing, cutting, severing, etc. the surface of a target object, or to enable the definite prevention of loosening, vibration phenomenon, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: E & Q ONE-TOUCH
    Inventors: Chang-Seong Kim, Kyung-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9868141
    Abstract: A workpiece-shaping tool assembly has a drive shaft having an outer end centered on and rotatable about an axis and a tool fittable with the end of the drive shaft. A torque coupling is formed by shaft splines formed on the drive shaft and tool splines formed on the tool, complementary to the shaft splines, and interfitting with the shaft splines. A radial-force coupling is formed by an inner cylindrical shaft surface formed on the shaft axially offset from the shaft splines and centered on the axis and a respective inner cylindrical tool surface formed on the tool offset from the tool splines, centered on the axis, and radially juxtaposed and engageable with the inner shaft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SMS MEER GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Esposito, Aljoscha Langenohl
  • Patent number: 9855632
    Abstract: A dust extraction system for a power tool having a output shaft, a collet configured for engaging a tool bit and a collet nut engageable to the output shaft, comprises a base configured for mounting on the power tool, the base defining a cavity having an opening for passage of the output shaft therethrough and a discharge chute in communication with the cavity. The system further includes an impeller sized and configured to be rotatably received within the cavity, including a hub and a plurality of vanes emanating from the hub configured to draw dust from the workpiece into the cavity and to direct the dust through the discharge chute. A collet nut is integrated into the hub of the impeller so that the impeller can be directly mounted to the output shaft of the power tool while clamping the collet onto the tool bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jeremy Rubens, Jaime Moreno, Chastity Martinez
  • Patent number: 9528225
    Abstract: A method for stock-removal machining of a surface of a workpiece includes driving a carrier revolvingly about an axis so as to move at least one geometrically defined cutter disposed on the carrier via a receiver on a revolution path about the axis; and moving the cutter relative to the carrier during the machining, so that the cutter moves in a straight path relative to the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHWEERBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Frank Mevert, Kurt Sander
  • Patent number: 9447700
    Abstract: A system for connecting spaced components of a gas turbine engine includes connecting one end of a T-bar to each of the spaced components. One component is attached to the crossbar portion of the T-bar by trapping the crossbar between the component and a bracket. The second component is attached to the shaft portion using a hanger nut connected to the shaft portion of the T-bar and bolted to the second component. The system may be installed by attaching the crossbar portion, then advancing the first component towards the second component until the shaft portion passes through an aperture in the second component. The hanger nut is attached to the shaft portion and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. McMahon, Jeffrey R. Lavin
  • Patent number: 8961060
    Abstract: A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8915668
    Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8858301
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power tool (10) comprising a body (12), a rotatable drive shaft (14) having a free end (15) extending from the body (10), and a motor (16) for transmitting torque to the drive shaft (14). A cutting disc (24) having a mounting aperture (26) is engageable on the drive shaft (14). An attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the cutting disc (24) to the drive shaft (14). The attachment mechanism comprises a releasable locking member (30) associated with the drive shaft (14), the locking member (30) being movable between a locked configuration for retaining the cutting disc (24) on the drive shaft (14) and an unlocked configuration for releasing the cutting disc (24) for removal from the drive shaft (14). A biasing member (54) is associated with the locking member (30) for resiliently biasing the locking member toward the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Lachlan George Reid
  • Patent number: 8616140
    Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian Brethren
    Inventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
  • Patent number: 8490513
    Abstract: A cable gland and gasket ring assembly includes a gasket ring and a cable gland formed of a shell, a collar, a packing ring and a connection ring for securing a cable, or, a cable and a flexible conduit, to a junction box. The gasket ring is an annular member, having a first end face, a second end face opposing the first end face, a plurality of annular ribs concentrically arranged on the first end face and an annular convex portion located on the second end face. The connection ring has a stop flange segment, a first connection ring segment extended from one side of the stop flange for holding the gasket ring, an outer thread located on the first connection ring segment for fastening to a junction box, a recessed portion on the stop flange segment for receiving the annular convex portion of the gasket ring and a tapered inner surface located on the inside of the stop flange segment for stopping against a tapered outside surface of the packing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: AVC Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jiun Wei Chiou
  • Patent number: 8474213
    Abstract: A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8454259
    Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 8250829
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
  • Patent number: 8162559
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a first panel to a second panel with the first panel having one edge thereof fixed relative to a surface of the second panel and the two panels extending transversely, typically at right angles, to each other. The connector includes an anchor unit for cooperation with an aperture through the first panel inwardly of the one edge thereof and a nut captive relative to the anchor unit for receiving a fastener passing through the second panel for urging the anchor unit towards the second panel. The anchor unit includes a first component and a second component each of which has a generally planar base with one or more attachment lugs receiving the fastener. The peripheral edge of the base, in each case, is shaped so that the base covers and obscures the aperture with a flat abutment edge engaging the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: RK Intellectual Property (Pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Pieter Retief Krige
  • Patent number: 8141503
    Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian Brethren
    Inventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
  • Patent number: 8092112
    Abstract: A dowel assembly for a furniture system provides a fastener usable in assembling various components in a furniture system. The dowel may be employed to define the relationship between first and second components of the furniture system, such as the relationship between adjoining planar surfaces of adjacent furniture panels. The dowel is fitted with a cam such that the cam provides a non-uniform radius at the interface between the dowel and one of the components. Through selective positioning of the cam about the longitudinal axis of the dowel, the interface between components of the furniture system may be selectively adjusted to ensure flush alignment of contiguous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Borgman, David Koning, Brent Kunzi, Shane Kuipers
  • Patent number: 8038491
    Abstract: A boat includes a connection structure that connects couplings via a transfer shaft on a rear end portion of a crankshaft extending rearward from an engine. The crankshaft and the transfer shaft are connected by screwing an external thread and a front internal thread, and the transfer shaft and the couplings are connected by screwing an external thread and an internal thread. There are provided an inner bolt that strengthens the connection between the external thread and the front internal thread, an end bolt that strengthens the connection between the transfer shaft and the couplings, and an outer nut that strengthens the connection between the crankshaft and the transfer shaft. The boat can prevent movement between the crankshaft and an intermediate member and between the intermediate member and a coupling both in a rotational direction and in an axial direction without causing an increase of processing time or processing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Ozawa, Shigeharu Mineo, Hitoshi Muramatsu, Yasukazu Toyama
  • Patent number: 7832319
    Abstract: A blade clamp assembly for retaining a rotary blade on the arbor of a rotary tool includes a blade washer for engaging the blade to hold the blade on the arbor and a clamp assembly threaded into the arbor to clamp the blade washer against the blade. The clamp assembly includes a planetary gear system for transmitting torque applied to the clamp assembly to the blade washer, wherein the planetary gear system multiplies the torque transmitted to the blade washer so that the torque transmitted to the blade washer is greater than the torque applied to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 7824125
    Abstract: A self-aligning coupling device for installation in a channel having an open end and a pair of substantially parallel side walls. The device includes an elongate connecting portion having a longitudinal axis, a channel abutment portion, and at least one laterally projecting lug. In use, the coupling device is installed in the channel with the channel abutment portion located at least partially within the channel and the laterally projecting lug located outside the open end of the channel. The channel abutment portion is formed such that when aligned in a first angular position within the channel it abuts the side walls of the channel to prevent rotation of the device in a first rotational direction about said longitudinal axis, while allowing rotation in a second, opposed rotational direction. The lug is formed such that in said first angular position it extends beyond at least one of the side walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rapidjoint Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jarrod Leigh Dorney, Paul Van De Loo, Kenneth Gransbury
  • Publication number: 20100183363
    Abstract: A threaded cable connection (1) that can be attached via a threaded sleeve (4) thereof and a coupling nut (6), and also with a clamping insert disposed on the inside, and a cable (7), to an opening (2) in a wall (3) of a housing, and which can be protected and enclosed on the outside of the wall (3) with the aid of a protective cover (10). The cover is also sealed in relation to the cable (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ANTON HUMMEL VERWALTUNGS -- GMBH
    Inventors: Mario Bartholoma, Fritz Zugel, Volker Gotz, Philipp Gerber
  • Patent number: 7401995
    Abstract: A channel connector comprises a main portion having a connecting portion, a clamping element having at least two opposite ends, and a threaded element threadably connecting the main portion to the clamping element. Each of the two opposite ends are spaced to interfere with walls of an interior portion of a channel during rotation of the clamping element in the interior portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Senakiewich, II
  • Patent number: 7343841
    Abstract: A blade clamp assembly for retaining a rotary blade on the arbor of a rotary tool includes a blade washer for engaging the blade to hold the blade on the arbor and a clamp assembly threaded into the arbor to clamp the blade washer against the blade. The clamp assembly includes a planetary gear system for transmitting torque applied to the clamp assembly to the blade washer, wherein the planetary gear system multiplies the torque transmitted to the blade washer so that the torque transmitted to the blade washer is greater than the torque applied to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 7293935
    Abstract: A connector system that provides a profile connection having two profiled rods that are to be connected to one another and that each comprise at least one undercut, longitudinally oriented profile groove. The connector system may include a connecting screw with a screw head and a screw shaft as well as a threaded sleeve. The connecting screw is dimensioned such that it passes through the threaded sleeve and with part of its shaft, by way of the sleeve, can be engaged with a thrust bearing piece in the profile groove of the second profiled rod. The connecting screw is fixed in the threaded sleeve by a releasable anchoring element so as to be ready for installation. Thus, an assembly unit is created that can be screwed as a whole into the profile groove of the first profiled rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Band, Franz Band
  • Patent number: 7117647
    Abstract: A system for constructing log structures includes a corner connection structure, a through-bolt clamping apparatus, an opening support structure, a butt joint connection structure, a log profile, and an exterior casing structure. The corner connection structure has logs with overlap portions shaped so that the overlap portions of the logs of a first wall overlap and alternately interlace the overlap portions of the logs of a second wall. A generally vertical slot extends through the overlap portions of the logs, and at least one spline is provided in the slot. The through-bolt clamping apparatus has a through-bolt extending along the height of the wall, a lower clamp arm coupled to the through-bolt and the bottom of the intersecting walls, and an upper clamp arm coupled to the through bolt and the top of the intersecting walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Pointblank Design Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6811345
    Abstract: An interlocking fastener assembly has an insertion member, a receiving member, and a fastener. The receiving member has a guide opening with pockets which receive a polygonal locking portion of the insertion member during assembly. The locking portion has tapered sides and apexes to self center the insertion member. The guide opening pockets and sides allow limited rotation of the insertion member in the receiving member until a mechanical lock is created preventing further rotation of the insertion member. The mechanical lock allows a fastener to be threaded onto the insertion member without the use of a backup tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6582149
    Abstract: A connecting device for the connection of a first workpiece provided with at least one undercut longitudinal groove to a second workpiece which in turn is provided with a longitudinal groove or grooves has at least one extent which exceeds the width of the narrow cross-section of the longitudinal groove or grooves and at least one main body which can be partially fitted into the narrow cross-section of the longitudinal groove and which has longitudinal lateral shoulder surfaces extending on both sides of a ridge bar or the like central portion. At least one pin-like connection member which is adapted to be connected to the workpiece or the profile bar passes through the main body in the region of the ridge bar; outside the main body the connecting device is provided with a connection element for the other workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Winfried K. W. Holscher
  • Patent number: 6561060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel attachment for detachably arresting a vehicle steering wheel on a vehicle steering shaft. The steering wheel attachment comprises a free end of a steering shaft which has a multiple-cornered profile, the free end further having a radial groove including a wedge surface. The attachment further comprises a hub portion on the side of the steering wheel, the hub portion including a recess corresponding to the multiple-cornered profile of the steering shaft and a radial guiding surface. A wedge is provided which can be moved along the radial guiding surface so as to be moved in and out of engagement with the groove. A drive screw is provided which is seated in a threaded bore in the hub portion and is rotatably coupled with the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anke Nigrin
  • Patent number: 6546828
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a steering shaft (12) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A steering wheel (14) has a hub (40) for connection to an axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). The hub (40) has a tapered surface (50) defining an opening (42) into which the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12) extends. A collet (60) has a tapered radially outer surface (64) engageable with the tapered surface (50) of the hub (40). The collet (60) also has a radially inner surface (62) engageable with the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). A fastener (80) connects the steering wheel (14) to the steering shaft (12). The fastener (80) applies force to the collet (60) to force the radially outer tapered surface (64) of the collet into engagement with the tapered surface (50) defining the opening (42) in the hub (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Hobaugh, II
  • Patent number: 6386062
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a fixing device for a steering wheel that is mounted to a boss of the steering wheel to press the boss in a first direction of engaging the steering wheel with a steering shaft and is engaged with an annular groove of the steering shaft. A pressing device is mounted to the boss to press the steering shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to release the steering wheel from the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kaneko, Toshiyuki Sugiyama, Michael Anthony Bunce, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Kevin Dominic Delaney, Mikio Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6385929
    Abstract: A building system comprising interlocking log-like construction members to be used with or without screw-like fasteners. Various real-sized structures such as cabins, play-houses and tool sheds may be formed by perpendicular arrangement of recessed surfaces formed in the log-like members. A fastening system allows semi-permanent attachment of adjacent log-like members using a flanged fastener having an axial threaded recess and an axial threaded extension. When two fasteners are axially aligned, the axial threaded extension of one fastener may be engaged in the axial threaded recess of the other. The fasteners extend through holes in the recessed surfaces of the log-like members and thereby secure adjacent log-like members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Richard J. Englehart
  • Patent number: 6276865
    Abstract: A clamp for securing a torque transmitting coupling between an intermediate shaft and a drive tube in a vehicle steering column consists of a strap wrapped upon itself in a substantially circular form with its ends overlapping, the strap having a radial hole formed through the overlapping ends, and a bolt inserted through the radial hole and threadably engageable with a threaded nut within the circular form of the strap. The bolt preferably has a flared tip for trapping the bolt within the nut and for extending into and through a hole in a wall of the drive tube to engage a recess in the intermediate shaft. It also has an undercut portion above the flared tip for disengaging from threads of the nut when the flared tip is retracted into the wall of the drive tube. Until the shaft is properly positioned in the tube, the threads of the bolt and nut are prevented from engaging to tighten the clamp. The flared tip may have threads to permit easy assembly with the nut and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: William E. Korzan, James G. DeBisschop
  • Patent number: 6079291
    Abstract: A steering wheel body 1 comprises sheaths 7a, 7b which covers a ring core bar 5 and spoke core bars 6A-6C, and a pad 3 formed integrally with the sheaths. A boss 8, 51, 28 is integral with the spoke core bars. A steering shaft 30 is formed at a distal end thereof with a serration 31 and an annular groove 32. The boss 8, 51, 28 includes a boss plate 33, a cylindrical portion 34, 74 with a serration 38, 68, 78, and a yoke portion 35 with through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. The cylindrical portion 34, 64, 74 is fitted on the end of the steering shaft 30 such that the serrations 31, 38, 68, 78 mesh with each other, and a bolt 41, 81, 91 is inserted and screwed into the through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. A collar 47 fitted on the bolt 41, 81, 91 is fitted in the annular groove 32. Strain stress is never transmitted directly to the bolt 41, 81, 91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Hosoi, Atsushi Nagata, Katsunobu Sakane, Tetsuya Takamori, Hitoshi Yamamoto, Takanori Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6000875
    Abstract: For mounting a machine element having a bore coaxially on a shaft for rotation with the shaft, there are provided a first member having internal threads, and a split sleeve having external threads adapted to be mounted around the shaft and inside the bore. The threads of the split sleeve have apexes at a uniform diameter when unstressed. The first member is threaded on the external threads of the split sleeve. Also, a second member is spaced from the first member by an amount sufficient to allow the first and second members to embrace opposite sides of the machine element. The threads of the first member and the split sleeve are shaped to cause contraction of the sleeve into fast, gripping engagement with the shaft, as the first and second members frictionally clamp the machine element between these first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Shap, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz Staniszewski
  • Patent number: 5950499
    Abstract: The steering wheel assembly disclosed herein is mountable on a steering shaft and includes at least a bolt, a boss, and a steering wheel body. The boss is adapted to be fitted on the steering shaft and includes a cylindrical portion and a yoke portion formed integrally with the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a boss serration corresponding to a serration of the steering shaft. The yoke portion has through holes formed near both ends thereof. The steering wheel body includes a ring core bar, spoke core bars coupled to the ring core bar, sheaths covering the ring core bar and spoke core bars, and a pad formed integrally with the sheaths. Part of the spoke core bars are connected to the boss. The bolt has and external thread that is receivable by the through holes and engageable with internal threads of at least one of the through holes so as to permit the boss, to which the steering wheel body is connected, to be fixed on the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Hosoi, Atsushi Nagata, Katsunobu Sakane, Tetsuya Takamori, Hitoshi Yamamoto, Takanori Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5941131
    Abstract: A device for attaching a steering wheel on a steering shaft by a connecting sleeve, which is attached to the hub of the steering wheel. At its end, the steering shaft has a section with exterior splines, which are complementary to interior splines in the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has an axial slot and is clamped by a clamping screw against the section of the steering shaft which has the splines. The steering wheel constitutes a sub-assembly with an integrated air bag module and may be supplied for the final assembly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Repa GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Fohl
  • Patent number: 5927892
    Abstract: A fastening device to fasten a cable to a board. The device includes a collar within a clamp that is compressed by tightening a chuck. The collar includes an annular groove in its end that allows uniform crushing of the collar as it is compressed. The annular groove receives pawls on the clamp as the chuck is tightened, and the pawls compress the collar in the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Chiu Teh-Tsung
  • Patent number: 5896820
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved closing wheel attachment mechanism which has longer wear life than that of the typical attachment mechanism. The closing wheel arm on an agricultural planter has installed thereon an improved grease bushing assembly which has increased wear surface and the capability to utilize a grease on the surface. The combination of increased wear surface and greasing will greatly increase the operational life of the planter. Also included in the invention is the process and fixturing to incorporate the improved configuration on to an existing planter closing wheel structure. Included in this attachment mechanism is a welding jig which assures proper alignment of the improved bushing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: May-Wes Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen O. Klinkner, Larry R. Hancock
  • Patent number: 5878629
    Abstract: An attaching system for a steering wheel assembly including a ring portion, a plurality of spokes, as well as integrally formed ring and spoke covering layers, and a pad portion. A steering shaft is formed at its distal end with external screw threads, a portion of which project beyond the upper surface of a boss plate. A nut includes a wheel gear having a plurality of teeth that are engagable with screw threads as a fastening tool. The nut is screwed onto or off from the steering shaft by the fastening tool that engages and rotates the nut, relative to steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nagata, Akio Hosoi, Tooru Koyama
  • Patent number: 5855145
    Abstract: A steering wheel body 1 comprises sheaths 7a, 7b which covers a ring core bar 5 and spoke core bars 6A-6C, and a pad 3 formed integrally with the sheaths. A boss 8, 51, 28 is integral with the spoke core bars. A steering shaft 30 is formed at a distal end thereof with a serration 31 and an annular groove 32. The boss 8, 51, 28 includes a boss plate 33, a cylindrical portion 34, 74 with a serration 38, 68, 78, and a yoke portion 35 with through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. The cylindrical portion 34, 64, 74 is fitted on the end of the steering shaft 30 such that the serrations 31, 38, 68, 78 mesh with each other, and a bolt 41, 81, 91 is inserted and screwed into the through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. A collar 47 fitted on the bolt 41, 81, 91 is fitted in the annular groove 32. Strain stress is never transmitted directly to the bolt 41, 81, 91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Hosoi, Atsushi Nagata, Katsunobu Sakane, Tetsuya Takamori, Hitoshi Yamamoto, Takanori Mizuno