Deformation Occurs Simultaneously With Action Of Separate, Diverse Function, Joint Component Patents (Class 403/279)
  • Patent number: 6288469
    Abstract: A fixing device for a brush holder having a pair of leg pieces extending away from an upper surface of the brush holder. The leg pieces have fingers extending away from the free ends of the leg pieces and penetrating through holes in an attachment surface section of a holder stay. The fingers are bent onto a back face of the attachment surface section such that the bent fingers are oblique relative to a longitudinal axis of the brush holder, thereby preventing any backlash from occurring. The fixing device is formed by a two step bending process using first and second jigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kimura, Yasuo Ohtani
  • Patent number: 6276838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft and hub connection for securing bearings, in particular ball bearings (12), on a shaft (10). The proposal is made that the hub part (14) of the bearing (12) encompassing the shaft (10) have at least one axial surface (20), against which a projection (24, 30) rests, which is produced from the shaft (10) by means of plastic deformation and prevents an axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Lauk, Lothar Fauth, Ernst Fischer, Hansjoerg Karcher, Juergen Herp, Erik Maurer, Richard Hurst, Anton Waibel, Andreas Wiegert
  • Patent number: 6275556
    Abstract: A control rod drive mechanism includes a first tubular member having a first threaded portion and a first generally cylindrical outer surface, the first tubular member including a first plurality of slots spaced circumferentially on the first outer surface and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the first tubular member, and a second tubular member having a second threaded portion and a second generally cylindrical outer surface, the second tubular member including a second plurality of slots spaced circumferentially on the second outer surface and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the second tubular member. The first and second tubular members are axial aligned with the first and second threaded portions being engaged with each other to form a threaded joint therebetween. A locking sleeve overlaps at least a portion of the first outer surface of the first tubular member and at least a portion of the second outer surface of the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Calvin L. Kinney, Richard Frank Guardiani, Martin E. Duga
  • Patent number: 6220417
    Abstract: A clutch cup for a centrifugal clutch of a hand-held working tool, driven by an internal combustion engine, has a clutch drum and a hub coaxially fastened to the clutch drum. A bearing bushing is arranged in the hub and fastened to the hub by a frictional and positive-locking connection. A receiving member is coaxially fastened to the hub and receives the drive shaft for driving the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Linsbauer
  • Patent number: 6217115
    Abstract: A linkage assembly is used to vertically adjust the position of a seat. The linkage assembly includes a first link that is connected to a second link without the use of fasteners. The first link has a first mounting portion and the second link has a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is deformed into engagement with the second mounting portion to rotatably connect the first link to the second link. In one embodiment, the first mounting portion is an extrusion that extends through an aperture in the second link. An end of the extrusion is deformed into engagement with the second link to form a lip to lock the first link to the second link and allow relative rotational movement between the first and second links while eliminating relative linear movement therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, portions of the first and second links are deformed into locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Downey, Trajan Quinn, Pascal Garrido, Nils O. Olsson
  • Patent number: 6196754
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a drive device for a wiper installation, in particular for windows in motor vehicles, with a holding element which is arranged so as to be stationary and has, at least on one side, a bearing for receiving a wiper shaft, wherein the bearing is produced as a plastic part and is connected in a positive and frictional engagement with the holding element by means of a partial plastic deformation of the holding element. It is provided that the bearing (14) has a connection piece (38) engaged by a bushing (40), wherein the holding element (12) engages in an annular space (58) formed between the connection piece (38) and the bushing (40), the holding element (12) is partially plastically deformable inside the annular space (58), and there is a positive engagement (62) between the holding element (12) and the connection piece (38) and a frictional engagement (64) between the holding element (12) and the connection piece (38) and between the holding element (12) and the bushing (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Bruemmer, Juergen Mayer, Tino Boos
  • Patent number: 6113303
    Abstract: A metallic ball pin of a universal joint, preferably one with high load-bearing capacity, for motor vehicles, which is mounted movably in all directions in a bearing shell of a housing with a joint ball 2 designed at one end of a pin stump 1. To improve its functional properties and to reduce its manufacturing costs, a machined joint ball 2 with a through-hole 5 is nonrotatably attached to a fastening pin 4 of a pin stump 1 manufactured by cold forming in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin stump 1, and it is held by deforming the fastening pin 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wilfried Lustig
  • Patent number: 6098361
    Abstract: A post attachment including an anchor receptacle (20) mounted in the ground. A post (30) is attached to the anchor receptacle by a removable locking bar (40) which engages a slot (34) in the post and a groove (28) in the anchor receptacle. A first tool (12) is utilized which straightens the locking bar for attachment of the post to the anchor receptacle. A second tool (14) is utilized which bends the locking bar for disengagement from the post slot and anchor receptacle groove so that the post may be removed from the anchor receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: POM, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Roten, William C. Kiehl, Seth Ward, II
  • Patent number: 6099195
    Abstract: Fastening of a spindle or of another elongated cylindrical component perpendicularly to a lever. This fastening essentially consists in providing the galvanized deep-drawn sheet steel lever with a suitable rim hole into which the spindle is inserted. The spindle is secured against moving axially in relation to the lever by a peripheral projection which is formed by rolling the rim hole surface and which projects into a corresponding groove in the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe, GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Egner-Walter
  • Patent number: 6076247
    Abstract: A method for connecting a ball and socket joint to a control arm in a vehicle suspension system includes providing the ball and socket joint with a socket portion having a circumferential flange. The ball and socket joint is initially aligned with an opening formed through an outer portion of the control arm. Then, the ball and socket joint is moved upwardly such that the socket portion is received within the opening. The socket portion defines an outer diameter that is preferably slightly smaller than an inner diameter defined by the opening formed through the outer portion of the lower control arm. However, the flange defines an outer diameter that is preferably larger than an inner diameter defined by that opening. Thus, the engagement of the flange with the lower surface of the outer portion positively positions the ball and socket joint relative to the lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Durand
  • Patent number: 6070915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved coupling device for tube and that is configured with a tube and an insert that can be fixedly disposed within the tube. The insert includes at least an enlarged portion that has an annular groove thereof, and a receiving space. The tube is provided with a plurality of through holes at the middle portion or end portions. The insert can be disposed within the tube and the outer of the tube is machined to form an annular recess corresponding to the annular groove in a manner such that the insert is fixedly disposed within the tube. Wherein each of the two tubes is provided with an insert in the position to be connected, and the tubes is arranged side-by-side at the area to be connected. An enclosing element is deployed to the connecting area such that the tubes are fixedly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Chung-I Luo
  • Patent number: 6044536
    Abstract: In a method for making an assembly unit from an assembly bolt (3) that has a bolt head (9) and a shaft (6) and from a sleeve that has an axially movable annular collar (11) toward the head that surrounds a partial axial region of the shaft, first the shaft that has a counterpart back-engagement part is introduced into the sleeve, and then at least one back-engagement part on the sleeve is created by means of a stamping oriented essentially inward from the outer jacket face. The stamping has an action that is oriented radially inward and an action oriented toward the bolt head (9). In the stamping, a counterholder presses against the bearing face (22) of the annular collar (11) oriented toward the bolt head (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Richard Bergner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schneider
  • Patent number: 5988930
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus for producing a firm, releasable and reproducible mechanical interconnection of two profile member ends includes a groove strip (6) with threaded holes, an apertured strap (1) with through holes and screws (7), wherein the profile members (4) to be connected have mounting grooves (5) for the reception of the groove strip (6). The apertured strap (1) has, formed on a support surface thereof, penetration elements (3) which project from the surface and which on tightening of the screws (7) penetrate in a cold-deforming manner into the material of the profile members (4) to be connected and thus yield a multiply mechanically positive connection. The penetration elements (3) are formed as grater gashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Kaspar Schindler
  • Patent number: 5984562
    Abstract: An arrangement for fixing a tubular element, such as a shaft, that is provided with a bore and a flange in position with respect to plate element involves the use of a ball that pressed into the bore in the tubular element. To achieve a simple fixation that is secure in both axial directions, the plate element is fixed on one side by the flange of the tubular element and on the other side by the bulge that is created through insertion of the ball into the bore in the tubular element. The ball has a greater diameter than that of the bore in the tubular element so that insertion of the ball into the bore causes the tubular element to become enlarged, thus forming the bulge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: SKF GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Wolfgang Friedrich, Roland Haas, Roland Harich, Gerhard Herrmann, Josef Stork
  • Patent number: 5980147
    Abstract: The screen wiper mechanism has a crank, a connecting rod, a pivot pin and an articulating device which couples the crank to the connecting rod. The structure has, in succession: a head which bears against an engagement surface that is formed, in facing relationship with the head, in a first lateral face of the connecting rod. A cylindrical first shank portion and a cylindrical second shank portion that is of smaller diameter than the first shank portion forms an extension to the first shank. The articulating device also has structure that secures the crank on the second shank portion of the pivot pin against relative axial movement and takes up axial clearance. This structure, moreover, is arranged to be compressed while fastening the structure together during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Journee S.A.
    Inventor: Maurice Journee
  • Patent number: 5957030
    Abstract: An actuating cylinder (2), especially for a hydraulic clutch operation device in a motor vehicle, is disclosed, having a piston unit (6) arranged in a housing (4) and guided via a guide sleeve (8) which is permanently connected to the housing, wherein the piston unit can be displaced by means of a thrust bolt (10). A thrust bolt head (12) is permanently attached directly to the thrust bolt and its relative position with regard to the thrust bolt determines the working stroke (H) of the piston unit, which is done at the time of assembly of the actuating cylinder already. The thrust bolt head is slid onto the thrust bolt and the working stroke between the guide sleeve and the thrust bolt head is adjusted before the thrust bolt head is attached to the thrust bolt. The actuating cylinder and its assembly are simplified according to this invention, so that subsequent work in adjusting the working stroke can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Fahrzeugtechnik Ebern GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Keller, Gerhard Meyer, Siegbert Stretz
  • Patent number: 5946977
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column includes a bellows tube with a corrugated portion in which the radius varies regularly along the length of the tube. A connective portion is located at both ends of the bellows tube, and transfer portions are located between each of the connective portions and the corrugated portion. By inserting a reinforcement into the end portion of the bellows tube, the strength and rigidity of the connective portion increases. Press forming, stamp forming, rivet forming, and/or adhesive methods are applied to connect the end portion of the bellows tube and the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Sato, Koji Seo, Yoshiaki Senoo
  • Patent number: 5941651
    Abstract: The process is remarkable in that after the slug of the part to be obtained has been made, one or more inserts are provided which can be centered and introduced into the opening or openings, (1.1) and/or the recess or recesses, and/or the blind hole or holes (1.2) formed ahead of time on the slug, these inserts being prepositioned on a working die (3), and by the fact that this is followed by a stamping operation using a punch (5) or similar device permitting the final shaping of the part to be obtained and deformation of the material to permit the fixed and permanent integration by crimping of the insert or inserts (2), so as to create local reinforcement zones in terms of the needs and applications and uses of the part thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Di Serio
  • Patent number: 5938420
    Abstract: A fastening structure has a screw rotor fixing a rotor shaft to a shaft hole of a rotor body. A casing includes the rotor therein, and a positioning portion and a screw portion are arranged between the shaft hole and the rotor shaft. Press fit portions are arranged at both axial ends of the shaft hole. The screw portion receives driving torque inputted to the rotor shaft and moves the rotor body so that the shaft hole and the rotor shaft hit against each other in the positioning portion. Accordingly, a fixing function of the rotor body and the rotor shaft is strengthened as the input torque to the rotor is increased. Further, the rotor has a simple structure and is cheaply manufactured. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent reductions in performance and durability of the rotor caused by any shift in position between the rotor body and the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 5913633
    Abstract: There is provided an arrangement for mechanically and reliably joining a shell-type outer ring of a homokinetic joint and its shaft. A circular hole (4) is formed in a press formed end wall of an outer ring (1). A polygonal surface or serrated grooves are formed on the inner periphery of the hole (4). A protrusion (7) provided at one end of a shaft (5) is press-fitted in the hole (4) to join the outer ring and the shaft so that they will not rotate relative to each other. A caulking tool is used to deform protrusion (7) to form caulked portion (14) so that the outer ring (1) is prevented from moving axially relative to shaft (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Hiroshi Nakahashi, Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5879099
    Abstract: A rigid connection of structural parts of a motor vehicle and a tool and for establishing the connection are provided. The structural parts are fixed together after a coating during their assembly to one another in a simple, joined and effective manner without plastically deforming the respective exterior structural part and damaging the coating in the process and therefore visually impairing the visible side of the structural parts. The two structural parts to be connected are designed as oblong hollow bodies with one structural part having axially spaced radial cross-sectional reductions along the length of the connection in which the other structural part is held on it while forming a releasable plug-type connection and in that the first structural part--starting from the plug-in position. Because of the expansion between the plug-type connection points, during an internal high-pressure deforming, the parts are locked in a form-fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Volker Thoms
  • Patent number: 5771968
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting a surface power source with a downhole pump in an oil well or similar fluid pumping installation uses a cable and associated connectors. The cable is constructed from a plurality of helically preformed wires which are heat treated and surrounded with a corrosion and abrasion resistant material. This construction provides the cable with sufficient stiffness that it does not slump, buckle or coil when inserted in the well, and with sufficient density that it is not buoyant in the fluid being pumped, but yet with sufficient flexibility that it can be unwound from a reel for insertion into the well and rewound on the reel for extraction from the well. The connectors, which are used at the ends of the cable, secure and protect the cable and allow easy adjustment of its length for optimum pump efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventors: Edgar Danciger, George W. Todd
  • Patent number: 5715918
    Abstract: An assembly of components that includes a sun gear having several radial shoulders as a reference for the location of other components, an overrunning coupling having a surface contacting one of the shoulders, a spline engaging a spline formed on the sun gear, and a clutch hub having tabs that are elastically deformed from an inclined position to a substantially radial position in order to seat within a groove and to contact the second and third shoulders of the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Everett, Timothy Raphael Allen
  • Patent number: 5704752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rivet device. The device is characterized in that it comprises a substantially cylindrical tubular body (10), an annular collar extending outwards from the first end of the body, and at least two locking elements (20, 22) formed in the body. Each locking element is constituted by an elastically deformable strip (24) cut out in the body, extending in the direction of the axis of the body, and having a first end secured to the first end of the body and a second end secured to the second end of the body, with each strip having folds (30, 32, 34) in such a manner that in an initial state a portion of the strip projects into the inside of the body and in a deformed state the strip projects to the outside of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Amphenol Socapex
    Inventor: Bernard A. Logerot
  • Patent number: 5692853
    Abstract: A threaded joint assembly is provided comprising a first metallic workpiece having an internally threaded cylindrical opening, and a second metallic workpiece having an externally threaded cylindrical surface which is threadingly engaged with the internally threaded opening of the first workpiece. The interthreaded joint between the first and second workpieces are electromagnetically deformed into a permanent interference fit. In consequence of the magneforming process, individual threads at the joint are slightly flattened and squeezed together tip to root to provide a high axial and radial pre-load in the joint. Preferably at least the portions of the first and second workpieces defining the joint are hollow cylinders, and preferably the threads of the joint are tip relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Curtiss Wright Flight Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Litz, Gary S. Ruschke
  • Patent number: 5685659
    Abstract: Pivot for articulating the load-bearing components of a jack. The pivot comprises a shaft that rotates in a bore. The components are lengths of U section or have lateral flanges or upright edges that overlap in the vicinity of the pivot. The object is to decrease the weight of the jack. Instead of a solid bolt, the axis is a hollow neck (19) stamped through the sides (15 & 17) or flanges (13) of one component and extending through the bore (18) in its counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: August Bilstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Brosius, Reinhard Holscher
  • Patent number: 5685614
    Abstract: A seat in which the backrest armature is composed of two uprights which, joined together by at least one crosspiece, are joined to the seat part armature by a fixed or articulated connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Irausa Ingeniera S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Chabanne
  • Patent number: 5607358
    Abstract: A non-rotating and axially secured connection between an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a driveshaft has an inner joint part at its outer circumference with tracks for receiving torque-transmitting balls or tripod arms for sliding on rollers, as well as a central bore with inner teeth. The driveshaft is inserted into the bore and is provided with corresponding outer teeth. At the end of the inner joint part facing the shaft end, the bore, with its inner teeth, changes into a through-hole with a smaller diameter. At the end of the driveshaft in front of the outer teeth, a cylindrical portion is provided carrying an axial securing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: GKN Automotive AG, Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Stall, Dieter Sattler
  • Patent number: 5566432
    Abstract: A termination assembly is disclosed, which termination assembly is adapted to retain an elongated, generally rigid member, such as a wire to a mounting surface. A mounting surface is configured to define a receiving channel, which may include an aperture. A deformable sleeve member is configured to engage the generally rigid member to be retained and the channel in the mounting member. Cooperative deformation of the deformable sleeve and the mounting member will cause the two members to deform to engage one another, thereby securing the generally rigid member to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Orscheln Company
    Inventors: Randal J. Perisho, Tave E. Hass, David R. Webb, Steve W. Ancell, Jeff E. Tayon, David L. Crossgrove
  • Patent number: 5553964
    Abstract: The tubular element is of the type comprising a tube which is composed of a synthetic material reinforced with fibers and has at least one end provided with a metal terminal member having a portion received inside the end portion of the tube. According to the invention, the outer cylindrical surface of the portion of the terminal member is stepped and has a first section whose outside diameter is greater than the inside diameter of a first section of the end portion of the tube in which it is received, and a second section whose outside diameter is reduced and less than or equal to the inside diameter of a second section of the end portion of the tube. The second section, in the assembled state of the tube and terminal member, extends axially in facing relation to the second section of the stepped surface of the portion of the terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Michel Rouillot
  • Patent number: 5331864
    Abstract: A bicycle headset includes a head tube engaged on a steerer tube, a lower bowl engaged in an upper portion of the head tube, a bearing engaged on the lower bowl, a sleeve engaged on the steerer tube, an upper bowl engaged on the bearing and engaged on the sleeve. A ring extends through the sleeve and couples the upper bowl and the steerer tube together such that the upper bowl and the sleeve and the steerer tube rotate in concert. A tapered surface is formed in the sleeve and the upper bowl so that the sleeve is forced radially inward by the upper bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Chi
  • Patent number: 5328773
    Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed having a first part constructed or powdered metal and having a lip which extends outwardly from one end of the first part. A second part, for example a steel stamping, has a first side, a second side and an opening extending between its sides. The opening is dimensioned so that, with the second part positioned on the end of the first part, the lip extends through the opening and outwardly from the second or outer side of the second part. The first and second parts are then mechanically secured together by deforming the lip so that a portion of lip overlies and entraps an edge portion of the second part between the deformed lip and the end of the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: ICM/Krebsoge
    Inventor: Norm Scott
  • Patent number: 5256087
    Abstract: Before the flat plug (4) is inserted into a perforation (3) of the base (1), at least one rib (7) extending in the direction of insertion is stamped on a flat side. After the flat plug (4) has been inserted, the rib (7) is peeled opposite the direction of insertion and deformed in the direction towards the underside of the base. This results in a positively locking fastening of the flat plug (4) without deformations in the perforation (3) of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Hendel
  • Patent number: 5090786
    Abstract: A drawer having metal side walls comprises a bottom plate, which is supported on angled carrying flanges of the side walls. Each carrying flange has lanced retaining lugs, which are intended to extend into a groove of the bottom plate and after the bottom plate has been placed on the flange are adapted to be bent to assume a fixing position, in which the lugs extend into the material which constitutes one or both side faces of the groove. The retaining lugs are initially lanced to extend in the longitudinal direction of the flange and are adapted to be bent up transversely to the longitudinal direction of the flange and groove. Each lug has a root portion, which merges into the flange and is not wider than the groove. At a distance from the root portion the lugs are provided with lateral projections, which during the bending up of the lugs are in pressure contact with at least one side face of the groove and dig arcuate furrows into the side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Alfit Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Albiez, Karl-Heinz Grabher
  • Patent number: 5086997
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure comprising a skin having inner and outer opposed surfaces and a plurality of spaced, rectangular holes therethrough, each hole having a truncated triangular shape in one transverse cross-section, the truncated apex thereof being at the inner surface, and a support structure including a fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic spar in abutting relation to the inner surface, the spar including a plurality of spaced, integrally-formed, fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic tabs, each tab extending from the spar into a respective one of the holes and being shaped to fill the respective hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Billy M. Glass
  • Patent number: 5070573
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a windshield wiper blade on to a windshield wiper arm includes a securing element for cooperation with an opening formed on the wiper blade, together with a pivoting coupling element for articulation with the wiper arm whereby to obtain a pivoted connection between the blade and the arm. The connecting device includes means for absorbing any clearance between the securing element and the opening, together with a locking element for locking the securing element on to the blade and for activating the means for absorbing clearance.The invention is applicable particularly to automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Paul Journee, S.A.
    Inventors: Maurice Journee, Jean Duda, Pierre Beneteau, Jean-Raymond Bru
  • Patent number: 4985975
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method for attaching the end of a tube of a plastically deformable material such as titanium to a hard metal fitting in a manner that can provide the resulting tube joint with increased strength and fatigue resistance. In the method the tube and fitting are assembled by inserting the tube into the end of a bore in the fitting. A radial force is exerted against a predetermined axial length of the tube wall, and thus also against the fitting, to plastically deform the tube wall radially into plural, axially spaced, circumferential grooves in the fitting bore. While this radial force is being exerted, a die restrains the fitting, causing it to deform elastically more near the end of the fitting bore than near the end of the tube. In the resulting tube joint the fitting applies residual circumferential stresses to the tube that are larger near the end of the fitting bore, and this stress distribution increases the fatigue resistance of the tube joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Unidynamics Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Austin, Jeff D. Gruenberg
  • Patent number: 4875795
    Abstract: In the past wing skin structures have been connected to support substructures by means of rivets or other mechanical fasteners which create stress points and leakage points when aircraft wings are filled with fuel. The present invention utilizes a support substructure having tabs which interleave between plies of a wing skin to mechanically interlock the wing skin and support substructure. The wing structure and support substructure may be fabricated from aircraft composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4859108
    Abstract: A blind hollow fastener with a slotted head and a depending tubular sleeve with a bore extending therethrough for use on a thin vertically disposed plate. The plate is slotted to receive the fastener with the slotted head engaging the side surfaces of the plate while the upsetting action on the tubular sleeve above its lower internal threaded portion engages notches that extend out away from the slot in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Charles G. Maddox
  • Patent number: 4825923
    Abstract: A traction cable is provided for use on a vehicle tire to increase traction in snow and ice. The traction cable comprises a pair of elongated flexible side members having first and second ends, a plurality of flexible cross members interconnecting the side members, a transverse connector mechanism for transversely connecting the ends of the cross members to the side members, and a releasable connector mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second ends of each of the side members. The cross members have ends and each of the cross members includes a cable having a plurality of traction elements slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the traction elements define a plurality of edges. The releasable connector mechanism includes first and second metal stampings which are preferably identical, a metal ring, and a flexible strap having first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Peerless Chain Company
    Inventors: David J. Blankenship, Richard A. George, Steven E. Czaplewski
  • Patent number: 4764340
    Abstract: A device for relieving thermally induced stresses developed in a nuclear fuel assembly during reactor heatup is disclosed herein. The device generally comprises a stress relieving fastener capable of connecting a fuel assembly top nozzle, which may be stainless steel, to a threaded stud, which may be Zircaloy. The stud is attached to a fuel assembly channel. The fastener includes a threaded nut having a deformable portion for relieving thermally induced stresses developed in the stud by the differential thermal expansion of the top nozzle and stud. In a first embodiment of the nut, the deformable portion comprises a circumferential, deformable ridge which is substantially recessed from the marginal edge of the nut and which is disposed on the bottom most surface of the nut. The ridge contacts the top nozzle when the nut threadedly engages the stud. A second embodiment of the nut is similar to the first embodiment except that the deformable ridge is disposed flush with the marginal edge of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Chun K. Lui, Leonard T. Gesinski
  • Patent number: 4711406
    Abstract: A coreholder for securely holding web cores and the like for winding or unwinding includes a cylindrical body surrounded by an expandable sleeve for receiving a core with the sleeve extending within the central opening of the core. Grooves along the body surface beneath the sleeve hold balls of uniform diameter. The balls extend along the lengths of the grooves in contiguous relationship such that at least some of the balls are forced radially outwardly toward the sleeve for applying pressure thereto upon pressure being exerted relatively between the balls. One of the grooves opens from the body at one end for exposing an end one of the balls to selectively applied pressure by a tightening knob to transfer pressure to others of the balls, causing the balls to apply pressure to the sleeve for causing it to expand outwardly for uniformly and grippingly engaging interior surfaces of the core central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Barstow
  • Patent number: 4663979
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for securing the solenoid of an electric engine starter to an aluminum starter housing. The solenoid has a steel casing formed with a plurality of outer circumferentially spaced radially extending cylindrical bores. The portion of the casing that has the bores is located within a tubular portion of the aluminum starter housing. Portions of the material of the housing, that overlie the bores, is flowed into the bores by a tool that is moved in a generally conical path and which is capable of rotating about its own longitudinal axis. The material that is flowed into the bores secures the solenoid to the starter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. VanSickle
  • Patent number: 4453854
    Abstract: A drill steel and method of making a drill steel with an insert which provides a male insertion segment to form a joint with the female end of a drill steel. The insert is formed with a reduced end having an annular lip and can be utilized in a die forming process which forms the end of a drill steel around the insert in a one-step forming operation while at the same time enlarging the drill steel end to form a shoulder abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Fansteel Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Emmerich
  • Patent number: 4304403
    Abstract: An improved flag-tag football device comprising a novel ball and socket coupling assembly for detachably securing a first member to a second member in environments where it is desirable to provide predetermined resistance to pull-away detachable separation of the members in use, such as, for example, in flag-tag games; the coupling including an essentially rigid female socket part internally shouldered around the open end thereof and a male ball part rendered resilient by a closed transverse slot to permit inward deformation of the ball cheeks during coupling with the socket part and then outward expansion thereof at least toward predetermined normal configuration for trapping the ball part in the socket part to resist but not prevent separation of the coupling parts by normal pull-away tension during use, when the center axes of the coupling parts are in approximate general alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Inventor: Porter C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4274665
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for application to plain end pipe and pipe pile by a driving force. It provides much greater tensile strength than the double sleeve type of pipe coupling disclosed and claimed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,247 in that it provides greater strength under tension. In one embodiment, a pair of tapered wedge rings are disposed in spaced coaxial relation within an outer cylindrical sleeve having corresponding tapered inner surfaces to provide tapered annular sockets into which pipe sections may be forced or driven to expand the diameter of the pipe. An annular shoulder on the sleeve forms the bottom of the annular sockets. Under tension, the tapered rings wedge the pipe against the outer sleeve to resist axial removal of the pipe from the coupling socket. In another embodiment, the tapered wedge rings are disposed in coaxial relation outside the cylindrical sleeve to form annular tapered sockets which serve to reduce the diameter of the pipe as it is driven into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Richard O. Marsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4244661
    Abstract: A galvanically compatible flanged sleeve is inserted within a close fitting hole in a structural joint wherein at least one of the structural members is a composite laminate. The sleeve is then expanded outwardly into a high interference fit by the insertion of a fastener therethrough. The sleeve may be of the split type and when such is used, a washer can be provided underneath the flange to prevent damage to the underlying laminate surface. Teflon coated shims may be placed between the mating surfaces of the adjacent structural members heldtogether by the joint when the stress excursions are to be applied to high levels and/or with frequency. Joints so formed of graphite/epoxy laminate have fatigue strengths approaching the ultimate static strength of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Aram J. Dervy
  • Patent number: 4241490
    Abstract: A method of applying a metal sleeve to a concrete reinforcing bar by introducing between opposed surfaces of the sleeve and the bar, particles having a hardness greater than that of the bar and the sleeve and then compressing the sleeve on to the bar with a sufficient force to cause the particles to bite into and grip both the bar and the sleeve.The metal sleeve may be provided as having on its internal surface particles of the foregoing properties. The swaged connection is achieved by carrying out the foregoing method. The invention also contemplates a concrete reinforcing bar with the swaged connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: CCL Systems, Limited
    Inventor: Hugh J. W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4211381
    Abstract: A fixing device for mounting a sign to a post, the rear of the sign having a channel member with inturned lips. A strap around the post is connected to the channel by a pair of attachment members. Each member has a neck which extends through the channel mouth and an enlarged head which is retained within the channel by the lips. The neck part widens towards the head part to provide shoulders which bite into the channel lips when the strap is tightened, and thereby lock the device against movement along the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: Robert A. H. Heard
  • Patent number: 4127354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for securing (joining or splicing) steel reinforcing bars; i.e., "rebars", together, end-to-end or to provide a deadend connection to one end of a rebar. More particularly, the invention includes a rebar connection body having rebar-receiving openings at either end and two rows of spaced-apart parallel openings along the length of the body. The invention further includes U-shaped staples which are inserted in the parallel holes and forcefully driven onto the rebars, broaching such to create a secure mechanical connection between the body and rebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: James L. Mixon, Jr.