With Indicator Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 403/27)
  • Publication number: 20110180440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Frank Weber
  • Patent number: 7918054
    Abstract: Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: GP Innovative Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Grafton, Ernest Graham Perry
  • Publication number: 20110062694
    Abstract: A curtain airbag assembly is provided having a number of airbags 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d arranged in a side by side relationship. Lower ends of the airbags 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are linked to the adjacent airbag by an airbag tether connector assembly 10. Each of the tether connector assemblies includes first and second connectors 20, 30 that engage with one another and snap together to fasten together two tethers 26, 36. In the event that the first and second connectors 20, 30 are not correctly coupled together an indication of this fact is providing in one of a number of manners thereby reducing the risk that a vehicle 5 fitted with such a curtain airbag assembly can enter service with one or more tethers 26, 36 not connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Charles Spencer, Marcus John Scott Ward
  • Publication number: 20110008099
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting two members that allows manual lockdown to prevent accidental disengagement. The connector assembly can be used to connect a tension ring to a housing on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of upper hydraulically actuated dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. The connector assembly also has position indicators that ride along with the dogs to indicate whether the dogs are in the engaged or disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Larson, John V. Leba, Robert A. Blue
  • Publication number: 20100284732
    Abstract: A connection confirming mechanism can visually confirm a completion of connection between a first component and a second component in which the first component is inserted. The second component includes a connecting display component moving between an initial position which is not exposed to an outside and a connecting display position in which at least one portion thereof is exposed to the outside, an urging device urging the connecting display component to a connecting display position side, and a locking mechanism for locking the connecting display component in the initial position against an urging force of the urging device. The locking mechanism releases a locked state at a time of completion of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takaaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100284738
    Abstract: A connection device, unit incorporating a connection device, method of connecting a unit to a pipe, method of using a connection device and method of passing a device along a pipeline are provided. In one embodiment, a connection device (5) is disclosed which includes a through aperture extending between a first end of the connection device and a second end of the connection device so as to receive a section of a pipe (1), a support element (7) provided around the through aperture and one or more inflatable elements (23) provided inside the support element and around the through aperture. Each inflatable element has an inlet for the introduction and/or removal of an inflating medium. Inflation of the inflatable elements causes the connection device to firmly grip and so become anchored on the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Edward Robinson, Neville Teasdale
  • Publication number: 20100115686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device (2) for fixation of the position of an outer layers (4) relatively an inner layer (6) of a protective helmet (3), which protective helmet has a sliding layer (8) arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer, for facilitating displacement of the outer layer relatively the inner layer during an oblique impact towards the protective helmet. The locking device (2) comprises a layer-guiding member (10), that has an upper portion (12), which upper portion (12) is intended to be arranged in an opening (13) in the outer layer (4), and a resilient lower portion (16), extending from the upper portion (12), that in its free end (17) is arranged in connection to the inner layer (6). The present invention also relates to a protective helmet (3) comprising the locking device (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: MIPS AB
    Inventor: Peter Halldin
  • Patent number: 7695211
    Abstract: A retainer for use with a ball and socket joint includes a first portion that is adapted to be connected to a ball stud of a ball and socket joint and a second portion that is adapted to be engaged by a socket of the ball and socket joint. An intermediate portion connects the first and second portions together. A wear indicator is supported on one of the first and second portions. The wear indicator is adapted to be engaged by a portion of the ball and socket joint when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred within the ball and socket joint and to generate a signal in response to such engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Barry Wofford, Pamela Wofford
  • Publication number: 20100032997
    Abstract: There is provided a fitting for a child safety seat for use with a vehicle seat comprising a body; provided to said body, a first connector for connecting to an anchorage of a child safety seat; and provided to the body and spaced from the first connector, a second connector for connecting to an anchorage of a vehicle seat. The second connector is provided with a detector for detecting secure connection thereof to the anchorage of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Morris Gold, Michael John Raine
  • Patent number: 7574806
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of garden shears, which utilizes an aligning lever disposed on the outer surface of an outer tube to support a protruding block; because the protruding block can be fitted into a trough on the outer surface of the inner tube and become secured, the inner tube and the outer tube become fastened together as a result. Moreover, a marked unit is disposed where said inner tube and outer tube are joined, thereby allowing the invention to have a structurally simple handle that can be aligned effectively, which in turn allows users to grasp the precision in the movement between said inner tube and outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Kuang-Pin Wang
  • Publication number: 20090188301
    Abstract: A faceplate connection assembly and method adapted to promote detection of a missing or defective seal element. The faceplate connection includes a surface member having a pair of opposing face elements. A seal seating depression adapted to accept a compressible seal element disposed at least partially across at least one face. A fluid transport channel of open groove construction is disposed in intersecting relation to the seal seating depression. The fluid transport channel is in fluid communication with a port at an exterior portion of the faceplate connection assembly. According to the method a tracer fluid is introduced at a predefined edge of the seal seating depression and migration of the tracer fluid across the seal seating depression is monitored. Detection of migration across the seal seating depression indicates a missing or defective seal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. McConnell, Robert E. Longmire
  • Publication number: 20090047060
    Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator, a fastener body, and a securing mechanism retaining the load indicator on the fastener body. The load indicator has integral protuberances struck and partially sheared from the load indicator to project from a face and leave corresponding indentations in an opposite face. The securing mechanism may be a member extending radially outward from the shank of the fastener body, such as a plurality of spaced apart tabs; at least one thread; at least one flare, stake, or form; a step ring; a series of bumps; a knurl; and one or more lobes. Alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism include a key-and-keyhole combination; an interference fit facilitated by a chamfer or by one or more lobes or by shaped surfaces of the fastener body and of the load indicator; one or more tack welded interconnections; and an adhesive patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: TurnaSure, LLC
    Inventors: F. Jonathan M. Turner, Nicholas Strumbos, Robert Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080292389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (16) including a fastener having a locking means, actuating means adapted to cause the locking means to engage or disengage, and means for sensing a location. The invention further relates to a method for operating a fastening system. The method including the steps of providing a fastener having a locking means, providing actuating means for causing the locking means to engage or disengage, sensing a location, and actuating the actuating means to cause the locking means to engage or disengage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Telezygology, Inc.
    Inventor: Dickory Rudduck
  • Patent number: 7452155
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, has a ball and socket joint housing (1), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4), which is made of an electrically conductive material, has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3), and which is mounted with its joint ball (2) rotatably and pivotably in the bearing shell (5) and projects from the ball and socket joint housing with its pivot (3) through the opening of the joint. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall of the bearing shell (5) at a distance (?) from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5). Furthermore, between the joint ball (2) and the ball and socket joint housing (1), the wall has at least two layers (12, 13) arranged one after another, between which the electrode (14) is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Hans-Gerd Brunneke
  • Publication number: 20080246273
    Abstract: A latch body (10) incorporates spring-loaded latches (11) and (12) which secure the inner tube assembly in place by latching against a shoulder in an adaptor coupling. At the lower end of the latch body (10) there are water inlet ports (13), a landing shoulder (14) and water outlet ports (15). The valve mechanism (20) includes a piston (21) slidable within upper cylinder (22) above the inlet ports (12) which has a recess (23) at its upper end for receiving a ball (24) and a sealing flange (25), at its lower end. The upper cylinder (22) has a recess (26) in which part of the ball can seat to cock the piston. A second cylinder (27) between the inlet ports (13) and outlet ports (15) carries a spring guide (28) having a valve seat (30) at its upper end. A spring (31) acts against the sealing flange (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SHELLJET PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Leslie Michael Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080199247
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle is provided with a joint housing (2), with a ball pivot (3), which is mounted rotatably and pivotably in same and which is in contact with the joint housing (2) or with a ball shell (7) arranged between this and the ball pivot (5). The ball and socket joint has an angle measuring device (20, 21), by which the angle of the ball pivot (5) relative to the joint housing (2) can be detected. At least two temperature sensors (15, 16) are arranged at spaced locations from one another in or on the joint housing (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Spratte, Michael Klank, Jochen Kruse
  • Patent number: 7413201
    Abstract: The invention discloses a utility vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, with a steering system having single-wheel-suspended steering wheels, which are mounted on a respective wheel carrier (11). Each wheel carrier (11) may be swivelled about the axis of at least one rigidly connected bolt (18) and is connected via a ball-and-socket joint (9) on the at least one bolt, to a transverse steering element (1) that is articulated to the vehicle body. Associated with the ball-and-socket joint (9) is a steering angle sensor (22) comprising a rotatable input member (23), which is located at least approximately in the extension of the axis of the swivel bolt (18). The rotatable input member (23) is connected to the bolt via an entrainment element (25) that transmits the swivel motion of the bolt in an angularly precise manner to detect the current swivel position of the wheel carrier (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Freytag, Bernd Glaser
  • Patent number: 7367742
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle has a ball-and-socket joint housing (i), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4) is made of an electrically conductive material and has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3) mounted rotatably and pivotably with its joint ball (2) in the bearing shell (5) and protrudes with its pivot (3) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (1) through the joint opening. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall (12) of the bearing shell (5) at a spaced location from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brunneke, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7341391
    Abstract: A pipe fitting of the present invention comprises a combination of a plurality of split fittings and has a central cylinder and an extended cylinder which outwardly projects from the central cylinder, the central cylinder and the extended cylinder being capable of receiving pipes from orthogonal directions with respect to each other. The extended cylinder includes a bolt hole which locates near the central cylinder and which penetrates the extended cylinder. The central cylinder has an aperture provided in a side surface thereof. Each split fitting is fixed on the pipes by a bolt and nut via the respective bolt hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: Sekisui Jushi Kabushiki Kaisha, Takiron Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakahori, Tomoaki Hirooka
  • Patent number: 7275909
    Abstract: A working machine includes a lift arm and an implement coupling fixed to the lift arm. The implement coupling includes a locking element which is displaceable between an inoperative position and an operative position in which it is designed to shoot into a hole in the implement in order to lock the implement to the implement coupling. The locking element, over a first section of its length, has a first cross-section that will allow the first section of the locking element to be shot into the hole in the implement, and over a second section, which adjoins the first section, has a second cross-section which prevents the second section being shot further into said hole. The second section comprises a stop face designed to be brought to bear against the implement when securing the implement to the implement coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Joakim Sjogren
  • Patent number: 7222862
    Abstract: A tool holder for a power tool, in particular a drilling and/or hammering tool comprising a manually actuable sleeve (40) wherein components of the tool holder are held within the sleeve by a snap ring (100) which snap ring is fitted within the sleeve. The snap ring has at least one resilient arm (102) and the sleeve has a corresponding number of through holes (105) which extend to a radially outwardly facing surface of the sleeve, arranged such that the or each arm is engageable with a corresponding through hole in a snap fit. Each arm and through hole cooperate so that the portion (104) of the or each arm which can be viewed from the radially outwardly facing surface of the sleeve appears in the shape of a symbol. Thus, the snap ring (100) has the dual function of maintaining components, such as a locking ring (42) within the sleeve (40) and of providing an external indication to a user of how to actuate the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Achim Buchholz, Ralf Bernhart
  • Patent number: 7201530
    Abstract: An adjustable torque rod comprising includes an adjusting sleeve, a housing and a rod. The adjusting sleeve includes a center surface, a first end and a second end. The housing has a receiving end that is rotatably connected to the second end of said adjusting sleeve. An attachment end of the housing, opposite the receiving end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the housing to a vehicle. A clamp is positioned proximate the receiving end for fixing the adjusting sleeve into a position in the receiving end of the housing. The rod has an adjustment end and a mounting end. The adjustment end is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting sleeve. The mounting end, opposite the adjustment end, includes a bushing for use in connecting the rod to a vehicle. The torque rod is extended and retracted by rotation of the adjusting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ZF-Lemforder Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Wappes, II, Robert Miller, Markus Huelsmann
  • Patent number: 7048461
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly (10) comprises a socket (12) with a chamber (18), an opening extending through a first axial end (20) of the socket (12), and electrically conductive structure (60) closing the second axial end (22) of the socket (12). An electrically conductive ball stud (30) has a head portion (32) that is received in the chamber (18) and a shank portion (34) that extends through the opening. An electrically conductive bearing member (40) is received in the chamber (18) and provides an electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30). An electrically non-conductive biasing member (50) is interposed between the structure (60) and the bearing member (40) and urges the bearing member away from the structure such that, in response to a predetermined amount of wear, the electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30) is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7021878
    Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Trackers Company
    Inventors: Stephen H. Albertson, John C. Gallagher, Vlasta A. Albertson
  • Patent number: 7018331
    Abstract: An endoscope assembly consisting of an endoscope 622, a light source, 626 and a camera 552 with display 558. The endoscope contains a memory 670 with data that describes the endoscope and its operating characteristics. When the light source is connected to the endoscope with a fiber optic cable 628, the data in the memory are read into a control processor 538a internal to the light source. The control processor, based on the endoscope data configures the light source so that it emits an appropriate amount of light for that endoscope. The light source also sends a control unit 556 of the camera data indicating the type of endoscope to which the camera is attached. Based on this endoscope type data, the control unit processes the image signals generated by the camera head in an appropriate form for the attached endoscope so as to produce appropriate signals for presenting an image on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Huei Liang Chang, Richard A. Beutter
  • Patent number: 6942415
    Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly comprising a coupling element including a shaft-receiving slot configured to receive a shaft. A retaining bolt is extendable through the coupling element adjacent the shaft receiving slot and to be received and retained in a bolt receiving recess in the upper shaft surface adjacent the forward shaft end after the shaft forward end is inserted in the coupling element slot. At least one projection extends from the shaft forward end adjacent the shaft upper surface to prevent improper clamping of the shaft forward end and any associated feeling of proper interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Whitton, Harry Heilemann, Donald C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6854194
    Abstract: A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft. A protective liner is formed adjacent the through-bore of the adapter body and has a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of the centering adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Allan H. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6786426
    Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor for directing the flow of fluid from a mount includes a monitor housing having an inlet, which is adapted to receive the mount for receiving fluid from the mount, and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet for discharging fluid from the housing. The monitor also includes a latch mechanism for releasably engaging the mount. The latch mechanism extends through the housing for releasably engaging the mount. The monitor also includes an indicator means for providing a positive indication of when the latch mechanism is fully engaged with the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: James M. Trapp
  • Patent number: 6739788
    Abstract: A ball pivot (1) of a ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles with a joint ball (2) and with a pivot (3) connected to the joint ball (2) is presented, in which a substantial part (3.1) of the pivot (3) is made nonround for preventing the ball pivot from rotating. A wheel suspension is also disclosed in which a nonround ball pivot is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jörg Hagemes, Martina Beyer
  • Publication number: 20040057779
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly (10) comprises a socket (12) with a chamber (18), an opening extending through a first axial end (20) of the socket (12), and electrically conductive structure (60) closing the second axial end (22) of the socket (12). An electrically conductive ball stud (30) has a head portion (32) that is received in the chamber (18) and a shank portion (34) that extends through the opening. An electrically conductive bearing member (40) is received in the chamber (18) and provides an electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30). An electrically non-conductive biasing member (50) is interposed between the structure (60) and the bearing member (40) and urges the bearing member away from the structure such that, in response to a predetermined amount of wear, the electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30) is discontinued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 6684585
    Abstract: An anchorage for a post-tension system including an anchor body having an interior cavity and a generally flat end surface, a tendon extending through the interior cavity of the anchor body, a plurality of wedges in interference-fit relationship between a wall of the interior cavity and a surface of the tendon, a cap member positioned outwardly of the flat end surface, and a ring juxtaposed against the inner surface of the cap member. The ring is physically deformed so as to provide a visual indication of a desired amount of tension applied to the tendon. The ring is received within an annular slot formed in the flat end surface of the anchor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Campbell
  • Patent number: 6672792
    Abstract: A fastener connects an insert to a hollow tube. The fastener is formed to have a yoke portion extending between a pair of arm portions, all of which are formed arcuately to conform to the shape of tube. Arm portions have arcuate free ends with horizontally oriented seams. Arm portions include protuberances which then may be cammed between an engagement position with edges of openings in the tube and edges of a cavity space in insert and a disengageable position between the edges. The fastener includes a lifting handle that is spaced away from the tubes surface to form an access gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Interlock Structures Internatioal Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Schipani, Richard K. Strayer, Michael B. Lasky, Lee T. Egbert
  • Patent number: 6641180
    Abstract: A screw connection including a sealing ring, a connecting piece, and a union nut for assembling a tube connector. The sealing ring has a nut side portion with an annular reinforcement on its outer face, a narrow ring portion, a ring surface with transfer elements arranged on its annular face located at the transition between the narrow ring portion and the nut side portion, and at least one cutting edge on its interior surface. The annular face having an inclination between 45° and 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube connection. The connecting piece has an end face located at a first axial end and a conical bore disposed within. When fully assembled, the narrow ring portion is positioned with said conical bore, contacts the connecting piece, and transfers a negative image of the transfer elements on the ring surface onto the connecting piece end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Udhoefer
  • Patent number: 6599049
    Abstract: An indicating instrument (4) has a housing (3) having an external thread (7) by which it can be inserted in a recess (2) of a dashboard (1). A housing nut (9) which can be screwed onto the external thread (7) and has an internal thread (8) fixes the housing (3) on the dashboard. Either the external thread (7) and the internal thread (8) are provided only in at least two subregions of the circumference of the housing (3) and of the housing nut (9), respectively, the subregions each having a shorter length than the subregions which lie between them and do not have a thread, so that the housing nut (9) can be pushed in at least one angular position completely onto the housing (3) without engaging in the external thread (7), or instead only the external thread (7) or the internal thread (8) is provided in at least two subregions of the circumference, which subregions are of resilient design radially, so that the internal thread (8) and external thread (7) can become disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Thomas Erben
  • Patent number: 6592284
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a low-friction ball-and-socket joint is provided in which a ball pivot with a pivot area and with a joint ball made in one piece therewith is first introduced into a bearing shell (2, 2.1, 2.2) and the latter is in turn introduced through an opening (4) into a joint housing (5), wherein the opening (4) of the housing (3) is closed by a housing cover (5) after the introduction of the components. The pivot area (1.1) of the ball pivot (1) is then introduced into a recording device of a torque measuring device to determine the torque of the joint between the bearing shells (2.1,2.2) and the joint ball (1.2). The housing cover (5) is then permanently fixed by a rolling device (10) by bending over a rolled edge (9) of the housing arranged on the housing (3). The torque of the joint is continuously measured during the rolling operation and is compared with a presettable set point. The housing cover (5) displaces the upper bearing shell (2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Martin Rechtien, Martin Wellerding
  • Patent number: 6533491
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ball joint, in particular for motor vehicle steering, comprising a housing (1), a spherical mounting (2) engaged inside the housing, formed by a spherical mounting head integral (20) with a rod (2a) emerging through an opening (16) of the housing, a lower bearing (3) defining a lower supporting surface enclosing the spherical head on the housing opening side and an opposite upper mobile bearing (24) defining an upper supporting surface, said upper bearing being urged by spring (5) against the, spherical mounting head (20), so as to be able to move towards the lower bearing (24) while the spherical mounting head (20) or the lower bearing wears away, wear indicating means (7, 7′, 7″) being adapted to provide information concerning wear according to the movement of said upper mobile bearing (24) or of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Scoma
    Inventor: Jean Redele
  • Publication number: 20020121236
    Abstract: A hook fitted with a device making it possible to see whether or not it has been subjected to tensile stress is described. The hook is characterised in that it is fitted with a safety ring set in the passage orifice for the line with a certain clearance so as to receive the latter and to support the tensile stress which might be exerted on the hook if the user falls, being maintained in this orifice in a position in which the clearance is essentially located on the side of the tensile stress and is so by means of a gudgeon, having a diameter smaller than the clearance, inserted in a straight end-to-end bore passing through the outwardly turned edges of the safety ring and the body of the hook so that the gudgeon breaks when subjected to tensile stress greater than a predetermined threshold stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard Besson
  • Patent number: 6381824
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening anchoring devices having a screw aperture therethrough to a portions of panels devoid of openings including fastening the anchoring device to a one side of the panel, and forming an anchoring device locating indicium on another side of the panel opposite the anchoring device and in alignment with the aperture thereof without forming an opening through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Levey
  • Patent number: 6328270
    Abstract: A combination of a swivel joint with an arm for mounting an apparatus for surveillance applications, such as a television camera includes a truncated ball, an arm attached at the end thereof to the truncated ball and having a passage for a cable, a ring-shaped holder having an inner curved rim of a curvature radius equal to that of the truncated ball for locking that truncated ball. An elongated cylindrical cover having an elongated cutout provides a passage to the arm for gripping the truncated ball and provides the arm with positioning capacity extending through the length of the cutout. A locking nut locks the cylindrical cover to the ring-shaped holder. The cylindrical cover can be rotated for positioning the cutout so that the arm can be adjusted to any position within the length of the cutout and the cable passing through the truncated ball and the holder is not obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Elbex Video Ltd.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 6295863
    Abstract: A method of determining seal failure is implemented in a ball joint including a stud having a ball embedded in grease within a sealed socket assembly. A dielectric characteristic of the grease is measured to determined if the sealed socket assembly has failed based upon a substantial variation of the measured dielectric characteristic from a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Matthew Ginder, William McMurray Stewart
  • Patent number: 6231261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamp (1) for clamping or bracing high-frequency cables (2 and/or 3). The clamp (1) comprises an indicating device (21) that determines whether a spring (12) on the clamp (1) has been brought to exert the desired pressure or tensional force during assembly and maintain said desired pressure or tensional force thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Teracom Components AB
    Inventor: Hans Olof Lundbäck
  • Patent number: 6189193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening anchoring devices having a screw aperture therethrough to a portions of panels devoid of openings including fastening the anchoring device to a one side of the panel, and forming an anchoring device locating indicium on another side of the panel opposite the anchoring device and in alignment with the aperture thereof without forming an opening through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Levey
  • Patent number: 6152637
    Abstract: A joint assembly is provided having a first bearing member engaging a second bearing member and having a sealing washer that is located adjacent to the second bearing member. A wear indicator insert is sandwiched in between the second bearing member and the sealing washer in a pre-compressed condition. The indicator insert includes a head that extends beyond the sealing washer until a certain amount of bearing wear is present in the joint assembly. In addition, the indicator insert cannot be wiggled until a certain degree of wear has occurred in the joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Garth B. Maughan
  • Patent number: 6125541
    Abstract: An assembly technique and device for enclosing an open end of a movable socket (10) comprised of fully hardened materials with an expanding cover-plate (66) and for positioning the cover-plate at a predetermined distance from an exposed pressure plate (62) of the movable socket so as to provide a reliable indicator of socket wear. During assembly, various internal components of the movable socket, including the pressure plate, are installed within a housing (12) through a posterior opening (16) with the cover-plate is positioned over the components. A two-stage ram (100) having first and second contact surfaces (142, 167) is brought into engagement with the cover-plate. Pressure exerted by the two-stage ram is transferred to the cover-plate through the first surface, expanding the cover-plate into a generally planar configuration and enclosing the internal components within the socket housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Moog Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen C. Parker
  • Patent number: 6110107
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (124) for supplying light to an endoscope (22) from a light source (28). The cable, in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (140, 146) integral with a plug (130) attached to one end of the cable connect the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. The conductors extend to a switch (384) in a second plug (132) which is closed when a sensor (387) closes the switch to establish an electrical connection between the conductors. The sensor closes the switch when the second plug is connected to an endoscope. The circuit internal to the light source monitors the change in voltage across the conductors to determine if the connection is established. When the connection is not established, the light source places itself in a standby mode reducing the amount of emitted light energy, thus minimizing heating of the light cable, and the second, distal plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Bader-Eddine Bellahsene, Huei Liang Chang, YanPeng Ng, Richard A. Beutter
  • Patent number: 5975786
    Abstract: A hoist swivel shackle assembly used with others to hoist heavy objects such as dies and molds. The shackle includes a "U" shaped shackle member pivotal on a swivel body which is rotatable about an orthogonal axis on a base. Long term distortion of the shackle member is minimized by flanges on the ends of the legs of the shackle that slidably engage side bosses on the swivel body to absorb outward loading on the shackle. The shackle is pivoted to the swivel body member by a pair of pins with annular recesses, fixed in a pair diametrally opposite pin receiving bores in the swivel body member. These pins are held in the swivel body member by pressing a softened material into threaded bosses in the swivel body forcing it around the pins and into their recesses. Overloading the swivel shackle assemblies is minimized by an indicator that tells the operator when he has exceeded the safety angle of the shackle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dong Moon Chang
  • Patent number: 5842808
    Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge for a training golf club comprises first and second hinge members (10, 20) pivoted to each other by a transverse pivot pin (30). Member (10) has a tongue (13) terminating in a generally circular arc (14) having a depression (15) therein, and member (20) has a pair of arms (23, 24) forming a fork between which the tongue (13) of member (10) is received, the pivot pin (30) passing through both arms and the tongue. Member (20) has an axial bore (25) containing a spring-loaded detent element (27) which bears against the circular arc (14) and engages in the depression (15). Member (20) is threaded externally at (43) towards the end opposite the pivot pin (30) and is slotted at (41) in the same region to provide communication with the bore (25) containing the spring (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: George Arthur James Potter
    Inventors: George Arthur James Potter, Michael Godfrey Harman
  • Patent number: 5803651
    Abstract: A double locking connector with an engagement detecting member disposed slidably on an operating section of a flexible locking arm of a connector housing, in a direction of connector engagement, to slidably lock a locking lug of a flexible detection arm of the engagement detecting member on a locking section of the flexible locking arm, wherein an abutting projection against the flexible detection arm locked within a space of flection of the flexible locking arm is disposed in the connector housing to prevent the deflection of the flexible locking arm from being caused. An operating plate section of the engagement detecting member over laps a front end section of a mating connector housing in a state of the flexible detection arm being locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 5743672
    Abstract: A headboard support bracket is disclosed that, when used with independent legs on a box springs, can eliminate the need for a metal frame for support of the headboard associated with the box springs. Further, the use of the bracket eliminates the need for affixing the headboard to the wall of the room, thereby precluding relocation of the bed without removal of the headboard from the wall. The headboard support bracket is symmetrical so that it can be used on either corner of the box springs without the need to resort to "right" and "left" were the bracket asymmetrical. The bracket includes indicia means for positioning the headboard support bracket properly on the box springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rid-Gid Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Cline
  • Patent number: 5692855
    Abstract: The coupler is attached to the boom of a tractor or other vehicle and enables the boom to be quickly and automatically connected to an implement such as a loader bucket. The coupler includes spring-loaded and laterally shiftable pins which automatically latch to the implement when the coupler is shifted forwardly toward the implement. Unlatching of the pins is effected by manually turning an operating handle. The operating handle is connected to the pins by laterally rigid links which cause movement of the handle to follow movement of the pins in all positions of the pins so that the position of the handle serves as a visual indicator as to whether the pins are latched or unlatched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Farmers' Factory Co.
    Inventor: Paul Burton