Including Frangible Component Patents (Class 403/2)
  • Patent number: 6517307
    Abstract: A lift truck attachment for handling loads comprises a main frame assembly for attachment to an elevator of a lift truck and a lower slide assembly. The lower slide assembly includes an elongated sliding element for performing a reciprocal motion relative to the main frame assembly. A bottom slide cross tube is furnished and has an elongated structure extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated sliding element. An elongated pusher plate is attached to the bottom slide cross tube and extends substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. A first shear plate has a first hole and is attached to an end of the bottom side cross tube. A second shear plate has a second hole and is rotatably attached to the first shear plate with a rotation axis disposed substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. The first hole and the second hole have the same distance from the rotation axis. A threaded safety bolt penetrates through the first hole and through the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Sal Marino
  • Patent number: 6505376
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle capable of absorbing impact applied from outside. The wiper apparatus has a rocking wiper arm and a wiper blade attached to a tip end of the wiper arm for wiping a windshield, a pivot fixed to a base end of the wiper arm, and a pivot holder attached to a car-body panel, pivotally supporting the pivot and movable toward inside of a car-body by a load applied from outside of the vehicle substantially in an axial direction of the pivot. Alternatively, a load absorbing member may be provided outside of a section of the wiper arm where the pivot is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mamoru Kagawa
  • Patent number: 6491328
    Abstract: A robust rigid block forming a fastener and tamper evident seal attaches a cover to a tote bin. The seal is formed partially into a C-shaped locking device for insertion into aligned bores in the tote bin cover and bin. The C-shaped device is inserted to an insertion position and then displaced to a locking position with the legs of the device overlying the cover and bin members at the bores fastening the cover to the bin and capable of withstanding high shock loads. A locking element connected to the device by a frangible web has a camming surface that engages an edge of the cover for camming the device during insertion of the element in the bores to the insertion position at which time the web is fractured. The element has a flange plate attached to the element body by a weak web for selective removal of the plate. A resilient tang is attached to the element for engaging a mating locking recess in the body for locking the element to the device and to the bin and cover in the insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Dreisbach
  • Patent number: 6488434
    Abstract: An overload indicator apparatus (10) is provided for use in connection with a force generator (12). The force generator is used to apply a force to a load (14), and the overload indicator will indicate if the applied force is greater than a predetermined amount. The overload indicator includes a first support member (16), a second support member (18), and a tensile member (20). The first support member can be connected to the force generator, and the second support member can be connected to the load. The tensile member is positioned between, and in load bearing communication with, the first support member and the second support member, and is adapted to support at least part of the force when the force is less than substantially the predetermined amount. An overload retainer (40) comprises at least one beam (42), the beam having a first end (30) connected to the first support member and a second end (32) connected to the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Kurt R. Graeff
  • Patent number: 6488268
    Abstract: A support post for a guardrail which resists impact by a motor vehicle from one direction (strong direction) and yields to impact by a motor vehicle from another direction (weak direction). The support post is adapted to receive the guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong direction such that the support post resists an impact on the rail face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Patent number: 6457895
    Abstract: The flush mount breakaway post coupler is a coupler for connecting a post to a ground anchor. The coupler has an upper section and a lower section. The upper section has a socket for receiving a post, a shear section, and an anchor attachment portion for attachment to the lower section. The shear section is hollow and cylindrical and has an groove defined about its exterior so that the wall of the shear section is thin, fracture of the coupler occurring around the annular groove. The lower section is an expansion anchor having a threaded bore for receiving a bolt, the lower section being placed in a tubular ground anchor, or a hole defined in the ground. The socket has a bottom wall, and a cylindrical bore extends through the shear section to a predetermined base in the anchor attachment portion. A bolt hole extends from the base of the bore through the anchor attachment section. A bolt connects the upper and lower sections so that the coupler is wedged into the tubular ground anchor as the bolt is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Mark T. Salman
  • Patent number: 6457896
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling having a loop for receiving a connecting element. The loop includes a material reduction region. The material reduction region is formed as part of the loop such that the loop breaks at that region when placed under a pre-defined load. The coupling may be of fixed or swivel configuration. The material reduction region has dimensions less than the remainder of the loop such that-when the selected load is reached, the loop will break in that region. This design is particularly suited for those conditions when an underwater connecting element, such as a rope tied between an underwater lobster trap and a floating buoy, comes in contact with a marine animal. If the animal is of sufficient size, such as a whale, to apply the selected load to loop breakage, the connecting element will be released and the possibility of entanglement with the marine animal will be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Eric deDoes
  • Patent number: 6457556
    Abstract: A damping element for a catching carriage for damping the catching impact in the event of a fall of a user from a height includes a first end adapted to be connected to the carriage and a lug disposed at a second end adapted to be connected to a catching belt secured to the user. The damping element is releasably fixed in a non-rectilinear shape by at least one frangible link dimensioned for releasing the damping element from its non-rectilinear shape when a certain load is applied, so that it can damp the catching impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Soll GmbH
    Inventors: Toralf Skade, Ronald Mickan
  • Patent number: 6447413
    Abstract: A field serviceable device in conjunction with a pivoting means and a stationary means, such as a bicycle derailleur and a derailleur hanger, respectively. The device comprises a head, a barrel, a flange, and a pin. The barrel comprises a barrel-flange connector and barrel-pin connector on a first end, and a barrel-head connector on a second end. The head, flange, and pin are independently connected to the barrel. The pin has a pin-tool opening extending through the pin, and the barrel has a barrel-tool opening of sufficient dimension extending through the barrel such that a pin tool can extend into the barrel-tool opening without interference. The pin further defines a pin fracture notch that is designed to fracture before the pivoting means or stationary means is damaged due to a force applied to the pivoting means or stationary means by debris impacting the pivoting or stationary means or becoming wedged between, for example, the bicycle frame and the derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Eric S. Turer, Thomas J. Malay
  • 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: 6422783
    Abstract: A slip base support system for tubular posts. The post supporting a highway sign or other highway roadside device is held in a casting that has a triangular, multi-directional base plate. The base plate mates with a similar shaped ground plate, and the two plates are held together with bolts oriented in notches in the apexes of each triangle. Upon impact by a vehicle, the post and support casting break away from the ground plate by ejecting one or more of the bolts laterally from the notches. The post is held within the casting after impact by an internal locking pin, which is retained within the post by grommets, thus minimizing the projectile missiles after impact. To facilitate breakaway, two sheets of galvanized steel having a low coefficient of friction are positioned between the base plate and ground plate. After impact, nearly all parts of the system, including the post, casting, ground plate and bolts, are able to be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Northwest Pipe Company
    Inventor: Horace M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6409156
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a pre-formed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 6390436
    Abstract: A breakaway sign post assembly (30) including a sign support post (32), an anchoring post (34) and a breakaway collar (100). The breakaway collar (100) includes a sidewall (102) which surrounds the sign support post (32). The sidewall (102) includes at least one substantially vertical line of weakness (120) configured to facilitate a portion of the sidewall (102) to give way. The sidewall (102) retains the sign support post (32) in a manner to define a fulcrum (134) about which the sign support post (32) turns when a vehicle impacts and exerts a lateral force at an impact location, with the fulcrum (134) being positioned below the impact location so that the support post (32) will swing generally away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Theodore D. Barnes, Darren Potter
  • Patent number: 6381800
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as: PCR=KE=1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Buchanan, Jr., Yaomin Dong
  • Publication number: 20020034413
    Abstract: Connecting member including a column-shaped driven section, a cylindrical connecting section for connecting with a screwing tap, a bit or a socket and a column-shaped body section connected between the driven section and the connecting section. The body section or the connecting section is formed with a weakened section as a stress concentration area when the connecting member is subject to a torque. The weakened section has a cross-sectional area smaller' than that of other parts of the connecting member. The connecting member is co-used with a screwing tap or a bit. In case of over-screwing, the weakened section is first broken so that the relatively expensive screwing tap or other tools or the parts driven by the tools are prevented from breaking or deforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Lien-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 6339970
    Abstract: In a steering column (1) which is telescopic in the event of a crash, an outer column tube (6) is connected to a stem (7) by means of a shearing body (10). This two-piece shearing body (10) has a shearing area which is reduced relative to its external dimensions and is determined by a projection connecting its two sections (11, 12). The shearing body (10) can therefore absorb relatively large axial forces, for example for assembly purposes, and yet permits maximum admissible shearing forces which can be set largely as desired and which at the same time can be reproduced with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Waldemar Blex
  • Publication number: 20020006307
    Abstract: A wiper assembly for surface maintenance vehicles has a non-destructive failure mode when impacting stationary objects, or otherwise becoming subject to instantaneous or rapidly increasing resistance to forward movement, due to an improved mechanical coupling. The improved mechanical coupling for a wiper assembly absorbs some of the impact stresses imparted to the wiper assembly. Portions of each improved mechanical coupling designed to absorb the stress forces deforms most nearest the location of increasing resistance to forward movement, and may either become fully disconnected if the stress force reaches a threshold force value or recoils to the original mounting location after absorbing forces that are less that said threshold force value. The threshold value force at which a wiper assembly dislodges from its mounting location is designed to avoid damage to the wiper assembly, the articulated mounting member (if any), and the maintenance vehicle itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Steven V. Feeny, Daniel L. Joynt
  • Patent number: 6322273
    Abstract: Joint restraint assembly for connecting pipes which includes a substantially annular body, at least one segment, and at least one bolt. The annular body is configured to fit around a pipe and has at least one pocket formed adjacent the pipe and at least one bore disposed through the body into the pocket. The segment is configured to fit in the pocket. The bolt extends through the bore engaging the segment abutting same against the pipe. In addition, the bolt has a stop ring formed thereon limiting the length the bolt can extend through the bore to a defined length sufficient for retaining the annular body around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary J. Gentile, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010042351
    Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section formed from aluminum or sheet steel stock adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt A. Keil
  • Patent number: 6317918
    Abstract: A windshield wiper device for a vehicle, for wiping the windshield of the vehicle, comprises at least one windshield wiping unit. The windshield wiping unit comprises a pivot holder attached to the body of the vehicle and having a cylindrical bearing part, a pivot shaft extended through and supported for turning in the bearing part on the pivot holder, a wiper arm having a base end part fixed to an outer end part of the pivot shaft, and a wiper blade assembly having a wiper blade and connected to the free end of the wiper arm. The pivot shaft is restrained from axial movement into the bearing part of the pivot holder by a retaining ring put there on and seated on an outer end surface of the bearing part of the pivot holder. The retaining is fractured or deformed to permit the pivot shaft to move axially into the bearing part when an axial force exceeding a predetermined level is exerted on the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Kagawa, Kazuhide Kuno, Jiroh Kamiya, Yuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6308927
    Abstract: A breakaway sign post connector includes a shear member and a bushing. The shear member includes a first end, a second end, and a necked down section intermediate the first and second ends. A shoulder is attached to the second end, and a resilient bushing is positioned over the shoulder and surrounds the shear member. When attached to an anchor plate and a support plate for a sign post, the bushing strengthens the connector and resists wind shear while allowing the shear member to fracture in the necked down section at a predetermined impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Leahy
  • Patent number: 6290420
    Abstract: A connection structure of an electrical component is provided wherein the first connection member consists of liquid crystalline polymer synthetic resin. A weld joint is formed in the sleeve of the first connection member during the molding process. This weld joint permits the second connection member to be press-fitted into the first connection member by permitting the first connection member to fracture along the weld joint, thereby resulting in a tight connection between the first and second connection members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Asano
  • Patent number: 6287039
    Abstract: The blocking system comprises a first interface element adapted to cooperate with a first of two bodies; a second interface element adapted to cooperate with the second of the two bodies; blocking element adapted to cooperate with the interface elements to ensure temporary blocking and comprising a frangible zone; a rupture device consisting of a shape memory alloy adapted to be deformed by elongation through heating to break the frangible zone, by which the second body becomes free to move relative to the first body; and heating element adapted to heat the rupture device beyond the critical temperature to cause the shape memory alloy to be deformed. A redundancy of heating element may be provided, as well as a retraction of at least part of the blocking element in a housing defined by one of the interface elements. The invention is useful for blocking the displacement of a tilting platform with respect to a fixed platform in the field of space applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Sylvain Leconte, Gilles Orhon
  • Patent number: 6279288
    Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt A. Keil
  • Publication number: 20010016144
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a pre-formed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 6264162
    Abstract: A breakaway sign post assembly (30) is disclosed as including a sign support post (32), an anchoring post (34) and a breakaway collar (100). The breakaway collar (100) includes a sidewall (102) which surrounds the sign support post (32). The sidewall (102) includes at least one substantially vertical line of weakness (120) configured to facilitate a portion of the sidewall (102) to give way. The sidewall (102) retains the sign support post (32) in a manner to define a fulcrum (134) about which the sign support post (32) turns when a vehicle impacts and exerts a lateral force at an impact location, with the fulcrum (134) being positioned below the impact location so that the support post (32) will swing generally away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Theodore D. Barnes, Darren Potter
  • Patent number: 6260883
    Abstract: A steering column holding structure, includes: a column lower bracket locating at rear end of an automobile in relation to a pedal lever, the column lower bracket holding a steering column, wherein the column lower bracket comprises: a column holding section holding the steering column; and a first and a second protruding sections formed with a first and a second through holes so that the column lower bracket is attached to a column holding frame of the automobile with bolts. In the above construction, the first protruding section is formed with an opening channel so as to open the first through hole, thereby making the first protruding section between the opening channel and the steering column as a absorbingly deforming section which is to be deformed by the pedal lever when the automobile forwardingly bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Shimizu, Toshiki Hattori
  • Patent number: 6254063
    Abstract: An improved breakaway steel guardrail post for use in dissipation of impact energy upon impact of the post having an upper post member and a lower post member, a connecting joint, and a mechanism connected to the upper and lower post members for controlling the energy dissipation of the guardrail post about the connecting joint at a predetermined rate. A first embodiment utilizes a cable restraint lopped through openings in the guardrail posts. Other embodiments included straps and fasteners designed to distort or fail at predetermined rates or strengths and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Safety By Design, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Rohde, John D. Reid, Dean L. Sicking
  • Patent number: 6250835
    Abstract: A pole or the like formed by an anchoring member and a vertical member which are linked by a linking piece having a zone of lower resistance to force. Block members are provided at the opposite ends of the anchoring member and the vertical member each of which has a central bore for receiving the linking piece and at least one of the block members has a surface slopping from its center towards it periphery such that a space between the opposite block members is greater at the periphery of the pole than at its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Didier Chamel
  • Patent number: 6237690
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second connector parts. The first connector part has a bearing portion and the second connector part is connectable with the first connector part. A carriage comprises an abutment which is disposed against the first connector part and the carriage is reciprocatable between a forward position for connecting the connector parts and a retracted position for disconnecting the connector parts. A bias is provided for biasing the bearing against the abutment. The bearing portion and the abutment cooperate to permit pivoting of the first connector part in response to a force in any lateral direction on the first connector part. The first connector part may include a weakened portion providing a reduced resistance to shear. The connector assembly may also form part of a wellhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Tronic Limited
    Inventor: Joseph A. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6231012
    Abstract: Referring to FIG. 2, disclosed is an aircraft compound no-back/offset gearbox (2) with an integral load proportional safety (no-back) brake (50). The four gears are all 16 diametral pitch, involute external spur gears with 20 degree standard pressure angles. The two gear stages are interconnected with a mechanical fuse or shearout (40) designed to fail under excess shear loads and protect components downstream of the input shaft (10) from excess torque in the event of a system jam. The shearout (40) is essentially a quill shaft with external splines at both ends and an hourglass-shaped shear neckdown in the middle. The purpose of the no-back brake (50) is to prevent air loads from causing slat movement in the event of a torque tube disconnect. Referring to Figure, the no-back consists of a set of ball ramp (22) and brake plate components connected to the gearbox's output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Michael J. Cacciola, Mark J. Gardner, Stephen T. Steadman
  • Patent number: 6210066
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a preformed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 6158915
    Abstract: An attachment member 11 for board materials 2 such as heat insulating materials and the like comprises an affixing plate part 5 which is affixed to the substrate surface 3a of a body 3, a support plate part 6 which extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the substrate surface 3a when the affixing plate part 5 is affixed to the substrate surface 3a, and connecting plate parts 7 which extend in both directions at the upper end of support plate part 6. A support plate part elasticity providing part 12 and connecting plate part elasticity providing parts 13 are provided, respectively, in the support plate part 6 toward the point of connection with the affixing plate part 5, and in the connecting plate parts 7 toward the point of connection with the support plate part 6, along the longitudinal direction, and bent so as to achieve a wave form in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kise
  • Patent number: 6148470
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as:P.sub.CR =KE=1.3P.sub.link ; where:P.sub.CR =the predetermined load;P.sub.link =a maximum normal running load for a comparably-sized steel or rigid link which does not flex;K is a coefficient= ##EQU1## E is the flexural modulus (MPa) and I is a moment of inertia in mm.sup.4and L is a length (mm) of flexible arm 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Buchanan, Jr., Yaomin Dong
  • Patent number: 6133818
    Abstract: A highly reliable release apparatus which is used to stow or release desired devices such as, for example, solar arrays, antenna positioning mechanisms, reflectors, found on satellites, space stations or spacecraft. Deployment of the desired device is prevented or allowed by respectively restraining or releasing a first member under tension. The apparatus comprises a support member having an opening and a first face arranged about the opening. A second member is located within the opening when the first member is in tension and is adapted to be attached to an end of the first member. At least three locking members such as fuse wires are arranged on the first face of said support member for restraining the second member within the opening in order to maintain tension on the first member. The second member is attached to the first member in a manner such that at least two of the fuse wires must be severed before the restraint on the second member is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy Hsin-I Hsieh, Varouj G. Baghdasarian
  • Patent number: 6113055
    Abstract: The sign post coupler is a breakaway coupler for use with highway signs having a sign post and a ground post. The coupler is a hollow, tubular, integral coupler made from ductile iron and having a sign post socket, a ground post socket, and a shear section joining the two sockets. The sign post socket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending vertically for 360.degree. around the bottom wall, the socket defining a cavity for receiving and supporting one end of the sign post. The ground post socket has a top wall and at least one side wall depending vertically for 360.degree. around the bottom wall, the socket defining a cavity for receiving and being supported by one end of the ground post. The sockets taper inwardly towards the center of the coupler to define a shear section having an annular groove of reduced thickness defined therein. The shear section breaks upon impact of a vehicle with the sign post to separate the post sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Mark T. Salman
  • Patent number: 6079897
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for machine parts having aligned grooves comprising a spring ring engageable in the grooves of the machine parts in a locking position and wherein the material of the spring ring is weakened continuously in the circumferential direction at the juncture between the machine parts to define a predetermined breaking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: SKF GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6068233
    Abstract: A multi-section support post for a reflective, roadway delineator that collapses upon impact at a replaceable joint. A ground stake and a sign stake are joined together with hardwood blocks that are separated with a material having a large coefficient of friction. The blocks are secured with a pivot bolt to recessed channels at the stakes. An intervening layer of tarpaper is compressed between the blocks. The sign stake collapses at the joint upon impact, such as from a snowplow. A reflective roadway delineator rotates about a pivot bolt or axle that projects from the sign stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Helen M. Green
  • Patent number: 6068452
    Abstract: A torque limiting apparatus is located between a power source and a driven apparatus. A number of breakable power transmission members connect a drive rotor to a driven rotor. The breakable members are fractured to disconnect the driven rotor from the drive rotor when the load applied by the driven apparatus exceeds a predetermined value. A promoting member is located near at least one of the power transmission members for promoting breakage when the load causes the driven rotor to rotate relative to the drive rotor. The breakable members are broken consecutively. The breakable members are not significantly affected by fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masahiko Okada, Takashi Ban, Nobuaki Hoshino, Takanori Okabe
  • Patent number: 6065738
    Abstract: A cable safety barrier has means for disengagement of the cable from an anchor portion of the cable safety barrier when certain vehicle impact conditions are met. Disengaging of the cable may involve allowing a cable end fitting to escape from an open ended slot, when the cable is deflected upwards, or causing the cable fitting to fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Brifen Limited
    Inventors: Philip Pearce, Timothy John Heldt, Stephen Cawthorne
  • Patent number: 6065894
    Abstract: A coupling unit for connecting respective segments of a roadside post includes respective end portions (20a,20b) adapted to engage in or about the segments and an intermediate fracture zone (45) in which the coupling unit divides to cause the post segments to separate when the assembled post is subjected in situ to a vehicle impact greater than a predetermined severity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Lance David Wasson, Gary James Melrose
  • Patent number: 6059355
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a safety body structure and side doors, each side being fixed to a door pillar of the safety body structure by at least one door hinge. When the vehicle receives a frontal impact, the forces which are imparted to the front section of the safety body structure are transmitted to the door pillar and are transmitted by the door to other body parts further away from the point of impact when the side door remains closed or is supported against the door pillar in the area of the door hinge without swinging outwardly. In order to prevent the front end of the door from swinging outwardly, the front end is caused to move, upon frontal impact to the vehicle, parallel to or inwardly toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle by a controlled orientation of the deformation of a door hinge part in relation to the door pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Friedewald, Gert Heumann, Arnold Ensslen
  • Patent number: 6056471
    Abstract: In a break-away coupling for a highway and road side appurtenance, a controlled breaking region is provided which has at least two axial spaced necked-down portions co-axially arranged between the axial ends of the coupling which are configured to be attached both to the appurtenance, at one end, and to the support base, at the other end. Each necked-down portion essentially consists of two axially aligned conical portions inverted one in relation to the other and generally joined at their apices to form a generally hour-glass configuration having a region of minimal cross section at an inflection point having a gradually curved annular concave surface defining a radius of curvature. Each of the two necked-down portion has different radii of curvature that at respective inflection points to provide preferred failure modes as a function of the position and direction of impact of a force on the appurtenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Transpo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Dinitz
  • Patent number: 6042292
    Abstract: A sacrificial link is disclosed for the shaft of a vehicle-cleaning brush unit, which link is pre-engineered to fail prior to the remainder of the shaft in response to bending forces exerted on the brush by a vehicle, for example. The shaft itself is therefore protected from permanent deformation or breakage, while the sacrificial link is easily removed and replaced with relatively little downtime and expense. In a preferred form the sacrificial link comprises a sacrificial shaft section having socket ends for removable connection to the upper portion of a brush shaft depending from a motor drive unit and the lower portion of the brush shaft connected to the brush, and a center region pre-engineered to fail before the upper and lower brush shaft sections. Novel clamping and release structure associated with the socket ends of the sacrificial shaft section is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 6038936
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining a first and second PTO in longitudinal relation to an output sleeve in an agricultural vehicle. The output sleeve is for interchangeably supporting and transmitting rotational power to the first and second PTOs, and includes an outward protrusion proximate an end of the output sleeve. The apparatus includes an outer plate with an outer plate aperture such that the outer plate can be longitudinally positioned onto the first PTO behind a shoulder on the first PTO. The apparatus also includes an inner plate with an inner plate aperture such that the inner plate can be longitudinally positioned onto the output sleeve, and an inward protrusion into the inner plate aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: George M. Butkovich, Vladimir Shubinsky
  • Patent number: 6007267
    Abstract: A mechanical load fuse assembly, particularly designed for lifting cables used with helicopters, consists of first and second end assemblies. An axial shear pin is releasably secured between the first and second end assemblies; and this shear pin is calibrated to have a breaking point of a pre-established amount when axial forces are applied to it. A protective sleeve is located over the shear pin between the first and second end assemblies when the shear pin is releasably secured. This protective sleeve has first and second positions of operation. A coil spring is used to normally bias the protective sleeve to the first position. In this position, radially projecting pins on the first and second end assemblies engage corresponding slots on the protective sleeve to prevent relative rotation of the first and second end assemblies relative to one another, so long as the sleeve is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignees: Kenneth Roberts, James Roberts
    Inventor: James R. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 5988927
    Abstract: A breakaway system (10) for detachably connecting a tension transmitting belt (12) to a pin (20) includes a connector (24) having a pair of jaws (34a, 34b) that clamp against the sides of the pin to preload the connector to the pin thereby preventing relative motion between the jaws and the pin. When the tension load acting between the belt and pin exceeds a threshold level, the jaws of the connector spread sufficiently to allow the pin (20) to pass through an exit gap (42) at the ends of the jaws, which gap is of a nominal width that is smaller than the width of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Designs Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Pfarr
  • Patent number: 5988598
    Abstract: A breakaway guardrail post includes upper and lower post sections spaced apart but connected by a breakaway joint. The joint is attached at one end to the upper post by a first fastener set and connected at a second end by a second fastener set. The first fastener set has a failure strength less than that of the second fastener set. Upon impact forces being applied to the upper post section, the first fastener fails and the upper post section rotates downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Safety By Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, John D. Reid, John R. Rohde
  • Patent number: 5975787
    Abstract: A device for securing a pinch roller support arm to a chassis of a magnetic tape apparatus. In the device, the chassis includes a round hole which is formed such that it extends through the chassis, and a securing part is outsert molded in the chassis in such a manner that the securing part extends through the round hole. After the pinch roller support arm is fitted with a support shaft provided on and projected from the chassis and a projection provided on the pinch roller support arm is fitted into a fitting hole formed in the chassis, by rotating the securing part around the round hole, the securing part is engaged with the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Sawai, Hiroshi Hamahata, Shigeru Kaneko, Katsunori Onishi
  • Patent number: 5957425
    Abstract: A breakaway safety sign support post for obtaining predictable and reliable separation of an upper post section from a lower post section anchored in a substrate, when the post is struck by a vehicle. In a specific construction, the lower post section is adapted to be imbedded in the ground, with an upper end projecting a predetermined limited distance above the surface of the ground. The upper, post section is secured in overlapping, parallel relationship with the lower post section and is secured thereto with frangible fasteners to define a breakaway joint. The post sections each have a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape, including a longitudinal center web with a plurality of holes spaced uniformly along its length, and outwardly divergent side walls at opposite sides of the web, terminating in laterally outwardly projecting flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Marion Steel Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Conway, Frederick Mauer, IV