Including Frangible Component Patents (Class 403/2)
  • Patent number: 5172540
    Abstract: The grippers are mounted on a doffer bar so as to disengage from both the top and bottom of the bar should a mis-alignment occur relative to a bobbin tube. The removal or separation of a gripper from the bar causes a pneumatic or electrical signal to be generated which can be used to indicate the individual disturbance location. A light may also be provided at each gripper station in order to indicate a position of a disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Rieter Machine Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joerg Wernli, Daniel Brennwalder, Markus Erni, Isidor Fritschi, Andreas Wanzenried
  • Patent number: 5163816
    Abstract: A turbocharger impeller has a lock ring that is flexed in assembly to clampingly center and lock an impeller wheel on its drive shaft. The lock ring is also applicable to other driving or driven shaft and wheel combinations. The lock ring is made part of a two-piece spacer for the illustrated rotor applications but is not limited to that arrangement. Alternative impeller wheel structures including drive means and locking nose cone features are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Goetzke, Paul Cottemoller, Edward J. Cryer, III
  • Patent number: 5160111
    Abstract: The novel collapsible signalling post is provided with a weakened section characterized by an helical groove carved on the periphery of a tubular member to mounted between an anchoring member and a rod member supporting a sign. The groove provides a weakened section adapted to split open along a portion thereof and upon bending caused by a lateral force exerted on the signalling post, the two end portions of the tubular member remain connected to each other by the unfolded spires formed between the helicoidal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Denis P. Hugron
  • Patent number: 5154239
    Abstract: A reversible plow having a plurality of spring-biased trip assemblies for mounting moldboards to a tool bar, the trip assemblies having angled, elongate slots and a pivot pin extending therethrough and adapted to allow a tripped assembly to be reset without compressing a compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Harrell Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny H. Harrell, Levy L. Harrell
  • Patent number: 5145213
    Abstract: A frangible fluid conduit fitting particularly suitable for servicing aircraft wherein the fitting is attached to an aircraft service bulkhead coupling. The fitting consists of two parts, one attached to the supply hose and the other attachable to the bulkhead coupling. The fitting parts are maintained in a sealed assembly relationship by a frangible connector having two separate frangible sections. One frangible section fracturing and releasing the fitting parts under excessive bending forces while the other frangible structure releases upon excessive tension forces being imposed upon the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Marrison, Russell L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5141014
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining two hoses includes a main body and an end body which are telescopically connected. A frangible link holds the two parts together. The link is inserted in a recess formed in a surface of the coupling which spans the junction of the bodies. The link is subject only to tensile forces and is formed to break at across the center of the link, where the two bodies abut each other. Each body includes a check valve. When the two bodies are connected, the valves urge against one another to open the valves. The urging of the valves against one another also exerts a tensile force on the link to hold it in its recess. A spacer separates the valves so that high pressure flow will not close the upstream valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: M. Carder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Leonard Poli, Mervin L. Carder
  • Patent number: 5125194
    Abstract: A sign post constructed of an upper channel section nested with a lower channel section at a frangible joint designed so when the sign post is struck by a vehicle, failure of the joint will occur in a predictable and consistent manner. The channel sections are preferably formed of stock channel material having a transverse cross-section in the general shape of a hat, including a longitudinally extending flat center web and outwardly divergent side walls. When the channel sections are nested together, the side walls of adjoining sections are in contact with one another, while the web portions remain spaced apart. In the present invention, the channel sections are connected together with a fastener in combination with a spacer that is engaged between the web portions to provide a reliable and strong breakaway connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Marion Steel Company
    Inventor: Mark S. Granger
  • Patent number: 5122007
    Abstract: An improved cable pulling eye including breakaway protection. The cable pulling eye includes a main body having a female end and a second body with a male end which may be inserted together. The bodies are held together by a breakaway pin passing through the male shaft and the walls of the second body. The pin includes spaced annular grooves as weak points where breakage is limited and will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Jackson A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5104136
    Abstract: A steering tie rod or similar strut for motor vehicles with a securing member (4) acting in the longitudinal direction of the steering tie rod is described, which securing member comes into action when a defined, axially acting load value is exceeded. In another variant of the present invention, the length of the steering tie rod may undergo a limited change after the securing member has been overcome, so that limited fitness for use of the vehicle is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Burkhard Schafer, Paul Westphal, Wolfgang Kleiner, Volker Grube
  • Patent number: 5090307
    Abstract: A shear bolt coupling incorporated in a drive transmission of an agricultural baler comprises a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member disposed coaxial with the first rotatable member, and a shear bolt operatively interconnecting the first and second rotatable members for transmitting power therebetween during normal operation. The shear bolt is arranged to shear off under excessive load conditions in order to interrupt power transmission between the rotatable members and thereby permit the rotatable members to move relative to each other. A shear bolt introducing lever is operatively associated with either the first or the second rotatable member for urging the shear bolt into a drive coupling position wherein the rotatable members are drivingly coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. C. Lippens, Victor C. D. Demaecker
  • Patent number: 5088683
    Abstract: The breakaway assembly includes a cast aluminum base having a collar for supporting a wrought aluminum standard and a base flange for securing the breakaway assembly to a plurality of anchor bolts projecting from a concrete foundation. The base flange includes a plurality of apertures for receiving the anchor bolts. Grooves are provided in the base flange adjacent the anchor bolt apertures. Upon impact, the standard creases and bends causing the heel of the base flange to lift. This lifting motion shears the base flange at the grooves to permit the base to lift away from the anchor bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Richard Briden
  • Patent number: 5080522
    Abstract: A device for locking and sealing of objects comprises a locking rod with a stop on its one end, and with a homing head in the form of a truncated cone on the other end, provided with a circular groove made in the locking rod on the side of the major base, and a bowl-shaped catch mounted in a casing and intended for positioning on the locking rod on the side of the homing head. At least one spliced locking ring is positioned in the cavity of the catch so that it engages with the locking rod when it is positioned in the circular groove thereof. The device is provided with an arrangement for ensuring the programmed force of destruction of the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: David I. Shafirkin
  • Patent number: 5074062
    Abstract: A method of replacing a worn point of an excavating tooth wherein the point is held in place by a pin lock including a shearable top flange and torque-resisting, forwardly extending rib, the method including exerting a downward force on the pin lock to shear the top flange while the forwardly extending rib guides the pin lock downwardly and out of locking engagement with aligned slots in the tooth adapter nose and point rearwardly extending ear, removing the worn point and installing a new point along with a new pin lock including a top flange and forwardly extending rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C. Hahn, Kirk E. Yoresen, William A. Fewless, Robert K. Emrich, Michael J. Secrist
  • Patent number: 5072899
    Abstract: Release device tied to underside of kite has rubber band-biased, cooperating jaws which releasably hold toy "paratrooper". Liquid-filled gelatin capsule serves as pin to hold jaws in closed position. Salt-water solution in capsule dissolves capsule, which causes jaws to open and "paratrooper" to be released from mechanism. Varying the concentration of the salt-water solution controls the amount of time delay before which the capsule dissolves and the "paratrooper" is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Steven L. Nickle
  • Patent number: 5050442
    Abstract: A windshield wiper drive link is pivoted indirectly to a crank arm through an intermediate toggle member and a pair of oppositely directed beams cut into the side walls of the drive link stamping. Under excess load, one or the other of the beams will buckle in compression, allowing the drive link to in effect change length, thereby yielding to avoid overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Reed
  • Patent number: 5044808
    Abstract: A steering rod for motor vehicles includes a guide rod or a cross guide. After an overload by a tension force, the steering rod changes geometrically to clearly influence the driving behavior of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the steering rod has a transmission rod (2) set into a pipe (1) for the transmission of tension forces. The transmission rod (2) at one end is held into the pipe (1) by a force-fitting or form-fitting holding device, and at the other end projects out of the pipe end (11). The transmission rod (2) has, between the holding device and the pipe end (11) a desired breaking point (9). An offset (10) is located between the desired breaking point (9) and the pipe end (11). The pipe (1) is provided, between the offset (10) and the pipe end (11), with a pipe narrowing which forms a stop (12) for the offset (10) in case of rupture of the desired breaking point (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: TRW Ehrenreich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Busse
  • Patent number: 5024632
    Abstract: A transmission shaft having a shear neck portion adapted to attract failure of the shaft in the event of an overload includes an annular retainer to retain debris resulting from a failure of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Westland Helicopters Limited
    Inventors: Vernon F. Cox, Phillip M. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5020934
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant valve stem coupling for use in selected fire hydrants whose water valves are frequently opened and closed. The valve stem coupling is coated with a compressible, non-oxidizable, corrosion protection coating which does not oxidize and is not worn off in situations of repeated use. In one embodiment, the compressible coating is a nylon coating applied to the valve stem coupling with a fluid-bed, powder coating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventors: Carl E. Floren, Mike Weller, Timothy M. Logman
  • Patent number: 5004366
    Abstract: A break-away coupling for mounting an elongated member, such as a roadside sign post, includes two opposingly fixed engagement members connected to one another end-to-end. The first engagement member is attached relative to the ground either by a plate or by a plate attached to a stake-like member. The second engagement member is attached to the elongated member. The engagement members have facing flange plates, each flange plate having an opening aligned with an opening in the other plate and a shear bolt projects through the openings to fix the flanges plates together. The shear bolt is either constructed of relatively easy-to-break material or includes a weakened area. When the elongated member is struck, the shear bolt breaks and the engagement members disconnect without damage. The bolt is easily replaced to quickly reassemble the sign post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: George H. Simmons
  • Patent number: 4987639
    Abstract: A fastening pin, or peg is partially inserted into an aligned aperture and attached thereto by a webbed flashing. In a one-step assembly operation, the pin is driven further into the aperture as the flashing is broken and driven through an aligned aperture of a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Baiuley, Josef E. Bingisser
  • Patent number: 4986687
    Abstract: A breakaway system is disclosed for timber utility poles. The breakaway system limits the amount of force and energy imparted to an impacting vehicle and its occupants by incorporating an arrangement of slip plates and bolts to form a shear plane on the utility pole at or near ground level, and by providing a hinge mechanism on an upper section of the utility pole below conducting lines and the like. The material and configuration of the lower shear plates are selected to permit activation for any direction of collision loading. The material and configuration of the upper connection or hinge are selected to allow for adequate resistance to environmental loads while at the same time allowing for precise determination of the magnitude of failure load. In addition, the combination of upper connectors prevents the lower portion of the utility pole from rotating upward into the conducting wires after a vehicle impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Don L. Ivey
  • Patent number: 4984958
    Abstract: A quick attachment holder for connecting an attachment to the boom arms of a loader includes right-hand and left-hand end portions connected by a semi-rigid cross tube, without additional structural cross members. A pin connection of the holder end portions to the tube causes the left- and right-hand end portions to generally move together while permitting several degrees of relative rotational movement between end portions to aid in the reconnection of the attachment even when there is slight misalignment between the holder and the attachment. The cross tube is located on the pivot center of the holder so that only torque loads are applied to the tube. The pin connection will shear if the tube is accidentally over-torqued, and individual components of the holder are replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Edward T. Kaczmarczyk
  • Patent number: 4962784
    Abstract: A valve device for use in a gas flow system which has a gas meter connected to a supply line. The valve device is especially made to break the threads of a riser pipe nipple that is screwed into the top outlet end. The valve device has an annular shoulder at the inlet and outlet ends and a passageway extends through the valve device and through the shoulders. A length of the outlet end of the passageway has internal threads at the outlet end that terminate at the shoulder. A smooth cylindrical marginal length of the inlet length of the passageway is spaced from a threaded portion of its length located intermediate the smooth part of the passageway and the valve element. The smooth cylindrical length has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the supply line so that a lateral load placed on the supply line is transferred into the valve device through the smooth part of the passageway and avoids breaking the supply line threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Kirk C. Collins
  • Patent number: 4947972
    Abstract: A mechanical automatic torque limiting clutch containing an axially frangible and easily replaceable component is disclosed. The clutch is capable of limiting torque output by adjusting the friction between spring loaded input and output plates, and further is capable of preventing damage to other driveline components due to axial tension loads imparted to the driveline. The clutch allows a central axial bolt to break in tension should axial tension loads be applied which exceed the limits of the bolt, thereby protecting the remainder of the driveline components. When such a break occurs, the only damage done is to the bolt itself, which allows the input and output sides of the clutch to separate into two components which are quickly, easily and economically reassembled with a new bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Bruce K. Lea
  • Patent number: 4938622
    Abstract: A first coupling device is particularly destined for a dispersing apparatus and comprises a first coupling part having a flange and a tubular connecting piece fixed thereto, the connecting piece having at least two borings for receiving one ball each, and a concentrically surrounding, free moving ring. The diameter of the boring is slightly greater than that of the balls, but in the vicinity of the inner surface of the connecting piece, it is slightly smaller so that the balls may in part protrude into the interior of the connecting piece. The lower portion of the ring has an inner circular recess so that, when the ring is raised, the balls may travel backwards into the circular recess. The second coupling part is adapted to be introduced into said connecting piece and has circular recesses for receiving said balls.Another coupling device for the slippage free connection of high speed rotating shafts of dispersing apparatuses comprises two coupling parts which both have six teeth whose flanks are of 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Kinematica AG
    Inventor: Wolfram Stoerzbach
  • Patent number: 4930578
    Abstract: An automatic sprinkler having a force transmitting mechanism for releasably maintaining a water outlet closed includes a frangible glass bulb having a very quick response characteristic to thermal input. Substantially less than one-half the force transmitted through the force transmitting mechanism is carried by the glass bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Figgie International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Barnett, Leonid Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 4928446
    Abstract: A break-away post is disclosed that has two channel members mounted together in mutually spaced alignment by a stud that is scored in its mid-portion that spans the two spaced channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Walter A. Alexander, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4926592
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling to be interposed between a ground mounting post and a support post carrying a highway sign, barricade or similar highway appurtenance. The coupling has a horizontal plate on a pedestal which attaches to the mounting post and a horizontal plate on a support post mounting member which attaches to the support post. Bolts normally holding the plates together release upon vehicular impact. Use of a novel plate configuration, a gasket and roller cams enhance the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Unistrut International Corp.
    Inventor: Charles O. Nehls
  • Patent number: 4923319
    Abstract: A breakaway bolt (10) formed from a shaft (12) having a first end (14), a second end (16), and a breakaway shank (18). The breakaway segment is formed from laterally projecting and circumscribing flanges (22 and 24) that reduce in diameter to form cones (26 and 28) that intersect at a midpoint intersection (30) to create a preformed stress point that will break when the first end (14) or second end (16) is subjected to a predetermined lateral load. A breakaway spacer (32) formed in accordance with the present invention form a shaft (34) to have a first end (36) and a second end (38) that are connected by a breakaway shank (40). A first flange (44) and second flange (46) project laterally outward from and circumscribe the shaft (34) to form shoulders (48 and 50) and cones (52 and 54) that intersect at a midpoint intersection (56) to form a preformed stress point that allows the spacer (32) to break in any direction when subjected to a predetermined lateral load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Clifford M. Dent
  • Patent number: 4913229
    Abstract: Connectors for connecting coilable tubing and other relatively thin walled tubing strings to downhole tools are provided which are releasable to permit withdrawal of the tubing without a member connected to the tubing that is substantially larger in diameter than the tubing itself. One embodiment of the connector includes a body member having plural collet fingers which are engagable with the tubing distal end through cooperating circumferential grooves and lands. The collet fingers are retained in gripping engagement with the tubing by a retainer sleeve having a piston head which catches a pump down ball to block a flow passage in the retainer and allow a fluid pressure force to shear plural shear screws which hold the retainer in the finger engaging position. Alternate embodiments includes recesses formed in the wall of the tubing for receiving ball keys which are held in registration with the recesses by the connector body and a cooperating slidable sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: David D. Hearn
  • Patent number: 4894043
    Abstract: A torque transmitting coupler drivingly connects a rotary drive mechanism, such as a earth boring auger, and a rotary driven tool, such as a screw anchor. The coupler includes driving and driven members. The driving member has thereon a drive mechanism connector and a driving plate. The driven member has thereon a tool connector and a driven plate. The coupler also includes a swivel connecting device which interconnects the driving and driven members together in a coupled relation such that the members are rotatable relative to one another and the respective driving and driven plates are disposed in end-to-end contacting relation to one another. A pair of shearable pins interconnect the drive and driven plates together so as to cause transmitting of torque from one of the members to the other via the respective plates. The shearable pins are designed to shear at a predetermined torque load imposed thereon by one of the members via its respective plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Robert E. Nixon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4890945
    Abstract: This rotary die cylinder assembly (10) includes a cylinder (12) having end bearers (14) attached thereto. The cylinder includes intermediate body (16) and opposed end shafts (20). The body 16 is adapted to carry tool members (18) and the end shafts are externally threaded to receive the bearers, the bearers including an internally threaded bore (34). The cylinder body includes opposed annular end faces (30) adapted to receive associated bearer inner faces (32) in torqued metal-to-metal relation. An opening (42) is drilled between the faces (32, 33) of each of the bearers and extends into the the cylinder to receive a pin (44) to secure the bearers to the cylinder. Each opening extends into the cylinder body sufficiently so that the associated pins can be driven completely into the cylinder body end and out of engagement with the bearers. When this is done removal of the bearers and replacement thereof with new bearers, which can be pinned to the cylinders at a different location, is easily accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Allied Gear & Machine Company
    Inventors: James B. Arter, Daniel A. Parsons, Thomas M. Serra, Bruce L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4884493
    Abstract: Fluid actuator includes shear pins or threaded fasteners between a rod gland and a rod gland bearing which cause the rod gland bearing to separate from the rod gland in response to a predetermined jam clearance force being applied to the rod gland bearing upon engagement of a rod deformation either exteriorly or interiorly of the actuator with the rod gland bearing to clear such rod deformation. The shear pins or threaded fasteners are sized to withstand the usual internal pressures acting on the rod gland bearing. However, whenever a piston rod deformation engages the rod gland bearing, the entire actuator force is available to shear the shear pins or threaded fasteners which frees the rod gland bearing to allow movement of the rod gland bearing with the piston rod to clear the rod deformation. A single retainer plate may be used to retain both a plurality of headed shear pins and a retaining wire for the rod gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Pneumo Abex Corporation
    Inventor: James N. Tootle
  • Patent number: 4864696
    Abstract: A hose clamp for clamping a swivel hose in a fuel dispensing installation. The hose clamp includes a breakable portion by which the hose clamp is connected to a retrieving cable. When sufficient force is placed on the cable, the hose clamp will break away from the cable thereby releasing the hose from the dispensing installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Armin E. Mittermaier, John S. Loy
  • Patent number: 4859156
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a compressor of an automotive air conditioning system which is provided with a safety mechanism for preventing damage to the engine due to compressor failure. A front end plate with a tubular extension which extends in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft is attached to one end of the compressor housing. A pulley is rotatably supported on said extension by means of a bearing. At its terminal end, the drive shaft is connected to a plate-like element which includes a centrally located hole through which the drive shaft extends. The plate-like element is connected by means of a bolt and a nut and rotates with the drive shaft. The pulley transmits rotational motion from the engine to the shaft through the plate-like element by means of cylindrical members which are interposed between the pulley and the plate-like element. The cylindrical members are made out of an easily destroyed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuto Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4856816
    Abstract: Presented is a method and a device for releasably securing mud flaps to a vehicle. The method involves attachment of the mud flaps in such a way that upon the application of a predetermined downwardly exerted force on the mud flap, it will be released without damage to the flap, or its hanger bracket, thus enabling its retrieval and replacement. Structurally, the hanger bracket includes a metal socket fastened to the vehicle, and an elastically deformable insert which normally lies enclosed within the socket when supporting the flap, but which is elastically deformed and pulled through the socket when an extraordinary force is imposed on the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Timothy M. Francis
  • Patent number: 4846769
    Abstract: A mechanical fuse for a reciprocating roller chain is provided which protects mechanical apparatus, such as a carriage assembly, from damage due to a mechanical power surge, or overload. A stirrup shaped body portion is included with a protruding member and a receiving member disposed thereon. The protruding member connects with a master link in the roller chain and the receiving member is connectable via a shear pin to either an end link in the roller chain, or the mechanical apparatus being protected. The shear pin is placed perpendicularly to the direction of the potential mechanical power surge and shears upon application of a tangential force which is greater than can be withstood by the shear pin, but less than the amount of force which will damage the mechanical apparatus, or any other drive components. Therefore, the shear pin separates and interrupts the roller chain path, relieving any mechanical overload, prior to any damage being sustained by the mechanical apparatus or roller chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: John T. Allen
  • Patent number: 4838523
    Abstract: An improvement to an energy absorbing guard rail terminal for use on longitudinally extending roadways. The energy absorbing guard rail terminal having a number of overlapping horizontally extending parallel guard rails positioned on oppositely disposed sides of a plurality of longitudinally spaced break away posts with the upstream ends of the guard rails secured to the post. Splice bolts connect the overlapping ends of adjacent rails which are characterized by a plurality of openings within each horizontal rail aligned with the splice bolts whereby the impact of the vehicle on the upstream end of the rails will force the bolts to shred out the rail material between the openings within the rails. By absorbing the kinetic energy of the impacting vehicle, the collapseable guard rail terminal allows for safe deceleration of the vehicle upon impact, avoiding serious injury to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Syro Steel Company
    Inventors: Walter P. Humble, John C. Durkos, Nick A. DiMargio, Dominick J. Cortell, Charles W. Syak
  • Patent number: 4834569
    Abstract: A thermal stress-free joint assembly for joining a low thermal expansion member and a high thermal expansion member uses a fastener and a bushing fitted within a bore in the low thermal expansion member, wherein the fastener and bushing materials are selected to have predetermined coefficients of thermal expansion. The fastener includes a shank which passes through the bore in the low thermal expansion member. The bushing, bore and shank are dimensioned according to a mathematical relationship to maintain a predetermined clearance or preload as the joint undergoes changes in temperature, without damage to either joined member from thermally induced stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eugene B. Foote, Daniel N. Giles
  • Patent number: 4825957
    Abstract: An improved breakaway assembly for preventing damage to markers for agricultural equipment when such markers encounter obstacles during use. The improved breakaway assembly includes an elongated member for holding the marker in place, imparting only tension forces onto such elongated member and minimizing the amount of shearing forces typically encountered by prior art shear pins. The elongated member is generally positioned tangentially to an arc formed by rotation of the point of attachment of such elongated member about the vertical axis on which the marker pivots when an obstruction is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. White, William E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4815794
    Abstract: The rotatably mountable track chain roller has two molded axle journal stubs which each engage rotatably in an end cap formed as a radial and axial bearing. Further expecially the track chain roller is provided with lubricant material for its bearings which has a lubricant action on them. An easy and economical manufacture for the track chain roller results when at least one spacer suitable for providing a set value of axial play in the axial direction of the track chain roller is clamped between the track chain roller and one of the end caps without play. The spacer is made of a soft grindable lubricant-resistant material which does not influence the lubricant action and which is grindable against the track chain roller, the axial journal and the end cap. The spacer can be ring shaped and have a plurality of approximately equal width spacing maintaining regions distributed approximately equally circumferentially around the ring and connected by straps of a narrower width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Intertractor Viehmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Werner Becker, Helmut Klaus, Heinz Lause
  • Patent number: 4813199
    Abstract: A breakaway utility pole structure having a tubular base (11) anchored in the ground substantially at ground level and adapted to telescopically secure the bottom end portion of a pole (9), the base (11) having a circumferential shear groove (20) adjacent to its bottom end, and the base being secured in the base by adhesive material (12) and by bolts (21) spaced above the shear groove (20), the shear groove is adapted to cause failure of the base when the pole is subjected to horizontal impact at a predetermined distance above ground level from a vehicle of predetermined weight moving horizontally at a predetermined minimum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company
    Inventor: John R. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4807864
    Abstract: A hand surgery table having a platform (3) and a universal-type joint (6) connecting that platform (3) to a base (5) whereby the disposition of the platform (3) relative to the base (5) can be varied to suit requirements. A lock member (13) is provided to releasably secure the platform (3) in a selected disposition. The platform (3) is releasably connectable to the support structure (2) of the table so that it can be separated for cleaning or disposal, and a frangible detent (26) may be provided to show that the platform (3) has been previously used. A plurality of column supports (41) are attachable to the platform (3) at any of a plurality of positions across the upper surface of the platform (3) and at least some of those supports (41) have a contoured upper end. The column supports (41) cooperate with holes (31) in the platform (3) which also serve as drainage holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Australian Biomedical Corporation Limited
    Inventor: David A. Young
  • Patent number: 4802783
    Abstract: A sleeve joint for driving an impeller on a rotatable shaft includes a sleeve positioned between the shaft and the impeller and including at one end a closed groove which is positioned adjacent a corresponding groove in the shaft, the grooves jointly receiving a wedge permitting joint rotation of the shaft and the sleeve, and at the other end a pin for joining the sleeve and the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Magnus Erikson
  • Patent number: 4799816
    Abstract: A device is provided for connecting a guide line of an undersea installation. Inside the body of the connector is fixed an axial rod supporting a locking jacket with fingers carried by resilient blades. The rod ends in a centering nose having a cut out, whereas, above the centering nose a sliding ring is mounted on the rod and is held in position by a shearable pin. The guide post has a bore whose divergent section forms with a divergent face a housing for the locking fingers. When, for unlocking the connection, a tractive force is exerted on the connector body, the pin is sheared and the ring, by sliding, opens the passage for the fingers, which allows the connector to be released and raised. This connector requires no angular position with respect to the guide rod and makes any disconnecting tool superfluous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production)
    Inventors: Alain Lechon, Yves Le Luel
  • Patent number: 4782541
    Abstract: A protective bed suitable for protecting an occupant or occupants during major catastrophies resulting in falling debris includes a canopy made of steel mesh which is resistant to penetration by and accumulation of falling debris. The canopy covers the lower section of the bed. The canopy is supported by telescoping tubes with compression springs therein arranged to permit the canopy to remain in a noraml upper or raised position and to drop to a lower position with attendant compression of the spring to convert or absorb the energy of the falling debris, thereby minimizing damage to the bed structure and maximizing the degree of safety to the occupant or occupants of the bed. A padded guard rail extends about the periphery of the bed to prevent ejection of the occupant or occupants during violent movements of the bed, as might occur during an earthquake or tornado. Selected portions of the bed, including the canopy, the telescoping tubes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: David C. Tuchman
  • Patent number: 4782564
    Abstract: A safety release pin for locking the operating mechanism of a fire extinguisher includes a shank having a blunt nose portion at one end thereof and having a portion of reduced diameter rearward of the nose portion defining parallel flat surfaces, and a pair of elongated locking members are pivotally mounted to the shank, each overlying a different one of the flat surfaces, and each defining a cam surface which coacts with surfaces of the operating mechanisms as the pin is inserted to pivot the locking members towards the flat surfaces to facilitate insertion, rearward movement being limited by projections on the undersurface of the locking members, maintaining interference betwen the locking members and the apparatus. When the pin is withdrawn, detent surfaces of the locking members coact with surfaces of the operating mechanism to rotate the locking members forwardly, severing the locking members from the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4758109
    Abstract: A shear joint for torsionally connecting a hub to a yoke for a universal joint includes a shear bolt of a certain length extending through a flange of the hub into a radially disposed T-shaped slot in a flange of the yoke. A nut is inserted into the lateral leg of the T-shaped slot and is tightened onto the bolt by turning the bolt to hold the yoke and hub together axially and torsionally. If a bolt longer than the proper length is used to repair the joint, it abuts the top of the T-shaped slot and prevents holding the yoke and hub together by tightening the bolt, thereby encouraging use of a bolt of the proper size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Weasler Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Little, Orville C. Kocher, II
  • Patent number: 4755632
    Abstract: A mechanical fuse for a cable connection tail of a submarine repeater in a cable transmission link, said cable connection tail extending from a case for repeater equipment, having a "free" end for connection to the head of a line cable fixed to the repeater when the link is laid, and including a tube which encloses the transmission-providing elements. The mechanical fuse comprises a plug (40) threaded over and fixed to the end of the tube (30) at the free end of the cable connection tail, a ring (41) fitted over the plug (40) and free to escape from the plug (40) in a direction running away from the cable connection tail, and mechanically fixed to the cable head, and a set of pins (42) transversely connecting the ring (41) to the plug (40) and having a cumulative shear strength which is less than the breaking strength of the tube of the cable connection tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Alcatel Cit
    Inventors: Andre Pelet, Christian Cave
  • Patent number: 4755079
    Abstract: A structure for connecting a plug or like spigot member to an internally threaded socket portion of a device by screwing a male screw projecting from the spigot member into the socket portion. When the spigot member is tightened up, a flange of metal formed on the shank of the screw integrally therewith over the entire circumference of the shank is cut off and clamped between the socket portion and the spigot member to provide a gas- or air-tight connection permitting no leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Yuzi Nishino