Interrupted Periphery, E.g., Split Or Segmental, Etc. Patents (Class 403/309)
  • Patent number: 11897018
    Abstract: A tool gripper assembly arrangement for holding a tool accurately in a holder plate. An elongated gripper bore opening is arranged within the holder plate, for receipt of an elongated tool within that gripper bore opening. A pair of thin, flexible, curvilinear gripper wings arranged between the wedge receiving channel and the gripper bore opening. An elongated gripper-wing pressing-wedge arranged within the elongated gripper wedge receiving channel; and a wedge and wedge-channel-engaging adjustment bolt is arranged between adjacent surfaces of the wedge and the wedge receiving channel arranged to bias both the wedge and the pair of gripper wings radially inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the gripper bore opening, so as to form a perfect tool gripping-circle around and move the tool held within the elongated gripper bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Richard J. Greenleaf
  • Patent number: 11384576
    Abstract: A hinge is arranged to move two panels, such as a stationary fence panel and a gate, between an open position and a closed position. When the hinge is in a closed position, the posts to which the hinge is attached are maintained in substantial contact along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the posts, thereby preventing small animals from passing through the fence. The hinge has two hinge halves, each having a finger portion arranged to interlace with a finger portion of the other hinge half, each finger of the finger portions defining an opening, and an arcuate post-engaging portion extending for at least 90 degrees and defining a longitudinal opening for receiving an end post, wherein each longitudinal opening faces the other when the hinge is in a closed position. The hinge also has a hinge pin passing through and within the openings allowing rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: TransGard LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Escure, William Reichard
  • Patent number: 10889020
    Abstract: An arrangement for adjustably enabling the holding of a tool in a tool holder plate for punch press machine. The tool holding arrangement comprises a tool holder plate having a size adjustable tool gripper opening therein. An adjustment bolt bore is arranged adjacent the size adjustable tool gripper opening wherein the adjustment bolt bore has an upper end of conical shape and a lower end opening of pyramidal shape with trapezoidally shaped walls. An expandable adjustment gap is arranged between the size adjustable tool gripper opening and the adjustment bolt bore. A pair of flexure slots are arranged in the tool holder plate, to define a pair of flexible gripper claws therebetween. Changes in the adjustment gap by adjustment of the bolt in the bolt bore enhances the evenly opened size of the tool gripper opening to permit the tool to be properly installed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Richard J. Greenleaf
  • Patent number: 10807269
    Abstract: A gripping plate assembly for use in a punch press, wherein the gripping plate assembly comprises a planar gripping plate having an upper front side and a lower side, a first bore extending through the gripping plate, for receiving a tool for use in a punch press. A second bore is arranged through the gripping plate having an overlap with the rectilinear groove-cut at the first side of the articulable tab. A threaded bolt is adjustably received in the second bore. The threaded bold has a head with a sloped sidewall for sliding engagement with the sloped first side of the articulable tab so as to provide a displaceable bias thereaginst during rotative advancement or retraction of the threaded bolt within the second bore, thereby effecting a change in the circularity of the wall of the tool receiving first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Richard J. Greenleaf
  • Patent number: 10243333
    Abstract: A disclosed wire stripper device comprises a sectioned shaft having a removable section thereof configured to have a first joint between a first bearing end of the shaft and a midsection and a second joint between the midsection and a second bearing end of the shaft. The first joint and second joints comprise a midsection portion at each joint and a complementary shaft portion of the respective first and second bearing ends. A first removable coupling is configured to hold the first joint portions together and a second coupling configured to hold the second joint portions together during a rotation of the sectioned shaft and allow a decoupling of the first and second joint portions otherwise. A method for the maintenance of a wire stripper device is disclosed comprising removing a section of a sectioned shaft by removing the coupling collars retaining the joints of the shaft sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Xiaozhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8613739
    Abstract: A medical tubing connector pair includes a female tubing connector, and a male tubing connector. The female tubing connector has an external thread and the male tubing connector has an internal thread, the external and internal threads threadingly engaged to secure the female and male tubing connectors together. The internal thread is made from a flexible material to permit the female and male tubing connectors to be connected to or disconnected from each other without rotation of the tubing connectors relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Sobue
  • Patent number: 8419887
    Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8376294
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for a tire comprises a clamp assembly adapted to be secured to a header tube, a swivel first member suspended from the clamp to pivot either parallel to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the header tube, a swivel second member which is suspended from the swivel first member to pivot 90° relative to the pivotal motion of the swivel first member, and a swivel third member which can rotate about the swivel second member. The swivel first member is pivotally mounted to the clamp via an upper pivot pin and the second swivel member is pivotally mounted to the swivel first member by a second lower pivot pin. Lastly, the swivel assembly can include a tether which extends over the header tube to which the clamp assembly is secured which has opposite ends secured to opposite sides of the lower pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Steven B. Adkins
  • Patent number: 8157469
    Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8109689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow profiles (4) in spacer frames for insulated glass panes. The plug connector (1) comprises at least two connector parts (2, 3) which may be plugged together and which have an essentially U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, which, in the plugged position, have adjacent side walls (6,17) and a positive fit (9). One connector part (2) has at least one retainer element (12) on the side walls (6) thereof (12) with a corresponding wall opening (13). In order to form the positive connection (9), the other connector part (3) has a projection (10) with a positive fit engagement in the wall opening (13) of the retainer element (12) when in the plugged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf M. Kronenberg, Max Kronenberg
  • Publication number: 20110076094
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure is provided for supporting a joint of two cable tray sections, wherein each of the two cable tray sections includes a side rail having a planar body member, a bottom edge and a top edge, and wherein the joint is positioned over a structural support member. The reinforcing structure may include a top member; a body member extending substantially perpendicularly from the top member; and a bottom member extending substantially perpendicularly from the body member. The bottom member may be configured for mounting on the structural support member. The bottom member may be configured to receive the bottom edge of the side rail. The top member may include an inside edge configured to support the planar body member of the side rail when the bottom edge of the side rail is received into the bottom member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Cardin
  • Patent number: 7614593
    Abstract: A clamp with liner and mounting base are provided for the attachment of control lines to a subsea riser. The clamp comprises an upper clamp half and a lower clamp half. Each clamp half is hingedly connected along a hinge edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half and latchably connected along a latch edge of each clamp half to the other clamp half by latch structure carried by each clamp half. The latch structure carried by the upper clamp half comprises a pair of parallel ears protruding transversely away from the latch edge of the upper clamp half and defining a pair of aligned boreholes, a pivot pin having a transverse borehole carried by the aligned boreholes through the ears, a bolt carried in the transverse borehole through the pivot pin, and a toggle bar having a threaded transverse borehole therethrough threadably mounted on the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Clamps, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. McClure, William Max Goodman
  • Publication number: 20080310911
    Abstract: A. track assembly includes two or more track sections (10, 11) the ends of which are inserted into a connecting sleeve (1). The shapes of the track sections and connecting sleeve match to enable easy sliding insertion, and they feature a continuous longitudinal slot (2, 12) in both the track sections and the connector sleeve to receive a guided element. The ends of the track sections are formed with a slot (15) and stop (17), and holes (7, 8) are provided symmetrically of a centre position (9) of the sleeve. Tines (21, 22) of a clip (20) are inserted through holes (7, 8) and engage in slots (15), to hold the ends of the track sections in place, and the clip (20) is retained by a resilient tongue (23) which engages the top of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: CONDUCTIX LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Jones, Gregory David Roughley
  • Patent number: 7452156
    Abstract: Composite structural members are provided including a fitting and a tubular shaft. The fitting has a coupling region defining at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions. The recessed portion may extend circumferentially around the fitting to form a neck. The tubular shaft has a mating region and defines a lumen in which the fitting is disposed. The mating region of the shaft mates with the coupling region of the fitting to create interference between the shaft and fitting. Adhesive may be disposed between the mating region of the fitting and the coupling region of the shaft. The mating region of the shaft may be partially and proximately surrounded by a reinforcing member, and a sleeve may be coupled substantially concentrically to the shaft for discouraging separation of the reinforcing member and the mating region of the shaft. In some cases, adhesive is disposed between the reinforcing member and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20080205578
    Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing a jet pump riser includes: an elbow upper clamp for covering a riser elbow coupled to a thermal sleeve from an upper side thereof; an elbow lower clamping member for clamping the riser elbow from a lower side thereof; an elbow vertical portion clamping member for covering a vertical portion of the riser elbow; and an elbow horizontal portion clamping member for covering a horizontal portion of the riser elbow. These members are disposed in different orientations with respect to the elbow upper clamp so as to fix the thermal sleeve, the riser elbow and the riser pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masakazu ABURA, Toshihiro Yasuda, Kazuo Sudo, Haruhiko Hata, Yasushi Kanazawa, Kunihiko Kinugasa, Hajime Mori
  • Patent number: 7371027
    Abstract: In a fastening tool in which fastening members may be inclined as they are threadedly inserted together whereby almost no displacement load is applied to the members, a member having a bolt through hole with a tapered seat surface, and a fastening bolt that includes a bolt body provided about its outer periphery with a male thread, and a head provided on an end of the bolt body that has a diameter greater than that of the bolt body, in which the head has a lower outwardly curved tapered surface whose diameter is reduced toward the bolt body so that the lower surface abuts against the tapered seat surface when the fastening tool is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Isel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7357589
    Abstract: An adjustable steering tie-rod assembly having a threaded rod, connected to a tube having an annular cavity and an intermediate tubular member. The intermediate member has internal and external threads with longitudinal grooves in sectioned lines. The threaded steering terminal, intermediate member and tube are connected in a concentric arrangement. The internal and external threads of the intermediate member facilitate adjusting the length of the assembly without axial movement of the intermediate member. The bracketing assembly is designed to ensure that the components are adequately fixed and form a solid assembly. The longitudinal grooves of the intermediate member are thrust on the external thread of the rod of the steering terminal and on the internal thread of the tubular extremity of the steering tie rod, to provide locking of the assembly and hindering the spontaneous rotating movement of the components regardless of the specific geometry of the steering tie-rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Industrial S/A
    Inventor: Marcos Antonio Rodrigues Mouro
  • Patent number: 7331304
    Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Robert R. Shearer
  • Patent number: 7240888
    Abstract: A locking system for adjustably mounting a mirror mounting support arm with a motor vehicle which includes a locking device for securing with a motor vehicle having a recess at one end for receiving an end of a support arm. The recess is formed with a stem having at least one key formed along its length. The support shaft end is formed with at least one slot which is sized and located to matingly fit with the key. The system also includes an anchor plate for securing with the vehicle which is also adapted to mount a support arm holder. The support arm holder includes a body portion having a shoulder adjacent one end and a recess. The recess is formed with a stem therein and a key along the stem. This recess is adapted to receive a second end of the support arm. In use, the first and second support arm ends are inserted into the recesses about the stems with the slots engaged by the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventor: Emmanuel Courbon
  • Patent number: 7225523
    Abstract: An expandable tubing assembly comprises a tubular connector defining overlapping longitudinal slots, the connector comprising end portions and an intermediate portion. The slots extend over the whole length of the connector, but the only slot overlap occurs in the intermediate portion. The assembly further comprises lengths of expandable tubing defining overlapping longitudinal slots and having end portions defining nodes between and beyond the ends of the tubing slots. Tubing threads are formed on the end most tubing nodes. The connector end portions define threads and are coupled with the threads formed on the nodes of the respective end portions of the tubing lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 7093998
    Abstract: A mounting device (1) for mounting a component (2), preferably a Bowden cable, in or at a bore (3) or a notch (4) in a mounting wall (5), comprising a hollow cylinder (6) attached to the component (2) and insertable into the boring (3) or the notch (4), a locking element (8, 9, 10) axially movable along the hollow cylinder (6), and at least one fixing element (11) provided at the hollow cylinder (6) which can be radially expanded by the mentioned locking element (8, 9, 10) to at least partly engage in the expanded position the mounting wall (5) from behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Fico Triad, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan M. Dona-Contero, Santiago Gimeno-Grane
  • Patent number: 7048052
    Abstract: At least a first expandable tubular and a second expandable tubular are connected to each other by a connector system. The connector system is expandable and utilizes a plurality of extensions that may be used to create an interlocking engagement. The system design enables both the tubulars and the connector system to be expanded to an increased diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hackworth, Craig D. Johnson, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6991397
    Abstract: An improved dowel fastener for compressive insertion within a recess, bore or aperture in each of two joint members of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof to frictionally retain one joint member to the other. The dowel fastener includes a flexible, resilient, tubular body having a preferably spiral slot extending from end to end and at least one and preferably two spaced tabs at positions along the slot. The tabs each extend from one slot edge across the slot toward the opposing slot edge and engage the inside surface of the tubular body adjacent the opposing slot edge. The body provides a cylindrical exterior gripping surface for engagement with the sides of the joint apertures and is sufficiently flexible for compression from its normal, uncompressed diameter for insertion in a smaller fastening aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Modular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Montgomery J. Welch
  • Patent number: 6957856
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post includes two arcuate plates and a reinforcement board sandwiched between the two arcuate plates. Each arcuate plate has two lengthwise end surfaces and each end surface includes an inner corner edge and an elongate surface defined in an outer corner edge thereof. The two lengthwise end surfaces contact two opposite sides of the reinforcement board. Each of lengthwise top surface and lengthwise bottom surface of the reinforcement board is connected between the two respective elongate surfaces of the two arcuate plates so as to form two longitudinal grooves in an outer surface of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., LTD
    Inventors: Douglas Chiang, David Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 6842949
    Abstract: A wire rope clamp includes a U-shaped clamp member having a central fold. The clamp member has a first plate portion on one end of the central fold and a second plate portion on an opposite end of the central fold. The clamp member has a least one opening therein sized to allow at least one wire rope to pass therethrough. Such opening is located on said central fold between opposite sides of the clamp member. A tightening member urges the first plate portion and the second plate portion relatively closer together causing the plate portions to clamp onto one or more wire ropes located therebetween. The plate portions have embossments perpendicular to the rope direction that provide sufficient clamping grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Robert E. Warren
  • Patent number: 6747207
    Abstract: A bushing for high-voltage and medium-voltage gas-insulated metal-clad electrical switchgear includes a substantially cylindrical metal jacket surrounding a conductive busbar. It also includes a conductive material annular member disposed around the jacket and a cap surrounding the jacket at a distance and adapted to define with the jacket a closed space delimited at one end by the annular member, which is adapted to be sacrificed by being partly melted if an internal arc pierces the jacket and reaches it. This kind of bushing prevents molten metal and hot gases from spraying out following an internal arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Saturnin Alfonsi, Pascal Motro
  • Patent number: 6719478
    Abstract: A high strength reinforcing bar splice uses a contractible jaw assembly bridging the bar ends to be joined. The jaw assembly includes interior teeth designed to bite into the projecting ribs or deformations on the outside of the bar ends which form the overall diameter of the bar but not the core or nominal diameter of the bar. The jaw assembly is constricted from both axial ends by driving tapered locking collars on each end of the jaw assembly with a tool while concurrently causing the jaw assembly to constrict and bite into the bar ends. When the tool is removed, the collars remain in place locking the jaw assembly closed. The splice provides not only high tensile and compressive strengths but also has good fatigue and dynamic strength to qualify as a Type 2 coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Gregel, Louis J. Colarusso
  • Patent number: 6604882
    Abstract: An internally threaded (23) collet nut (22) is placed onto the first cable (12) and a first cable (12) is inserted into a collapsible collet (20) on a connector body (18). The collet nut (22) and a breakaway nut (30) are engaged with simple wrenches to establish a reactive torque between the collet nut (22) and the breakaway nut (34) to break away the breakaway nut (34) from the connector body. An enlarged end (16) of the second cable (14) is placed into the interior of a retainer nut (30), which is threaded onto the threaded section (19) of the connector body (18) to abut the collet nut (22), thereby connecting the two cables (12 and 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Triumph Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Gordon, Bob Zambelli
  • Patent number: 6431502
    Abstract: A clamp system is provided for clamping one tubular to another, such as control lines to a marine choke and kill riser line. The riser clamp comprises a saddle and U-bolt arrangement. The upper surface of the saddle defines a track configured to receive a shoe attached to either the control line clamp or an extension leg attached to the control line clamp. The control line clamp comprises an upper clamp half, a lower clamp half, a hinge pin connecting the halves, a fastener latching the halves, and a support leg having a shoe for receipt by either the saddle structure or the extension leg. The control line clamp preferably contains an elastomeric liner. The elastomeric liner is preferably provided in two halves. The inner surface of each liner half preferably is provided with a non-skid layer to more firmly position the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: All-Points Equipment Co., L.P.
    Inventor: William Max Goodman
  • Patent number: 6427734
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base, four hollow posts extending upright from the base and formed with slots, four screw rods disposed in the posts, four sprockets connected respectively to the screw rods, a chain engaging the sprockets, a cutter carriage including a pair of carriage seats mounted on the posts, four threaded members mounted adjustably on the carriage seats and having sector-shaped threaded portions that threadedly engage the screw rods, and four eccentric members mounted rotatably on the threaded members. Each eccentric member includes a shaft and an eccentric wheel that constantly engages a respective threaded member and that is rotatable between first and second engaging positions in which the respective threaded member is moved upwardly and downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6422780
    Abstract: A structure for connecting a tool with a grip, including an insertion rod, an outer sheath and a fastening ring. The insertion rod is inserted in the outer sheath. One side of the insertion rod has a projecting block formed with a transverse recess. The outer sheath is formed with a split in which the projecting block of the insertion rod is inserted. A periphery of the outer sheath is formed with an annular groove corresponding to the transverse recess of the projecting block. The inner circumference of the fastening ring is formed with an annular rib fitted in the annular groove. The rib is formed with a dent having a width slightly larger than the width of the split. When rotating the fastening ring, the rib is engaged in the transverse recess of the projecting block to restrict the insertion rod from displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Pao-Lu Chen
  • Patent number: 6422781
    Abstract: A spacer coupler for ganging together two or more wall outlets by coupling the outlets together in a spaced manner. The outlets are fastened to the spacer coupler by spear connectors on the spacer coupler which are inserted into complimentary holes in the wall outlets. The spacer coupler can be used with existing communication cable receptacles and face plates to form a pleasing and easily accomplished ganging of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ofcharsky, Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6402418
    Abstract: The invention is a coupling assembling first and second wire cable tray unit sections. The coupling is an elongate rigid strip divided into two arms with each arm provided with mounting means. The mounting means on the first arm alone rendering the coupling solid with the first tray unit section without permanent deformation of the mounting means. The mounting means on the second arm resiliently latching the second arm to the coupling without permanent deformation of the mounting means on the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Metal DePloye S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Durin, Claude Badey, James Deciry
  • Patent number: 6324938
    Abstract: A connecting member includes an outer casing support portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a casing support opening for supporting the outer casing of the control cable. A wire guiding projection extends from the second end of the outer casing support portion along a first connecting member axis. The wire guiding projection includes a first side wall extending in the direction of the first connecting member axis, a second side wall extending in the direction of the first connecting member axis and opposite the first side wall, a third side wall extending in a direction of the first connecting member axis, a fourth side wall extending in a direction of the first connecting member axis and opposite the third side wall, and an inner wire passage for receiving the inner wire therethrough. A distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is less than a distance between the third side wall and the fourth side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okouchi
  • Patent number: 6321503
    Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube, and a plurality of opposing elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Foster Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Warren
  • Patent number: 6273634
    Abstract: A connector for interconnecting a pair of adjacent sections of an expandable tubing string includes a plastically expandable sleeve that is arranged co-axially around or inside the ends of the interconnected tubing sections and a series of circumferentially spaced mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets, for fastening the sleeve to each of the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Patent number: 6269853
    Abstract: A planing machine includes a carriage locking mechanism disposed above a cutter carriage, which in turn, is connected movably to left and right pairs of vertical posts. The carriage locking mechanism includes an elongated mounting plate disposed fixedly on the cutter carriage, a left locking unit having a pair of left clamping claws that press respectively and releaseably against the left pair of posts, and a right locking unit having a pair of right clamping claws that press releaseably against the right pair of posts. A cam member is disposed pivotally on the mounting plate. The cam member has two projections that engage respectively the left and right locking units. A pivot end of a rotary lever is mounted pivotally on the mounting plate, and is connected to the cam member so as to rotate synchronously with the cam member. The rotary lever is rotatable so as to remove the projections of the cam member from the left and right locking units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chiu-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6213678
    Abstract: A hanger apparatus assembled by joining connectors to elongate rods, which connectors define an open side running the entire length of the channel with a rib opposite of the opening for strength and rigidity of the connector. Four openings define oblique angle edges, preferably with a 45 degree angle, for clearance open to four slots that are in line with another forming two opposing groups which allow a flattened end of a rod to be inserted, lowered, and snapped in place. Inserting a rod into both groups creates a simple, economical, and reusable connection of the two rods. Four tabs protrude into the channel with a center line just above the top of the rod to be inserted allowing the rod to be held firmly in the connector and creating a barrier that restricts the rod from starting to moving to a position perpendicular to the connector which is how the rod is inserted and taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Mark D. Doelling, Michael C. Sacher
  • Patent number: 6193434
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for assembling wire cable tray unit sections. It comprises two arms (55, 56). Means (57, 58) for mounting the first arm (55) can independently catch the coupling on the first unit section (51, 52). Means for mounting the second arm (56) on a second unit section (53, 54) comprise at least one resilient catch means (60) which can co-operate with a transverse wire of the second unit section (54) during assembly of the two unit sections. The invention also concerns a cable tray unit section comprising pre-mounted couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Metal Deploye S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Durin, Claude Badey, James Deciry
  • Patent number: 6158916
    Abstract: A connector for securing a constant velocity universal joint having a housing to a coupling member, the housing and coupling member each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The connector includes an annular member having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of openings which extend axially from the first end to define a series of radially expanding panels for receiving the constant velocity universal joint and coupling member. The joint and coupling member each have respective mating surfaces which engage each other. The first end of the annular member engages the outer surface of the coupling member and the second end of the annular member is disposed proximate the outer surface of the housing. The mating surfaces are splined for transmitting torque. At least one wave spring is provided with the connector to accommodate axial deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Wormsbaecher
  • 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: 6135669
    Abstract: A cylindrical shape with a open channel running the entire length (7). Opposite of the channel is a rib (5) added for strength and rigidity of the connector. Four openings (1) with a 45 degree angle (2) used for clearance open to four slots (3). Each slot is in line with another forming two groups which allow a flattened end of a rod to be inserted, lowered, and snapped in place. Inserting a rod into both groups creates a simple, economical, and reusable connection. Four tabs (4) protrude into the channel with a center line just above the top of the rod to be inserted allowing the rod to be held firmly in the connector and creating a barrier that doesn't permit the rod to start moving perpendicular to the connector which is how the rod is inserted and taken out. The length and width (6) of the material can vary depending on the weight requirements. A coated or inherently corrosion resistant alloy or a plastic that can resist the eliminates of the outdoors is appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Mark D. Doelling, Michael C. Sacher
  • Patent number: 6123035
    Abstract: Shelf assembly system for the rapid assembly of planar shelf boards, desks, tables, audio racks and the like, having opposing interchangeable connector assemblies located at the ends of a leg where each connector assembly frictionally engages a bore in a planar shelf board or other flat horizontal surfaces. The interchangeable connector assemblies include tapered and split male and female connectors which mutually engage and compress inwardly toward each other and outwardly against the planar shelf board bore to secure the leg to each planar shelf board. In a variation, a shelf assembly system is constructed of planar shelf boards and tubular legs having tapered ends connected together with one-piece flexible flanged connectors each composed of right and left mirror-image structures joined by living hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Joel W. Pfister
  • Patent number: 5984421
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim has a rim base (1) carrying a pair of bead-retaining flanges (2, 4), one of which is on a bead seat ring (5) releasably retained, in use, on the rim base (1) by a locking ring (6) engaging in a groove (7) formed in a gutter section (3) of the rim base. The locking ring is shaped so as to cooperate with formations (5A, 9), respectively in the bead ring (5) and rim base (1) to provide a positive lock limiting relative rotation between the bead seat ring and rim base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Steel Wheels Limited
    Inventor: John Stephen Proctor
  • Patent number: 5980149
    Abstract: A sampling arm coupler device comprises a coupler comprising a rectangular tructure or bar, having a cylindrically hollow bore therethrough. The bar has internal threading along the hollowv bore, and internally threaded holes through opposite sides of the bar perpendicular to the hollow bore. The holes are aligned along the bar so as to permit passage of a bolt therethrough. Additionally, the sampling arm coupler device has a lever arm structure having one insert end comprising a half cylinder portion with external threading and a flat longitudinal sure opposite the external threading. The external threading of the half cylinder is capable of mating with the internal threading of the bore whereby the half cylinder portion and the flat longitudinal surface portion inserts and screws into one end of the bar, wherein the flat longitudinal surface portion is positioned as to allow at least one bolt to be inserted through the bar holes perpendicular to the bore along the flat longitudinal surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Stephen J. Colclough, Louie J. Lipp
  • Patent number: 5924745
    Abstract: A connector assembly (20) for connecting expandable slotted tubing (EST) (10) comprises tubular first and second parts (22, 24) for mounting on the ends of respective lengths of slotted tubing. The parts (22, 24) are themselves slotted (26). The free end of the first part defines a male portion (28) and the free end of the second part defining a female portion (30), the free ends of the parts being adapted to engage with one another and to permit expansion of the coupled parts in a corresponding manner to the tubing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Petroline Wellsystems Limited
    Inventor: Alasdair Campbell
  • Patent number: 5896980
    Abstract: A splice for joining the abutting ends of conveyor guide rails of the type having a metallic channel member and a plastic insert housed within the channel member and for engaging the product being conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. Butler
  • Patent number: 5813795
    Abstract: A finishing arrangement for a peripheral flange of a cabinet, the flange being formed by two coplanar flange portions (1), orthogonal to each other and separated by a space (2). A finishing element (3) has a midsection that is fitted in the space (2) and has top and bottom parts that are seated against marginal portions of the upper (7) and lower (8) faces of the flange portions (1). The marginal portions of the upper face (7) of the two orthogonal flange portions (1) are recessed by an amount which is substantially equal, but not greater than, the height of the top part (5) of the finishing element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Multibras S/A Eletrodomesticos
    Inventors: Estevao Marino Espindola, Orestes Do Amaral, Rogerio Pereira
  • Patent number: 5615968
    Abstract: A staging system has a hand rail coupler system with an inner coupling tube which interconnects two coaxially aligned hand rail sections. A pair of opposed coupler clamps are aligned over the interconnected hand rail sections. A studded knob extends through the opposing coupler clamps and the inner coupling tube and is connected to a nut. Rotation of the studded knob acts to tighten the coupler clamps to hold the hand rail sections in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Verenski, Thomas E. Bayer
  • Patent number: 5423626
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for use in constructing a picture frame consists of two superposed, separate plates. One plate has threaded apertures for the receipt of jacking screws, and the other has recesses for engaging the tips of the screws, the axes of which are offset when the lateral edges of the plates are in mutual registry; adjacent interior edges of the plates are serrated for increased gripping power. Advancement of the screw separates and shifts the plates to move the serrated edges toward one another, thus applying lateral as well as a transverse clamping and gripping forces upon the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: The Fletcher-Terry Company
    Inventor: Alan R. Peters