Blocker Is Catch Or Key Patents (Class 403/319)
  • Publication number: 20100044281
    Abstract: A screening assembly 10 includes at least one rail 14 to be secured to a support member of a screening machine to lie parallel to, and intermediate, side members of the screening machine. At least one retaining formation 18 stands proud of an operatively upper surface of each rail 14. The assembly includes a plurality of screening modules 12. Each screening module 12 comprises a supporting structure 64 and a removable screening element 66. The supporting structure 64 has an end supported on the rail 14 so that a pair of supporting structures 64 lie in end-to-end abutting relationship with the abutting ends, in use, overlying the rail 12 and defining a receiving formation through which the retaining formation 18 protrudes to project beyond the receiving formation into a recessed region defined by the abutting ends of the pair of supporting structures 64.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON SCEENS (AUSTRALIA) 4034
    Inventors: Ronald Johnson, Warren Anthony Spinks, Ronald McGregor
  • Patent number: 7614818
    Abstract: An assembly having a shaft (11) with external splining (23) of a limited length at a shaft end (27), and a hub (41) with a corresponding internal splining (43) that extends essentially the length of the hub. A first axial securing mechanism functions between the shaft and hub, prevents the hub from sliding further onto the shaft, and includes a stop surface (44, 46) on the hub and a counterpart surface (28, 59) on the shaft. A second axial securing mechanism functions between the shaft and hub, prevents the hub from being pulled off from the shaft, and includes a securing ring (51) that is situated at the end of the shaft and the end of the hub oriented toward the shaft end and that engages in radial recesses (48, 54) in the shaft and hub. The recesses form contact surfaces for the securing ring on the shaft and hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Inaki Gutiérrez, Marta Díez, Enrique Mandado, Grégory Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090263186
    Abstract: A permanent joint includes a fitting, a sleeve, and a pipe. The fitting exhibits a base body, an outer body and a supporting body, wherein the outer body and supporting body form a groove between them, the inner peripheral surface of the outer body exhibits at least one latching groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the supporting body exhibits a sealing surface inclined relative to the axis of the fitting. The sleeve exhibits at least one latching projection arranged on the outer peripheral surface and at least one open slit running in the axial direction, wherein at least one fixing projection is arranged on the inner peripheral surface in the area of the latching projection. The sleeve embraces a pipe end under a pre-stress, wherein the pipe end with the sleeve engages into the groove under a pre-stress, and the latching groove and latching projection create a frictional connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Viega GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7597499
    Abstract: A disc arrangement for a gas turbine engine, the disc arrangement including a rotational axis, a disc, a coverplate, and a retainer to retain association between the disc and the coverplate by interference. The retainer is displaceable in a recess of the disc or the coverplate to allow release of the interference. The recess presents the retainer at an inclined angle to the rotational axis for the disc and/or the coverplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Franklin Udall
  • Patent number: 7524131
    Abstract: Detachable locking arrangement that includes a push-in element, a receiving member having an insertion opening structured and arranged to receive therein the push-in element and a locking device which is insertable into a clearance area of the receiving member. The clearance area is defined by a space arranged between the push-in element and an inner surface of the receiving member when the push-in element is inserted in the insertion opening. The locking device prevents removal of the push-in element from the receiving member when the push-in element is inserted within the insertion opening and when the locking device is inserted into the clearance area, thereby defining a locked position. The locking device is structured and arranged to automatically and releasably lock with the receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Helmut Schwarz, Bernhard Homner
  • Patent number: 7513709
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke having a fitting portion for fitting a shaft. The fitting portion has first and second tabs opposed to each other to form a U shape. A fixing mechanism including a bolt passing through respective insertion holes in the first and second tabs and a nut screwed onto the bolt on a fastening axis fastens and fixes the shaft between the first and second tabs. A nut holding member fixed to the second tab has an engaging piece. The engaging piece causes the nut, which has not been screwed onto the bolt, to be held on the fastening axis. A cover held by the nut holding member covers at least the engaging piece around the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Shimada, Tatsutomo Yokozeki, Takeshi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7503719
    Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a mesh sheet to a concrete member. The connecting system comprises an anchor structure and a first pin member. The anchor structure defines a loop passageway and a pin opening. The anchor structure is adapted to be partly embedded within the concrete member. A mesh loop portion is formed on the mesh sheet. The mesh loop portion extends into the loop passageway. To connect the mesh sheet to the concrete member, the first pin member extends along the pin opening and through the mesh loop portion of the mesh sheet. Force applied to the concrete member away from the mesh sheet causes the first pin member to engage the anchor structure and the mesh loop portion to inhibit movement between the mesh sheet and the concrete member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: SSL, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Ruel, Dave Swanson
  • Publication number: 20090022544
    Abstract: A cable coupler includes a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways sized and shaped to receive a cable, with each passageway including a tapered portion. A wedge assembly is disposed in each tapered portion to secure a cable to the body. A clip assembly is attached to the body adjacent the tapered portion of each of the passageways and is shiftable between a closed position in which the clip assembly is positioned to prevent an adjacent one of the wedge assemblies from exiting the corresponding passageway and an open position in which the adjacent wedge assembly is insertable into the tapered portion of the corresponding passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: DSI GROUND SUPPORT INC.
    Inventors: Alexander I. Wallstein, Raymond Brandon, Tony Reschke, Roland Walker
  • Patent number: 7461996
    Abstract: An erroneous assembling preventing tool for a universal joint prevents a shaft from being fixed to a cylindrical section of a yoke main body of the universal joint by fastening a bolt in a state where the shaft is not inserted into a normal position of an axial direction of the cylindrical section. The erroneous assembling preventing tool comprises a fixing section fixed to the yoke main body, a prevention section arranged between first and second tabs of the yoke main body, and a driving section for driving a prevention section. The prevention section is displaceable to a prevention position at which an end of the bolt can be prevented from being inserted through a screw hole of the second tab of the yoke and a prevention release position. The driving section displaces the prevention section to the prevention release position when it is pressed by an end of the shaft inserted into the normal position of the axial direction of the cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Jtekt Corporation, Koyo Machine Industries Co., Ltd., Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shigetaka Kinme, Mitsuharu Ozaki, Katsutoshi Nishizaki, Akio Kobayashi, Takehiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7441981
    Abstract: A coupler comprises a male component and a female component including an interior chamber for receiving the male component. A catch extends into the interior chamber for cooperating with the male component to axially secure the male component with respect to the female component. A release comprises a slide located adjacent the catch, whereby depression of a button on the catch causes the catch to resiliently deform and move along the slide to a position free of engagement with the male component. The coupler can be used to attach a holder for holding an auxiliary device to a clamp. The coupler has a first position wherein the holder is spaced a first distance from the clamp and is fixed rotationally relative to the clamp, and a second position wherein the holder is spaced a second distance from the clamp and is free to rotate with respect to the clamp while remaining coupled to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7384216
    Abstract: A cable coupler includes a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways sized and shaped to receive a cable, with each passageway including a tapered portion. A wedge assembly is disposed in each tapered portion to secure a cable to the body. A clip assembly is attached to the body adjacent the tapered portion of each of the passageways and is shiftable between a closed position in which the clip assembly is positioned to prevent an adjacent one of the wedge assemblies from exiting the corresponding passageway and an open position in which the adjacent wedge assembly is insertable into the tapered portion of the corresponding passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Dywidag-Systems International USA
    Inventors: Alexander I. Wallstein, Raymond Brandon
  • Patent number: 7364381
    Abstract: A connector assembly pivotally couples a caster assembly with a pivot arm of an agricultural implement. The connector assembly includes first and second structural support plates having openings to receive a connector pin therethrough pivotally coupling the arm between the plates. A fixed collar having a bore, and a lock pin passage aligned perpendicular thereto, is fixed at one of the first or second structural support plates to receive the connector pin therethrough. The connector pin includes a first end having an exterior threaded portion and a second end having a connector pin opening. The connector pin opening and the lock pin opening receive a lock pin therethrough that secures a position of the connector pin in the collar. Tightening a nut at the threaded end of the connector causes the structural support plates to squeeze against the arm, enhancing lateral support of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: David D. Seib
  • Patent number: 7334961
    Abstract: A linear locking set screw system capable of rapid linear engagement and disengagement includes a threaded outwardly expandable set screw and an expander member which are constructed and arranged to thread easily into a threaded aperture while in a first release position and can thereafter be securely locked in place and/or provide a secondary clamping force in a second engaged position. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Doubler, John E. Hammill, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20080008523
    Abstract: The tool mounted in a body of an apparatus is retained by a cotter engaging inside a notch of the tool, the cotter being engaged in a borehole of the body. The area of the body containing this borehole for engagement of the cotter is equipped with a covering ferrule. This ferrule is provided for occupying a first position in which it at least partially occludes the borehole and a second position in which the borehole is cleared for enabling the cotter to be inserted or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: MONTABERT S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Cadet
  • Patent number: 7237976
    Abstract: A key-engaging part structure which realizes an efficient formation of a key-engaging part in an axial-hole member is provided. A key-engaging through hole is formed in a key-engaging part of an axial-hole member while both and portions of the axial-hole member leave intact such that the key-engaging through hole is bored through the axial-hole member in the radial direction. The key-engaging part is formed using this through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Shimada, Akira Yamamoto, Takao Shigemi
  • Patent number: 7210540
    Abstract: A securing arrangement for a tool (7) of an agricultural tillage implement of a type having a tapered interconnection between a socket (5) on the tool and an adaptor piece (3) adapted for mounting onto a tine (1) of the tillage implement. The adaptor piece (3) has a recess (9) which can be an aperture or a pair of transverse arcuate slots (31) for receiving a retaining pin(11). The socket (5) on the tool has notches (15) on its opposed sides and a portion (13) on the retaining pin in use engages into at least one of the notches (15) to prevent disengagement of the socket (5) from the adaptor piece (3). The adaptor piece can be integral with the tine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Osmundson Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Graeme Stanley Ward, Thomas George Chapman
  • Patent number: 7197807
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for releasably retaining at least one coil spring. The present invention utilizes a circumferential castellation formed within a housing operable to receive within the notches formed by the castellation a complimentary number of fingers formed from a retainer plate. The retainer plate is operable to hold the coil springs in compression and is fixed in place by an internal snap ring disposed within an inwardly facing circumferential grove formed on the radial inner side of the protruding blocks or dentils formed by the castellation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Schoch, William S. Reed
  • Patent number: 7144183
    Abstract: A locking assembly has two members which are moveable into coupling engagement with one another. The two members have lock engaging walls, and one of the members has an opening between the lock engaging walls for receiving a lock. The lock comprises a lock body and a retainer. The lock body has a channel for receiving a portion of the retainer. An end of the retainer extends underneath a retainer engaging wall, thus resisting movement of the lock out of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron B. Lian, Christopher M. Carpenter, Emory D. Hungerford, deceased, Lorraine R. Hungerford, legal representative, Ray J. Morris
  • Patent number: 7128493
    Abstract: A device includes a box with holes in its wings to fit setscrews and holes to insert pivots fixed to part of a piece of furniture to be attached with a handle mounted on an inside of the box that slides lengthways. This handle has holes, mounting holes and oval holes to insert the setscrews and lower wedges to drive heads of the pivots bringing two parts of the furniture to be assembled together and securing them and a spring to move the handle on the inside of the box and a lid to close the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Maria Alarcon-Lopez
  • Patent number: 7125222
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a casing and an inner shroud. The method comprises providing at least one variable vane including a radially inner spindle that includes a groove defined therein that has at least one machined face, and coupling the variable vane radially between the casing and the inner shroud such that at least a portion of the radially inner spindle is inserted at least partially through an opening extending radially through the inner shroud. The method also comprises securing the variable vane to the inner shroud by engaging the spindle machined face with a retainer coupled to the inner shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nathan Gerard Cormier, Wayne Ray Bowen, James Edwin Rhoda, Mitchell Jay Headley
  • Patent number: 7118303
    Abstract: The present invention provides a linear locking set screw system capable of rapid linear engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a threaded outwardly expandable set screw and an expander member which are constructed and arranged to thread easily into a threaded aperture while in a first release position and can thereafter be securely locked in place and/or provide a secondary clamping force in a second engaged position. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Doubler, John E. Hammill, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7112905
    Abstract: A coupling structure for a tandem motor includes two bearing sleeves formed with grooves thereon, a connector and elastic fasteners. The connector has a first end and an opposed second end, and each of the first end and second end is formed with at least one groove. A first elastic fastener is fit into the groove of the connector at the first end and received in the groove formed on one of the two bearing sleeve, and a second elastic fastener is fit into the groove of the connector at the second end and received in the grooves formed on the other bearing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shun-chen Chang, Kuo-cheng Lin, Wen-shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7090061
    Abstract: A snap ring having improved retention characteristics is configured for use inside a cylindrical cavity. The cavity includes a retention device having a retention surface forming an obtuse angle with the cavity wall. As an axial load is applied to the snap ring, it moves along the retention surface, thereby experiencing a reduction in diameter. The snap ring includes a circumferential discontinuity defined by two generally radial planar surfaces, or ring ends. The discontinuity is configured such that the ring ends will abut one another before the snap ring diameter is reduced beyond the retaining diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson David Bove, Jeffrey Alan Miller, Larry Francis Traficant, Jay Robert Deller, Thomas Frederick McGill
  • Patent number: 6991399
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting members, including: a coupling case that has a plurality of connecting slots which respectively receive the members; and wedges that are inserted into the spaces between the coupling case and each of the members perpendicularly to the direction of external pressure given to each of the members. Each of the wedges have one side and another side out of at least a couple of slope sides contacting the coupling case in opposite directions and have a higher coefficient of friction on a bottom side surface that touches one of the members than on the slope side surface that touches the coupling case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Jong-Won Park, In-Kyu Hwang
  • Patent number: 6971816
    Abstract: A mounting device for a control cable, including a stationary member to which a tube of the control cable is fixed, and a connector for connecting the tube to the stationary member. The stationary member has a first wall substantially parallel to an axial direction of the tube and a second wall extending from the first wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The stationary member is provided with an opening extending over the first and second walls. The connector includes a body portion fitted into the opening on the second wall of the stationary member, and a locking portion inserted from outside into the opening on the first wall of the stationary member to be engaged therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Miyagawa, Masakazu Akahori
  • Patent number: 6923593
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1, 34) for positioning a first element (24) with respect to at least a second element (25) by means of a resilient locking member made in a single piece and having two ends (2, 3) connected by a bar (4) capable of being resiliently deformed in its axial direction (5). The longitudinal resilience of the bar (4) is due to the fact that it includes a plurality of apertures (11) over its length, said apertures (11) being located alternately on either side of a median plane (14) of the bar (4). This locking member can easily be manufactured in the form of a moulded plastic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventor: Augustin Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 6910827
    Abstract: A knob retainer system including a knob having a cavity and an opening into said cavity and a retainer adapted to fit within the knob cavity. The retainer includes wing portions and a cantilevered barbed portion. When the retainer is placed inside of the knob cavity and the actuating lever is manipulated between the retainer and an upper wall of the knob cavity, the actuating lever downwardly depresses the retainer thereby causing stakes located in the retainer to positively engage a portion of the cavity wall thereby preventing the retainer from moving with respect to the knob. The retainer is also fitted with a cantilevered portion which terminates in a barbed end. The barbed end positively engages an engagement surface on the actuating lever thereby preventing the actuating lever from pulling away from the knob/retainer assembly. The actuating lever is easily removed from the knob/retainer assembly by use of a specialized tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Carrillo Maloof, Gustavo Del Campo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6902325
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer race of a constant velocity joint and part of a vehicle wheel bearing. The outer race has a first bore with an internal groove. The wheel bearing part has a second bore with an open end, an external groove, and a slot extending axially between the external groove and the open end. The slot also opens circumferentially along its axial length towards the open end forming an angular surface. The wheel bearing part and the outer race are held in an assembled position by a spring ring engaged in the internal groove and the external groove. The spring ring includes, adjacent one end, an arm which extends generally radially inward through the slot. When twisted, the arm engages the angular surface of the slot, and contracts within the external groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Uchman
  • Patent number: 6860670
    Abstract: The end connector assembly (12) for a gas spring (44) enables the connector body to be connected with and disconnected from a ball (14) on the end of a ball stud (16) by relatively moving the connector body (26) and ball along a path generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the gas spring (44) to which the connector body (26) is connected. The ball (14) enters the connector body (26) through an opening (32) in the body's front surface, that is, the surface generally perpendicular to the gas spring's longitudinal axis. A slot in the body's bottom surface, that is, the surface facing the ball (14), accommodates the shaft portion (22) of the ball stud (16), adjacent the ball (14), as the ball moves into or out of the connector body (26) through the opening (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: AVM, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 6851886
    Abstract: A knee joint assembly for an agricultural implement or a vehicle includes a relatively short knee casting with an apertured end of rectangular cross section which is inserted in a mating steel knee tube. The apertures in the casting end align with beveled apertures in the side walls of the knee tube. Steel pins of length approximately equal to the spacing of the side walls are pressed into the casting through the beveled apertures. Groove welds then secure the steel pins to the knee tube. The casting is relatively small and does not require any welding. Inexpensive ductile iron and common steel tubes can be used for most or all of the assemblies on a machine. The apertured end of the casting includes concave walls to accommodate knee tube concavity and weld flash on the inside of the knee tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jack Conan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6845687
    Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus includes an axle having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion has an outer peripheral surface and a threaded inner peripheral surface; an axle bolt having a threaded outer peripheral surface screwed into the threaded inner peripheral surface of the first end portion of the axle; a crank arm having an axle mounting boss defining an opening for receiving the first end portion of the axle therein, wherein the axle mounting boss includes a first fastener for tightening the crank arm mounting boss around the first end portion of the axle; and wherein the crank arm boss is positioned axially inwardly of the axle bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20040170471
    Abstract: A support frame kit for canopies and display racks includes vertical posts and horizontal rails which are coupled to one another by square sockets mounted on the posts which receive square pintles projecting from the ends of the rails. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rails are secured to the posts by removable pins and provide support for a canopy which is attached at its periphery to peripheral rails by attachment loops. In another embodiment of the invention rails are joined by struts and project from couplings fixed to the posts to provide shelves of a display rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: C & W Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Van Wadsworth, Bill Moorer, Gene Combest
  • Patent number: 6779942
    Abstract: A control shaft and knob assembly includes a control knob having a slot defined therein. The assembly also includes a control shaft which (i) has a bore extending therethrough, (ii) includes a spring arm which is positionable within the slot of the control knob, and (iii) has an opening defined therein. The assembly further includes a locking pin having a first retention member secured thereto. The locking pin is positionable in the bore of the control shaft. When the locking pin is positioned in the bore of the control shaft (i) the locking pin is positioned to inhibit inward deflection of the spring arm, and (ii) the first retention member is received into the opening of the control shaft. A method of securing a control knob to a control shaft of an appliance timer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Benjamin F. Chestnut
  • Patent number: 6752560
    Abstract: A submersible pump assembly having first and second components that are coupled together has a removable externally splined sleeve. A key is located in the keyway between the shaft sleeve and the shaft for transmitting torque. A threaded fastener secures to a threaded hole extending inward from an end face of the shaft end coaxial with an axis of the shaft end. The fastener has a head that engages an outward facing shoulder of the shaft sleeve to releasably secure the shaft sleeve to the shaft. A coupling sleeve has internal splines that engage the external splined section of the shaft sleeve. The coupling sleeve is in engagement with a shaft end assembly of the second component for transmitting torque between the shafts of the first and second components. The head that of the fastener transmits axial loads between the shafts of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Terry W. Shafer, John Jay Mack
  • Patent number: 6749358
    Abstract: A tooless electrical connector includes a housing having a bore with a groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with the groove establishing a shoulder between a groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A flat spring is provided and disposed in the groove for defining a spring cavity between the flat spring and the shoulder and a circular canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a circumferential groove is provided for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore and a plurality of primary radial fingers formed in the flat spring retain the coil spring in the cavity before insertion of the pin. A plurality of secondary radial fingers formed in the flat spring prevent axial movement between the housing and the pin with the coil spring within the pin groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 6735890
    Abstract: A wear assembly includes an adapter with a nose, a wear member with a socket to receive the nose, and a lock to secure the wear member to the adapter. The nose and socket include complementary rails and grooves that vertically diverge as they extend from the front of the nose. The lock can have a tapered construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Carpenter, Robert S. Fleck, Terry L. Briscoe, Daniel R. Danks, Venkat R. Gaurav, Larren F. Jones
  • Patent number: 6705644
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a backhoe loader stabilizer arm in a stowage position. The latch mechanism has a first portion attached to the machine frame and a second portion attached to the stabilizer arm. The first portion is a receptacle having two parallel members of a resilient material. The second portion is a probe having a head and a shank. The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages as the arm approaches or departs the stowage position by the force applied in moving the stabilizer arm. The latch secures the stabilizer arm in the stowage position from external forces insufficient to disengage the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas Scott States, Peter John Mayer, Wylie Elton Pfaff, Thomas Andrew Knopp
  • Patent number: 6644884
    Abstract: A rotational spring clip is provided for connecting a male component to a female component. The spring clip is pivotally secured to a female component. The male component includes a male member that extends through a hole in the female component. The spring clip is then rotated to engage the male component with a structure that includes two spaced apart legs that define an open mouth. The legs of the clip are trapped between a flange formed at the outer distal end of the male member that extends through and beyond the female component. The legs of the clip are then frictionally trapped between the flange of the male member and an outer surface of the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Roro Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Anthony Gledhill
  • Patent number: 6626581
    Abstract: An assembly including an outer race of a constant velocity joint and part of a vehicle wheel bearing. The outer race has a first bore and an internal groove in the bore, and the wheel bearing part has a second bore with an open end, an external groove, and a slot extending radially from the second bore between an inner end open to the second bore and an outer end at an external surface of the bearing part, the slot extending axially between the external groove and the open end. The wheel bearing part and the outer race are held in an assembled position by a spring ring engaged in the internal groove and the external groove. The spring ring includes, adjacent its ends, first and second arms which extend generally radially inward through the slot. The first arm is substantially longer than the second arm and inclined such that the first arm extends approximately through a center axis of the spring ring. A sealing element is also included to seal the second bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Uchman
  • Patent number: 6604883
    Abstract: A connector for use with a remote controlled apparatus comprising a base adapted to receive a control member and a contact surface adapted to slidingly receive a latch. Two fingers extend outwardly from the base and the latch has opposingly located deformable prongs which engage a pin and two arms which engage a contact surface found on the base. The latch is slidingly operable on the contact surface of the base between a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the fingers of the base and the pin form a closed, unopenable structure. In the unlocked position, the fingers and the pin form an openable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Du-Bro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Broberg
  • Patent number: 6435056
    Abstract: A cable assembly (11) has a conduit (12) and a core element (14) passing through the conduit (12). A terminal assembly (15) is secured to one end of the core element (14). The subject invention incorporates both an interlock device (46) and an adjustment device on the same cable assembly (11). The interlock device (46) is disposed adjacent the terminal assembly (15) and is movable between a release position allowing relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46) and an engaged position preventing the relative movement between the terminal assembly (15) and the interlock device (46). The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing (20) partially disposed about a base portion (28) for allowing axial adjustment of the base portion (28) to tension the core element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Klemens J. Meyer
  • 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: 6364566
    Abstract: A universal connector for use with a remote controlled apparatus comprising a base having an aperture sized to receive a control rod. Two fingers extend outwardly from the base, with a channel being located in one of the fingers. A slideable latch is retained in the channel, the latch having an aperture and a slit which separates opposingly located deformable prongs. The latch is operable between a locked and an unlocked position. Also provided are opposingly located first and second apertures located on the fingers. The apertures are aligned to receive a retaining pin. The first aperture is larger in diameter than the second aperture. The pin includes a head which engages one of the fingers and an internal stop which engages the other finger. A first portion of the pin is sized to fit within the first aperture and extends from the head to the internal stop. A second portion on the pin is sized to fit within the second aperture and extends from the internal stop to a terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Du-Bro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Broberg
  • Patent number: 6305111
    Abstract: An advertising display for mounting an advertisement on a supporting structure such as a billboard, the side of truck, or any other substantially planar surface. The advertising display includes an elastic display panel with four edges reinforced by elongate stays. A plurality of upper attachment fittings are spaced lengthwise along the top of the supporting structure. A corresponding plurality of lower attachment fittings are spaced lengthwise along the bottom of the supporting structure. Opposing forward and rear attachment fittings are spaced vertically along the supporting structure. A plurality of retaining clips are also provided each for attachment to the outer lips of the lower attachment fitting as well as the forward and rear attachment fittings for the purpose of retaining the edges of the stays therein, thereby holding the stays captive. The display panel can be tautly suspended over the surface of the supporting structure between the four attachment fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Everett W. Opdahl
  • Patent number: 6282979
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly (10) for an integral shifter cable interlock is provided. The assembly includes (10) a cable assembly (11) having a conduit (12) defining an axis and a core element (14) disposed within the conduit (12) movable along the axis. A terminal assembly (15) is secured to a portion of the core element (14) and has an aperture (37). An interlock housing (24) is supported by the cable assembly (11) with the terminal assembly at least partially disposed within the interlock housing (24). An interlock device (46) is disposed within the interlock housing (24) and has an armature pin (48) transverse to the aperture (37) for coacting with the aperture (37) and preventing axial movement of the core element (14). The adjustment assembly (10) is characterized by a removable clip (50) interposed between the interlock housing (24) and the terminal assembly (15) for locating the aperture (37) relative to the armature pin (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Klemens J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6250842
    Abstract: A device for the releasable fastening of seats, bench seats or other objects on a floor of a motor vehicle, comprising a locking part, and a mating locking part which can be fastened to the floor. The locking part is movable by overcoming a spring force from a locking position, in which it cannot be uncoupled from the mating locking part, into a release position in which it can be uncoupled from the mating locking part. A blocking element, upon the uncoupling, retains the locking part in the release position by a positively locking interengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Ewald Witte GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Norbert Krüger
  • Patent number: 6231265
    Abstract: A latching assembly includes a first mating portion and a second mating portion disposed adjacent and rotationally restrained relative to the first mating portion. A first cam member having a first cam profile is mounted on the first mating portion. A second cam member having a second cam profile is mounted on the second mating portion. The second cam profile is adapted to inter-fit with the first cam profile. Torque induced by the cam members when the cam profiles are engaging rotates the first cam member until the first cam profile is inter-fitted with the second cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, John R. Meijer, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6164863
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for releasably securing a first member to a second member is provided in which a surface of the first member has anchors projecting therefrom with a lip portion of each anchor transversely extending from an extremity of each anchor. A surface of the second member has a cutout portion defining an opening adapted to lockingly engage an anchor. At least a portion of the cutout has a tongue at the opening thereof shaped to be positioned underneath the lip portion of an anchor to effect locking engagement thereof. During use, a surface of each of the first and second members is arranged by positioning the cutout portion on the anchor following which one member is rotated relative to the other member to thereby effect engagement of the tongue underneath the lip portion. A keeper is then inserted in at least a part of the cutout not occupied by an anchor to releasably secure the first member to the second member, wherein movement between the members is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hedweld Engineering Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Ian Hedley
  • Patent number: 6158917
    Abstract: A pin retention mechanism which prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, such as used for attaching a heavy equipment tool, which provides quick and easy removal. The pin retention mechanism comprises a housing having an opening in which an end of a mounting pin is adapted to be located, and a removable member which is inserted into the housing adjacent the end of the pin. The removable member may be provided with a protruding section which is adapted to extend through a groove in the end of the pin for preventing rotation thereof. The removable member is retained in the housing by a spring catch. In each embodiment, a safety cap screw can be utilized to eliminate movement of the removable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Robert H. Wolin, William E. Wolin
  • Patent number: 6155524
    Abstract: A lock is provided to releasably secure a first member to a second member. The lock has two brackets, one attached to the first member and the other attached to the second member. The first is a locking slotted bracket and the second is a locking pin bracket. The locking pin bracket has pins with heads that extend outwardly from the locking pin bracket. The locking slotted bracket has a T-shape to receive the pins, and a lock lever that snaps into a locking position between the pin heads in the slot to hold the pins in the slot. The heads can be removed by deflecting the lock lever and sliding the heads of the pins out of the T-shaped slot. The lock lever is biased and flexible so that it rests in a locked condition. For longer or heavier structures or where position is important, a slotted bracket with a keyhole-shaped slot may be provided. The keyhole-shaped slot receives a head of a pin which will slide into a wider slot and into an undercut where it is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Legler Plating Works, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Legler, Kenneth E. Logan