With Fluid Pressure Responsive Component Patents (Class 403/31)
  • Patent number: 6189196
    Abstract: A shaft assembly including an inner hub having a centrally-disposed bore therethrough and an outer surface for carrying a first member concentrically thereon for rotation therewith, an outer hub having a centrally-disposed bore therethrough and an outer surface for carrying a second member thereon for rotation therewith. The bore of the outer hub is adapted for receiving the inner hub concentrically therein for rotation therewith. An outer pressure-expansible sleeve is provided for being concentrically-mounted within the bore of said outer hub and pressurized for locking the outer hub onto the inner hub. An inner pressure-expansible sleeve is concentrically-positioned in the bore of the inner hub and pressurized for locking the inner hub onto a rotatable spindle, whereby the inner hub and outer hub and the respective members mounted thereon are locked in fixed, concentric relation relative to each other and to the rotatable spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Triangle Pacific Corp.
    Inventor: David L. Weathers
  • Patent number: 6190087
    Abstract: A paver screed has a main screed with two outer side walls, at least one of the side walls being provided with insertion orifices for the releasable mounting of at least one lateral screed extension by means of fastening elements capable of being inserted through the insertion orifices. A screed extension has fastening elements that comprise hydraulic cylinders which each have a piston that is spring-biased into an initial, retracted position. The cylinders are actuated by hydraulic fluid to displace or extend the piston against the biasing action of the spring. Preferably, the hydraulic cylinders are connected a hydraulic circuit of the main screed. The piston of each hydraulic cylinder carries a shank capable of being inserted through a proximal insertion orifice and which are preferably provided with an abutment element configured for attaching the cylinder to the sidewall of the main screed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: ABG Allgemeine Baumaschinen-Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Helmut Röwer
  • Patent number: 6186692
    Abstract: A locking mechanism that includes a multi-dimensional connecting locking pin which provides a structural link between two structural members that can be repeatedly separated and locked together. The connecting pin is comprised of a tapered shaft extending through a radially expandable split ring with the tapered shaft being moveable between housings located on each of the two separate structural members. As the tapered shaft moves through the radially expandable split ring, the ring is expanded outwardly to engage locking grooves in both housings to lock the structural members together. The tapered shaft is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that forces the tapered shaft through a first stage in which the receiver housing is first aligned with the other housing, and after proper alignment is achieved, a second stage of the tapered shaft expands the split ring into a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, Stacy Hanser
  • Patent number: 6186691
    Abstract: A linear joining and locking device comprises a first receiver member providing a first closure surface thereon and a first linear cavity therein, the first closure surface communicating with the first linear cavity along a first linear aperture defined in the first receiver member; a second receiver member providing a linear sealing mounting device; the first closure surface being positionable for aligning the first linear aperture in mutual linearly corresponding adjacency with the linear sealing device mounting device; an elongate linear elastomeric sealing device engaged within the first linear cavity and the linear sealing device, and extensive therebetween; the sealing device providing a first linear channel therein, the linear channel responsive to fluid pressure for expanding the sealing device within the linear cavity so as to enable the first and second receiver members to be mechanically joined when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Klaus Rudolf-Bauer
  • Patent number: 6182977
    Abstract: The clamping apparatus (10) has a clamping ring (13) of an elastomer, which has a U-shaped cross section. The clamping ring (13) is seated in a recess (15) in a holding device (12) having parallel side walls. The recess (50) can be connected via a connecting line (18) to a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure source. The outside of the web part (21) of the U-profile acts as a clamping surface (24). Embedded in the area of this clamping surface is a number of clamping elements (27) made of a material of higher strength, in which at least that envelope line which faces away from the clamping surface (24) is exposed. The clamping elements (27) have the same axial extent as the clamping ring (13). One of the side walls of the recess (15) is formed by a clamping part (31), which is part of a clamping device (36) and is guided axially displaceably on the holding device (12) and is sealed off with respect to the latter by means of a circumferential seal element (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hainbuch GmbH Spannende Technik
    Inventor: Hans-Michael Weller
  • Patent number: 6164351
    Abstract: A rotatable cutter head comprising an inner hub having a centrally-disposed bore therethrough and an outer surface for carrying at least one cutter plate concentrically thereon for rotation therewith, an outer hub having a centrally-disposed bore therethrough and an outer surface for carrying at least one cutter plate thereon for rotation therewith. The bore of the outer hub is adapted for receiving the inner hub concentrically therein for rotation therewith. An outer pressure-expansible sleeve is provided for being concentrically-mounted within the bore of said outer hub and pressurized for locking the outer hub onto the inner hub. An inner pressure-expansible sleeve is concentrically-positioned in the bore of the inner hub and pressurized for locking the inner hub onto a rotatable spindle, whereby the inner hub and outer hub and the respective cutter plates mounted thereon are locked in fixed, concentric relation relative to each other and to the rotatable spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Triangle Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Weathers
  • Patent number: 6139212
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling an implement having a pair of spaced connecting pins to a handle and a pivot link of a groundworking machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Rockland Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 6113300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular unit consisting of two building components having joint surfaces arranged in pairs to be fastened with rivets. In order to ensure perfect meeting of the pairs of joint surfaces, there is a pair of bearing surfaces designed in such a way that, upon exerting a supporting force thereon, a force component is generated through the assembling joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Lothar Klein, Hartmut Carstensen
  • Patent number: 6113304
    Abstract: A coupling for a high pressure fluid seal assembly is shown and described. The coupling includes a first member having first and second opposite ends and capable of motion along a first axis extending between the first and second ends. The first member has an engagement portion positioned toward the first end having a rounded convex engagement surface. The coupling further includes a second member also having first and second opposite ends and capable of motion along a second axis extending between the first and second ends of the second member. A second engagement portion toward the second end of the second member has a substantially flat second engagement surface engaging the first engagement surface of the first member. The interface between the first and second engagement surfaces aligns motion of the first member along the first axis with motion of the second member along the second axis. The coupling accordingly reduces the tendency for either the first or second member to bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Olivier L. Tremoulet, Jr., Chidambaram Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6089674
    Abstract: A spindle assembly for reliably locking a vehicle wheel to a vehicle. The spindle assembly includes a slotted sleeve that is engageable with a central opening of the wheel, to cooperate with a plurality of lugs in locking the wheel in place. The slotted sleeve incorporates a number of deflectable fingers, and a mandrel can be reciprocated along the sleeve's longitudinal axis, between an extended position and a retracted position. When the mandrel is in its extended position, the sleeve's deflectable fingers are moved to a position that allows the wheel to be removed and replaced, whereas when the mandrel is in its retracted position, the fingers are moved into engagement with the wheel, to positively lock the wheel in place. A compressible coil spring biases the mandrel to its retracted position, but the application of a positive hydraulic pressure to the spindle assembly overcomes this spring bias, to move the mandrel to its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Radloc Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Duff C. Whitman
  • Patent number: 6079896
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: ISI Norgren, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery J. Dellach
  • Patent number: 6079893
    Abstract: A connection between the spindle head of a gear-type or universal joint spindle and the neck of a roll includes wear plates are placed between locating surfaces on the spindle head and on the roll neck so as to primarily produce a positive engagement. The spindle head is provided with a clamping device for applying pressure to the wear plates and for clamping the spindle head on the roll neck for constructing the positively engaging connection as a play-free connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Seidl, Hans-Joachim Marburger
  • Patent number: 6074118
    Abstract: A device for automatically locking a wheel onto a front end of a balancing machine shaft includes a hollow profiled body provided with a frontal member on which the rim of the wheel to be balanced bears. The profiled body acts as a housing for a slider positioned coaxial to the shaft and extends beyond the bearing member where it presents a threaded portion arranged to receive a ring nut for locking said wheel rim. The housing is intended to be connected to a pressurized fluid source in such a manner that the slider is able to slide between a withdrawn locking position in which the ring nut urges the wheel rim against the bearing member, and an advanced release position in which the ring nut is disengaged from the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: FEMAS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gino Ferrari, Franco Maioli
  • Patent number: 6059353
    Abstract: A securement assembly for reliably locking a vehicle component such as a wheel or a body panel to a vehicle. The securement assembly includes a slotted sleeve that is engageable with an opening of the vehicle component, to lock the component in place. The slotted sleeve incorporates a number of deflectable fingers, and a mandrel can be reciprocated along the sleeve's central longitudinal axis, between an extended position and a retracted position. When the mandrel is in its extended position, the sleeve's deflectable fingers are moved to a position that allows the vehicle component to be removed and replaced, whereas when the mandrel is in its retracted position, the fingers are moved into engagement with the vehicle component, to positively lock the component in place. A compression device, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Radloc Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Duff C. Whitman, Michael F. Drews
  • Patent number: 6056473
    Abstract: A changing device for shaft and hub connections, comprising a shaft end, a hub part surrounding the shaft end, and a conical clamping bushing disposed therebetween. There is also provided -means for retaining the clamping bushing on the end of the shaft in a way so that it cannot be lost, and at the same time serves to initiate biaxial displacement of the clamping bushing in relation to the end of the shaft. This permits assembling and dismantling of the hub part, whereby all other parts of the shaft and hub connection can remain mounted on the end of the shaft. This leads to particularly short tool changing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Erhard Schafer
  • Patent number: 5960733
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting floating barge sections or other construction components includes a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly disposed in an open-ended sleeve in a first component with the piston connected to the construction component and the cylinder movable between a retracted position within the sleeve and an extended position such that a portion of the cylinder extends into and is releasably locked in place within a socket in a second construction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Ralph C. Thon
  • Patent number: 5947626
    Abstract: A frictional revolving joint for joining a hub to a shaft has a tapered ring arrangement with two tapered ring sections with conical outer surfaces that have a V-shaped cross-section and a clamping ring made of two clamping ring elements that enclose the tapered ring arrangement.The ring shaped pressure chamber formed by the front surfaces of both clamping ring elements may be put under pressure by a hydraulic fluid, causing the clamping ring elements to slide outwards on the V-shaped tapered ring sections.The ring-shaped pressure chamber (57) is sealed itself by sealing rings (55a, 55b,; 63) that engage the clamping ring elements (53a, 53b) in all positions of the latter. The ring-shaped pressure chamber (57) is thus hermetically sealed and hydraulic fluid cannot escape outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Schafer GmbH Technik fur Antrieb und Steuerung
    Inventors: Wolfgang Miller, Udo Schafer, Harry Oppenlander
  • Patent number: 5879099
    Abstract: A rigid connection of structural parts of a motor vehicle and a tool and for establishing the connection are provided. The structural parts are fixed together after a coating during their assembly to one another in a simple, joined and effective manner without plastically deforming the respective exterior structural part and damaging the coating in the process and therefore visually impairing the visible side of the structural parts. The two structural parts to be connected are designed as oblong hollow bodies with one structural part having axially spaced radial cross-sectional reductions along the length of the connection in which the other structural part is held on it while forming a releasable plug-type connection and in that the first structural part--starting from the plug-in position. Because of the expansion between the plug-type connection points, during an internal high-pressure deforming, the parts are locked in a form-fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Volker Thoms
  • Patent number: 5855446
    Abstract: Hydraulic clamp bushing (13, 14) having a double walled sleeve (7), a hydraulic pressure medium which is trapped in a chamber (5) between the sleeve walls, and a mechanism for pressurizing the pressure medium. One, or both, sleeve walls (7) is/are formed for expanding radially outwards and/or inwards when the pressure medium is pressurized, whereby the clamp bushing is clamped to a shaft, a hub or a similar object, in particular a rotary shaft (17, 18). The pressure medium chamber (5) is formed with angularly inwards or sigma formed bushing ends (9) designed so that the ends are straightened up as a first stage when the clamp bushing is pressurized, whereby the axial ends of the bushing facing the shaft (17, 18) are pressed to the shaft (17,18) thereby providing a straightening up of the bushing (13, 14) on the shaft before the intermediate portions of the sleeve are pressed to the shaft (17, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: ETP Transmission AB
    Inventor: Lennart Disborg
  • Patent number: 5810055
    Abstract: A multitude of heald shafts can be decoupled simultaneously as a set. For this purpose one of the two coupling sections (2, 3) of a shaft, either the section on the push rod side or the section on the shaft side, is equipped with a decoupling mechanism (11). All decoupling mechanisms (11) are power operated in unison by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power. The power operated decoupling mechanisms operate a spring biased rocker lever (7) of a lever mechanism (6) to decouple the coupling sections from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Horst Haeussler, Valentin Krumm
  • Patent number: 5807009
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling comprises an input member, an output member a chamber associated therewith, within the chamber a charge of cured silicone composition in crumb form and a spring biased piston for compressing the charge to an extent sufficient to permit the compressed silicone to convey rotational motion from the input member to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Dow Corning S. A.
    Inventors: Robert John Michael, Rene Louis Mathieu Andre Paquet
  • Patent number: 5782571
    Abstract: An automatic tool mounting assembly for robotic equipment that includes a base mounting member and a tool carrier member. Radially extending locking posts are radially aligned with the seal between the base and tool carrier. Pneumatic connections within the base and tool carrier provide a seal at the interface surface of the two connector sections so as to avoid the use of sockets and O-ring seals. The pneumatic connection interfaces are also radially aligned with the locking posts and seal in order to accommodate a wide tolerance for misalignment during connection and disconnection of the base and tool carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: CPI Products, L.C.
    Inventors: Donald L. Hufford, Maurice Samuel Perlman, William Louis Scott
  • Patent number: 5779383
    Abstract: A braked universal joint assembly for rotatably joining two members is described wherein both load bearing and braking are performed by conical surfaces. The joint body comprises bores defining rotation axes, each bore comprising two frusto-conical sections. Rotation assemblies for nonrotatably engaging the joined members comprise a pair of brake cones, each having a frusto-conical section, and friction cones compressed between the frusto-conical sections of the bores and the frusto-conical sections of the brake cones. Rotation occurs by motion of the joined members and the engaged brake cones relative to the joint body. Load forces and braking torques are borne by the frusto-conical sections of the bores and brake cones and by the friction cones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis L. McCallum
  • Patent number: 5733059
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling a cutting tool (12) to a vehicle (14) such as a tractor that permits the cutting tool (12) to pivot to a released position when it contacts an obstruction (38) and that returns the cutting tool (12) to its cutting position at a controlled speed after the cutting tool has cleared the obstruction is disclosed. The coupling apparatus (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally coupled to the vehicle (14) and fixedly coupled with the cutting tool(12) and a rotary actuator (18) for pivoting the frame (16) and the cutting tool (12) between their cutting and released positions at a controlled speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Edward E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5720566
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of relieving pressure within a sealed pin joint assembly so that the seal is protected from excessive pressure. The pin joint assembly includes slidably connecting a pin through a bearing assembly fitted within a bore in an equalizer bar. The pin is circumferentially surrounded by a pair of seals disposed on either side of the bearing assembly for sealing within the equalizer bar. The seals are positioned adjacent the bearing assembly to define a pair of cavities therebetween. A receiving passage extends from a counterbore at an outer surface of the equalizer bar and terminates at the bearing assembly and is fluidly connected with the pin joint assembly. A grease zerk is disclosed within the receiving passage to direct fluid into the joint wherein accumulation within the cavities is expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Allen, Dean M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5711628
    Abstract: An expandable clamp of the type that is used within a channel to compress a planar member within that channel against a wall of that channel. The clamp has an expandable bladder of an elongated cylindrical shape and a valve for introducing a gas or a liquid into the bladder for expanding it. Alternatively, the clamp may be manufactured with a closed bladder that is partially filled with a fluid. This closed bladder may be expanded by increasing the pressure on the fluid such as by compressing the fluid with a piston. The clamp is particularly suited for use in Standard Electronic Modules for providing more uniform contact between the frame of the electronic module and the card chassis of the instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventor: Leroy S. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5706967
    Abstract: In order to improve the security and ease of operation of a safety lock, especially for vehicle fuel tanks, comprising a plug (3) with a sealing section (3a) which can be fitted on the aperture of a connector nipple (2), a locking device (5), especially in the form of clamping jaws by means of which the plug (3) fitted on the connector nipple (2) can be releasably secured thereto, an actuating device (7), especially in the form of a push-on sleeve, and a vent (10) to release pressure which is connected to the connector nipple (2) in the region of the sealing section (3a). It is proposed that inside the safety lock (1) be fitted an axially movable piston (8) coupled to a locking component (9), for the actuating device (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Weh GmbH, Verbindung Technik
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weh, Erwin Weh
  • Patent number: 5692851
    Abstract: A connector for an elongated member which is composed of a male part and a female part. The female part is fixedly mounted onto an end of an elongated member with the male part being fixed onto a separate structure or vice versa. The male part includes a fluid operated piston which is to be supplied fluid pressure from a remote source. Axially pressing of the female member in contact with the male member will result in the connector being located in a locked relationship. Application of fluid pressure from the remote source will cause the connector to move to an unlocked relationship permitting locating of the female part in a spaced apart relationship from the male part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Paul G. Pace
  • Patent number: 5688068
    Abstract: In a phase adjustment fixing apparatus for a cam, a cam fixing shaft is supported by a frame to freely move and has a clamp for clamping a cam at one end portion. A pressure unit is slidably supported on the cam fixing shaft and has a slidably supported lever. A spring member is interposed between the other end portion of the cam fixing shaft and the pressure unit. A sliding element is arranged at a swinging end of the lever to slide on a surface of the frame. An actuator swings the lever to move the sliding element between a cam fixing position where the sliding element slightly goes across a dead center and a cam fixed state releasing position where the sliding element largely comes across the dead center. A dead center is a position where the sliding element crosses a center line of the cam fixing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoo Kaneta
  • Patent number: 5672026
    Abstract: Hydraulically actuatable friction clamp coupling of the type which can be used for clamp connecting a sleeve (2) to a drive shaft (3). The clamp coupling includes a shape deformable inner ring (4) which is adapted to engage the sleeve (2), and which, at the outer surface thereof, is formed as a double, counter directed screw having two screw portions (8, 9) which meet substantially at the longitudinal center of the inner ring (4). The screw flange sides of the screw portions have the shape of saw tooth formed cone surfaces (10) as seen in an axial cross section. The outer rings (5, 6) which, at the inner race thereof, are formed with screw like cone surfaces (11) which are saw tooth shaped in a cross section view, match the cone surfaces (10) of the inner ring (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: ETP Transmission AB
    Inventor: Lennart Disborg
  • Patent number: 5664898
    Abstract: The locking ring includes a body having an axis and a hole along the axis. The body receives a shaft in the hole. The body includes a cavity, a first passageway communicating with the cavity, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the body to a portion of the shaft disposed in the hole. The locking ring further includes a piston member having a piston head and a piston rod connected to the piston head. The piston head is disposed in the cavity, and the piston rod projects from the cavity in a direction parallel to the axis. The piston member moves relative to the body when pressure is supplied to the cavity via the first passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Femas S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gino Ferrari, Franco Maioli
  • Patent number: 5664897
    Abstract: A releasable connector for a pair of tensioned elements, such as straps sorting a parachuted load, has a cylindrical body separable at a diametrical plane into a pair of blocks each adapted for connection of the block to one of the elements. A helical groove is disposed about the body and is wound in one circumferential direction with the majority of an endless line of para-aramid fiber. The line is tensioned to hold the blocks in engagement so that the elements are joined by the connector. The ends of the groove return helically in the opposite circumferential direction, and the remainder of the line is wrapped in this opposite direction about the majority of the line. The body has a pair of recesses extending radially inwardly from the groove and individually receiving a pair of pyrotechnic line cutters. Each cutter extends into the groove and, at the groove, has an eye through which the line extends for severing by either cutter to release the blocks from engagement and disconnect the tensioned elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elsa J. Hennings, Michael D. Herr, William A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5660495
    Abstract: A locking-unlocking mechanism is disclosed which is capable of realizing firm and reliable connection between pipes when a plurality of pipes telescopically arranged are extended, and capable of disconnecting the connected pipes rapidly and precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Skyrobot Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masumi Atsukawa
  • Patent number: 5649778
    Abstract: A multi-dirctional swivel joint for carrying loading members comprises a crosswise main body having a pair of first and a pair of second hollow cylinder members perpendicular to one another each having connected with a stepped neck member at their free end and pivotally and intersectionally coupled with a pair of lug members so as to permit the main body swiveling alternatively therewithin in multi-directions. A piston member slidingly disposed into each of the hollow cylinder members for defining a pair of first and second cylinder chambers which respectively communicate with an ambient hydraulic compressor via a pair of the first and second conduits through the piston member therein, in addition to a retaining ring sleeved on the free end of the piston member and secured by nut. So that the coupling of the main body with the lug members can be tightened or released upon the alternative exertion of the hydraulic force from the ambient compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Wei-Hwang Lin
  • Patent number: 5573343
    Abstract: The application describes a hydrostatic release device, suitable for releasing life-saving equipment carried on a ship or aircraft when the ship or aircraft sinks or ditches in the sea. A change in ambient pressure is detected by a pressure sensor which opens a liquid-filled chamber and thereby releases a hydrostatic pressure behind a reciprocable member. This reciprocable member then allows release of a release means. The release means can comprise a link prevented from longitudinal movement by an abutment and normally constrained against lateral movement by the reciprocable member. Thus removal of the reciprocable member away from the link enables transverse movement of the link clear of the fixed abutment. Such an arrangement provides a particularly simple and inexpensive release means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Simon Cash-Read
    Inventors: Paul D. Davis, Thomas S. Floate
  • Patent number: 5544968
    Abstract: A lockable ball joint apparatus including a ball and a ball receiving cavity and at least one annular clamp ring in the casing extending around the ball. The clamp ring has a spherically concave inner clamping surface engaging the outer surface of the ball and a frusto-conical outer surface. An annular cam extends around the clamp ring and has a frusto-conical inner surface engaging the frusto-conical outer surface of the clamp ring. The annular cam is formed on an annular piston and springs are provided for moving the annular piston and cam axially in a first direction to diametrically compress the clamp ring into clamping engagement with the ball, and fluid pressure is applied to the annular piston for moving the annular cam means axially in a second direction to release the clamp ring from clamping engagement with the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Willy J. Goellner
  • Patent number: 5467647
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a pneumatic tire in a testing and/or measuring apparatus comprises first and second mounting rim portions for holding a pneumatic tire between them in an inflated condition, on a rotatable spindle. The mounting rim portions are carried in concentric relationship with respect to the axis of rotation of the spindle, the first mounting rim portion being slidable in the axial direction on a guide. A clamp non-rotatably clamps the first rim portion to the guide along which the rim portion is displaceable in a released condition. The clamp includes a clamping element which is disposed about the axis and which is deformable upon inflation of the tire by the tire-inflation pressure to form a positively locking engagement between the first rim portion and the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Hofmann Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schepp
  • Patent number: 5435577
    Abstract: A hydraulic clamping device for axially clamping pieces of radial symmetry has a base body with a longitudinal axis slipped onto a receiving mandrel. An annular piston is floatingly arranged in the base body. A closed circuit hydraulic system for displacing the annular piston relative to the base body toward a piece of radial symmetry to be clamped on the receiving mandrel is provided for securely clamping the piece of radial symmetry on the receiving mandrel. A plurality of compensation wedges arranged at the annular piston have wedge surfaces extending symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the base body. Adjusting screws that are radially displaceable relative to the longitudinal center axis of the base body are provided for displacing the compensation wedges axially in order to secure the compensation wedges in a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Albert Schrem Werkzeugfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Bauer, Monika Schrem
  • Patent number: 5429446
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively and hydraulically locking a hollow cylinder body, such as a lathe cylinder body, onto, and unlocking the cylinder body from, a cylindrical shaft includes a tubular sleeve defining an axially extending passage therein, the sleeve including a centrally located exterior annular channel. The hollow body includes an axially extending cylindrical passage and a single female threaded bore formed to extend radially through the hollow cylinder body to bisect the axial passage thereof. The sleeve is inserted and fixed within the axially extending passage of the body so that the annular channel faces and is closed off by the walls of the axially extending passage to thereby form an annular cavity which is in fluidic communication with the female threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: L. J. Smith, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Challis
  • Patent number: 5411083
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing wells utilizing an inflatable bag and an automatically separable coupler. An air compressor or other fluid source supplies a fluid to the inflatable bag via a hose connected to the bag by this coupler and a valve. The bag is lowered into the well and it is then inflated until the coupler separates thereby disconnecting the hose from the bag, thus allowing the hose and the coupler to be recovered and used again. The well is thus sealed by the inflated bag. Concrete or any other similar substance can then be deposited into the well to fill the cavity formed between the bag and the level of the ground. Once the bag has been inflated to cover the well opening, it is then disconnected from the hose and coupler. Disconnection is effected automatically by collapse of flexible gaskets which join the coupler and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Cletus N. Freiburger
  • Patent number: 5297445
    Abstract: An angle adjustable grip mounting device including a cylindrical connector fastened to either end of a tubular bicycle handlebar by a short tube and a screw nut by means of the control of an adjusting screw to hold a grip by means of two arched symmetrical clamping plates. The grip has a round head held between two arched clamping plates received inside the cylindrical connector, and retained in position by the two arched clamping plates, which are spaced by an opening on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical connector, are fastened together. The screw nut and the short tube become biased on two opposite sides and firmly retained in the tubular bicycle handlebar as the adjusting screw is turned clockwise to move the screw nut toward the short tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Lu Goo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liu Chen
  • Patent number: 5236460
    Abstract: A vertebral prosthesis locates between vertebral bodies of a human body. The prosthesis has tubular inner and outer bodies that telescope relative to each other. Each body has a platform on its end. The platform secures to adjacent vertebral bodies. Sharp pins on the platform pierce the vertebral bodies to stabilize the prosthesis. A bracket slides laterally and secures by screws to sides of the vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Midas Rex Pneumatic Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Forest C. Barber
  • Patent number: 5226753
    Abstract: A friction clamping apparatus includes: a rod; a plurality of friction clamping units serially connected in the axial direction of the rod, each of the friction clamping units including a radially elastically transformable sleeve and a ram into which the sleeve is fittingly inserted, the rod being fittingly inserted through the respective sleeves of the friction clamping units; and restraint pressure chambers defined by an inner circumferential surfaces of the ram and outer circumferential surfaces of the sleeve respectively, so that an oil pressure is made to act upon the restraint pressure chambers to restrain the rod with the sleeves or the oil pressure is made so as not to act upon the restraint pressure chambers to release the rod from the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyunichi Chajima, Toshio Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5205665
    Abstract: An aviator harness fitting includes a releasable member secured to a buckle member by means of a movable bolt. A pressure inlet is provided to enable translational motion of the bolt in the manner of a piston. When actuated, the bolt moves to a release position to permit separation of the releasable and buckle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Armand J. Aronne
  • Patent number: 5201842
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling with a hub, for transmitting a torque to a shaft, with a cylindrical annular chamber arranged in the hub at a slight spacing from the shaft. The annular chamber can be pressurized with an hydraulically actuated servo valve arranged in the hydraulic fluid channel connecting to said annular chamber. A separate hydraulic fluid channel serves to actuate the servo valve. As control pressure is admitted to this second hydraulic fluid channel, the servo valve opens and establishes the connection between the first hydraulic fluid channel and the annular chamber for admission of a high-pressure medium. The advance of the connecting nipples onto the hub may be effected by remote actuation, thus enabling an automatic roll change, for instance in a rolling mill, without difficult and time-consuming manual assembly in congested space conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Elsner
  • Patent number: 5125776
    Abstract: A hydraulic clamping device for the axial clamping of bodies of rotation, especially tools, onto a revolving mandrel is provided. It has a base body fixed to a mandrel and a rotary piston which is suspended in a floating manner inside the base body and is axially slidable relative to the base body via a closed-circuit hydraulic system and setscrews. The tool is tightly clamped in an axial direction. In order to improve the axial rigidity of the hydraulic clamping device, to provide a fast and directed adjustment of the concentricity during the clamping of the tool inside the device and to provide a radial freedom of play during operation, a sleeve fastened to the mandrel is provided to which the base body is attached. The sleeve is equipped with an elastic flange, a first face of which is engaged by the rotary piston and a second face of which is abuttable against said tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Albert Schrem Werkzeugfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Muller, Ulrich Bauer, Monika Schrem
  • Patent number: 5102253
    Abstract: A snap-fit device is provided for joining two parts of any shape together by fitting, perpendicularly to their junction surfaces, at least one element projecting from the junction surface of one of the parts, after slight deformation thereof, into a recess in the junction surface of the other part, and engagement of the projection element, by resilient return thereof, on a surface portion of the recess. Inside the device, a separation actuator is operable for separating the engagement projection from the portion on which it is engaged, against the resilient return force of the projection. The separation means is externally activated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure or a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Christian Girardiere
    Inventors: Jerome Pugliesi-Conti, Christian Girardiere
  • Patent number: 5086901
    Abstract: An overload detection device (100) adapted for mounting between the end of a robot arm (104) and tooling (106) employs an interlocking pneumatic chamber subassembly (1) and a stemmed plate (2) pneumatically secured in a unique "engaging registration" relationship under normal loading conditions. An annular metal bearing member (16) fixed to the chamber subassembly (1) has an elevated sealing surace (56) which provides an airtight seal only when the components are in engaging registration. An excessive load upsets the engaging registration relationship allowing air to immediately escape and the normally rigid coupling provided by the overload detection device (100) to become compliant. The reduction in pressure is concurrently sensed by a specially designed, externally mounted removable pressure sensor (3). The pressure sensor (3) includes a small snap-acting electrical switch (24) which is actuated by a loose fitting unsealed piston (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Applied Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Petronis, Clifford C. Annis
  • Patent number: 5083424
    Abstract: A heat shield configuration for structures carrying hot fluid, especially metal components of gas turbine systems and combustion chambers, includes adjacent mushroom-shaped ceramic material heat shield elements being mutually spaced apart defining expansion gaps therebetween, each of the heat shield elements having a surface-covering polygonal cap portion being flat or curved with straight or curved outer edges and a shank portion with an end facing away from the cap portion, the ends of the shank portions having beads formed thereon. A support structure on which the heat shield elements are anchored at a distance defines a space between the support structure and the heat shield elements to be subjected to fluid through channels formed in the support structure. Clamps secure the beads to the support structure and additional devices are provided for supporting the heat shield elements against the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernard Becker
  • Patent number: 5079836
    Abstract: A process and an assembly for producing force-locking connections between tubular members inserted one into the other or for attaching elements slid onto tubular members, by permanent radial expansion of several sleeves slid into the tubular members in a coaxial arrangement. The sleeves are filled with a pressurized fluid and pistons are inserted into end apertures of the sleeves. The apertures of adjoining sleeves which face each other are closed by a single piston. Finally, by bringing the pistons closing the outwardly facing apertures of the outer sleeves closer together, the internal pressure is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventor: Helmut Swars