Cam Or Thread Lock Patents (Class 403/320)
  • Patent number: 11771294
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes an elongated handle and a locking system for attaching a tool head to the handle. The tool head can be a floor care tool or other accessory that can be attached to the handle such that the elongated length of the handle can aid in the use of the tool attached. The locking system includes a keyed locking collar for engaging at least a first portion of the tool head, and a locking cap rotatably positioned on the handle for engaging a second portion of the tool head. The handle can be extendable, such as by telescoping, and can also be overmolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Balz, Eric R. Gingras, Scott Latimer, Jeremy Finison, Dan Anderson, Sarah Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 11226102
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a combustor a gas turbine engine includes a flange with a first locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Low, Joey Wong, Chris J. Niggemeier
  • Patent number: 11110989
    Abstract: A handlebar stem connection mechanism for connecting a handlebar stem with a front wheel fork comprises a steerer tube connectible with the front wheel fork. Further, a handlebar stem tube connectible with the handlebar stem is provided, the handlebar stem tube surrounding the steerer tube. Using a clamping element arranged between the steerer tube and the handlebar stem tube, the steerer tube is clampingly connected with the handlebar stem tube. For fixing, in particular a screw is provided in the clamping element as the fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Lukas Schuchnigg
  • Patent number: 10598381
    Abstract: A swirler for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a swirler outer body with a swirler threaded section defined around a swirler central longitudinal axis. A bulkhead support shell for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a swirler boss with a boss threaded section defined around a swirler central longitudinal axis. A combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a bulkhead support shell with a swirler boss. The combustor also includes a swirler mountable to the swirler boss at a threaded interface defined around a swirler central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Drake, Seth A. Max, Meggan Harris
  • Patent number: 10369605
    Abstract: A rolling mill roll according to the present invention includes: a shaft member which rotates around an axial line; a rolling ring which is fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member; a support portion which is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member; an interposed ring which is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and is provided on the other side of the rolling ring in the axial line direction; a pressing nut which is screwed onto the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and is disposed to be adjacent to the other side of the interposed ring; a screw hole which is formed to penetrate the pressing nut in the axial line direction; and a screw shaft which is screwed into the screw hole and which is capable of pressing the interposed ring toward the one side in the axial line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Takatsuki, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiromasa Arimura, Tadamasa Miyagawa, Tsukasa Umeta
  • Patent number: 9605492
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling assembly that includes an upper adapter having an upper adapter body providing a latching collet and a torque collet, the torque collet including a plurality of axially-extending torque members and a corresponding torque lug defined in each axially-extending torque member, and a lower adapter having a lower adapter body configured to receive the upper adapter body and providing a series of latch mating threads defined on an inner surface of the lower adapter body and a torque collet profile, the latch mating threads being configured to matingly engage the latching collet and the torque collet profile including one or more longitudinal slots defined in the lower adapter body and configured to receive the torque lugs therein, wherein, when the torque lugs are received into the longitudinal slots, torque may be applied between the upper and lower adapters in at least one angular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley Paul Dietz
  • Patent number: 9598121
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a mounting bracket including a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall coupled to the first mounting wall. The coupling assembly further includes a connection bracket including a first connection wall, a second connection wall, and a third connection wall interconnecting the first and second connection walls. The connection bracket defines a first bracket opening extending through the first connection wall and a second bracket opening extending through the second connection wall. The coupling assembly further includes a flange extending from the second mounting wall. The flange extends through the connection bracket via the first and second bracket openings. The coupling assembly further includes a fastener extending through the third connection wall and the flange such that the mounting bracket is coupled to the connection bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Mark Pulleyblank
  • Patent number: 9579217
    Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Chervitz, Daniel J. Triplett, T. Wade Fallin, Robert W. Hoy
  • Patent number: 9422142
    Abstract: The subject invention includes a lift system including a first scissor-type lift assembly and a second scissor-type lift assembly spaced from the first scissor-type lift assembly. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first base and a first platform coupled to the first base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first motor operatively mounted to the first base. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second base and a second platform coupled to the second base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second motor operatively mounted to the second base. The first and second motors move the first and second platforms between the elevated and lowered states. The lift system includes a controller in communication with the first and second scissor-type lift assemblies to synchronize operation of the first and second motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: HERKULES EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd J. Bacon, Robert M. Amundson, Scott F. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 9242692
    Abstract: A compression ring that is configured to be disposed between a bearing and a stem of a bicycle head parts assembly. The compression ring includes a central opening for receiving a steering column, a cut out portion, a first cable passing part disposed radially outwardly from the central opening, and a first positioning part for positioning the compression ring with respect to the stem so that the first cable passing part is aligned with a second cable passing part defined in the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Publication number: 20150050076
    Abstract: A locking ring positioned between first and second components. The locking ring includes a body having first and second opposing axial surfaces and a bore formed axially therethrough. A recess is formed into the second axial surface. The recess is defined by an outer radial surface, first and second opposing circumferentially offset surfaces, and an inner axial surface disposed between the first and second axial surfaces. At least a portion of the first circumferentially offset surface is oriented at an angle between 30° and 85° with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Hans Seehuus, Are Funderud
  • Patent number: 8936409
    Abstract: A locking device that prevents a rooftop support device from being separated into upper and lower parts is disclosed. The locking device stops the lower base from being fully unscrewed from the upper platform. The device automatically releases to allow the lower base to be screwed back onto the upper platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
  • Publication number: 20140186105
    Abstract: A lock assembly comprising a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Bradken Resources Pty Limited
    Inventors: Joel Nelio MARTINELLI, Chad LIZDENIS, Jason LUNN
  • Patent number: 8550483
    Abstract: A locking collar capable of coupling a hub-and-axle subassembly to a fork dropout of a bicycle for locking an antifriction bearing in place includes an outward pressed surface adapted to confront a pressing surface of the fork dropout, an inward abutting surface adapted to confront the antifriction bearing, an axially extending female threaded surface adapted to be screwed on a threaded end segment of an axle, a tubular extension extending from the outward pressed surface to be insertable into the fork dropout, and a plurality of circumferentially extending rib segments which are disposed on the outward pressed surface to be in pressing engagement with the pressing surface of the fork dropout in a tightened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Hsiu-Mei Chung
  • Patent number: 8499520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Guido Schulte
  • Patent number: 8407963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements (1) have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Guido Schulte
  • Patent number: 8387290
    Abstract: A connector pin assembly is insertable into aligned openings in telescoped ground engaging wear and support members to releasably hold the wear member on the support member. The assembly has a tubular outer housing that is nonrotatably received in the openings. A connector pin longitudinally extends through the housing and is rotatable relative thereto among selectively variable rotational orientations in which the pin is releasably locked to the housing by cooperative detent structures carried by the housing and the pin. Outer end portions of the pin perform two functions which are controlled by rotating the pin relative to the housing. First, outer pin member end portions are rotatable to selectively hold the wear member on the support member or release it therefrom. Second, the outer pin end portions are rotatable to adjustably tighten the wear member onto the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Campomanes, Isai Diaz
  • Patent number: 8303208
    Abstract: An exemplary lock out assembly includes a lock nut defined about an axis. The lock nut defines inner apertures along an inner diameter and outer apertures along an outer diameter. The inner apertures are at least partially threaded. The outer apertures are at least partially threaded. The inner apertures are radially spaced from the outer apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Tully, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120243934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting two components (10, 14), for example two tool parts. The first component (10) has in this case a cylindrical locating pin (12) and an annular face (22) projecting radially beyond this locating pin (12), while the second component (14) has a cylindrical locating bore (16) for receiving the locating pin (12) and an annular face (24) surrounding the locating bore (16). Also provided is a clamping mechanism (18), which ensures during the clamping operation that the locating pin (12) is drawn into the locating bore (16) and at the same time the annular faces (22, 24) are pressed against one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Benno Spors, Gerhard Stolz, Wolfgang Bierl, Waldemar Dubs
  • Patent number: 8220217
    Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Innovaris AG
    Inventor: Moritz Muehlebach
  • Publication number: 20110309219
    Abstract: A retaining system according to example embodiments of the present invention may include a base plate that includes a cam and alignment guides, where the cam defines both a locked position and an unlocked position, and a support shoe that includes alignment tabs and a locking tab, where the support shoe is configured to be inserted into the alignment guides when the cam member is in the unlocked position. Upon insertion of the support shoe into the alignment guides, the cam may be configured to engage the locking tab of the support shoe and bias at least one of the alignment tabs into engagement with at least one of the alignment guides as the cam advances from the unlocked position to the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: John Peter Patalak, Donald Eric Krueger, Henry Thomas Fowler
  • Publication number: 20110274485
    Abstract: A torque-locked connection between a hub or disk (14) and a shaft, a journal or a shank (12), wherein the hub or disk (14) is provided with a profiled passage for the shaft, the journal or the shank (12) and said shaft, journal or shank in turn is provided with a corresponding outside profile (16) and an outside thread (26) following said outside profile (16), said outside thread being used to screw on a nut so as to secure the hub or disk (14), wherein the difference between the outside diameter of the outside thread (26) and the outer surrounding diameter of the profile (16) is no more than 1 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: RUIA GLOBAL FASTENERS AG
    Inventor: Thorsten Schraer
  • Publication number: 20110023336
    Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge that is used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge can be used with a spool. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ESCO Corporation
    Inventor: Terry L. Briscoe
  • Publication number: 20110013979
    Abstract: A locking technique that can lock and unlock a case by one action and in addition can hang the case at the time of, for example, display. A lock mechanism 40 for locking an upper case 20 and a lower case 30 together is mounted pivotally on the lower case 30. The lock mechanism 40 comprises: a lock portion 70 that is engaged with a lock engaging portion 24 provided in the upper case 20; and a hook portion 50 that is operated to engage and disengage the lock portion 70. The hook portion 50 is provided with lock pieces that act on lock-in pressing portions of the lock portion 70 at the time of engaging the lock portion 70. In addition, the hook portion 50 is provided with lock releasing pieces 53 for releasing engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Koki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100266334
    Abstract: A coupling structure comprises a casing disposed with a bottom plate, a first side plate and a second side plate; the first side plate is disposed with at least one retaining portion; said retaining portion is disposed with a movable end and a retaining unit; the retaining unit is projected out from said first side plate toward an inner part of the casing; at least one actuating component is corresponding to the retaining portion; the actuating component is disposed with a cylindrical body and guide groove; the guide groove surrounds the cylindrical body; the cylindrical body is pivotally coupled to first side plate; the guide groove accepts the movable end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Chiang-Ko CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100133962
    Abstract: A shaft-hub connection (10) between a belt pulley (14) and a shaft (16), in particular, between a belt pulley and the generator shaft of a belt-driven starter generator, wherein the belt pulley (14) has a decoupler shaft (12) and the generator shaft (16) has a coaxial thread (20) that is connected to the decoupler shaft (12) for transmitting torque. The connection between the decoupler shaft (12) and the thread (20) of the generator shaft (16) is secured against loosening. In addition, a belt-driven starter generator with such a shaft-hub connection is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hartmann, Roland Arneth, Christian Hauck
  • Patent number: 7726088
    Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Moritz Andre Muehlebach
  • Patent number: 7726529
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron J. Foley
  • Patent number: 7621200
    Abstract: A steering wheel adapter comprises a base having an opening, a plate with a plug formed, and a ring capable of sliding and rotating along the outer face of the base. In the steering wheel adapter, a guide hole penetrating the side face of the base from the outer face into the opening is disposed, a locking member capable of protruding into the opening is provided in the guide hole, and a cam face is provided facing the guide hole on the inner face of the ring. When the ring is slid and rotated in a state where the plate is mounted on the base to insert the plug into the opening, the cam face pushes and protrudes the locking member into the opening, and the locking member is pressed to contact the outer surface of the plug. Consequently, both easy attachment/detachment and prevention of rattle can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Works Bell Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7537187
    Abstract: A collapsible frame comprises a plurality of frame members joined together by a flexible tension cable. In one embodiment, the individual frame members are also joined together by an elastic cord to facilitate assembly. The tensioning member includes an arcuate cable track and is rotatably connected to the frame. Relative rotation of the frame and tensioning member in a first direction tightens the tension cable, while relative rotation of the frame and tensioning member in a second direction loosens the tension cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Frederick K. Park, Paul Brad Forrest
  • Patent number: 7530756
    Abstract: A connection between a rod and crosshead in a reciprocating compressor includes threaded units, an anti-rotational securing device and axial positioning elements, wherein the threaded units has a first inner lock nut, provided with an inner thread onto which there is screwed a threaded end portion of the rod and provided with two outer threads with a different diameter, one of which is for connection to the left-handed anti-rotational securing device, and the units also include a second outer lock nut in the inner diameter of which a thread is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holding S.p.a.
    Inventors: Franco Graziani, Simone Pratesi
  • Publication number: 20080251658
    Abstract: A display includes a main frame, a support base, and a locking mechanism. The support base including a first locking member is selectively connected to the main frame. The locking mechanism selectively connected to the first locking member of the support base includes a base, a plate, a pivot, and a second locking member. The base with a hole is movably disposed on the main frame. The plate is connected to the base, and is neighboring the hole. The pivot including a raised edge is disposed on the main frame, through the hole, and is near the plate. The second locking member is connected to the base for selectively engaging with the first locking member. When the raised edge abuts against the plate, the base is moved towards the first direction, and the second locking member is detached from the first locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Chin, Cho-Keng Wu
  • Publication number: 20080202055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (24) for a floor covering (20) consisting of a first part element (26) and a second part element (28), each having connecting openings (34) by which means they can be connected to one another by a connecting means (36). In the assembled state these form a connecting channel (38) in which a connector (40) can be disposed, which connector also has a connecting opening (34) for the connecting means (36), wherein the connector (40) projects laterally from the connecting element (24) in such a manner that it can be inserted into a connecting channel (38) of a neighbouring connecting element (24) and a connecting means (36) can likewise extend there through a second connecting opening (34) so that two connecting means (36) located adjacent to one another can be connected to one another by the connector (40), wherein the connecting means (36) has dimensions such that it does not protrude over a useful area (21) of the floor covering (20) (FIG. 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: EPS GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Boda
  • Patent number: 7059441
    Abstract: A mount frame includes a first frame unit having a first rear frame portion which is provided with an anchoring member and a gripped member. A second frame unit has a second front frame portion provided with a seat post, an anchored member which is disposed to be journalled on the anchoring member about a rotational axis. Thus, the second frame unit is rotatable relative to the axis to facilitate assembly of the first rear frame portion and the second front frame portion. A gripping member is disposed on the second front frame portion to confront the gripped member. A tightening unit is disposed to push the gripping member to abut tightly against the gripped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Tien Chen
  • Patent number: 7001098
    Abstract: A lock structure. The lock structure includes a first element, a second element, a guiding element and a fixing pin. The first element has a guide hole and a first through hole located under the guide hole. The second element is deposed under the first element and has a second through hole that is co-axially aligned with the first through hole. The guiding element rotates and is movably disposed in the guide hole. The guiding element has a third through hole aligned with the first through hole. The fixing pin is inserted through the third through hole, guide hole, first through hole and second through hole and has a first retaining portion. The first retaining portion is formed on the lower portion of the fixing pin and located under the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsueh-Cheng Lin, Jung-Huang Peng, Chin-Chen Chang, Chia-Fu Tsai, Zhen-Dao Shen
  • Patent number: 6938782
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6916176
    Abstract: A rotation locking device located in the area of two separate, independent shafts or shaft sections for preventing the undesired rotation of a shaft or shaft section. The rotation locking device includes a locking pin which, in its idle position (during operation of the appliance), rests on a displacement surface of a shaft or shaft section. In the event of the undesired rotation of a shaft (caused, for example, when a tool is being unscrewed from a coupling which is connected to the shafts), the shaft underneath the locking pin turns until the pin is forced out of the displacement surface, is displaced outwards radially and pressed against a component which is fixed to the body of the appliance (e.g. the bearing sleeve of the gearbox in which the rotation locking device is fitted). Any further rotation of the shafts is prevented in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schatz, Thomas Jindra
  • Patent number: 6758380
    Abstract: A fork mount or clamping assembly for securement to the prongs of a bicycle fork, such as is incorporated into a bicycle carrier. The clamping assembly includes a pair of inner clamping surfaces, and an axial skewer member extends outwardly from the inner clamping surfaces for receiving the fork prongs. A fixed front clamping member is engaged with one end of the skewer and is located outwardly of one of the inner clamping surfaces. A movable second clamping member is located outwardly of the other inner clamping surface. An adjustable position actuator arrangement is engaged with the skewer outwardly of the second outer clamping member, and is operable to selectively move the outer clamping members toward and away from each other. The actuator arrangement includes a threaded sleeve engaged with threads formed at one end of the skewer member, in combination with a pivotable cam-type actuator member which is pivotably mounted to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 6637778
    Abstract: A vapor vent valve has an annular locking ring received thereover, with surfaces thereon engaging the valve for limited axial movement therebetween and preventing relative rotation therebetween. A fuel tank has an access opening with a slit formed therein. The valve is inserted in the access opening and the end of the locking ring engaged in the slit, rotation of the valve causes the locking ring to feed completely through the slit to the interior of the tank and engages the inner surface thereof while continuing to engage the valve to retain and seal the valve in the access opening. The valve, locking ring and a seal ring may be pre-assembled to form a subassembly capable of being installed and locked on the fuel tank as a unit without the need for tools or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6601712
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6500022
    Abstract: A threaded pin for connecting carbon electrodes is presented. The pin includes a body having a central axis running along its length, two end portions, a midpoint lying between the two end portions and threads extending from the body. The threads each have at least two side walls, wherein the side wall facing the midpoint of the body of at least a plurality of the threads has an angle of between about 75° and about 90° with respect to the central axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
    Inventor: William Varela
  • Patent number: 6463947
    Abstract: A directionally illuminated walking aid has a walking-aid shaft (1) that is predeterminedly transparent with, an internal light (4, 20) directed vertically from a top reflector (2) towards a bottom cap (3) from which vertical reflectors (5) may be extended upwards for reflecting light (6) forward and/or radially from intermediate the top reflector and a bottom reflector (8). Opposite and/or intermediate the vertical reflectors are light rings (15, 16, 17) in non-reflector portions of the walking-aid shaft to allow emission of light reflected from the vertical reflectors. The walking-aid shaft is a leg of a cane (9), crutch (10), walker (11) or other walking aid. An electrical source (13) in the walking aid is switched selectively from proximate a handle (39) of the walking aid. The internal light can be steady, pulsatile, incandescent, fluorescent or other type of electrical light. The current source can be storable, chargeable and/or plug-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt A. Wipperfurth
  • Patent number: 6460708
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6390718
    Abstract: A connection frame for joining two frame members of a facade or glass roof, with the frame members extending perpendicular to one another and having each an interior chamber, includes a joint member so received in the interior chamber of one of the frame members as to extend over a portion of a cross section of the interior chamber. The joint member is securable to an anchoring member which is connected to a wall of the one frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SCHÜCO International KG
    Inventor: Dieter Steege
  • Patent number: 6305873
    Abstract: Structural members 1, 21 are connected by way of a connecting rod 3 which is attached to one structural member 1 and projects outward from connecting surface 2 of structural member 1 in the direction of other structural member 21, and a connector 23 which is attached to other structural member 21 and has a plurality of wedges 25 which engage with connecting rod 3 stopping it so that it cannot slip out. Connecting rod 3 is attached so as to be moveable in a direction parallel to connecting surface 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignees: Obayashi Corporation, Ishikawajima Construction Materials, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Tauchi, Akihiko Nakano, Kenta Matsubara, Hiroki Someya, Shuuichi Nishimura, Susumu Okayama, Toshio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6273635
    Abstract: A mounting fixture for a reconfigurable assembly machine having a plurality of modules with slots formed in their upper surfaces includes a hollow brick or cube having a plurality of intersecting keyways on the faces or surfaces of the cube. One of the keyways receives a first, locating key which is also received in the throat of the slots formed in the upper surface of the assembly machine module. The locating key includes a through opening which receives a threaded fastener having a head held captive in the T-slot. The key accurately positions the cube relative to the slot on the assembly machine module and the threaded fastener secures the cube thereto. The parallelism and perpendicularity of the various faces of the cube are highly accurate. Various assembly and testing components of the assembly machine are attached to the various remaining perpendicular and parallel (vertical and horizontal) faces or surfaces of the cube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Swanson Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas L. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6264360
    Abstract: A container mixer typically comprises a mixer inside a container tank. The mixer comprises a shaft and blades mounted on the shaft, an actuator positioned outside the container tank, and a coupler with which the mixer is coupled to the actuator. The container tank has a quick coupling which enables the actuator to be detached temporarily from the container tank. The quick coupling comprises a separate shaft coupling piece, detachable when necessary, fitted between the actuator drive shaft and the mixer shaft in such a way that the motion of the actuator is transmitted by transmission of the shaft coupling piece to the mixer shaft. In addition the quick coupling has quick coupling and quick-release devices which lock the shaft coupling piece between the drive shaft and the mixer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mamec Oy
    Inventors: Taisto Lehmusvaara, Lars Mattsson, Simo Rantanen, Jyrki Kukkonen, Jouko Haavisto
  • Patent number: 6257551
    Abstract: A valve stem extension for extending the length of a valve stem, the valve stem extension including an extension member and a rotation resisting member. The extension member has a first end for engaging the valve stem and defines an opening which exposes two opposing flat sides of the valve stem when the extension member is engaged with the valve stem. The rotation resisting member includes two opposing flat sides and is configured to be insertable within the opening of the extension member after engagement of the extension member with the valve stem. When positioned in the opening of the extension member, the two opposing flat sides of the rotation resisting member engage the two opposing flat sides of the valve stem to resist rotation of the extension member relative to the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventor: Louie D. Veiga
  • Patent number: 6206606
    Abstract: A fixing device for rod body has a base body with a through hole formed in the center thereof, a grommet body arranged to be inserted into the through hole of the base body, and a pin body arranged to be pushed into an inner hole of the grommet body to expand the grommet body. The grommet body is interlinked with one side edge of the base body through a holder portion for holding the rod body, the pin body is interlinked with another side edge of the base body through a hinge portion, and a temporary fixing device is provided between the grommet body and the through hole of the base body. When the rod body is held by the holder portion and the grommet body is inserted into the through hole of the base body, the grommet body is temporarily fixed to the base body by the temporary fixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mita, Ohmi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 6071035
    Abstract: An interchangeable tool coupling assembly includes a coupling base, a connecting collar, a locking sleeve, a wave spring and an interchangeable tool having a shaft with an end and a pin protruding from a side of the shaft end. At one end portion, the coupling base receives the shaft end and at an opposite end portion is threadable into a threaded hex shaped endof an universal handle. Between its opposite end portions, the coupling base has a hex shaped nut. The connecting collar is disposed over the coupling base and slidable relative thereto toward and away from the hex shaped nut in which a hex shaped hollow end portion of the connecting collar assumes respective connected and disconnected positions relative to the hex shaped end of the universal handle threaded with the hex shaped nut, respectively preventing and allowing unthreading of the handle end from the coupling base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Marvin D. McKelvy