Ball Detent Patents (Class 403/322.2)
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Publication number: 20080056814Abstract: A quick release pin has an elongated body having an axial bore therethrough, a shaft extending at least partially through the axial bore for axial movement along the bore; a spindle separately mounted on a first end of the shaft; a button separately mounted on a second opposite end of the shaft; and a handle having a central passage through which the button extends, wherein the handle is mounted to the elongated body. The shaft can be interchanged with a variety of materials and lengths of shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: James C. Klingenberg, David Craig Hageman
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Patent number: 7284928Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly used for hand powered tools which consist of two separate units: a quick disconnect receiving assembly and an implement head attachment. When used together they will allow for a quick connection and release between a tool head and a handle. The first unit is a female receiving unit (quick disconnect receiving assembly) which consist of a exterior cylindrical shaped body throughout. One end being of cylindrical shape (handle sleeve and handle end) to receive a round to oval shaped handle and the opposite end having a hex shaped interior body (hex shaft receiver and hex shaft end). The second unit making up the quick disconnect assembly device is a male hex shaft implement head attachment.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventors: Ricardo Perez, John Oldham
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Patent number: 7252453Abstract: A robotic tool coupling system includes a first connecting unit including a piston movable along a longitudinal axis. The piston includes a multifaceted contact surface comprising a tapered locking surface; an initial actuating surface having an angle with respect to the axis not greater than the angle of the tapered locking surface; and a failsafe surface interposed between the tapered locking surface and the initial actuating surface. The system includes a second connecting unit having a plurality of rolling members disposed in a retention chamber including at least one angled surface operative to lock the first and second units together when the rolling members are forced against the angled surfaces by the tapered locking surface. The piston contact surface may additionally include a step surface, generally normal to the longitudinal axis, and a retention surface generally parallel to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.Inventor: Robert Little
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Patent number: 7234887Abstract: A coupling device for an artificial model includes a male joining part, a female joining part and an insertion member. The male and female joining parts have a base disk attached with a front positioning plate and a rear lock plate respectively. The insertion member further includes an insert head, an adjustable bolt, a first elastic body, a cap, a pin, a ball, a second elastic body and a setscrew. The insertion member is inserted into the male and female joining parts such that the male joining part can open any angles with respect to the female joining part smoothly.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: Jung-Chang Chiang
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Patent number: 7210871Abstract: A swiveling fitting for multi-directional movement includes a housing having a bore therethrough to accommodate a button shaft. A ball housing receives at least a portion of the button shaft. The ball housing has at least one ball recess to accommodate at least one ball. A locking sphere receives at least a portion of the ball housing. The locking sphere has at least one groove to accommodate the at least one ball, and a baseplate for moveably securing the locking sphere. The baseplate is releasably securable to a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Taco Metals, Inc.Inventor: Stephen O. Slatter
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Patent number: 7168670Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.Inventor: Hai Liang
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Patent number: 7121951Abstract: A connecting shaft includes a fixed connecting part on one end and a connecting part on the other end for engaging with a socket, the connecting part is in curved part, a shoulder for connecting to the inner circumference of the socket is disposed between the connecting part and the connecting shaft, the purpose of the shoulder is for the connecting shaft to be able to turn or position with the socket, an axial hole is disposed inside the connecting part for a axial rod to insert into, a ball hole is disposed on each side of the connecting part and the two ball holes are connected to the axial hole, a steel ball is inserted into each ball hole, when the axial rod moves, it will also drives the two steel balls to move, one end of the axial rod is connected to a sliding control element, so that the sliding control element will drive the axial rod to move together on the axis, so as to control the two steel balls to allow the socket to turn upon the connecting shaft or to engage together in position.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Sheng-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 7073224Abstract: A coupling assembly for a portable drain cleaning machine includes a polygonal adapter mounted to a motor output shaft through a threaded interface. A polygon adapter threads over the motor output shaft in a locked male/female relationship to transmit rotation therebetween. A polygonal outer segment of the polygonal adapter telescopes into a polygonal inner segment of a sleeve mounted to the drum. The sleeve slides into a fixed cylindrical member and over the polygonal adapter to removably mount the drum. Rotation of the motor output shaft rotates the polygonal adapter which rotates the sleeve and the drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Masco CorporationInventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
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Patent number: 7052022Abstract: A chuck for a pneumatic hammer including an insert and a pin engaged with the insert and one or more other components of the chuck, such as, for example, the nosepiece. The pin is configured to prevent or otherwise limit rotation of the insert relative to the one or more components of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Frederick C. Chudy, Raymond E. Kinsley
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Patent number: 7017444Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle pedal has a fixed axle with an end operatively connected to a wheel of the bicycle and a guide axle connected to the fixed axle to form a crank. A bicycle pedal is rotatably mounted on a slider which is movably mounted on a guide portion of the guide rod for translation therealong. The ration of gyration of the pedal can be varied by sliding the pedal along the guide axle and/or telescoping the guide axle relative to the fixed axle. The slider and mounted pedal can be rotated toward the bicycle frame for compact storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: Jun-Suck Kim
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Patent number: 6974140Abstract: A modular dolly moving system is shown, which is composed of one or more dollies connected together with connector rods. The dollies are capable of accepting industry-standard e-track connectors used with cargo belts, and the dollies can be fitted with a variety of cart bars and cart handles.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Timothy Neuman
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Patent number: 6953313Abstract: A self-locking linear adjustment mechanism may be configured in the form of a rod assembly or a cartridge assembly. The self-locking linear adjustment mechanism in the form of a cartridge assembly includes a self-locking linear adjustment mechanism including a locking tumbler, an adjustment vernier, two end adapters, two roll pins, two precision balls, two locking skirts, two springs, two locking splines, two index pins, and two guide shafts, wherein the self-locking linear adjustment mechanism has a dual function self-locking feature.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventor: Gordon Tylosky
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Patent number: 6948410Abstract: A torque wrench is provided having body and a handle that is rotatably mounted to the body for adjusting the torque setting, and an axially movable sleeve operable to selectively lock the handle. The sleeve includes a rigid member and an elastomeric member, such as an O-ring, and the sleeve is configured to act against a locking ball held in a bore of the handle. The sleeve is selectively movable between two positions: (a) a locked position wherein the rigid member firmly retains the locking ball seated in one of several detents in the body, thereby preventing rotation of the handle; and (b) an unlocked position wherein the elastomeric member biases the locking ball inwardly, deflecting when the locking ball unseats from the detent to permit handle rotation. When the sleeve is in the unlocked position, the locking ball can incrementally “click” over the detents during handle rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Precision Instruments, Inc.Inventor: John Andrew Larson
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Patent number: 6910361Abstract: A coupling device for releaseably securing together two objects. The coupling device comprises a first housing securable to a first object, a second housing securable to a second object, and an actuator secured to the first housing. The second housing has a hollow bore therein. At least part of the actuator is releaseably receivable within the hollow bore of the second housing. The actuator has an activated and a deactivated configuration. When in its activated configuration at least a portion of the periphery of the actuator is in an expanded state such that when situated within the hollow bore of the second housing the expanded periphery of the actuator releaseably secures the first housing to the second housing. When the actuator is in its deactivated configuration the periphery of the actuator in a retracted state permitting separation and relative movement between the first and second housings.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Linear Transfer Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Montgomery W. Childs, Malcolm Broadley, Ryan Brown
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Patent number: 6893184Abstract: A positive lock pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes an upper housing in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has a shaft member located therein. The shaft member is rotatable with respect to the handle housing and has a slot formed in an upper portion thereof. The shaft member also has a pair of recesses formed therein. The shaft member is in communication with a pair of retention mechanisms disposed within the handle housing. Each of the pair or retention mechanisms is in communication with a respective opening formed in the handle housing. The pair of retention mechanisms are moveable between a locked position where an outermost point thereof extends outwardly from a respective opening and an unlocked position wherein the outermost point does not extend outwardly from the respective opening and a respective retention mechanism rests in one of the recesses. The movement of the retention mechanisms occurs upon rotation of the slot and the shaft member.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John S. Mills, James M. Snyder, Walter Tsui
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Patent number: 6889582Abstract: A coupling device includes a polygonal coupling part on one of the parts to be coupled for engaging a complementary polygonal counterpart on another of the parts to be coupled. The polygonal coupling part has outer side faces, a longitudinal bore therein, and a first transverse bore with a ball therein intersecting the longitudinal bore and one of the side faces. An actuating body tapering at first and second ends is guided for longitudinal movement in the longitudinal bore between an extended position wherein the first end moves the ball radially into a locking position and a retracted position permitting inward movement of the ball out of its locking position. A second transverse bore intersecting the longitudinal bore guides a releasing element having a cam surface engaging the second end of the actuating body. The releasing element is movable against the action of a biasing spring to move the actuating body from its extended position to its retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Eduard Wille GmbH & Co KGInventor: Joachim Wilhelm
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Patent number: 6884013Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting and dismounting mechanism for a straightening or calibrating roller (2) rotatable about a spindle (1) and provided with a circular groove (13). The spindle (1) has its cavity (4) fitted with a pusher (9), having a tapered thrust face (9a, 9b) which shifts, as a result of the force of a spring (10), a holder element (8) from its release position to its clamping position. The holder element (8) is located in an opening present in a wall (3) of the cylinder (4). A plunger (11), associated with the pusher (9), can be used for moving the pusher against the force of the spring (10) to a position in which the holder element (8) is capable of shifting from its clamping position to its release position in which the roller is removable from the spindle (1) or mountable onto the spindle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: T-Drill OyInventors: Risto Kiviranta, Pertti Lehto
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Patent number: 6840142Abstract: A socket wrench extension includes an elongated rod, a drive rod, a steel ball, a control knob, an elastic member, and a magnetic member. The screw member is inserted into the socket, and is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnetic member that is secured on the drive rod, so that the screw member is secured on the drive rod and is not detached from the socket, thereby facilitating the user using the elongated rod and the socket to operate the screw member. In addition, when the control knob is pressed, the drive rod and the magnetic member are fully retracted into the receiving chamber of the elongated rod, so that the screw member is detached from the magnetic member automatically.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Chin-Shun Cheng
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Patent number: 6840703Abstract: The ball anchoring device consists of a lock body (10) comprising an annular wall (14) featuring radial holes (15) to accommodate radially mobile balls (16), and a locking piston (20) that slides axially within the body bore between a released position and a locked position. The lock body (10) is inserted into a first hole (7) made in the surface of the first part (55) and into a second hole (8) made in the surface of the second part, the two holes being more or less coaxial.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.Inventor: Jean-Marie Blanchard
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Patent number: 6826976Abstract: A shaft and detent assembly includes a detent lever assembly that is manually assembled on the shaft. The detent lever includes a hub which has an opening formed therein alignable with an opening formed in the shaft. A pin is inserted through the opening in both the hub and the shaft to secure the two members together for common rotation. A cylindrical retainer is assembled on the hub of the detent lever in a position to overlap or cover at least a portion of the openings in the detent lever and shaft to restrict the movement of the pin, which is secured therein during assembly. The retainer also has a plurality of spring fingers, which engage a groove formed in the hub to restrict inadvertent removal of the retainer from the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Richard L. Whitebread, Heidi L. Simmons
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Patent number: 6823762Abstract: A wrench extension with a socket-coupling system includes a socket extension shaft, a transmission member mounted in an axial passageway in an end of the wrench extension shaft, a ball mounted in a first transverse passageway in the end of the wrench extension shaft, and a push member mounted in a second transverse passageway in the wrench extension shaft. The transmission member includes a sliding portion that is in sliding contact with a sliding portion of the push member for urging the ball into a detent of a cavity of a socket coupled to the end of the wrench extension shaft. When the socket is subject to an axial force away from the wrench extension shaft, the transmission member is stopped by the push member to thereby prevent undesired decoupling of the socket.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Bobby Hu
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Patent number: 6799919Abstract: A coupling for torque transmitting devices is disclosed. The coupling employs polygonally shaped first and second ends having retaining balls held within each of the corners of the polygon. Pin cones are provided in each of the first and second ends. Actuation of a set screw or the like causes each of the pin cones to push the retaining balls radially outwardly in a simultaneous fashion thereby engaging a first and second members to be coupled.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Ryeson CorporationInventor: John L. Reynertson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6786669Abstract: A positive lock quick release pin for locking a plurality of objects together includes a handle portion which is in communication with a handle housing. The handle housing has an interior cavity within which a shaft member is disclosed. The pin also includes a ball retention mechanism located in the handle portion that is moveable between a locked position where the mechanism extends outwardly of an opening formed in the handle housing and an unlocked position where the ball mechanism extends no further than the outer edge of the opening. The ball retention mechanism is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by reciprocation and rotation of the shaft member within the handle housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Walter Tsui, J. Steve Mills, James M. Snyder
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Patent number: 6761469Abstract: A connecting structure of lamp rod and lamp base for all kinds of for lamps, comprising a lamp base coupled to a side of the wire connection box and a lamp rod inserted into the interior of the lamp base; wherein a socket is coupled to an end of the lamp base, and a guiding hole is protruded from a side of the lamp base to provide an embedding member for the fixture, and the embedding member further comprises a steel ball placed in a guiding groove of the lamp base in advance, a spring disposed behind the steel ball, and a stopcock disposed at the rear end of the spring; working together with a blocking groove disposed at the position at the head of the lamp rod corresponsive to the embedding member for accommodating the insertion of the lamp rod such that the resumption of spring pushes the steel ball back into its original position, and the steel ball will press against and be stuck in the blocking groove for inserting the lamp rod into the lamp base.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
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Publication number: 20040126182Abstract: A connector includes an extension shank, a sleeve, a control bar, a spring, a fastener and a ball detent. The extension shank defines an axial cavity and first and second holes communicated with the axial cavity. The sleeve defines a tunnel and a hole communicated with the tunnel. The control bar defines a hole, a deep recess and a shallow recess located near the deep recess. The spring is put in the axial cavity before the control bar is inserted in the axial cavity. The fastener is inserted in the hole defined in the sleeve, the first hole defined in the extension shank and the hole defined in the control bar for combining the sleeve with the control bar. The diameter of the first hole defined in the extension shank is greater than that of the fastener for allowing the sleeve and the control bar to move relative to the extension shank. The ball detent is trapped in the second hole defined in the extension shank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventor: Yu-Cheng Lin
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Patent number: 6739791Abstract: A self-aligning type of detachable rigid connection device having at least one main body endowed with a seat and at least one supported element endowed with a shank to be received into the seat of the main body. An actuator is provided for elastically deforming the shank and bringing at least two external surfaces of the same into close contact with the inside surface of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Auges S.r.l.Inventors: Alessandro Piana, Christina Caprioli
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Patent number: 6726393Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a tool with tool bits of different lengths is taught here. The connecting device includes a shank, a socket and a position retainer. The shank includes a first end for engagement with the tool and a second end. The socket includes a first end for receiving the second end of the shank and a second end for receiving the tool bits. The position retainer is capable of selectively retaining the socket in one of various positions on the shank.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventors: Sheng-Chung Tsai, Hsin-Ming Chiang
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Publication number: 20040047678Abstract: A ball retainer forward locking assembly for preventing movement of a ball retainer with respect to a slide is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a slide having a first portion of a locking mechanism. A second portion of the locking mechanism includes a ball retainer. The locking mechanism is adapted to provide a removably coupled locking connection between the ball retainer and the slide such that movement of the ball retainer with respect to the slide is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Craig Lauchner
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Patent number: 6669397Abstract: A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. The quick disconnect tool apparatus includes an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Woodson Christion
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Patent number: 6666614Abstract: A coupler assembly for axially coupling a hub onto a shaft includes a latch assembly that prevents a locking collar from latching to the hub in a released or disengaged position when the shaft is in the hub. The collar latch assembly includes a latch ring biased eccentrically about the hub and release members when in a released position so as to engage a surface of the hub. When the shaft is inserted into the hub, the release members move to a radially outward position and center the latch ring on the hub. This allows the collar to slide by spring force to a locked position in which the locking members are moved radially inward to engage recesses in the shaft. The release members remain in the radially outward position as long as the shaft is in the hub, thereby preventing the locking ring from engaging the hub and locking the collar in the released position while the shaft is engaged with the hub.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Weasler Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Fechter, Scott J. Zangl
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Patent number: 6644702Abstract: A tool includes a tool bit and a handle. The tool bit includes a shank formed at an end thereof. The handle includes a joint formed at an end thereof for connection with the shank of the tool bit in a releasable manner. The joint defines a space for receiving the shank of the tool bit. The shank of the tool bit defines at least one recess. The joint includes at least one ball that can partially enter the at least one recess defined in the shank of the tool bit.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
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Patent number: 6629802Abstract: Method of connecting or joining at least two panels in a piece of furniture and a piece of furniture made thereby. The method includes providing a first panel, wherein the first panel includes a surface having at least one recess, providing a second panel, wherein the second panel includes a surface having at least one recess, arranging the surface of the first panel adjacent the surface of the second panel, and connecting the first panel to the second panel using at least one sphere. The at least one sphere projects into the at least one recess of each of the first and the second panels.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Mario Bissegger
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Patent number: 6618892Abstract: A socket latch drum release assembly includes a shaft release coupling which telescopically engages a rotary drum shaft to selectively lock and unlock a rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the necessity of tools. The shaft release coupling includes a polygonal shaped distal end which corresponds with a polygonal opening in the removable drum shaft. At least one of the plurality of faces which form the polygonal shaped distal end includes a retractable engagement member which corresponds to a recess located in each face of the polygonal opening. The drum shaft is directed into the sleeve from one side and the shaft release coupling is engaged with the shaft on the opposite side of the sleeve. Engagement between a radially extending flange of the shaft release coupling and the end of the shaft rotatably locks the rotary drum shaft into the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Masco CorporationInventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
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Patent number: 6619875Abstract: A connection apparatus for an artificial model includes a resilient device and a post device. The resilient device has a hollow shaft extending upward from the fixing disk thereof to fit with a sleeve disposed outside the hollow shaft. A plurality of balls are attached to the hollow shaft and retained between the hollow shaft and the sleeve. The post device further includes a flange and an upright post. The upright post is inserted into the hollow shaft with the round top thereof passing over the balls such that the resilient device can join with the post device. Once the push lever is pushed with the slant parts thereof pressing the sleeve to slide the fixing disk forward, the annular projection section of the sleeve may slide away the balls to release the balls from the recess ring on the push rod such that the post is taken out from the hollow shaft to disengage the post device from the resilient device.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventor: Jung-Chang Chiang
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Publication number: 20030143021Abstract: A quick attach and release mechanism for shift knobs that may utilize the existing groove retention structure on stick shift shafts of vehicles. A shift knob assembly comprises a mounting sleeve secured to the shift knob. The mounting sleeve slides onto the stick shift for support. The mounting sleeve has holes extending laterally through sleeve that aligns with the retaining groove of the stick shift shaft. The hole has a retaining lip at one end that retains a ball in the hole. A retaining sleeve coaxial about the mounting sleeve is axially slidable relative to the mounting sleeve between attach and release positions. The retaining sleeve has an eccentric surface control whether the retaining ball engages or disengages the retention groove of the stick shift shaft. A coil spring urges the retaining sleeve toward the attach position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Whalen Machine Inc.Inventor: Douglas S. Whalen
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Patent number: 6595714Abstract: A control rod for an aircraft actuator system. The control rod incorporates a swivel insert to create a rotatably connected rod end. The swivel insert comprises a longitudinal bore for introduction of a rod end shaft. The rod end shaft has a circumferential groove that aligns with radially extending bores in a threaded portion of the swivel insert. Ball bearings are placed into the radially extending bores and the swivel insert is threaded into a tube having an internally threaded bore and a counter bored entrance portion. Once the swivel insert is threaded into place, the ball bearings are captured in the radially extending bores between the counter bored entrance portion of the tube and the circumferential groove. The rod end is thus free to rotate but is rotatably attached to the control rod.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Tyee AircraftInventor: Daniel Lee Moore
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Publication number: 20030133746Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe automobile towing structure, which contains a connecting rod with a flashing alarm at each side. On each end of the connecting rod is an extension rod, which end is installed with a rotational base. At the connection, the rotational base and the extension rod are mutually installed with a rotational axle. The rotational path between the rotational base and the extension rod is installed with corresponding bumpers. An adjusting rod is installed at the end of the rotational base. At the connection, the adjusting rod and the rotational base are mutually installed with a revolving axle that is perpendicular to the rotational axle. Besides, the vertically rotational path is installed with corresponding bumpers. The end of the adjusting rod is installed with a fastening device, which can be used to connect the front towing hook and the rear towing hook for the convenience of towing work.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Pan
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Patent number: 6578443Abstract: Disclosed is a shift rod support assembly for a transmission gear shift mechanism comprising a housing fixed to a vehicle body and including a hole through which a shift rod passes; a ball case including a fixed unit that is fixedly mounted to the housing and has a hole through which the shift rod passes, and having a protrusion portion extending toward an inner area of the housing from the fixed unit and a plurality of ball insertion holes; a plurality of balls, each provided in one of the ball insertion holes in a state of contacting the shift rod, the balls rotating as the shift rod undergoes rectilinear and rotational motion; rollers provided in a space formed by the housing and the ball case, the rollers contacting and rotating together with the balls; and play adjustment members for adjusting play between the rollers and the balls by manipulating positioning of the rollers relative to the housing and the ball case.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Yong-Seok Cho
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Patent number: 6571884Abstract: A novel solution for changing sweeps or knives on a cultivator or other soil working tool is the subject matter of the present invention. In today's farming world, where labor is at a premium and time is of the essence, a sole operator or farmer in preparing the fields for planting, summer fallow or other operations will sometimes need to change the sweeps or knives which till the ground several times for different crops or operations. The novel invention herein provides for an apparatus for quickly removing the sweeps (2) on cultivator shanks and replacing them with other soil openers of different width or configuration. A simple press button (7) releases the sweep (2) from an adapter bolted to a standard cultivator shank. The present invention eliminates the problem of sweeps falling off shanks due to lack of friction or difficulty in removing sweeps because of over friction.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: F. P. Bourgault Tillage Tools Ltd.Inventors: Leonard Horvath, Linus Yeager, Ricky William Schemenauer
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Patent number: 6568717Abstract: A ball coupling comprising a male tubular endpiece (2) provided with an outer annular collar (4), a female tubular endpiece (3) having a ball-retaining cage fixed axially thereon, the cage having slots (10) for receiving balls (12), and a thimble (13) disposed coaxially about the cage (6) and mounted thereon via guide means (14, 15) for guiding the thimble to turn about the longitudinal axis (1) of the coupling so as to enable the thimble to turn through a turn angle (&agr;) relative to the cage between a first position and a second position, the thimble having for each ball, a first recess (16) extending in register with the corresponding slot for the first position of the thimble to form an abutment for holding the corresponding ball in a position in which it projects into the inside of the cage, and a second recess (17) connected to the first recess via a sloping wall (18) and offset relative to the first recess by an angle corresponding to the turn angle (&agr;) so as to receive the corresponding ball inType: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Legris SAInventor: Pascal Le Clinche
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Patent number: 6568382Abstract: A connector apparatus for removably securing an archery bow accessory to an archery bow. The connector apparatus includes a female member removably secured to an archery bow and defines an opening to a first bore that extends along a bore axis. At least one ball bearing is configured within the female member for radial movement relative the bore axis. The at least one ball bearing has a peripheral portion within the first bore. A male member includes a first portion configured for removably securing an archery bow accessory thereon. The male member includes a second portion that is spaced from the first portion and configured for positioning axially past the at least one ball bearing relative the opening with the peripheral portion of the at least one ball bearing biased radially more proximate the bore axis than a periphery defined by the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Martin Archery, Inc.Inventors: Dan J. Martin, Dave Conlee
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Patent number: 6554524Abstract: A connector for towing cable or conduit in which one head includes a socket for the mating reception and separation of an aligned matching projection presented by the other head with the opposed aligned surfaces of socket and matching projection in sliding fit, a spring-loaded ball assembly presented by one head such that only a minor portion of the spring-loaded ball protrudes beyond its opposed aligned surface to register within a matching groove formation in the opposed aligned surface of the other head, and a set screw regulating the spring-loading of the ball so that displacement of the ball from the groove formation and separation occurs only when the tensile load applied to the mating heads exceeds the load imposed upon the ball; and with one head including a swivel shaft providing a connection to the other head and supported for rotation therewithin upon a combination of dual thrust bearings at both ends including one or more of a three (3) piece needle bearing, a flanged Permaglide™ bearing orType: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Veneta Industries INCInventor: Jackson A. Smith
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Patent number: 6543959Abstract: A two-way quick connector for connecting a power drill to a working tool having a working end and a shank end having a circumferential groove. The connector having a drive shaft with a polygonal-shaped chuck end to be received by the chuck of a power drill, and a cylindrically-shaped opposite end having an axial bore for receiving the shank end of the working tool. The connector further having a ball detent and a two-piece slidable sleeve mounted on the drive shaft, which sleeve may be manipulated in either of two directions to manipulate the ball detent into the circumferential groove of the working tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Jore CorporationInventor: Matthew B. Jore
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Patent number: 6540426Abstract: A passive ball capture joint has a sleeve with a plurality of bores distributed about a circumference thereof and formed therethrough at an acute angle relative to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A spring-loaded retainer is slidingly fitted in each bore and is biased such that, if allowed, will extend at least partially into the sleeve to retain a ball therein. A ring, rotatably mounted about the bores, has an interior wall defining a plurality of shaped races that bear against the spring-loaded retainers. A mechanized rotational force producer is coupled to the ring. The ring can be rotated from a first position (that presses the retainers into the sleeve to lock the ball in place) to a second position (that allows the retainers to spring back out of the sleeve to release the ball).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Richard A. Cloyd, Thomas C. Bryan
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Patent number: 6523441Abstract: A switch device of a socket wrench extension includes a connecting shank formed with an axial circular hole receiving a restoring member and a drive rod, and a radial hole receiving a positioning ball. The drive rod has a tapered face and an insertion recess. A drive block is received in a radial oblong slot of the connecting shank, and has an insertion block that,may be inserted into the insertion recess of the drive rod. The drive block has a spring recess receiving a spring and a positioning pin. A control ring mounted on the connecting shank may move the drive block and the drive rod, whereby the positioning ball may be moved along the tapered face to sink into the radial hole, so that the connecting shank can be detached from the socket easily and quickly.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: Jack Lee
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Patent number: 6511100Abstract: A ball coupling comprising a male tubular endpiece (2) provided with an outer annular collar (4), a female tubular endpiece (3) having a ball-retaining cage fixed axially thereon, the cage having slots (10) for receiving balls (12), and a thimble (13) disposed coaxially about the cage (6) and mounted thereon via guide means (14, 15) for guiding the thimble to turn about the longitudinal axis (1) of the coupling so as to enable the thimble to turn through a turn angle (&agr;) relative to the cage between a first position and a second position, the is thimble having for each ball, a first recess (16) extending in register with the corresponding slot for the first position of the thimble to form an abutment for holding the corresponding ball in a position in which it projects into the inside of the cage, and a second recess (17) connected to the first recess via a sloping wall (18) and offset relative to the first recess by an angle corresponding to the turn angle (&agr;) so as to receive the corresponding ballType: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Legris SAInventor: Pascal Le Clinche
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Publication number: 20030012597Abstract: In the operation of a work machine of the type having an attachment having more than one implement, it is oftentimes desirable or necessary to operate one implement to the exclusion of the other requiring the operator to manually chain, bolt, or otherwise secure the non-used implement to the work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Darin R. Miller, Gregory A. Seljestad, Collin M. Spellmeier
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Patent number: 6505992Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for flatly displacing in all directions a support, with quick locking means, the main feature of which is that it comprises a flat support housed in a casing, delimiting the displacement region of said flat support. On the flat support a locking body operatively associated with a locking driving element which can be accessed from the outside of the casing is overlapped.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventors: Giancarlo Gardin, Massimo Benatti
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Patent number: 6499908Abstract: A locking system with at least one locking element has a sleeve (2) with an inner groove (3) and an outer groove (4), which lie in a common plane and encircle at least one half of the circumference, the outer groove (4) accommodating a radially pre-stressed spring washer (9) forming an open sector in the circumferential direction between the legs (12) on either side, which are pointedly bent towards the inside and extend through assigned radial openings (5) of the sleeve (2) into the inner groove (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Udo Hauptmann, Heinz Grünewald
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Publication number: 20020197105Abstract: A connection apparatus for an artificial model comprises a resilient device; and a post device. The resilient device further comprises a fixing disk, a hollow shaft, a sleeve, a plurality of balls, an elastic element, an upper cover, and a push lever. The hollow shaft extends upright from the fixing disk, and the sleeve fits with the hollow shaft in a way of being disposed outside the hollow shaft. The balls are inserted into pierced apertures on the hollow shaft respectively and are retained between the hollow shaft and an annular projection of the sleeve. The elastic element is disposed in the sleeve and urges the hollow shaft to fit with the sleeve with an aid of the balls. The push lever is disposed between the sleeve and the upper cover to be adjusted by a bolt at an end of the push lever. The post device further comprises a flange and an upright post.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Jung-Chang Chiang