By Separate Spring Patents (Class 403/327)
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Patent number: 6595080Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster having a release device on a core of an actuating-pull mechanism for use, e.g., on motor vehicles has a connecting eyelet on an end of a housing. An end of the core includes a toothing arrangement which is engageable with a toothing arrangement carried on a retaining pawl in the housing. Normally, the adjuster is maintained in closed condition by a spring acting on the housing and a slide on the housing. The slide can be moved in opposition to the spring to place the adjuster in open condition. In open adjuster condition, the retaining pawl is displaceable such as to disengage the toothing arrangements thus allowing adjustment of a distance between the connecting eyelet and the core end.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbHInventors: Andreas Waldow, Axel Wack
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Patent number: 6595379Abstract: A lock for preventing inadvertent removal of a first frame component from a second frame component of an adjustable storage system. The lock includes a housing having a distal end extending into the first frame component, a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and being movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing, with the distal end thereof extending into the second frame component when the shaft is in the extended position and not extending into the second frame component when the shaft is in the retracted position, a head being slender and elongated, joined to the proximal end of the shaft, and extending radially outwardly therefrom, radially outwardly through the housing, when the shaft is in the extended position and the retracted position, and a spring joined between the head and the housing and biasing the shaft into the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: United Steel Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Michael Powell
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Patent number: 6579028Abstract: The connecting rod (1) for a knuckle joint device with three parallel axes comprises a substantially U-shaped center part (2), whereby the lower transversal branch (3a) thereof constitutes a third articulated axis (X3) of a release device and said branch (3a) is connected at a substantially right angle to the side branches (3b, 3c) and elastic deformation is possible, the side branches extend as far as the upper end thereof by means of segments (3d,3e) that are bent inwards and are parallel to the transversal branch, whereby said segments (3d,3e) display torsional elasticity around the geometric axis thereof such that a rotational return movement is possible on the side ranches (3b,3c) around said geometrical axis and the second axis (X2) of the knuckle joint device.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Dosatron InternationalInventor: Stephane Urrutia
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Publication number: 20030108383Abstract: To provide a clip attaching structure wherein a base portion of a clip is not exposed from an outside, and attaching can be performed with a good appearance. An outer sleeve has a rear sleeve and a cap connected to a rear side of the rear sleeve, and the clip has a ring-like base portion fixed to the outer sleeve, a connecting portion extending from the base portion, and a clip main body extending approximately in parallel with the rear sleeve from the connecting portion. At the rear end portion of the rear sleeve, a bent portion is formed, and in the bent portion, a notch penetrated by the connecting portion and a second notch facing to the notch by about 180 degrees are formed. The base portion of the clip passes through the portion in the diameter direction of the rear end opening connecting the notch and the second notch, and goes through the bent portion, and is inserted into an inside of the bent portion of the rear sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadao Odaka
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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: 6527471Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Michael Walter Smith, Gary John Bobeck
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Patent number: 6511253Abstract: Featured is a mounting device and methods related thereto for mounting the device to an object including cylindrical objects such as camera lenses, rifle scopes, telescopes, monoculars and binoculars. The mounting device includes a housing, having an exterior surface, that is to be mounted to an object and a resilient member. The housing is configured so as to include an interior passage having an inner cross section larger than that of the object to which the housing is to be mounted onto, and at least one slot extending from the housing exterior surface and into the housing interior passage. The resilient member is disposed about at least a portion of the housing exterior surface so a portion of the resilient member is positioned within each of the at least one slot in the housing and so this portion of the resilient member protrudes into the interior passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventors: Steve Grimes, Peter J. Jones
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Publication number: 20030007830Abstract: A spring loaded detent having a particularly designed, angled head normally utilized in holding and releasably locking two elements such as tubular members together. The angled head assists in the of entrance of the detent into the held member and facilitates the ease of moving the detent against spring force, from its locking position for separation of the members. By increasing the ease of detent entrance into the member to be joined, a positive, yet easily releasable lock is provided between the members. Similarly, the shaping of the head of the detent reduces the pressure required to overcome the locking spring force and allows separation of the members with particular ease.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Song-Hyuk Bang
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Patent number: 6497529Abstract: A electrical device can be snapped onto a support rail by a compression spring orthogonal to a length of the rail and arranged in a cylindrical housing. The housing opens to the outside, opposite the edge of the rail, via an opening in a top adapted to axial insertion of the spring during its assembly and includes an elastic wall capable of transversal movement, with the wall having a bearing surface on a rail edge side on which the spring is buttressed or having another similar bearing surface that can be activated after the axial insertion of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAInventors: Patrick Comtois, José Garcia, Patrick Larcher, Alain Moreux
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Patent number: 6494684Abstract: A locking device for use in retaining rotationally interengaged components in engagement with one another, the device comprising a body member (16) adapted to be located between adjacent interengaging formations (13, 14) on the components to prevent relative rotation of the components, and a wire retaining member (17) adapted to locate the body member in position, the retaining member comprising at least two hook-like members (18) engaged in spaced apertures (20) in the body member, each hook-like member having first and second portions (18B, 18C) extending beyond the body member into engagement with inner and outer surfaces of one of the components.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Stefan J Wagner
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Patent number: 6494822Abstract: A cutting tool retention mechanism, for example, typically used to retain a tool holder in a tool pocket of a tool changer magazine. A horizontal machine tool apparatus typically contains a plurality of tool pockets attached to a movable tool changer magazine and the mechanism of the present inventions provides an affirmative mechanism for retaining tool holders so that they do not separate from their respective tool pockets unless removal is desired. More particularly, a pair of opposed pivotal fingers each include a latch which can engage with or disengage from the internal groove of a tool holder to perform this function. Spring bias can be provided to encourage this affirmative engagement of the latches with the internal groove.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Unova Ip CorpInventor: Mark Frederick Hopkins
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Patent number: 6478503Abstract: A locking device for a handrest of a stroller includes two connecting tubes secured to the front of the stroller and two pairs of locking members. The pairs of locking members are movably received in a respective one of the tubes; the locking members have lower button parts passing through lateral holes of the tubes to show, and are pivoted to the tubes from middle portions with upper engaging portions being movably received in recesses of inner sides of the tubes. An elastic member is disposed between lower parts of each pair of locking members to bias the upper engaging portions towards the center of the tube. Thus, a handrest having engaging protrusions at two ends can be locked with the tubes by means of passing the engaging protrusions into the tube to engage the upper engaging portions of the locking members. The handrest becomes removable from the tubes when the lower button parts are pressed inwardly of the tubes to disengage the upper engaging portions from the engaging protrusions of the handrest.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Pao-Hsien ChengInventor: Ying-Hsiung Cheng
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Patent number: 6454485Abstract: A bi-directional retainer for removably securing accessories such as a seat or a back rest to a wheelchair frame. The retainer includes a base mountable on a frame member and a slide mounted on the base for movement between two spaced operating positions. It also includes a spring disposed between the slide and the base providing an over the center action which urges the slide to remain in a selected operating position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Adaptive Engineering Lab, Inc.Inventors: Malin E. Holcomb, Paul D. Lund
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Patent number: 6345928Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mutual locking of two concentric cylindrical parts such as parts to be used in a submersible pump unit. One outer part (10) and two inner parts (6) and (7) are locked mutually by help of a circumferential locking element (12) having resilient abilities and which is arranged at the intersectional point between the three parts (6), (7) and (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Johan Bratthall, Borje Stahl, Lars Ogren
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Patent number: 6341466Abstract: A new and useful clip is disclosed for securing an elongate member, or lather's channel, to a horizontal T-bar of a ceiling grid, conventionally used to form a drop ceiling. The clip comprises a body having a downwardly opening recess therein for permitting the body to be placed over the lather's channel, without removing the channel from the T-bar. The lather's channel is in a seated position in which the channel is received in the recess of the clip. The clip has clasps depending from the body configured so that as the body is moved toward its seated position, the clasps assume positions on opposite sides of the stem of the T-bar for clasping the T-bar and securing the clip to the T-bar. The clip further includes a spring finger formed integrally with the body. The finger is engageable with the lather's channel as the body is moved to its seated position.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Kenneth H. Kehoe, Eric R. Rinderer
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Patent number: 6276864Abstract: An assembly for connecting a measuring tool to a measuring head moved by a measuring robot and having an output member rotating at least about one axis; the assembly having three supports located peripherally with respect to the axis and defining an isostatic constraint between the output member and a connecting portion for connecting the tool to the head; the assembly having releasable locking means interposed between the connecting portion of the tool and the output member; and the releasable locking means having engaging means located substantially along the axis, and a pneumatic actuating member cooperating with and for controlling release of the engaging means.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Brown & Sharpe DEA S.p.A.Inventors: Domenico Russo, Domenico Sola
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Patent number: 6234706Abstract: A locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component has a catch spring, which interacts with a catch groove of the component. The catch spring is made of spring wire and has two legs, which are intended to contact opposite surfaces of a wall, where an opening to be traversed by the component is located. One leg of the catch spring has two opposite parts, which are formed by loop-shaped bending of the spring wire and intended to contact the component. The locking device is to be installed in systems having a high density of mechanical components.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Husein Hodzic
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Patent number: 6220778Abstract: An apparatus retains and aligns an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing. A switch housing supports the electrical switch and has at least one first aperture formed therein. The steering column housing slidably receives the switch housing therein, and the steering column housing has at least one second aperture formed therein. At least one locking member is engagable within the first aperture and is moveable between a first position retracted within the aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to the first aperture. The locking member engages within the second aperture when the switch housing is slidably engaged and fully seated within the steering column housing and holds the switch housing with respect to the steering column housing when engaged within the second aperture. A biasing member urges the locking member toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Valeo Inc.Inventors: Jürgen Suchanek, Larry W. Burr
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Patent number: 6178844Abstract: A quick-action fastening system for actuating systems, preferably for motor vehicles, and a spring of the quick-action fastening system. The quick-action fastening system has a spring arranged between a fastening plate and the end part of a cable sheathing. The spring braces the end part directly against the actuating plate and has regions by which it secures the end part on the fastening plate radially and axially and prevents the actuating plate from being withdrawn.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: United Parts FHS Automobil Systeme GmbHInventor: Arnd B{umlaut over (u)}rger
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Patent number: 6165076Abstract: A drive shaft cover assembly for a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis including a stationary bracket having an axially extending flange at least partially surrounding the drive shaft and having one or more radially extending apertures therethrough. A cover member has a retaining portion sized to fit radially over the flange with apertures therein aligned with the apertures in the flange. A spring retainer is disposed radially within the flange and has a stud projecting radially outward through each aperture in the flange and through the aligned apertures in the cover member to retain the cover member on the flange. The spring retainer is resilient to enable the studs to be pushed radially inward to withdraw the studs from the apertures in the cover member to remove and remount the cover member on the flange without the use of hand tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Wayne Mossman
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Patent number: 6161244Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (20) with a brush head which can be secured on a brush handle (24) by a bayonet catch (26). The bayonet catch comprises a locking pin (28) which is mounted in the front end of the brush handle (24) in such a way that it can be displaced axially to a limited extent but is non-rotatable and which is subject to the action of a prestressing device (50). The brush head (22) is provided with a recess (102) which has a locking groove pursuant to which the brush head (22) is mounted on the locking pin (28) by engagement of a bayonet stud (32) in the locking groove (106), the locking pin (28) being pulled out of the brush handle (24) counter to the prestressing device (50) until the bayonet stud (32) locks into a lock-in portion (114) of the locking groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.Inventors: Roland Jeannet, Robert Leutwyler, Werner Leutwyler
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Patent number: 6152643Abstract: A coupling device for use in inserting a soaking bar into a clay plugged blast furnace tap hole with a rotary percussion tool, having a first axial aperture at a first end adapted to be fitted onto a driving post of a rotary percussion tool, and having a second axial aperture at a second end adapted to receive and retain an end of a soaking bar in axial alignment with the coupling. The second axial aperture further includes jaws for releasably engaging the end of the soaking bar, and an impact body for transferring axial impact loads from the rotary impact tool to the end of the soaking bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Woodings Industrial CorporationInventor: Martin P. Miller
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Patent number: 6135406Abstract: The invention relates to a lab-top work station which is designed for use in the manual application of liquid to a slide or microwell plate and consists of a slide holder, a bridge for support of manual liquid dispensers at a predetermined location with respect to the slide holder, and a manual incremental advance mechanism for manually moving the slide holder a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1995Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Albert M. DeStefano, Jr.
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Patent number: 6099197Abstract: A locking spring-biased latch for removably attaching a first component, such as a seat, to an elongate member, such as the tubular frame of a wheelchair. The locking spring-biased latch comprises a body portion having a top and a pair of leg members that are adapted to removably receive an elongate member, a catch arm pivotally attached to the top of the body portion, and a release lever pivotally attached to the top of the body portion. The release lever has a bore passing transversely therethrough. A locking button is reciprocatable within the bore and is secured to a pin in the base. The locking button is biased upwardly through the top of the release lever by a spring. The spring, when extended, blocks pivotal movement of the release lever. Depression of the locking button into the bore depresses the spring to clear the spring from the release lever for pivotal movement of the release lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Jacques P. Gauron
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Patent number: 6082924Abstract: A clamping joint between a universal joint spindle and a stub or wobbler of a rolling mill roll is formed by providing wedge members between the juxtaposed surfaces of the coupling box and roll stub and by bracing the wedge members by springs in the coupling head bracing the wedge members against a shoulder of the roll stub.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag AGInventors: Karl-Heinz Seidl, Hans-Joachim Marburger
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Patent number: 6076820Abstract: In a rotation transfer device, a paper feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus, transfer projections are disposed on coupling members provided on the ends of a driving shaft and a driven shaft, so that the movement of one transfer projection in the peripheral direction can be constrained by the other transfer projection and a positioning member. Thus, rotation irregularity caused by reverse rotation torque applied by a function from the side of paper can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Seiji Nagai, Hiroaki Yoshida
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Patent number: 6063018Abstract: A centrifuge including a drive head attached to a rotation shaft and a rotor adapted to be removably mounted on the drive head in a rotational driving position and which is coupled thereto during rotation of the drive head. The centrifuge includes elements for axially locking the rotor to the drive head by applying to the rotor an axial retaining force that increases with the rotational speed of the drive head.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: JouanInventor: Jean Claude Letourneur
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Patent number: 6059531Abstract: In a fan including a hub mounted for rotation and a plurality of fan blades, an attachment assembly for detachably engaging at least one of the plurality of fan blades with the hub, the attachment assembly comprising a stop carried adjacent an end of a selected one of the plurality of fan blades, a socket carried by the hub for receiving the end of the selected one of the plurality of fan blades, and an abutment mounted for movement between a first position to permit the end of the selected one of the plurality of fan blades to admit into the socket, and a normal second position against the stop.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Jen-Lung David Tai
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Patent number: 6049947Abstract: A barbecue tool device comprises a handle with a lateral orifice for engagingly receiving a locking device and one or more tool metal heads having a shank slidable movable in the handle. The shanks of tool metal head comes with a pair of side walls having two or more notches each. The locking device includes a pair of catches engagingly received in the orifices and a spring sitting between the two catches for pushing the catches into the notches of the shank to be locked with the handle, the catches have a slot each for receiving the side walls of the shank and allowing the tool metal head to travel freely in the handle. The tool device may consist of a number of tool metal heads having a shank for selectively engaging with the handle when required.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Nai-Pin Lu
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Patent number: 6017011Abstract: A collapsible music stand with optional multiple desks having dual-angular and vertical adjustability is provided. A music stand includes a height adjustment mechanism comprising a guide wire which frictionally engages a groove rendering the mechanism one with continuous height and frictional force adjustability. A music stand further includes a plurality of arrangements of single and multiple desks, dowels with tapered ends for ensuring the firm coupling of its components, a optional tray with a further optional candelabra, an optional bracket for coupling a lamp to the stand, pivotably adjustable tabs to accommodate wide pieces of sheet music, and detachable legs facilitating portability. A versatile music stand can be adjusted to support music at a variety of angles and is configurable as a larger and more stable conductor's stand, or to hold a musical instrument, or as a lectern. A durable and high-quality music stand includes a desk manufactured using a bookmatching method.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Alden Lee Comapny, Inc.Inventor: Richard Lee
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Patent number: 5987702Abstract: A connecting device, particularly for mutually connecting components of eyeglasses such as temples and a front and/or a lens and a lens and/or an eyewire and an eyewire and/or a temple and a temple. The device is constituted by at least one element which is detachably associable, with an interlocking action, with at least one of the components, in contrast with at least one flexible element, and can be pivoted to the other component. The device is structurally simple, easy and straightforward to assemble, and at the same time allows to achieve, for example, the extrawide opening of the temple at a low cost and without seizing.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Luxottica Leasing S.p.A.Inventor: Luciano Simioni
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Patent number: 5947537Abstract: A knob catch for securing a knob or lever to the driving spindle of a door lock. The knob catch is constructed of a base with a centered odd shaped hole. The hole is made in such a way that the knob or lever cannot be removed when the locking device is in the locked position using a key operated cylinder with a flat locking bar. A tongue portion of the knob catch rises above the base and fits into the knob or lever and keeps the knob or lever from being removed. In the front side of this tongue is an angular surface which permits the knob or lever to be slid over the top of the knob catch until the knob catch tongue and an aperture in the knob or lever align allowing the tongue to be spring biased into the aperture to secure the knob or lever. There are two springs attached to the knob catch to bias the tongue into engagement with the knob or lever aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventors: Helmut R. Aigner, Cliff W. Allen, Jr., Frederick M. Hensley, Troy A. Dalsing, Melinda T. Neligon
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Patent number: 5902065Abstract: In a device for gauging relative rotational speed between the races of a bearing unit, a sensor is mounted to a fixed part and faces a rotating impulse ring. The sensor is incorporated within a detachable head (12) having releasable quick coupling means (13, 20), such as a clip, for mounting to a corresponding quick coupling seat (14), such as an appendix, rigid with the non-rotating race (15) of the bearing assembly. The appendix (14) is oriented in an axial or slightly inclined direction with respect to the axis of rotation. Mounting and removal of the head (12) is accomplished with a simple movement in said direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: SKF Industries S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Forestiero, Christian Rigaux
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Patent number: 5871227Abstract: A foldable mechanism for use in a stroller enables a user to fold the stroller by only a single foot while both of the user's hands are not available. In addition, the user is also able to fold the stroller by a single hand with a switch mounted on a handle of the stroller through a traction element which is securely connected to a retainer of the foldable mechanism, thus while either the switch or the foldable mechanism is being operated by the user, the other one will also be moved because the traction element is connected therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Li-chu Chen Huang
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Patent number: 5857304Abstract: A system is disclosed for connecting a first panel to a second panel in a manner which aligns the first and second panels at the same vertical level with respect to each other. The first panel has a female connecting member provided along its vertical edge, and a channel disposed transverse to the vertical edge. The second panel has a male connecting member provided along its vertical edge, and a slot provided in the male connecting member. A sliding pin block is retained for sliding movement inside the channel of the first panel, the sliding pin block having a pin normally biased to extend through the female connecting member. The pin is fitted inside the slot of the male connecting member when the first and second panels are connected along their vertical edges to align the first and second panels at the same vertical level with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Abex Display SystemsInventors: Stuart Karten, Michael J. Rocha, Robert Blumenfeld
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Patent number: 5848854Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly includes an outer casing having first and second spaced apart support flanges for supporting a nozzle segment including a plurality of nozzle vanes extending between inner and outer bands. The outer band includes first and second spaced apart retention hooks, with the first hook being configured to axially engage the first support flange. And, the second support flange is sized for axially receiving the second hook without tilting of the nozzle segment. An annular retainer radially engages the second support flange and axially abuts the second hook for axially retaining the second hook. And, a clip axially engages the second hook and support flange around the retainer for radially supporting the nozzle segment to the outer casing.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Norman C. Brackett
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Patent number: 5820290Abstract: A door handle/knob assembly a door handle/knob assembly includes a housing having an opening formed within the housing, and a shaft received within the opening of the housing. The shaft has an outer surface, a rib for axially retaining the shaft to a lip of the housing in one direction, and a pair of generally oppositely positioned recess formations formed in the outer surface of the shaft. The recess formations are generally adjacent the intersection of the housing and the shaft. A door handle is secured to the shaft, the door handle having a handle member that tapers to a reduced neck portion. The reduced neck portion is fixedly secured to the shaft and has an end which is positioned adjacent the recess formations on a side opposite the housing so as to define a space between the end of the reduced neck portion and the housing. The recessed formations of the shaft are exposed within the space.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventor: Jaime Galindo
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Patent number: 5818691Abstract: A system for docking a portable computer to a docking station. The portable computer including a connection module and an electrical connector capable of mating an electrical connector attached to the docking station. The connection module including a spring for providing the force necessary to unmate the electrical connectors. The connection module including a sliding block for receiving an alignment pin attached to the docking station. The alignment pin includes a groove. The connection module includes a retaining member with a gripping surface which engages the groove when the computer is docked in the docking station. To dock the portable computer in the docking station, the user pushes the portable computer towards the docking station electrical connector so as to mate the portable computer electrical connector with the docking station electrical connector. To undock the portable computer, the user pushes the portable computer towards the docking station electrical connector and releases.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Robert L. McMahan, Sergey G. Podwalny
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Patent number: 5816732Abstract: A connection device for use with a cable includes a link member to permit connection to another article and a housing formed in the link member having a passage therethrough including an annular cavity of larger diameter than the passage. There is a shaft member fixedly mountable to a cable and insertable into the housing passage. The shaft member is formed with an external annular groove. A clip member is mountable in the external annular groove. The connection device is assembled by insertion of the shaft member through the housing passage in a first longitudinal direction to expose the annular groove. The clip member is mounted in the exposed annular groove of the shaft member and the shaft member is retracted into the housing passage in the opposite longitudinal direction to pivotally and releasably connect the link member and the shaft member by virtue of the clip member rotatably engaging in the annular cavity of the housing passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Carl-Erik M. Nissen
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Patent number: 5809905Abstract: An interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction which includes plastic modular platform sections aligned in a two-by-two arrangement with interlocking flanges between the adjoining surfaces of the platform sections, the flanges interlocking in a downward sliding manner. A plurality of leg structures extend down from the lower surface of the platform sections. A center conical support structure with a locking lip or tab is formed by the adjoinment of the platform sections. A band or ring of durable material, e.g. metal, is placed onto the conical structure to draw and lock together, via the locking tab and ring, the adjoining platform sections. A series of upper and lower frictional, rubberized pads are aligned and interlocked through the lattice holes along the perimeter of the pallet lattice.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.Inventors: Michael John, Robert V. Daigle
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Patent number: 5803648Abstract: A harness plate (22, 28) for attachment to a harness for securing a first load (4), normally in the form of a person, the harness plate being attachable to a first cable (18) which is used to lift the load. The harness plate comprises a quick release mechanism (24) arranged to releasably receive a second cable (20) from which a second load (6), also normally in the form of a person, can be depended.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Peter S. Foy
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Patent number: 5796576Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for a notebook computer with a detachable display unit. A connector is pivotally mounted on the display unit fits into a socket in the main body to provide an electrical connection between the main body and the display unit while allowing the display unit to rotate open and closed onto the main body. A pair of hinge members mechanically connect the display unit to the main body. At least one of the hinge members is slidably mounted on the top side of the main body to allow the user to pull the hinge member to the side, thus increasing the gap between the hinge members, thus allowing the user to either attach or remove the display unit to or from the main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tae-Yong Kim
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Patent number: 5788402Abstract: A coupling has a first coupling part comprising a holding rod which is provided with a groove for the engagement of locking balls. The locking balls are radially movably arranged in transverse bores of a holding element arranged on a second coupling part. In a non-operative position of the rollover bar, the locking balls are pressed by a cone surface of a locking member into the groove of the holding rod. If the locking member is displaced in a sensor-controlled manner axially against the effect of a spring by an electromagnet, the holding rod is released. To achieve a construction which is as compact as possible and which permits a housing of the coupling also in the very limited space conditions in a motor vehicle, the holding element with the locking balls and the locking member are arranged inside the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Bayerische Motoren WerkeInventors: Ruth Banda, Lothar Heiner
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Patent number: 5788399Abstract: A snap ring for axially retaining a rotating member, comprising a generally annular member having an inner peripheral surface and an outer surface with a tooth projecting therefrom. The snap ring further comprises a substantially elastically deflectable tab projecting from the annular member for preventing rotation of said annular member. The tab has a first position prior to installation and a second deflected position during installation. The tab resiliently returns substantially to the first position during installation.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Mark V. Smearsoll
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Patent number: 5752285Abstract: A hand-held, multi-purpose implement including a handle provided with a resealable storage container and an adaptor head having at least a pair of insert receiving sockets. A set of interchangeable inserts adapted for storage in the storage container when not in use each have a working end portion and a tang portion receivable in an insert receiving socket. The adaptor head includes a securing device for releasably securing at least two of the inserts in its insert receiving sockets so as to enable the creation of different tools depending on the combination of inserts secured therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventors: Paul Bendheim, Alon Razgour
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Patent number: 5716160Abstract: A device for mounting a cushion plunger to one end of the piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder, the cushion plunger constituting a part of a cushion mechanism installed to dampen the impact generated during the rotation of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder. The mounting device includes a recess provided at the end of the piston rod and adapted to partially receive the cushion plunger, a pin hole provided at the piston rod, the pin hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the recess such that it communicates with the recess, another pin hole perforated throughout the cushion plunger radially of the cushion plunger, the pin holes being aligned with each other at a state that the cushion plunger is received in position in the recess, a fling pin inserted into the pin holes being aligned with each other, the fling pin being adapted to fix the cushion plunger to the piston rod, and a clearance defined between the outer diameter of the fixing pin and the inner diameter of the pin hole of the cushion plunger.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1997Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Samsung Heavy IndustriesInventor: Jae Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 5713693Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbHInventor: Hans Lindenthal
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Patent number: 5702044Abstract: A movable spring end of a compression spring being stopped on a guide spindle by a special stop piece. The stop piece which is designed nonelastic and can therefore be manufactured of a nonrusting material, it thereby guarantees a hygienically satisfactory device, in particular when contacting food. The stop piece can be used particularly advantageously in tensioning pieces on conveyor chains, which are suited for the transport of packaging foil bands in packaging machines.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Tetra Laval Convenience Food GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Norbert Ernst Christmann, Gerhard Fries
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Patent number: 5694663Abstract: A handle includes a pair of pipes slidably engaged in a pair of tubes and having a handle secured on top. A hand grip is slidably engaged in the handle. An actuator is secured to the hand grip so as to be moved by the hand grip. A latch may engage with the pipes and the tubes so as to prevent the pipe from moving relative to the tube. An actuator includes a cam for engaging with the latch so as to disengage the latch from the tube when the actuator is moved toward the handle by the hand grip. The latch can be easily moved by the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventor: Yueh-Chy Tserng
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Patent number: 5685660Abstract: A collapsible frame assembly comprises a first frame, a second frame, a first coupler disposed at an end of the first frame, and a second coupler disposed at an end of the second frame. Two angle plates are extended from two sides of a distal end of the first coupler. A press plate is extended from the distal end of the first coupler and positioned between two angle plates. A snap hole is formed on the press plate. A sleeve is inserted in the spacing between two angle plates. Two wing lugs are extended from two sides of a distal end of the second coupler to match the corresponding angle plates. A lower portion of a snap button is inserted in the second coupler and the second frame to match the corresponding snap hole. An inner block is inserted in the second frame to surround the lower portion of the hollow snap button closely. A spring is inserted in the snap button. The second coupler is positioned beneath the press plate. A rivet passes through two wing lugs, two washers, two angle plates and the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gordon Liao