Axially Bolted Or Riveted Patents (Class 403/337)
  • Patent number: 8313264
    Abstract: A flanged member (1), intended to be included as a component in a flanged joint, for installation in a pressure equipment device, and having a first flanged end (3) having a first end surface (10) intended to be assembled together with another end surface (4) of a flanged end (11) on another, second flanged member (2) constituting a second component in the flanged joint. The first end surface is slightly concave in the radial direction over at least a part of the extension thereof in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Verax Engineering AB
    Inventor: Jan Webjorn
  • Patent number: 8291678
    Abstract: A modular construction system includes an elongate construction element. The element has an elongate body including a longitudinal web, defining opposite first and second edges and a longitudinal first centerline, and a longitudinal first flange transverse to the web along the first edge, the elongate body defining opposite first and second ends. At the first end, a first end plate is provided that is orthogonal to the first centerline. Defined through the first end plate are a first hole on the first centerline, a second hole intermediate the first hole and the first edge, and a third hole intermediate the first hole and the second edge. The holes are preferably equispaced. For each of the holes, a cut-out is provided in the web. The cut-out allows insertion of a shaft of a bolt through the hole while accommodating the head of the bolt. First and second types of jointing element for coupling a number of elongate construction elements thereto to form a permanent or temporary structure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Hunter George William
  • Publication number: 20120237290
    Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling a first rotating part and a second rotating part includes a first rotating part comprising a first mounting flange having a first shoulder and a first axis and a second rotating part comprising a second mounting flange having a second shoulder and a second axis, the first flange and the second flange configured to secure the joint assembly. It also includes a cylindrical inner surface disposed in the second shoulder. It further includes a centering flange disposed on the first shoulder, the centering flange having a first length and disposed about the first axis; the centering flange having an axially extending non-contact section and an axially coextending contact section that is disposed within and extends radially outwardly from the noncontact section, the contact section having an annular convexly curved outer surface disposed about the first axis and a second length substantially smaller than the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith A. Kozlowski, Sergio Molinar
  • Publication number: 20120219358
    Abstract: A joint assembly for securing flanges of two casings comprising a plurality of bolts, a plurality of collars and a plurality of nuts. Each bolt extends through an aperture in the first flange and an aperture in the second flange, each collar being arranged around a shank of a respective bolt and each nut being secured on a respective one of the bolts. Each collar being arranged between one of the flanges and a nut or a head of a bolt. Each collar comprises a first member and a second member, the second member being arranged at a first end of the first member. The second member being substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the second member having first and second radially inner ends and a radially outer mid portion and an axial space is defined between the first radially inner end and the second radially inner end of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Julian M. REED
  • Publication number: 20110311305
    Abstract: A transfer device includes a first portion having a first portion flange and a second portion having a second portion flange. The device also includes one or more isolating members disposed at least partially within the second portion flange and at least partially between the first portion flange and the second portion flange, the one or more isolating members electrically isolating the first portion from the second portion. The device also includes a fastener passing through one of the one or more isolating members, the first portion flange and the second portion flange and holding the first portion flange and the second portion flange in a fixed relationship to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Nicholas Simon Graham
  • Patent number: 8079773
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine engine casing. A first casing section is positioned radially outward from a turbine engine. The first casing includes a first flange having an outer end portion, an inner end portion, and a body therebetween. At least a portion of the outer end portion has a partial frusto-conical cross-sectional profile. A second casing section including a second flange is positioned adjacent the first casing section such that a mating surface of the second flange is positioned substantially flush against a first flange mating surface. Each respective mating surface is opposite a respective load-bearing surface. A fastener is inserted through an opening in the first and second flanges to couple casing sections together such that a portion of a load-bearing surface extending over the first flange outer end portion facilitates distributing loading induced therein substantially equally across the load bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lee Alan Blanton
  • Patent number: 8033581
    Abstract: A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Salco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Christian Crouse
  • Patent number: 8016512
    Abstract: A fastener system with a coaxial annular flange (14) having through holes (16), each serving to pass a screw (17) for screwing into an associated tapped hole (16) in the wall (2) of a stationary structure. Each through hole (16) has a circularly cylindrical distal segment (16a) followed by an enlarged proximal segment (16b) adjacent to the wall (2) of the stationary structure, allowing the shank (19) of the screw to bend and enabling a corresponding lateral offset (D). This prevents the screw (17) rupturing under high shear forces due to accidental destruction of a vacuum pump rotor while rotating at full speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Rainer Mathes, Olivier Dauvillier, Eric Dulac, André Bouille, Christian Savry
  • Patent number: 7993103
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one wind turbine blade. The blade includes a blade root portion. The assembly also includes at least one blade root hub fitting coupled to the blade root portion. The blade root hub fitting is configured to couple to a rotatable hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Ralph Cairo
  • Patent number: 7950868
    Abstract: A modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Omar M. Kabir, Kent Pearl
  • Patent number: 7938631
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for coupling a pump to existing piping in a pump station such as a sewage or other suitable pump station. The adapter features a stand inlet adapter plate for coupling to one coupling of the existing piping; a pump adapter plate for coupling to a first port of the pump; and a clamp ring for coupling to the stand inlet adapter plate so as to allow the pump to be freely rotated a full 360° degrees if necessary in order to align another coupling of the existing piping to a second port of the pump, the stand inlet adapter plate being tightened and locked to the clamp ring after the pump is aligned for fastening the one coupling of the existing piping to the first port of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Lisi, Michael Dumas
  • Publication number: 20110097142
    Abstract: A weld rivet joint between one or more components and a base component is provided. The one or more components have a hole through which a weld rivet having a head projects with its shank. The shank is welded to the surface of the base component by its end face and is plastically deformed. The weld rivet has a shank that is shorter than its head diameter, and in a transition region between head and shank a continuous annular recess is provided for the accommodation of material displaced in the riveting process and/or for tolerance compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Juergen Bassler, Tycho Eulenstein, Rudolf Reinhardt, Heiko Steinmetz, Alexander Theierl, Bernhard Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7926225
    Abstract: Joint element for a pneumatic structural element (1) according to the prior art, comprising a sleeve (2), a compression member (3), two tension members (4) and two spherical caps (5). In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps (5) such that an opening (10) accommodates the spherical cap (5). The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element (1), the compressive forces being absorbed by the compression member (3) and the tensile forces being absorbed by the tension members (4). The joint element has holes (12) for fastening the compression member (3) with a screw (15), on the one hand, and holes (11) for accommodating the tension members (4), on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Prospective Concepts AG
    Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
  • Patent number: 7874759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling (1) for a ship propulsion system to be arranged between a first shaft section (3) and a second shaft section (5) of a propeller shaft, comprising a first radial surface (17) facing a second radial surface (19), said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are transversal to the axial extension of the first and second shaft section (3, 5), wherein said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are connectable into an axially engaged condition and disconnectable into an axially disengaged condition, wherein said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are rotationally secured relative to each other in said axially engaged condition by means of at least one shear-carrying element (27) seated in opposite recesses (23, 25) arranged in the first radial surface (17) and the second radial surface (19), respectively, taking up shear forces directed substantially parallel to said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19), each of said opposite recesses (23, 25) comprises
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Marinvest Engineering AB
    Inventor: Bo Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 7815390
    Abstract: A rivet or screw connection, comprising: a first component having a first through-opening; a second component having a second through-opening; and a rivet or screw having shank, wherein the first and second through-openings are arranged and penetrated by the shank of the rivet or screw, the rivet or screw comprises a rivet head, screw head or nut on both sides of the through-openings, having a diameter larger than diameters of the through-openings, and at least the first component comprises a pot-like recess near the rivet or screw extending towards the second component, on whose base the first through-opening is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schmelz, Eric Zimmermann, Marko Hermann
  • Publication number: 20100240274
    Abstract: A joint assembly and a tub assembly for a battery bath. The joint assembly has a seal that extends between a first flange of a first section and a second flange of a second section. The seal sealing a gap defined between the first and second flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Wirtz Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton J. Paterson, John O. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 7793981
    Abstract: A main beam of a container semi-trailer provided with the joint, and the connecting method thereof. The joint is used to connect a main beam and has a first connecting plate connected to the main beam; a second and a third connecting plate secured to the same side of the first connecting plate and spaced apart to each other; and a fourth connecting plate slantingly connected between the second and third connecting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd, CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liangfu Xie, Xiya Li, Zhuoan Wu, You Gong
  • Patent number: 7775500
    Abstract: A modular forming system with nesting brackets between associated stacked modular panels to join modular panels when stacked. As a part of the forming system, a modular panel is described having a forming member with a plurality of studs affixed to the non-forming surface, and a plurality of stiff-back structures affixed in a spaced-apart relationship to the plurality of studs. Each stiff-back structure includes a lower bracket having a slot therein and an upper lifting bracket having a lifting member adapted to slidably engage the slot in a lower bracket of an associated stacked panel arranged above the modular panel, and allowing the engaged brackets to be removably joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Shaw Acquistion Corporation
    Inventor: Neil A. Vegsund
  • Patent number: 7766574
    Abstract: A fastener system is configured to fasten together at least two parts, one of which includes at least one flange that is caused to bear against a surface of the other part by a plurality of pins each presenting a collar having a non-circular outline. The collar is received in a groove formed in a bearing surface of one of the parts, and is designed to prevent the pins from turning by abutment against a wall, wherein the outline of each collar includes two substantially opposite plane surfaces that serve as mutual abutments against two adjacent collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Maffre
  • Patent number: 7744344
    Abstract: Vanes are generally hollow with a passage through which service pipes extend. These service pipes must be connected such that they can allow for thermal expansion and contraction but also anti rotation features are needed in order to prevent damage when a supply coupling is connected through a pipe end. This anti-rotation feature is generally provided between a top hat and a pipe end through flanges. In order to allow reduced spacing between the top of the vane and a casing the flanges are arranged to allow at least recessing of a first flange into a passage opening profile whereby those flanges inter-engage with second flanges at a surface interface to prevent rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Steven M Hillier, William Richards
  • Publication number: 20100129222
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for connecting drive shafts of a wind turbine including a rotor having a rotor shaft and a hub, and a gearbox having a gearbox input shaft is provided. The connection arrangement includes a first shaft connection means having a recessed portion arranged at the rotor shaft symmetrically to the axis of the rotor shaft, a second shaft connection means having a protruding portion arranged symmetrically to the axis of the gearbox input shaft, wherein the protruding portion of the second shaft connection means engages with the recessed portion of the first shaft connection means, and a fixing means for fixing the protruding portion of the first shaft connection means at the recessed portion of the second shaft connection means. A frictionally engaged connection is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Edwin Hidding, Christian Becker, Yvo Blokhuis, Scott Thomason
  • Patent number: 7699556
    Abstract: A Bolted Flanged Connection (BFC) includes “negative creep” bolts with cores manufactured from Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and “negative creep” gasket manufactured from the same SMA. The gasket is shape-memorized to the “swelling”, and bolt cores are shape-memorized to the compression. Temperature interval of reverse martensitic phase transformation of SMA is close to operational temperature interval of the assembly. The constrained shape recovery of the gasket and bolt cores is combined with inverse flexion flange design that constitutes original type of BFC with feature to inhibit flange rotation and creep of bolts and gasket under conditions of a variety of operational temperatures and internal pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Anatoly Efremov
  • Patent number: 7653979
    Abstract: A bullet trap is disclosed which is formed without intervening sidewalls to enable cross-shooting and the like with reduced risk or ricochet or damage to the bullet trap. Furthermore, the bullet trap can be configured in a variety of ways to eliminate the need for facing plates while providing a removable attachment mechanism, to enable repair on the trap, to reduce bullet adhesion to the trap and to provide improved containment of lead and improved access to the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Action Target Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Bateman, Thomas Marshall
  • Patent number: 7644962
    Abstract: A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Salco Products Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Christian Crouse
  • Publication number: 20090311040
    Abstract: A drive plate for connecting the housing of a coupling device, especially a hydrodynamic torque converter, to a drive element such as a flexplate fixed to a drive shaft, wherein the drive plate has a substantially disk-shaped drive plate body formed from sheet metal. A first coupling formation is formed in a radially outer area of the drive plate body, the first coupling formation including a plurality of circumferentially spaced first axial elevations for connecting to a drive element. A second coupling formation is formed in a radially inner area of the drive plate body for connecting to the housing of a coupling element. A test drive formation is formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced second axial elevations on the drive plate body, each second axial elevation having an essentially flat axially facing end surface and a pair of circumferentially facing lateral surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Carsten Zuehl, Michael Scordino, Juraj Cuperka, Bernd Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20090297261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system of assembling together two rotary parts by means of flanges, said flanges forming a cylindrical passage of diameter D1 and of length L1. In characteristic manner, the system comprises: a bolt having a head and a shank that presents a first segment and a second segment that is threaded, said first segment presenting a maximum diameter D2 that is greater than D1; and a nut of thread suitable for co-operating with the threaded second segment and presenting a plane first face suitable for bearing against the outside face of the second flange, whereby the first segment is caused to engage tightly in the cylindrical passage and the two parts are secured to each other by tightening the nut on the threaded second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Claude Marcel MONS
  • Patent number: 7544008
    Abstract: A flanged connection and a method of fixing a gas-filled spring in a machine tool. The flanged connection includes an upper flange half and a lower flange half that can be joined together, each having a through-opening intended to receive the gas-filled spring, and a locking ring intended to secure the gas-filled spring by insertion into a groove of complementary design around the gas-filled spring and fixing between the flange halves. The locking ring is supplemented by a fixing element designed to apply a clamping force around the gas-filled spring when joining the flange halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Mårten Johansson, Leif Lundahl, Per Nordvall, Zoltan Pap, Marcus Cronholm
  • Patent number: 7530757
    Abstract: A rotor coupling having insulated structure which can assuredly prevent galvanic corrosion of beating members, rotors and the like which is caused by shaft voltage, is provided in a shaft system that requires insulation. A generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine. The rotor coupling having insulated structure is employed in power generating equipment in which a generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine, a generator rotor and a rotating machinery rotor are connected, a first grounding electrode is provided to the steam turbine rotor, and a second grounding electrode is provided to the generator rotor, wherein both the rotors between the generator and the steam turbine are connected in an electrically insulated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Toda, Haruo Ishisaka, Yoshiyuki Morii
  • Patent number: 7520693
    Abstract: A connection joint employs a first piece defining a protruding boss and a threaded hole. A second piece resides over the first piece and has a through hole that corresponds to the boss and aligns with the hole in the first piece. A bevel at the end of the second piece is utilized to initially contact the boss during installation of the second piece over the first piece. The second piece biases and then snaps into place to permit a tight and secured fit of the second piece on the first piece. A third piece that lies upon the second piece, the third piece defining a third hole that is aligned with the first and second holes. In aligning the hole of the third piece with that of the first and second, the third piece may abut the boss. A threaded screw through the holes holds the three pieces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Reben Werman, Takahira Kato
  • Patent number: 7520492
    Abstract: A handrail joint assembly has a mounting disc and plug-in portion. The plug-in portion is fitted with pin holes that align with the through-hole for threading of the pin. A ring cover is externally placed onto the mounting disc. The plug-in portion is formed by the extended and folded flange of the joint, which has an internal flange, an external flange and a terminal flange, such that the pin hole of plug-in portion can penetrate the internal and external flanges. The joint is fabricated from stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiao Lai
  • Patent number: 7500456
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel non-splined shaft for connecting cam units (cam sections) in a series to construct a camshaft having zero degree backlash for use within an engine. Such engines typically use a camshaft comprised of a plurality of separate camshaft units (cam sections) which are connected in a series by one or more cam connecting shafts. The entire series of camshaft units and cam connecting shafts may be, for example, 40 feet in length. Examples of natural gas engines in which the cam connecting shafts described herein may be used include, but are not limited to, the INGERSOLL-RAND KVR and KVT series of engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Horton
  • Publication number: 20090028634
    Abstract: In bolted joints having a plurality of bolts, the receiving bores for the bolts in the parts to be joined are usually made by joint boring of the bolt eyes of these parts. In cases in which this approach is not possible, an offset of the bolt bores arises. The proposed solution is intended to compensate for this offset during the assembly of the parts. In order to bring about this compensation, slotted eccentric bushings are inserted into the finished-size bores of the bolt eyes, which bores respectively receive a bolt, and are adjustable by rotation such that the axes of their inner bores coincide, so that the bolt is insertable which establishes the joint. This solution is suitable for all bolted joints having a plurality of bolts, in which the parts to be joined cannot be jointly bored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Steinke
  • Publication number: 20090015010
    Abstract: Each of ridges 7 on respective opposite side surfaces of a gasket 4 has a trapezoidal cross sectional shape defined by an outer tapered face 7a providing an outer peripheral surface, an inner tapered face 7b providing an inner peripheral surface and a flat face 7c providing a top end surface. The hardness of the gasket 4, the angle between the tapered faces 7a, 7b of the ridge 7, the height of the ridge 7 and the area of the flat top end face 7c of the ridge are so determined that the value of thrust for tightening up the coupling is between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shigeru Itoi, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Kenji Tsubota, Tadanobu Yoshida, Susumu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7431349
    Abstract: A releasable connection arrangement includes a first component, which has a collar projecting radially outwards with a first clamping surface and a first bearing surface and a socket disposed at an open end of a second component for retaining the collar by gripping round it axially. A second bearing surface is formed in the socket to co-operate with the first bearing surface. A groove is formed either in the first or in the second bearing surface to receive a seal. A second clamping surface is formed in the socket at an axial distance from the second bearing surface in which a number of ring wedge-shaped tensioning members are distributed over the circumference and are disposed such that first wedge surfaces abut the first clamping surface and second wedge surfaces abut the second clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Holter Regelarmaturen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Muller, Matthias Wangemann
  • Patent number: 7374137
    Abstract: A directional support structure for use with solar panels, flat satellite antennas, and the like items that are directed toward a point in space. The support structure includes a mounting plate with an extension tube extending outwardly therefrom, pivotally secured to a mounting bracket permitting rotational azimuth alignment of the mounting plate. At least one locking turnbuckle is attached between the extension tube and the mounting bracket to provide locking and vertical adjustable alignment of the mounting plate. The base member includes an attached first flange positioned along an upper end of the base member, an attached flaring positioned on the lower end of the mounting bracket, and an unattached second flange positioned over the flaring, securable to the first flange with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Staney
  • Patent number: 7361092
    Abstract: A flange member is disclosed for a balance assembly that includes a first rotating element coupled to a second rotating element. The flange member includes a main body exhibiting a predetermined imbalance vector when rotated about an axis of rotation. The flange member also includes a plurality of fastener apertures for attaching one of the first and second rotation elements to the main body. Angular spacing between each of the fastener apertures is substantially equal but for one fastener aperture, such that angular spacing is greater to one side of the one fastener aperture, and such that angular spacing is less to another side of the one fastener aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Roger P Pawlowski, Jeff Orzechowski
  • Patent number: 7334960
    Abstract: An attachment device for coupling one or more removable turbine components to a carrier of a turbine engine. The attachment device may include a securement structure rotatable about an axis of rotation and including one or more arms for grasping an arm extending from a support structure. A fastener may extend from the support structure and be inserted into a fastener receiving recess in the securement structure for preventing the securement structure from rotating and becoming disengaged from the support structure. The attachment device may also include a fastener retaining device for preventing the fastener, which may be a threaded bolt, from becoming disengaged from the attachment device, traveling downstream in a turbine, and damaging a turbine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Glessner, Stefan Dahlke, Robert O. Nicosia, Ricardo F. Moraes
  • Patent number: 7296827
    Abstract: A releasable connection arrangement that includes, a first component, which has a collar projecting radially outwards with a first clamping surface and a first bearing surface and a socket disposed at an open end of a second component for retaining the collar by gripping round it axially. A second bearing surface is formed in the socket to co-operate with the first bearing surface. A groove is formed either in the first or in the second bearing surface to receive a seal. A second clamping surface is formed in the socket at an axial distance from the second bearing surface in which a number of ring wedge-shaped tensioning members which are distributed over the circumference and are disposed such that first wedge surfaces abut the first clamping surface and second wedge surfaces abut the second clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Holter Regelarmaturen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Muller, Matthias Wangemann
  • Patent number: 7281695
    Abstract: A pivotable suspension element includes a support member having a part-spherical bearing surface clamp element and a body portion, the body portion having an integral formation of a slot to receive a part of a component to which the pivotable suspension element may be secured; a locator formation for the clamp element whereby, in use, the clamp element may be operated to clamp a flange in the slot; a part-spherical seat, and a through-passage extending through the body from the part-spherical seat, wherein the curvature of the part-spherical seat of the body portion corresponds substantially with that of the bearing surface of the support member and wherein the cross-sectional size of the through-passage increases in a direction away from the part-spherical seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Access Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Edward Jordan
  • Patent number: 7278799
    Abstract: A hub for removable mounting onto a shaft uses a locking ring having an inner diameter that surrounds the shaft and frictionally engages the shaft to fix the locking ring against the shaft axially and rotationally, a first annular hub component that is mounted to the locking ring, and a second annular hub component that is mounted to the first annular hub component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Grape, Anthony C. Kocienski
  • Patent number: 7213999
    Abstract: A threaded fastener has opposite hand threads provided thereon for securing two components together, such as a companion flange and a flange yoke assembly that is used in a vehicular drive train system. The companion flange includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve portion and a disc-shaped flange portion having an aperture formed therethrough. The flange yoke includes a disc-shaped flange portion and a yoke portion having an aperture formed therethrough. The flange yoke aperture is aligned with the companion flange aperture. A threaded fastener extends through the companion flange aperture and the flange yoke aperture. The threaded fastener includes a first threaded portion having a first hand that is disposed within the companion flange aperture. The threaded fastener further includes a second threaded portion having a second hand that is disposed within the flange yoke aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: David L. Haas
  • Patent number: 7201529
    Abstract: A retaining device is designed to retain a portion of an assembly device. The portion of the assembly device is released during failure of the assembly device. The retaining device includes a fixed part, a mobile part capable of sliding with respect to the fixed part, a housing, formed with both the fixed part and the mobile part, a return device, which can be compressed during a parts assembly operation. The return device can be relaxed when the assembly device fails, which causes sliding of the mobile part with respect to the fixed part, such that the portion of the assembly device is retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventor: Pascal M. D. Lejeune
  • Patent number: 7198465
    Abstract: A casing of a hydraulic machine such as a gas turbine is formed as a horizontally split type flangeless casing. The flangeless casing consists of an upper casing and a lower casing joined together at joint faces and fastened by fastening bolts. The fastening bolt has a screw thread which engages the threaded hole on the joint face of the lower casing. A bolt hole having an internal screw thread and through which the fastening bolt passes is provided in the upper casing. A sleeve having an external screw thread is fitted into the bolt hole of the upper casing by engaging the external screw of the sleeve with the internal sleeve of the bolt hole. An enlarged diameter portion is formed on a shaft of the fastening bolt at the portion where the enlarged diameter portion abuts an upper end face of the sleeve when the fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded hole in the lower casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Taku Ichiryu
  • Patent number: 7156575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaft-hub connection having an attachment flange and a clamping element, particularly a clamping ring, attachable thereto, by means of which the shaft end assigned to the attachment flange may be friction-locked to the attachment flange, with an interposed bushing which receives a slip torque. The present invention is based on the object of refining a device of the type initially cited in such a way that the lifetime of the attached components in the drivetrain is increased. This object is achieved according to the present invention in that the bushing is designed in multiple parts in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Atec-Weiss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Weiss, Patrice Millet, Rudolf Scheithauer
  • Patent number: 7121758
    Abstract: A joint assembly 80 is provided for limiting an extension of the joint 80 in the direction of a load path derived from an impact comprising. In its simplest form, the joint 80 comprises a first member 40 having a portion 82 and a second member 50 having a portion 84, the portions 82, 84 overlapping one another and arranged generally parallel to one another and secured together via securing means 78. The securing means 78 is disposed through corresponding holes 92, 94 defined by portions 82 and 84. At least one of the overlapping portions 82 or 84 further defines, sequentially in the direction of extension a pocket 102. The securing means 78 comprises a deformable member 152, 178 and at least one of the overlapping portions 82, 84 comprises a wedge-shaped portion 74.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Alison J McMillan, Kevin A White
  • Patent number: 7056053
    Abstract: A two-piece washer to allow tilting movement of the washer elements. One annular washer element includes a convex annular surface that engages with a concave annular surface of a second annular washer element. When the convex and concave surfaces of the respective washer elements are placed in face-to-face engagement, the elements of the two-piece washer can pivot relative to each other. When utilized in a bolted connection, such two-piece washers can allow shifting of the bolted components relative to each other without imposing bending loads on the connecting bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jan Christopher Schilling, James Edward Gutknecht
  • Patent number: 7051695
    Abstract: A valve cover fastener includes a bolt including an elongated threaded rod and a bolt head. The rod has a bottom end and a top end. The bolt head is integrally coupled to the top end. A nut is threadably coupled to the rod such that the nut is positioned between the bolt head and the bottom end of the rod. The bottom end of the bolt may be extended through a valve cover and a gasket and threadably coupled to an engine block so that the nut abuts the gasket. A spring is positioned on the bolt. The spring has a generally frusto-conical shape. An upper end of the spring has a smaller diameter than the bolt head. The upper end abuts the bolt head and the lower end abuts the gasket such that the spring biases the gasket away from the bolt head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Albert L. Kowis
  • Patent number: 7037065
    Abstract: An arrangement for cooling or heating of a flange bolt for turbines comprises one or more boreholes, that extend through the bolt, and inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to each end of the borehole. A cooling or heating medium such as air, steam or any other fluid flows through an inlet pipe into and through the borehole thereby cooling or heating the bolt, and exits from the borehole via an outlet pipe. The cooling or heating arrangement enables direct cooling or heating of the bolt itself and ensures stable bolting forces throughout the operation of the turbine. The flange bolts with this arrangement may be applied to gas turbines or steam turbines operated at elevated steam temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology LTD
    Inventor: Martin Reigl
  • Patent number: 7001097
    Abstract: A joint assembly for joining first and second tubular members. The first member has flanges extending from walls of an end segment. The walls of the end segment define a receiving opening. The second member has walls and a protrusion having sides extending from the walls to an end of the protrusion. When the members are joined the protrusion is received in the opening of the end segment so that the sides of the protrusion are in facing engagement with the walls of the end segment and the flanges engage the walls of the second member. The members are secured together at some of the engaging surfaces. The protrusion reduces stress on the flanges and increases the mechanical strength of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Peter C. Sun, Kenneth R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6974275
    Abstract: A bicycle component assembly is provided that includes a mounting member and a component attachment member coupled together via at least one locking member and at least a pair of fasteners. The locking member is mounted between the component attachment member and the heads of the fasteners. The locking member includes a pair of attachment portions with holes extending between contact surfaces and frictionally treated engagement surfaces of the attachment portions. A connecting section extends between the engagement portions of the locking member. The frictionally treated engagement surfaces are textured surfaces and/or coated with a frictional material. The head portions of the fasteners abut the contact surfaces to press the locking member against the component attachment member. Preferably, the attachment portions have flange sections that are bent to prevent rotation of the fasteners. Optionally, the connecting portion of the locking member can include a frictionally treated engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nago, Keiji Matsueda