Thimble: Screw Or Cam Patents (Class 403/342)
  • Patent number: 10533612
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft comprises a shaft unit interposed between first and second shafts; an engaged portion provided on one end of the second shaft and having an annular stepped part provided between a smaller diameter portion and a larger diameter portion; and an engaging portion provided on one end of the shaft unit and joinable with the engaged portion to rotate together about a common rotation axis, wherein the engaging portion comprises a cylindrical base portion that rotates together with the shaft unit, an elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion that is provided on one axial end of the cylindrical base portion to project toward the engaged portion and catching pawls that are provided by the elastically shrinkable cylindrical portion and latchingly engageable with the annular stepped part when the engaged portion and the engaging portion are coaxially arranged and joined with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Yasutomo Mabe
  • Patent number: 10241290
    Abstract: An optical mount system that may be adjusted by a variety of devices and methods. In some cases, a post collar assembly may be configured to engage a collar coupling surface of a post holder body such that the post collar engages the collar coupling surface in indexed and predetermined angular positions. In some cases, a base of a post holder body may be configured to accept a secondary base element in the form of a mounting adapter which may be releasably secured the base to provide additional stiffness for the mounting of the base to a reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NEWPORT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Nguyen, James Fisher, Rick Sebastian
  • Patent number: 9586327
    Abstract: A robotic medical system that includes a quick-connect/disconnect feature to facilitate the connecting and disconnecting of a robotic medical arm to and from a set-up arm is disclosed. The robotic medical system includes a robotic medical arm including an interface having a downward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. The system further includes a set-up arm including an interface having an upward-oriented hook located at an upper portion thereof, and an electrical connector located at a lower portion thereof. To connect the robotic medical arm to the set-up arm, a user links the downward-oriented hook to the upward-oriented hook, and pivots the robotic medical arm until the respective electrical connectors mate with each other. To disconnect the robotic medical arm from the set-up arm, a user pivots the robotic medical arm to disconnect the electrical connectors, and then de-links the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 9474554
    Abstract: A cross connector assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the cross connector is configured to engage a pair of rods in a spinal implant assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross connector assembly includes at least one elongated top member having a pair of hooked-shaped ends and a pair of sliding members configured to slideably engage the at least one elongated top member. The cross connector may further include an upper fastener and a lower fastener engaged with the upper fastener configured to translate upon rotation of the upper fastener and engage the sliding members, biasing them from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Lee A. Strnad
  • Publication number: 20150003903
    Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to mount an elastomer band in a mounting groove around a semiconductor substrate support used for supporting a semiconductor substrate in a plasma processing chamber, which includes an installation unit having a top ring, a clamp ring, and a base ring, and upon tightening of the top ring onto the base ring, the elastomer band is clamped between the clamp ring and the base ring, and a clamping surface adapted to release the elastomer band on at least one of a lower surface of the clamp ring and/or an upper surface of the base ring. A latch and release mechanism, which releases the elastomer band into the mounting groove by declamping the elastomer band from between the clamp ring and the base ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Neal Newton
  • Publication number: 20140348579
    Abstract: A fall-off preventing structure of a propeller shaft does not allow a companion flange to be completely pulled off and dropped from a spline shaft when a nut loosens and comes off. In the propeller shaft, a round shaft part is provided on a front end of the spline shaft, a length of a threaded part of the spline shaft front end side on which the nut is screwed and the round shaft part is set longer than a length from a front end portion of the companion flange to a seat surface of the nut, and a total length of the length of the threaded part and the round shaft part and a length from the front end portion of the companion flange to the seat surface of the nut is set longer than the tolerable slide amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Yohei Ono
  • Patent number: 8870489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 1?) for the rotationally fixed connection of a drive-effective pin (3) of a gearbox to an articulated body (2) of a drive coupling of a drive shaft. In order to allow cost-effective and compact production and in order to simplify assembly and disassembly, the invention provides for the pin (3) and the articulated body (2) of the drive coupling to have respective mutually corresponding external axial toothings (11) and internal axial toothings (8) which are able to mesh with one another, and for an axial securing of the articulated body (2) and the pin (3) to be made possible by an axially displaceable bushing (12) arranged on the pin (3), which bushing (12) can be attached to a connecting portion (4) of the articulated body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: IFA-Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Langer, John Sherlock
  • Publication number: 20140161515
    Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft is provided. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves affects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves without excessively straining the material of the sleeves or the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Heston, Jeremy Bigler, Eric S. Mosser, Francis B. Fatato
  • Publication number: 20140105678
    Abstract: A coupler includes a first hollow sleeve, a plurality of tapered clamps and a second hollow sleeve. The first hollow sleeve is formed with a first inner threaded portion on the inner face of one end while the other end thereof a tapered face. The diameter of tapered face increases toward the first inner threaded portion. The outer face of each tapered clamp is formed with a second tapered face, which contacts the first tapered face. The inner face of each tapered clamp has a plurality of teeth conforming to one end portion of the first bar. One end of the second hollow sleeve is formed with a first outer threaded portion and the first outer threaded portion conforms to the first inner threaded portion. The second hollow sleeve is formed with a second inner threaded portion, which matches a second outer threaded portion of the second bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: SU-I LIM
  • Publication number: 20140076603
    Abstract: A screw retaining mechanism includes a hollow stud and a nut is matched with the hollow stud. The hollow stud has a plurality of elastic plates extending from a free end thereof and along a peripheral wall thereof An opening is located between two adjacent elastic plates. An inner wall of the nut has a plurality of tubers protruding in the axial direction to match into the opening. The elastic plate defines a first side face and a second side face opposite to the first side face. Said first side face is used to guide the tubers into the opening and the second side face prevent the tuber fall off from the stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XUE-YUAN XIAO, ZHANG-LAN XUE, ZI-QIANG ZHU
  • Publication number: 20140050522
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Lowell Slaughter, JR., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max Allen Metcalf
  • Patent number: 8550742
    Abstract: An anti-unlock screw device (100) for connector designed to maintain the connection between two connection elements (1, 2), includes a cylindrical sleeve (101) provided with a row of saw-tooth notches (105) arranged on an internal circumference of a rear portion. The device also has an internal ring (106) mounted in the rear portion of the cylindrical sleeve so that it can be positioned between the cylindrical sleeve and the first connection element, the internal ring including at least one catch (107) capable of cooperating with the saw-tooth notches of the cylindrical sleeve. A blocking device (110, 111, 112, 113) keeps the internal ring fixed relatively to the cylindrical sleeve in a first sense of rotation (V) and inversely keeps the internal ring free in rotation relatively to the cylindrical sleeve in a second sense of rotation (DV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Souriau
    Inventor: Serge Leroyer
  • Patent number: 8083430
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 7997990
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint collet connector includes an outer joint part having outer ball tracks, an inner joint part having inner ball tracks, a cage and a plurality of balls. The inner joint part is articulately secured in a rotationally fast way to the outer joint part with the plurality of balls held in the cage. The inner joint part includes a front portion, an inner bore, a collet extension and at least one slot. The collet extension extends from the inner ball tracks to the front portion of the inner joint part. The slot extends into the collet extension from the front portion between an outer surface and the inner bore of the inner joint part, wherein the collet extension of the inner joint part is compressible for selective attachment to a journal shaft of a supplied drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Hahn, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 7867099
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement between a shaft journal (2), which is mounted so as to be axially fixed with respect to a unit, and a joint part (10) which can be pivotably attached to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed manner. A shaft nut (5) having an internal thread (6) which can be screwed onto an external thread (4) of the shaft journal, is provided with an additional external thread (8) onto which a further nut (12) can be screwed via a counter-thread (21) to produce an axially acting interlocking connection (13) between the further nut (12) and the joint part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Szentmihalyi, Mathias Lutz, Ewald Baechle
  • Publication number: 20100329776
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (120) for clamping a first member (108) to a second member (104), the assembly comprising: a first tubular portion (126) comprising first and second threads (130, 132), the first thread (130) being suitable for engagement with a third thread (134) provided on the second member; and a second tubular portion (128) comprising a fourth thread (136), the fourth thread being configured for engagement with the second thread (132) of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion being configured so as to clamp the first member to the second member; wherein the first and second threads are orientated in the same direction and the thread pitch of the first thread is different to the thread pitch of the second thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. DURLING
  • Publication number: 20100133812
    Abstract: Fittings are provided for use with different types of tubing. One such fitting includes a gripping member having a sharp tube indenting edge that provides a seal between the tube gripping member and the tube. Another such fitting includes a tube gripping member having a body indenting edge that provides a seal between the tube gripping member and a fitting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, George A. Carlson, Andrew P. Marshall, Mark A. Clason, Mark A. Bennett, Jeffrey M. Rubinski, Mark D. Bearer, Dale C. Arstein
  • Patent number: 7722090
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved luer fitting connector, in one embodiment, has a luer fitting connector including a male or female luer fitting member and a locking member. The locking member may have at least one of a skeletal handle, a finlike handle, a cavity grip, and an undulating grip. The luer fitting connector also may include a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. A method of assembly of luer fitting connector members may include providing a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and providing a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. The method also may include mounting the locking member upon the male or female luer fitting member from the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignees: Cook Incorporated, Sabin Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Burton, Scott K. Philhower, Nicholas J. Ely
  • Patent number: 7712994
    Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal which is axially secured, and a constant velocity universal joint whose inner joint part is engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided a threaded sleeve which is held so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part and which comprises a thread which can be threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Publication number: 20090245934
    Abstract: A bushing structure includes a base. A first hole is formed on the base. The bushing structure includes a supply member bushing installed inside the first hole of the base. An opening is formed on the supply member bushing for sheathing a shaft of a supply member. At least one groove is formed on an inner wall neighboring to the opening of the supply member bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Lung Han
  • Patent number: 7451930
    Abstract: An optical cell mount and a corresponding method of mounting an optical cell comprising inserting into the optical cell an adjustable nut portion comprising an upper section threaded on the outside and a lower section threaded on the inside and rounded on the bottom exterior thereof, contacting with the adjustable nut portion a seating portion for receiving the lower section, and securing the adjustable nut portion with a set screw portion having threading corresponding to that of the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Neff
  • Patent number: 7108063
    Abstract: Improved sucker rod joints for down hole petroleum pumping applications are provided within the form factor of standard API sucker rods, such that existing inventory in suitable condition is fully usable in more demanding applications. The pin ends are selected or processed such as to provide preselected axial distance between a flat pin end and at least one reference surface, such as a threaded region or reference shoulder or both. The coupler is dimensioned such that the pin ends are in abutment either with each other or with opposite sides of an intervening torque washer in the central region, when the connection is made to a selected level of thread engagement. Furthermore, the engagement is such as to put the pin ends in compression and the coextensive length of coupler in tension. This increases frictional restraints and locks the elements together to resist fatigue failure upon cycling and to insure together with an anaerobic adhesive sealant, against back threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 7086801
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for enabling fixing of a body structure member and a structure member. The coupling arrangement includes, at least two threaded tubes provided one in either end portion of a passage through a housing. The housing is fixed attachable in relation to the structure members and includes a threaded passage, wherein a threaded bolt is arranged through the passage. The threaded bolt is adapted to connect the body structure member and the structure member in a coupling position, from which coupling position the threaded bolt, via inserts, enables adjusting operation of the threaded tubes in opposite directions along the threaded bolt. Thus, the threaded tubes are adjustable to a respective fixed position by screwing the threaded bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Swahn, Tom Stoddart
  • Patent number: 6332619
    Abstract: A chuck for use with power tools to interchangeably accept and hold tools, such as wood or other cutting tools, especially router bits, of simple, lightweight design, improving manufacturing and assembly techniques, providing significant tool holding torque are disclosed. A method for connecting chucks, shafts and similarly threaded surfaces is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: J. P. Walsh/J. P. Marmo Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: John L. DeRosa
  • Patent number: 5733137
    Abstract: A threaded rod is fitted to a plug-in assembly which can be inserted into a mounting rack, which threaded rod is aligned in the insertion direction and becomes operatively connected to a motor-driven threaded nut during insertion. The first thread pitches are designed such that the rod and nut latch on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Knoop
  • Patent number: 5599131
    Abstract: A belt fastener having an upper plate and a lower plate with holes which align with holes in a pair of belt ends, and bolts are inserted through the aligned holes of the plates and the belt ends, and nuts screwed onto the bolts, to connect the belt ends. A preassembled lower plate and bolt combination is provided in which bolts are retained in their respective lower plate apertures by washers disposed on the bolt shanks. The washers are disposed on the bolt shanks sufficiently close to the lower plate to maintain anti-rotational engagement of the bolts with the lower plate, and spaced sufficiently far from the lower plate to allow outward swinging of the bolts to an insertion position for insertion of the bolts through the belt holes in an outwardly swung position for subsequent drawing together of the bolt and belt ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Julen, Peter M. Ramsey, David F. Drabek, John H. Winkelman
  • Patent number: 5480253
    Abstract: Device for joining board-shaped elements into one unit with the board-shaped elements extending in a substantially parallel relationship to each other and internally separated by an intermediate gap, has a coupling list abutting adjacent parallel edge portions of the board-shaped elements with members extending towards and engaging with the edge portions. According to the invention, the coupling list includes at least one tension member extending from the side of the coupling list that abuts the edge portions of the board-shaped elements and the tension member is arranged to engage with at least one tightening element extending between the board-shaped elements which when manually rotated is arranged to impose a tightening force unto the tension member causing the coupling list to be pressed against the edge portions of the board-shaped elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Karl-Johan Ljungberg
  • Patent number: 5469931
    Abstract: The propeller shaft arrangement which connects a transmission with a differential gear of a vehicle includes a first propeller shaft segment connected to the transmission at one end thereof and a second propeller shaft segment connected to the differential gear at one end thereof. The first and second propeller shaft segments are made of aluminum. The other end of the second propeller shaft segment is connected with one end of a steel center bearing via art universal joint. Serrations are formed at the other end of the center bearing and at the other end of the first propeller shaft segment such that the serrations of the center bearing are engaged with those of the first propeller shaft segment and a locking nut is screwed down over the engaging serrations to join the first propeller shaft segment with the center bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Jidosha Buhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kawata, Yoichi Ebe, Harumichi Hino, Hidenobu Kawai
  • Patent number: 5385420
    Abstract: A threaded snap-fit coupling assembly is provided for use in attaching a handle to an implement, such as a paint brush, paint pad, light bulb changer, cleaning brush or the like. The assembly includes an adaptor provided with a cylindrical receptacle and a male fastening member that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in a threaded opening of the implement so that the adaptor may be connected to the implement. The assembly also includes a coupling provided with a first end that is retained on the handle, and a cylindrical male portion that is externally threaded and sized for threaded receipt in the opening of the implement and for sliding receipt within the receptacle of the adaptor. The coupling is retained on the adaptor via a snap-fit connection when the male portion of the coupling is received in the receptacle of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Sr., Robert D. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5356235
    Abstract: An extensible and retractable golf club is provided, including interior and exterior telescoping hollow shaft members slidably interconnected, a handle securely attached to the free end of the exterior shaft member, a club head securely attached to the free end of the interior shaft member, and a locking mechanism which temporarily maintains the two telescoping shaft members in a desired position relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes first and second pieces which are transferrable from an open position, wherein the two pieces are axially aligned and the two telescoping shaft members slidable relative to each other, to a closed position, wherein the two pieces are not axially aligned and the two telescoping shaft members are not slidable relative to each other. Transfer of the two pieces of the locking mechanism from the open to the closed position is accomplished by twisting the shaft members relative to each other less than one full revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: A. Gentry Brown, Ronald L. Wimmer
  • Patent number: 5308185
    Abstract: Two mechanical components are interconnected, for example, the two principal parts of a pedal rod by forming the clevis with a progressive die so that threaded portions are provided on opposite sides of an opening and are formed and shaped strictly by compression without rotation. The work piece is then folded so that the threaded portions are in register and the shaft part of the pedal rod is threaded in place and adjusted to take up the tolerances in the linkage. The two parts are locked together either by crimping, spot welding or by a lock nut, or by joining out of sync thread segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Laue
  • Patent number: 5261434
    Abstract: Combination umbrella and golf ball retriever comprised of a plurality of telescopically interconnected tubular members which are nested in the umbrella shaft and extended therefrom to form an elongated handle for the golf ball retriever. An annular locking collar surrounds the umbrella shaft and threadedly engages an annular support collar to mount the support collar fixedly to the upper end of the umbrella shaft. The inner ends of a plurality of canopy supporting ribs are mounted pivotally to the support collar. An annular sliding member surrounds the shaft and slides up and down the shaft to close and open the umbrella, the inner ends of a plurality of braces are mounted pivotally to the sliding collars and the outer ends of the braces are mounted pivotally intermediate the ends of the canopy supporting ribs. A golf ball retriever mounting tip is secured to the end of the golf ball retriever and a golf ball retriever is mounted removably to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Tech Sport, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Fodero
  • Patent number: 5259688
    Abstract: Quick-disconnect couplings for three-piece rotors in a two-rotor continuous mixer for plastic materials enable a main rotor section (or "main rotor body") of each rotor to be uncoupled from a drive journal located at one end of the main rotor section and a driven journal located at the other end of the main rotor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Farrel Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Piccolo, Sr., William H. Swilling, Jr., Michael R. Kearney, Douglas E. Mosher
  • Patent number: 5224788
    Abstract: A Direct Access Modular Binder containing one or more posts. Each post is comprised of two or more interconnected independent locking modules. These locking modules can easily be inserted or removed to change the length of the post to efficiently accommodate varying amounts of paper. The modules additionally function to permit direct access for insertion/removal of pages or modules anywhere along the post. The modules in the post may contain a telescoping feature. The module(s) containing a telescoping feature are optimally positioned at the end(s) of the post and fixedly attached to the post holding strips. The strips, which hold the posts' ends, may be hingedly attached to the front and back covers. The telescoping feature permits the binder to be automatically compacted (when not in use), for efficient storage, and temporarily expanded (when in use), to provide space for the user to insert/remove paper or modules. The modules which make up the post are easily locked and unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Anna B. Freed
  • Patent number: 5205701
    Abstract: A bundle of wiring and piping lines, for supplying a control signal and working a first arm from a control unit to a hand, passes through a first flexible pipe, one end of which is connected onto a fixing jig attached to a base unit and the other end of which is connected onto a second arm, a second flexible pipe, one end of which is connected onto the second arm and the other end of which is connected onto a hollow third arm, and the third arm. One end of the bundle is connected to the control unit and the other end thereof is connected to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kigami, Masateru Yasuhara, Katsumi Ishihara, Yasuhiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 5172447
    Abstract: An improved broom assembly comprises a head member having an integrally threaded handle receiving opening with a handle threadedly connected therein and including a locking adaptor for preventing inadvertent unthreading of the handle from the head member. The locking adaptor comprises a generally cylindrical collet body member formed independently of the head member and the handle and having a central opening through which the handle slidably extends. The collet body member further includes resilient finger portions extending axially from the body member along the handle in a direction away from the head member. A nut member is threadedly received on the collet body member for movement axially thereof and includes a tapered surface engageable with the finger portions for driving the finger portions radially inward into gripping engagement with the handle. Engagement tabs extend axially between the collet body member and the head member for preventing relative rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Erwin Tomm
  • Patent number: 5161278
    Abstract: An improved broom assembly comprises a head member having an internally threaded handle receiving opening formed therein with a handle connected with the head member by a manually releasable connector assembly positioned between the head member and a first end of the handle. The connector assembly includes an elongated, generally cylindrical connector body having a first end threadedly received in the handle receiving opening in the head member and a second end joined to the first end of the handle. A locking member having a generally annular shape is axially slidable on the connector body with a first end of the member having teeth-like protuberances extending toward the head member. Splines are provided for preventing rotation of the locking member relative to the connector body, and a threaded nut is carried on the connector body for actuating the locking member toward the head to cause the teeth-like protuberances to lockingly engage the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Erwin Tomm
  • Patent number: 5154532
    Abstract: The reciprocating pump shaft is joined to a reciprocating motor shaft by the coupling of this invention. The pump shaft is provided with a knob-like end having a chamfered angle between the knob and a reduced diameter section adjacent the knob. A two piece annular collar that's about the chamfered shoulder and the reduced diameter section and the collar is provided with a chamfered shoulder having a slight angular mis-match with the shaft shoulder. A nut draws the pump shaft upwardly against the end of the motor shaft and is tightened to the point where the pre-load between the two shafts is greater than the alternating load imposed by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Graco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schaefer, Calvin S. Hulburt
  • Patent number: 5083338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for surfaces, more particularly window panes. It mainly comprises a handle 1 and a two-part holder 4 for rod-shaped or strip-shaped cleaning elements 8 which is releasably attached to the handle 1. The releasable connection comprises: a forwardly open inner sleeve 2 which is formed on the handle 1 and has diametrically opposite axial slots 11, 12; an outer sleeve 3, mounted rotatably but axially non-displaceably on the inner sleeve 2; and a pin 5, 6 which is inserted in the inner sleeve 2 and is divided into two in the axial direction. The outer sleeve 3 has an internal screwthreading 16, 17 recessed by axial grooves 18, 19 at two diametrically opposite places. By the rotation of the outer sleeve 3 in relation to the inner sleeve 2, the grooves 18, 19 can be brought into alignment with the slots 11, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Unger Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Unger
  • Patent number: 5082391
    Abstract: A self-aligning quick connect coupling is disclosed for coupling two rods together having large diameter end portions with end surfaces in the form of spherical sectors. The coupling is formed in two halves threaded together and provides ample clearance for allowing the rods to be coupled together even though not axially aligned. The coupling halves are slotted to permit easy removal of the coupling halves from the rods when being uncoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: William F. Florida
  • Patent number: 5074703
    Abstract: A pyrometer has a lock nut that engages a threaded sighting tube. The lock nut encloses a ratchet mechanism formed by two coaxial collars with inclined ratchet teeth at their ends. The teeth are urged together by a helical spring, one of the collars being prevented from rotation relative to the nut by means of a pin that engages a slot in the collar. The other collar has an annular face which is urged by a disc spring against a washer locked with the body of the pyrometer so as to form a friction clutch. The ratchet allows the nut to be tightened but it can only be untightened by overcoming the friction of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Peter G. Dawson
  • Patent number: 5067847
    Abstract: A clamping set is provided wherein elastic deformation of the peripheral collars is no longer necessary to produce engagement of the same. The screw ring can be pushed across the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the outer taper ring until its inwardly projecting peripheral collar bears against the outwardly projecting peripheral collar of the outer taper ring. These can then be pushed together across the inner taper ring from its thin-walled end until the inner thread of the screw ring comes into contact with the external thread of the inner taper ring and fastening begins. All interacting parts can, thus, be designed to be substantially stronger, since they no longer need to be deformed to produce engagement. Accordingly, the forces which can be applied are also greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Ralph Muellenberg
  • Patent number: 5061077
    Abstract: A removable three-piece paddle shaft assembly (30) for use in a mixing machine such as a mortar mixer (11) is disclosed. Three-piece paddle shaft assembly (30) includes paddle shaft drive spindle (31), main paddle shaft (32), and a paddle shaft supporting spindle (33). Main paddle shaft (32) is coaxially coupled at its ends to paddle shaft drive spindle (32) and the paddle shaft supporting spindle (33) using a pair of removable coaxial couplers (35). Removable coaxial couplers (35), here each consist of a spline type connection and a cooperating coupling nut (38). Coupling nuts (38) are provided with radially extending hammer protuberances to facilitate rotation of the coupling nuts using only a hammer. Complete removal and reinstallation of main paddle shaft (32) can be accomplished without disassembly of cylindrical mixing drum (12) or double-action bearings (15) and (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Marvin E. Whiteman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4991814
    Abstract: The invention involves a new mirror assembly for large vehicles that enables a mirror to be mounted upward from the vehicle in a first orientation providing a field of view adjacent to the vehicle, and readily adjusted into a second orientation wherein the mirror is outward from the vehicle providing a field of view for behind the vehicle. The assembly includes a rear-view mirror assembly comprising a mirror, a mirror housing, a bracket for mounting the assembly to a vehicle, and a linkage connecting the bracket to the housing. The linkage can be easily rotated relative to the bracket. The mirror housing can be readily disengaged from and reengaged to the linkage thereby enabling a reorientation of the assembly relative to the vehicle. By so doing, an oblong mirror can be mounted to the vehicle in one orientation for driving, disengaged and reengaged in a second orientation for rearward movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventors: William P. Schmidt, Frank D. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 4940262
    Abstract: A band (or eyelet) (16 or 17) is crimped onto a cable (12) so as to form at least one flange (18 or 19). The flange (18 or 19) is received in a slot between fingers (23) of a receptacle (20) so as to provide both longitudinal and rotational strain relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Baracat, Stanley A. Yaeger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930240
    Abstract: A gun barrel cleaning device includes an elongated shaft having a driving head at one end dimensioned for engagement with a battery powered reversible electric screw driver. One of a variety of available cleaning implements is secured to the shaft through a pair of cooperating threaded fasteners. An elongated extension shaft may be employed depending upon the length of a gun barrel to be cleaned. The fasteners form a rotary driving connection which enable the cleaning implement to be rotated in either a forward or reverse direction within a gun barrel. The cleaning implement may take the form of a rotary brush having a spiral bristle array with a pitch corresponding to the rifling groove pitch of a barrel to be cleaned, a slotted holder for a fabric cleaning patch, or a conical threaded bullet extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Bice
  • Patent number: 4923344
    Abstract: To permit easy coupling and uncoupling of a concrete or rock circular boring or milling tool element (14, 17), two coupling parts (1, 2) are provided, a first coupling part (1) being formed with a recess (7) of non-circular cross-sectional shape, for example of approximate four-leaf clover shape, extending inwardly from an end face (11) of the first part; the second part (2) has a projection (20) of non-circular cross-sectional shape, matching the cross-sectional shape of the recess, and fitting therein, while being axially separable therefrom. The engagement surfaces (a, 22) of the respective first and second parts extend axially of the coupling elements. A retaining nut (3) retains the parts against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Hydrostress AG
    Inventor: Hans Bieri
  • Patent number: 4922805
    Abstract: A fluid actuated cylinder is provided having a piston and piston rod combination disposed in a tubular casing having a nose end and tail end. The piston is disposed on the piston rod spaced from both ends of the rod, the outer end extending through a bearing disposed at the nose end of the casing, and a unitary member which is employed to close the tail end of the casing is provided with a bearing for supporting the inner end of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Paul R. Beswick
  • Patent number: 4893426
    Abstract: An internally threaded collar having internal lugs is slidably received on a shaft having corresponding external lugs and is threadedly engaged on a threaded member and when rotated will engage the lugs and draw the shaft and threaded member together to form a secure, accurately aligned mechanical coupling which may be disassembled by reversing the process. The collar need never be completely removed from the threaded member to install or remove the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: South Central Research Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Bixler
  • Patent number: 4810139
    Abstract: An over-spindle quick-change assembly for releasably securing a tool holding adapter at an operative position with respect to a power rotatable shank spindle comprises a cylindrical sleeve sleeved over the tool holding end of the spindle. A collar rotatable on the sleeve has a threaded portion engageable with a nut on the adapter for screwing the nut and adapter to the operative position, whereat confronting annular surfaces of the nut and spindle end engage each other in sealing relationship. The sleeve is prevented from relative movement on the spindle by a set screw screwed radially into the spindle shank and having a reduced diameter extension confined within a radial hole in the sleeve. The threaded portion of the set screw is dimensioned to prevent its entry into the radial sleeve hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: NO-MA Engineering Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald J. Regan