Axially Split Or Separable Member Patents (Class 403/344)
  • Patent number: 6471594
    Abstract: A flexible all-steel shaft coupling includes two connecting flanges (1, 2) and an intermediate piece (3, 3′) arranged between the connecting flanges, with a disk ring (4, 5) being arranged between each of the two connecting flanges and the intermediate piece; said disk ring being connected alternately to the respective connecting flange and the intermediate piece, by means of circumferentially-distributed studs (6, 7, 7′) and tension sleeves (8, 9), each comprising a radially protruding end stop, (13, 14), as well as spacer rings (10) held on the tension sleeves, so that the connecting flanges are interconnected so as to be torsionally rigid but with angular movement and axial movement; with each of the studs (6) connected to the connecting flanges being associated with only a single tension sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Atec-Weiss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Scheithauer, Ewald Valtwies, Patrice Millet, Rudolf Weiss
  • Patent number: 6439799
    Abstract: An assembly collar, in particular for street fixtures, having a portion (1) for mounting on a support post, provided with a hole (2) of a diameter corresponding to that of the post and provided with a cutout (3) in a median longitudinal plane perpendicular to the axis of the hole (2) and permitting its interfitting into a corresponding cutout of a corresponding collar. The collar has a tubular recess (4) with an axis parallel to that of its hole (2) for securement on the support post, the collar being in two independent half portions interconnected in service position by means of at least one screw or a gripping bolt (5). The invention is applicable in the field of assemblies of tubular structures, particularly urban fixtures, and in particular devices useful as fixed barriers or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Financiere du Val d'Orbey
    Inventor: Daniel Husson
  • Publication number: 20020110414
    Abstract: An embodiment of a component assembly for use in a mechanism includes a first member having a pair of spaced flanges with fastener receiving openings through the flanges. A second member is a hardened powdered metal part including spaced seats engaging the flanges and slots in the seats connecting with enlarged recesses. The slots and recesses open through sides of the second member. Inserts extending into the recesses through the opening have fastener engaging openings aligned with the fastener receiving openings in the flanges of the first member. Fasteners extend through the flanges and the slots to the insert openings, fixing the flanges of the first member to the seats of the second member. Exemplary assemblies are illustrated. The assemblies provide hardened wearing surfaces made from powdered metal with manufacture simplified by the fastener inserts received in openings formed parallel to the other major surfaces of the powdered metal components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Allan Richard Wells
  • Patent number: 6413006
    Abstract: A connection belonging to a rotary drive or rotary driven connection of a slotted hollow shaft (1), a hollow axle or sleeve with a counterpart, namely a motor shaft. (3), fitting into and engaging in a slotted and hollow region (2), or region (2) having a bore hole, has at least one clamping or tightening element (5). The tightening element (5) is adjustable with respect to its inner diameter enclosing the slotted region (2), generally with a tightening screw (8), for clamping the slotted region (2) with the engaging counterpart. The slot(s) (9) of the slotted region (2) are here closed at both ends so that, in the region of the end face (10) of the hollow shaft (1) or the like, a closed and consequently stabilizing annular area runs, in particular uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Neugart GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Georg Neugart
  • Patent number: 6394691
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing that has at least two pivot trays. Each pivot tray includes a jaw cavity and a pivot pin notch. The gripping apparatus further includes at least two jaws that have a pivot pin. Each jaw is positioned in a respective jaw cavity and each said pivot pin is positioned in a respective pivot pin notch. At least one retaining cap secured to said housing for securing said pivot pins in said pivot pin notch and thereby allowing said jaws to pivot within said respective jaw cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: George V. Stephan
  • Publication number: 20020037193
    Abstract: A cable clamp comprising at least two elements which, preferably are interference-fittable together by way of male and female members. The cable clamp may also have on one or more of the elements, a ratchet mechanism on a surface which abuts against a face of a second cable clamp positioned against the first cable clamp. The ratchet mechanism allows the first and second cable clamps to be positioned relative to one another in a controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Alan Dick & Company Limited
    Inventors: Peter Gibbons, Chris Manning
  • Publication number: 20010051072
    Abstract: A bolt-on clamp assembly for mounting a hydraulic line to a support structure, such as a boom or articulated arm. There are upper and lower clamp members having jaw portions that define a receiving area for the hydraulic line. The clamp members are joined by a hinge structure on one side of the receiving area, which forms a fulcrum for downward pivoting motion of the upper clamp member while the lower clamp member rests on the underlying structure. A mounting area is formed on the opposite side of the receiving area, and includes coaxially aligned bores for passage of a mounting bolt through a upper and lower clamp members. As the mounting bolt is tightened, the hydraulic line is gripped between the jaw portions of the clamp members. Opposing stop faces are formed on the mounting portions of the upper and lower clamp members to limit the pivoting motion and thereby prevent crushing or deformation of the hydraulic line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis D. Eckart, Lee D. Keddie
  • Patent number: 6312184
    Abstract: To connect a large and a small diameter pipe, a pipe connector has a tightening bush with a cut through it and is compressed around the pipe and has a main body with a receptacle for the tightening bush. The tightening bush has first axial ribs on a circumferential region of the periphery. The main body receptacle has cooperating complementary second internal ribs engaged by the first ribs so that as the bush is tightened, it does not rotate in the receptacle. A large pipe holder extends down from the receptacle for the bush and receives the large diameter pipe. An auxiliary bush may be disposed inside the large pipe in the radial space between the large and small diameter pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6309135
    Abstract: A clamp includes an object clamping portion having a tubular shape defining an object receiving passageway therethrough, and a clamp receiving passageway transverse to the object receiving passageway and in communication therewith. An object clamp is received in the clamp receiving passageway, and may include a pair of cooperating clamp members defining an imaginary cylinder and a recess therein for the object. Each clamp member may also have at least one fastener receiving passageway therein offset a predetermined distance from an axis defined by the imaginary cylinder. The object clamp may also include at least one fastener extending between corresponding fastener receiving passageways of the pair of clamp members for urging the clamp members together to engage the object. The at least one fastener may be a plurality of fasteners. The fastener receiving passageways may also be canted at a predetermined angle from parallel to the axis of the imaginary cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: L.H. Thomson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Loronzo H. Thomson, Brian Thomson, Mark P. McJunkin
  • Patent number: 6299114
    Abstract: A method of attaching a spring (5) to a brake pressure equalizing device (6) by securing a clamping collar (2) to an attachment bar (1) of a vehicle. The attachment bar (1) has a circular section which connected to a flat (11,12) whereas the clamping collar (2) is an open and deformable ring (20) created by a first lug (21) being joined to a second lug (22). A profiled insert piece (4) has an internal shape which matches the profile of the circular section and flat of the attachment bar and an external shape which matches the deformable ring (20) is inserted between the attachment bar (1) and deformable ring (20). A nut (31) is connected to a screw (3) that extends between the first lug (21) and the second lug (22) and the spring is attached to the second lug (22) and brake pressure equalizing device (6). The clamping collar (2) is rotated on the profile insert piece (4) until a desired tension is achieved in the spring (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Kientz, Alain Perrin
  • Patent number: 6285917
    Abstract: An electric power system protection and control system, including, a plurality of protection controllers, each for executing protection and control of an electric power system by inputting a status quantity of the electric power system and for converting the status quantity into digital data, and a display controller connected to each of the protection controllers via a communication network, for displaying and controlling an operation and status of each of the protection controllers for monitoring. The display controller is provided with a program module sending unit for sending out a program module corresponding to contents for display control in the display controller to one of the protection controllers via the communication network, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sekiguchi, Michio Masui
  • Patent number: 6276233
    Abstract: A connecting rod 10 having a generally elongated body portion 15 which includes a piston-connecting end portion 12 and a crankshaft-receiving end portion 13. The connecting rod 10 is selectively fractured, thereby separating cap portion 14 from the body 15 and the crankshaft-receiving end portion 13 and forming surfaces 28, 30, 32, and 34. Dissimilar fasteners 24, 26 selectively connect the separated cap portion 14 to the body 15 and substantially ensure that surface pairs 28, 30 and 32, 34 engagingly mate when the connecting rod 10 is operatively reassembled upon the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventor: John Clinton Bolyard, III
  • Patent number: 6257792
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a retaining ring for securing components along a shaft by transferring the compression load between the components, thereby preventing the adjacent components from separating. The retaining ring includes a pair of arcuate interlocking members having a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a first surface and the inner wall includes a second surface thereby defining a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The inner wall also includes a third surface thereby defining a thickness between the third surface and the first surface, wherein the thickness between the third surface and the first surface is less than the thickness between the second surface and the first surface. The inner wall also includes a fourth surface joining the second surface and the third surface to define a smooth transition therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6171010
    Abstract: A male coupling portion of a first split portion on one side of a split boot is coupled to a female coupling portion of a second split portion using a plurality of spaced male and female coupling portions. A worker can simply couple the split portions of split boot without using any machine while enhancing the coupling force of split faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Nagashima, Mitsuru Kitaura, Katsuhiko Aramaki, Yoshiaki Taka
  • Patent number: 6155743
    Abstract: An anchoring fixture for a musical instrument comprising a clamp socket with a platform, the platform having a hollow circular piece arranged on its bottom face, a through hole in its center position for communication with the hollow circular piece. A fixed clamping wall and a movable clamping piece are provided on a top face of the platform at its lateral edge. One end of the movable clamping piece is extended to form a protruded connecting rod, which is inserted in an arc groove channel in the fixed clamping wall. In the central portion of the fixed clamping wall and the movable clamping piece, a semi-circular recess is formed respectively, and an enhancing ring piece locates at an enclosed space formed by the semi-circular recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: TAY-E Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Erh-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6152639
    Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention describes a structure which allows free movement of a cable of an electric tool. The structure is installed at the end of the handle of the electric tool and generally includes a seat cover, a cable clamping tube, and a cable tail stop. The seat cover includes a connecting chamber connected to the cable clamping tube. The cable is passed through the cable tail stop which passes through the inner and outer spaces of the handle. Hence, the cable may turn relative to the electric tool at any bending angle and the relative position between the cable and the electric tool may be easily arranged. Furthermore, the cable will not be easily damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 6113306
    Abstract: The invention relates to slotted fastening ring for making a formfitting connection by compressing or expanding, respectively, the slotted fastening ring during installation or removal, respectively. It is provided that the fastening ring (1) is made from an essentially non-resilient cold-formable material (3) and that the ring tips (10, 11) between which the slot (9) is formed, are spaced apart--when the fastening ring (1) is not installed--such as to be capable--for the purpose of installing the ring (1)--of being bent towards each other under plastic deformation, so that the fastening ring (1) attains a closed position, with the inside opening (7) of the ring taking on a circular or a substantially circular contour (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG
    Inventor: Kurt Allert
  • Patent number: 6099196
    Abstract: A splice for concrete reinforcement bars includes two diametrically opposed half-shells spanning the aligned ends of the rebars. The half-shells interlock with upset bar ends to hold the bars together. An internally tapered sleeve is forced axially over the tapered exterior of the half-shells in a taper lock to secure the splice joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Dayton Superior Corporation
    Inventor: Harry B. Lancelot, III
  • Patent number: 6076205
    Abstract: A playpen includes a looped lower frame, a looped upper frame, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of posts. The lower looped frame includes a plurality of interconnected lower frame sections having adjoining ends. The looped upper frame is disposed above the looped lower frame, and includes a plurality of interconnected upper frame sections having adjoining ends. The couplers interconnect the adjoining ends of the upper and lower frame sections. Each of the couplers includes a tubular portion which has two opposite open ends for insertion of a pair of the adjoining ends of the upper and lower frame sections, and a socket portion which projects from the tubular portion between the open ends and which has a socket hole. The posts bridge the upper and lower frames and are connected to the couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Chih-Huang Yang
  • Patent number: 6074123
    Abstract: A steering tube clamp and stem assembly for a bicycle or other cycle in which the steering tube clamping parts are concealed inside a stem tube which extends away from the rider. The clamping assembly employs an axially extending cut and intersecting arcuate cuts in a wall of a sleeve which connects to the steering tube and a pair of spaced lugs which are integrally formed with the steering tube sleeve and extend in parallel into the stem tube. A clamping screw head is accessible through an aperture in the wall of the stem tube. The stem tube is welded to the steering tube sleeve and to two additional outside lugs which parallel the concealed lugs to minimize stresses in a welded connection of the stem tube to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Jas D. Easton, Inc.
    Inventor: Pippin Osborne
  • Patent number: 6074125
    Abstract: A tie rod assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inner tie rod member, an outer tie rod member and an intermediate member. The intermediate member is telescopically associated with both of the inner and outer tie rod members. A generally C-shaped clamp is adapted to arrest relative movement between the inner and outer tie rod members. The clamp includes first and second ends which are spaced apart so as to define a gap. The outer tie rod member includes a longitudinally extending slot. The clamp is fixedly attached to the inner tie rod member such that the gap between the first and second ends of the clamp is aligned with the longitudinally extending slot of the inner tie rod member. As a result, clamping forces are more effectively transferred from the inner tie rod member to the intermediate member, and in turn from the intermediate member to the outer tie rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Krawczak
  • Patent number: 6055798
    Abstract: A cutter blade is pivotally attached to a blade carrier so that it may operate as a flail. The blade carrier itself rotates about a drive shaft spaced from the pivot axis. A pivot pin is received in respective bores of the cutter blade and the blade carrier; a distal, protruding portion of the pivot pin is threaded. A pair of clamping collar halves each have a threaded surface which threadedly engage the threaded portion of the pivot pin shaft. After the correct amount of axial play between the cutter blade and the carrier is adjusted by rotating the collar halves on the shaft threads, the collar halves are clamped together on the pivot shaft using fasteners so as to affix the clamping collar halves to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: WEC Company
    Inventors: Timothy K. Fulmer, Robert Kenneth Byrd
  • Patent number: 6015262
    Abstract: A fan apparatus includes a housing with front and rear parts and two swivel joints, a driving motor disposed in the housing, inner and outer annular members, a transmission member, and an anchoring member. The motor has a rear portion provided with a worm section extending toward the rear part. The inner annular member is sleeved on the front part and is connected to the joints so as to swivel relative to the latter. The outer annular member is sleeved retainingly on the inner annular member and is angularly adjustable relative to the same. A swing rod has a first proximate end relative to the worm section and mounted pivotally on the rear part, and a first distal end which extends toward the front part. The transmission member is disposed in the rear part to transmit an axial rotation of the worm section to swing the first distal end of the swing rod relative to the first proximate end in a plane parallel to the worm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 6007058
    Abstract: The mounting component for a cylindrical bushing is comprised of a mounting portion for a bushing into which a cylindrical bushing can be fitted. The mounting portion for a bushing is a clamping-type mounting portion, comprised of a receptacle and a cover that is separate from the receptacle, and the aforementioned cylindrical bushing is inserted and clamped between them. The aforementioned receptacle is comprised of a hollow holder with an arcuate cross section that holds the aforementioned cylindrical bushing. On the holder, two protruding joints are provided. The aforementioned cover is comprised of a hollow holder with an arcuate cross section that holds the aforementioned cylindrical bushing. On the holder, joints corresponding to the joints of the aforementioned receptacle are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Sadao Kokubo, Masatoshi Enomoto, Shunta Ushioda
  • Patent number: 5984567
    Abstract: A split sleeve bushing for providing a tight fit between a support post and chair base comprises two hemi-cylindrical components which mount about the support post and are received within the support post receptacle of the chair base. The split sleeve bushing includes external stability rings and vertical ribs extending along the external surface thereof. The vertical ribs are tapered to match the draft angle of the support post receptacle of the chair base. The upper end of the split sleeve bushing includes a circumferential flange which is slotted for snap lock engagement with the chair base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Gollin & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Gollin, Dale W. Mason
  • Patent number: 5967691
    Abstract: A quick-connect splice joint for concrete reinforcement bars. Two diametrically opposed semi-cylindrical shells span the adjacent bar ends. The two shells are held against axial displacement by mating to raised features such as ridges or threads on the bars, and are held radially by an outer sleeve. The splice is axially preloaded by nuts threaded on the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Dayton Superior Corporation
    Inventor: Harry B. Lancelot, III
  • Patent number: 5964546
    Abstract: A split separable joint includes a cylindrical hub having a first portion and a second portion. The hub portions interconnect at a keyed interface. The hub has axially extending, radially directed, keyed slots formed in a peripheral hub surface for receiving structural members. The first and second hub portions are retained together as a unit by a fastener which extends diametrically through aligned bores in each hub portion. The structural members are retained in place by an axially extending fastener which retains end plates on opposed ends of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Francisco Castano
  • Patent number: 5964006
    Abstract: A rotary surface treatment tool is attached to a rotational driver with a kit. The surface treatment tool includes a base with a middle portion around a center hole, and one or more attachment knobs are placed on the front side of the middle portion. An attachment plate or retainer nut has a flange which extends radially over the middle portion of the base. The attachment knobs mate with holes in the flange of the retainer nut. The surface treatment tool is tightened onto the shaft by turning the surface treatment tool, with the attachment knob turning the retainer nut and thereby tightening the retainer nut to the threaded shaft. Assembly and tightening without any tools is thus facilitated. The base may be made of a flexible, shape-retaining material, and recesses are provided behind the attachment knobs to permit use with a retainer nut without a mating recess. The surface treatment tool may be a brush having bristles which extend at about 90.degree. to the plane of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dean S. Holmes, David C. Roeker
  • Patent number: 5954448
    Abstract: A video printed circuit board is mounted on a slotted holder which closely receives the neck of a CRT and has a plurality of circumferentially-diverged apertures which receive projections extending from a circumscribing elastic band that compresses the holder, the projections frictionally engaging the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Soo Shim
  • Patent number: 5941653
    Abstract: A composite structure has a rod (1) and a collar (2) locked on the rod (1) and composed of two semicollars (12, 22), each extending over an angle smaller than 180.degree. and having lateral longitudinal flanges (12', 12", and 22', 22"), whereat they are linked to each other by clamping bolts (3', 3"). The flanges (12', 22') on one side of the semicollars (12, 22) adhere to each other with their facing plane surfaces (212', 222'), whereas the facing plane surfaces (212", 222") of the flanges (12", 22") on the opposite side of the semicollar (12, 22) are spaced. The rod (1) has at least one outer positioning projection (6', 6"), which is engaged in a corresponding inner positioning recess of the collar (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Alstom Transport Electrification S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alfredo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 5888158
    Abstract: There is provided a sprocket for use in a wastewater treatment facility comprising a first portion, a second portion, and at least one fastener which snap locks the first portion to the second portion. There is also provided a sprocket for use in a wastewater treatment facility comprising at least one lightening hole, the sprocket being formed of non-metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 5873640
    Abstract: An undercarriage of a belted or track-type machine includes a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the machine and a roller frame assembly pivotally mounted to the machine. The roller frame assembly includes at least one idler wheel and a number of guide rollers. Stationary shafts are mounted to the roller frame assembly and rotationally support the idler wheel and guide rollers. Mounting caps clamp the stationary shafts to the roller frame assembly. One or more fasteners fasten an end portion adjacent to the shaft engaging portion of the mounting cap in abutting contact with the roller frame assembly. A single fastener fastens the other end portion of the mounting cap to the roller frame assembly; however, the other end portion is spaced apart from the roller frame assembly. The abutting contact between the mounting cap and roller frame assembly minimizes flexure of the fasteners and movement of the shaft under moment loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Oertley
  • Patent number: 5868260
    Abstract: A cast iron hydrocyclone (1,21) made of separate parts joined together, wherein at least two of the parts (2,3; 22,23) are held together by a pair of separate collars (7,8; 26,28) connected to one another, each collar being anchored to one or the other of the parts. The parts may be so anchored by bearing against an anchor provided on the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Multotec Cyclones (PTY) Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Brett Bosman, Gordon Anderson
  • Patent number: 5857800
    Abstract: An annular flange which can be positioned on a shaft and securely welded in place. This disclosure also contemplates the method of making an annular shaft flange. This novel flange is materially stronger than the prior art and has lower production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Waukesha Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Nell
  • Patent number: 5851084
    Abstract: A fixture for mounting a rotor having a cylindrical bore on a cylindrical shaft having a first section adapted to be clamped within the bore of the rotor by expansion of its outer periphery, and a second section adapted to be clamped onto the shaft by contraction of its central bore. The second section has complementary partial-circular segments. A fastener is mounted on one side of the shaft to cause the segments on one side of the shaft to close and grip the shaft. Further tightening of the fastener effects separation of the segments on another side of the shaft. The first section has two partial-circular segments joined with the two segments of the second section, so that when the segments of the second section are separated, the segments of the first section is likewise separated to clamp the first section within the bore of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Takahiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5848947
    Abstract: A pair of sprockets for use in a double chain and sprocket coupling for transmission of torque between shafts which are in approximate axial alignment with each other, and the abutting ends of which are closely spaced. Each of the sprockets is formed as one piece, and then cut into halves but for a web which is broken to separate the halve. The broken web serves to properly align and space the halves when placed over the end of a shaft to be coupled, and clamped thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Giddings & Lewis, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Fornasiere, Michael G. Brosier, Richard A. Reinke
  • Patent number: 5836367
    Abstract: The pipe spacer washer according to the invention includes a radially split annular element defined by three mutually hinged sector elements; and a snap-on fastening device defined by a tooth and a seat for insertion of the tooth, located at opposite substantially facing circumferential ends of the annular element, and for integrally connecting the circumferential ends to define an inner ring housing the pipe and connected in one piece to an outer supporting ring by a number of radial ribs. The washer is made entirely of a single material of a Shore A hardness of more than 80, in particular xantoprene.RTM.; the retaining tooth is in the form of an asymmetrical arrow, and has an inner axially through cavity elongated circumferentially; and the seat for receiving the retaining tooth is closed partially on both sides by two lateral braces offset circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: ITW-Fastex Italia S.p.A
    Inventor: Rocco Calabrese
  • Patent number: 5791191
    Abstract: In a gear which can be flanged onto an electric motor, especially a low-clearance planetary gear, with a hollow shaft to make a positive connection with the electric motor output shaft, an easily manufactured and reliable centering system is to be provided between the gear and the electric motor (6). To this end, the section of the hollow shaft (9) accepting the output shaft (10) of the electric motor is centrically secured on roller bearings (11) and the face of the drive flange is radially freely centerable (7, 8) in relation to the mating surface of the electric motor. To enable a drive with as uniform a basic structure as possible to be connected to electric motors with different connecting geometries, the gear has an interchangeable mating plate (2) forming its connecting flange and a hollow shaft into which compensating sleeves (12) can be inserted to accept electric motor output shafts of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Alpha Getriebebau GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Wittenstein, Manfred Wolfart
  • Patent number: 5776006
    Abstract: A golf practice device in the form of an attachment to a golf club shaft. The attachment has preferably two weighted elements that are coupled together in such a manner that the spacing of the elements may be adjusted as desired, depending on the thickness of the shaft to which the device is to be attached. Thus, the device may be positioned at virtually any location or a tapered golf club shaft and also on golf club shafts of varying thicknesses. Once the desired spacing is selected, a frictional engagement device is used to secure the weighted elements at the desired spacing. The golf practice device is formed to be aerodynamically efficient, and preferably has substantially a smooth, rounded exterior surface. The locking device accordingly is formed such that it does not interfere with the aerodynamic efficiency of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Isaac Gruber
  • Patent number: 5758856
    Abstract: A pedestal for receiving and fixing a shaft having a main body that has an upper reception portion and a lower base portion. The upper reception portion includes at least one side wall which defines a reception cavity for receiving the shaft. The side wall of the upper reception portion includes a gap which extends axially and a first and a second web positioned to opposite sides of the gap and on an interior surface of the side wall. The side wall includes a through-hole extending from the interior surface of the side wall and opening out an exterior surface of the side wall. The pedestal further includes a gap closing member which is supported by at least one of the webs and extends across the gap and is accessible by way of the through-hole such as via one end of the closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Garnett Carnahan, Caroline Carnahan
  • Patent number: 5743758
    Abstract: A lamp socket in which the socket body is formed of two symmetrical halves connected together a dovetail joint; a rubber packing ring is mounted around the bottom lamp hole of the socket body to prohibit water from passing to the inside of the socket body after the installation of the lamp bulb; a movable metal contact plate is suspending inside the socket body and adapted for connecting the tip contact of the lamp bulb to the positive metal contact plate upon the insertion of the lamp bulb in the socket body; a spring is mounted inside the socket body to force the movable metal contact plate downwardly away from the positive metal contact plate after the removal of the lamp bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: You-Jen Cheng, Tzu-Ling Cheng
  • Patent number: 5727424
    Abstract: A counterweight is proposed for engagement to a lower end of a truck transmission shift lever in a manner to extend forwardly therefrom, relative to the vehicle. The counterweight maintains a center of gravity of the shift lever vertically aligned over a pivot point of the shift lever regardless of the rearward degree of pivoting of the lever from a neutral, vertically oriented equilibrium position thereof. Such maintained vertical alignment of the lever center of gravity relative to the pivot point significantly decreases the tendency of the lever to return to vertical orientation, such return causing a disengagement of the transmission gears, particularly in high gear and during periods when power is not being transferred through the transmission while the truck is traveling over uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Brandewie, Floyd E. Fegley
  • Patent number: 5716157
    Abstract: A system for holding together parts of a construction until the moment of separating the parts from each other, comprises at least two sections having abutting faces and tension element cooperating with supports, this tension element being provided on the sections holding the sections together under pre-tension. A breaker is provided for breaking the tension element so as to separate the sections. The tension element is wound around the supports forming a closed loop bundle that crosses the parting lines of the sections, whereby the strength of the bundle equals at least the pre-tension required to hold the sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Fokker Space & Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Gerardus Joseph Kester, Christiaan Jilles Van Daalen
  • Patent number: 5703330
    Abstract: A carrier for a wire harness and fuel brake, or other tubes of a vehicle with inner and outer channels each having a generally C-shape cross section and constructed to releasably snap together to form a duct in which the wire harness is received. Snap clips on the exterior of the channels releasably retain the tubes. The carrier bundles the wire harness and tubes together and provides a self-supporting assembly for the flexible wire harness which facilitates installation and assembly to the underbody of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventor: Rick A. Kujawski
  • Patent number: 5692413
    Abstract: A device for joining a steering bar end piece to a basic steering bar comprises a basic steering bar clamp and a steering bar end piece clamp, the latter being arranged relative to the basic steering bar clamp in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the steering bar end piece clamp does not intersect the outline of the basic steering bar clamp, the two clamps being connected by a transition piece.In order to provide steering bar end pieces which are ergonomically shaped to put enough pressure on the front wheel of a bicycle on hard climbs, and yet obtain an unrestricted gripping space and a bar width which is not unduly increased, the transition piece is contiguous to the side of the basic steering bar clamp facing away from the basic steering bar, and extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basis steering bar clamp, and has the steering bar end piece clamp located on the side facing away from the basic steering bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 5681126
    Abstract: A reinforced bar connecting device fastened to two reinforcing bars to secure them in a line, including two plug members, and two symmetrical, smoothly arched coupling plates mounted around the reinforcing bars and abutted against each other and secured in place by the plug members to hold down the reinforcing bars, each of the coupling plate having a left longitudinal side edge, a right longitudinal side edge, and two longitudinal slots respectively made along the left longitudinal side edge and the right longitudinal side edge, each of the plug member being inserted into one longitudinal slot of each of the coupling plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Hsia-Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 5660086
    Abstract: A connecting-rod has the axes (16) of the cap screws, or bolts, (4) inclined to each other. The big end housing (3,2) is of reduced width and has protruding bearing shells (11). The stem has a cross section of minimum perimeter in the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Carey
  • Patent number: 5655849
    Abstract: A concentric coupling and method for making the same are taught which include a cylindrical block which is concentrically bored and cut into an annular L-shaped segment having an L-shaped notch and a semi-cylindrical mating segment which is received into the notch. The coupling concentrically joins a pair of shafts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Henry Filters Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen N. McEwen, Richard A. Hallett, Robert F. Benschoter, Scott M. McEwen, Anthony J. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 5618128
    Abstract: A wiper arm connector including a first jaw having a cavity at the inner side formed with a plurality of teeth a second jaw having a cavity at the inner side formed with a plurality of teeth, a first packing having an opening at a central portion and a toothed portion at an upper portion, a second packing having an opening at a central portion and a toothed portion at an upper portion, and a locking pin inserted through the first and second jaws to engage with a nut, such that the connector can be conveniently connected with wiper arm of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Liang-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 5603138
    Abstract: An article for cleaning windows and vehicle interior windows includes a rigid backing element, a deformable backing element and a rubber ring having an unstretched circumference smaller than that of the rigid backing element. The backing elements are juxtaposed with one another and a paper towel is placed against the deformable backing element. The paper towel projects laterally and longitudinally of the backing elements. The ring is positioned adjacent the side of the paper towel which faces away from the backing elements. The ring is then drawn towards the rigid backing element and, in the process, folds the projecting portions of the paper towel around the backing elements. The ring is stretched to fit around the rigid backing element and, when released, clamps the projecting portions of the paper towel between itself and the rigid backing element. As a result, the portion of the paper towel adjacent the deformable backing element is firmly held and can be used for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jacquelynn A. Bonis