Socket Patents (Class 403/361)
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Patent number: 6106070Abstract: A chair having height-adjustable arm assemblies mounted adjacent opposite sides of the seat. Each arm assembly includes a horizontally elongated armrest which adjacent one end is connected to an upper end of a support column. The support column is axially slidably supported within an elongate support tube which projects downwardly adjacent a side of the chair seat. The support column and support tube have a cooperating linear anti-friction bearing arrangement therebetween, the latter incorporating a resilient support track to eliminate circumferential clearance. A latch mechanism includes a movable latch member carried on the column and cooperating with a plurality of latch-receiving slots formed in the support tube. The latch member is activated by a push rod which projects upwardly through the support column, and at its upper end is activated by an actuating lever which is pivoted on and projects lengthwise of the armrest and terminates in an actuating button disposed under the front end of the armrest.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Ritt, Steve J. Nemeth, Jr., Richard N. Roslund, Jr.
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Patent number: 6014984Abstract: The valve comprises an operating wheel connected by a connecting rod to an opening and closing member. The valve is sealed by a stuffening box fixed into the upper part of the body around the rod. The stuffening box has a polygonal head so that it can be screwed and unscrewed. However the head is not accessible using a conventional spanner so as to prevent a non-specialist form slackening of the stuffing box and avoid him risking an accident.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company, S.A.Inventors: Jean-Claude Schmitz, Leon Kerger
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Patent number: 5967693Abstract: A drive shaft permits driving two different driven shafts, such as those used on powered earth augers, from a single power source, whether the driven shaft has a circular cross section drive coupling, or a hexagonal cross section drive coupling. In one form an adapter can be slipped over a hexagonal shaft to receive a circular cross section drive coupling, and in another form, a shaft is provided with two axially displaced portions. An outer end portion has a hexagonal cross section, and a slightly larger circular cross section shaft portion is positioned adjacent the power unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: Rae Dell Braaten, Edward A. J. Larson, Verne C. Watts
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Patent number: 5928763Abstract: A method for obtaining a tight, secure connection between two relatively non-deformable members and the connection resulting therefrom. The method includes the steps of forming a recess in a first of said members, forming a second member with a portion that seats in the recess of the first member, molding a liner of thermoplastic to one of the members, which thermoplastic is deformable but not more than slightly compressible, and seating the portion of the second member in the recess of the first member with one of the members engaging the liner to displace a portion of the liner into a void space in one of the members to thus form a tightly gripping connection between the members. A composite knob and its connection to shaft made in accordance with this method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 5904390Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic truck bedliner has at least one pair of under-cut load restraint pockets formed by portions of opposed bedliner sidewalls. The pockets are recessed from the sidewall so that a load restraining member such as a 2.times.4 beam may be pressed downwardly to be snapped into engagement with the pockets. The pockets support the boards in a horizontal orientation, with the wide dimension of the board extending from front to back within the liner to give greater board stiffness against loads shifting from front to back. The pockets may be formed in either under the rail bedliners or in over the rail bedliners. In an alternative embodiment, each under-cut pocket is formed in a cross shape such that a board may be positioned horizontally or vertically.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Penda CorporationInventors: Philip L. Emery, William L. Dresen
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Patent number: 5897151Abstract: A new tool handle mount for attaching an elongate handle to a tool. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular member having inner and outer surfaces, proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of side walls extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the tubular member is coupled to a tool head. The inner surface of the tubular member defines an interior space of the tubular member. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening into the interior space. The opening of the distal end is adapted for inserting an end of an elongate handle therethrough into the interior space of the tubular member. A fastening device is provided for holding a handle inserted into interior space of the tubular member to the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventor: Ricardo Nicola Horvat
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Patent number: 5895166Abstract: An adjustable jointer of an elastic ring for wheel shroud has a diameter which is able to be changed by adjusting the length of the jointer. The elastic ring consists of an elastic ring attached on a jointer, in which the jointer comprises a socket joint and a plug joint connecting together in plug-in joint. There are one or more collars attaching on the outside surface of the socket joint, which can be tore off to put on the latch of the plug joint to stretch the length of the jointer so as to increase the diameter of the elastic ring. Therefore by adding or removing the number of said collars, the diameter of the elastic ring can be changed to reach the goal of suiting different sizes of the wheel shrouds.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Yung-Pao Tsai
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Patent number: 5893300Abstract: A pedal plate assembly has a main block, a socket block, and a middle ring. The socket block has a circular recess on the connecting end of the socket block and inner recesses in the socket block. The middle ring encloses the circular recess. The main block has a tapered portion. Two opposite elongated notches are formed on the tapered portion. A plurality of click blocks are disposed on the tapered portion. Each click block is snapped in the corresponding inner recess. The socket block has a tapered interior to receive the tapered portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventor: Wan-Ming Liao
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Patent number: 5803645Abstract: A connector assembly is provided that is adapted for use with a spindle. The connector assembly includes a bar formed to include an opening having a central axis and a bar-opening dimension and a connector adapted to receive the spindle. The connector includes a base positioned to lie upon the bar. The base includes a base opening and a retaining tab that extends outwardly from the base. The retaining tab includes an outer surface having a dimension less than the bar-opening dimension and an inclined surface converging from the base toward the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Cosco, Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Moser, Jerry R. Smith, William R. Horton, Jr.
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Patent number: 5776006Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventor: Isaac Gruber
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Patent number: 5762344Abstract: A file of polygonal cross section is secured frictionally in a hole of a handle. The hole has as many corners as the file, and a surface extends between adjacent pairs of the corners of the hole. Each of those surfaces includes a concave segment and a convex segment. The concave segment is shaped such that relative rotation between the handle and file causes the corners of the file to tightly engage the concave segments to secure the file within the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Sandvik ABInventor: Joacim Einvall
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Patent number: 5690446Abstract: A connection system for connecting struts formed from paper or paper-like sheets rolled into a tube is made of cylindrical receptors and connectors. Each cylindrical receptor has an inside diameter approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the predetermined outside diameter of the tube for friction-fit engagement onto the end of the tube. Each cylindrical receptor also has a finger which is centrally disposed within the receptor, about the longitudinal axis thereof. At least a part of such finger is substantially the same size as the inside diameter of the tube. The finger is made of a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending radially from its longitudinal axis. Each receptor is press-fit engageable with a connector. Each connector is press-fit engageable with at least two receptors. The connection system allows for the connection of struts which can be readily constructed by the user of the construction system.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Somerville House Books LimitedInventors: Philip Laurier Poissant, Jane Elizabeth Somerville
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Patent number: 5669727Abstract: A device for fixedly interconnecting two parts (1, 2) of a clothes hanger comprising at least one cylinder socket (3) on one part and at least one pin (4) on the other part to be inserted into the socket. The pin (4) has at least one non-cylindrical portion (9) with a radius exceeding the radius of the socket. This portion is flexible in the direction of insertion of the pin for wedging the pin in the socket after insertion.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Karner & Company AktiebolagInventor: Gustav Wegscheider
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Patent number: 5634486Abstract: A coupling member between a valve driver and a valve has a pin extending into the valve driver shaft and a head with a groove receiving the shaft of the valve and a recess accommodating the packing nut thereof. A spring braced between the coupling member and the valve driver allows the coupling member to be lifted from the nut for tightening thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: ITT Richter Chemie-Technik GmbHInventors: Paul Hatting, Gunter Naasner
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Patent number: 5617602Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make an engaging section between a holder section and a toothbrush section of a motor-driven toothbrush more simple, manufacture thereof easier and also minimize the production cost as well as to achieve minimization and weight reduction thereof, and also to improve the reliability of insertion. For this purpose, an engaging/receiving hole or bore is formed in the toothbrush section of the motor-driven toothbrush, and a projection of the holder section is inserted into the engaging hole for fixing the toothbrush section to the holder section. Also the engaging projection is formed on said holder section and the toothbrush section is made of resilient material to provide the engaging hole having a round cross-section into which the projection is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventor: Eiji Okada
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Patent number: 5598746Abstract: A transmission assembly used to connect with a rotatable ornament or a toy to provide bilateral rotations for achieving their cosmetic effect comprises a casing enclosing a set of three pinions which are driven by a battery-operated electrical circuit therein. An elastic rectangular bar used to restrict the rotary extent of a first pinion will elastically obstruct the rotary movement of the pinion in order to provide continuous bilateral rotation and each turn of the bilateral rotation will exceed 360.degree. without making any noise. The noses of the spindles of the pinions are formed as tapering sockets or as tapering pointed plugs to enhance the intensity of the assembly. Most of the components in this assembly are made integrally of plastic material so as to reduce the time and cost to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1994Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Inventor: Ching-Ti Chen
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Patent number: 5585163Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite assembly includes a ceramic member having a stab shaft and a metallic member having a recess. The ceramic member and the metallic member are joined together by press fit, i.e., by fitting the stab shaft into the recess. The stab shaft and the recess after extraction of the stab shaft from the recess has a set relationship of 50 .mu.m.ltoreq.X-Y.ltoreq.150 .mu.m where X is an outer diameter of the stab shaft and Y is an inner diameter of the recess whilst a surface roughness Rz of the recess in the circumferential direction thereof after extraction of the stab shaft from the recess is 1.5 .mu.m or less.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takaya Yoshikawa, Hiroki Nakajima, Masaya Ito, Noboru Ishida
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Patent number: 5582488Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end, and an offset C-shaped socket at the other end defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. Spaced-apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and along the outside surface of the tongue. When the tongue of one link is placed into the socket of another link, the teeth intermesh wherein the teeth in the tongue fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the socket, and the teeth in the socket fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the tongue. The tongue and socket pivot in discrete positions, while lateral movement is prevented by the engagement of a ring on the tongue that mates with a slot on the socket.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: OP-D-OP, Inc.Inventors: James P. Dudley, Kyle D. Fields, Timothy J. Landis
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Patent number: 5570970Abstract: A tube and connector arrangement for a lighting fixture, including a tube having two symmetrical rails raised from the inside wall of the tube along the length, and a connector having a longitudinal center through hole for passing the electric wire of the lighting fixture and a stub rod within a circular recess on the periphery of the connector perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, the stub rod being fitted into one end of the tube and having a round hole communicated with the longitudinal center through hole for passing the electric wire and two longitudinal grooves on the outside wall at two opposite sides respectively made deeper toward the outer end and engaged with the symmetrical rails of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Inventor: Chih-Te Yang
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Patent number: 5511893Abstract: Connection of a shaft with an element, in particular the shaft of a rotary setting element with a seating wheel, said connection comprising a recess provided for setting said shaft in said element and an opening by which said recess is connected with the outer edge of the element and through which the connection can be effected by relative movement of the shaft and the element transversely to the axis of said shaft, characterized in that a second element is inserted into the opening in a direction transversely to the axis of the shaft and that interlocking means provided on the first element and the second element cooperate to fix the second element in the opening of the first element.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1993Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Albert Kilgus, Rainer Debler
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Patent number: 5503497Abstract: A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end and a C-shaped socket at the other end for use in an articulating coupling system. The socket is defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. The inside radius of the socket is substantially the same as the outside radius of the tongue, so that the tongue can be inserted into the socket of another link. The socket includes a narrow centrally positioned slot along its circumference, and the tongue includes a narrow centrally positioned ring extending outward along its circumference which is received by the slot when the tongue is inserted into the socket. A plurality of spaced apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and extend between the faces of the device in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the plane of the faces. Similar teeth are located along the outside surface of the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: OP-D-OP, Inc.Inventors: James P. Dudley, Kyle D. Fields, Timothy J. Landis
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Patent number: 5494298Abstract: A broadhead for an arrow having a locking mechanism which insures true alignment of the longitudinal axis of the broadhead with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the arrow. The shaft is fit within a longitudinal bore in the body of the broadhead and a locking nut engages external threads at an end of the broadhead which tightens the body of the broadhead about the shaft of the arrow to frictionally engage the arrow shaft within the broadhead body.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1993Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Richard Maleski
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Patent number: 5464305Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting board-like members of a piece of furniture in a fitting manner, comprising more than one arch rod member having a male end and a female end, wherein the male end includes a tenon and the female end is formed with a hole corresponding to the tenon, whereby the tenon is fitted and locked in the hole to clamp and connect the board-like members to form the piece of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Chyuan Ryh Shing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tien Lumg Liem
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Patent number: 5435234Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite structure which minimizes tensile ceramic loads and accommodates differences in thermal expansion characteristics between a metal member and a ceramic member without reliance on precise feature control for either member. The composite includes a mechanical retainer which allows a loose fitting relationship between the metal and ceramic members. The ceramic member is secured within a receiving bore in the metal member by the retainer in a manner which eliminates the need for precise machining of the ceramic and metal members. The metal member may be configured to accept either an internal or an external mechanical retainer element. The composite ceramic-metal structure of the present invention finds particular utility in forming a durable wear-resistant interface in internal combustion engine actuator or actuating components, such as compression brake master pistons.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignees: Cummins Engine Co., Inc., Toshiba Corp.Inventors: Joseph C. Bentz, John T. Carroll, III, Katsuhiro Shinosawa, David P. Genter
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Patent number: 5425620Abstract: An electrically driven fan mounted on the brim or crown of a cap or other head gear is manufactured from plastic, and readily mountable on the head gear without the need for special tools or skills. Dry cell batteries are mounted in the crown of the hat and the impeller of the fan units acts within a recess within the fan unit to pull air downwardly across the face of the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Inventor: Kevin J. Stroud
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Patent number: 5425593Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a sign support member to an existing, elongate first member. The apparatus has a sleeve defining first and second connecting portions, with the first connecting portion having structure for directly engaging the first connecting portion with an existing, elongate first member at least partially one within the other in an operative position. The second connecting portion includes structure for directly engaging the second connecting portion with a sign support member, one at least partially within the other in an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Inventor: Richard J. Buehler
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Patent number: 5411308Abstract: In a light-metal vehicle body, a girder assembly joins a first longitudinal girder member located in a forecarriage region of the vehicle body to a second, laterally offset, and generally longitudinally oriented side sill member. The girder assembly includes a pair of open shell-shaped, light-metal castings which form a single, hollow section enclosure when brought together along their mutual open face regions. The concave interior surfaces of the shell-shaped casting are provided with a plurality of spaced integrally formed stiffening rib members. The stiffening ribs are oriented transverse to the curving longitudinal center axis of the girder assembly which curves in conformance with the Z-shape configuration. The stiffening ribs of each shell-shaped castings are arranged in coordinate pairs such that they formed a series of substantially continuous webs along an interior cross section of said girder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Audi A.G.Inventors: Gundolf Kreis, Heinrich Timm, Alois Feldschmid
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Patent number: 5410932Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical. The oblique spring hole in the retainer body includes a circumferential undercut in the wall of the spring hole. The undercut mates with an enlarged portion of the spring to prevent the spring from pushing out of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1994Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Inventor: David J. Moellering
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Patent number: 5409165Abstract: A highly wear-resistant plunger assembly for a fuel injector, particularly an open nozzle fuel injector, is provided. The wear-resistant plunger assembly of the present invention includes components formed from wear-resistant materials specifically including, but not limited to, ceramics and metals capable of withstanding the high temperatures and frictional forces produced by prolonged motoring and other potentially adverse engine operating conditions. Different portions of the plunger assembly may be formed from different kinds of wear-resistant materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignees: Cummins Engine Company, Inc., Toshiba Corp.Inventors: John T. Carroll, III, Katsuhiro Shinosawa, Lester L. Peters, Jeffrey L. Campbell, Joseph C. Bentz
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Patent number: 5407291Abstract: A coupler for use in swivably independently securing the remote ends of a monofilament or wire, which wire is constantly in a cantilever bending motion at its remote end when folded and necessitates a freedom of rotation. The connector itself has a preferably cylindrical body having two tapered elongate nesting pockets which are separated from each other by an interior stop at the mid-portion of the connector cylindrical body. The elongate pockets are characterized by a taper which is dimensioned to receive and friction fittingly engage the remote ends of a wire or monofilament a spaced distance from the central stop of the connector cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Pop-Tent, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Hazinski, Sidney Samole
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Patent number: 5404616Abstract: A hand tool includes at least one handle connected to a tool head in a secure and stable manner to accommodate loads incurred during normal use, wherein the handle is adapted for quick and easy removal and replacement. The tool includes a mounting tang projecting rearwardly from the tool head and having a handle adapter at a rear end thereof. The handle adapter defines a rearwardly open socket for slide-fit reception of a front end of the handle. At least one clamp is provided for securely but releasably clamping the handle front end within the adapter socket. In the preferred form, the handle is constructed from a lightweight fiber resin composite material and has an adapter cuff mounted on the front end thereof for mating slide-fit reception into the adapter socket.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Inventor: Joseph A. Carmien
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Patent number: 5399045Abstract: A waterproof connector comprises a male connector housing and an outer hood circumferentially provided on the male connector housing with an annular space therebetween, which contains a seal ring and into which is inserted a hood portion of a mating female connector to be brought into contact with the seal ring. A resilient locking arm of a double support structure is provided inside an outwardly bulged portion of the outer hood such that it is rearwardly supported on the part of the male connector housing and forwardly supported on the part of the outwardly bulged portion. This allows a male connector housing to be locked to a mating connector with an increased force, while making it possible to protect the resilient locking arm from external forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Nissan Motor Company LimitedInventors: Takahiro Yoneda, Kimihiro Abe, Seiji Koumatsu
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Patent number: 5390463Abstract: A modular truss system (30) is disclosed that is especially suited for support of lighting, cameras and the like in association with a stage for performances thereon. The truss system includes cups (80) and alignment members (82) that aid in aligning the truss modules (62) for assembly thereof. The system also includes box shaped braces (78) to achieve longitudinal and transverse strength.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Penn Fabrication (U.S.A.) Inc.Inventor: Roland Sollner
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Patent number: 5380117Abstract: An apparatus for the detachable coupling, particularly of gripping devices or corresponding tools on robot arms or the like, is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises two flange elements fastenable at the gripping device and robot arm, a receiving recess on one of the flange elements and an engagement element on the other, wherein the engagement element is inserted into the recess and one of the flange elements is penetrated by a locking pin in the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Inventor: Joachim Buschulte
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Patent number: 5378076Abstract: Device for the precise coupling of two cylindrical parts, especially to form compound tools, with the aid of two cylindrical bodies, one of which has a seat for accepting a pin projecting from the other cylindrical body, it being provided that the front end of the body with the coupling seat be given an inclined wall engageable with an inclined wall branching away from the base of the coupling pin of the other cylindrical body, that the transverse hole in the projecting pin accepts a threaded bush which engages with a cylindrical-headed screw, and that the free ends of the threaded bush and of the screw head have inclined circumferential surfaces engageable with inclined circumferential surfaces defining the transverse holes on the side facing the coupling seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1992Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: D'Andrea S.p.A.Inventor: Ermanno D'Andrea
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Patent number: 5374136Abstract: The bracket (12) is bolted loosely to the attachment arm (14) of a dental chair to establish a preliminary orientation of the bracket relative to the attachment arm. The bracket is then levelled with adjustment screws (40) which bear against a surface on the attachment arm to establish a level orientation. The bolt fastening the bracket to the attachment arm is then tightened to fix the level orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1994Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: A-Dec. Inc.Inventor: Pierre LaPlante
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Patent number: 5362172Abstract: A press fit assembly boss for aligning and assembling the case walls of a diskette includes a circular cylindrical post formed on the upper case wall and a cylindrical socket formed on the lower case wall. The inner surface of the socket includes two opposing planar sections separated by a distance less than the outer diameter of the post. Insertion of the post in the socket deforms the post to secure the post within the socket without creating any debris during assembly or disassembly. The cylindrical post has thin walls.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1992Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: David L. Hubbling
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Patent number: 5301912Abstract: An adjustable and movable hook, which comprises a base block, a click stop assembly and a hook stem; the front side of the base block has a round rod hole for receiving the hook stem; a screw hole is furnished on the top side of the base block, being in communication with the round rod hole. One side of the hook stem (i.e., the side which faces the screw hole) has a groove side, which includes a plurality of positioning grooves and guide flats. The front end of the hook has a hook-shaped section, while the rear end thereof has a round stub. The hook stem can be pulled back and forth in the round rod hole to adjust the hook stem in a length desired by means of a click stop assembly, which has a spring and a positioning ball for providing a resilient and click effect to the hook stem.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Inventor: Shou-Hwa Chang
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Patent number: 5297719Abstract: A method of producing inner parts of a tripod joint followed by a tubular shaft has one end of the tubular shaft deformed in a non-chip-forming way. The deforming increases the wall thickness. Radial arms are connected to the thickened region of the tubular shaft end, preferably by friction welding.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: GKN Automotive AGInventor: Rolf Cremerius
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Patent number: 5284400Abstract: A fastening arrangement for attaching a handgrip knob assembly to a vehicle gearshift lever rod. The knob has a through cavity comprising an upper cavity portion, an intermediate cavity portion supporting a metal insert, and a lower upwardly tapered cavity portion. The insert upper surface defining a bottom wall clamping surface of the upper cavity portion bottom wall. An internally threaded insert through bore is divided from a lower counterbored portion by an internal stop shoulder. The shift lever rod has an upper threaded stem connected by a cylindrical shank portion to an upwardly tapered rod section while the stem portion terminates in a frustoconical pilot end. A rod external stop shoulder divides the stem and shank sections. A spring steel drive washer, having a central aperture intermeshed with an upper crown portion of a locknut, is initially press-fitted in the upper cavity until its outer edge frictionally engages a serrated portion of the upper cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1992Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Robert M. Thomas
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Patent number: 5279211Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite structure which minimizes tensile ceramic loads and accommodates differences in thermal expansion characteristics between a metal member and a ceramic member without reliance on precise feature control for either member. The composite includes a mechanical retainer which allows a loose fitting relationship between the metal and ceramic members. The ceramic member is secured within a receiving bore in the metal member by the retainer in a manner which eliminates the need for precise machining of the ceramic and metal members. The metal member may be configured to accept either an internal or an external mechanical retainer element. The composite ceramic-metal structure of the present invention finds particular utility in forming a durable wear-resistant interface in internal combustion engine actuator or actuating components, such as compression brake master pistons.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Bentz, John T. Carroll, III, Katsuhiro Shinosawa, David P. Genter
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Patent number: 5259086Abstract: A musical toothbrush has a elongate handle having proximal and distal ends. Bristles are formed at the distal end of the elongate handle and a music box is removably attached to the proximal end of the elongate handle. The music box has a housing within which a music generator is disposed such that it may conveniently be actuated by a child prior to brushing the teeth. A retainer disposed within the housing releasably retains the toothbrush upon the handle. The retainer has a tensioner assembly and a plurality of teeth disposed proximate the tensioner assembly such that the proximal end of the toothbrush is positionable intermediate the tensioner assembly and the teeth. The tensioner assembly urges the proximal end of the toothbrush handle toward the teeth such that the tips of the teeth are substantially depressed and therefore frictionally engaged to the proximal end of the toothbrush handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Advanced Technology Products, Inc.Inventor: Peter S. Fong
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Patent number: 5213434Abstract: A plug-in connector for an electric toothbrush drive mechanism, including an electric motor and a movement converter which is arranged between the motor and a plug-in shaft and sets the plug-in shaft in radial and longitudinal movement, the motor and converter being arranged in a housing, and the plug-in shaft, which is supported in a bottom surface of the housing, has a free end that penetrates the bottom surface, the plug-in connector is detachably connected with the housing and the plug-in shaft is engaged in an installed state with a connecting rod arranged on the inside of the plug-in connector, and an end of the connecting rod remote of the plug-in shaft is in a working connection with a radial drive, the connecting rod and radial drive being connected with one another by an elastically deformable spiral, and the connecting rod, spiral and radial drive being constructed so as to form one piece.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Rowenta-Werke GmbHInventor: Matthias Hahn
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Patent number: 5210898Abstract: A broom assembly of a basically wooden push broom comprises a wooden head portion including top and bottom surfaces, leading and trailing edge portions and remote lateral extremities, considering the direction of its movement in use. This head has a laterally centered throughbore opening at one end from the tope thereof adjacent its trailing edge and at its opposite end from the bottom thereof, adjacent its leading edge. A counterbore of the upper end of this throughbore produces an outwardly and rearwardly facing annular shoulder in its bounding wall surface. Securely wedged within this throughbore, towards its bottom, is the short tubular body portion of a rigid plastic adapter means, an external flange at the base end of which overlies the bottom of the head and an external lip at the upper end of which clamps over the aforementioned shoulder in the wall bounding the upper end of the throughbore.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Vining Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Carey
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Patent number: 5207525Abstract: A spindle for use in an instrumentation apparatus comprises, on an end of the spindle inserted into a cavity defined by a pointer shaft, (i) a surface for engagement to the pointer shaft and (ii) a recessed surface proximal to the engagement surface and inserted into the cavity without engaging the pointer shaft. The improved spindle is easily manufactured and reduces the maximum force required to stake the pointer shaft to the spindle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: David A. Ross, Arnold R. Eick
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Patent number: 5197161Abstract: A molded knob of the type which frictionally engages and fits over the end of a shaft, which shaft end is of generally U-shaped, transverse cross-section created by the removal of a portion of a circular tubular shaft. A hub is formed as part of the knob. A shaft-receiving socket of generally circular, transverse cross-section is formed in the hub. A pair of generally L-shaped fingers are formed as part of the hub and extend the depth of the socket. The L-shaped fingers are positioned back-to-back to define a U-shaped slot between the fingers and hub, which U-shaped slot receives the U-shaped end of the shaft. Each L-shaped finger has a base portion which is molded integrally with the core and a back portion which extends cantileverly from the base portion, with the base and back portions connected by an integral hinge. The back portions of the L-shaped fingers are spaced from each other about their integral hinges and are flexible so as to bend toward each other when the shaft is inserted in the socket.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1992Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 5193623Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling an implement to a prime mover is disclosed, which includes a first connector assembly, having a mount for mounting the first connector assembly onto the prime mover, and a second connector assembly having a mount for mounting the second connector assembly onto the implement. One or, preferably, a plurality of complementary plug and socket members is provided for the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly with the plug member(s) and the socket member(s) being disposed on the connector assemblies at an upper medial location thereof and at a lower outer location at an opposite side of the medial location. The socket member is provided with a throat portion which is disposed with its entry axis being substantially horizontal and with entry to the throat portion being bounded by an outwardly diverging lip portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: John Burette
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Patent number: 5185992Abstract: A tool expanding assembly serves to greatly increase the usefulness and versatility of preexisting long-handled tools by providing a specially configured interconnecting approach which allows rapid attachment of various tool head types to the unmodified basic tool. The resulting combined tool may be rapidly reconfigured as needed, and allows the use of a wide range of tool types in groups of two, including the basic tool type and any one other of a variety of alternate tool head types. A two section tool expanding assembly is disclosed via a number of preferred embodiments, and both round and square variants of the alternate tool head interconnecting sections are presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Inventor: Roque P. Garcia
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Patent number: 5176497Abstract: An improved compressor wheel assembly for a a turbocharger or the like includes a centrifugal compressor wheel having a boreless hub to substantially improve wheel fatigue life. The compressor wheel is formed as by casting from an aluminum alloy to include an integral mounting sleeve extending coaxially from the boreless hub and adapted for connection as by threading with a turbocharger shaft. An annular spacer ring of wear resistant material is mounted on the wheel mounting sleeve and defines wear resistant surfaces for supporting one or more seal rings within the bore of a compressor backplate opening, and for axially engaging an adjacent thrust bearing unit associated with the turbocharger shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1991Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: Edwin R. Deacon, William R. Swihart, Jonathan R. Heim
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Patent number: 5176465Abstract: Device (10) for holding together adjoining component housings arranged in a vertical stack, said device (10) comprising a first female section (12) and a second male section (14) wherein the female member is provided with a cavity (22) to receive a male plug member (32). Each of the male and female members has a base (16,30) from which the coacting parts extend. The members (12, 14) are provided with aligned holes (29,34) through which a locking means (38) may be inserted for holding the members together. The base of each of the members is provided with an adhesive means (26,36) for adhering the member to a component housing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1990Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Inventor: Carl A. Holsted