Split Or Slotted Bushing Patents (Class 403/371)
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Patent number: 6969211Abstract: A multi-tubular connector apparatus comprising a connector body having a shoulder portion substantially matching the outer profile of a tubular member and an open fastener shaft through the body. Connecting slots within the shoulder portion have open ends within the top of the shoulder and apertures through the side of the shoulder. Deflectable legs are radially spaced about the open fastener shaft. A wedge member having an open fastener shaft coacts with the inner face of the deflectable legs. A connector cap having a fastener aperture covers the connecting slots. An elongated fastener fits through the connector cap, open fastener shaft of the connector body, open fastener shaft of the wedge member to provide means for tensioning the wedge member against the deflectable leg, outwardly deflecting the deflectable leg against inner walls of a tubular member frictionally connecting the apparatus to the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: Lee E. Altman
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Patent number: 6957856Abstract: A bicycle seat post includes two arcuate plates and a reinforcement board sandwiched between the two arcuate plates. Each arcuate plate has two lengthwise end surfaces and each end surface includes an inner corner edge and an elongate surface defined in an outer corner edge thereof. The two lengthwise end surfaces contact two opposite sides of the reinforcement board. Each of lengthwise top surface and lengthwise bottom surface of the reinforcement board is connected between the two respective elongate surfaces of the two arcuate plates so as to form two longitudinal grooves in an outer surface of the seat post.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., LTDInventors: Douglas Chiang, David Michael Anthony
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Patent number: 6939076Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: La-Z-Boy IncorporatedInventor: Larry P. LaPointe
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Patent number: 6938859Abstract: A gauge mounting device (20) for an improved mounting a gauge (17) to an instrument panel (19) including an annular gauge bracket assembly comprised of a gauge bracket having an inner tapering thread profile forming a helical pitch, a gripper ring disposed within the inner tapering thread profile having a plurality of gripping teeth radially aligned on a inner surface of the gripper ring and freely moveable along the inner tapering thread profile. The gauge bracket engaged onto a conical or cylindrical gauge housing having a gauge disposed therein and preventing further rotation of the conical gauge housing forming a stationery helix. The gauge bracket rotated causing forward movement by the helical pitch traveling along the stationery helix from the gripper ring resulting in increasing gripping force applied to the conical or cylindrical gauge housing and increasing sandwiching force between the gauge bracket and the conical or cylindrical gauge housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Thomas G. Faria Corp.Inventor: Gary Beausoleil
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Patent number: 6880781Abstract: There is described an electric connecting unit for a helicopter, having a stator connected rigidly to a fixed part of the helicopter and fitted with first electric contact means; and a movable member rotated about a respective axis by a rotary member of the helicopter, and fitted with second electric contact means cooperating in sliding manner with the first electric contact means; the movable member having rigid fastening means for connection to the rotary member of the helicopter, so that no bearings are required between the stator and the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Agusta S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Fabiani
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Patent number: 6848659Abstract: A storage stand has multiple shelves, split tubular sleeves, brackets and vertical supports. Each shelf has multiple corners and each bracket is mounted at one of the corners under the shelves to hold a split tubular sleeve by welding. The vertical supports are mounted between adjacent shelves. Since the welds are hidden under each shelf, the storage stand has an aesthetic appearance and can be easily assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: George C. M. Liu
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Patent number: 6842949Abstract: A wire rope clamp includes a U-shaped clamp member having a central fold. The clamp member has a first plate portion on one end of the central fold and a second plate portion on an opposite end of the central fold. The clamp member has a least one opening therein sized to allow at least one wire rope to pass therethrough. Such opening is located on said central fold between opposite sides of the clamp member. A tightening member urges the first plate portion and the second plate portion relatively closer together causing the plate portions to clamp onto one or more wire ropes located therebetween. The plate portions have embossments perpendicular to the rope direction that provide sufficient clamping grip.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventor: Robert E. Warren
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Patent number: 6786834Abstract: A joint, usable as a component of a golf club, including an outer sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface; an inner sleeve having a proximal end, an inner surface in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the outer sleeve, a slit, and a projection ring having an inner diameter; and an inner projection having a proximal end sized to be in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the inner sleeve, a distal end, a key sized to be slidably fit in the slit of the inner sleeve, a proximal taper, a distal taper and a maximum diameter, the maximum diameter being larger than the inner diameter of the projection ring, the maximum diameter being selectively passable through the projection ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventors: Joel Matheson, James Finseth, Terry Conway, Michael Bauer
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Patent number: 6783342Abstract: A rotary lobe pump includes two geared-together, counter-rotating shafts, to which are affixed rotors with interdigital lobes. Adjustment of the angular relationship of the rotors uses a clamping device within each rotor. The clamping device consists of a tapered, slotted bushing that is forced between a mating taper on the rotor and a locking device on the shaft by means of a flanged fastener mated to each pump shaft's threads.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.Inventors: Drew Van Norman, Curt Hagen
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Patent number: 6745909Abstract: A coat rack includes two expandable upright tubes, each upright tube being formed of an inner tube, an outer tube, and an expandable and contractable tightening ring. The inner tube is rotatably fastened at the top end to a top cross bar and is provided at the bottom end with a tapered outer threaded portion which is engaged with an inner threaded portion of the tightening ring. The bottom end of the inner tube is slidably disposed in the top end of the outer tube such that the inner tube is securely located in the outer tube by a clockwise rotation of the inner tube, and such that the inner tube becomes slidable in the outer tube by a counterclockwise rotation of the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Hsiu-Chen Lai
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Patent number: 6698261Abstract: A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Knox CompanyInventor: Dohn J. Trempala
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Patent number: 6651525Abstract: A head set assembly for bicycles includes a bearing set with balls received between an upper race and a lower race which is connected to an end of a head tube of a bicycle. The upper race has an annular inclined surface and an annular vertical inside. A pressing ring has an inclined outer surface for being engaged with the annular inclined surface of the upper race, and a flange extending from the inclined outer surface. The flange of the pressing ring is matched with the annular vertical inside of the upper race. The flange is mounted to a steerer tube extending through the head tube. A dust cap is connected onto a top of the pressing ring and a skirt of the dust cap encloses the lower race of the bearing set.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Cheng-Xun Jiang
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Patent number: 6634830Abstract: A foundation repair piling made up of segments is post tensioned by a cable fed into the segments after the piling is installed. A cable anchor serves as a base segment of multiple concrete piling segments. After installing all the concrete segments on top of the base segment, a cable is inserted into passages in the segments. The cable is threaded through the completely installed piling segments and into the cable anchor. After the cable bottoms out in the cable anchor, upward tension is applied to the cable. As the cable is pulled, cable lock members in the cable anchor increase gripping pressure even as the cable tension increases, thereby solidly anchoring the end of the cable in the cable anchor. After the desired tension is reached, the cable is terminated at the top of the last segment. The tension is held by a termination lug at the top end of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
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Patent number: 6631596Abstract: A post-tension anchor system including an anchor encapsulated with a polymeric material, a corrosion protection tube having a connection portion at one end and a sealing portion on an opposite end thereof, and a tendon having a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion. The anchor has a trumpet portion with a notch extending outwardly therefrom. The connection portion includes an inwardly extending surface for engagement with the notch of the trumpet portion. The sealing portion is in liquid-tight engagement with the sheathed portion of the tendon. Alternatively, the connection portion includes an additional inner sleeve so as to define an annular slot with the inwardly extending surface. The inner sleeve extends into the interior of the trumpet portion so that the inner sleeve and the trumpet portion are in a liquid-tight engagement.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
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Patent number: 6616412Abstract: A tapered polygon coupling for an impeller and shaft. The shaft has a tapered bore having a polygonal cross-section. The impeller includes a corresponding tapered polygon plug configured to be placed in the bore of the shaft. A fastener is provided for securing the impeller to the shaft. The fastener passes through a passage in the plug of the impeller. The plug of the impeller is split so that when the fastener is inserted into the passage the plug expands to contact the bore and create an interference fit between the shaft and the impeller. Additionally, the impeller may include the tapered bore having a polygonal cross-section, and the shaft may include the tapered polygon plug configured to be placed in the bore of the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Haugen, Robert King, Jeff Schmidt
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Patent number: 6604887Abstract: An adjustable steering tie rod assembly for a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The steering tie rod assembly has at one end a threaded steering terminal connected to a tube that has a ring-like cavity and an intermediate tubular member. The intermediate member has an internal thread and a ring-like projection on the external surface. The threaded steering terminal, the intermediate member, and the tube are connected in a concentric arrangement. The internal thread and the ring-like projection of the intermediate member allow, through the rotative movement, to adjust the length of the assembly with no axial movement of the intermediate member. A clamping mechanism is provided to ensure that the three components be fastened adequately and that a solid assembly is formed for ensuring safety for the users.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Celso Gomes Carreira
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Patent number: 6581251Abstract: A drop wire clamp comprising a shell, a wedge, and a shim, for securing a cable to a fixed object. The shell is an elongated open ended member that is tapered in length and is formed with a U shaped cross section, sized to receive the wedge in sliding engagement. The wedge has a shim fixed to its lower side with a surface shaped to frictionally engage the upper surface of a cable positioned within the shell and press it against a friction surface forming the bottom of the shell. A bail engages the wedge and shim to pull the wedge into operative engagement with the shell and a segment of cable extending through the shell.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Allied Bolt, Inc.Inventor: Glen K. Malin
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Patent number: 6574838Abstract: A tie-down device secures an aircraft to the ground. The tie-down device includes a hook and slide member operating within the hook to secure a line. In use the line passes through an aperture within the slide member for biasing against a bottom portion of the hook when an opposing end of the line is placed under tension pulling against a top portion of the hook and is used to secure an aircraft to a ground anchor. A second embodiment includes an elongated slide member replacing the wheel. The slide member includes an aperture for receiving the line therethrough and a groove along a peripheral portion for sliding engagement with the hook. In addition, the slide member includes a release arm, accessible to a user, for pulling against the tension holding the line in frictional contact against the bottom portion of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Larry D. Maurer
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Patent number: 6568757Abstract: An office chair includes a frame having a tube with a tapered inner periphery and a plurality of legs extend from the tube. A C-shaped sleeve is movably received in the tube and has a tapered outer periphery. The sleeve has a threaded inner periphery so as to be threadedly engaged with a seat post. Two notches are defined in the tapered outer periphery of the sleeve so that two pins extend through the tube and are engaged with the two notches to restrict the sleeve from being rotated. The sleeve is firmly clamp the seat post when a load is applied downward the seat post. When lifting the seat post, the sleeve is raised and loosened so that the seat post is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventors: Ming Chuan Lin, Jack Wang
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Patent number: 6560935Abstract: A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form a post anchor which is utilized in earthen ground to support a post. The driveable member is capable of being driven into the earthen ground during an installation process wherein a post extends from the driveable member following the installation process. The locking member acts to secure the post and the driveable member together using a binding pressure between a post support sleeve of the driveable member and the outer surface of the post. Ideally the locking member is installed during the installation process utilizing an installation impact force which is delivered generally aligned with the length of the post to bind the locking member between the driveable member and the post. A method of coupling the locking member relative to the driveable member prevents any tendency of the locking member to become dislodged subsequent to the installation process.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: David H Barefield
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Patent number: 6513287Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an anchorage of a post-tension system in which a tendon is positioned within a cavity of an anchor such that an end of the tendon extends outwardly of the cavity, a plurality of wedges are mechanically inserted within the cavity between the tendon and a wall of the cavity, and pressure is applied to an end of the tendon such that the tendon and the wedges are in interference-fit relationship with the cavity. A compression mechanism is used having a cylindrical member and a plunger extending in a channel of the cylindrical member. The wedges are attached to the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member is moved toward the cavity such that the wedges enter a space between the tendon and the wall of the cavity. The plunger applies a compressive force to the end of the tendon when the end of the tendon is in the channel of the cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
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Patent number: 6499800Abstract: A vertically adjustable seat post assembly for cycles includes a light-weight vertical seat post formed from a relatively soft high strength-to-weight material, such as a carbon fiber composition, and a relatively hard tubular protective tubular sleeve permanently secured concentrically about the lower end of the seat post. The outer diameter of the sleeve is slightly less than the inner diameter of the seat tube opening of the cycle frame, whereby the carbon fiber seat post is protected by the sleeve when the seat post is vertically adjusted and clamped within the seat tube opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Morgan, Jr.
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Patent number: 6487882Abstract: A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Knox CompanyInventor: Dohn J. Trempala
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Publication number: 20020159828Abstract: A fastening system including a connector element including a conical head portion from which extends a threaded shank, a hole being formed through the head portion and the shank, the head portion being resiliently squeezable in a generally radially inwards direction. Examples of articles constructed with the fastening system are shown and described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Dov Rotshtain
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Patent number: 6467989Abstract: An adjustable connector that can slide along a rod or tube and can be secured from axially translating in infinite positions along the entire length of the tube. It also has the capability of attaching itself to a surface or structural element such as a shelf.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventor: Michael Finkelstein
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Patent number: 6461111Abstract: A tapered polygon coupling for an impeller and pinion. The pinion has a tapered bore having a polygonal cross-section. The impeller includes a corresponding tapered polygon plug configured to be placed in the bore of the pinion. A fastener is provided for securing the impeller to the pinion. The fastener passes through a passage in the plug of the impeller. The plug of the impeller is split so that when the fastener is inserted into the passage the plug expands to contact the bore and create an interference fit between the pinion and the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Haugen, Robert King, Jeff Schmidt
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Patent number: 6406216Abstract: A storm sewer overflow control device for controlling runoff surge flows from a generally vertically oriented storm drain into a generally horizontally oriented storm sewer pipe includes an engagement portion configured for insertion into the storm sewer pipe, a flow control portion attachable to the engagement portion and configured for receiving runoff surge flow flowing down the storm drain and slowing the flow for entry into the storm sewer through the engagement portion. The engagement portion is radially expandable to tightly and frictionally engage an interior surface of the storm sewer pipe, and preferably is configured to expand radially as it is shortened axially.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
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Patent number: 6394464Abstract: A sealing device for installation between a partition and at least one cable or conduit passing through a hole in the partition, includes two half-shells together forming a cylindrical body which completely surrounds the cable or conduit and is fixed to the partition. The device also includes a sealing joint and sealant to fill the space between the cable or conduit and the cylindrical body and to immobilize them relative to each other. The sealing means includes at least one sealing gasket of a flowable elastomeric material disposed about the cable or conduit, a radial gripping device in the form of a resiliently deformable split ring, which is disposed about the sealing gasket in the cylindrical body. The sealing gasket includes a skirt which is radially retractable in a substantially uniform manner about its entire circumference.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Connecteurs Electriques DeutschInventor: Jean-Luc Moreau
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Patent number: 6394692Abstract: A head lock ring assembly includes a ball bearing mounted on the head tube of a bicycle at a top and holding a set of steel balls outside the head tube, and a cover shell assembly formed of a cover shell, a first split ring, a second split ring, a rubber ring, and a locating cap, the cover shell assembly being covered on the ball bearing to lock the handlebar stem and the front fork of the bicycle for enabling the handlebar stem and the front fork to be rotated relative to the head tube, wherein the locating cap has a bottom flange inserted into the cover shell to hold down the first split ring and the second split ring in a receiving chamber in the cover shell around the handlebar stem and the front fork; the rubber ring is mounted around the locating cap above the bottom flange, and peripherally partially engaged into an inside annular groove in the cover shell to secure the cover shell, the first split ring, the second split ring and the locating cap together for quick installation.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
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Patent number: 6382868Abstract: A slot lock ring assembly capable of repeated radial expansion and contraction without sustaining permanent deformation and expansion to a load bearing state comprising: a solid metal ring having a toothed profile on one diameter and a tapered actuating profile on the opposite diameter, a top edge and a bottom edge; a spaced group of cuts that allow repeated radial expansion and contraction of the solid metal ring without sustaining permanent deformation, wherein the cuts are made in an alternating pattern, of a first cut starting on the top edge followed by a second cut starting on the bottom edge, and each group of cuts is spaced apart 10 to 40 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Kevin Durham
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Patent number: 6361243Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft. 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 out sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves effects 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 outer sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Fenner, Inc.Inventor: Randall R. Geib
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Patent number: 6332735Abstract: A bicycle headset. The bicycle headset includes an upper bearing cover and a tapered ring that are made integrally in the form of a hollow arcuate circular ring capable of being fastened with precision.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co. Ltd.Inventor: Fu-Chun Wang
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Patent number: 6332734Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a supply roll to a rotatable support shaft in an imaging system. The apparatus includes a first collet/collar assembly for accurately positioning the supply roll at a desired location on the support shaft, and a second collet/collar assembly for frictionally coupling the support shaft to an interior surface of a supply core of the supply roll using a deformable gland.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Agfa CorporationInventor: Thomas K. Hebert
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Patent number: 6305906Abstract: The invention concerns a device for attaching a pump impeller (5) onto a conical shaft end (7). A socket (8) provided with a slot is arranged on the shaft end (7), said socket having an outer diameter corresponding with the the shaft bore in the impeller (5). The socket (8) is provided with a threaded bore (9) for an adjusting screw (10) which, by help of a tool, can be turned thereby moving the impeller (5) axially on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Anders Ekstrom
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Patent number: 6261185Abstract: To couple a drive shaft to a rotatable member for rotation therewith and the method of doing so includes providing a rotatable member having at least one end with a bore therein, a drive shaft, and an expandable and compressible coupler having a first segmented sleeve and a second segmented sleeve. The coupler is positioned within the bore of the rotatable member and the drive shaft is extended within a bore of the coupler and is coaxially disposed relative to the rotatable member. Without having to bolt or weld the drive shaft to the rotatable member, the user securely couples drive shaft to the rotatable member and substantially prevents removal of the drive shaft from the rotatable member by the user simply threading the first segmented sleeve into the second segmented sleeve thus simultaneously effecting engagement of the coupler within the bore of the rotatable member and substantially clamping or compressing of the coupler about the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Amity Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary G. Peterson, Adam R. Menze, Warren A. Ehrichs, Thor Iverson
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Patent number: 6247870Abstract: A detachable fitting device fits a mechanical component endowed with a cylindrical hole onto a shaft of circular section. The fitting device has an end collar having a substantially elliptical seat and a bush equipped with an elastically deformable external side surface for the reception of the shaft. The fitting is shaped to fit in the elliptical seat. The bush has a first size, measured along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the bush, inclusive between minor and major diameters of the elliptical seat, and a second size, measured along a straight line perpendicular to the bush axis, which second side has a length which is less than the minor diameter of said elliptical seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Scaglia S.p.A.Inventor: Enzo Scaglia
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Patent number: 6234709Abstract: An improved anchor for a post-tension system having an anchor body with an internal wedge-receiving cavity. The cavity has a first portion of constantly diminishing diameter extending inwardly from one end of the anchor body. The first portion has an angle of taper with respect to a center line of the cavity. The cavity has a second portion extending inwardly from an opposite end of the anchor body. The first portion and the second portion are coaxial and communicate with each other. The second portion has an angle of taper which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions are cast with the anchor body. The angle of taper of the second portion is less than seven degrees or a negative angle with respect to the center line. The second portion of the cavity has a radiused edge curving outwardly from the cavity to the opposite end of the anchor body. The radiused edge is flush with the second portion of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
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Patent number: 6220200Abstract: A line marker apparatus for visibly marking the location of a utility line and the like has a tube disposed vertically in the ground. A locking ring is disposed on the tube and has a plurality of locking fingers extending from the ring. The locking finger are bendable in towards the tube. A cap or marker is removably coupled to the locking ring. The cap has an open end for receiving the locking ring and a protrusion extending into contact with the locking finger for forcing the locking finger in towards the tube. Ribs may be formed on an inner surface of the fingers to prevent the locking ring from rotating on the tube. A slot may be formed in the locking ring or cap to vent the cap. An indentation may be formed in the cap to receive indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Carsonite InternationalInventors: Michael Howard, Charles Li
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Patent number: 6202369Abstract: An anchor system for alternate types of signage includes an elongated anchor member and an attached, lowermost formation engageable with an underlying foundation to firmly support the anchor member in a substantially vertical disposition. A bore within the anchor member slidably receives the lower portion of an elongated sign pole or marker device, with a stop element within the anchor member serving to limit the length of the sign pole inserted therewithin. Secure attachment of the sign pole relative the vertical anchor member is achieved by the application of a compression element comprising a collar and having a tapered, inner surface engageable with the upper portion of the anchor member. The inclusion of a plurality of slots in the upper portion of the anchor member provides individual segments which are subsequently deflected radially inwardly upon the tightening of the compression element.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventors: Stanley E. Partee, Mike Conner, Donnie L. Reagan
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Patent number: 6155017Abstract: A composite utility pole which has a polygonal shaped outer surface and a circular shaped inner channel. Also disclosed is a truss structure which can support an assembly such as a windmill power generator. The truss structure may include a plurality of composite beams that are coupled together by a coupler. Each composite beam may have a curvature along a longitudinal axis of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Powertrusion 2000Inventor: Daryl Turner
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Patent number: 6109817Abstract: A coupling device joins and axially aligns segments of a driveshaft or other shaft to form one, continuous length, shaft for use in a machine press.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: The Minster Machine CompanyInventors: Bradley A. Burns, John B. Bornhorst
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Patent number: 6095713Abstract: The present invention relates to engagemnent devices and coupling members for forming a structural frame work for hollow tubes. One form of engagement device comprises a hollow sleeve (1) through which a tube (31) may be passed. The hollow sleeve has a deformable flared portion (2). A further hollow sleeve member (12) is immovable on the outside of the first sleeve and has a surface (13) arranged to co-operate the flared portion to cause it to deform to grip the tube (31). A further engagement device comprises a hollow sleeve portion (100) which is distendable to grip a tube mounted on its surface. A trustoconical wedge (101) is movable within the hollow sleeve potion (100) to cause to distend. A number of engagement devices may be connected together to form coupling members for connecting tubes to form a structural frame work.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: D & D Group Pty LtdInventors: David Doyle, Neil Dunne, Mark Cumming
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Patent number: 6082925Abstract: A storm sewer overflow control device for controlling runoff surge flows from a generally vertically oriented storm drain into a generally horizontally oriented storm sewer pipe includes an engagement portion configured for insertion into the storm sewer pipe, a flow control portion attachable to the engagement portion and configured for receiving runoff surge flow flowing down the storm drain and slowing the flow for entry into the storm sewer through the engagement portion. The engagement portion is radially expandable to sealingly engage an interior surface of the storm sewer pipe, and preferably is configured to expand radially as it is shortened axially.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
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Patent number: 6065407Abstract: Improved locking sleeve assembly is intended for use on a knock-down display shelf which is made up of four supporting pillars, multiple inner sleeves, rest boards, a top board and a plurality of retaining caps. Each locking sleeve assembly is made up of a separable inner locking sleeve and a retaining cap which has a roundly flanged bottom and a hollow central tubular portion provided with a tapered inner surface. On the circular flange of each retaining cap are disposed a number of counter sunk screw holes. At each corner of a rest board is disposed a counter sunk through hole in which a bottom flanged retaining cap can be placed and fixed in place by screws engaged with the screw holes on the circular flange. Each supporting pillar has a plurality of equally spaced peripheral grooves so as to permit halves of the separable locking sleeves, each having a peripherally extended rib on the inner surface, to be selectively engaged with the grooves of a supporting pillar at various levels.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Alltrend Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ken Wang
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Patent number: 6053656Abstract: A fastener device for arresting a hub of a vehicle steering wheel to one end of a steering shaft includes a non-rotatable shaft/hub connection between the hub and the end of the steering shaft and an annular spring element which forms an interlocking fit between the hub and the steering shaft. The interlocking fit is effective in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The steering shaft comprises a raised face, the face surface area of which facing away from the steering wheel continues into a smaller shaft diameter. The spring element comprises an inner diameter which is smaller with respect to the outer diameter of the raised face. The spring element is radially pliable over at least a part of its axial length and can be fitted over the steering shaft together with the hub and reaches behind the raised face.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbHInventor: Alexander Heilig
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Patent number: 6045289Abstract: A hidden screw-pressing structure for a pipe connector being comprised of a plurality of "C" shaped engaging members, springs and rotation covers on a plurality of opened ends of the pipe connector; wherein, the opened ends each is formed to have a diameter-reducing wall, the external wall of each engaging member is formed to have the same tapering surface as that of the diameter-reducing wall, an inner screw-pressing wall of the engaging member is formed a straight pipe wall, one of the springs abuts on the top of the engaging member and is subjected to compression of one of the rotation covers, screwing in of the rotation cover compresses the spring to push the engaging member inwardly, the inner screw-pressing wall of the engaging member thereby is given with a function for reducing diameter, in this way the walls of the pipes to be connected are bound by the inner screw-pressing walls, therefore, the pipes to be connected are bound in a hidden mode in the pipe connector without damaging the pipes themselvType: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Shao-Chien Tseng
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Patent number: 6039499Abstract: A supporting bracket is provided so that the braking pad may be readily controlled by a single braking cable and the steering angle of the handlebar will not be limited. The supporting bracket of the invention is specially suitable for terrain and acrobatic exercise applications. The present invention overcomes the difficulty or shortcoming of the conventional supporting bracket. The inventive bracket features a simplified configuration that may be readily constructed and assembled. Furthermore, the cost may be lowered, thus having economic value.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Douglas Chiang
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Patent number: 6035741Abstract: An assembly of two sets of universal mounts for interlocking with stock handlebar clamps to secure a larger diameter handlebar to a motorcycle or comparable vehicles. The two sets of universal mounts are used for mounting larger diameter handlebars to motorcycles or comparable vehicles. The two sets of the universal mounts are interlocked with the stock handlebar clamps. Each set of the universal mount has an upper mount and a lower mount. Each mount has a semi-cylindrical groove, where the larger diameter handlebar is fitted between the semi-cylindrical grooves of the upper and lower mounts respectively. Each lower mount has a protruding arch which is respectively positioned within the respective stock handlebar clamp, and thereby interlocks with the respective stock handlebar clamp.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Tucker-Rocky Corp., Inc.Inventor: John Krizman, Jr.
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Patent number: 6027278Abstract: An improved anchor for a post-tension system having an anchor body with an internal wedge-receiving cavity. The cavity has a first portion of constantly diminishing diameter extending inwardly of one end of the anchor body. The anchor has a second portion of constant diameter extending inwardly from an opposite end of the anchor body. The first portion and the second portion are coaxial and communicate with each other. The first and second portions are cast with the anchor body. The first portion has a wide end opening at the one end of the body and a narrow end having a diameter of no less than the diameter of the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
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Patent number: 6017165Abstract: An improved anchor for a post-tension system having an anchor body with an internal wedge-receiving cavity. The cavity has a first portion of constantly diminishing diameter extending inwardly from one end of the anchor body. The first portion has an angle of taper with respect to a center line of the cavity. The cavity has a second portion extending inwardly from an opposite end of the anchor body. The first portion and the second portion are coaxial and communicate with each other. The second portion has an angle of taper which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions are cast with the anchor body. The angle of taper of the second portion is less than seven degrees or a negative angle with respect to the center line.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
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Patent number: 4723898Abstract: In a small-sized and precision injection molding apparatus, a raw material supply means, a raw material plasticization means, an injection plunger means and a melted resin flow passage means are all together incorporated in a mold, thereby a substantial distance from the raw material up to a cavity becomes shorter. Thus, an overall construction of the injection molding apparatus becomes small-size and compact.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1987Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Inventor: Shigeru Tsutsumi