By Wedge Or Cam Patents (Class 403/374.1)
  • Patent number: 6767157
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus disclosed for providing a fastener that can hold suitably flat planar objects. No tools are required to actuate the fastener. The fastener holds the object with a predetermined range of force, determined by a built-in spring when actuated. The fastener is particularly suited for fastening Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) in an electronics enclosure, and holds the PWBs in position, as well as providing electrical coupling of a voltage supply used on the PWB to the electronic enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Don Alan Gilliland, James Larry Peacock
  • Patent number: 6761002
    Abstract: A post-tension anchor system including a first tendon, a second tendon, a first anchor receiving the first tendon therein, a second anchor receiving the second tendon therein, a coupler extending over the first anchor and secured to the second anchor such that the first tendon extends through a hole in the coupler, and a cover extending over an exterior surface of the coupler so as to be engaged with the second anchor in liquid-tight relationship. The cover is an encapsulation formed in liquid-tight sealing relationship over an exterior surface of the coupler. The second anchor includes a barrel anchor and encapsulated anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 6761501
    Abstract: Each one of telescopic units (12) that are used for a tripod includes a first tubular member (15). A second tubular member (16) is inserted in the first tubular member (15) so as to be capable of rotating circumferentially and enabling the adjustment of the distance by which the second tubular member (16) projects from the first tubular member (15). Press receiving surface portions (25) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the first tubular member (15) are formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the first tubular member (15). Press applying surface portions (37) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the second tubular member (16) are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the second tubular member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nihon Velbon Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6739792
    Abstract: An adjustable key-locked clamp for securing car stereo equipment against a mounting surface. A single rotary lock fixes the adjustable clamping member and secures the clamp to its base. A key is required to release the clamping member and remove the device from its base. Thus, without the key, it is very difficult to remove the car stereo equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: James D. George, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6736027
    Abstract: An attachment device for a bore-provided machine member on a cylindrical shaft. A two-part sleeve is arranged in an annular space between the shaft and the machine member to provide a clamping force between the machine member and the shaft. The sleeve parts have mating cooperating taper surfaces that face each other so that upon mutual displacement of the sleeve parts the overall radial size of the sleeve parts changes. A first ring member is arranged about the shaft and forms a stop for one of the sleeve parts and a supporting device is adapted to move the machine member with respect to the shaft to cause mutual displacement of the sleeve parts. A second ring member positioned between the two-part sleeve and the machine member has a tapering bore, a tapering outer surface, and an inwardly projecting abutment for a second one of the sleeve parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Sture Östling, Uno Axelsson
  • Patent number: 6733202
    Abstract: A quick-connect fastener for removably fastening a component between a first abutment and a moveable shaft. The first abutment is part of a base member and optionally a second abutment may be attached to a shaft. The shaft extends through the base member and is connected to a hand-operated actuator. The quick-connect fastener further includes a locking mechanism that has two mating parts; one mounted to the shaft, and the other mounted to the base member. As a user moves the hand-operated actuator between a locked position and a release position, the first mating part moves both angularly and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in relation to the second mating part. The movement of the two mating parts in relation to each other causes the spacing between the first and second abutments to vary, thereby allowing a component to be fastened and unfastened between the two abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Couture, Mihai I. Stamate
  • Patent number: 6718707
    Abstract: An assembly for compressing a foundation piling prevents individual piling segments from sliding out of alignment. The assembly is an anchoring device that is lowered into a passageway running through a concrete or steel foundation piling to a desired depth. The anchoring device is suspended to a cable and has a center section and at least one moveable wing or wedge attached to the center section. Then a weight is dropped onto the anchoring device. The force of the impact causes the wings on the anchoring device to slide down and extend away from the center section. The force of the impact also forces the wings to grip the piling because the anchoring assembly is wider than the passageway when the wings slide down the center section. Tension is applied to the cable, which is now secured to the piling by the anchoring device. The tension in the cable creates a compressive state on the piling which prevents the individual segments from sliding out of alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040062597
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus disclosed for providing a fastener that can hold suitably flat planar objects. No tools are required to actuate the fastener. The fastener holds the object with a predetermined range of force, determined by a built-in spring when actuated. The fastener is particularly suited for fastening Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) in an electronics enclosure, and holds the PWBs in position, as well as providing electrical coupling of a voltage supply used on the PWB to the electronic enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Don Alan Gilliland, James Larry Peacock
  • Patent number: 6712540
    Abstract: A profile-connecting device for connecting two profile bars. The first profile bar has an end side which abuts a longitudinal side of a second profile bar. At least the outer longitudinal side of the second profile bar which is directed toward the end side of the first profile bar and at least one outer longitudinal side of the first profile bar has an undercut groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: FMS Forder- und Montage-Systeme Schmalzhofer GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Schmalzhofer, Wilfried Schuhmacher
  • Patent number: 6712542
    Abstract: A releasable clampband apparatus and an associated method gently alter clampband tension, such that clampband tension may be reduced after the need for high clampband tension is no longer present, but before clampband separation. Thus, equipment or electronics contained in elements joined by the clampband are protected from excessive shock upon clampband separation. The releaseable clampband apparatus includes a discontinuous clampband having at least one opening. A connector is fixed to one side of the clampband opening and extends across the opening. A housing is fixed to the other side of the clampband opening and has a cavity surrounding at least a portion of the connector. A moveable positioning assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing cavity and is connected to the connector such that movement of the assembly with respect to the housing alters the clampband tension by varying the size of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Buder
  • Publication number: 20040057787
    Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark Allen Cleveland
  • Patent number: 6708858
    Abstract: A clamp piece is provided for interconnecting an inner grid to an outer frame of a frame assembly of a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The clamp piece includes a plate member having inner and outer faces and a cavity formed therein for receiving a portion of the bar that makes up the inner grid. A bore extends between the inner face and the outer face of the plate member along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A screw extends through the bore and into the outer frame to interconnect the clamp piece to the outer frame. A clamping structure is positioned within the cavity and is movable between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate member and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Blanking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank E Oetlinger
  • Publication number: 20040037637
    Abstract: A locking assembly has two members which are moveable into coupling engagement with one another. The two members have lock engaging walls, and one of the members has an opening between the lock engaging walls for receiving a lock. The lock comprises a lock body and a retainer. The lock body has a channel for receiving a portion of the retainer. An end of the retainer extends underneath a retainer engaging wall, thus resisting movement of the lock out of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron B. Lian, Christopher M. Carpenter, Emory D. Hungerford, Ray J. Morris
  • Patent number: 6694687
    Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 6682250
    Abstract: A position-adjustable fastening apparatus capable of maintaining a position of a first member with respect to a second member includes a cam receiver disposed in a bore of the first member, a cam disposed in a bore of the cam receiver, and a fastener disposed in the bore in the cam. A method for fastening a first member and a second member positioning the first member with respect to the second member, orienting a cam receiver with respect to a bore in the first member, and placing the cam receiver in the bore of the first member. The method further includes orienting a cam with respect to a bore in the cam receiver, placing the cam in the bore in the cam receiver, and engaging the fastener with the second member through the bore in the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny E. Banks
  • Patent number: 6666615
    Abstract: A spacer includes a first cam having an inclined cam surface and a second cam having an inclined cam surface. The overall length of the two cams can be changed by contacting the cam surfaces together to move the cams relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mukouyama, Masayuki Hirai, Kiyoshi Onuma, Jun Zhang, Minoru Araki
  • Patent number: 6634830
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6634876
    Abstract: A vane pump is provided with a side plate, a rotor in which a plurality of vanes capable of being in contact with a cam surface of a cam ring is provided so as to freely slide in a diametrical direction, and a vane guide in which the respective vanes at a time of stopping a rotation of the rotor are in contact with an outer peripheral surface so as to set positions in a diametrical direction of the respective vanes. The vane guide constituted by the plate member has a tapered protruding portion integrally formed with the vane guide according to a press working, the protruding portion is pressure inserted to a hole formed in the side plate, and the vane guide is fixed to the side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Osugi, Atsushi Kagawa
  • Patent number: 6631596
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20030185623
    Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for locking a window sash in a closed position in a window frame. The locking mechanism is of the type having a slider portion translating longitudinally in a window frame in response to an actuation of a handle to engage at least two engagement members of the slider portion with corresponding keeper portions in the window sash for locking the window sash to the window frame. At least one of the at least two engagement members is a cam wedge having at least one ramped portion and a rest portion. The cam wedge is positioned on the slider portion such that the at least one ramped portion abuts the corresponding keeper portion during a translation of the slider portion, and is guided by the corresponding keeper portion to abut the rest portion thereagainst to prevent a displacement of the window sash toward an open position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Guy Guillemet, Daniel Varin, Marcel Van Der Hoeven
  • Patent number: 6626604
    Abstract: A connecting element, particularly for connecting rear forks, also known as monostays, made of carbon to bicycle frames. The connecting element is constituted by a first insert and a second insert which are mutually detachably associable at a first end by way of mechanical connection element. The first and second inserts are respectively associated, at a second end, advantageously by way of adhesives, with the stem of a carbon monostay, and are associable with, or rigidly coupled to, a tubular extension of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Cicli Pinarello S.r.l.
    Inventor: Fausto Pinarello
  • Patent number: 6619875
    Abstract: A connection apparatus for an artificial model includes a resilient device and a post device. The resilient device has a hollow shaft extending upward from the fixing disk thereof to fit with a sleeve disposed outside the hollow shaft. A plurality of balls are attached to the hollow shaft and retained between the hollow shaft and the sleeve. The post device further includes a flange and an upright post. The upright post is inserted into the hollow shaft with the round top thereof passing over the balls such that the resilient device can join with the post device. Once the push lever is pushed with the slant parts thereof pressing the sleeve to slide the fixing disk forward, the annular projection section of the sleeve may slide away the balls to release the balls from the recess ring on the push rod such that the post is taken out from the hollow shaft to disengage the post device from the resilient device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Chang Chiang
  • Patent number: 6602019
    Abstract: The device has two supports (15, 16) which can be moved in relation to each other in a transverse direction to the axis (2) of the traction element (1). Several clamping jaws (19, 20) are displaceably mounted in pairs opposite each other on said supports. The clamping jaws (19, 20) have surfaces which grasp the traction element (1). When strain is placed on the traction element, the clamping jaws are displaced linearly at increasing distances except for the rear pair, in such a way that the clamping force can be evenly distributed over a great length, despite the extension of the traction element (1). This allows, for example, steel cables with a high traction force to be tensioned without damaging the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Christian Rikli, Fritz Feuz
  • Patent number: 6599054
    Abstract: A locking device assembly to connect two sections of cable together. The locking device assembly has a body with two chambers with two wedge members that each have base portions that are each positioned on substantially opposite sides of the body in the chambers. Each wedge member and chamber can hold a cable therein and each cable can have tension place upon it without slippage. The cables can be easily removed by hitting the front end portions of the wedge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Ouimet
  • Patent number: 6599052
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for removably coupling a shaft and hub to one another. The hub includes a pair of tapered regions near ends of its inner peripheral surface. The shaft may be tapered in a region designed to contact one of the tapered surfaces, or a tapered bushing arrangement may be used on the same end. On an opposite end, a tapered bushing is inserted between the shaft and the hub, and interfaces with the tapered portion of the hub to draw the shaft into tight engagement with the hub, with the bushing wedged between, during assembly. A retaining plate abuts a retaining ring, within the bushing, and a fastener through the retaining plate draws the hub and shaft tightly together during assembly. The retaining plate may receive removal fasteners which urge disengagement of the tapered bushing and shaft for easy and controlled disassembly of the hub and shaft from one another for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Allyn E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20030133748
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable clampband apparatus and an associated method for altering the tension in a clampband. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a low cost and effective technique to gently alter clamband tension, such that clampband tension may be reduced after the need for high clampband tension is no longer present, but before clampband separation. Thus, the present invention protects sensitive and/or expensive equipment or electronics contained in the elements joined by the clampband from excessive shock upon clampband separation, which could cause damage to the equipment or electronics and result in the loss of a costly satellite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Buder
  • Patent number: 6588965
    Abstract: A hydraulic fastening device for securement of two components, each component having an orifice at least partly therethrough adapted to be coaxially aligned, the fastening device including a body member adapted to be inserted within the orifice of each component when coaxially aligned. The body member includes a main body section and a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within at least the manifold section and containing a fluid therein. The device further includes at least one moveable protrusion in fluid contact with the fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section; and control means to control the movement of each protrusion means. The arrangement is such that, upon operation of the control means, each protrusion is moved between a protruding position and a retracted position and when in the protruding position, the two components are adapted to be fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Keech Castings Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Garth Alexander Keech, David Kim Keech
  • Patent number: 6585446
    Abstract: An adjustment system for a plate-like member includes a cam member formed with an appropriate cam curve in contact with front or rear surface of, for example, a reflector installed in an optical scanner to reflect a scanning beam of an optical scanner so that a reflecting direction of this reflector may be adjustably varied by rotating the cam member and optical and scanning characteristics of the optical scanner may be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6575659
    Abstract: A conical screw connection for multi-disk shaft couplings is described, having a tension bolt (1), a first spring collet (3) arranged on the tension bolt and having a collar (2), at least one second spring collet (5) having a collar (4) and supported by the first spring collet, with the disks of the multi-disk set being securable on said second spring collet, wherein the seat between the tension bolt and the first spring collet is conical, and the seat between the first spring collet and the second spring collet is cylindrical, and a tension element (7) which axially clamps the disks of the multi-disk set, where the tension bolt has a threaded borehole (8) for a screw (9) whose head (10) is supported on the tension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Atec-Weiss GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Ewald Valtwies, Stefan Uhlen
  • Publication number: 20030091385
    Abstract: An interlocking device for connecting a shelf, drawer or similar component with respect to a frame preferably includes a mateable support and receiver. The support includes a groove extending at least partially through the support and a support ramp positioned on the support. The receiver preferably includes a protruding head and a receiver ramp positioned on the protruding head, the receiver ramp lockably engageable with the support ramp within the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Kurt Kuehn, James Zielinski, David Lakickas
  • Patent number: 6557832
    Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Patent number: 6558066
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a component (10) to a drive shaft (14, 52) of a wiper system (62), in which the drive shaft (14, 52) has at least one cross-sectional region (16) deviating from circular symmetry, has a pressure piece (18, 102), which is placed between the drive shaft (14, 52). The component (10), even before assembly has an opening (20) shaped to suit the cross-sectional region (16, 54) deviating from circular symmetry, and has an outer cone (22, 100), with which it is pressed, via a separable fastening element (24) on the drive shaft (14, 52), into a suitably shaped inner cone (26) of the component (10) and fixed jointly with the component (10) in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (28, 30). The cross-sectional region (16, 54), deviating from the circular symmetry, of the drive shaft (14, 52), at least in a region in the mounting direction (28), has an increasing diameter (32). The pressure piece (18, 102) is fixed nonpositively, without play, on the cross-sectional region (16, 54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6546637
    Abstract: Leveling instrument—clamping device for mounting leveling instruments to the tripod platform of a tripod. It is provided with a device plate which can be mounted to the bottom of the leveling system and with a stop provided on the upper side of the tripod platform, as well as a clamping device positioned at a distance from the stop with the device plate being mounted removable on the tripod platform via the stop and the clamping device. This allows a quick and secure mounting of leveling instruments by few operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Nestle & Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Fischer
  • Patent number: 6540429
    Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Weisgerber, Bryan K. Avis, James J. Jirik
  • Patent number: 6540430
    Abstract: A quick release clasping device for a rake includes a handle slidably engaged through a barrel. The barrel has an opening formed between two flaps for slidably receiving a press piece which has two ears. A lever has a cam engaged between and rotatably secured to the ears and the flaps with a shaft which may retain the press piece to the flaps. The ears each have an oblong hole for slidably receiving the shaft and for allowing the press piece to be slid relative to the shaft and the flaps for a limited sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Shih Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 6527473
    Abstract: A connector is configured to securely hold two twin-column supporting posts of an upper and a lower side supporter of a sectional rack to a linearly connected position. With the connector, the side supporters having twin-column supporting posts of the rack could be assembled from two or more shortened units. The shortened units of side supporters allow the disassembled rack to be packed into a largely reduced volume to facilitate convenient and economical transport and storage of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Publication number: 20030024139
    Abstract: A wear assembly provided with a tapered opening and a complementary tapered lock wherein the lock can be pried into and from the opening to thereby eliminate the need for hammering. The lock is formed with a body and a latch that is movable between a hold position where the latch is engageable with a stop in the opening to releasably retain the lock in the opening and a release position where the latch disengages the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Larren F. Jones, Christopher M. Carpenter, David M. Graf
  • Patent number: 6513626
    Abstract: A transport assembly for transporting an object axially along a rail of a ladder. The assembly comprises a platform for supporting the object at a selected axial position. A coupling mechanism is employed to slidably connect the platform to the rail. The coupling mechanism includes a locking mechanism and a connector for connecting the coupling mechanism to the platform. Axial displacement of the object along the rail is such that the locking mechanism permits relative axial displacement of the assembly with respect to the rail in a first direction, and inhibits the relative axial displacement in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Terry MacSweeney, Edward J. Burke
  • Patent number: 6513287
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 6507978
    Abstract: A housing for receiving electrical components, having a housing body with two lateral walls, a bottom and a cover, wherein a handle arrangement with at least one handle is fastened on the exterior of the housing body. The handle has a base handle element with end pieces on both ends, to each of which a fastening element is connected. The fastening elements are connected with the housing body. In order to provide a visually pleasant connecting device between the base handle element and the fastening elements, wherein simultaneously diverse handle design variations can be created in a simple way with small constructive outlay, the base handle element is designed as a curved or straight pipe section. Clamping pieces of the fastening elements are inserted into the pipe section through open ends of the end pieces. The clamping pieces have an adjusting member, which can be adjusted with respect to the clamping piece by a fastening arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Paul Root, Markus Neuhof
  • Patent number: 6508458
    Abstract: A rail has an axially extending undercut groove of a uniform generally “C” shape in cross section and is supported by supports attached to the rail in spaced-apart relation. Each support includes a bracket and a lock member attached to the bracket for rotation and against displacement of the lock member relative to the bracket member. The lock member includes a locking cam portion, which is received in the undercut groove and has a size and shape such that it can enter the undercut groove when it is in an unlocked rotational position relative to the undercut groove and such that it frictionally engages walls of the undercut groove in a locked rotational position relative to the undercut groove and thereby retains the rail against displacement relative to a structure that supports the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Construction Specialities, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Bartlett, James G. Fenstermacher
  • Patent number: 6505991
    Abstract: An adapter for detachably concentrically coupling shafts having a range of diameters to a rotating input actuator capable of rotating about a rotational axis is disclosed in which the force to transfer rotational torque between said shaft and a rotating input actuator to which said housing is attached is generated independent of said self-centering adjustment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Roman
  • Publication number: 20030007831
    Abstract: A locking assembly has two members which are moveable into coupling engagement with one another. The two members have lock engaging walls, and one of the members has an opening between the lock engaging walls for receiving a lock. The lock comprises a lock body and a retainer. The lock body has a channel for receiving a portion of the retainer. An end of the retainer extends underneath a retainer engaging wall, thus resisting movement of the lock out of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Aaron B. Lian, Christopher M. Carpenter, Emory D. Hungerford, Ray J. Morris
  • Patent number: 6499810
    Abstract: A locking quick-release bike hub skewer for securely engaging an axle of a bike includes a security lock for preventing theft. A cam member is housed within a quick-release skewer housing and is completely restrained from rotation via a tri-tumbler locking apparatus. The cam member is arranged in a combination lock type design and, therefore, cannot be rotated. In dialing in a proper lock combination, a series of locking pins which would otherwise prevent rotation of the cam about the bike's axle are aligned such that the cam member is allowed to freely spin. A pivoting lever is also provided not only for aiding in compressing the cam member against the axle, but also for removing compression of the cam member against the axle which aids in the removal of the quick-release hub once a proper lock combination has been dialed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Andrew Krahl
  • Publication number: 20020172552
    Abstract: The “clock lock” is a method of joining two bodies of matter together, in the form of a rail. Where as all four sides are providing a flat surface allowing a motorized platform on all four sides with rollers and/or wheels to travel up/down the entire length of the rail without any obstructions. The lock is internal and can be used where two bodies are needed to come together and held together securely. It can also be used in construction of any bridges, where this type of railing is required. This is a locking device that can be used anywhere and can be constructed in metal, plastic, wood, or ceramic. This method of joining two bodies is ideal for inner workings of a lock for bank safes, where sliding doors are to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
  • Patent number: 6481913
    Abstract: A device is designed to secure the front tube of the handlebar of a foldable scooter and is formed of a shaft rod, two clamping members, a wrenching rod, a lashing collar, and a stop nut. The device is pivotally fastened between the front tube of the handlebar and the folding mechanism of the foldable scooter. The clamping members are actuated by the wrenching rod to hold and push a press member of the shaft rod to press against the front tube, so as to prevent the handlebar of the scooter from swaying at the time when the scooter is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Melton International L.L.C.
    Inventor: Tsang-Ying Chen
  • Publication number: 20020159829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for connecting components (2, 3) by clamping and by means of a spacer (7) which is arranged in the gap and a clamping component (15) which clamps the two components (2, 3) against each other, said components being situated at a distance from one another. The fixing movement of the clamping component (15) results in a displacement of the spacer (7) from a distanced position into a position of rest on the second component (3) and then results in the device being fixed to the first component (2) by means of clamping elements (13) that are brought to rest on the wall of an insertion cavity (6) pertaining to the first component (2). According to the invention, the spreading means (13) are allocated to the spacer (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Norbert Kruger, Edvard Ruckert
  • Patent number: 6471439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in drill slip assemblies for use in holding a drill pipe or other tubular member in a vertical position above or within a wellbore. The invention comprises a plurality of slip segments assembled in a slip bowl, each segment containing a plurality of dies which grip the tubular member to prevent any axial displacement. The invention provides at least three improvements over prior art drill slips. First, the outer surface of the slip segment assembly, particularly the lower nose region, is fully supported by the inner surface of the slip bowl such that no portion of the slip segment assembly extends below the bowl. Second, the slip segments are fabricated from forged steel, making them more durable and able to carry higher loads. Third, each die in the lowermost set of hardened dies is fabricated having a rounded bottom end with a tapered profile to complement the rounded bottom of the axial grooves cut into each slip segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Jerry P. Allamon, Jack E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020154945
    Abstract: A device for handling an end on a load bearing member in an elevator system includes a socket portion and a wedge portion. The socket and wedge preferably are made from an extruded piece of metal or a formed piece of sheet metal material. A brace member secures the wedge within the socket portion to maintain the wedge, and the corresponding portion of the load bearing member in place within the socket portion. The preferred arrangement includes friction enhancing surfaces on the corresponding portions of the socket and the wedge to facilitate maintaining the load bearing member in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Richard J. Ericson
  • Patent number: 6461075
    Abstract: A device for securing a handle on a tool and including inner member having a first end to be fixedly connected with the handle, a second end formed as an expansion cone to be releasably connected with the tool, and an outer thread provided between the first and second end, a securing element surrounding the expansion cone and displaceable along the cone, and an adjusting sleeve surrounding the inner member, engageable in the securing element, and having an inner thread cooperating with the outer thread provided on the inner member for enabling displacement of the securing means relative to the inner member upon rotation of the adjusting sleeve, with the adjusting sleeve having, at its handle end, a thread-free cover section forming with an outer circumference of the inner member an annular clearance, which provides for securing handles having different diameters, and with the device further including drain channels communicating with the annular clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Manfred Bickel