Threaded Actuator Patents (Class 403/374.3)
  • Patent number: 11701761
    Abstract: An apparatus providing a platform for installing screws can include a cart with wheels, an assembly rail system mounted to the cart, and a screw assembly mounted to the assembly rail system. The screw assembly can include a screw feeding device, a screw guide tube, and a screwing device such as a drill that rotates a drive shaft that engages a screw received from the screw guide tube. The screw feeding device can include a screw rack that holds screws, and a magnetic grip that moves a screw from the screw rack to a screw feeding tube that is connected to the screw guide tube. The screw guide tube can include bristles for centering a screw received from the screw feeding tube. The apparatus can include a computer control system that operates the screwing device and the screw feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Swinerton Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Law, Tristen Magallanes, Alex Wuebben
  • Patent number: 11111938
    Abstract: An axial preloading device can include a shell having an inner surface that defines a radially interior channel, the inner channel defining an axial direction, one or more moveable housing members disposed at least partially within the interior channel and configured to move relative to the shell in the axial direction, and a wedge assembly connected to the shell and disposed in contact with the one or more housing members. The wedge assembly can be configured to be moved radially relative to the shell and the one or more housing members to push the one or more housing members axially. The wedge assembly and the one or more housing members define a shaft opening when installed on the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Paul McCullough
  • Patent number: 10799270
    Abstract: An end cap is provided comprising a head with a tool engagement portion and a shaft with a tip, wherein the shaft comprises a threaded conical portion starting from the tip and extending in a direction to the head. The thread may be provided with a constant pitch, i.e. with a constant distance between the turns of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Manfred Wieland
  • Patent number: 10746212
    Abstract: An adjustable distance sleeve consisting of an outer sleeve, a hollow cylindrical inner sleeve as well as an abutment disc fastened to an axial collar of the outer sleeve. Due to the adaption in shape between the outer sleeve and the component opening, a rotation-proof fastening of the distance sleeve in the component is possible in a simple manner. Thereafter, the length adjustment of the distance sleeve takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Burger, Hans-Ulrich Figge, Viktor Zelmer
  • Patent number: 10415617
    Abstract: A connecting structure, which is located between a first object and a second object, includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member located between the first engaging member and the first object. The first engaging member is located between the second engaging member and the second object. The second engaging member has a thickness. When a distance between the first engaging member and the first object is less than or equal to said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member are not movable relative to each other. When said distance is greater than said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member can be moved in a direction relative to each other, moving the first object and the second object relative to each other as well. A covering device for an opening of a building is also disclosed, which includes said connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Publication number: 20150117945
    Abstract: A clamp device includes a clamp portion defining a threaded opening therein. The clamp portion is configured to contact a first side of a beam. The clamp device also includes a threaded fastener configured for insertion into the threaded opening via a hole defined within the decompression panel. The clamp device causes the decompression panel to contact a second side of the beam when the threaded fastener is tightened within the threaded opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Perkins, Michael J. Olliges, Allan A. Loken, Hannah Rebecca Arm, Jeremy Ryan Glaze Tatum
  • Patent number: 9011034
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seam clamp for securing equipment, such as solar PV panels, to standing roofs. The seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an outer support member, and an inner clamp member. The inner clamp member and outer clamp member both include a clamping jaw projecting inward toward each other. The inner clamping member movably attached to the outer support member allowing the clamping jaws to engage and secure a standing seam. For ease of assembly, the outer clamp member and outer support member are slideably engaged and can be optionally captively slideably engaged. The seam clamp can be configured to accommodate different standing seam shapes by substituting alternative outer clamp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sunmodo Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Clifford Schrock
  • Publication number: 20150093190
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for attaching loads to various kinds of flanged seams, the assembly comprising a generally U-shaped clamp body, at least one clamping hammer disposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammer is secured to the clamp body along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body, at least one adjustment screw extending through the clamp body and adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis or otherwise move inwardly within the clamp body, the adjustment screw extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, at least one locking screw adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer to prevent pivoting of the same may be optionally provided whereby a standing seam received within the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the clamp body and the clamping hammer under action of the adjustment screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory A. Header
  • Publication number: 20150060631
    Abstract: A pole securement sleeve is disclosed herein. The pole securement sleeve includes a tubular housing member having a sidewall defining an internal passageway configured to receive a pole therein; a clamping member, a portion of the clamping member disposed in the internal passageway of the tubular housing member, the clamping member configured to apply a compressive force about a portion of an outer periphery of the pole; and a clamping member adjustment means operatively coupled to the clamping member, the clamping member adjustment means together with the clamping member circumscribing an area configured to be intersected by the pole. When a moment or torque is applied to the clamping member adjustment means, a size of the area circumscribed by the clamping member adjustment means and the clamping member is adjusted. A pole securement system and an umbrella base assembly, each including the pole securement sleeve, are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Sunjoy Industries Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Lianzhang Pan
  • Publication number: 20140369739
    Abstract: Tool holder comprises a cage assembly having a pair of axially spaced hollow members with axially aligned through openings sized for axial extension of tool handles of different sizes and shapes through both of the aligned openings. A cradle member is transversely movable in opposite directions between the hollow members toward and away from respective inwardly facing wall surfaces of the hollow members for releasably clamping tool handles extending through both aligned openings against the inwardly facing wall surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventors: Richard K. Bukovitz, John L. Scott, SR.
  • Publication number: 20140356062
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for fastening comprising a jaw, a screw with a diameter d and a shaft, the jaw having two parallel flanks surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft having a peripheral recess in line with the screw in assembled position and with each of the flanks having an orifice that the screw passes through, it is characterised in that one of the orifices is of oblong shape. The oblong shape of the orifice makes it possible to prevent the screw from becoming “stuck” between the shaft and the orifice when the shaft is incorrectly positioned, by releasing the screw as soon as the latter enters into interference with another part or an obstacle and as such makes it possible to prevent the transmission of a torque between the two parts to be attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ZF SYSTEMES DE DIRECTION NACAM S.A.S
    Inventors: Arnaud JANVIER, Gilles DUBOUILH, Frédie GOUGE
  • Publication number: 20140334874
    Abstract: A panel mount for non penetrative fastening of a panel (such as a glass pane) able to be mounted to a structure, and preferably to a vertical or side surface of that structure, which provides a pair of clamp jaws defining an elongate slot in which an edge of a panel can be received and an intermediate clamping member associated with each jaw, each intermediate clamping member having at least one threaded member associated therewith to facilitate adjustment of the position and orientation of the intermediate member within the clamp jaw so as to securely retain the panel within the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Warwick James Allen
  • Publication number: 20140294492
    Abstract: A frame connector assembly is configured to releasably, rigidly, and safely join large frame members to one another to form temporary structures. A connector assembly typically comprises a housing, a hoop element, a first cam block, a second cam clock and a rotatable actuator adapted to be engaged by a torquing tool. The housing is secured within the first frame member. Rotation of the actuator causes the threadedly-engaged second cam element to force movement of the first cam element in a direction opposing a spring bias. The hoop element is resultingly pulled toward the housing, along with a cleat or other detent element which is affixed to the second frame member. The housing can be manufactured inexpensively by way of extrusion. The frame connector assembly is adaptable to facilitate rapid construction and disassembly of various frame joint configurations, including end-to-face joints, and mitered 90-degree joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MOSS HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert Frey
  • Patent number: 8814107
    Abstract: A fastening device (3) for detachably fastening a medical instrument (2A-2E) to a holding structure (1) includes two crossbeams (4A, 4B), two longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) with a claw (6) for extending behind a holding surface (1A) of the holding structure. A guide (7-9) is provided, by which the crossbeams (4A, 4B) are moved in the direction of the claws (6) of the longitudinal beams during a motion of the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. A clamping structure (12) is provided for moving the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hampe, Holger Stegmann
  • Publication number: 20140227029
    Abstract: A hollow shaft coupling for connecting a shaft to a hollow shaft, where the hollow shaft coupling can be arranged completely in the hollow shaft and can effect clamping both radially inwardly as well as radially outwardly. The coupling enables a first clamping unit to clamp the hollow shaft coupling radially inwardly against the shaft and a second clamping unit which is separate from the first clamping unit to clamp the hollow shaft coupling radially outwardly against the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft, with the two clamping units spaced apart from one another axially, and the two clamping units connected to one another via a play-free and rotationally stable coupling which is arranged between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: RINGFEDER POWER-TRANSMISSION GMBH
    Inventor: Gerd SCHUSSLER
  • Patent number: 8770885
    Abstract: A wedge clamp providing for a positive attachment to structural angles, I-beams, H-beams, T-bars, plates, boards, conventional angles, bulb angles, channels, plates and other similar structural shapes comprises a clamp wedge and body that capture objects with two opposing surfaces securing the objects against each other using a fastener or other means to engage both parts of the clamp to pull the wedge through the body and causing the objects being attached together to be squeezed together. The wedge clamp is also used to support other members using a bolt or threaded rod attached to the wedge clamp which in this case normally attaches to a single flange of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Philip Allen Myers
  • Patent number: 8764338
    Abstract: Retainers include at least one center body component comprising a plurality of center body troughs, and at least one compatible component comprising a plurality of compatible troughs, wherein at least part of the plurality of the compatible troughs couple with at least part of the plurality of center body troughs. In addition, thermal displacement devices incorporate at least one retainer and at least one additional component, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled at least in part to the at least one additional component through a contact area or a substrate, surface or combination thereof, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled with the substrate, surface or combination thereof through a contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: James Charles Calder
  • Patent number: 8764337
    Abstract: A distance device bridges a free space between a carrier part and a roof body for fastening a roof luggage rack, such as a roof rail, a roof strip or the like, on a vehicle roof by a threaded screw, with a support part and a counter support part. The support part and counter support part are held together by a threaded connection and can be adjusted relative to each other in order to set a bridging length. The support part or counter support part is carried along by a rotationally engaging connection with the threaded screw when it is screwed into a counter thread of the roof luggage rack or carrier part as far as a contact position with the carrier part or the roof body. The rotationally engaging connection has a plastic carrier into which the thread of the threaded screw is/has been screwed for carrying along with frictional resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hans und Ottmar Binder GBR
    Inventors: Hans Binder, Ottmar Binder
  • Publication number: 20140119823
    Abstract: A shaft collar and shaft coupling assemblies adapted for use in the food-processing and similar industries. The assemblies include a shaft collar or shaft coupling disposed within an associated multi-element shroud. The shroud provides a cover overlying the collar or coupling, eliminating exposed features that can trap food particles, thereby effecting a high level of cleanliness of food-processing equipment upon which the collar or coupling is secured, while retaining many of the advantages of a conventional collar or coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Scott J. Carlson, William W. Hewitson, Scott E. Brooks, Michael J. Langley
  • Patent number: 8702048
    Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Jon M. Mammenga, Nathan W. Hart, Michael A. Hulscher
  • Publication number: 20140082977
    Abstract: The connector assembly is used in securing a wear member to a support structure of the earth working bucket in an engaged position in which corresponding apertures of the wear member and the support structure are aligned and form a connector passage. The connector assembly is engaged into the connector passage and comprises: an endless screw extending in the connector passage and having an externally operable head, abutment portions facing opposite walls of the connector passage, and a movement transfer mechanism operable to transform rotary movement of the endless screw into a transversal movement of one abutment portion relative the other, to push the abutment portions against corresponding opposite walls of the connector passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michel Pilon
  • Publication number: 20140086680
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for attaching loads to various kinds of flanged seams, the assembly comprising a generally U-shaped clamp body, at least one clamping hammer disposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammer is secured to the clamp body along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body, at least one adjustment screw extending through the clamp body and adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis or otherwise move inwardly within the clamp body, the adjustment screw extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, at least one locking screw adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer to prevent pivoting of the same may be optionally provided whereby a standing seam received within the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the clamp body and the clamping hammer under action of the adjustment screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory A. Header
  • Publication number: 20140064840
    Abstract: An expansion ring has multiple adjustable expansion joints and plural bolts around the periphery of the ring that have pointed tips that bear into the sides of an existing manhole. The combination of the expansion joints and bolts allows the expansion ring to be securely affixed in the manhole. A filter basket assembly is suspended from the expansion ring into the manhole. Plural expansion rings with filter basket assemblies are strategically located along a clean-out route so that a full Vactor truck or sweeper may be emptied—decanted—into the filter basket assemblies on-route rather than at a traditional treatment plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen McInnis
  • Publication number: 20130343817
    Abstract: A clamping device having a first clamping part and a second clamping part, between which is formed a space for receiving an object to be clamped, and having at least one clamping screw operable to displace the first and second clamping parts relative to one another. The at least one clamping screw is guided in a through bore in the first clamping part and a thread corresponding to the clamping screw is provided in the second clamping part. The through bore is formed in a bushing which is displaceably mounted in the first clamping part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Matthias SCHILLING, Marcus LÜRSSEN
  • Patent number: 8608407
    Abstract: A connector for connecting together two floating dock sections includes a first half having a pair of slotted cylinders and a second half with a pair of cones. A pair of rods connects the first half to the second half. When the two halves are loosely connected together, the connector is inserted into opposing receiver sockets of a pair of opposing floating dock members. A flange located at an upper end of the first half arrests the downward travel of the inserted and loosely connected first and second halves. As the rods are tightened, the pair of cones travel toward the pair of slotted cylinders and cause the slotted cylinders to expand radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: HydroHoist Marine Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Vaughn, Paul Bradley Forrest
  • Publication number: 20130309007
    Abstract: A device for retaining a printed circuit board module in a mounting groove of a cold plate, the device comprising an elongated housing made of metal, which has a cross-section in the shape of a horizontal U. A pressure piece made of metal is mounted in the housing so as to be displaceable transversely relative to the rotational axis of the housing and comprises a flat clamping surface on the front side. A rotary cylinder can be rotatably mounted in the housing so as to be transversely displaceable relative to the rotational axis. During a rotation, eccentric guide elements can be used to effect a forward displacement of the rotary cylinder. The pressure piece follows the displacement of the rotary cylinder and slides outward. The waste heat of the printed circuit board module is transported via the housing and the pressure piece to the cold plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Adam Pawlowski, Paul Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20130258611
    Abstract: The fixing device includes a main body, at least two sliding location elements and at least one location element. The main body includes a bolting structure for bolting with a component element. The sliding location elements are disposed on one side of the main body opposite the bolting structure. Each sliding location element includes a connecting portion connected to the main body and an extending portion connected to the connecting portion. The extending portion is substantially parallel to the main body. A spacing is kept between the main body and the extending portion for clamping and fixing a printed circuit board. The at least one location element is extended from the main body and is substantially parallel to the extending portion. The at least one location element is disposed between the sliding location elements and the bolting structure for fixing the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jen-Kung LI, Wen-Lin WU
  • Publication number: 20130202347
    Abstract: A fastening system for add-on parts to vehicles allows the add-on parts to be easily installed and removed. The fastening system includes a connection part that lies against the vehicle and the add-on part, which includes a base. The connection part is designed as a profiled element whose outer surface corresponds to the outer surface of a prism having a cross section of a regular polygon with at least one interior angle deviating from 90°. The base has a trapezoidal groove with opposing surfaces on opposing sides of a base surface that are arranged at an angle from each other. The two opposing surfaces lie flush with wiggle-free engagement against two lateral surfaces of the connection part. A hole extends through the base symmetrically with respect to the groove. A connecting element is inserted through an opening in the base and engages in a receptacle of the connection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mekra Land GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130170902
    Abstract: A linear mechanical quick release fastener is operated by three movements with self-centering chucks and for mounting all types of compatible clamping devices for machining workpieces, especially on automatic precision machine tools. A bottom part has raised locking elements formed integrally in one piece one after another on a plane along a direction at right angles to a clamping direction and base jaws formed integrally in one piece, with a threaded hole for a clamping bolt and a screw element. A top part has recesses, one after another along a direction at right angles to the clamping direction, designed as a counterpiece of the locking elements. One recess is connected at an open front side to a mounting area recessed continuously, which is accessible from the top, and another recess is open on a front side. The top part can receive an upper plane of any compatible clamping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Günter Lang
  • Publication number: 20130149030
    Abstract: A clamp for linking a mounting rail to a flange of a beam is disclosed. The clamp includes a lower base, an upper base, a connecting web, and a T-shaped back-gripping element, which is disposed at the lower base for gripping a rail opening of the mounting rail from behind. In the upper base, a threaded hole, which corresponds to the lower T-shaped back-gripping element, is provided for a clamping screw, with which the flange and the mounting rail can be pressed against one another when the lower T-shaped element grips a rail opening of the mounting rail from behind. In the lower base, a threaded hole, which corresponds to an upper T-shaped back-gripping element, is provided for a clamping screw, with which the flange and the mounting rail can be pressed against one another when the upper T-shaped element grips a rail opening of the mounting rail from behind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: HiIti Aktiengesellschaft
  • Publication number: 20130148367
    Abstract: A set of interchangeable keying members for keying a body that is mountable on mounting rails having keying features of different sizes and shapes, wherein the members of the set may each comprise: a key body for being disposed in a recess of the body and having a keying feature that corresponds to the keying feature of the mounting rail for engaging the keying feature of the mounting rail when the body is mounted thereto. The size, or shape, or position, or a combination thereof of the keying feature of each of the keying members of the set of keying members may be different and correspond to a keying feature of a mounting rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: STREAMLIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Streamlight, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8388256
    Abstract: A clamp (10) for holding two members together. The first member includes a recess into which a fastener is located. A bore is provided to the recess to allow a tool to be used to operate the fastener. The second member is arranged to accept the fastener and so join the members. The recess and bore are sized to prevent release of the fastener through the bore. In this way, the fastener cannot easily be removed or lost when the clamp is in use and is tamperproof. Embodiments of a downhole tool are described where the clamp is used to hold portions of a sleeve around a body of the tool, and to hold scraper blades and/or brushes to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventors: James Atkins, George Telfer, Edward Docherty Scott
  • Patent number: 8366340
    Abstract: A structural member joint structure can easily join members to each other by using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts and can provide the members with a large fastening force which makes the members less likely to be loosened from each other. The joint structure is used to join one pillar and the other pillar to each other such that the other member is vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. The structure has a pair of fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove formed in a side face of the one pillar, a nut mechanism located on the inward side of the other pillar and formed between the pair of fastening members, and a bolt operated from the outside through an opening in the other pillar to be fitted into the nut mechanism. Rotating the bolt causes the nut mechanism to urge and move the pair of fastening members in the direction in which the pair is separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SUS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Munakata, Eiji Kashiwagi, Nobuyuki Osada
  • Patent number: 8303208
    Abstract: An exemplary lock out assembly includes a lock nut defined about an axis. The lock nut defines inner apertures along an inner diameter and outer apertures along an outer diameter. The inner apertures are at least partially threaded. The outer apertures are at least partially threaded. The inner apertures are radially spaced from the outer apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Tully, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8287207
    Abstract: A self-centering shaft adapter may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define an opening for receiving a shaft therein. The actuation mechanism may be able to exert a force upon the first jaw and the second jaw creating a movement in the first jaw and the second jaw in opposite directions. The movement of the first jaw and the second jaw may increase or decrease the size of the opening. In some cases, the opening may maintain a relatively constant center regardless of the size of the opening. In some cases, the actuation mechanism may be a wedge. In other cases, the actuation mechanism may be a double-threaded screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, David A. Burger, Bruce E. Tischer, Dennis R. Grabowski
  • Publication number: 20120182637
    Abstract: A system for connecting two components in a vehicle mirror assembly is provided A first connecting member includes a tubular flange member, with a first contact surface and a first groove being provided inside the flange member. A second connecting member includes a mounting member adapted to be introduced with play into the tubular flange member, with the mounting member comprising a base body. On the base body a first retaining boss for engagement in the first groove and a guide surface arranged behind the retaining boss are provided, with the guide surface being associated to the first contact surface and inclined relative to the latter. A clamping means passes through the flange member and, when actuated, presses against a first pressure surface on the base body so that the inclined guide surface presses against the first contact surface, to thus jam the mounting member inside the flange member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Richard REIMCHEN, Jochen DENKFELDER, Albrecht POPP
  • Publication number: 20120107043
    Abstract: Mechanical clips and pier cap assemblies are provided that may be used to construct solar panel mounting frames. The assemblies include a pier cap that is configured to be attached to a top portion of a pier, which includes an opening and a flange stop. The flange stop is configured to support a solar panel mounting frame member. The assemblies further include a clip that has an aperture and a tab, with the tab being configured to be disposed through the opening in the pier cap. The assemblies further include a bolt and a nut, which are used to secure a solar panel mounting frame member to the pier cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Dallas Kellerman
  • Publication number: 20120096700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (1) for clamping a component around a tubular member (30) and to a method of using such a connector. The clamping connector (1) comprises a collar (2), a plurality of movable dogs (16) mounted in the collar and actuation means for driving the movement of the dogs. The collar (2) has an inner wall (4) and an outer wall 5, the inner wall being adapted to surround the tubular member (30) with a gap (56) between an outer surface of the inner wall (4) and an outer surface (28) of the tubular member. The inner wall (4) has a plurality of apertures (12) each aperture leading to a passage (14) through the inner wall. Each of the dogs (16) is slidably seated in one of the passages (14) for movement in a radial direction with respect to the tubular member (30). Around each passage (14) the inner wall (4) is spaced apart from an inner surface (25) of the outer wall (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CLAXTON ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Rowan Warwick Patterson, Matthew Marcantonio, Conor Patrick Leyden
  • Patent number: 8043022
    Abstract: An elongated clamp for securing a flexible fabric like shroud to a scaffold support member including to opposed jaws movable between an open and closed position by a pin and wedge combination. The flexible shroud is held to the support member by the clamp gripping force. Multiple clamps securable at different points along the various standard support members provide positive securement of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Brand Services, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander S. Chau
  • Publication number: 20110150568
    Abstract: A clamping device (10) is configured to apply opposite clamping forces in both a first (x-axis) and second (z-axis) traverse direction when being compressed in a longitudinal direction (y-axis) to fix elements to another. The device includes clamping means able to transform compressive movements and/or forces in said longitudinal direction into expanding movements and/or forces in both said traverse directions until the expansion is stopped by abutment in said traverse directions upon adjacent elements for application of clamping forces. Additionally, the compressive force used to generate the clamping forces in both said traverse directions allows for attaching the device to a support for fixing an element in all three directions by one single manual operating action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Guenter Deisenhofer
  • Publication number: 20100303543
    Abstract: A wedge clamp providing for a positive attachment to structural angles, I-beams, H-beams, T-bars, plates, boards, conventional angles, bulb angles, channels, plates and other similar structural shapes comprises a clamp wedge and body that capture objects with two opposing planar surfaces securing the objects against each other using a bolt with nut or other means to engage the threads of the bolt to pull the wedge through the body and causing the objects being attached together to be squeezed together. The wedge clamp is also used to support other members using a bolt or threaded rod attached to the wedge clamp which in this case normally attaches to a single flange of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Allen Myers
  • Publication number: 20100284737
    Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Greg McPHEETERS
  • Patent number: 7726898
    Abstract: An adjustable-length tube (10) for sticks, having an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (11) that can be inserted telescope-like into the outer tube (12) for adjusting the length of the tube, and having a spreading device (15) that is supported at the insertion end of the inner tube (11), the spreading device being able to clamp the inner tube (11) axially in the outer tube (12) and having a spreading element (16) that can be radially pressed apart and that is furnished with an inner cone (27), an interior element (17) that is provided with a reverse-oriented outer cone (22) and that is accommodated in the spreading element (16) so as to be axially movable, and an adjusting screw (18) that is axially oriented and is supported in a rotationally fixed manner on the inner tube (11), the adjusting screw having an operational connection to an internally threaded bore (21) in the interior element (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Leki Lenhart GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 7640684
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. It may be used with excavating equipment for attaching ground-engaging teeth to adaptors, lip shrouds to bucket lips, or other analogous uses. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin-receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. The pin retainer is a frustoconically shaped cylinder which is threaded internally. It is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin is an elongate body which is externally threaded. It is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight L. Adamic, Murray Smith
  • Patent number: 7596200
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus is provided which is designed to structurally replace a weld that attaches a riser brace assembly to a reactor pressure vessel wall, and a method for repairing the riser brace assembly. The riser brace assembly is designed to support a jet pump in the reactor pressure vessel. The riser brace assembly may include upper and lower riser brace leaves connected to a reactor pressure vessel pad on the wall. The clamp apparatus may include a first clamp component including a central extension portion, and a second clamp component including a slot portion. The central extension and slot portions may be engaged to provide alignment between the first and second clamp components between the upper and lower riser brace leaves of the riser brace assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant Clark Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090208284
    Abstract: A clamped friction joint comprising: a composite component; and a second component which overlaps with the composite component in a region of overlap. A clamping member engages a first surface of the composite component in the region of overlap and a first surface of the second component outside the region of overlap. A fastener is arranged to pull the clamping member and the second component together so as to compress the composite component between the clamping member and the second component in the region of overlap. The clamping force applied by the clamping member and the second component facilitates load transfer across the joint without requiring any bolt hole in the composite component, or any additional bonding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Marc Funnell
  • Patent number: 7520690
    Abstract: A part positioner according to the present invention is used for fixing a part having a first pair of opposite portions extending along a mounting surface to the mounting surface by use of a clamping fixture. The part positioner includes a pressing member for pressing the part against the mounting surface with a clamping force of the clamping fixture. The pressing member includes a pressing portion (tapered projection) for pressing the first pair of opposite portions in opposite directions in a position apart from the clamping fixture, owing to a clamping operation of the clamping fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Fujio Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Miyaki, Kenji Nakano
  • Patent number: 7520692
    Abstract: A detachable fastening apparatus for front fork accessories of bicycles to provide fast installation and removing of the bicycle accessories on the front fork of the bicycles. It includes a packing means and a coupling dock located on an accessory. The packing means has a rotary latch disk and can be anchored in a tube of the front fork. By swiveling the rotary latch disk the packing means can be fastened to the coupling dock thereby to install or remove the accessory rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Sunny Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7516564
    Abstract: A ground-engaging wear member is releasably retained on an associated support structure by a specially designed hammerless C-clamp and wedge connector system extending through aligned openings in the wear member and support structure. Illustratively, the wear member is an adapter, and the support structure is a bucket lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hensley Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Ruvang
  • Publication number: 20090052982
    Abstract: A self-centering shaft adapter may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define an opening for receiving a shaft therein. The actuation mechanism may be able to exert a force upon the first jaw and the second jaw creating a movement in the first jaw and the second jaw in opposite directions. The movement of the first jaw and the second jaw may increase or decrease the size of the opening. In some cases, the opening may maintain a relatively constant center regardless of the size of the opening. In some cases, the actuation mechanism may be a wedge. In other cases, the actuation mechanism may be a double-threaded screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Tom M. Bakken, David A. Burger, Bruce E. Tischer, Dennis R. Grabowski