Axially Oriented Patents (Class 403/374.4)
  • Patent number: 7730652
    Abstract: In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert McClanahan, Terry L. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7730645
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting an excavating tooth particularly suited for a dredge cutterhead includes a base, an adapter, and a lock. The base includes a convex, curved bearing surface that abuts a concave, curved bearing surface on the adapter. The curved bearing surfaces are able to maintain substantially full contact with each other under transverse loading. The undersurface of the base is formed with a groove to improve the strength and durability of the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventor: Charles G. Ollinger, IV
  • Patent number: 7722115
    Abstract: In a bicycle seat assembly a fastener driver is rotatable in first and second directions. Upon rotating the driver in the first direction, it threadably engages a shaft of an adjusting member causing tightening of a connection between a bicycle seat, a seat post and the adjusting member and producing simultaneous adjustment of a wedge sub-assembly provided at an interface between a distal end of the adjusting member and the seat post. Rotation of the fastener driver in the second direction causes at least partial disengagement of the threadable connection between the driver and the adjusting member, resulted in loosening connection between the seat post and the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Animal Bikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic Biro
  • Patent number: 7670076
    Abstract: A multi-sided shaft and locking hub apparatus, wherein the locking hub includes an inner hub having a multi-sided inner surface extending around a center hole for receiving the shaft for preventing rotation therebetween, the inner hub including a tapered outer surface, and being cut through, and an outer hub having a tapered inner surface defining a central hole for receiving the inner hub such that the tapered surfaces abut, the outer hub including a multi-sided inner surface defining an extension of the center hole therethrough for receiving the multi-sided shaft with the sides of the inner surface of the outer hub in non-rotating relation, and the tapered surfaces including opposing inner and outer half-holes at spaced locations therearound, for cooperatively receiving threaded members, outer half-holes at some of the spaced locations being threaded so as to be threadedly engageable with the threaded members for pressing the inner and outer hubs together while compressing the inner hub, and the inner half-
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: William L. Cooksey, Neal R. Rosengren, Kirk P. Hillard
  • Patent number: 7645087
    Abstract: An expander nut is for being assembled to an upper end of a steering tube of a bicycle. The expander nut includes a base nut, two wedge halves having interlocking tapered surfaces and assembled to the base nut, a top cap mounted on the wedge halves, and a bolt screwed to the base nut for controlling the wedge halves to slide relatively along the tapered surfaces so that the wedge halves move outward to wedge an inner surface of the steering tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: VP Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
  • Publication number: 20100003074
    Abstract: A steel bar connecting structure is disclosed. The steel bar connecting structure includes a connecting sleeve having on an inner circumference thereof an internal threaded part, and a steel bar having an external threaded part which engages with the internal threaded part. The steel bar is inserted into the connecting sleeve. Each of the internal threaded part and the external threaded part is formed such that a crest of each of threads thereof is cut. Thereby, when the steel bar is strongly coupled to the connecting sleeve, a neighboring crest and root of the internal threaded part and the external threaded part are not in contact with each other, whereas inclined flanks of the threads of the internal threaded part and the external threaded part are in close contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: BARO CONSTRUCTION KEY-TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kwang Man Kim
  • Publication number: 20090304441
    Abstract: A cable termination and method of terminating a median barrier cable is described. In one form, the cable termination comprises a tubular body with an opening into which an end of the median barrier cable is inserted. A wedge gripper includes three sections for gripping the end of the median barrier cable within the tubular body. The wedge gripper has a tapering outer surface that mates with a tapered inner surface of the tubular body and has a toothed inner diameter. A threaded cap is screwed to an end of the tubular body opposite from the cable opening, such that the threaded cap forces the tapering outer surface of the wedge gripper axially against the tapered inner surface of the tubular body to force the toothed inner diameter of the wedge gripper to contract against three lobes of the median barrier cable to grip the median barrier cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stanley A. Landry
  • Publication number: 20090282711
    Abstract: An attachment system for connecting a first member such as a lip plate of a mechanical digging device to a second member such as a ground engaging tool. The first member has a lug attached thereto, and the second member has a recess which is located about the lug A stabilizing member is located within a slot in the recess. A clamping member is between the lug and the stabilizing member, and includes a resilient portion such as a compression spring. A compressive force supplied to the resilient portion restricts the movement of the second member relative to the lug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SANDVIK SHARK PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick Gerard Naher, Benjamin Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090162141
    Abstract: A dowel assembly for a furniture system provides a fastener usable in assembling various components in a furniture system. The dowel may be employed to define the relationship between first and second components of the furniture system, such as the relationship between adjoining planar surfaces of adjacent furniture panels. The dowel is fitted with a cam such that the cam provides a non-uniform radius at the interface between the dowel and one of the components. Through selective positioning of the cam about the longitudinal axis of the dowel, the interface between components of the furniture system may be selectively adjusted to ensure flush alignment of contiguous surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Randall Borgman, David Koning, Brent Kunzi, Shane Kuipers
  • Patent number: 7544008
    Abstract: A flanged connection and a method of fixing a gas-filled spring in a machine tool. The flanged connection includes an upper flange half and a lower flange half that can be joined together, each having a through-opening intended to receive the gas-filled spring, and a locking ring intended to secure the gas-filled spring by insertion into a groove of complementary design around the gas-filled spring and fixing between the flange halves. The locking ring is supplemented by a fixing element designed to apply a clamping force around the gas-filled spring when joining the flange halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Mårten Johansson, Leif Lundahl, Per Nordvall, Zoltan Pap, Marcus Cronholm
  • Patent number: 7543415
    Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: S.R. Smith, LLC
    Inventor: Bill Svendsen
  • Patent number: 7530779
    Abstract: A cam lock device for replacing the conventional pins connecting a loader mechanism to a prime mover, the device in conjunction with a modified loader mounting bracket, provides an adjustable, easily installable and removable apparatus that allows secure and convenient attachment/detachment of a loader mechanism to a prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Madonna Holloway, legal representative, Richard H. Justice, Gale A. Holloway
  • Patent number: 7530645
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a shaft member, a head member, a first wheel securing device, a second wheel securing device, a first lever member and a second lever member. The shaft member has first and second end portions and a longitudinal center axis. The head member is coupled at the second end portion. The first wheel securing device is positioned at the second end portion. The second wheel securing device positioned at least one of the first and second end portions. The first lever member is operatively connected to the first wheel securing device to move the first wheel securing device in response to movement of the first lever member. The second lever member is operatively connected to the second wheel securing device to move the second wheel securing device in response to movement of the second lever member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 7488137
    Abstract: A hub for removable mounting onto a shaft has an inner sleeve having a first end and a second end, and having a substantially cylindrical inner diameter and having an outer surface having a threaded region and a tapered conical surface located substantially near the first end. An outer hub has an inner surface with a threaded region threadably engagable with the threaded region of the inner hub, and a inner tapered conical surface configured to cam along the tapered outer surface of the inner hub. The hub can be locked at a desired axial location or the shaft by engaging the threads to cause the cam surfaces to constrict the diameter of the first end so it frictionally locks onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaobing Hu, Anthony C. Kocienski
  • Patent number: 7472503
    Abstract: An attachment system for connecting a first member such as a lip plate (12) of a mechanical digging device to a second member such as a ground engaging tool (10). The first member has a lug (22) attached thereto, and the second member has a recess (50) which is located about the lug (22). A stabilizing member (98) is located within a slot (57) in the recess. A clamping member (60) is between the lug and the stabilizing member, and includes a resilient portion (90) such as a compression spring. A compressive force supplied to the resilient portion restricts the movement of the second member relative to the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Sandvik Shark Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Gerard Maher
  • Patent number: 7455471
    Abstract: Fastening systems for parts that endure high vibration shear loads have traditionally been difficult or expensive to produce. This application describes a fastening system with multiple conical surfaces and eccentric offsets. The novel conical fastener system allows parts to be assembled with reduced tolerance controls at interface features while improving alignment precision. The eccentric conical fastening system is particularly well suited for assemblies with high shear loads in high vibration/shock environments, and/or for systems that have extremely precise pointing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Gawehn
  • Publication number: 20080279623
    Abstract: A quick-adjust draw rod positioning nut which is attachable to a machine's chuck and/or de-chuck prime mover via a base portion. The positioning nut includes an engagement portion preferably comprising at least two segments that can be held in a collapsed position, where the segments threadably engage a draw rod, or an expanded position, where the segments are out of engagement with the draw rod, depending on the presence or positioning of a ring. In the collapsed position, the engagement portion can be disengaged from the base to permit rotation of the engagement portion and thereby effecting axial movement of the draw rod in order to achieve proper axial positioning of the draw rod in the machine. The engagement portion can be locked in one of a plurality of incrementally spaced rotational positions to adjust the axial position of the draw rod to a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: William D. McGlasson, Kenneth E. Glasow
  • Patent number: 7401995
    Abstract: A channel connector comprises a main portion having a connecting portion, a clamping element having at least two opposite ends, and a threaded element threadably connecting the main portion to the clamping element. Each of the two opposite ends are spaced to interfere with walls of an interior portion of a channel during rotation of the clamping element in the interior portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Senakiewich, II
  • Patent number: 7314330
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing two ends of a rotating member, such as a shaft, with respect to a non-rotating member, such as a mounting hub. Inner and outer sleeves have tapered surfaces and are positioned about the rotating member and provided within a bore of the non-rotating member. The tapered surfaces of the inner and outer sleeves cooperate in securing the shaft within the bore. The one or more inner sleeves collectively provide two threaded extensions for engagement with two nuts. Further, the one or more outer sleeves aggregately include two extensions, each having an annular groove to accommodate a lip formed in the nut. The system is engaged and disengaged through the interaction of the various tapered surfaces and the nuts, caused by the directional rotation of the nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Gorski, Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson, Roman M. Wajda
  • Patent number: 7309187
    Abstract: A releasable self-centering keyless bushing assembly connects two machine elements, such as a hub to a shaft. The assembly includes an outer ring having two tapered inner peripheral surfaces, wherein each of the tapered surfaces has a different taper angle, and an inner cone having two tapered outer peripheral surfaces that have identical taper angles to the tapered peripheral surfaces of the outer ring. The outer ring and the inner cone are drawn together by screws that expand and contract the assembly to connect the hub to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Brian D. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7305767
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a rotating member with respect to a non-rotating member. A hollow member, such as a mounting hub or an inner ring of a bearing assembly, includes an extension having an annular outer groove. One or more tapered sleeves serve to lock the hollow member about a mechanical component, such as a shaft. A nut engageable on a sleeve includes an eccentric front aperture adjacent to a concentric groove, thereby forming a lip of varying depth The system is engaged by rotation of the nut on the sleeve in one direction, and disassembled by counterrotation of the nut such that a portion of the varying depth lip co-acts with a lip formed by a groove on an outer sleeve or on the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson, Roman M. Wajda
  • Patent number: 7207741
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing two ends of a rotating member, such as a shaft, with respect to a non-rotating member, such as a mounting hub. Inner and outer sleeves have tapered surfaces and are positioned about the rotating member and provided within a bore of the non-rotating member. The tapered surfaces of the inner and outer sleeves cooperate in securing the shaft within the bore. The one or more inner sleeves collectively provide two threaded extensions for engagement with two nuts. Further, the one or more outer sleeves aggregately include two extensions, each having an annular groove to accommodate a lip formed in the nut. The system is engaged and disengaged through the interaction of the various tapered surfaces and the nuts, caused by the directional rotation of the nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Gorski, Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson, Roman M. Wajda
  • Patent number: 7197806
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprising a first wedge portion having an angled end, a second wedge portion having an angled end, and a fastener extending through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion, wherein a portion of the fastener protrudes from one of the first and second wedge portions for interfacing with a component to be mounted, wherein the angled end of the first wedge portion and the angled end of the second wedge portion are interfaced when the fastener is extended through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Brent Boudreaux, Eric Peterson, Brandon Rubenstein
  • Patent number: 7178274
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for securing two separable components in an excavating operation includes a wear component, a base component and a lock. The lock has a body having a configuration adapted to be received in a hole in the base component, and a rotatable locking member. The locking member includes a flange that is movable between a locking position wherein the flange holds the lock in the assembly and a release position wherein the flange permits the lock to be removed from the assembly. In the release position, the flange sets within the axial extension of the outline of the body. In the locking position, at least part of the flange sets outside the axial extension of the outline of the body. In one construction, the rotation of the locking member to the locking position tightens the fit of the wear component on the base component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Emrich
  • Patent number: 7174661
    Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge that is used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge can be used with a spool. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventor: Terry L. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7171771
    Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge and a spool are used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventor: Terry L. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7165347
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting an excavating tooth particularly suited for a dredge cutterhead includes a base, an adapter, and a lock. The base includes a convex, curved bearing surface that abuts a concave, curved bearing surface on the adapter. The curved bearing surfaces are able to maintain substantially full contact with each other under transverse loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Charles G. Ollinger, IV, Noah D. Cowgill
  • Patent number: 7037027
    Abstract: A connection arrangement accommodates misalignments in three dimensions, and achieves a positive fixed connection between two components. A threaded standoff with a first bolt hole therein is partially screwed into a threaded hole in the first component and protrudes to match the spacing distance between the components. Inner and outer eccentric disks are received and supported in a hole in the second component. The inner disk has an offset center relative to the outer disk, and has a second bolt hole offset from the inner disk's center. Rotating the two disks accommodates radial misalignments to bring the two bolt holes into alignment. A bolt shaft extends through the bolt holes. While a bolt head or nut at one end of the shaft bears against the eccentric disks, a clamping cone at the opposite end of the shaft is tightened to axially clamp the standoff against the second component, and to radially outwardly spread and clamp the standoff against the internal threading of the first hole in the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Steinbeck
  • Patent number: 6969211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Lee E. Altman
  • Patent number: 6939053
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a rotating member with respect to a non-rotating member. A hollow member, such as an inner ring of a bearing assembly, includes an extension having an annular outer groove. A tapered sleeve serves to lock the hollow member about a mechanical component, such as a shaft. A nut engageable on the sleeve includes an eccentric front aperture adjacent to a concentric groove, thereby forming a lip of varying depth. The system is engaged by rotation of the nut on the sleeve in one direction, and disassembled by counterrotation of the nut such that a portion of the varying depth lip co-acts with a lip formed by the groove of the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6893185
    Abstract: A deformable wedge clamp assembly includes a body having first and second apertures formed therein, the first aperture being suitable for receiving a fastener and the second aperture being suitable for receiving a member to which the body is to be attached and a wedge assembly disposed in the body adjacent to the first and second apertures, wherein insertion of a fastener into the first aperture is capable of deforming the body for moving the wedge assembly against a member received in the first aperture to clamp the body to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Air Power Company
    Inventor: Mark W. Wood
  • Patent number: 6860672
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar coupling is provided for simply and quickly applying to a mechanical butt joint of two bars in the concrete constructions. The reinforcing bar coupling is consisted of a cylindrical sleeve (2) formed an uneven inner surface (22) to mate with the ribs (11) formed around outer surface of the reinforcing bars (1), an intermediate pad (3) having an uneven semi-circular surface at one side and an inclined-declined flat surface at opposite side, a gap provided between the cylindrical sleeve (2) and the intermediate pad (3), and a pair of wedges (4) being inserted into the gap. The inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve (2) and the outer surface of the reinforcing bars (1) are radially compressed to provide the butt joint of the two bars (1) by the wedging action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Yong-Keun Kim
  • Patent number: 6837646
    Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for operably applying forces to inner surfaces of a hollow body includes a bracing nut having a first receptacle portion and a bracing portion, an axially movable rod that is operably coupled to the bracing nut such that a first portion of the rod is selectively axially movable within the bracing nut, a wedge structure that is operably engaged with the rod for coaxial movement therewith, and a tensioning body that is operably and slidably engaged with the wedge structure. The tension body and the wedge structure have corresponding and facing sloped surfaces such that selectively axial motion of the rod correspondingly and coaxially moves the wedge structure, which coaxial movement of the wedge structure therefore progressively radially displaces the tensioning body to provide tensioning forces against respective inner surfaces of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick Minger
  • Patent number: 6835021
    Abstract: A trailer accessory stabilizing device for inserting into a motor vehicle trailer hitch receiver, said device comprising a shank member and a wedge member adapted for insertion into said hitch receiver, each member having abutting edges that align along a compound miter, and a rod for moving the members along the two planes of the compound miter thereby causing forces to be exerted in four opposite and opposing directions against the inner walls of the trailer hitch receiver which in turn results in an substantially immovable friction-fit between the device and the trailer hitch receiver. Whereupon, a variety of accessories may be fitted or mounted on to shank portion extending outward from the trailer hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Keith McMillan
  • Patent number: 6813984
    Abstract: A device for attaching two units (17,18) provided for rotation in unison about an axis, having axial and radial attachment of the units relative to each other. The attaching involves first engagement members (28,29) engageable with each other and provided on the first and second units, the engagement members being arranged to cause engagement with each other by radial relative moment between the units (17,18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Anders Johnsen
  • Publication number: 20040190988
    Abstract: A coupling device includes one or more coupler members each having a strut member engaged into a beam, a catch received in a chamber of the coupler member and having an inclined outer structure inclined from one side toward the other side, for allowing the one side of the catch to be easily engaged into the chamber of the coupler member. A fastener may be engaged through the coupler member, and threaded with the catch, in order to move the catch relative to the strut member, and to selectively force the strut member to engage with and to lock the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Keng Nong Chen
  • Patent number: 6779944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device set for aligning and clamping two pipe ends, with clamping plates (1) which are arranged axially distanced, with clamping wedges (2) which extend in axial direction and which on a first side (21, 23) are mounted movable in radial direction on the clamping plates, and on a second side (22) have a contact surface for acting on the pipe ends (91, 92), with a guide for guiding the clamping wedges (2) on the clamping plates (1) and with an actuation means (3) for moving the clamping wedges (2), wherein the guide (4) is provided with an elastic holding means for holding the clamping wedges (2) on the clamping plates (1). The invention extends further to a clamping device set with several sets of exchangeable clamping wedges (2) which have differing distances from the inner to the outer side (21, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Walter Schnorrer
  • Patent number: 6739794
    Abstract: The coupling device is an assembly comprising of three congruently shaped axially extending parts with mating wedge-like angular cuts intended to cause said parts to expand in a direction of the minor width when a screw type fastener pulls the two outer members together. those angular surfaces are made so the parts do not permanently lock up, thereby allowing the device to be removed and re-used. The angles should be equal so the parts stay put axially when the screw is tightened. The cross-section of each of the three members is in the form of identical cat-eyes, (e.g. two intersecting circles whose centers do not coincide, and whose minor width is less than the radii. The circles comprising the cat-eye are preferably equal. This is the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Frank Roth Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Hamlin Leonard
  • Patent number: 6729287
    Abstract: A connection between a shaft end of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine and a sleevelike actuating piston of a valve actuator, has at least two shell-like key pieces, surrounding the shaft end and on whose radially outer circumferential surface there is a conically tapering portion, pointing away from a combustion chamber of the engine, and extending in complementary fashion to the cone angle of a radially inner conical portion of a conical fastening sleeve that includes the key pieces, and the conical fastening sleeve and the key pieces can be braced axially against one another. Protrusions and recesses engaging one another are provided on the radially inner circumferential surface of the key pieces and on the radially outer circumferential surface of the shaft end of the gas exchange valve. The conical fastening sleeve is formed by the actuating piston and the actuating piston and the key pieces have threaded portions that can be screwed into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hammer, Sevan Tatiyosyan, Volker Beuche, Peter Lang, Stefan Reimer
  • Patent number: 6729052
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting an excavating tooth particularly suited for a dredge cutterhead includes a base, an adapter, and a lock. The base includes a convex, curved bearing surface that abuts a concave, curved bearing surface on the adapter. The curved bearing surfaces are able to maintain substantially full contact with each other under transverse loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Charles G. Ollinger, IV, Noah David Cowgill
  • Patent number: 6712544
    Abstract: A device (1) for connecting first and second components (2, 3) which lie at a spacing from one another by clamping by a spacer (7), which is disposed in a spacing region, and a clamping piece (15) which clamps the two components (2, 3) with respect to one another, the securing actuation of the clamping piece (15) initially displacing the spacer (7) from a spaced position to a bearing position with respect to the second component (3) and then fixing the device to the first component (2) by clamping elements (13) which move into engagement against the wall of an insertion cavity (6) of the first component (2), wherein the spreading elements (13) are associated with the spacer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Witte-Velbert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Krüger, Edvard Rückert
  • Patent number: 6695524
    Abstract: A mount locking plate with the mount locking plate including plate members for fixedly securing to a support surface and a pair of longitudinally displaceable complementary members that can be laterally positioned proximate the plate members. The complementary members can be longitudinally displaced with respect to one another to bring the displaceable complementary members into interlocked and aligned engagement with the plate members. A fastener allows the positioning of the displaceable complementary members into interlocked and aligned engagement from a position laterally removed from the mount locking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Wesley Eugene Revely
  • 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: 6616412
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Haugen, Robert King, Jeff Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6609765
    Abstract: An adjustable wheel and axle assembly has a two piece inner element with inner and outer tapered portions. A wheel hub having a two-tiered tapered interior bore with one tapered portion engaging the inner element while the other tapered portion is radially space outward. A split ring wedge fits between the inner element and the wheel hub and is drawn in by a plurality of bolts extending through the wheel hub to clamp the inner element onto the axle. The taper angle is in the range of 14-16 degrees so that the parts are self releasing. A pinion gear with an integral shaft extending outward is used to move the wheel along the axle for adjusting the wheel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory Dean Radke, Dennis Aaron Bowman
  • 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: 20030103807
    Abstract: An assembly fixture for the separable connection of a first component 1 and a second component 2, the first component 1 having an essentially cylindrical end-face recess 3, with the second component 2 having an essentially cylindrical protrusion 4 which fits into the recess 3, with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2 being conical at a side opposite the cylindrical side, with the first component 1 being provided with a conical face at a side facing the cylindrical side of the recess 3, and with a conical clamping body 5 which, together with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2, can be fitted into the recess 3 of the first component 1 and clamped against the first component 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Sacha Pichel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030053858
    Abstract: A connector for fixing a screw to a hollow tube comprises a rectangular elongate cylindrical sleeve that fits inside the tube. Opposing convergent members are drawn towards each other by threading forward the screw nut through rotating the converging member to urge the sleeve parts radially outwards to fix the connector firmly inside the tube. Alternatively the operation of the convergent members can be carried out by a screwdriver from the left-side by rotating the screw forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Yau King Choy
  • Patent number: 6516895
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a shank including a shank holder having a passage for receiving the shank, the passage having at one end opposite tapering surfaces which define with the leading edge of the shank opposite tapering spaces for receiving wedge members. Bolts are provided between the wedging members and holder to urge the wedging members longitudinally of the passage to wedge the shank in a selected position relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Allan James Yeomans