Peripheral Enlargement, Depression, Or Slot On One Member Is Joint Component Patents (Class 403/375)
  • Publication number: 20120170974
    Abstract: An exemplary actuating mechanism includes a driving shaft and a driven shaft. The driving shaft includes a connecting end. Engaging blocks are formed on the connecting end with a clearance defined between each two neighboring engaging blocks. The driven shaft includes a pivot end. Protruding blocks are formed on the pivot end with a gap defined between each two neighboring protruding blocks. The driving shaft is connected with the driven shaft via the engaging blocks of the connecting end respectively engaged in the gaps and the protruding blocks of the pivot end respectively engaged in the clearances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHEN-CHUN LI, HSIEN-CHUAN LIANG, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Publication number: 20120118531
    Abstract: A composite joint includes a first member having a groove therein, a second member adjacent to the first member, and a connector member disposed between the second member and the first member. The connector member is received in the groove so as to bias a load path between the first member and the second member from a peripheral portion to a central portion of the connector member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Florian P. LUKOWSKI, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120076577
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an attachment/detachment mechanism detachably fixes an insertion member and an outer sheath member. The mechanism includes a removal preventing member and a rotation preventing member. The removal preventing member is configured to restrict movement of the insertion member inserted in the outer sheath member relative thereto in a removing direction. The rotation preventing member is configured to restrict movement of the insertion member inserted in the outer sheath member relative thereto in a rotating direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru YANAGIHARA
  • Publication number: 20120068028
    Abstract: A beverage device comprising a beverage holder having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end having a beverage holder connector. A beverage holder support has a connecting end and a locking end. The locking end has a protruding portion having an outside diameter sized to fit inside a pool noodle and an annular wall having an inside diameter sized to fit around the pool noodle. The connecting end has a beverage holder support receiver for receiving the beverage holder connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Kent M. ARNOLD, William Patrick Youngblood
  • Publication number: 20120057929
    Abstract: A hybrid transaxle 200 that is a transmission is provided with a junction surface 20 that contacts a junction surface of an internal combustion engine. A bolt span portion 20a of the junction surface 20 is provided with a protrusion portion 25 that elastically deforms so that the internal combustion engine-side junction surface and the hybrid transaxle 200-side junction surface 20 closely contact each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kasuga, Takashi Shimizu, Yukinobu Nishikawa, Yota Mizuno, Yuji Shimada, Kenji Odaka
  • Publication number: 20120023733
    Abstract: A device (1) for connecting an instrument to a driver, the device comprising: a first connector (3) having at least two protrusions connectable, in use, to the instrument; a mechanism for moving the protrusions between a connected and a disconnected position; and a second connector (17) for connecting the device (1) to the driver, in use. A method of connecting an instrument to a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew Cannell, Nicholas Turner
  • Publication number: 20120000059
    Abstract: An object connector is described to include at least one arm and at least one slot. The arm of the object connector includes a channel for gripping an object. The slot of the object connector includes at least one undulating side designed to receive another object connector. The object connector can include more than one arm or more than one slot. The object connector described herein can be used with both common household objects and specially designed objects to build desired structures or assemblies. The object connector described herein can be made of many different materials depending upon the purpose the object connector is designed for, which includes entertainment, industrial application, household use, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Nathaniel Fox, Michael Lo
  • Publication number: 20110304246
    Abstract: An operating member mounting structure includes a mounting plate having an inner edge defining a mounting hole, and an operating member includes a keytop and a flange which are coupled to each other by a shaft, and the flange is formed with a slit. The diameter of the flange is larger than that of the mounting hole. When the operating member is rotated and pressed down in a state that the slit receives the inner edge of the mounting hole, the flange passes over the inner edge of the mounting hole to be fully brought beneath the mounting plate. An operating shaft of an operated device is inserted into an insertion hole opened on the surface of the flange. By operating the keytop exposed from the top surface of the mounting plate, the operated device can be operated through the operating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki TANIGUCHI, Kumpei Fujita, Kenichi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20110286792
    Abstract: A cabinet, appearing from the outside to have a construction including fully mitered joints between its panels, internally includes hidden lock miter joints between its panels. The cabinet includes a plurality of panels and has a first panel including a joint edge having a length including a first portion adjacent a second portion. The first portion includes a mitered face disposed at an angle with respect to the first panel, and the second portion includes a lock receiving recess. The cabinet also has a second panel including a joint edge having a length including a first portion adjacent a second portion. The first portion of the second panel includes a mitered face disposed at an angle with respect to the second panel, and the second portion includes a lock protrusion. When the first and second panel attach to one another, the lock protrusion is received within the lock receiving recess and the mitered faces are in flush contact with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Rod Shelton
  • Publication number: 20110280655
    Abstract: Composed element, wherein this composed element comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, which substantially are formed from a board material; wherein said panel-shaped elements are interconnected at an angle by means of coupling devices including a tongue and a groove, which coupling devices substantially are made as profiled parts in the board material; and wherein said coupling devices also include locking elements, which, in coupled condition, prevent the moving apart of the tongue and groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Luc Maertens, Mark Cappelle, Luc Vanhastel, Luc Deman, Guy Van Hooydonck
  • Publication number: 20110262221
    Abstract: A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Publication number: 20110262222
    Abstract: A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Publication number: 20110242741
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for connecting a first housing and a second housing together is provided. The second housing defines a slot and two holes at opposite ends of the slot and communicating with the slot. The connecting mechanism includes two fixing elements fixed on the first housing, two rings and a movable element connected to the two fixing elements through the two rings and is capable of moving between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. To connect the first housing and the second housing together, the second housing is moved to cause the movable element to pass through the slot until part of each of the two rings is received in the hole. The movable element is moved relative to the two rings to prevent the two rings from disengaging from the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Peng WANG
  • Publication number: 20110179740
    Abstract: A composite lap joint for the assembly of a first and a second floor board from a plurality of boards, used to make the floor for a vehicular trailer, each board composed of a layer of wood at the top side and a layer of fiber reinforced composite at the bottom side, wherein the composite layer is at least partly bonded to the wood layer; the composite layer of a first board forming a lip, wherein the lip is a lateral extension of the composite layer and the lip is disposed under the bottom side recess of an adjacent second board to form a composite joint, whereby the joint provides improved flexibility, moisture sealing ability at the seam of the joint and higher strength to the edges of the boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: GOPALKRISHNA PADMANABHAN
  • Publication number: 20110170251
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with attaching portions of equipment chassis to the remainder of the equipment are provided. An information handling system may include a housing, a cover configured to at least partially enclose the housing, and an engagement assembly fixedly coupled to the housing. The cover may include an open slot having an opening and a projection. The may have a bearing movable relative to the housing, the bearing configured, when moved, to pass through the opening to engage with the projection to couple the cover to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Charles D. Hood, III, Matthew McGowan
  • Patent number: 7972077
    Abstract: Connectors for linear members of wall structure which allows a variety of guide rails, fences, and pipes to be assembled in a desired pattern conveniently are provided. The connector includes a central body of annular shape; at least one socket member 6, the one end of the socket member being connected to the central body and the other end being connected to the linear member, such as pipe, wire or bar; and a rail means that connects the central body and the socket member such that the socket member can be moved along the circumferential surface of the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Myoung-su Kim
  • Publication number: 20110138604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of establishing a press fit of a component with a mounting hole on a shaft. It aims at providing a method that allows exact positioning of the component to be mounted on the shaft as well as a flexible way of use. To this end, the method is so conceived that an inner surface of the mounting hole of the component and/or a circumferential surface of the shaft is/are partially fused so that calotte-shaped projections protruding beyond the inner surface of the mounting hole and/or the circumferential surface of the shaft will form, that the component and/or the shaft is/are subsequently cooled, so that the calotte-shaped projections will solidify, and that the component is then slipped onto the shaft until the mounting hole is positioned in a fastening area of the shaft. In addition, the present invention also relates to components for establishing a press fit of a shaft-hub connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Maxon Motor AG
    Inventors: Martin Zimmermann, Arnold Teimel
  • Publication number: 20110110714
    Abstract: A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TAIT TOWERS INC.
    Inventors: Adam DAVIS, James FAIRORTH, Michael TAIT
  • Publication number: 20110059641
    Abstract: The present invention a hair curler connector, which includes a locking assembly and a buckle, the locking assembly including a lock and a spring assembly, with the lock being equipped with hooks engaged with the buckle. The hair curler connector has simple structure, and it is easy to operate, adapting for different heating components for the convenience of changing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Haowen HU
  • Publication number: 20110053697
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between a flywheel rotatably connected to an engine and a dual clutch transmission. The device includes a first substantially u-shaped member fixed to a perimeter of a dual clutch of the dual clutch transmission. The first substantially u-shaped member defines a slot having an open end. The second substantially u-shaped member is attached to a perimeter of the flywheel. The second substantially u-shaped member includes a support member for supporting an engagement member. The first substantially u-shaped member fits at least partially within the second substantially u-shaped member. The pair of bushings disposed proximate the engagement member between the first and second coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Markus Haehle, James M. Partyka, Robert Neil Paciotti
  • Publication number: 20110049789
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting device comprising: an output shaft which can output a rotating force, and a casing which supports the output shaft so that a leading tip part of the output shaft can expose the outside, wherein the output shaft is provided on the casing so that the tip end surface thereof is flash with or substantially flash with an outer surface of the casing or the tip end surface thereof is recessed interior of the outer surface, and wherein the tip end surface thereof is provided with an engaging part which is insertable/removable to/from an engaged part provided on a driven member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi KATO, Masanobu Yamagata, Katsuhiko Hanagaki, Toshio Yanata, Tsuyoshi Hashiyada, Toshiki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20100310310
    Abstract: A hardware system is provided for use in ready-to-assembly (RTA) furniture that allows assembly thereof without the need for tools. The system includes a pin fastener and a pin receiver assembly. The pin receiver assembly is installed into one panel of the RTA furniture while the pin fastener is installed into another panel or component that is to be fastened to the first panel. The pin receiver includes a retaining means therein that serves to releasably engage the pin fastener when it is inserted therein. The pin receiver includes a body having engaging members therein that engage the pin shaft when the pin shaft is inserted into the pin receiver. In a preferred embodiment the pin receiver can be disengaged from the pin fastener using a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy Leigh Hazzard
  • Patent number: 7845140
    Abstract: Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Publication number: 20100303501
    Abstract: A driving force member for receiving rotational driving force includes a base portion, a projection portion including three planar surfaces, the three planar surfaces arranged such that if they were extended and viewed in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the projection, they would intersect at 120 degrees in the form of an equilateral triangle, the three planar surfaces corresponding to a partial length of each side of the triangle respectively and offset from the center of each respective side of the triangle, and three joining portions joining each of the three planar surfaces, the three joining portions lying entirely within the equilateral triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GCC IP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Samuel Wai Keung Tsui
  • Patent number: 7784394
    Abstract: A butt joining method is provided that is capable of joining together two members with high strength and high accuracy by utilizing plastic deformation. A bolt-shaped member having a female part at one end thereof and a piston rod having three annular grooves on a forward end part (male part) fittable to the female part are butted against each other with the female and male parts being fitted to each other. In this state, the side wall of the female part is radially pushed into the annular grooves on the piston rod by mechanical clinching technique. At this time, the pushing process is performed so that clinch portions formed by the pushing process are staggered between mutually adjacent ones of the annular grooves, thereby ensuring the desired joining strength and suppressing the elongation of the material, and thus preventing opening of the butt joint between the bolt-shaped member and the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100183368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dial locking system. More particularly related to, the dial (100) having dial pinches (101, 102) at center and dial locking profile (106) at periphery. The compartment (200) has a central axis (7) with slots (201, 202) and resting profile (205) to accommodate the dial locking profile (106) for locking at periphery. The bulged profiles (203, 204) at the slots (201, 202) of the compartment (200) faced downwards for locking at center by the dial pinches (101,102). The time required to assemble the dial (100) with compartment (200) is reduced which in turn increases the production rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: R. KANAGARAJ
  • Patent number: 7748397
    Abstract: An assembly of two components configured to be in contact with hydrocarbons, and a fuel tank including the assembly. The assembly includes a casing or a retaining member fastened to the casing, each of the two components including at least one fastening part configured to interact, and at least one of the components being made from a material configured to swell through action of the hydrocarbons, thus reinforcing retention of the components on one another. A method for manufacturing such a tank includes assembling the two components in the absence of fuel, and then bringing the two components into contact with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Eric Firtion, Patrice Baudoux, Alexis Rosseel
  • Patent number: 7726467
    Abstract: A conveyor coupler system for efficiently increasing the longevity and productivity of the conveyor. The conveyor coupler system generally includes a coupler including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion. The first portion includes a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion extends within the first portion and includes at least one slot. The second portion includes a second connecting portion extending within the second portion and including a plurality of ridge members. The first connecting portion connects to a first planetary gear structure of a conveyor unit and the second connecting portion connects to a second planetary gear structure of the conveyor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Albert G. Schoonover, Gordon L. Schoonover
  • Publication number: 20100111600
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling assembly has a first and second component, and a locking assembly structured to retain the components in an attached orientation with one another. The locking assembly includes a plurality of locking elements each having a locking arm with a locking member mounted to a distal end, wherein the locking members are maintained in an outwardly extending orientation by a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism comprises a spring mounted between oppositely disposed locking elements, wherein the spring is structured to maintain the locking members in an outwardly extending orientation. The quick connect coupling assembly also includes a release mechanism to permit the locking members to be temporarily disposed into a retracted orientation, thereby permitting the first and second components to be detached from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Humberto De Bien
  • Publication number: 20100098485
    Abstract: A chain hook having a landing area above a mouth of a slot for easy placement of a chain link in the slot so that a gate or door may be detachably held to a support. The chain hook also has a lock hole so that the chain may be padlocked to the chain hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: John Christopher Womack
  • Publication number: 20100074681
    Abstract: A latching assembly on a service column is configured to correspond to a latching assembly on a transport bracket so that the transport bracket may be automatically locked to the service column upon the establishment of a mechanical connection. Furthermore, a safety mechanism maintains the lock until, for instance, the transport bracket is installed on a hospital patient transport vehicle. Additionally, the transport bracket latching assembly is provided with flexibility to connect with the service column latching assembly even in the presence of an offset from an entirely vertical connection. A further element allows a transfer of AC power from the service column to the transport bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Shahriar Jamalzadeh
  • Publication number: 20090208278
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque comprising a shaft journal with an outer annular groove and a hollow shaft with an inner annular groove, wherein, for torque transmitting purposes, the hollow shaft is rotationally fixed to the shaft journal and comprises at least one recess towards the outer circumferential face of the hollow shaft in a partial circumferential region of the inner annular groove. The connecting assembly also includes a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring which is positioned in the outer annular groove of the shaft journal and in the inner annular groove of the hollow shaft, wherein the axial securing ring comprises at least one outwardly projecting projection which is arranged in the at least one recess of the hollow shaft, and securing means which cover the at least one recess and prevent the axial securing ring from being radially widened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 7542650
    Abstract: A telecommunications infrastructure includes first and second trough members for routing signal-carrying fibers. A coupler is used to releasably couple the first and second trough members together. The coupler includes a first pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the first trough member to the coupler, and a second pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the second trough member to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Telect Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Ellison, James Patrick Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7500415
    Abstract: An object clamp includes first and second clamp portions having recesses therein defining a generally circular cylindrical opening for receiving an object to be clamped. The first and second opposing clamp portions have at least one pair of opposing ends when in a preclamped state and at least one fastener for urging the ends towards each other when in a clamped state. At least one relief area is formed in the recesses and is deflected into engagement with the object when the object clamp is in the clamped state. The object to be clamped may be a bicycle steering tube, a bicycle handle bar, or a bicycle seat tube, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: L.H. Thomson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Loronzo H. Thomson, Brian Thomson
  • Publication number: 20080287203
    Abstract: A separable shaft coupler for coupling a transmission shaft and a passive shaft in a transmission device includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is connected to the transmission shaft and has a protrusion. The second plate is connected to the passive shaft and has a concavity. When the transmission shaft is coupled to the passive shaft, the protrusion is received in the concavity so that the transmission shaft drives the passive shaft to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: AVISION INC.
    Inventor: Chuang-Hua Chueh
  • Publication number: 20080224500
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body can be manufactured economically and assembled without any problem from prefabricated modules. This is resolved in that the modules are connected to one another in a non-detachable manner in a joint zone, such that a sheet of the one module coming into contact in the joint zone on a sheet section of another module, are joined to one another in a joining process, in which at least one of the sheet sections has been cold-formed, with positive and/or non-positive fit, and in that in at least one of the modules an access channel is formed, extending at least in sections along the joint zone and accessible from outside for introduction of a joining tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Steel AG
    Inventors: Lothar Patberg, Mario Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7343717
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Flooring Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle
  • Patent number: 7260893
    Abstract: A secondary heat exchanger subassembly, such as a transmission oil cooler, is disposed in a metal tank of a radiator and has a pair of metal fluid fittings. Either a connector ring engages a fitting extending through the opening in the tank or a connector nut extends into the opening to threadedly engage the fitting whereby the metal fittings are held to the metal tank and inserted into a furnace for being brazed into sealed relationship with the metal tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris A. Calhoun, Terry Joseph Hunt, David A. Southwick, Karl Paul Kroetsch, Krzysztof Wawrocki, Khalid El Moutamid, Yusuke Matsunaga, Laurent Art
  • Patent number: 7255179
    Abstract: A cultivator sweep assembly having a sweep adapted for releasable attachment to a shank of a mobile agricultural apparatus. The sweep assembly includes a sweep having a more narrow profile, and a coupling attached to a tapered end portion of the shank and disposed between the sweep and the supporting shank. The sweep includes a stem portion that defines a housing configured to frictionally receive and engage the tapered end portion of the shank. The end portion of the shank having the coupling attached thereto is slidably received within the housing until a projection of the coupling is received through a top opening of the housing. The projection received through the top opening indicating that the end portion of the shank is sufficiently received within the housing of the sweep, and that the sweep is mounted to the shank with sufficient force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Lorne R. Pollard
  • Patent number: 7147398
    Abstract: A two coupler apparatus for interconnecting two scaffolding members wherein at least one coupler is defined by: a base interconnected to a second coupler and a lever hinged to the base. The base and the lever define a pocket for laterally receiving a length of a scaffold member. An arm is hinged to the base and the lever has a slot sized to receive the arm. The arm defines a hole positioned to extend beyond the lever when the arm is within the slot. A wedge is adapted for insertion through the hole to slidably move against the lever when the arm extends within the slot to wedge the arm within the lever whereby the scaffold member is locked within the at least one coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Jat Yuen Richard Liew, Binbing Wang
  • Patent number: 7131350
    Abstract: A bicycle stem and front loading handlebar clamp having a pair of C-shaped cradles provided with handlebar contacting surfaces which have an edge to edge maximum extent in the direction of the handlebar greater than the inside diameter of the cradles and wherein the cradles are characterized by the absence of straight lines and sharp corners.. Handlebar clamping stress concentrations are reduced by the configuration of the contact surfaces and further by a configuration of a moveable one of the cradles somewhat in the form of a laterally elongated cross with smooth curves at the ends and at the corners of the cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Jas. D. Easton, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael McColligan
  • Patent number: 7128147
    Abstract: A liner hanger having a mechanical coupling between a liner hanger body and one or more cones is disclosed. The cones are coupled to the liner hanger body to resist axial and relative rotational movement without welding the cones to the hanger body, and without the need to use integral cones. In general, the mechanical coupling includes a hanger body or casing mandrel, a cone assembly journaled on the casing mandrel, at least one slot or groove in an outer wall of the casing mandrel, and at least one partially or fully annular slot on the inside surface of the cone assembly oriented to correspond with the groove(s) in the outer wall of the hanger body. At least one wire, or one or more bearings, is situated in the corresponding slot and the groove. The wire engages the flanks of the slot and groove sufficiently to resist axial or rotational movement of the cones relative to the hanger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Watherford/Lamb Inc.
    Inventors: Jozeph R. Marcin, James F. Wilkin
  • Patent number: 7093667
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand tool for enhancing the leverage available to a user includes a frame having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a working element operably coupled to a distal end of the distal portion. The frame further includes a handle that is pivotally coupled to the frame at a portion thereof intermediate the proximal portion and the distal portion. A brace structure is preferably operably coupled to the proximal portion of the frame, with the brace structure being configured to operably brace against an upper side of a user's forearm while the user operably grasps the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Legacy Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Hurt
  • Patent number: 7059568
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening an in-fill panel element to a plane panel element of a covering for an aircraft, the in-fill panel element and the panel element being releasably interconnected at longitudinal sides facing each other, a transverse pin being arranged at least in the end portion of a longitudinal side so that a hook element arranged in the corresponding end portion of the other longitudinal side is able to clampingly engage with a hook opening, in such a manner that a covering surface of the in-fill panel element is arranged so as to be even with a covering surface of the panel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems GmbH
    Inventors: André Hessling, Bodo Wisch
  • Patent number: 7040834
    Abstract: A locking device of a flexible laminar element connected to a frame, in order to achieve a bearing structure which houses a person's body, comprises a groove obtained along one part of the perimeter of the frame and a shaped insert which is pressed into the groove in order to constrain the perimetral edge of the flexible laminar element between the groove and the shaped insert. Inside the grove a plurality of openings is arranged for the passage of as many appendixes of the shaped insert equipped with coupling elements which snap the shaped insert to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Nardi SPA
    Inventor: Giampietro Nardi
  • Patent number: 6959798
    Abstract: Device and method for forming the device are provided. The device is exposed to vibration events from time-to-time and includes at least one component assembled therein. The device includes a spool including a bore defined by an inner section of the spool. The inner section that defines the bore may be configured to receive that component. The device further includes a rib situated on the inner section near an entrance to the bore. The rib may extend about the periphery of the bore entrance. The rib is configured to provide a tight interference-fit upon assembly of the component into the bore, and thus avoid vibration-induced effects between the inner section of the spool and the component therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brooks H Danley
  • Patent number: 6920734
    Abstract: A metal stud wall and method of assembling the same are characterized by a stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. The notches extend at an incline to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In the assembly of a metal stud wall having a row of metal studs each having at least two flanges interconnected by a web, the stud bridging/spacing member is inserted through aligned openings in the webs of three or more studs and the webs are engaged in the notches to position and hold the metal studs at a prescribed spacing. Successive bridging/spacing members may be inserted through further studs and overlapped with the preceding bridging/spacing member, and engaging a common stud, to position and hold the studs at the prescribed spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Elderson
  • Patent number: 6921254
    Abstract: A pump includes a cylinder, a piston, a connecting rod, a plug, a nozzle and a fastener. The cylinder includes a first open end and a second open end. The piston is movable in the cylinder. The connecting rod includes a first end connected with the piston in the cylinder and a second end located outside the cylinder. The plug is fit in the first open end of the cylinder. The nozzle is mounted on the first open end of the cylinder. The fastener is used to fasten the nozzle and the plug to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 6908222
    Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Janice J. Schnipke, Thomas S. Donthnier, Lilian Chen, Gongpu Yan
  • Patent number: 6863465
    Abstract: An assembly comprising two parts to be assembled, a substantially cylindrical peg, a ring, a support comprising pins, means for guiding in rotation the ring relative to the support, and resilient means linked on the one hand to the ring and on the other hand to the support. The assembly further comprises a helical ramp provided on the peripheral surface of the peg and intended to receive the pin, said helical ramp comprising a first portion and a second portion in opposed helical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Christian Brancheriau