Rod Side To Plate Or Side Patents (Class 403/384)
  • Patent number: 6196751
    Abstract: A stud mounted fastener for routing a plurality of wires in a plurality of directions at the fastener and securing at least one of the plurality of wires to the fastener via a cable tie. The fastener includes an abutment member for mounting on the stud. A first wing is coupled to the abutment member and has a first bar enabled to receive a cable tie thereabout for securing at least one of the plurality of wires thereto, and a second wing coupled to the abutment member and has a second bar enabled to receive a cable tie thereabout for securing at least one of the plurality of wires thereto. A first projection is coupled to the abutment member and has a first projection bar enabled to also receive a cable tie thereabout for securing at least one of the plurality of wires thereto. At least one of the first and second wings is in a different cross-sectional plane than the first projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Wasim Khokhar
  • Patent number: 6123482
    Abstract: An interruptible connector assembly adapted for the interlocking spatially of one tubular member with another object to be supported thereby, comprising: flexible clamping members adapted to be deformed into a U-shape and overlap any underlying planar surfaces; a single component, rigid support means, with each and having a proximal structurally identical arcuate component each end, such opposing arcuate surfaces adapted to nest a tubular member; a linear bore hole traversing of each of said gripping components; spherically faced cylindrical bushings, to slidingly engage the bore hole of its associated gripping component and each having at its shoulder contacting the adjacent support means; an elongate, assembly fastener means to slidingly traverse the aligned assembly via the component bore holes, being of a length sufficient to extend from one external side of the assembly to the other external side about the interlocked tubings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 6106189
    Abstract: A pipe or tube clamp is disclosed. The clamp has two U-shaped elements fixed to a plate. A screw interposed between the plate and a clamping member supplies pressure to a pair of tubes to urge them together against reaction in the U-shaped members. The tubes may be either parallel or orthogonally arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Janos Bokros
    Inventor: David Ian Seale
  • Patent number: 6061230
    Abstract: A panelboard/switchboard assembly for accommodating bolt-on modules, plug-in modules and lugs. The panelboard/switchboard includes vertical, edge forward bus bars having a plurality of openings formed therein. The edge forward alignment allows plug-in modules to be mounted to the bus bars. The openings in the bus bars receive bolts for mounting straps to the bus bars and for mounting lugs to the bus bars. The openings have a shape having at least one linear element and receive a bolt having an anti-rotation portion with a similar shape. The interference between the opening and the anti-rotation portion of the bolt prevents the straps, and the modules connected to the straps, from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. Mazzella, Kevin F. Nolan, Rick A. Vonrotz, Thomas F. Vrnak, Melanie A. Lewis, Grady W. Broadnax, Jr., Robert R. Leclair, Robert B. Wallace, Jeremy Palmer, Hamon L. Craft
  • Patent number: 6004065
    Abstract: A system for interlocking together two panel members comprises a washer member having a first washer portion connected by a first necked down portion to a second intermediate washer portion and a third washer portion connected by a second necked down portion to the second intermediate washer portion. A bore runs through the washer member for receiving a screw for fastening the washer member to a side of a first panel member. A second panel member has a keyhole slot and an aperture spaced from the keyhole slot. A resilient clip member has one end formed with a right angle projecting portion and a second end formed with an aperture configured to securely receive the first necked down portion of the washer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Dale B. Higdon, Brad J. Addink
  • Patent number: 5997209
    Abstract: A fastener for timber decking, fences, pallets and the like comprises a joist attachment plate (11), with one or more fastening apertures (12) therein, one or more spacing flanges (13) locatable between joists (20) and planks (30), a plank spacer (14) extending between adjacent planks (30) and axially aligned plank engaging teeth (17, 18) extending from opposed sides of the plank spacer (14) to engage respective side surfaces of adjacent planks (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Alchemy Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard James Sachs
  • Patent number: 5975790
    Abstract: A clamp 100A for connecting formwork panels 50, 50 together at a right angle has a symmetrical shape and comprises a generally triangular central section 1, one intermediate lever 3 connected pivotally to each of opposed sides of the central section 1, and an L-shaped holding arm 2 connected to the intermediate lever 3 by means of a link 4 that is pivotally joined with both the intermediate lever 3 and the holding arm 2. The central section 1 has two equal sides a, a which extend perpendicular to each other and at which the central section 1 engages with joint members 52, 52 of formwork panels 50, 50. Notches 1c are formed on each side a, and are adapted to bite into one joint member 52. Each side a of the central section 1 is thus capable of engaging very closely with the joint member 52. The holding arm 2 is also provided with notches 2c, so that the holding arm 2 also can engage very closely with the joint member 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Shinichi Nogami
  • Patent number: 5971654
    Abstract: A device for mounting a leaf spring to an axle housing of a vehicle, in which a cap device receives the axle housing of the vehicle. A liner is positioned inside the cap to permit rotational movement of the axle housing. A pair of U-bolts is mounted on the cap and extends down from the cap toward the leaf spring. First and second plates engage the U-bolts to present a pair of parallel plates positionable on top and bottom of the leaf spring, respectively. Preferably, the liner is fabricated from a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. To prevent aixal movement of the device, stops engage the axle housing. Stabilizing plates maintain the top, first plate generally parallel to the leaf spring and prevent relative movement of the first plate and the U-bolts. Spacers maintain a minimum spacing between the first and second plates on the U-bolts. In a preferred embodiment, a low friction surface is provided on the portion of the plates in contact with the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Sweeney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5953878
    Abstract: A polyvinyl floor or decking system for use on indoor and/or outdoor applications, including porches, decks, patios and marine docks. The system comprises a plurality of extruded, generally hollow elongated polyvinyl or plastic tubular members which are placed on a supporting frame or structure in a conventional manner. Each of the members includes a plurality of grooves on the top surface in order to maximize surface friction and provide a better walking surface in all conditions, and further includes a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces includes a plurality of slots that are spaced so as to generally overlie the supporting joists. A plurality of mounting cleats engage the slots on adjacent members, and secures the members to the deck and to each other. The cleat in slot arrangement allows for the different rates of thermal expansion and retraction of the polyvinyl deck members compared to the supporting wood frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: S.S.D. Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5941654
    Abstract: A bus bar panel system utilizes a quick acting and simplified fastening system for making connections. The bus bar is preferably pre-perforated along the edges, although holes may be drilled at the time of fastening. The fastening system uses a stud having threads on one end for receiving the usual washers and nut. On the other end, usually away from the installer, the stud is provided with flats which engage an open slot or yoke on a keeper clip. The clip has a gauge flange to engage the edge of the bar or clamp through which the stud extends. The transverse dimensions of the open slot are related to the flats and the length of the slot to the distance of the perforations from the edge of the bar. The clip also includes a spring section which grabs the end of the stud holding the clip in place so that the installer has both hands free to secure the nut and washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Chauquet
  • Patent number: 5930972
    Abstract: A frame structure assembled from frame limbs for a switch gear cabinet, in which the frame limbs are preferably designed in mirror-image like manner in relation to their cross-sectional diagonals and in the interior region of the frame structure comprise two receiving formations, having fastening rebates for fastening mounting rails. The receiving formations are orientated parallel to associated exterior sides of the frame structure. The interconnection of frame limbs and mounting rails is simplified and improved because the receiving formations pass into terminal sections, bent over once or twice, forming an open dovetail groove or a closed dovetail groove for fixing the mounting rails that have appropriate engagement formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Benner, Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 5918999
    Abstract: A three dimensional geometric structural framework made up of subassemblies of cross members connected by end connectors. The subassemblies are then interconnected with clip members. The cross members have a cross section providing protruding triangular arrowhead corners and the clip members are shaped for engaging and retaining the arrowhead corners of juxtaposed cross members together in fixed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Guy M. Lamarca
  • Patent number: 5899627
    Abstract: A retractor support apparatus of the present invention includes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a first clamping member. The first and second support arms are each attached to a pivot ball. The first clamping member has a clamping bore that is adapted to receive and engage the pivot balls. The first clamping member retains the first and second support arms in a selected position when the clamp is in an open position. The first clamping member secures the first and second support arms in the selected position when the clamp is in clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Dobrovolny
  • Patent number: 5846016
    Abstract: A device for interconnecting two doors to hold the doors spaced apart in a standing, upright position so that the doors will stand in a stable condition with all sides of the doors being accessible for painting comprises an elongate connecting member having attachment members connected to the opposite ends of the elongate connecting member. Outwardly facing planar faces of the attachment members have a size such that they can be received flatwise within and attached to hinge attachment locations on the side edges of respective doors. The outwardly facing planar faces of the attachment members are oriented so that planes through the outwardly facing planar faces intersect each other at an included angle of at least about 15 degrees and up to 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Julian E. Martinez, David C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5803654
    Abstract: A control cable and conduit assembly mounting system includes a pair of integrally formed, arcuate, spaced-apart, flexible flanges which substantially encircle a hollow handlebar or frame member. Also included is a post contained between the flanges which extends through a hole formed in the wall of the tubular handlebar or frame member. The post provides axial and rotational position stability and resists displacing forces caused by movement of the control cable or other forces tending to move the control cable along or rotate the conduit around the handlebar or frame member. The flexible flanges maintain the control cable and conduit assembly in a position proximate to the handlebar or frame member. The elimination of the use of screws or fasteners allows for the cable center line to be parallel with the center line of the handlebar or frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Capro, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Spease, James G. Ryan, Stephen A. Sauer, Bernard Driggers, William H. Grojean
  • Patent number: 5797697
    Abstract: An interruptible connector assembly adapted for the interlocking spatially of one tubular member with another object to be supported thereby, comprising: flexible clamp band adapted to be deformed into a U-shape and overlap any underlying planar surfaces; a two-component, rigid support means, with each structurally identical component, and having an at least partially arcuate proximal one end, such opposing arcuate surfaces adapted to nest a tubular member; a linear bore hole traversing of each of said clamping components; spherically faced cylindrical bushings, to slidingly engage the bore hole of its associated clamping component and each having at its shoulder contacting the adjacent support means; an elongate, assembly fastener means to slidingly traverse the aligned assembly via the component bore holes, being of a length sufficient to extend from one external side of the assembly to the other external side about the interlocked two tubings in a variable angle juxtaposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Keller
  • Patent number: 5779387
    Abstract: The base body consisting e.g. of a metal, includes at least one double tapering through hole due to e.g. a casting operation. This through hole will not be worked in a cutting manner. A cladding is used for the through hole in shape of a sleeve consisting of an elastomeric material, which sleeve has a double tapering outer surface, which outer surface contacts the inner surface of the through hole. The sleeve has a cylinder shaped inner surface and is adapted for receipt of a cylinder shaped pipe. The through hole and the pipe must not be worked in a cutting manner and a safe clamping of the pipe over the entire length of the sleeve is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Paul Schonauer
  • Patent number: 5765959
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a rotation member to an attached member is formed of a clip for rotationally supporting the rotation member to the attached member, and circular member. The clip includes a leg elastically engaging a hole in the attached member, a shaft part fixed to the leg and disposed in a hole of the rotation member for rotationally supporting the rotation member, and a stopping piece attached to the shaft part for preventing the rotation member from coming off from the shaft part. The circular member has a hole in which the shaft part of the clip is disposed, and an elastic pressing piece situated outside the hole. The circular member is disposed between the rotation member and the attached member to elastically press the rotation member to the stopping piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsugu Shioda
  • Patent number: 5755412
    Abstract: An adjustable stand anchored on a base to support an electrically-powered applicator so that it may be brought by an operator to a properly oriented position adjacent a selected site on the body of a subject to be treated and maintained at its set position. The stand is composed of series of interconnected arms, at least two adjacent arms being formed by pipes having a right angle bend and articulated by a knuckle formed by a four-sided rectangular block. The block has a first bore extending between one pair of opposing sides and a second bore extending between the other pair, an end of one arm being socketed in the first bore and the adjacent end of the other arm being socketed in the second bore whereby the arms articulated by the knuckle are swingable about axes at right angles to each other to afford a wide range of angular adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Raul Guibert, Bettina Guibert
  • Patent number: 5749671
    Abstract: A bus bar panel system utilizes a quick acting and simplified fastening system for making connections. The bus bar is preferably pre-perforated along the edges, although holes may be drilled at the time of fastening. The fastening system uses a stud having threads on one end for receiving the usual washers and nut. On the other end, usually away from the installer, the stud is provided with flats which engage an open slot or yoke on a keeper clip. The clip has a gauge flange to engage the edge of the bar or clamp through which the stud extends. The transverse dimensions of the open slot are related to the flats and the length of the slot to the distance of the perforations from the edge of the bar. The clip also includes a spring section which grabs the end of the stud holding the clip in place so that the installer has both hands free to secure the nut and washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Chauquet
  • Patent number: 5749622
    Abstract: A contracting structure for assembling a bicycle seat conveniently and fast, wherein, on a post pipe for the seat is a C shaped lock head in which a screw is provided to control contracting amount, two semi-circular annuli embedded in the inner wall of the lock head hold therebetween a clamper seat on which are two clamping blocks; the blocks have inward and outward bevelled surfaces thereon, the former are subjected to contraction of the annuli, the latter at the two sides of the lock head can be pressed in the normal direction thereto by the seat frames at the bottom of the seat, a spring is received in both blocks having two arciform clamping grooves formed on the outer lateral sides thereof and corresponding respectively by position to two rod grooves on the clamper seat to thereby form two clamping mouths openable and closable elastically to clamp the seat frames and mount the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Shao-Chien Tseng
  • Patent number: 5746029
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a heavy load above a tile roof without causing damage to tile members, comprising: an elongated base member adapted to lie upon the surface of the roof underneath a tile member; a lag bolt for securing the the base member to a rafter in the roof; a slidable carriage having a threaded hole therethrough, the carriage slidably engaging the base member; a threaded elongated shaft capable of being inserted through a hole in the tile member and into threaded engagement with the carriage so that the end of the shaft may be caused to engage the base member and thereby fixedly secure the shaft; and a means associated with the shaft for attaching a heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Stanley A. Ullman
  • Patent number: 5730547
    Abstract: In mounting an outer shell, welding is not required, and processing and locating of mounting holes are facilitated without lowering the fatigue and strength of the outer shell. A knuckle bracket comprising a bracket body A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 on which an outer shell is mounted, a pair of parallel holding portions 10, 20, 21, 32 for mounting a knuckle arm extended laterally from the bracket body, and opposed mounting holes 12, 13, 29, 30, 34 formed in each of the holding portions, characterized in that a press-fit hole for press-fitting a lower portion of the outer shell is formed in an upper end of the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shusaku Nogami
  • Patent number: 5727899
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The first clamping member is fabricated from a unitary structure. The first clamping member has a first clamping end, a second clamping end, and a first fulcrum portion located between the first clamping end and the first attachment end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Dobrovolny
  • Patent number: 5678374
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a concrete made construction comprising the steps of provisionally disposing a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction, forming holes at the lower surface of a concrete made construction, and inserting fixtures into the holes to fixate the reinforcement member onto the lower surface of a concrete made construction so that the fixture imparts tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane of the reinforcement member. For instance, a fixture includes a device for applying tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane thereof by moving at least a part of the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcement member. The invention ensures fixation of a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction such as a bridge to which repeated live loads are always applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kyouryou Hozen Inc.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 5651225
    Abstract: A method and device for joining two pieces of sheet material using a unique joinder device are disclosed. The joinder device comprises first and second flange portions and a rib disposed between and interconnecting the flange portions. The rib extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the flange portions so that, when the joinder device is employed to join two pieces of sheet material, each of the flange portions lies flat against an interior side of the pieces of sheet material and the rib is disposed between the adjacent, abutting ends of the pieces of sheet material. Fasteners are driven from an exterior side of, and through, the pieces of sheet material so that distal ends of the fasteners are anchored in holes which are preformed in the first and second flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Allan T. Leeks
  • Patent number: 5628581
    Abstract: A sheet metal construction system is provided with a support strut having an elongated channel. A piece of sheet metal having an aperture is positioned on the strut with the aperture positioned over a portion of the channel. A rivet is received within the aperture and extends into the channel where it grips the strut. In this way, the aperture in the sheet metal can be positioned anywhere along the length of the channel and there is much greater freedom in the placement of rivets. The strut is also provided with channels for receiving braces and hangers for suspending a finished sheet metal product, such as a plenum for a clean room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: PACE Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Hintz, Craig S. Ludwig, Laird I. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5588768
    Abstract: A locking arrangement (1) for releasably securing two members (2) and (4), such as wear plates to mining or earthmoving equipment. A first of the members (4) is provided with an anchor (5) which has a lip (7). A second of the members (3) is provided with a cutout (10), having a tongue (8), shaped to be positioned underneath the lip (7). Once the two members are aligned, one or more keeper (9) is placed and secured within the remainder of the cutout (10). The keeper may be of solid or hardenable material (FIGS. 1, 6), or may be formed by interlocking portions (FIG. 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Hedweld Engineering Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert I. Hedley
  • Patent number: 5558458
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed that comprises a catch within a tab extending from one component that locks into a receiving opening on another component. The second component slides between the tab on the first component and the first component from which the tab extends and locks when the catch is received by the receiving opening of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools
    Inventors: Gary Silvis, Thomas E. Howland, Steven R. Snoke
  • Patent number: 5556221
    Abstract: A fastening device with a rapid clamping mechanism for the fastening of transverse supports to railing bars of a vehicle roof rack. On the transverse support a housing of the fastening device can be fixed. The housing has a fixed clamping jaw which can rest from above on the railing bar. The housing also includes two housing walls which are directed vertically and are spaced from each other, between which a lever mechanism is arranged on pivot pins and on mounting pins which are fixed to the housing. By pivotal motion of a clamping lever of the lever mechanism, a lower clamping jaw of the lever mechanism is moved to enclose the railing bar relative to the fixed clamping jaw. Thus, the railing bar is clamped between the lower clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeng-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunner
  • Patent number: 5544970
    Abstract: An apparatus for the attachment of an axle (10) to a hub (3) capable of rotating around a rotational axis (2) is provided with a first thread (5) and with a screw (7) with a second thread (8) and a third thread (9), so that the second thread (8) has half the pitch of the third thread (9) and is screwed into the first thread (5). A clamping device of the apparatus consists of a first part (11) and a second part (12) which is screwed via a fourth thread (13) into the third thread (9). By rotating the screw (7) the first part (11) with the screw (7) can be moved in a first direction, so that the second part (12) is at the same time moving at twice the speed in the opposite direction to the first direction. The axle (10) can be clampingly held between the first part (11) and the second part (12) in a wide diameter range so as to be centered relative to the rotational axis (2) by turning the screw (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Technology Innovation AG
    Inventor: Werner Studer
  • Patent number: 5542777
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a composite panel 10 with nonparallel face sheets 12,14, and a reinforcing core 16, preferably honeycomb, lying therebetween. A fastener 30 lies in an aperture 22 of the panel, and includes a socket 32 with a flange 40 bearing against first face sheet 12, and a body 46 defining a through aperture 54 and a spherical cavity 50. Fastener 30 also includes a swivel 34, with a ball-shaped knob 62 rigidly coupled to a post 64. Knob 62 fits into cavity 50 and can swivel. Post 64 is internally and externally threaded. An internally threaded spacer 36 is screwed onto the exterior threads 65 of post 64, to adjust the length of the fastener to the thickness of panel 10. Either post 64 or spacer 36 includes an additional fastening arrangement. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the additional fastening means of the spacer is a flange, and in another embodiment, it is a threaded portion of the bore of the post or of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventor: Martin E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5498263
    Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a pair of longitudinal members connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column comprises first and second connector members connectable with the longitudinal members and a rod extendable transverse to the longitudinal members and between the first and second connector members. The first connector member includes a recess for receiving the rod and a set screw for clamping the rod in the recess. The first connector member includes an opening through which a fastener for connecting one of the longitudinal members to the spinal column is extendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: AcroMed Corporation
    Inventors: Alexandre M. DiNello, Bryan D. Hildebrand, Hoyt D. White
  • Patent number: 5482395
    Abstract: A clip connector for joining column and beam members to concrete building panels is non-corrosive, and does not require bolts or pins to pass into the concrete panels. The connector is a non-corrosive steel clip having a substantially angular shape with two flanges, one flange substantially straight, and the other flange divided into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a lip at the end thereof for containment within a column or beam section, the second portion having a bend therein to extend through an aperture in the column or beam section, the second portion terminating in a hook for engaging a reinforcing member in a concrete building panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Menlo Park Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Gino Gasparini
  • Patent number: 5480117
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a rotary lock member in the frame of a panel is provided. The bracket is a preferably U-shaped body having a base and two legs extending therefrom. The inner dimension of the bracket is chosen to allow insertion of a rotary lock member therein. Panel engaging steps and protrusions are located on the outside surface of each leg for engaging the frame material. The legs of the bracket are biased inwardly towards one another, such that when a locking member is inserted therein, the legs are pressed outwardly, driving the protrusions into the frame material. A number of bores are located in the bracket to allow supplemental locking members to lock the bracket to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph C. Fleming, III
  • Patent number: 5472158
    Abstract: Pipe anchors for anchoring running lengths of pipe of different diameters to structural supports, particularly, for anchoring pipes in railroad cars to cross bearers or other structural supports in the cars. Each pipe anchor comprises an anchor base and a mating pipe-clamping wedge which when driven into place acts to clamp a length of pipe to the anchor base. The anchor base in the combination has dual, longitudinally aligned pipe-receiving cradle section with each section configured to embrace, fit and mate with either a smaller pipe (e.g., half-inch pipe) or a larger pipe (e.g., three-quarter inch pipe). Thus, each pipe anchor is capable of anchoring pipes of at least two different sizes or diameters to a structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Ireco, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph E. Nadherny
  • Patent number: 5355539
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) is provided for releasably connecting a mobile support stand (52) with a patient transport device such as a gurney (54), in order to allow patient transfer with the support stand while eliminating the need for extra transport personnel. The clamping assembly (10) preferably includes a pair of opposed, laterally spaced apart jaws (20, 22) interconnected by a central bight section (24). A pair of oppositely extending elongated connection elements (14, 16) are secured to the opposed faces of the bight section (24), and permit the clamping assembly to be releasably and pivotally inserted into a tubular section (66) conventionally provided as a part of the gurney (54). A clamping screw (18) is threadably received by one of the jaws (20) and cooperates with the opposed jaw (22) for securely clamping the upright standard (60) of the pole unit (52) within the clamping assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: St. Francis Research Institute
    Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger
  • Patent number: 5297890
    Abstract: A wood-to-pipe connection in which a single sheet metal connector and a single threaded straight bolt are used to connect a wood frame member to an elongated pipe member. The elongated pipe member could be a metal conduit, standard pipe member or even a solid circular wood pole member. The wood-to-pipe connection is especially useful in attaching wood fencing to metal pipe used for fence posts. The sheet metal connector may be field bent by hand so that the same sheet metal connector may be used in connecting fence rails at mid-rail connections, butt joints, outside corners, inside corners and sloping fences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
  • Patent number: 5109646
    Abstract: A bearing connection in a building structure for distributing downward gravity bearing loads through fasteners driven through sheet metal connectors and into a load carrying wood structural member such as a floor joist, a roof rafter or a wood truss member, through a pair of sheet metal connectors and into a wood plate member via fasteners driven through the connectors and into the plate member. Seismic, hurricane or other upward forces are also resisted by the same connectors and fasteners. Relative movement between the load carrying structural member and the plate member is also resisted in a generally horizontal direction transverse as well as parallel to the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen W. Colonias, Michael W. Bugbee
  • Patent number: 5052846
    Abstract: A fastener for joining together panels of enclosures having keyhole-shaped holes adjacent one another in abutting side frames, the fastener including a back plate having a size adapted to cover adjacent holes in abutting side frames, a pair of arms projecting at essentially right angles from the back plate, each of the pair of arms adapted to fit within the smaller portion of the keyhole-shaped holes in the abutting side frames, and an enlarged end portion on each of the arms adapted to fit through the larger portion of the keyhole-shaped holes but not to fit through the smaller portion of the keyhole-shaped holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Masood Behshid
  • Patent number: 4812094
    Abstract: A locking fastener assembly for axle bearings and the like is free spinning during tightening and removal and is positively held against rotation after installation. The assembly is engageable with an axially slotted male threaded member and includes a nut with female threads and a flange end. A retainer washer includes spaced fingers formed around the nut flange for rotatably supporting the washer at the flanged end of the nut. The washer includes a tab received in the slot of the male threaded member permitting the nut to move axially but not to rotate on the male threaded member. When the nut is engaged by a wrench, the wrench releases a flexible and resilient locking clip to permit the nut freely to rotate. After the assembly has been threaded onto the male threaded member, removal of the wrench frees the locking clip and a lock finger is received in a space between fingers of the retainer washer positively to prevent further rotation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: William L. Grube
  • Patent number: 4676687
    Abstract: A universal bedside rail Clamp for securing a bedside rail assembly to a hospital or other bed, having a base member for engagement with an angle iron bed frame, a means to tighten the universal bedside rail Clamp to the angle iron bed frame and a means for the bedside rail assembly to pivot in relation to the universal bedside rail Clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Henry Koffler
  • Patent number: 4506538
    Abstract: A clamp construction for mounting an elongated punch on a ram of a press including a plurality of rocker arms pivotally mounted on the ram, a plurality of spring units bearing against upper ends of the rocker arms, a movable jaw on the ram in opposition to a fixed jaw, the lower ends of the rocker arms pressing the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw to hold a punch therebetween, and a plurality of hydraulic motor units spacedly mounted lengthwise on the ram for counteracting the force exerted by the rocker arms on the movable jaw to thereby effect the release of the punch held between the fixed and movable jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Niagara Machine & Tool Works
    Inventor: Clarence O. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4490066
    Abstract: A clamping system for "temporarily" fixedly joining together two "I" beam or girder type structures on for example an offshore oil rig to set up for example a portable crane on the platform structure. The system uses four sets of opposed pairs of clamping elements, each set of which includes two related pairs of clamping elements which grip the beams and are bolted together, the clamping system being used in place of welding the beams or girders together. When it is time to move the structure, the clamping elements are merely unbolted, allowing the removal or replacement of the portable crane on the platform structure. The four clamping elements of each set include two pairs of side-by-side members which are positioned along side one another to grip the opposite edges of the top flange of the bottom, support beam and bear down on the upper surface of one side of the bottom flange of the upper, crane girder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventor: Jim C. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 4436446
    Abstract: An adjustable, quick-release clamp for fastening a barrier member to a base member includes a clamp support affixed to the base member and protruding therefrom, a main lever carried by the support member, with the support member extending through an aperture in the main lever, and a retainer member that holds the main lever on the support member. A first end of the main lever carries a gripper means adapted to engage the barrier member; an overcenter toggle cam is pivotally mounted on a second end of the main lever, a handle lever being attached to the cam. The cam is movable to raise and lower the first end of the main lever, with the retainer member acting as a fulcrum such that the gripper means engages or releases the barrier member in accordance with the positioning of the toggle cam. The position of the retainer member on the clamp support is adjustable to permit accommodation of variable barrier member thicknesses and to provide for adjustment of the clamping pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: James R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4379651
    Abstract: A method and means for releasably rigidly fastening two standardized metal profiles intersected at an angle and lying one upon another are provided in which four L-shaped members each having two vertical sides are respectively applied at the respective corners of the intersection such that the outer faces of the respective sides of the L-shaped member abut against the respective edge portions of the metal profiles at the intersection lying one upon another and at the same time portions of the respective sides are made to protrude beyond the upper or lower surface of the metal profiles, whereby the confronting protruded portions of the sides of the L-shaped members are rigidly connected together by any suitable fastening means with the metal profiles being respectively interposed between the confronting sides, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Inventor: Masaya Nagashima
  • Patent number: 4346619
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a motorcycle handlebar having a straight central portion attached to a head of the frontwheel fork and two bent lateral portions. The mounting assembly includes a clamping device in which the central portion is clamped between a semi-circular bearing surface provided in a lower clamping plate and an upper clamping plate by means of a pair of clamping screws extending through the upper plate into the lower plate. In order to maintain functioning of the motorcycle handlebar even in the event of loosening of the clamping screws, the central section is formed with an extension abutting the lower surface of the upper clamping plate whereas the bores provided in the upper clamping plate to receive the clamping screws are widening in the downward direction and each screw of the pair extends into the lower clamping plate at a difference distance whereby the upper clamping plate is inclined due the desired inclined position of the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Inventor: Ernst Fehling
  • Patent number: 4316593
    Abstract: A single connecting plate useful for joining wall-mounted shelf support brackets together with ventilated metal closet shelves of different sizes. The connecting plate is adaptable to fit two different sized closet shelves, depending upon the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the connecting plate relative to the leading edge of the different shelves. The connecting plate, which attaches to the outwardly extended end of a wall-mounted, shelf supporting bracket, couples the front edge of the rails of the shelf to the bracket. The connecting plate includes pairs of recessed portions along each edge which are sized to receive the rail of the different shelves, the distance between the recessed portions on the plate edges being a function of the distance between the leading edge rails of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventors: Kevin S. Miner, Abraham Trachtenberg
  • Patent number: 4295482
    Abstract: A novel valance support is disclosed and described. The valance support includes a first and a second side portion disposed at substantially right angles to one another by means of a gusset. A first and a second arm are connected to the first and the second side portions, respectively. Four valance supports are disposed above the four corners of a standard bed and rigidly connected to the ceiling by means of a toggle bolt. Corner draperies are then suspended from the valance support by means of drapery hooks which hook into apertures disposed in the side portions and arms. Such suspension converts a standard bed into what is commonly referred to as a poster bed. The invention further includes an outside ruffle attachment which is secured relative to the valance support. An elastic cord or the like is stretched between each pair of attachments and connected thereto by means of a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Harold F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 4275663
    Abstract: A load carrying vehicle such as a truck trailer or a railroad car has a generally flat, horizontal loading surface which is supported by an underframe which in turn is mounted to and carried by wheel assemblies, kingpin-saddle plate arrangement and the like. The underframe extends over the full length and width of the load carrying vehicle and each of its transverse cross-sections is of a substantially constant height while in a longitudinal direction the center portion of the underframe is of a relatively greater height than portions of the underframe adjacent the wheel assemblies. The underframe is constructed of a first corrugated plate in which the corrugations run longitudinal of the vehicle. A second corrugated plate is secured to the underside of the first mentioned plate and the plates are arranged so that the corrugation troughs of the upper plate are in longitudinal alignment with corrugation peaks of the lower plate to define a hollow core honeycomb pattern between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: E. W. Sivachenko
    Inventors: Eugene W. Sivachenko, Firoze H. Broacha