Particular Configuration Or Material Of Member Patents (Class 403/404)
  • Patent number: 6253507
    Abstract: A door frame clip is provided for interconnecting first and second door frame members when a longitudinal end of the first door frame member bears against a surface of the second door frame member at a portion of the surface which is adjacent to a longitudinal end of the second door frame member. The door frame clip comprises an apex, a first arm extending from the apex, and a second arm extending from the apex in a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the first arm. The second arm is significantly longer than the first arm to enable the second arm to reach the first door frame member when the apex engages an outside edge of the longitudinal end of the second door frame member. Also provided is a door frame system. The door frame system comprises a first leg member, a second leg member, a header, a first door frame clip, and a second door frame clip. The second leg member is substantially parallel to the first leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: MDF, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph A. Martino
  • Patent number: 6227754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite body which is assembled from at least two bodies. The first body is made of a first material and the second body of a second material and each of the two bodies has at least one joining surface. The joining surfaces lie opposite each other and the bodies are joined to each other by at least one adhesive connection. At least one recess for a compensating body made of a third material is introduced into at least one of the two joining surfaces. This compensating body is connected with at least one adhesive location or gluing gap to both bodies. An adhesive ensures an adhesive connection between the compensating body and the two bodies at the adhesive location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Kerstin von Nessen-Lapp, Bernhard Trier, Michael Trunz
  • Patent number: 6176635
    Abstract: A frictional coupling, especially synchronization device of gear mechanisms, with at least two coupling bodies (1, 2) which come into frictional contact upon engagement of the coupling, wherein one coupling body consists of one ring-shaped base body (3) of metal with at least one flat, conical or cylindrical carrier surface, to which a frictional layer made of organic or inorganic frictional material (4) is attached, and at least one other coupling body of a counter body (8), preferably also made of metal, and has a counter surface which works together with the frictional layer, is further developed for closed systems such that clamping or damage to the edges can be avoided with continued unimpaired function and the usage in the new condition is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Rank
  • Patent number: 6171009
    Abstract: A joint between materials having disparate coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) is compensated by a collar which extends a dimension of that one of the different materials which has the lesser CTE. A set of different collars provides compensation for sheets of material of different thicknesses when used with fasteners of a given material. The joint is assembled by selecting the sheets of various thicknesses to be juxtaposed, applying the fastener with a compensation collar corresponding to each one of the different sheets, and tightening the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Wright
  • Patent number: 6158915
    Abstract: An attachment member 11 for board materials 2 such as heat insulating materials and the like comprises an affixing plate part 5 which is affixed to the substrate surface 3a of a body 3, a support plate part 6 which extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the substrate surface 3a when the affixing plate part 5 is affixed to the substrate surface 3a, and connecting plate parts 7 which extend in both directions at the upper end of support plate part 6. A support plate part elasticity providing part 12 and connecting plate part elasticity providing parts 13 are provided, respectively, in the support plate part 6 toward the point of connection with the affixing plate part 5, and in the connecting plate parts 7 toward the point of connection with the support plate part 6, along the longitudinal direction, and bent so as to achieve a wave form in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kise
  • Patent number: 6132175
    Abstract: A compliant sleeve for attaching a ceramic member to a metal member is comprised of a superalloy substrate having a metal contacting side and a ceramic contacting side. The ceramic contacting side is plated with a layer of nickel followed by a layer of platinum. The substrate is then oxidized to form nickel oxide scale on the ceramic contacting side and a cobalt oxide scale on the metal contacting side. A lubricious coating of boron nitride is then applied over the metal contacting side, and a shear-stress limiting gold coating is applied over the ceramic contacting side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongda Cai, Dave Narasimhan, Thomas E. Strangman, Michael L. Easley, Bjoern Schenk
  • Patent number: 6106187
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device between a shaft (1) and a body (3) having a bore appropriate for the shaft comprises a pin (12) received in mutually complementary and facing recesses in the shaft and the body (1, 3), respectively. The center (O) of the pin (12) is offset outwardly (as an alternative: inwardly) with respect to the circumferential line of the shaft (1) and the bore, respectively, so that an entraining force component does not only extend in tangential direction to the shaft surface and the bore wall, respectively, but has an inclination so that a radial component is created as well through which the position of the shaft (1) is defined without play within the bore of the body (3). This coupling can be provided such that the axis of rotation in operation is the same as the axis of rotation predetermined by manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Utensileria Schneider SRL
    Inventor: Livio Mina
  • Patent number: 6095715
    Abstract: A monocoque joint for joining panels having a first skin portion having a first exterior surface and a first interior surface, a second skin portion having a second exterior surface and a second interior surface, a plurality of web sections, each of the web sections being in communication with the first interior surface and the second interior surface, the web sections and the first and second interior surfaces defining a plurality of core regions, and first and second tapered flange sections disposed on opposing ends of the joint. The first and second flange sections are formed integrally with the first and second skin portions and are adapted to receive preformed panels. The joint provides a substantially continuous integral load path whereby when the first and second flange sections are operatively attached to preformed panels and subjected to a load, the load is substantially uniformly transmitted to the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Altamont, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Hulls
  • Patent number: 6074126
    Abstract: A structural interlock (40) for inhibiting relative rotation between mating elements (20, 42) characterized by a plurality of grooves (50) being formed in one of the mating elements, and a mechanism (60) for producing a nominal contact pressure on the contact area (A.sub.1 thru A.sub.8) between the mating element, which contact pressure elastically deforms the other of the mating elements into the grooves (50), and is less than the material yield strength of either of the mating elements. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves (50) are radially oriented and an applied compressive load produces a nominal contact pressure which is about 80% of the material yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Hunter, Francis E. Byrnes, Kevin S. French
  • Patent number: 6036397
    Abstract: A connector, a connector unit, and a connected connector unit made by connecting together the connector units; all capable of providing versatility in size and strength, facilitating low cost jig fabrication and well-suited for mass production, by using a tubular member of a multiple layer structure made by laminating two or more different materials selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, ceramic, wood or the like. The device comprises; a hollow tubular member 2 of a multiple layer structure made by laminating two or more materials, and open on at least one end thereof, an adhesive injection portion formed to make connection between the end or side and the hollow part 7 of the tubular member 2; an engage part 9 for a branch pipe formed in the adhesive injection portion; and a hollow branch pipe 10 with its one end provided with an engage part 12 capable of attaching or detaching from the engage part 9 for the branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Home Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Goto
  • Patent number: 6012868
    Abstract: The locking structure of this invention comprises: a gate pillar (1) as a first cylindrical member; a cover (2) as a second member fitted into the first member; locking projections (6) provided to an inner surface of the first member or to an outer surface of the second member, each of the locking projections comprising an inclined surface (6a) progressively rising from the front end side of one of the mating members, from which the other mating member is inserted, toward the rear end side and a locking surface (6b) formed at the rear end of the inclined surface (6a); and locking steps (7) formed in the other member and adapted to engage the locking surfaces (6a) when the two mating members are fitted together. The machining apparatus (A) forms the locking projections (6) by pressing blade portions (9) of tools (8) against the inner surface of the gate pillar (1) with impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 6010274
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a steel stud to an aluminum member is disclosed. An aluminum member comprising a bore is provided, along with a steel stud, the stud comprising a tapered portion. An aluminum collar comprising a tapered bore for receiving the tapered portion of the stud is provided and placed proximate to the member such that the bores are aligned. The collar is secured to the member, via tack welding and the stud is inserted through the collar and the member such that the tapered portion of the stud engages with the tapered bore of the collar. A device is then attached to the end of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Saad M. Abouzahr
  • Patent number: 6003912
    Abstract: A bi-metal bumper structure comprises an elongated tubular bumper beam made of aluminum, and an elongated reinforcing plate made of steel. The beam is curved in an arc from end to end and has a curved radially inner wall. The reinforcing plate extends lengthwise of the beam and has the same curve as the inner wall of the beam and is rigidly secured in surface-to-surface relation to the inner wall. The reinforcing plate is preferably about one-third the length of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Schonhoff, Gerald P. Pokriefka, John A. DiGasbarro
  • Patent number: 5972524
    Abstract: A double shear lap join is formed between metal and composite structure by welding Z-pins in the composite in the joint area to the metal tangs on the metal structure. The joint has modest strength but is less susceptible to shock damage than an adhesive bond or to notch effect crack propagation damage associated with fastened metal/composite joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Boering Company
    Inventor: James J. Childress
  • Patent number: 5944440
    Abstract: A box-shaped chassis support for use in a passenger vehicle is comprised of a top shell and a bottom shell. Each shell is produced from an aluminum sheet consisting of self-hardening aluminum alloy. The shells are welded to one another in the region of their mutually adjoining section legs along the hollow support profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Einhard Kleinschmit, Peter Tattermusch, Harald Reimold
  • Patent number: 5904438
    Abstract: A method of terminating a fiber rope utilizing a device of the type which has a housing member having a frusto-conical bore in which an end portion of the rope can be wedgedly retained. The end portion of the rope has a reinforcing device incorporated therein in order to increase the tensile load capacity of the rope end portion. The reinforcing device may include a fiber type material, a length of fiber rope or a resinous compound applied to the fibers of the rope end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Bridon PLC
    Inventors: Rahim Vaseghi, John Kenneth Yeardley
  • Patent number: 5879766
    Abstract: A joint body containing a ceramic member composed of a main body and a disclike projection projected therefrom and a ceramic cylindrical body. The disclike projection is inserted inside the cylindrical body, and a relative density of the disclike projection is higher than that of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is composed of a straight portion not contacted with the projection and having a uniform inside diameter, a diameter-expanded portion in contact with the projection and having the largest inner diameter, and a tapered connecting portion bridging the straight portion and diameter-expanded portion. A difference between the inner diameter of the straight portion and that of the diameter-expanded portion is 0.05 mm to 0.6 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Kato
  • Patent number: 5829911
    Abstract: A method for forming a high-tooth spline of a hollow shaft which comprises a step of press-inserting a workpiece of a hollow shaft into a die having a spline-shaped internal surface by a punch, for backing up a portion of the workpiece corresponding to the spline-shaped surface of the die from the inside thereof, having a tip portion made of a material having a hardness lower than that of the die, and a step of forming a spline portion on the workpiece. A hollow shaft having a high-tooth spline formed by the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihito Yokota, Hiroyuki Ikuta, Hitoshi Nakai
  • Patent number: 5813467
    Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about an end connection assembly having two longitudinally arranged pieces having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end connection assembly from the cylinder. The two pieces of the end connection assembly are relatively forced apart and a snap ring having a certain rest diameter is reduced in diameter and inserted into the end connection assembly to a position between the pieces. The snap ring then assumes its rest diameter positioned between the pieces, forcing them to maintain intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder, thus removing any residual gap from the assembly process and/or preloading the interface between the end of the composite cylinder and the end assembly prior to application of an axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Anderson, Donald A. Nance, Craig S. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 5795094
    Abstract: A composite structural member having an improved joint for securing loads thereto is formed from a body of composite sheet material. A loading member having an outer periphery and being configured to secure loads thereto is provided with an undercut portion or recess located along the outer periphery. The composite sheet material overlays the loading member about the outer periphery and has a lip formed from the sheet material which projects into and engages the undercut portion of the outer periphery. A retaining tension band is wrapped around the outer periphery of the loading member and the lip and maintains the lip in engagement with the undercut portion of the loading member so that the loading member is securely held in place relative to the sheet material when loads are applied to the loading member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Elbert Lee McKague, Jr., Ronald Kendall Cox, John Edward Phillips
  • Patent number: 5771975
    Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about a multipiece end assembly having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end assembly from the cylinder. The pieces of the end assembly are relatively forced apart and a spacer is positioned between the parts to maintain the pieces in intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder thus preloading the end prior to application of an axial load or removing any residual gap from the manufacturing process. The cylinder may have end assemblies at both ends and to which may be coupled external connectors such as flange members, for construction of a marine riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Anderson, Donald A. Nance, Craig S. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 5730546
    Abstract: A structure for centering and connecting two members includes a first member having an engagement opening, and a second member having an engagement projection which has an outer peripheral surface substantially corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. Small protrusions extend radially outwardly and are equidistantly disposed along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement projection. Straight notches are formed in the outer peripheral surface on both axial sides of each small protrusion to provide elasticity. When the engagement projection is fitted into the engagement opening, the small protrusions are elastically urged against the inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. In this way, even when the two members have different thermal expansions, no play or no excessive stress is generated between the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kato, Shuichiro Honda
  • Patent number: 5718531
    Abstract: A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Charles Mutschler, Jr., Philip Olikara, David George Reed
  • Patent number: 5716158
    Abstract: A novel S-shape web section in a dog bone style expansion joint belt, having a very significant increase in the ability to define a successful seal even in misaligned or otherwise off-specification expansion joint environments. The web section has the potential of significantly increasing belt service life in contrast to a conventional OEM belt, due to lower stress levels at finite element locations proximate to the mid-span, and particularly on the convex inner surface of the belt during high vacuum situations. The web preferably has only 3 layers of polyester or nylon fabric, each with an intermediate skim coat of neoprene rubber, to bond the fabric plies together and also to bond the fabric core with an outer covering of black neoprene rubber or Viton rubber. The fabric plies may extend longitudinally inside of the end knobs or be splayed outwardly inside of each end knob to avoid need for a separate cord or a cord and a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Atlantic Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Hahn, Kim M. Massey, Hamid Sayar, Ann C. Van Orden
  • Patent number: 5716159
    Abstract: A tooth-profile shaped spline convenient to rotary elements of a multi spindle extruder is provided. The spline has a tooth profile which can be provided by deforming a continuous curve as if the x-axis ran on a center circle of predetermined radius. This continuous curve before deformation is a continuous line obtained by connecting a semi-circular or semi-oval line, the line being represented by an expression of x.sup.2 /a.sup.2 +y.sup.2 /b.sup.2 =1 in a defined area of y.gtoreq.0, with another semi-circular or semi-oval line, the another line being represented by the expression of x.sup.2 /a.sup.2 +y.sup.2 /b.sup.2 =1 in a defined area of y.ltoreq.0, by turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuto Tomikawa
  • Patent number: 5674027
    Abstract: The implementation of smart materials (shape-memory alloys (SMA) or piezoceramics) as integral actuating devices for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) hinges, thereby providing mobility as well as actuation to a wide range of mechanisms used in industrial, automotive and aircraft systems. A single DOF hinge is used in which smart materials are used both for actuation and for performance enhancement. The hinge consists of a tang and clevis, two conical inserts, one push block, one bolt and nut, and two washers. Assembly takes place by first putting the push block inside the clevis and putting the tang in place, then inserting the cones, inserting a bolt in the cones and finally tightening the bolt in this arrangement together with the nut to a specified torque. The amount of torque applied is related to the amount of preload in the undisturbed configuration of the hinge and the expansion of the conical inserts required to initiate rotation of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk B. Warnaar
  • Patent number: 5639175
    Abstract: A threaded paper tube includes a multiple paper tube having an inner tube with spiral ridges on its outer surface, and an outer tube and a tightening robe each having grooves on their inner surfaces which are in the same pitch as the spiral ridges. The total length of the threaded paper tube may be changed by adjusting the screwing extent between the inner and outer tubes, and the total length may then be fixed by tightening the tightening tube against the outer tube. The ridges and grooves are provided as steps formed on the inner tube's outer surface, the outer tube's inner surface and the tightening tube's inner surface using a ribbon-like shaped paper material which is adhered and fixed at the same pitch on the surfaces of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Tanaka Shikan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Emoto
  • Patent number: 5618127
    Abstract: A T-joint comprises a rung having at least one cavity and a lower face. A frame has a first side facing the rung. The frame has a longitudinal groove disposed in the first side and the groove has a floor and a plurality of upper edges, such that there is a gap disposed between the plurality of upper edges and the floor. The frame has at least one T-joint part that extends into the at least one cavity. The at least one T-joint part is fixedly connected to the groove. The lower face of the rung faces the frame and is disposed adjacent to the upper edges of the groove. At least one sealing cushion is disposed in the gap. The at least one sealing cushion is made from an elastic material and is fixedly connected to the frame such that the gap is sealed by the sealing cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Schuco International KG
    Inventors: Armin Tonsmann, Siegfried Habicht
  • Patent number: 5615746
    Abstract: A reinforced pneumatic tool holder includes: a handle having a sliding sleeve secured in a front portion of the handle, and a tool clamping device generally formed with an elastomer block for clamping a pneumatic tool such as a saw blade or a file on the tool clamping device reciprocatively held in the sliding sleeve of the handle for manipulating the pneumatic tool, with a reinforcing member integrally formed in an elastomer block for reinforcing the tool clamping device for firmly fixing the tool and a piston rod in the elastomer block for absorbing shock, preventing loosening and for sustaining a great working pressure of the tool, and also for preventing injury to a worker when operating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: George Chu
  • Patent number: 5585163
    Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite assembly includes a ceramic member having a stab shaft and a metallic member having a recess. The ceramic member and the metallic member are joined together by press fit, i.e., by fitting the stab shaft into the recess. The stab shaft and the recess after extraction of the stab shaft from the recess has a set relationship of 50 .mu.m.ltoreq.X-Y.ltoreq.150 .mu.m where X is an outer diameter of the stab shaft and Y is an inner diameter of the recess whilst a surface roughness Rz of the recess in the circumferential direction thereof after extraction of the stab shaft from the recess is 1.5 .mu.m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaya Yoshikawa, Hiroki Nakajima, Masaya Ito, Noboru Ishida
  • Patent number: 5573344
    Abstract: A design for a high damping composite joint which dissipates vibrations through the use of air gaps and viscoelastic material minimizing the transfer of vibrations to the metallic coupling. Viscoelastic material is used with adhesive to provide for increased energy dissipation by the joint. As the load increases on the joint, the load transfers from adhesive to the viscoelastic. The viscoelastic begins to take the load of the joint at the point where the adhesive becomes plastic. Acoustic vibrations are then dissipated in the viscoelastic and are prevented from being transferred to the metallic coupling by air gaps provided in the joint. The amount of viscoelastic and adhesive used depends on the anticipated load. Finite element analysis is used to calculate optimal amounts of viscoelastic and adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Roger M. Crane, Douglas C. Loup, John W. Gillespie, Jr., Stephen M. Andersen, Daniel D. Coppens
  • Patent number: 5553964
    Abstract: The tubular element is of the type comprising a tube which is composed of a synthetic material reinforced with fibers and has at least one end provided with a metal terminal member having a portion received inside the end portion of the tube. According to the invention, the outer cylindrical surface of the portion of the terminal member is stepped and has a first section whose outside diameter is greater than the inside diameter of a first section of the end portion of the tube in which it is received, and a second section whose outside diameter is reduced and less than or equal to the inside diameter of a second section of the end portion of the tube. The second section, in the assembled state of the tube and terminal member, extends axially in facing relation to the second section of the stepped surface of the portion of the terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Michel Rouillot
  • Patent number: 5542230
    Abstract: A rod with a tubular wall made from carbon fibre composite material and having connecting elements arranged at both ends. The tubular wall is divided in the center of the rod and an actively controllable pressure element, which acts in the axial direction of the rod, is built into the rod and lies against the inner faces of thrust washers, whilst the end faces of the divided tubular wall rest against the outer faces of the washers. Over the region of the element on the outer face of the tubular wall there is disposed a sleeve which engages over and is glued to the adjacent ends of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt f. Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Schutze
  • Patent number: 5538355
    Abstract: In a key apparatus having a drive keyway, the drive keyway comprises, a first side wall having a planar inner surface, a second side wall having a planar inner surface, and an end wall having a curvilinear "wave-shaped" inner surface. The first and second side walls are spaced apart, and connected to and extend generally transverse the end wall. The configuration of the drive keyway is very helpful in reducing stress concentration in the gear, and minimizing any motion of the drive key in the axial direction. The present invention is particularly useful in making powdered metal gears for gear pumps, such as hydraulic gear pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Burr
  • Patent number: 5531535
    Abstract: The double connector for connecting two bodies, especially for connecting two slabs of stone, marble or the like, consists of two anchoring elements (4,5), one in each body being connected, and a sleeve-like connecting piece (1) including two stud parts on opposite ends. The connecting piece (1) is connectable with the stud parts on the anchoring elements located in drilled holes provided in the bodies. So that the double connector, in addition to having a simple assembly, can absorb comparatively large tensile and compressive forces, at least one anchoring element (4,5) consists of an expansion element (7) received in one (13) of the drilled holes and a anchor core (6) consisting of a cone (8) and a bolt part (6') extending from the cone (8) and provided with a bolt collar (9) spaced from the cone (8). The bolt collar (9) of the bolt part (6') engages or locks in a suitable undercut (15) provided in one of the stud parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 5499773
    Abstract: A machine producing cross-wound bobbins or cheeses has a yarn guide rod including axially coupled-together partial rods. Each partial rod includes a tubular abrasion-proof jacket, and a compact bar body being formed essentially of fibers embedded in a plastic matrix and being disposed in and joined to the tubular jacket in a shift-proof manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Raasch, Willi Wassen
  • Patent number: 5499886
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining together two furniture members including a first member having an outwardly projecting tongue. The tongue includes a central portion adjacent to the first member and an enlarged terminal portion spaced from the first member. The terminal portion includes a plurality of walls that form a geometric configuration. The assembly further includes a second member that defines a groove. The groove has a configuration corresponding to the central portion and the terminal portion of the tongue. The groove receives the tongue portions to join together the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventors: Michael K. Short, Jerry D. Grieser, Richard A. Nelson, Thomas B. Warner, Ferrol M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 5496646
    Abstract: Iron and steel interference fit assemblies with increased retention forces comprised of a purposely formed iron oxide layer of limited thickness on one or both of the mutually engaging surfaces. The new methods to create the new interference fit assemblies comprise heating of iron and steel parts intended for press fit assembly to temperatures substantially between 500.degree. F. (260.degree. C.) and 1050.degree. F. (566.degree. C.) for periods of time in air between ten hours and ten minutes to create an iron oxide surface layer of optimum thickness on at least one of the mutually engaging surfaces prior to assembly. Other methods to generate the optimum thickness of iron oxide layer may also be used. The iron oxide surface layer substantially increases the frictional retention force in the assembly. The retention force effectively doubles with heating at 700.degree. F. (371.degree. C.) to 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: NTN Technical Center (U.S.A.), Inc.
    Inventor: Nelson A. Bacigalupo
  • Patent number: 5484221
    Abstract: A fastening system for securing modular panels to an underlying support structure. The fastening system includes a number of pad members, preferably made of foamed material, secured to the underside of each panel, and a saw-like apparatus carried by the pad members for severing the pad members from the vehicle structure. One side of each of the pad members is secured to the panel underside. The other side of each pad member is secured to an appropriate location on the vehicle structure in such a manner that the outer surface of the panel, when the panel is properly secured on the vehicle body, lies flush with the outer surface of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corp.
    Inventor: Steven P. DeCoux
  • Patent number: 5470166
    Abstract: A press fit joint shafting connection for hollow cylindrical steel shafts has shaft end faces provided with eccentrically arranged axial recesses wider than the main shaft bores. An annular toughened steel locking insert having an eccentrically arranged through bore is retained in the space formed by the eccentrically arranged bores when the shaft ends meet. The degree of eccentricity of the bore in the locking insert corresponds to that of the eccentrically arranged shaft recesses while the locking insert bore diameter corresponds to the diameter of the main shaft bores. The inner bores with free lumen are in alignment in a mounted state. A corresponding shafting method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Ovako Couplings AB
    Inventors: Staffan Sundberg, Vilaly E. Sergeev, Vladimir G. Nesterov
  • Patent number: 5462381
    Abstract: A novel bushing for use with industrial equipment such as a gear box is disclosed as being particularly adapted for long time usage in an adverse corrosive environment, such as salt water. The bushing is coated on all exposed surfaces with a fluorocarbon poller which is tough, resilient and is unaffected by the harsh environment. Preferably, the fluorocarbon is a polytetrafluoroethylene, and if applied as a first layer directly to the metal bushing, also includes a thermoset binder material such as a phenolic. Top or outer coatings may also be applied and such coatings do not contain a binder. A mechanical advantage is provided for assembly and disassembly as well as protection for the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Industrial Company
    Inventors: Gary DeWachter, John K. Newton
  • Patent number: 5447385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a design element having an aperture. To connect the design element to a hollow shaft it is slid onto the hollow shaft which is hydraulically expanded and thereby plastically deformed. The plastic deformation of the hollow shaft causes permanent elastic pretension in a surface layer of the aperture of the design element. The surface layer of the aperture has a thickness of several Angstrom units and is connectable to the hollow shaft in a material-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventor: Helmut Swars
  • Patent number: 5439306
    Abstract: Device for assembling two elements made of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, which are subject in use to substantial temperature variations, is provided with a combination of a layer of a compressible, heat insulating material, positioned between a support element and an attached element, and an mechanism for maintaining the attached element against the layer, and the layer against the support element. The mechanism is arranged so as to enable relative movement between the two elements in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the layer. Also, surface portions of the attached element in contact with the mechanism are substantially parallel to the plane of the layer, and a material similar to the material of the layer is positioned between the surface portions and the mechanism. The device is especially applicable to the attachment of insulating elements on a metallic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventor: Jacques C. N. Lhernould
  • Patent number: 5431020
    Abstract: In a heat shield on a load-bearing structure, the heat shield has a multiplicity of tiles which are in contact with the load-bearing structure, are adjacent one another for substantially covering an area and are fastened by means of approximately L-shaped metallic restraints that are anchored in grooves of the load-bearing structure. The restraints may be completely screened by hot sides of the tiles facing towards a hot fluid. It is also possible to avoid the use of expensive fastening devices for the restraints. The configuration of the heat shield on the load-bearing structure is very highly thermally load-resistant, simple to manufacture and does not expose the tiles to any stresses which could be critical with respect to the brittleness of the ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Maghon
  • Patent number: 5431506
    Abstract: This invention relates to the property of a bonded metal including a forming material of a nickel-titanium alloy and its method of manufacture. This bonded metal property is produced by forming a forged structure to achieve an incorporated integral body through the bonding of the nickel-titanium alloy material onto another material of nickel base alloy. The manufacturing method used to achieve this property involves heating both materials at the point to be bonded in an inert gas atomosphere. The materials are first heated to their melting point and in this state are fused together under high pressure. This forms the forged structure on the portion of the materials so treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignees: Masunaga Menlo Park Co., Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Masunaga
  • Patent number: 5398899
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for rotatably securing a dental instrument holder to a rod and enabling a convenient manual adjustment of the angular position of the instrument holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: A-Dec, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Austin, Jr., Pierre M. LaPlante
  • Patent number: 5392693
    Abstract: Piston assemblies for use in fluid translating devices normally are made of hardened metal alloy materials which require very smooth surface and are always subject to varying degrees of thermal expansion when being operated at high operating temperatures. In the subject arrangement, a piston assembly is provided and is constructed of most, if not all, ceramic components. The piston assembly includes a ceramic piston having a spherical head portion at one end thereof which rests in a spherical cavity of a ceramic slipper and held therein by a cylindrical ring. The cylindrical ring can be of a one-piece or a two-piece design which is in contact with the spherical head portion and bonded to the ceramic slipper, thus, retaining the spherical head portion. The cylindrical ring could also be made of a metallic material. The metallic ring is bonded to the ceramic slipper and subsequently swaged to hold the spherical head portion within the spherical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Engel, James C. Goade, Michael H. Haselkorn, Donald H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5388926
    Abstract: A coupling for joining sections of an underwater towed acoustical array iudes male and female couplers. The male coupler has an annular end portion with an axial bore that receives a first towed array section and a first connector and an annular body integral with and extending coaxially from the annular end portion. An outer groove is disposed around an outer circumference of the annular body. The female coupler has an annular end portion and an axial bore that receives a second towed array section and a second connector and a cup-shaped body portion integral with and extending from the annular end portion. The cup-shaped body portion has an inner groove disposed on the inner surface and an aperture through the cup-shaped body portion communicating with the inner groove. The inner groove is located so as to be in registry with the male coupler outer groove when the annular body is inserted into the cup-shaped body portion to form an annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stottlemyer
  • Patent number: 5370596
    Abstract: A joint between an end of a ceramic roll and a metal ferrule compensates for the differences in the thermal expansion properties of the joined materials. A plurality of thermodeformable bimetal elements are positioned in the space between the roll end and the ferrule to expand when the temperature increases to accommodate the greater thermal expansion of the ferrule relative to the roll and to provide a selected coupling strength in the joint at a given operating temperature. The roll is preferably made from a vitreous, fused silica material and is suitable for supporting glass and metal in sheet, strip or plate form at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Vesuvius Crucible Company
    Inventor: Jean C. Compagnon
  • Patent number: 5362172
    Abstract: A press fit assembly boss for aligning and assembling the case walls of a diskette includes a circular cylindrical post formed on the upper case wall and a cylindrical socket formed on the lower case wall. The inner surface of the socket includes two opposing planar sections separated by a distance less than the outer diameter of the post. Insertion of the post in the socket deforms the post to secure the post within the socket without creating any debris during assembly or disassembly. The cylindrical post has thin walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David L. Hubbling