Inflatable Connector Patents (Class 403/5)
  • Patent number: 11358243
    Abstract: A hub joint assembly for frictionally connecting a shaft to a connector is provided. The hub joint assembly includes a coupling hub including a collar portion and a flange portion. The collar portion includes a bore having an inner surface that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the shaft. The collar portion further includes an outer surface that may be conical. The flange portion extends from the collar portion and is configured to be coupled with the connector. The hub joint assembly further includes a clamp ring including a bore having an inner surface. The inner surface may be conical and configured to mate with the outer surface of the coupling hub. A passage is defined in the clamp ring and extends from an outer surface of the clamp ring to the inner surface of the clamp ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Riverhawk Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Whitney, Daniel M. Lauzon
  • Patent number: 10464276
    Abstract: A rotary-tool mandrel for a unit for converting a flat substrate, on which a sleeve (13) is intended to be fitted, the mandrel includes a cylindrical core (14), a peripheral wall (17) that is able to take up a rest position and a locking position by exerting a radial pressure on the sleeve (13) in order to lock it in position on the mandrel (12), a pressure fluid circuit (21) provided between the peripheral wall (17) and the cylindrical core (14) for exerting the radial pressure on the sleeve (13), and a cooling fluid circuit (24) for allowing a fluid to flow in the region of the cylindrical core (14) and for cooling the mandrel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BOBST MEX SA
    Inventors: Philippe Clément, Pierre Robadey
  • Patent number: 9790685
    Abstract: A panel comprised of at least one connector that facilitates connection with an adjacent panel. An exemplary embodiment of a panel may be comprised of a female connector and a male connector such that the male connector may be inserted in a female connector of an adjacent, substantially similar panel. The female connector may include a ridge, and the male connector may include a flange. An exemplary embodiment of a panel assembly may be formed when a male connector of one panel is inserted in a female connector of another panel such that the flange of the male connector slides over the ridge of the female connector to interlock the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Brandt, Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 9267551
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a safety mechanism (2, 3, 3a, 3b), which is related to and/or integrally formed with a safety coupling (1), wherein the safety coupling, with a related safety mechanism (3a) actuatable toward and into an initial active retaining position or toward and into a final inactive releasing position, is adapted, upon rotary motion, to allow for the transmission of torque between a first, driving coupling member (10) and a second, driven coupling member (20) and wherein said actuatable safety mechanism is adapted to be actuatable in a displacement from an initial active position, via a number of intermediate positions, to a final inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Voith Turbo Safeset AB
    Inventors: Curt Gunnar Falk, Mikael Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8875860
    Abstract: A torque limiter includes a shaft member, and a cylindrical member which is fitted rotatably on the shaft member. When the cylindrical member is rotated relative to the shaft member in such a state that the cap member is not screwed in the threaded hole and in such a state that the oil release passage is not opened to the outside, the other end portion of the oil release passage circumferentially moves within the circumferentially extended groove while being spaced apart from the circumferentially extended groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Akihide Nagayama, Nobuo Komeyama
  • Publication number: 20120280421
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a reconfigurable device comprises flexible bladder that encloses a jammable material. The geometry of the device can be altered by unjamming the jammable material (making it flexible), changing the shape of the device while it is flexible, and then jamming the jammable material (making it rigid). In some applications of this invention, a joint connects rigid arms. The ends of the rigid arms are enclosed in the bladder. By varying the stiffness of the jammable material in the bladder, the stiffness of the joint can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Steven Keating, Neri Oxman
  • Publication number: 20120213572
    Abstract: A device for temporarily holding an object having a three dimensional outer contour comprises at least two clamping elements between which said object can be brought. At least one clamping element is being movable towards the other clamping element. At least one of said movable clamping elements is designed as an expandable elastic body. A fluid can be supplied to said expandable elastic body for expanding the same. The expandable elastic body is being able to nestle against the outer contour of the object and to adapt to said contour. The control system controls a supply of said fluid to said expandable elastic body, said control system being able to control an expansion and a collapsing of said body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: David Mischnick, Oliver Preradovic, Florian Buehs, Detlev Schnee
  • Publication number: 20120087715
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement comprising a tubular housing, preferably a rack housing (1) that accommodates a rack (10), and at least one retention and/or support ring (2, 2?) which is disposed at least in part inside the rack housing (1) and is pressed into the housing (1) such that the retention and/or support ring (2, 2?) expands. The arrangement is characterized in that a toothed section (4, 4?) is provided on an external circumferential surface of the retention and/or support ring (2, 2?) adjoining the housing (1). The invention further relates to an associated method for mounting at least one retention and/or support ring (2, 2?) inside a tubular housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Klaus BETKE, Daniel Büning
  • Patent number: 7963714
    Abstract: A safety coupling apparatus which includes first and second annular coupling parts for attachment to first and second coaxial rotatable shafts. The second coupling part defines an axial chamber which has an open end facing the first coupling part, and a radially-extending recess between a collar and a flange, both extending and located radially outwardly of the axial chamber, wherein the flange is spaced from the collar. An expandable hollow body of the first coupling part axially extends through the open end and into the axial chamber. A cavity subdivides the hollow body into inner and outer cylindrical sections and can (1) be filled with, or (2) emptied of pressurized fluid to expand or contract the inner and outer sections relative to one another and cause or prevent external surfaces thereof to contact adjacent surfaces of the axial chamber and thereby prevent or enable relative rotation of the first and second coupling parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Voith Turbo Safeset AB
    Inventor: Curt Gunnar Falk
  • Publication number: 20110027008
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Omar M. Kabir, Kent Pearl
  • Publication number: 20110002729
    Abstract: There is provided a torque limiter in which oil in an oil pressure expanding chamber can be rapidly removed, when an inner peripheral face of a tube member has slipped with respect to an outer peripheral face of a shaft member, and burn-outs are unlikely to occur on the shaft member and the tube member. An area of a region where an inner face of a circumferentially extending chamber 38 intersects an oil pressure expanding chamber 26 in an extended plane extended toward the oil pressure expanding chamber 26 is made larger than a sectional area of an opening of an oil removing hole which is opened to the circumferentially extending chamber 38.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Akihide Nagayama, Takeshi Miyachi
  • Publication number: 20100284738
    Abstract: A connection device, unit incorporating a connection device, method of connecting a unit to a pipe, method of using a connection device and method of passing a device along a pipeline are provided. In one embodiment, a connection device (5) is disclosed which includes a through aperture extending between a first end of the connection device and a second end of the connection device so as to receive a section of a pipe (1), a support element (7) provided around the through aperture and one or more inflatable elements (23) provided inside the support element and around the through aperture. Each inflatable element has an inlet for the introduction and/or removal of an inflating medium. Inflation of the inflatable elements causes the connection device to firmly grip and so become anchored on the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PIPELINE PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Edward Robinson, Neville Teasdale
  • Patent number: 7796393
    Abstract: A device can be used for applying a cooling element onto a module. The cooling element has a first side part and a second side part opposite the first side part. The first and second side parts are connected by a region. The device includes a spreader, which is adapted to spread apart the first and second side parts by mechanical pressure action on mutually opposite sides of the first and second side parts, so as to be able to guide a predetermined region of the module between the first and second side parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Qimonda AG
    Inventors: Anton Legen, Steve Wood
  • Publication number: 20100119294
    Abstract: A fastening system is provided for fastening an object in a vehicle, in particular in an aircraft. The system includes at least one fastening element arranged between the object to be fastened and the vehicle. The fastening element has at least one cavity, which may be changed in shape by fluid impingement, such that the fastening element fixes the object in the vehicle by shape change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DRAGER AEROSPACE GMBH
    Inventors: Hasso WEINMANN, Wolfgang RITTNER
  • Publication number: 20100080647
    Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of improving the dimensional accuracy of a transfer pattern in a lithography technique in which EUV light is used and the EUV light is incident obliquely on a mask and an image of the EUV light reflected from the mask is formed on a semiconductor substrate (resist film), thereby transferring the pattern formed on the mask onto the semiconductor substrate. The present invention is based on a lithography technique in which EUV light is used and an exposure optical system in which the EUV light is obliquely incident on a mask is used. In this lithography technique, an absorber and a difference in level are formed on the mask, and a projective component projected on a mask surface out of a direction cosine component of the incident light is set to be almost orthogonal to an extending direction of the difference in level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Tsuneo TERASAWA, Takeshi Yamane
  • Publication number: 20080267692
    Abstract: A friction coupling for friction locking of a shaft relative to a hub, comprises a radially deformable inner sleeve, a substantially dimensionally stable outer sleeve and at least one pressure chamber defined by at least the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is arranged to be radially deformed, thereby producing a surface pressure on the shaft, for friction locking of the shaft relative to the hub. Measuring means integrating with the outer sleeve is arranged to measure the strain of the outer sleeve, which strain is an indication of the friction locking. The above-described friction coupling can be used, for instance, in piston assemblies and press tables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Jens Soderlund
  • Patent number: 7264415
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating alternating phase shift masks or reticles used in semiconductor optical lithography systems. The methods generally include forming a layer of phase shift mask material on a handle substrate and patterning the layer to define recessed phase shift windows. The patterned layer is transferred from the handle wafer to a mask blank. The depth of the phase shift windows is determined by the thickness of the layer of phase shift mask material and is independent of the patterning process. In particular, the depth of the phase shift windows is not dependent upon the etch rate uniformity of an etch process across a surface of a mask blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Furukawa, Mark Charles Hakey, Steven John Holmes, David Vaclav Horak, Charles William Koburger, III, Peter H. Mitchell, Larry Alan Nesbit
  • Patent number: 7144178
    Abstract: To provide a mask able to prevent a drop in pattern position accuracy due to the influence of internal stress of a membrane and able to align patterns including complementary divided patterns precisely, a method of producing the same, and a method of producing a semiconductor device. A stencil mask having lattice-shaped struts formed by etching a silicon wafer on four regions of a membrane wherein the lattices are offset from each other in the four regions and all of the struts are connected to other struts or the silicon wafer around the membrane (frame), a method of producing a stencil mask, and a method of producing a semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Moriya, Shinji Omori
  • Patent number: 7073969
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a photomask for an integrated circuit. The method includes, for example, providing a substrate with at least one trench, providing a prepatterned surface at the bottom of the trench, and providing a multilayer coating over the substrate. As a result, the multilayer coating forms a reflection region on the surface of the substrate outside the trench and a non-reflection region in the trench. The invention additionally provides a corresponding photomask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies, AG
    Inventor: Frank-Michael Kamm
  • Patent number: 7063478
    Abstract: A crystallization apparatus includes a mask and an illumination system which illuminates the mask with a light beam, the light beam from the illumination system becoming a light beam having a light intensity distribution with an inverse peak pattern when transmitted through the mask, and irradiating a polycrystal semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film, thereby generating a crystallized semiconductor film. The mask includes a light absorption layer having light absorption characteristics according to the light intensity distribution with the inverse peak pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: LCD Technologies Development Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Taniguchi, Masakiyo Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7025185
    Abstract: In a torque releasing device, a bearing is composed of an angular contact ball bearing, raceway surfaces of which are applied with a pre-load in order that the occurrence of fretting at the bearing during torque transmission may be prevented. Thus is ensured that the torque is securely released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihide Nagayama, Youichi Numada
  • Patent number: 6793241
    Abstract: A modular headliner assembly (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) adapted to inflate away from a roof (18) of a vehicle (12) into a position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The modular headliner assembly (10) also includes a headliner (36) for covering an interior portion (38) of the roof (18) and at least one support device (40) for supporting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and the headliner in the vehicle (12). The support device (40) includes a bracket (42) having a portion (44) connectable to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), fastener (202) for connecting the headliner (36) to the bracket, and a fastener (222) for connecting the bracket to the vehicle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Wallner, Charles S. Pillsbury, IV, William P. Braun, George E. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 6481911
    Abstract: In a jointing method for joining preformed bodies, a first preformed body (1) and a second preformed body (2) are located relative to each other. By use of a jointing clamp (10) in a jointing zone of the preformed bodies (1, 2) a space (9) is encased into which each of the preformed bodies (1, 2) protrudes. In the encased space (9), a filler (20; 21; 20, 21) is consolidated or exposed to a consolidation such that the preformed bodies (1, 2) in the encased space (9) are compacted into a solid composite by the jointing clamp (10) and the consolidated filler (20; 21; 20, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz Michael Streuber
  • Patent number: 6186691
    Abstract: A linear joining and locking device comprises a first receiver member providing a first closure surface thereon and a first linear cavity therein, the first closure surface communicating with the first linear cavity along a first linear aperture defined in the first receiver member; a second receiver member providing a linear sealing mounting device; the first closure surface being positionable for aligning the first linear aperture in mutual linearly corresponding adjacency with the linear sealing device mounting device; an elongate linear elastomeric sealing device engaged within the first linear cavity and the linear sealing device, and extensive therebetween; the sealing device providing a first linear channel therein, the linear channel responsive to fluid pressure for expanding the sealing device within the linear cavity so as to enable the first and second receiver members to be mechanically joined when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Klaus Rudolf-Bauer
  • Patent number: 6113300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular unit consisting of two building components having joint surfaces arranged in pairs to be fastened with rivets. In order to ensure perfect meeting of the pairs of joint surfaces, there is a pair of bearing surfaces designed in such a way that, upon exerting a supporting force thereon, a force component is generated through the assembling joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Lothar Klein, Hartmut Carstensen
  • Patent number: 5879099
    Abstract: A rigid connection of structural parts of a motor vehicle and a tool and for establishing the connection are provided. The structural parts are fixed together after a coating during their assembly to one another in a simple, joined and effective manner without plastically deforming the respective exterior structural part and damaging the coating in the process and therefore visually impairing the visible side of the structural parts. The two structural parts to be connected are designed as oblong hollow bodies with one structural part having axially spaced radial cross-sectional reductions along the length of the connection in which the other structural part is held on it while forming a releasable plug-type connection and in that the first structural part--starting from the plug-in position. Because of the expansion between the plug-type connection points, during an internal high-pressure deforming, the parts are locked in a form-fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Volker Thoms
  • Patent number: 5855446
    Abstract: Hydraulic clamp bushing (13, 14) having a double walled sleeve (7), a hydraulic pressure medium which is trapped in a chamber (5) between the sleeve walls, and a mechanism for pressurizing the pressure medium. One, or both, sleeve walls (7) is/are formed for expanding radially outwards and/or inwards when the pressure medium is pressurized, whereby the clamp bushing is clamped to a shaft, a hub or a similar object, in particular a rotary shaft (17, 18). The pressure medium chamber (5) is formed with angularly inwards or sigma formed bushing ends (9) designed so that the ends are straightened up as a first stage when the clamp bushing is pressurized, whereby the axial ends of the bushing facing the shaft (17, 18) are pressed to the shaft (17,18) thereby providing a straightening up of the bushing (13, 14) on the shaft before the intermediate portions of the sleeve are pressed to the shaft (17, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: ETP Transmission AB
    Inventor: Lennart Disborg
  • Patent number: 5769487
    Abstract: A chucking device for accurate mutual fixation of disk-shaped parts or rotationally symmetrical parts. The device has a chucking element that engages with members in a form-fitting manner and has an expansion sleeve that together with the chucking element forms the border of a pressure chamber filled with an incompressible medium. Due to a relative axial movement between the chucking element and the expansion sleeve, the medium enclosed in the pressure chamber is pressed against the wall of the expansion sleeve, which thus comes in pressure contact with the corresponding peripheral surfaces of the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fritz Schunk GmbH & Co KG Fabrik Fur Spann-und Greifwerkzeuge
    Inventor: Gerhard Michler
  • Patent number: 5711628
    Abstract: An expandable clamp of the type that is used within a channel to compress a planar member within that channel against a wall of that channel. The clamp has an expandable bladder of an elongated cylindrical shape and a valve for introducing a gas or a liquid into the bladder for expanding it. Alternatively, the clamp may be manufactured with a closed bladder that is partially filled with a fluid. This closed bladder may be expanded by increasing the pressure on the fluid such as by compressing the fluid with a piston. The clamp is particularly suited for use in Standard Electronic Modules for providing more uniform contact between the frame of the electronic module and the card chassis of the instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventor: Leroy S. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5236460
    Abstract: A vertebral prosthesis locates between vertebral bodies of a human body. The prosthesis has tubular inner and outer bodies that telescope relative to each other. Each body has a platform on its end. The platform secures to adjacent vertebral bodies. Sharp pins on the platform pierce the vertebral bodies to stabilize the prosthesis. A bracket slides laterally and secures by screws to sides of the vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Midas Rex Pneumatic Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Forest C. Barber
  • Patent number: 5224789
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for the detachable connection of two components, preferably a shaft with a hub, which for transmission of a torque are rotatably connected with each other by form-fit. When using such plug or form fit connections such as between a roll journal and a coupling box in a rolling mill, large tolerances must be expected that express themselves in peripheral directions and have adverse effects on the surface integrity of the rolled material. The invention provides for a clamping element which preferably can be inserted in the hub, acted upon by hydraulic fluid to keep the shaft in place relative to the hub. The clamping element is of a two-part design and can be filled with hydraulic fluid through appropriate devices, so that the hub is tightly fastened on the shaft upon assembly. For removal of the hub from the shaft, the pressure in the clamping element is simply relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Elsner
  • Patent number: 5201842
    Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling with a hub, for transmitting a torque to a shaft, with a cylindrical annular chamber arranged in the hub at a slight spacing from the shaft. The annular chamber can be pressurized with an hydraulically actuated servo valve arranged in the hydraulic fluid channel connecting to said annular chamber. A separate hydraulic fluid channel serves to actuate the servo valve. As control pressure is admitted to this second hydraulic fluid channel, the servo valve opens and establishes the connection between the first hydraulic fluid channel and the annular chamber for admission of a high-pressure medium. The advance of the connecting nipples onto the hub may be effected by remote actuation, thus enabling an automatic roll change, for instance in a rolling mill, without difficult and time-consuming manual assembly in congested space conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Elsner
  • Patent number: 5195838
    Abstract: A toothed gear is secured to an associated shaft by an expansive sleeve which is expanded radially inwardly by the pressure of a hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventors: Sidney Katz, Jose O. Gutierez, Joseph Klucsarics
  • Patent number: 5156480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frictional resistance coupling for transmitting torque between two coaxial components, for example a shaft with an articulated shaft, the coupling comprises an outer part and an inner part, which enclose an inner chamber with a conical wall. Inserted to move axially in the inner chamber is an annular piston of the same conicity, so that when the annular piston moves axially by means of a pressure medium, a radial clamping force and thus frictional resistance for transmitting torque is produced. The pressure chambers located on both sides of the annular piston in each case comprise a further connection to a low pressure source. The pressure chamber respectively not supplied with high pressure is supplied with pressure medium from a low pressure source during the displacement process and when the piston reaches the end position within the inner chamber, the opening of the low pressure passage is closed by the end face of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Elsner
  • Patent number: 5149220
    Abstract: A frictional resistance coupling comprises an outer part and an inner part, which are connected to each other in a pressure-tight manner and between them form an inner chamber with a conical surface and a likewise conical, axially displaceable annular piston. The annular piston is moved axially due to the supply of pressure medium, for producing a radial tension and frictional resistance between two parts, e.g., a coupling and a shaft. Serving for determining the axial position of the enclosed annular piston is an axially disposed transmitter cylinder, which is connected to a receiver cylinder in the region of the outer surface of the coupling, by way of an incompressible medium. The piston of the receiver cylinder supports an indicator, whereof the position is monitored by an external sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Elsner, Karl Junginger
  • Patent number: 5125759
    Abstract: A robotic wrist employs a plurality of elastomeric containers holding an electro-rheological fluid. An electromagnetic field can be selectively applied across the electro-rheological fluid within these elastomeric containers to selectively control the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid and thereby control the stiffness of the elastomeric containers. Two sets of elastomeric containers can be used to control both the axial and radial stiffnesses of the wrist. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric containers have a hollow spherical shape. An electromagnetic field is created within the containers by applying a voltage between a conductive film on the interior surface of the sphere and second electrode extending through the sphere into the electro-rheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Wendell H. Chun
  • Patent number: 5102253
    Abstract: A snap-fit device is provided for joining two parts of any shape together by fitting, perpendicularly to their junction surfaces, at least one element projecting from the junction surface of one of the parts, after slight deformation thereof, into a recess in the junction surface of the other part, and engagement of the projection element, by resilient return thereof, on a surface portion of the recess. Inside the device, a separation actuator is operable for separating the engagement projection from the portion on which it is engaged, against the resilient return force of the projection. The separation means is externally activated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure or a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Christian Girardiere
    Inventors: Jerome Pugliesi-Conti, Christian Girardiere
  • Patent number: 5051018
    Abstract: A coupling for coupling together two mutually coaxial, rotatable parts, comprising a substantially cylindrical coupling member which is intended to be mounted between the parts to be coupled together and which is expandable both radially outwards and radially inwards so as to exert on the parts a coupling pressure through the intermediary of the coupling member. The coupling member incorporates a pressure chamber which is intended to be supplied with pressure fluid for expansion of the coupling member and which is provided with a pressure relief device which is triggered upon relative rotation of the aforementioned parts. The coupling member is configured to exert a greater coupling force on a first of the aforementioned parts than on the other of these parts, and the pressure relief device is intended to be activated upon relative rotation between the first part and the coupling member, but to permit rotation between the other of the parts and the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Metalform Safeset AB
    Inventors: Bo Appell, Curt Falk
  • Patent number: 5004370
    Abstract: An assembly includes a hollow shaft and drive elements partly formed of brittle material. The drive elements include, as viewed in axial succession, first regions containing material of relatively low ductility and second regions containing material of relatively high ductility. The hollow shaft has expanded sections opposite the second regions securing the drive elements on the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventor: Helmut Swars
  • Patent number: 4958953
    Abstract: An expandable connector to axially join tubular elements. The connector consists of two confronting hollow parts dimensioned to fit into the ends of axially aligned tubular elements. The parts define together a void having an inflatable elastic casing. The casing is pressurized when the tubular elements are in alignment and the hollow parts are in connecting relationship therein. The parts are thereby driven internally against the end portion of the tubular elements in wedge-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Georges Charondiere
  • Patent number: 4940354
    Abstract: The mounting device for the squeegee or inking blade has an elastic clamping tube which can be expanded under a pressurized medium to clamp the squeegee or inking blade in place. The clamping tube is made of resilient material and ensures that the squeegee or inking blade is secured with a uniform linear pressure over the whole length. A spring may also be used to initially hold the squeegee or linking plate in place until the clamping tube is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Jurg Holderegger
    Inventors: Jurg Holderegger, Dionizy Simson
  • Patent number: 4923320
    Abstract: A disengagable coupling comprising a first part (1) affording a bore (3) and a second part (2) comprising a sleeve (5) and a drive flange (6). The sleeve (5) fits in the bore (3) and contains an insert (8) with collars (9,10) between which is defined a chamber (4) for the reception of oil under pressure to expand the sleeve into frictional engagement with the wall of the bore (3) for torque transmission. There may be a pressure release valve response to relative movement between the first and second coupling parts to release the coupling in case of overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ditmar Klischat
  • Patent number: 4915537
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound joint in which a lower section and an upper section are mated along a common contact plane. Means for positively interlocking the sections are provided in each section. A depressed area on the surface of each of the sections is oriented along the common contact plane, such that when the sections are interlocked, the depressed areas form an enclosed tube. A spreader tube comprising a metal that undergoes cold work hardening during expansion can be positioned within the enclosed tube, whereby the expansion of the spreader tube within the enclosed tube to a volume larger than the volume of the enclosed tube causes said interlocked sections to be permanently jointed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Vereinigte Aluminum-Werke A.G.
    Inventors: Hans Bergheim, Winfried Griep
  • Patent number: 4886230
    Abstract: A camera supporting tripod is described with a hip to which legs are attached. The legs are adjustable as to length. In addition, the tripod includes a center shaft mounted to the hip for tilting movement. The center shaft is also adjustable as to length. Manually actuated hydraulic mechanisms are provided for releasably holding the legs as to length, for releasably locking the center shaft to the hip to prevent relative tilting, and for releasably holding the shaft at the length to which it is adjusted. An instrument supporting head on the tripod includes friction brake panning and tilting mechanisms designed to apply a variable drag to these motions and also for smooth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Cineonix, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Jones, L. Mark Marchus, Loren S. Hardy
  • Patent number: 4859106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting fixedly in terms of rotation two coaxial components, for example a shaft and a hub, preferably with an outer and an inner sleeve which enclose a tapered annular space and in which a likewise tapered annular piston is axially displaceable by means of a pressure medium, as a result of which a radial tensioning force is exerted on the components to be connected. For this purpose, either one of the two pressure chambers on the two end faces of the piston is subjected to pressure. According to the invention, the pressure medium is conveyed to the rear pressure chamber by means of a duct which opens into the annular space in the front region of the annular piston and from there passes, via slots in the outer cylindrical surface of the annular piston, to the rear pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Elsner, Hans Lindenthal, Stewart D. Jelfs
  • Patent number: 4782636
    Abstract: A curtain wall structure has a series of panels mounted in a framework with loop-form sealing gaskets around the peripheries of the panels. The gaskets are clamped into sealing contact with the panels by frame members that overlap the edges of the panels. The gasket section includes forward and rear portions between which the edges of panel is sandwiched. These portions are connected by a thin web that forms an enclosed space around the periphery of the panel. An external connection leads to that enclosed space for pressure testing the gasket seal. Upper and lower connections can be provided to said space to facilitate venting--in particular of the gap between the layers of a double-glazed panel. The gasket section may include an intermediate portion serving as a spacer between the layers of a double-glazed panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Richard L. Stoakes
  • Patent number: 4774872
    Abstract: A joint is provided for joining together two sections of a tube wherein the sections are prestressed by a surrounding pressure medium to press the sections together and to resist forces tending to separate the sections and the bursting pressure inside the tube. The pressure medium can be a resin which can be pressurized and subsequently cured or a fluid. The outside diameter of each section, at and near the end to be joined, is enlarged. A coupling means encircles the enlarged portions and couples the two sections together. One or more expandable pressure cavities located within said coupling means and/or within the enlarged portions have the general shape of a flared annuli. The pressure medium fills and expands the pressure cavities and, when pressurized, exerts stresses compressing both sections together at the joint and also applies relatively uniform radial stress in the vicinity of the end of each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: GA Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Creedon
  • Patent number: 4752275
    Abstract: A coupling for transmitting a torque from a shaft to a hub provided with an internal chamber which can be pressurized and which is relieved when a relative rotational movement takes place in relation to the shaft due to an overload and which is secured against slipping off from the shaft seat in an axial direction by a two-part flange mounted on the shaft. The flange engages with a radial groove in the hub in a claw-like manner and carries a shear-off device for breaking off the plug sealing the internal pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Lindenthal, Peter Babik
  • Patent number: 4722633
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound joint in which a lower section and an upper section are mated along a common contact plane. Means for positively interlocking the sections are provided in each section. A depressed area on the surface of each of the sections is oriented along the common contact plane, such that when the sections are interlocked, the depressed areas form an enclosed tube. A spreader tube can be positioned within the enclosed tube, whereby the expansion of the spreader tube within the enclosed tube to a volume larger than the volume of the enclosed tube causes said interlocked sections to be permanently joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventors: Hans Bergheim, Winfried Griep
  • Patent number: 4705421
    Abstract: A releasable coupling between a shaft and a hub is provided, which coupling includes a device operable by a pressure medium to produce a pressure lack between the shaft and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Herbert Depping