Member Includes Elastically Or Plastically Deformable Portion Patents (Class 411/111)
  • Patent number: 11858219
    Abstract: Adhesive bondlines in a cell-based structural array are thermally cured using tooling blocks inserted into the cells. The tooling blocks have embedded susceptors that are inductively heated by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joseph A. Marshall, Gary Earnest Georgeson, David L. Banks, Robert James Miller, Paul B Mori
  • Patent number: 11199215
    Abstract: A nut clip is disclosed. The nut clip may have a nut and a clip. The clip may have a forward reaction wall and an aft reaction wall structured to react tightening and loosening forces associated with the nut and to facilitate caging of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Novaria Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy Wayne Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 11098745
    Abstract: Connector, wherein the connector is configured for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein the components each have an opening with cross sections different from a circular cross section, wherein the connector has a cage part which has a radial flange at one end and which has a stem portion with a cross section different from a circular cross section, said stem portion being insertable into the opening of the second component such that the flange is positioned against the front side of the second component, wherein the connector has a nut part which is at least partially accommodated by the cage part and that is rotatable, has an axial opening and has opposite wing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Albert Sbongk, Christoph Leidig
  • Patent number: 11078949
    Abstract: The inventive nut plate fastener includes a nut plate base comprising a flat elongated base plate. The base plate has each of a first and a second planar base face arranged parallel to each other. A cylindrical plate bore diameter is selected to be greater than the diameter of the threaded hole but lesser than the diameter of the nut body. A nut cage holds the nut in contact with the nut flange face such that the threaded hole and the plate bore rest in substantial coaxially alignment. The nut cage includes a first and a second nut cage bridge oriented about the plate bore in opposed symmetric relationship. Each bridge includes a center post positioned to engage the respective nut tang notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Marketing Masters, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Gauron
  • Patent number: 11053966
    Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus comprises a surface and at least one flange extending from the surface. The fitting is operable to rotate from a first angular position to a second angular position based on contact between the at least one flange and a fastener and a torque applied to the fastener. In the first angular position, a gap separates the at least one flange from a barrier. In the second angular position, the at least one flange prevents rotation of the fastener based on contact between the barrier and the at least one flange. In some embodiments, the at least one flange comprises a plurality of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Brian Carr, Pawan Bangalore Sathyananda, Sheshaprasad Hassan Subramanya
  • Patent number: 10975904
    Abstract: A floating anchor nut configured to receive a bolt is described. The floating anchor nut comprises a plate having a bolt aperture and retention features for retaining a nut. The floating anchor nut additionally comprises the nut that itself comprises an internally threaded body and a flange extending from an outer surface of the body, the nut being retained through interaction of the flange with the retention features, the retention features allow limited parallel displacement with respect to a plane of the plate. The flange is positioned along the body so that at least a portion of the body is counter-sunk into the bolt aperture of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HS MARSTON AEROSPACE LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Whalley
  • Patent number: 10787941
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for attachment of a drain nut to a synthetic resin cover. The cover has a nut engagement portion formed in an outer surface of the cover, a cylindrical engagement portion formed with a plurality of piece parts on an inner surface of the cover, and a stepped portion formed between the nut and cylindrical engagement portions. The drain nut has a nut portion engaged in the nut engagement portion, a female thread portion formed in the nut portion for screw-in of a drain plug, a cylindrical portion formed concentrically with the nut portion and engaged in the cylindrical engagement portion, a large-diameter portion formed between the nut and cylindrical portions and engaged in the stepped portion, with an O-ring held between the large-diameter portion and stepped portion, and a collar portion formed around the cylindrical portion and retained by front ends of the piece parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: MAHLE FILTER SYSTEMS JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daizo Ito, Shin Yoshida, Atsushi Nonaka, Yuichi Kato
  • Patent number: 10767386
    Abstract: A washer assembly for use in affixing a guardrail support to a floor surface. The washer assembly holding at least one washer in place such that it does not fall out during assembly of the guardrail, disassembly of the guardrail, or transport of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Safety Maker, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Hilliard, Rainer Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 10753383
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a plate member, a shell member, a nut, and a bias member. The plate member includes a retention tab. The shell member includes a first end coupled to the plate member by the retention tab and a second end opposite the first end. The nut is disposed within the shell member and is moveable between a first position proximate the shell member first end and a second position proximate the shell member second end. In addition, the bias member is disposed within the shell member and is configured to bias the nut toward one of the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Enduralock, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Hess, Armando Perez, III, Zoltan Kalman Furu-Szekely
  • Patent number: 10677280
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a plate member comprising an aperture defined therethrough. The nut plate assembly also includes a shell member having a first end joined to the plate member and a second end opposite the first end. The nut plate assembly further includes a bias member disposed within the shell member and a nut comprising a shoulder portion configured to receive a portion of the bias member. The nut is disposed within the shell member and moveable between a first position proximate the shell member first end and a second position proximate the shell member second end. The bias member is configured to bias the nut toward one of the first position and the second position. The nut plate assembly also includes a retention member configured to retain the nut within the shell member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Enduralock, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Hess, Armando Perez, III, Zoltan Kalman Furu-Szekely, Igor Komsitsky
  • Patent number: 10648499
    Abstract: A clip nut 100 has first and second opposed arms 202, 204 extending longitudinally and the second arm 204 includes first and second walls 222, 224 extending transversely of the clip nut, and the first wall 222 includes a first plurality of cavities 234, 236 and the second wall 224 includes a second plurality of cavities 248, 250. A nut 102 includes legs 112, 114 extending into respective cavities. The nut is assembled with the clip nut by putting a leg into a cavity in the first wall and moving the nut toward the second arm to engage a cavity in the second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 10561057
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement attaches a row unit to the tool bar of an agricultural implement. The fastening arrangement includes an elongated flat operatively connected to the tool bar. The elongated flat has a leading surface lying in a first plane nonadjacent to a second plane which includes a trailing surface of the tool bar. A head bracket is adapted to receive a row unit. The head bracket has an aperture therethough and is supportable on the elongated flat. A clamping nut and bolt combination is configured to fasten the head bracket to the elongated flat. The clamping nut and bolt combination includes a bolt adapted to pass through the aperture of the head bracket and engage the clamping nut in a mating relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard James Gadzella, Marvin A. Prickel, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 10473138
    Abstract: A lightweight construction fastener 30 has two basic elements, a clip body 40 including a connected fastening element 32. The clip body 40 has a first leg 41 and a second leg 42, which are arranged located opposite one another and which are connected to one another by a web 45 on one end. The fastening element 32 includes a flat base plate 34 with two protrusions 35, 36, and a cylindrical holding part 33. On its outer side, the second leg 42 has two frames 43, 44 with apertures 46, 47. They are provided to accommodate the protrusions 35, 36 of the fastening element 32, so that the fastening element is held in the clip body 40 with play, but in a captive manner. The frames 43, 44 are substantially arranged at right angles to the longitudinal axis LA, which is why the orientation of the two protrusions 35, 36 is also oriented along the axis LA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventor: Sascha Costabel
  • Patent number: 10415624
    Abstract: A bolt retention clip for a gas turbine engine rotor assembly includes a main plate section defining a central aperture, the central aperture sized to receive a bolt therethrough. Also included is a pair of bolt retention tabs extending away from a first face of the main plate section to axially retain a head of the bolt. Further included is a first clip retaining tab extending away from the first face of the main plate section for insertion into a groove of a rotor structure. Yet further included is a second clip retaining tab extending away from a second face of the main plate section for engagement with an edge of the rotor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Konstantinos Panagiotis Giannakopoulos, Christopher B. Jelks
  • Patent number: 10393158
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fixing device for fixing a first part and a second part together. The fixing device may include a nut non-rigidly coupled to the first part. The first part may have a fixing flange with at least one orifice positioned to accept a threaded shank coupled to the second part. A retainer may be proximate an inner diameter of the at least one orifice positioned to retain the nut within the fixing flange before the nut is screwed onto the threaded shank. The nut may have an externally threaded portion which may couple to the internally threaded portion of the orifice in the flange or of an element attached to the flange and to pass completely through the internally threaded portion until it is housed in a cavity for axially retaining the nut. Therefore, the nut may rotate freely before it is fastened to the threaded shank. The disclosure also relates to a turbomachine that utilizes this device and to an associated fixing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Bertrand Boedot
  • Patent number: 9866003
    Abstract: An aircraft comprises a secondary support structure and a nut plate engaging the secondary support structure. The nut plate includes at least one locator protrusion engaging a mounting hole in the secondary support structure to constrain motion of the nut plate along the secondary support structure. The nut plate further includes means for additionally constraining motion of the nut plate away from the secondary support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Lowell Scott James, Jeffry Glen Bickford
  • Patent number: 9856010
    Abstract: A row formed by a plurality of windshield fasteners, which fasten an outboard retainer, a panel, and an inboard retainer of a windshield of an aircraft, along a peripheral edge part of the windshield panel includes a first fastener, which is disposed at a predetermined position, and a pair of second fasteners, which is disposed in alignment with the row, one on each side of the first fastener. A plate, which is fastened along with the windshield panel by the first fastener and the pair of second fasteners, is disposed on the inboard retainer on the inside of the aircraft. The first fastener can be attached to or detached from a fixing nut, which is fixed on the plate, from the outside of the aircraft, and can be replaced with a suspension fastener on which a wire to be mounted on the windshield can be fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiji Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9797423
    Abstract: A device for attaching a sensor to a lug has an inert resilient plastic frame which encircles the top surface of a lug and is held in place by snaps which engage the cable bore of the lug. A resilient retainer for holding a sensor extends from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Eutimio Curiel Montoya, Cristina Rosas Salazar
  • Patent number: 9468113
    Abstract: One or more fastenings can be used to fasten components together, such as housing components on a computing device. Each fastening can include a first opening associated with a first component, a second opening associated with a second component, a floating fastener, and a screw. The floating fastener is inserted into the first opening and/or second opening, and includes a threaded opening therein having a primary axis therethrough. The screw is inserted through first and/or second openings and into the threaded opening in the floating fastener. The screw and threaded opening combination is defined by contact between the screw and threaded opening about a thread surface that is substantially perpendicular to the primary axis, a screw thread return angle of 45 degrees or less, and a thread depth that is less than about triple the float between the major diameters of the screw and the threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Houtan R. Farahani, Ron A. Hopkinson, William F. Leggett
  • Patent number: 9435369
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes a surface. The apparatus also includes a stop, deformable lock, first retainer, and second retainer coupled to the surface. The deformable lock is spaced apart from the stop in a first direction. The first retainer includes a first overhang. The second retainer includes a second overhang, and the second retainer is spaced apart from the first retainer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Eric E. Deck
  • Patent number: 9376925
    Abstract: A turbine engine air blower including a rotor disk that includes, on an outer periphery thereof, longitudinal ribs, each including a radial lug for attaching the disk onto a downstream compressor rotor. The flanks of the lugs form abutments for holding vanes that are mounted onto the disk. A mechanism protecting flanks of the lugs is circumferentially inserted between the lugs and the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Michael Delapierre, Patrick Jean-Louis Reghezza
  • Patent number: 9194414
    Abstract: A fastener (1) is provided for clamping a first component (25) to a second component (27). The fastener has at least one resiliently deformable snap-fit member (5) which, in use, is inserted from a first side of the components through a channel (29, 31) extending thereacross. The snap-fit (5) member has an abutment surface (7) which, on emerging from the channel (29, 31), enters into snap-fit engagement with an opposing second side of the components to prevent retraction of the snap-fit member (5). The fastener (1) further has a spring arrangement which presses on the first side of the components on the insertion of the snap-fit member (5) to apply a compressive clamping force across the components between the spring arrangement and the abutment surface (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Bishop
  • Patent number: 9156414
    Abstract: Roof clip for attaching accessories to the panels of vehicles, designed to be inserted in an opening made in said panels, the clip being assembled to the modular roof system, along with the accessory, and secured by a screw, in which there is a base having a hole with a screw thread, openings in said base, and side wings, the fold of which provides a surface for contact with said panel, and also flanges for removing said clip from said panel, comprising the superposition of a lower base with said intermediate base, keeping said screw thread of said intermediate base aligned with the lower hole in said lower base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Victor Diez Herrera
  • Patent number: 9097273
    Abstract: A telescoping, self-aligning, fastener comprising a telescoping nut assembly flexibly connected to a companion sleeve, wherein said telescoping nut assembly comprises a nut and two or more extensions depending from said nut; said nut comprises a head and an internally threaded portion; said extensions are configured such that at least one slot is formed between each extension; said companion sleeve comprises an opening at one end configured to couple to a telescoping nut assembly, an opening at the opposite end configured to accept a male fastener portion, and said openings are connected by an interior cavity; and said telescoping nut assembly is able to rotate and translate relative to the companion sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventors: Lin E. Branning, Julie A. Hartmus, Eddie J. Hollenbaugh, Patrick F. Sloan, C. Jean Williams, Jerod D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8967586
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus, configured to support a heat dissipating device, includes a bracket, two adjusting structures, and two mounting portions. Each of the two mounting portions defines a mounting hole. Each of the two adjusting structures is engaged in each of the mounting holes and includes an adjusting member and an installation member engaged with the adjusting member. Each of the adjusting members defines a through hole. The two adjusting members are rotatable relative to the two mounting portions from a first position to a second position. When the adjusting members are in the first position, a first line is running through the two through holes. When the adjusting members are in the second position, a second line is running through the two through holes, and a length of the first line is less than a length of the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Jun Zhu, Jin-Biao Ji, Zhi-Jiang Yao
  • Patent number: 8920593
    Abstract: The method and device provided herein relates to the field of screwed joints for panels and, in particular, for sandwich panels used in aerospace applications. It relates to a method for attaching a headless rivet nut to a wall of such a panel. The method comprises: injecting a predetermined quantity of adhesive into a blind hole made in the wall of the panel; fitting the headless rivet nut onto a rivet nut setting tool, the rivet nut setting tool comprising a pierced anvil and a mandrel passing through the anvil, the mandrel being screwed into the rivet nut so as to press the rivet nut onto the anvil; positioning the headless rivet nut in the blind hole, the anvil coming to press against the wall of the panel; setting the rivet nut so as to squeeze the wall of the panel between the anvil and a flange formed by deformation of the rivet nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Silvain Legrand, Alain Mistral, Damien Legloire
  • Publication number: 20140093327
    Abstract: A fastener comprises an adjustable insert that disposed in a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. An engagement member disposed within the bore is moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Publication number: 20140064874
    Abstract: A plug-in nut has an outer body and an inner body which is mounted in the outer body such that it can be displaced in a rotationally fixed manner. On the inner body, rear-latching lugs are formed on spring arms, which rear-latching lugs fix an attachment component on a carrier part in a variable position of the inner body in relation to the outer body, which variable position is assumed so as to compensate for tolerances, as soon as a screw has been screwed into a screw receiving space of the inner body. This results in a secure hold with very simple handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Günter Tremmel, Ingo Hauser, Christian Kolb, Jan Regensburger
  • Patent number: 8661649
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of antenna electronics attachment is disclosed. A nutplate is coupled to a mounting plate via a plurality of embedded fastening structures such that mechanical-electronic coupling means allow in-service change-out of an electronic component coupled to the nutplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Manny S. Urcia, Joseph A. Marshall, Douglas A. McCarville, Otis F. Layton, Adrian Viisoreanu
  • Publication number: 20140056665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cage nut (10) comprising a cage (12) with an opening and a nut body (14) that is accommodated in the cage (12) and comprises an enlarged flange (16) and a hollow cylindrical neck (18) with an internal thread (20). A spacer element (22) is arranged between the nut body (14) and the cage (12) and comprises at least one spring element (34) that acts perpendicularly in relation to the axial direction of the internal thread (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: RUIA GLOBAL FASTENERS AG
    Inventor: Arnold Damm
  • Patent number: 8621816
    Abstract: An anchor bolt locator is provided that is inexpensively manufactured on automatic die-press machines from sheet steel and a structural nut that does not require any welding, while also being easy to use and install with current, commonly-used building practices and anchor designs. The anchor bolt locator is made from a galvanized sheet metal chair and a structural nut attached to the chair by way of a friction fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin-Jie Lin, Timothy S. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8579569
    Abstract: A retaining cam (20) for a rotatable fastener for connecting components (16, 17) is provided. The retaining cam (20) has a housing (22) pivotally supported on a base plate (24), by which the retaining cam (20) can be fixedly connected to one (17) of the components (16, 17). A screw (30) is secured rotationally fixed in the housing (22). A fastener bolt (40) rotatably connected to another (16) of the components (16, 17) can be screwed onto the screw (30). Spring elements are associated with the screw (30) for generating an elastic pretension for securing the fastener bolt (40) against rotation. The housing (22) is pivotally supported on the base plate (24) by a spherical washer (50). An angle deviation between the center axes of the retaining cam (20) and the fastener bolt (40) can be compensated for by pivoting the retaining cam on the spherical washer (50) while maintaining full-surface contact of the retaining cam (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventor: Olav Schendel
  • Publication number: 20130272778
    Abstract: A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having a bearing surface. The system has a threaded weld fastener coupled to the body. The trim piece has an exterior bearing surface and an interior bearing surface. Defined within the trim piece is an aperture having a lead-in portion. A rotatable fastener having a nut body with a cylindrical body portion is floatably positioned within the aperture. The body defines a fastener holding aperture and defines a side slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Bradley D. Smith, Jason A. Meyers, Mark H. Delcourt, Sean Tomaselli
  • Patent number: 8506222
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut member can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Timothy Howard Johnson, James Ryunoshin Ross
  • Publication number: 20130189049
    Abstract: A dynamic mounting system couples a first object to a second object by the attachment of a threaded member to a threaded receiving member on the second object to a predetermined depth to cause a biased compression member to exert a predetermined clamping force holding the first object to the second. The first object may be a heat sink in communication with a heat-generating component such as a processor mounted on the second object such as a circuit board. The predetermined depth is reached by advancing the threaded member until its threads pass beyond threads on the receiving member. The predetermined depth of threaded member biases the compression member to maintain a clamping force between the first and second objects within a desired range of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: PEM MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventor: PEM MANAGEMENT, INC.
  • Patent number: 8475099
    Abstract: A fastener device includes a self-clinching retainer and a blind fastener. The self-clinching retainer is mounted to a hole in a sheet. The blind fastener is at least partially floating within the self-clinching retainer. The blind fastener has blind thread so that any debris from engaging another fastener is captured within the blind fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Bandis, Russell J. Maxfield
  • Patent number: 8459918
    Abstract: A cage nut includes a substantially rectangular base portion, two sidewalls, two stopper portions, two arm portions, two clamping portions, and a nut. The sidewalls extend from two opposite edges of the base portion. Each stopper portion extends from an end of a corresponding sidewall away from the base portion. The two stopper portions extend toward each other. Each arm portion extends outwardly from an end of a corresponding stopper portion. Each clamping portion extends from an end of a corresponding arm portion and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged in an angle. The angle is equal to or less than about degrees. The clamping portions extend away from each other. The base portion, the two sidewalls and the two stopper portions define a receiving space. The nut is received in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chieh-Hsiang Lin, Huang-Jyun Lu
  • Publication number: 20130071203
    Abstract: An apparatus includes structure having a first surface and a second surface, and defining a hole having a first opening at the first surface and a second opening at the second surface. A first member extends into the hole through the first opening and defines a first aperture. A second member extends into the hole through the second opening and defines a second aperture. A threaded fastener is at least partially disposed within the first and second apertures, and is selectively rotatable about an axis. A retainer member is disposed within the first and second apertures and resists axial movement of the first and second members and the threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: James D. Hay
  • Patent number: 8353649
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly and a method for securing a nut plate assembly may include a support for a fastener element wherein the support has a base to be supported and/or fixed on a support surface and the base has another surface against which the fastener element bears. The base also supports a structure for supporting the fastener element where the structure is at least partly non-symmetrical about a plane other than a horizontal plane parallel to the base. One side of the base may be secured to the support surface and the other side of the base may have the fastener element bearing against it when a complementary fastener element is secured to the first fastener element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventors: Terrence Csik, Igor Komsitsky
  • Publication number: 20130001391
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a first component, a second component, a mounting member, and a fastener. The first component includes a back portion and a front portion opposite to the back portion and defines a concave slot. The second component includes a positioning hole. The fastener includes a main body with a screw hole, a resilient portion extending from an end of the main body, and a supporting portion extending from an outer surface of the main body. The supporting portion is adjacent to the resilient portion. The resilient portion is in a deformed state between the back portion and the front portion, the supporting portion is adhered to the back portion, and the mounting member is engaged in the positioning hole and the screw hole to secure the second component to the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: PO-WEN CHIU, WEN-HU LU, ZHAN-YANG LI
  • Patent number: 8292561
    Abstract: An improved cage nut assembly is comprised of a cage, a pair of slots, a nut, a flange and a strip. The cage has four walls which form a four sided enclosure. Each of a pair of opposing walls contains a slot. The flange extends from the nut such that its planar surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nut. The flange and the nut have a common opening for receiving a bolt. The strip is attached to the nut and the flange. The strip is inserted into the slots to suspend the nut within the cage. The walls and the flange are shaped to limit rotation of the flange. The nut floats in two dimensions. The nut and the flange may be removed through the bottom of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Narayanan P. Menon
  • Patent number: 8282329
    Abstract: A fastener includes an adjustable insert that disposed a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A stud, having cross pins, extends into said central opening, and said cross pins being engageable with said cam and locking surfaces. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert and the bore having an opening at the outer periphery of the insert facing the receptacle. An engagement member disposed within the bore and moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Patent number: 8277158
    Abstract: Methods relating to and apparatus such as floating nut plates may include complementary surfaces limiting movement of a retainer toward or away from side walls of a receiver, such as wherein a nut element is positioned between the retainer and the receiver. One of the complementary surfaces may be a groove formed in the retainer. In one configuration, the receiver and/or retainer are non-metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventors: Terrence Csik, Igor Komsitsky
  • Patent number: 8234832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cast-in channel having a channel body which forms a receiving space for receiving a connecting element used to fixedly attach a fastening element to the cast-in channel, the channel body further being provided with holes, the holes having connectors provided therein for fixedly attaching anchoring members to the channel body. The connectors are designed as rivets, whose fixing portions, which are inserted through the respective holes, are expanded so as to secure the rivets to the channel body, and which have an attachment for fixedly attaching the anchoring members to the channel body. The present invention also relates to a rivet nut for a cast-in channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Birnbaum, Juergen Gebhard, Markus Heudorfer, Harald Schachinger, Erich Spreizer, Denis Novokshanov
  • Patent number: 8109704
    Abstract: A cage nut assembly for a drain pan includes a nut having a barrel with a barrel end and a distal end opposed thereto. A flange at the distal end has a flange face abutting the drain pan inner surface. A threaded bore is defined along a central axis through the barrel and flange. At least one channel is defined in the flange face and allows substantially complete drainage of a fluid from a sump through a single drain aperture. A cage having a plate with a central aperture receives the barrel with substantial clearance to an edge of the central aperture. Leg(s) extend substantially orthogonally from the plate. An attachment projection on the leg(s) attaches the assembly to the drain pan. The assembly accepts a flange bolt removably installed through the single drain aperture. The flange bolt removably compresses a seal around a periphery of the single drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Whitesell International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Srecko Zdravkovic
  • Patent number: 8083450
    Abstract: An anchor facilitates blind engagement by a first fastener in order to connect an object to a wall. The anchor may be inserted into a cavity accessible through a hole defined in a hollow substrate to connect the object to the wall. The anchor includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate, such that each arm includes an engagement structure disposed at a distal end of each arm. The engagement structure of each arm cooperatively supports the anchor and complementarily engages the first fastener. The first fastener may be a bolt, a screw, or any suitable fastener such as a threaded fastener. The engagement structure includes a collar extending outwardly from each arm for engaging the hollow substrate upon insertion of the anchor into the cavity. Additionally, the engagement structure includes a tang extending inwardly from each arm, generally defining a portion of a first aperture for engaging the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Daniel James Dickinson, Mark Fleydervish, Edward Sacha
  • Patent number: 8029221
    Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a cage, a nut and a heat sensitive adhesive. The cage includes a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber and an open end. An opening is formed through one of the walls. The nut is secured to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut includes a threaded channel exposed through the opening. The heat sensitive adhesive adhesively secures the nut to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut breaks away from the cage within the internal chamber when heat is applied to the heat sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Curley, Jr., Anthony Pascariello
  • Patent number: 7997843
    Abstract: A fastener comprises an adjustable insert that disposed in a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. An engagement member disposed within the bore is moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Publication number: 20110020091
    Abstract: A cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within a cage's nut capture region defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage. A multiple cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within cage's plurality of nut capture regions. One such nut capture region being defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Lars R. Larsen, Stewart A. Levesque
  • Publication number: 20100266362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting flange for an electric terminal, comprising a housing and a duct provided thereon for receiving a screw, wherein the duct has a duct wall made of an elastic material, on which a safety device is configured such that the screw can be captively received by the duct when not screwed in. A free cross-section of the safety device and the largest cross-section of the screw have different shapes, wherein the length of an interior circumference of the safety device is adapted to the length of the exterior circumference of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Holste