Frangible Connection Patents (Class 411/2)
  • Patent number: 11623309
    Abstract: A lock and pin for the structural and fluid tight repair of cracks not amenable to high temperature repairs or synthetic material patches. Fluid tight pins and locks seal the crack while one or more locks prevent the crack from growing. These repairs need to endure the remaining life cycle of the machinery part while withstanding all the strain, pressure, heat and expansion and contraction of the part before the crack(s) were formed. Often these cracks evolved due to engineering design flaws that will require even greater strength from these areas than when new.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LOCK-N-STITCH, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Reed
  • Patent number: 11614116
    Abstract: A safety shear bolt includes a main bolt portion and a torque head portion connected to the main bolt portion. The torque head portion includes an extended head portion, a stem portion rigidly connecting the main bolt portion to the torque head portion, and a coupling mechanism rotatably connecting the extended head portion to the main bolt portion. The stem portion is configured to shear when a predetermined torque is applied to the extended head portion, while the coupling mechanism prevents the extended head portion from dropping after shearing off from the main bolt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 11230945
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine for an aircraft. The gas turbine engine comprises a rotatable shaft defining a rotational axis extending between rearward and forward ends of the gas turbine engine and a compressor drum surrounding, and coupled to, the shaft so as to define an annular gap therebetween. The gas turbine engine further comprises an intermediate case arranged axially rearward of the compressor drum and comprising a bearing support element extending into the annular gap, and a forward bearing mounted between the bearing support element and the shaft proximate a forward end of the compressor drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Alan R. Maguire, Stewart T. Thornton, Philip C. Bond, Glenn A. Knight
  • Patent number: 11123058
    Abstract: A trans-soft tissue anchor implantation system in one embodiment includes a positioning wire having a tissue penetrating distal tip, a cannula for passage through the soft tissue and a suture anchor. The cannula has an axial lumen therethrough sized to accommodate at least the positioning wire, a thin-walled distal portion and a tissue engaging feature, such as an arcuate groove, on at least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula proximal of and adjacent to the distal portion. Tissue, such as a tendon, expands into the groove allowing a surgeon to manipulate the tissue with the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10989081
    Abstract: A blow-by gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine includes: a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) separator configured to be fastened to the internal combustion engine with a plurality of bolts; and one of a single sealant or a plurality of sealants configured to seal gas leakage of blow-by gas from a gap between the internal combustion engine and the PCV separator; wherein the plurality of bolts includes at least one break head bolt and three or more unbreakable head bolts, the unbreakable head bolt being a bolt in which a bolt head is not separated even when a fastening torque corresponding to a tightening torque applied to the break head bolt is applied to the bolt head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masami Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10874447
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 10653458
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 10582959
    Abstract: A screw (1), in particular a bone screw, comprising a head (16), a shaft (2) and a point (15). The screw (1) has a recess (4) with a contour (5) on a head side (3), The screw (1) is provided with an insertion post (8) in the recess (4), which insertion post is connected to the screw (1) via a predetermined breaking point (7). After breaking the predetermined breaking point and separation of the insertion post (6) from the screw (12), a counter-contour (13) of a tool (12) can be brought into operative connection with the contour (5) of the recess (4). The predetermined breaking point (7) is arranged within the recess (4) such that, after removal of the insertion post (6), a transmission of torque is possible between the tool (12) and the screw (1) via the contour (5) and the counter-contour (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: MEDARTIS HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Barry Langer, Peter Scheuble, Marc Ammann, Herbert Polzhofer
  • Patent number: 10288105
    Abstract: A bolt includes a head, and a shank connected to the head and having a screw portion and a leading end portion. The leading end portion of the shank includes a wall portion that defines a hole. The wall portion includes: a deformation portion configured to be plastically deformed by a torque from a fastening tool to be inserted in the hole; and a space forming portion configured to form a space between the space forming portion and the fastening tool. The blot is configured such that a maximum torque applied to the deformation portion in a process, in which a part of the deformation portion is plastically deformed by the torque from the fastening tool and is accommodated in the space and the fastening tool is placed in an idle rotation state, is configured to be set to be within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SANNOHASHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumitaka Saigo, Hiroyuki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10149710
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 9943342
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 9929477
    Abstract: A torque limited screw is used to secure a conductor to an electrical connector. The screw has a torque limiting feature between a head and a body of the screw which must be overcome by force to break the head free from the screw body. The screw assembly includes a threaded body configured to be releasably coupled to a coupling portion of the connector. A head of the screw assembly is joined to the body via a neck portion which under a specified torque applied to the head fractures to break the head away from the body seated in the connector and securing the conductor. In one embodiment, the screw includes a plate spaced from and coupled to the threaded body for contacting the conductor. The plate is rotatable relative to the threaded body when the threaded body is coupled to the coupling portion of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ilsco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Beiler, Eric D. Besterman, Stephen M. Jackson, Alan Merritt, Philip G. Reed, Richard L. Shank, Thomas M. Sweeney, Carl J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9903589
    Abstract: A tile for attaching to a wall of a gas turbine engine. The tile has a main body. The tile also has a bridging structure that projects outwardly from the main body and has a hole configured to receive an elongate fastener so that the tile can be attached to the wall of the gas turbine engine by passing the elongate fastener through a hole in the wall of the gas turbine engine and the hole in the bridging structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Paul Allan Hucker, Alan Philip Geary, Anthony John Moran, Jonathan Mark Gregory
  • Patent number: 9493972
    Abstract: A fastener with a breakaway and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fastener is a screw having a head and elongated stem, adapted to be easily manipulated by a user when using the screw as a fastener in a hinge or joint. A way of holding a screw by providing a breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem which can be used to align and insert the screw into a screw hole in the process of engaging threads in the screw hole with threads of the screw. After engaging the threads in the screw hole, such as after the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the screw hole, the breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: FBB Asset Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Nancy K. Tedeschi
  • Patent number: 8967933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast extraction threaded nut intended to be used on a threaded bolt or male member wherein the fast extraction threaded nut comprises at least an outer face and an axial bore as to allow insertion of a male member or like, wherein the fast extraction threaded nut and the threaded bolt have tightening means with common geometry, and the fast extraction threaded nut and the threaded bolt or male member are intended to join or connect two elements that need to be attached or coupled to each other, wherein the fast extraction threaded nut comprises in at least the outer face a notch of variable section and the notching is formed by at least two faces wherein the maximum cross-section of the notch is positioned in the outer area and the minimum section is positioned prior to the axial bore at such a distance that allows for the generation of an increase area which extensively grows until reaching the inner surface of the axial bore where the common tightening means is formed thus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Alejandro Gutierrez Silva, Alberto Monsalve Gonzalez, Jose Antonio Vallejo Rodriquez
  • Publication number: 20150023753
    Abstract: A plug for closing an aperture defined in a machine component includes a flange, a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion includes a first set of threads configured at a first pitch to engage with threads on the machine component, and a second set of threads configured at a second pitch to lock with the threads on the machine component and retain the first portion within the aperture. The second portion includes a neck portion, and a bolt head extending from the neck portion. The neck region is configured to withstand a pre-determined maximum torque load. The bolt head is operable to threadably engage the first set of threads and the second set of threads with the threads of the machine component and allow shearing of the neck portion if a torque applied on the bolt head exceeds the pre-determined maximum torque load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitar Borissov Dostinov, Lauritz Phillip Pillers, II
  • Publication number: 20150020459
    Abstract: An access panel for an opening in a duct is provided. The access panel includes an exterior and an interior. The access panel further includes a section positioned on the interior and having a profile substantially corresponding to the opening in the duct. A plurality of fasteners is positioned about the section. Each fastener has a dip configured to move to a position defined to extend away from the profile of the section on the interior. When the access panel is positioned with the section on the interior against the opening in the duct and the fasteners are moved to the locking position the clips rotate to extend over the profile and secure a portion of the duct adjacent to the opening against the interior of the access panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: OMNI CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin R. Chwala
  • Publication number: 20140369783
    Abstract: A shear pin connection for use in a difficult to access location has a bolt head to be positioned at an inner end of a bearing. A bushing is received between the bolt and an inner periphery of the bearing. A lock member is positioned between an inner end of the bushing and the bolt head. The lock member is radially expandable, and has a free radially outer dimension that is smaller than an inner dimension of the inner bore. The lock member is expandable to have an expanded radially outer dimension that is greater than the inner dimension of the inner bore. A nut is tightened on the outer end of the bolt. The nut causes the bushing to move relative to the bolt, and causes the lock member to expand radially. A shackle connection for a gas turbine engine and an aircraft are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: David F. Sandy
  • Patent number: 8911189
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a frangible fastener configured such that a first end of the fastener separates from a second end of the fastener responsive to a breaking force. The fastener may comprise a head portion, a frangible portion, a tool engagement portion, a threaded portion, and/or other portions. The frangible portion may include a frangible body. The frangible body may form a plurality of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a quantity of through wall cuts, a cross sectional area of through wall cuts, and/or a shape of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a wall thickness of the frangible body. The location of the tool engagement portion may minimize and/or eliminate torsional loading of the frangible portion during tightening with a tightening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Philip Caponera, Sven Emil Andersson
  • Patent number: 8875368
    Abstract: A controlled torque fastener for use with a substrate includes a first driver engagement feature and a primary fastener portion connected to the first driver engagement feature. The primary fastener portion includes a threaded fastening portion and a second driver engagement feature connected to the threaded fastening portion. The first driver engagement feature is configured to be engaged by a first driver to enable the first driver to tighten the controlled torque fastener onto the substrate until the first driver engagement feature breaks off from the primary fastener portion. The second driver engagement feature includes a socket configured to receive a second driver and to enable the received second driver to apply a torque to the primary fastener portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Edward O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140241826
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a frangible fastener configured such that a first end of the fastener separates from a second end of the fastener responsive to a breaking force. The fastener may comprise a head portion, a frangible portion, a tool engagement portion, a threaded portion, and/or other portions. The frangible portion may include a frangible body. The frangible body may form a plurality of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a quantity of through wall cuts, a cross sectional area of through wall cuts, and/or a shape of through wall cuts. The frangible portion may be configured such that the breaking force is proportional to a wall thickness of the frangible body. The location of the tool engagement portion may minimize and/or eliminate torsional loading of the frangible portion during tightening with a tightening tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: APICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Philip Caponera, Sven Emil Andersson
  • Publication number: 20140147202
    Abstract: A form-fitting connection between two components (5 and 14) has a break-away function in one direction. At least one connection element, designed as a shear bolt (6), is formfittingly connected to the first component (5) to be connected. The end of the shear bolt (6) is formfittingly and functionally connected to a second component (14) via an attached component (17) that is resilient in the direction of the formfitting connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SKIDATA AG
    Inventor: Jürgen SCHIEREN
  • Patent number: 8726582
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining a generally vertical pole structure to a supporting foundation is provided. The breakaway coupling is provided with a multi-sided, elongated body, which may be square-shaped, hexagonal, or generally polygonal in shape. The multi-sided, elongated body is provided with an upper end and a lower end, an outer surface, and is machined to have an internally threaded bore that extends between the upper end and the lower end of the multi-sided, elongated body. The outer surface of the multi-sided, elongated body of the breakaway coupling is provided with at least one horizontally disposed, circumferential groove extending partially into the multi-sided, elongated body toward the internally threaded bore and also extending to a critical notch depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Hahin
  • Publication number: 20140130335
    Abstract: A two-piece, one-sided-installation fastener system may have an internally-threaded sleeve having a shank and a sleeve head. The fastener system may include an externally-threaded core bolt having a frangible driving provision and a core bolt head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8696274
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque control bolt for a hose clamp, which is configured to transmit a torque from a tool to a fastening bolt of a hose clamp to induce the fastening of the hose clamp, and then to be ruptured to prevent the transmission of torque exceeding a set value so as to prevent the damage of the hose clamp and the hose. The control bolt includes: a rupture bolt with a fastening body to transmit the torque from the tool to a head of the fastening bolt; a coupling unit formed on the head and the rupture bolt and configured to keep the coupling force between the head and the rupture bolt; and a rupture section formed on the rupture bolt and configured to prevent the torque from the tool from being transmitted to the fastening bolt when the torque exceeds the set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dong-A Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Hoon Kim, Cheong Yong Cho, Young Jin Bae, Jin Woo Kim, Kyu Dong Park
  • Patent number: 8668419
    Abstract: A shearable fastening device (1) has a shearable fastener (2) having a plurality of screwthreaded portions (3), a head portion (4) which is connected to the screws threaded portions (3) via a first predetermined weakening (5) and further predetermined weakenings (6) in the form of cross-section constrictions are provided between the screwthreaded portions (3), as well as an internal recess (7), wherein the internal recess (7) extends from the head portion (4) at least into the region of the predetermined weakenings (6). At least one stepped predetermined weakening (8) is formed by its shear-off torque (aNm) being smaller than that of the next predetermined weakening further away from the head portion (4) and the shear-off torque (aNm+1) at the next predetermined weakening closer to the head portion (4) rising again with respect to the shear-off torque (aNm) of the stepped predetermined weakening (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Falk Hardt, Volker Markgraf, Gert Stauch
  • Patent number: 8662805
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque-limited attachment device, having a first head piece with at least one shaped element for the purpose of establishing a positive-fit connection to an attachment tool, and having a second head piece which has at least one threading, wherein both head pieces are connected to each other, forming at least one predetermined breaking point which breaks at a limit torque between the two head pieces such that a first breakaway surface, the same being functionally assigned to the first head piece, and a second breakaway surface, the same being functionally assigned to the second head piece, are created, and wherein at least the second head piece has a base material inside, the same having a corrosion-resistant surface coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Schaeffer, Michael Selb, Mathias Goldt
  • Publication number: 20140042268
    Abstract: A shear pin connection for use in a difficult to access location has a bolt head to be positioned at an inner end of a bearing. A bushing is received between the bolt and an inner periphery of the bearing. A lock member is positioned between an inner end of the bushing and the bolt head. The lock member is radially expandable, and has a free radially outer dimension that is smaller than an inner dimension of the inner bore. The lock member is expandable to have an expanded radially outer dimension that is greater than the inner dimension of the inner bore. A nut is tightened on the outer end of the bolt. The nut causes the bushing to move relative to the bolt, and causes the lock member to expand radially. A shackle connection for a gas turbine engine and an aircraft are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: David F. Sandy
  • Publication number: 20140033494
    Abstract: A controlled torque fastener for use with a substrate includes a first driver engagement feature and a primary fastener portion connected to the first driver engagement feature. The primary fastener portion includes a threaded fastening portion and a second driver engagement feature connected to the threaded fastening portion. The first driver engagement feature is configured to be engaged by a first driver to enable the first driver to tighten the controlled torque fastener onto the substrate until the first driver engagement feature breaks off from the primary fastener portion. The second driver engagement feature includes a socket configured to receive a second driver and to enable the received second driver to apply a torque to the primary fastener portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Edward O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130340154
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post, a threaded fastener extending through the hinge post and configured to extend into a bore in the toilet bowl, a bushing positioned around a portion of the threaded fastener, and a nut threadably coupled to the threaded fastener. The nut includes an expandable section configured to extend into the bore in the toilet bowl. The nut has a surface that is engaged by a surface of the bushing so that the expandable section of the nut expands as the nut moves relative to the threaded fastener to secure the hinge post to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BEMIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Hand, Brian L. Le Mahieu, Brian A. Henne, Randall Grebel
  • Patent number: 8573913
    Abstract: A convertible anchor (H) for friable walls (W) comprises a fixture (12) for holding an article to a wall (W, M) and an anchoring mechanism (10) extending from the fixture (12). The anchoring mechanism (10) is adapted when rotated to engagingly extend into a friable wall (W) for securing the fixture (12) to the wail (W). The fixture (12) is selectively separable via frangible connection elements (14, 24) from the anchoring mechanism (10) for allowing the fixture (12) to be used alone with an appropriate fastener (S) suitable for installing the fixture (12) to a rigid structure (M), such as wooden components. The anchoring mechanism (10) can take different forms as long as it is can be mounted to a friable wall (W). Typically, a space (26) is defined between the fixture (12) and a proximal end (34) of the anchoring mechanism (10) with this space (26) being bridged by the frangible connection elements (14, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie. Ltee—Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre McDuff
  • Publication number: 20130280004
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque control bolt for a hose clamp, which is configured to transmit a torque from a tool to a fastening bolt of a hose clamp to induce the fastening of the hose clamp, and then to be ruptured to prevent the transmission of torque exceeding a set value so as to prevent the damage of the hose clamp and the hose. The control bolt includes: a rupture bolt with a fastening body to transmit the torque from the tool to a head of the fastening bolt; a coupling unit formed on the head and the rupture bolt and configured to keep the coupling force between the head and the rupture bolt; and a rupture section formed on the rupture bolt and configured to prevent the torque from the tool from being transmitted to the fastening bolt when the torque exceeds the set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: DONG-A METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myung Hoon Kim, Cheong Yong Cho, Young Jin Bae, Jin Woo Kim, Kyu Dong Park
  • Patent number: 8556556
    Abstract: A fastener with a breakaway and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fastener is a screw having a head and elongated stem, adapted to be easily manipulated by a user when using the screw as a fastener in a hinge or joint. A means of holding a screw by providing a breakaway tab or non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem which can be used to align and insert the screw into a screw hole in the process of engaging threads in the screw hole with threads of the screw. After engaging the threads in the screw hole, such as after the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the screw hole, the breakaway tab or non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FBB Asset Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Nancy Kathryn Tedeschi
  • Publication number: 20130149065
    Abstract: A torque-limited fastener turnable in fastening and loosening directions for one-time use includes a fastener head with a base, a set of lugs extending from the base, and an optional set of ramps extending from the base. The lugs include abutment surfaces facing a fastening tool slot recess that receives a fastening tool. When the fastening tool is turned in the fastening direction it bears against the lug surfaces. The lugs shear off or plastically deform into recesses when the fastening tool applies a limiting fastening torque. The ramps have abutment surfaces facing a loosening tool slot recess that receives a loosening tool. The ramps cam the fastening tool over the ramp abutment surfaces if the fastening tool is in the fastening tool recess and is turned in the fastening direction after the lugs have sheared off or have plastically deformed in response to application of the limiting torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: John Phillip Huss, JR., Kevin E. Walker
  • Publication number: 20130101369
    Abstract: A device for rapidly separating two subassemblies under the action of a pyrotechnic gas generator. The device comprises a segmented nut (17) held by a release sleeve (40) that is movable under the action of the gas generator (15), a drive chamber (64) including an end wall of the release sleeve, a damping chamber (66) communicating with a gas expansion chamber (60), and calibrated passages (70) extending between the damping chamber and the drive chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PYROALLIANCE
    Inventors: Charlotte Lenoir, Bertrand Haguenauer, Christian Forys
  • Patent number: 8398352
    Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8382810
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first component and a second component moveable about an axis relative to the first component. The second component is moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the second component from the first position to the second position applies a torsional force to an orthopedic fastener to remove a portion of the orthopedic fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Peterson, William Carey
  • Publication number: 20120312130
    Abstract: A system includes a fastener and a driving tool configured to mate with the fastener. The fastener includes a driving portion having an upper face, a bottom face, and a side wall extending between the upper and bottom faces. Recessed sections extend into the driving portion from the upper face. Each recessed section includes a first wall in spaced relation to a second wall. At least one of the first and second walls is angled to form a wedge-shaped undercut underlying the upper face of the driving portion. The driving tool includes a raised portion extending from a floor of the driving tool. The raised portion has third and forth walls, and at least one of the third and fourth walls is angled relative to the floor to form a wedge-shaped extension section. The extension section engages with the undercut to interlock the driving tool with the fastener during installation and/or removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Bauer
  • Patent number: 8317443
    Abstract: A shear screw has predetermined breaking points in two planes, separated axially from one another, and it has centrally a blind hole extending over a substantial length and having a cross section which is suitable for transmitting a torque to the shear screw by means of a pin-like tool of adapted dimensions which can be inserted into the blind hole. The blind hole extends to about level with the predetermined breaking point which is arranged in the lower region, facing the end face of the shear screw, of the latter and has a strength greater than that of the other predetermined breaking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Ing Gart Stauch, Volker Markgraf, Rainer Bachmann, Peter Grötsch
  • Publication number: 20120180279
    Abstract: A blind attachment that includes a body (36) with—at a first end—a visible surface (38), through which a bore (40) passes that accommodates a rod (42) of which a first end (44) projects relative to the visible surface (38) and of which the other end includes a head (46) that can deform a deformation zone (48) when the rod (42) moves translationally, with the visible surface including holding elements for coupling the body (36) to a tool that is used for driving the rod (42) in rotation, whereby the holding elements include at least one lug (52) that is connected at the visible surface (38) and that projects relative to the latter, characterized in that the at least one lug (52) is connected to the body (36) by a junction zone (54) that can break when the lug undergoes a force that exceeds a given threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste TUERY, Clément CHIROL
  • Publication number: 20120090155
    Abstract: A self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt includes a dowel having a guard rail fastening end and a ring. The fastening end is configured to be driven in rotation, and the ring is configured to rigidly connect to a first screwing end of the dowel by an incipient fracture portion. The self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt further includes a counter-dowel screwed to the dowel by a second screwing end. The counter-dowel includes an expansion cone, and an anti-rotation head having at least one edge which projects beyond a periphery of the dowel to prevent rotation of the counter-dowel about an axis of the guard rail bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: SOCIETE DE PROSPECTION ET D'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPIT
    Inventors: Fabrice POURTIER, Christian Ricordi
  • Publication number: 20120045291
    Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Brent PARKS, Bradley W. SMITH
  • Patent number: 8100617
    Abstract: A fastener system having a threaded shaft and a threaded body assembly. The threaded body assembly includes first and second bodies each having a threaded bore. A frangible member couples the two bodies together in an initial configuration. The two bodies are threaded onto the shaft in their initial configuration and, after one of the bodies has reached its final position on the shaft, the other body can be rotated relative to the one body and the threaded shaft thereby severing the frangible member and bringing engagement surfaces on the two bodies into bearing contact to inhibit loosening. The two bodies include recesses in their respective engagement surfaces. At least one of these recesses provides a space in which a stub of the frangible member is received when the two bodies are engaged together. The fastener system can be employed with the locking mechanism of an adjustable steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: William D. Cymbal
  • Patent number: 8087705
    Abstract: A sealing bolt for sealing a container lid to a body with a threaded bore includes a shaft, a head connected to a first shaft end, and a threaded second shaft end engaged with the bore to lock the lid between the head and the body. The bolt includes a security element with a breakable integrity element. The security element comprises a first part arranged at the second shaft end, connected to the shaft with a breakable integrity element therebetween. The first part has a first thread cooperating with the bore, and a second part between the first part and second shaft end includes, a second thread cooperating therewith. An entrainment device disposed between first and second parts such that when the shaft and first part rotate in a tightening direction, second part is entrained. When the shaft and first part rotate in a loosening direction, second part remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The European Union, represented by the European Commission
    Inventors: Francois Littmann, Piercarlo Tebaldi, Marco Sironi
  • Publication number: 20110318953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shear fastener for an electrical connector. The fastener includes a head from which a threaded shaft extends. The head defines a pair of polygonal portions separated by a recess so that an endmost one of the polygonal portions can be separated from the fastener by shearing as the fastener is tightened within the connector. Separation of opposite flats of the endmost polygonal portion is different (e.g. greater) than separation of opposite flats of the other polygonal portion. In one embodiment, the engagement socket of a pneumatic wrench can slip over the polygonal portions and rotate through 360° when rapidly tightening the fastener whilst engaging with the endmost polygonal portion, without engaging with the other polygonal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert James Battle
  • Patent number: 8070403
    Abstract: A fastener with a breakaway and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fastener is a screw having a head and elongated stem, adapted to be easily manipulated by a user when using the screw as a fastener in a hinge or joint. A means of holding a screw by providing a breakaway tab or non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem which can be used to align and insert the screw into a screw hole in the process of engaging threads in the screw hole with threads of the screw. After engaging the threads in the screw hole, such as after the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the screw hole, the breakaway tab or non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Eyeego LLC
    Inventor: Nancy Tedeschi
  • Patent number: 8016836
    Abstract: A bone screw driver (12) for inserting a bone screw (14) into a bone region (218A) includes a driver shaft (12B) that selectively engages the bone screw (14). The bone screw (14) includes a screw threaded region (14A) and a screw engagement region (14B). The screw engagement region (14B) includes a screw shaft (14D) and an engager ring (14E). The driver shaft (12B) includes a shaft aperture (322), a first resilient member (324A), and a first shaft projection (326A). The shaft aperture (322) receives at least a portion of the screw shaft (14D), the first resilient member (324A) engages the screw shaft (14D) to inhibit movement of the screw shaft (14D), and the first shaft projection (326A) engages the engager ring (14E) so that rotation of the driver shaft (12B) results in rotation of the bone screw (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tornier, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie Corrao, Rebecca H. Wahl, Louise M. Focht
  • Patent number: 7973671
    Abstract: A wireless breakage indicator for a shear pin having an axial bore. The indicator (10) comprises a stem (20) having a head (22) and a foot (24) at opposite ends thereof; a sleeve (32) around a portion of the stem between a first (28) and second (30) axial positions, the stem (20) and sleeve (32) adapted to be broken by the shear pin (12) in the event of its breakage; a spring (26) compressed between the head (22) of the stem (20) and a first end (34) of the sleeve (32); the foot (24) of the stem (20) being retained to the second end (36) of the sleeve (32). The breakage of the stem (20) frees the head (22) to be displaced by the spring (26) and indicate breakage of the shear pin (12). The indication can be direct, by visual inspection of the displaced head, or indirect by the displacement of the head activating a transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vibrosystm Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Cloutier, Jean Pronovost
  • Publication number: 20110123287
    Abstract: A fastener with a breakaway and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fastener is a screw having a head and elongated stem, adapted to be easily manipulated by a user when using the screw as a fastener in a hinge or joint. A means of holding a screw by providing a breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem which can be used to align and insert the screw into a screw hole in the process of engaging threads in the screw hole with threads of the screw. After engaging the threads in the screw hole, such as after the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the screw hole, the breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: EYEEGO, LLC
    Inventor: Nancy K. Tedeschi
  • Publication number: 20110107585
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining a generally vertical pole structure to a supporting foundation is provided. The breakaway coupling is provided with a multi-sided, elongated body, which may be square-shaped, hexagonal, or generally polygonal in shape. The multi-sided, elongated body is provided with an upper end and a lower end, an outer surface, and is machined to have an internally threaded bore that extends between the upper end and the lower end of the multi-sided, elongated body. The outer surface of the multi-sided, elongated body of the breakaway coupling is provided with at least one horizontally disposed, circumferential groove extending partially into the multi-sided, elongated body toward the internally threaded bore and also extending to a critical notch depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    Inventor: Christopher Hahin