Wedge-securing Means Patents (Class 411/354)
  • Patent number: 11472493
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first vehicle component, a second vehicle component, and a fastener assembly. The first vehicle component has a first side defining a first opening and a second side opposite the first side defining a second opening. The second vehicle component is disposed between the first and second sides of the first vehicle component. The fastener assembly attaches the first and second vehicle components to each other and includes a sleeve, a bushing, and a fastener. The sleeve is disposed within the first opening of the first vehicle component. The bushing extends through the second vehicle component and is disposed between the first and second sides of the first vehicle component. The fastener extends through the sleeve, the bushing and the first and second openings of the first vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W Olsen, Aaron R Wilkinson, James M Stevens, Christopher Cito
  • Patent number: 11346260
    Abstract: A metallic bushing that deforms under a force applied substantially parallel to its central longitudinal axis and then expands radially to take up the gap between a support bolt and a rocker arm shaft in an internal combustion engine in order to eliminate unwanted motion and subsequent excess engine noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: John P. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 11208941
    Abstract: An exhaust line element includes an exhaust volume comprising a metal enclosure with a thickness smaller than 1 mm and at least one metal plate with a thickness comprised between 0.5 and 5 mm. The metal plate comprises a central part that does not contact the metal enclosure and between 2 and 4 fastening tabs are secured to the central part. Each fastening tab is spot and transparently welded to the metal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventors: Francois Paul Pierre Lecoester, Hongjiang Cui
  • Patent number: 10751241
    Abstract: A surgical leg positioner capable of bending the knee in varus or valgus while simultaneously distracting the tibia from the femur, the leg positioner having a thigh clamp module, a swing arm module connected to the thigh clamp module in a manner that offsets a joint axis laterally to the side of the knee of the patient so as not to damage the opposite compartment of the knee when bent in varus or valgus. The swing arm module also distracts the knee simultaneously when the knee is bent in varus or valgus. The swing arm module also permits flexion and extension of the knee at the knee's natural flexion-extension axis. The surgical leg positioner also utilizes a thigh brace that properly aligns the leg on the surgical leg positioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AOD HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Ferro, Austin T. Ferro, Donald J. Lee, Joseph Phillips, John Park
  • Patent number: 9295492
    Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation clamp has a clamping assembly having a reception to accommodate a fixation element. The clamp has a locking element extending through the clamping assembly for blocking the position in a defined angular position. A washer is arranged between the locking element and a central opening of the clamping assembly having a cutout extending radially from the through opening such that the washer is mountable and demountable in a radial direction to a locking element longitudinal axis. The cutout has a smaller distance between its sidewalls then the diameter of the through opening. The locking element has circular cross-section below its head portion adapted to fit through the through opening of the washer but larger than the opening of the cutout and has at least one pair of parallel beveled surfaces spaced closer than the distance between sidewalls of the washer cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Klaus Dorawa
  • Publication number: 20150023759
    Abstract: A fastener for attaching objects to channeled members wherein the objects have a hole extending therethrough and the channeled members have a longitudinal slot formed between projecting longitudinal walls. The fastener includes a button and a retainer. The button includes an abutment wall, an abutment surface and an axially extending slot. The retainer includes an engagement boss and a head at opposite ends of shaft. The retainer extends through the button slot. For attaching the object, the button extends through the object hole with the abutment wall adjacent the object and the abutment surface adjacent the channeled member. The retainer boss and part of the shaft extend through the longitudinal slot. The retainer is rotated for engaging the longitudinal walls with the boss. The longitudinal walls are sandwiched between the boss and the button abutment surface and the object is sandwiched between the channeled member and the button abutment wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: James W. Klopfenstein, II
  • Patent number: 8870507
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, and a sleeve wrapped partially around the shaft. The sleeve comprises an inner surface adjacent the shaft, an outer surface, an upper extent, a lower extent, a first circumferential extent, a second circumferential extent, and a gap extending longitudinally from the upper extent to the lower extent and separating the first circumferential extent from the second circumferential extent. The sleeve has a first thickness adjacent the first circumferential extent that is less than a second thickness between the second circumferential extent and the first circumferential extent. A cross-sectional centroid of the shaft between the upper extent and the lower extent is in substantially the same location, with the sleeve in different first and second rotational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils E. Larson, Michael K. Liebman, Jonathan M. Garbarino
  • Publication number: 20140271032
    Abstract: A mechanical fastener assembly is provided for joining two or more workpieces. The assembly includes a mechanical fastener and a slotted insert. The mechanical fastener has a shaft received within aligned bores of the workpieces. The slotted insert surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has a body portion received within the aligned bores, while an enlarged head portion of the slotted insert is positioned outside of the bores. The mechanical fastener assembly may further include a retaining sleeve when the bores of the workpieces have different diameters. In such case, a midsection of the retaining sleeve is at least partially received within the bore having the smaller diameter, while an enlarged end section of the retaining sleeve is at least partially received within the bore having the greater diameter. The retaining sleeve may be used in combination with or independently of the slotted insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Damon E. Dilworth, Michael P. Bloink
  • Patent number: 8792608
    Abstract: Disclosed are various wedges that may be used in a restrainer bracket of a jet pump assembly. The jet pump assembly may include a restrainer bracket having an upper bracket and a lower bracket connected to an inlet mixer. A wedge may be provided between the upper bracket and the lower bracket and a wedge rod may pass through a slotted hole of the wedge. Ends of the wedge rod may be attached to the upper and lower brackets. The restrainer bracket may further include a yolk-like member which surrounds the inlet mixer and is connected to a riser pipe. The wedge may include an inclined surface which is configured to engage with a restrainer bracket pad of the yolk-like member. The wedges may further include inner curved surfaces which contact the wedge rod and the inner curved surfaces may be part of an insert that may be inserted in the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Robin D. Sprague, Michael S. DeFilippis
  • Patent number: 8585337
    Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a structure to a relatively flat panel includes a housing containing an outer button which contains an inner button. Displacement of the inner button into the outer button causes a moveable attachment portion to partially collapse toward a centerline which permits the moveable attachment portion to pass through an engagement aperture in the panel. Movement of the outer button into the housing permits the moveable engagement portion to extend past a back surface of the panel to engage the back surface and hold the attaching structure to the panel via forces exerted by biasing members once the buttons are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phong Dang
  • Patent number: 8544925
    Abstract: A sling element and a combination for coupling sling gear, to a goods item to be transported, wherein the sling element has a fastening section, into which an oblong-shaped opening is formed which leads from the upper side of the fastening section to a contact area formed on the underside of the fastening section. The combination enables the sling element to be fastened in a durably secure way even with adverse loads. This is achieved by a wedge area aligned in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the fastening section being formed on the fastening section, which wedge area runs in a plane which intersects the longitudinal axis of the opening at an acute angle and is designed as a support for a fastening member which is provided to brace the sling element on the goods item to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: SpanSet-secutex GmbH
    Inventor: Boris Franke
  • Patent number: 8342787
    Abstract: A threaded fastener includes an outer body defining an axis and an inner body at least partially positioned within the outer body. The inner body is movable along the axis relative to the outer body. A plurality of threaded segments is coupled to the outer body and radially supported by the inner body. The plurality of threaded segments defines a nominal diameter. At least one biasing member biases the plurality of threaded segments inward toward the axis. The plurality of threaded segments is movable inward toward the axis by the at least one biasing member when the inner body is moved axially from a first position to a second position so that the plurality of threaded segments define a reduced diameter that is smaller than the nominal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zipnut Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Dwight Smith
  • Patent number: 8297902
    Abstract: The invention relates to an eccentric adjustment element (10) having a rod (12) provided on both ends with exterior threads (14, 16) of a smaller diameter to each of which unthreaded, inwardly profiled sections (18, 20) are fastened, wherein the shortest distance between a profile and a rotational axis of the rod is greater than the outer radius of the exterior threads (14, 16) and eccentric discs (24, 26) are fitted on each of the profiled sections (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Acument GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Thorsten Schraer
  • Publication number: 20120138747
    Abstract: A locking fastening device for fastening a first component to a second component, an adjustable fastening device for adjustably fastening a first component to a second component, and a component system including at least one first component that is fastened to a second component are described. Also described are a main wing of a wind tunnel model aircraft having an adjusting and fastening system which includes at least one locking fastening device and at least two adjustable fastening devices for adjusting and fastening an aerodynamic additional body that is adjustable relative to the main wing by means of a plurality of retaining devices, as well as a wind tunnel model aircraft having such a main wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Binder
  • Patent number: 8087864
    Abstract: A connecting pin includes a head and a body having a first end connected to the head. The body includes an underside having at least one surface arranged on a first plane parallel to a longitudinal direction. The body also includes a nose at a second end, the nose having an lower surface that extends upwardly and outwardly from the body underside. The body further includes an inclined surface extending to from an upper surface of the nose in the direction of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Vandor Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald H. Davis, Gary L. Cox, Chad L. Eversole
  • Publication number: 20110228451
    Abstract: An exemplary fastener includes a head, a shank extending downwardly from a bottom of the head, and a protruding flange extending outwardly from an outer surface of the shank at a position adjacent to the head. A portion of the shank between the head and the protruding flange is formed a neck. An outer diameter of the protruding flange is varying along an axial direction of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HUNG-NIEN CHIU
  • Publication number: 20110103916
    Abstract: The present invention features a bolt for panel combination that includes a flange formed along an external circumference of a bolt head, a screw portion, of which an end is formed as a cone, combining a plurality of panels and a plurality of taps that are formed to the flange for the bolt to be fixed when the bolt is tightened. The present invention also features a panel combination method that includes forming a burred portion to a first panel by burring and punching, disposing a second panel, on which a bolt hole is formed, and corresponding a position of the burred portion, inserting the bolt for panel combination into the bolt hole and tightening the bolt to the burred portion in order to combine the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Chul Kim, Jae Hwan Jung
  • Publication number: 20110070048
    Abstract: A mine roof cable bolt head has a drive head, a reinforcing collar and a crimp tube. The drive head is located at one end of the cable bolt head while the crimp tube is at the other end. The reinforcing collar is located between the two ends of the cable bolt head, adjoining the drive head. A hollow shaft passes through the length of the cable bolt head from end to end. A cable can be joined to the cable bolt head by using wedges. Once the cable is joined to the cable bolt head, the crimp tube is crimped down onto the cable to provide resistance to twist and to share some of the tensile load with the wedge joint. The reinforcing collar provides additional strength in the area of the wedge joint. The cable bolt head may be made of more than one pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Roy Lee Robertson, JR.
  • Patent number: 7877948
    Abstract: A fastener system for fixing hardened plates includes a fastener element having a frusto-conical head and a threaded shaft portion, wherein a smallest outer diameter of the frusto-conical head is adjacent the threaded shaft, and a largest outer width of the shaft is smaller than a smallest diameter of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Brian Investments PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Davies
  • Patent number: 7857564
    Abstract: An expansion dowel includes an anchor bolt (12) having a load application element (16) at a first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion part (17) at a second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12), and an expansion sleeve (21) having an inner profile (22) with a region (23) having a surface roughness increasing in the direction of the first end region (14) of the anchor bolt (12), with the expansion part (17) having a conical section (18) widening toward the second free end region (15) of the anchor bolt (12) for expanding the expansion sleeve (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Wieser, Thomas Doppelbauer, Simon Martin
  • Publication number: 20100143067
    Abstract: Discloses is an anchor bolt including a stud. The anchor bolt further includes a wedge in operable communication with the stud. The anchor bolt still further includes a heat treated then cold worked sleeve disposed about the stud and in operable communication with the wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: POWERS FASTENERS, INC.
    Inventor: PAUL GAUDRON
  • Publication number: 20100111639
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anchor bolt including a wedge having a surface with a plurality of protrusions and a sleeve in operable communication with the surface. Furthermore, the sleeve is expandably receptive to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Powers Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: PAUL GAUDRON
  • Patent number: 7686555
    Abstract: A fastener that includes a shaft and a sleeve is provided. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis that passes through a central portion, e.g., the centroid of a head of the shaft. The sleeve is wrapped partially around the shaft. The sleeve has a gap that separates first and second circumferential extents thereof, a first thickness adjacent the first circumferential extent, and a second thickness between the second circumferential extent and the first circumferential extent. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. The sleeve has a first rotational position relative to the shaft and a second rotational position relative to the shaft different form the first rotational position. The longitudinal axis is in substantially the same location in both the first and second rotational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils E. Larson, Michael K. Liebman, Jonathan M. Garbarino
  • Patent number: 7661916
    Abstract: A fastener assembly adapted for providing adjustment between at least two members. A bolt includes a head, a shank axially extending from the head, and a circumferentially uninterrupted threaded portion axially extending from the shank. A first cam washer is fixed against rotation to the shank of the bolt in a position that is adjacent with respect to the head of the bolt. A second cam washer is fixed against rotation to the shank of the bolt in a position that is adjacent with respect to the threaded portion of the bolt. A threaded portion of a nut is threaded to the threaded portion of the bolt, and a skirt portion of the nut displaces the second cam washer as the nut is torqued down on the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald P. Downey
  • Patent number: 7481624
    Abstract: A butt connection of divided hollow profile members, which is suitable in particular for rotor blades of wind power installations, comprises a multiplicity of straps which are arranged along the joint and which bridge over same and which are respectively fixed with their ends to one of the profile members to be connected. In this respect the arrangement is preferably such that one of the two bolts fixing the strap at the ends thereof has a wedge-shaped flattening, by means of which a tensile prestressing can be imparted to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20080298926
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a fastener assembly and method of use for securing first and second members. The assembly comprises a linker having a first bearing surface and a stop surface substantially perpendicular to the linker and having threaded securing opening, and a fastener. The fastener has a wedge member and a securing member where the wedge member forms substantially oppositely facing wedge and jamb surfaces. Alternative embodiments of the fastener assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: John Edward Feuerstein
  • Patent number: 7354217
    Abstract: A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising at least one locking member on the object or the support structure and adapted for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure or the object. A transverse hole in the locking member which, at the time of fitting the object, is adapted to be partly masked by the material surrounding the aperture. An engagement device having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery is inserted in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member and is turned thereafter from one position to another position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure. Also a method for attaching an object to a support structure using the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Kenneth Soder
  • Publication number: 20080025814
    Abstract: A bushing to assist in positioning a bolt in the bolt apertures of refining plates and disk. The bushing is a cylindrical sleeve that slides over the bolt shaft, before the bolt is inserted into the aperture. The bushing may be short relative to the length of the bolt and the aperture. The bushing fits between the bolt and aperture in the refining plate and/or disk, as the bolt engages the threads of the plate and/or disk. The bolt is centered in the aperture and the centered bolt ensures that the plate segment is properly positioned on the disk as the bolt fastens the segment to the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: ANDRITZ INC.
    Inventor: Yves Raymond
  • Patent number: 7246967
    Abstract: A cross clamping device comprises a base plate with first and second legs and a clamping piece that connects the two legs with each other. The cross clamping device also comprises a first clamp screwed onto the first leg by a first screw, and a second clamp screwed onto the second leg by a second screw. The base plate and the two clamps are formed such that a first bar and a second bar, which is rotated by 90° in relation to the first bar, are able to be clamped. By tightening of the first and second screws, the two bars are clamped. The two screws perform a double function, so that separate screws for clamping of the first bar and for clamping of the second bar are not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Hansrudolf Iseli
  • Patent number: 7150596
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Carroll Diaz, Derrick Prentice
  • Patent number: 7077610
    Abstract: A toggle bolt type connector has projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Buern USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Carroll Diaz
  • Patent number: 6808349
    Abstract: A fastener mechanism operable between an unlocked position and a locked position to securely fasten items of various sizes and shapes includes a first member and a second member each having a sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall and a receiving chamber disposed adjacent the front wall of each member. The second member contains a hollow interior and is slightly larger than the first member so that the first member can be inserted inside the hollow interior. The receiving chambers extend axially along each member and contain an opening and angularly disposed sidewalls forming an apex. To securely fasten the item, the first member is co-axially aligned with the second member so that the receiving chamber openings are oriented to form an aperture to receive the item. The first member is then slideably inserted into the second member hollow interior. As the first member is inserted inside the second member, the aperture reduces in size to grip and securely fasten the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: David C. Boling
  • Patent number: 6739791
    Abstract: A self-aligning type of detachable rigid connection device having at least one main body endowed with a seat and at least one supported element endowed with a shank to be received into the seat of the main body. An actuator is provided for elastically deforming the shank and bringing at least two external surfaces of the same into close contact with the inside surface of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Auges S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Piana, Christina Caprioli
  • Patent number: 6715975
    Abstract: A tension control arrangement including a plurality of cams disposed about an opening that accommodates a bolt to which a nut is intended to be secured. Each of the cams has a contoured outer surface, and each of the cams is rotatably supported such that the contoured outer surface operatively engages both the base and a contact member interposed between the cam and the nut. A lever assembly is operatively coupled to the cams, such that movement of the cams is substantially restricted to rotational motion from a first position in which the nut is engaged with the bolt and tightened by hand until it is seated against the contact member, to a second position in which the bolt is elongated to achieve a predetermined bolt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6679640
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Vutek, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6669421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting element which comprises a bolt element with a head and a shank adjoining the latter. The head is formed from a means of engagement for a tool, which is arranged concentrically in relation to a longitudinal bolt axis, and a first eccentric disk, which is arranged eccentrically in relation to the longitudinal bolt axis. At least one second eccentric disk (22), which has a circumferential punching burr, can be pushed onto the shank by way of an eccentrically arranged push-on opening (24). According to the invention, the shank and the second eccentric disk can only be pushed onto the shank in the correct position, such that the circumferential punching burr is oriented away from the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Altenloh, Brinck & Co. GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Hofschneider
  • Patent number: 6666637
    Abstract: An internally threaded, segmented nut and conical bore for a pressure vessel are used to make removal of studs securing covers over openings through the pressure vessel wall. The segmented nut has a conical upper surface to mate with a corresponding surface of the conical bore when the stud is threaded through the internal thread of the nut and a load is applied. The segmented nut is easily replaced and the stud is easily removable due to the shape of the nut and bore. The segmented nut eliminates drilling and rethreading the bore to repair damaged threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Nansheng Sun
  • Patent number: 6648412
    Abstract: A hinge joining system for an automobile seat includes a seat back flange and a seat pan flange. A hinge mechanism is attached to one of the flanges. An assembly fastener component is connected to the hinge mechanism and passes through an opening in the selected flange, the opening including a raised tapered collar. A thrust component is connected to the assembly fastener component, the thrust component having a bore for radially gripping the raised tapered collar and axially pressing the collar against the selected flange. The assembly fastener component has a tapered male section fitting into the tapered collar, and the bore of the thrust component is also tapered for gripping the tapered collar between the bore and the tapered male section when the thrust component is pressed against the selected flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d' Automobile S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Moradell, Yann Reubeuze, François Cillierre
  • Patent number: 6609338
    Abstract: A retainer clip includes a shaft extending along a clip axis. The shaft has a shaft diameter and first and second opposed ends. A head extends radially outwardly from the shaft adjacent the first end of the shaft. The head has a head diameter which is greater than the shaft diameter. The head includes a cam surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and facing the second end. At least two portions of the cam surface located at different circumferential positions about the shaft are disposed at different axial distances from the second end. A frame/panel assembly may be formed by mounting and retaining a panel member in a frame using one or more of the retainer clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Tenn-Tex Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
  • Patent number: 6561553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus secure together a pair of opposing angle plates which are each mounted on one of an opposing pair of flange connectors that are each attached to the end of a different one of the opposing ends of a pair of sheet metal ducts. The apparatus includes a pair of interfitting members that include a cam surface to interlock the members to compress together the opposing pair of flange connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 6520464
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement facilitates mounting and removal of an article, such as an elongated housing for a proximity sensor. A bracket and a coupling each have an aperture extending therethrough for receiving the article. A central axis extends through the apertures. The coupling includes a plurality of spaced apart flexures located adjacent the coupling aperture. Each flexure includes an axially extending arm portion for engaging a respective part of an inner sidewall portion of the bracket aperture. Upon rotation of the coupling about the central axis, the bracket sidewall portion engages or releases the arms of the coupling to effect radial movement of the arms. In particular, rotation of the coupling in one direction about the central axis relative to the bracket urges the arms radially inward and rotation of the coupling in the other direction permits a radially outward movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Richard Morrissey, Isak Kaysreman
  • Patent number: 6461091
    Abstract: A connection element for a bolt including a member for receiving the bolt (2) and including a bore (5) having a tapering region (7) adjoining a bore cylindrical receiving region (4) and tapering in a direction opposite a bolt insertion in direction (A); and a locking member supported in the bore (5) for forcelockingly engaging the bolt (2) and formed as a radially expandable annular member having an inner diameter (w), which is, at least partially, smaller than an outer diameter (d2) of the bolt (2), and an axial length corresponding to an axial length of the cylindrical receiving region (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Herb, Fritz Hermann, Ulrich Birnbaum, Marcus Fohrer, Gordillo Antonio Lopez
  • Patent number: 6416268
    Abstract: A taper nut retention device mechanically fastens a plurality of pressure reduction disks. A cage end member at one end of the stacked disks has a series of counterbores, each aligned with respective mounting holes in each disk. A second cage end member at the other end of the stack has a series of inwardly converging, tapered bores with shallow taper angles, each aligned with respective mounting holes and a counterbore. A taper nut with a threaded interior and an outer tapered surface with a shallow taper angle matching the tapered bore is inserted into and engageably contacts the tapered bore. A threaded bolt is inserted into the counterbore and through the disk mounting holes to threadably engage the taper nut. Tightening of the bolt and nut mechanically secures the stacked disk assembly. A process for making the stacked disk assembly wherein each disk and the cage end members are plated with nickel and the components are fused together in a brazing oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6273646
    Abstract: A tendon 10 is installed in a hole 34 in a mine hanging wall 36 by making use of a barrel 14 and a wedge arrangement 16. One end of the tendon is anchored in the hole 34 such that the other end protrudes therefrom. The barrel 14 is positioned over the protruding end of the tendon 10. A tensioning jack applies a tensile load to the tendon 10 and an oppositely disposed load to a shear ring 20 of the barrel. When the desired preload is reached the shear ring 20 fails permitting the tensioning jack 40 to displace wedge elements 30 of the wedge arrangement 16 inwardly thereby locking the barrel on the tendon and maintaining the desired preload in the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Grinaker- LTA Limited
    Inventor: Francis David Shaw
  • Patent number: 6273659
    Abstract: An operating ring (7) is externally fitted, with the ability to rotate, to the main body of the locking nut in between a locking flange (3) and a flange of the locking nut (5); ball bearings (11) are inserted between the operating ring and the locking flange; three or more arc-shaped grooves (54) are formed—facing toward each other and extending in concentric shapes in the circumferential direction—in the mating surfaces of the flange of the locking nut and the operating ring; locking balls (9) are accommodated inside the arc-shaped grooves of the flange of the locking nut (5) and the operating ring which face toward each other; the total dimension—in the axial direction of the rotary drive shaft—of each pair of arc-shaped grooves which accommodate the locking balls (9) is set smaller than the diameter of a locking ball; and a localized indentation is formed at the bottom surfaces on at least one side of said pair of arc-shaped grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Goto
  • Patent number: 6244806
    Abstract: A locking apparatus includes an inner ring having a tapered outer shape and permitting a bolt of a fastener, with which construction elements are fastened, to pass therethrough, an outer plate formed with a tapered bore which receives the inner ring, a coil spring which urges the inner ring toward the outer plate, and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt on the side close to an outer end of the coil spring. When an external force is applied to a construction so that the outer plate is displaced toward the nut, together with the construction element associated therewith, the outer plate applies a force, exerting in the direction axially of the bolt, to the inner ring. When receiving the force which has a component directed radially inwardly of the bolt, the inner ring is reduced in diameter to tighten the bolt, thereby preventing a further displacement of the outer plate and the construction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: T. Kato Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tosiyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6234705
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Synthes (USA)
    Inventor: Thomas N. Troxell
  • Patent number: 6213150
    Abstract: A taper nut retention device mechanically fastens a plurality of pressure reduction disks. A cage end member at one end of the stacked disks has a series of counterbores, each aligned with respective mounting holes in each disk. A second cage end member at the other end of the stack has a series of inwardly converging, tapered bores with shallow taper angles, each aligned with respective mounting holes and a counterbore. A taper nut with a threaded interior and an outer tapered surface with a shallow taper angle matching the tapered bore is inserted into and engageably contacts the tapered bore. A threaded bolt is inserted into the counterbore and through the disk mounting holes to threadably engage the taper nut. Tightening of the bolt and nut mechanically secures the stacked disk assembly. A process for making the stacked disk assembly wherein each disk and the cage end members are plated with nickel and the components are fused together in a brazing oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6203051
    Abstract: A base plate is secured to any existing snowboard with screws or bolts through holes in the base plate mating with the standard holes in the snowboard. A rotatable plate has a wide groove to receive a standard existing boot binding and the two have circular openings which fit rotatably over a protruding circular guide post on the base plate. A cap plate with mating holes and a protruding bottom circular plate extends through the boot binding and rotatable plate openings to contact the guide post on the base plate with the screws or bolts passing through all the mating holes to the snowboard. An elevated rim around the cap plate fits within a circular groove of the boot binding to allow the boot binding and rotatable plate to rotate relative to the cap plate. A low-friction ring has bottom teeth to fit within the teeth of the boot binding and a top low-friction top surface to contact the cap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Sabol
  • Patent number: 6200081
    Abstract: An expansion fastener for hardware elements for furniture comprises an externally ribbed anchor (11) in which an insert (13) is fitted, which insert has a cam surface (14) sliding on a corresponding cam surface (15) in the anchor body for causing a radial expansion of the anchor when the insert is moved by pulling means (16). The insert (13) comprises a fitting end (17) extending radially in a region free from the anchor body and is secured to the pulling means to be susceptible of inclination in the extension direction of said end (17). On axial movement towards the expansion position, the insert slides on the cam surface to receive a thrust for inclination and move said end outwardly of the anchor and towards the pulling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli