Multipart Patents (Class 411/383)
  • Patent number: 8215886
    Abstract: A termination system which attaches a conventional threaded rod or bolt to a cable. An anchor is attached to an end of a cable using known techniques—such as potting. A threaded rod or bolt is placed on the anchor, pointing away from the direction of the cable. The rod or bolt is mechanically attached to the anchor using several different techniques. The result is an anchor assembly including a threaded protruding shaft. Because the assembly uses an inexpensive prior art rod or bolt, the machining operations are confined to small components needing relatively little material removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Richard V. Campbell, Kevin J. Barefield
  • Patent number: 8210784
    Abstract: A fastener assembly (1) includes a screw (2) and a bush (3). The screw (2) includes a head (4), a shank portion (6) and a threaded portion (7) including a thread (8). The shank portion (6) is arranged to face the head (4) and the threaded portion (7) is arranged to face away from the head (4). The shank portion (6) has a diameter and the thread (8) has an outer diameter, the diameter of the shank portion (6) being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) includes a first narrowing location (10) having a diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) is captively connected to the screw (2) by the first narrowing location (10). The bush (3) includes at least one resilient element (15) having an actuation portion (28) and an engagement portion (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: KAMAX-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunther Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8206071
    Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly for securing a cabinet and other structures to a sub-floor. A bolt with coaxial upper and lower threaded bores receives a threaded member from above and secures it to a threaded member from below. The upper threaded bore allows the cabinet to be secured to the upper floor. The lower threaded bore provides a securing means for the anchor bolt and its attachments through coupling the threaded bolt from the upper threaded bore to a threaded member protruding from the sub-floor. This threaded member engages the lower threaded bore. The threaded bores of the bolt provide two areas of stabilization against shear and torsional stresses along the axis of the anchor bolt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8202031
    Abstract: A fastener assembly (1) includes a screw (2) and a bush (3). The screw (2) includes a head (4), a shank portion (6) and a threaded portion (7) including a thread (8). The shank portion (6) is arranged to face the head (4) and the threaded portion (7) is arranged to face away from the head (4). The shank portion (6) has a diameter and the thread (8) has an outer diameter, the diameter of the shank portion (6) being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) includes a first narrowing location (10) having a diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) is captively connected to the screw (2) by the first narrowing location (10). The bush (3) includes a second narrowing location (11) including at least one resilient element (15) being designed and arranged to elastically engage the thread (8). The bush (3) includes a slot (17) or a gap (19) being designed and arranged to continuously extend over the bush (3) in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: KAMAX-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunther Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8186921
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drain plug for an enclosure that contains a female-threaded opening. The drain plug contains a male-threaded portion and a head portion. The head portion contains a drive structure, an annular groove of substantially rectangular cross section, and a washer of substantially rectangular cross section in the groove. An outer wall of the annular groove is positioned to contact the enclosure when secured to the female-threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Plug & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John David Lowman
  • Patent number: 8182184
    Abstract: Repeated inserting, tightening, loosening, and removing of external threads to internal threads can increase the likelihood of cross threading and thread damage. A spring loaded gear bolt assembly, which promotes alignment of mating threads before applying torque, is described. A spring is disposed on the back end of a bolt shaft to promote alignment of lead mating threads before twisting to engage external to internal threads. A gear chain translates a single hand rotation to thread two bolts into respective affixed internal threaded holes, simultaneously. A spring loaded gear bolt assembly and method described herein promote increased thread life and ease of use ease for test plate securing. Efficient single handed manipulation of multiple bolts simultaneously can be achieved using a test plate assembly, which included spring loaded gear bolt assemblies, as described herein. Applications of a spring loaded gear bolt include infrared adapter test plate assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Walters
  • Patent number: 8146934
    Abstract: A suspension link assembly is provided. The link assembly includes a link member having a head portion and a shank. The head portion has a concave surface. The head portion further includes a convex surface. At least one bushing is provided. The bushing has convex and concave surfaces for respectively engaging the concave and convex surfaces of the head portion. A tapered aperture extends through the head portion from the convex surface to the concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Larry J. Verbowski
  • Publication number: 20110309176
    Abstract: The fastening of a mantel to a head of a cone crusher with a fastening device. A first part of the fastening device is fastened to the head of the cone crusher. A second part of the fastening device is situated against the mantel and the second part is forced towards the first part with a tightening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: METSO MINERALS INC.
    Inventor: Kari Kuvaja
  • Patent number: 8052364
    Abstract: A coupling member is employed to couple components of a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by using a plasma. The coupling member includes a threaded rod portion which passes through one component and is screwed and fixed to another component, a head portion which supports the one component and has a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod portion, and an elastic portion which is interposed between the threaded rod portion and the head portion, wherein the elastic portion has a larger strain to an external force than those of the threaded rod portion and the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hachishiro Iizuka, Shojiro Yahata
  • Publication number: 20110229285
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a screw (1,21) with a thread part (2) and a shaft part (3,23), the shaft part (3,23) having a recess (4) at the free end for the insertion of a tool, and a sleeve (6,26) with an external thread (7) and an enlarged rim portion (8), which has means for the placement of a second tool. The screw (1,21) is formed by a rod-shaped screw blank made of hardenable steel, which has an enlarged head portion (5) at one end. The sleeve (6,26) can be mounted onto the screw blank from the other end and has a step, which can be placed on or against the head portion (5). The shaft part (3,23) is designed with a support section (16,22) for the pushed on sleeve (6,26) and the support section (16,22) can be generated by deforming the screw blank so as to hold the sleeve (6,26) on the shaft part (3,23) in such a manner that the screw (1,21) and/or the sleeve (6,26) can be rotated. The fastening device, is suitable for being screwed directly into massive materials, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Werner Flückiger
  • Patent number: 8011867
    Abstract: A mounting device for a screw including a head and a tip, the mounting device comprising a body and a plunger. The body is attachable to the head of the screw, and the plunger is adapted to extend from within the body upon receiving a downward force. Additionally, the plunger includes a plurality of knurls adapted to transfer torque to the tip of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventor: Jason A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7967562
    Abstract: A fastener for a turbine engine includes a bolt and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cap mechanically secured to the bolt. CMC components are attached to an exhaust nozzle case with the fasteners. The fastener includes a bolt made of metal and having a head. A CMC cap is located on the head of the bolt and secured to the bolt by a mechanical device. The mechanical device allows the CMC cap to have a different thermal expansion than the bolt. The CMC cap also acts as a thermal shield for the bolt, aiding in the reduction of a heat signature of the turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Allen R. Frost, John D. Riehl
  • Patent number: 7963034
    Abstract: A method of attaching a labyrinth seal support to a turbine engine shaft is disclosed. The method includes inserting axial bolts to secure the labyrinth seal support, the shaft and a device for driving the turbine module with the shaft, and screwing tightening screws in extracting holes, for extracting the drive device with respect to the shaft, provided on the shaft to tighten the labyrinth seal support onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Claude Gerard Rene Dejaune, Valerie Gros
  • Patent number: 7905518
    Abstract: A vehicle safety system including a steering column, a keying member, and a squib. The steering column includes a first steering column section longitudinally slidably connected to a second steering column section. The keying member locates the first and second steering column sections at a fixed longitudinal position relative to each other. The squib is located relative to the keying member to exert a force on the keying member when the squib is initiated to thereby allow the first and second steering column sections to longitudinally slide relative to each other to shorten a length of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean E. Geibel, Joseph B. Shuey
  • Patent number: 7891927
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus for fastening a component B to a component A enables an automatic compensation of tolerances in the separation distance between the two components. The apparatus consists of a receiving element 2, which can be fixed on the component A, an adjustment element 4, which can be screwed to the receiving element via a first thread pairing 28, 48 of a first thread direction, and a fastening screw 6, which can be screwed into the receiving element 2 via a second thread pairing 54, 56 of the opposite thread direction and can be connected with the adjustment element 4 via a detachable drag connection 46, 54, in order to also turn the adjustment element 4 when the fastening screw 6 is turned and to thereby move for the purpose of tolerance compensation in abutment with component B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Burger, Hans-Ulrich Figge
  • Patent number: 7891379
    Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110038683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor bolt and more specifically pertains to a post-installed anchor that is securely anchored to, for example, an existing concrete floor. The post-installed anchor has a sleeve fit on a bolt body and a fixation member arranged on an edge of the bolt body and screwed to a threaded end of the bolt body. The fixation member has an internal threaded end and an expansion end. The expansion end is divided into four expansion pieces by slits. The expansion pieces are arranged to face a head of the bolt body and are slightly widened toward the head of the bolt body. One end of the sleeve forms a tapered face. After insertion of the post-installed anchor into a pilot hole (installation hole) bored in the concrete floor, as the bolt body rotates, the fixation member screwed to the bolt body moves toward the sleeve. This movement causes the expansion end of the fixation member to ride on the tapered face of the sleeve and to be pressed open and extended outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKIKAISHA TAISEI KOUGYOU
    Inventors: Toshiharu Ito, Seiji Hijikata
  • Publication number: 20110017315
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Gregory P. Klein, Geoffrey C. Brazier, Gary M. Plunkett
  • Publication number: 20100322740
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fastening device with a stem which is engaged on a first end by a cross-dowel with a transverse threaded aperture and on a second end by a cylinder with a set-screw. The second end of the stem includes an aperture surrounded by an oval-shaped longitudinally elongated countersunk region. This aperture can capture the set-screw within a small range of longitudinal positions, thereby allowing for fine adjustments to be made to align the sidewalls of adjacent post segments joined by the fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Vestergaard-Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100290864
    Abstract: A plate member fastener includes a barrel bonded to a mounting through hole of a first metal plate member through a reflow bonding process, a screw member, which is inserted through the barrel after bonding of the barrel to the first metal plate member and threaded into a screw hole of a second metal plate member to joint the first and second metal plate members together, a cap molded on the head of the screw member and axially movably coupled to the barrel for gripping by a user to rotate the screw member into or out of the screw hole of the second metal plate member, and a spring member sleeved onto the shank of the screw member and stopped between the head of the screw member and a step inside the barrel to force the cap outwards relative to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: KUO-CHUNG WANG
  • Patent number: 7828015
    Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100251661
    Abstract: A structural fixing system with high clamping force, tightening precision and high corrosion resistance, in particular for light and heavy metalwork elements, comprises a flanged metal bolt (10), and/or a flanged metal nut (20), obtained by hot or cold forming. In the space between the base of the flange (12) and the shank (13) of the bolt (10) or below the flange of the nut (20) is a precision collar with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Societa' Bulloneria Europea S.B.E.S.P.A.
    Inventors: Karl Heinz Illgner, Federico Vescovini
  • Patent number: 7789607
    Abstract: A device fixes an object to a tree. The device includes an elongate body, one end of which is adapted for attachment to a tree. An object is slidably mounted on the elongate body. The device also includes a device for biasing the object towards the end of the body adapted for attachment to the tree. In use, pressure resulting from growth of the tree is transmitted to the object and pushes it along the elongate body against the bias and away from the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Benjamin Fuest
  • Patent number: 7752824
    Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Brown, Robert D. Lucey
  • Patent number: 7717658
    Abstract: A bolt assembly has a bolt body which includes a threaded portion and a shank; a head; a ring; and a shear zone. The head is configured to transmit rotary motion to the threaded portion through the shank. The ring is disposed on the shank and has a ring thread and a tab configured to ensure continuity between the ring thread and the threaded portion. The shear zone joins the shank to the threaded portion and a complementary recess, disposed on the threaded portion, is engageable with the tab to ensure rotation locking of the ring in relation to the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics SIMEL SAS
    Inventor: Bruno Peltier
  • Patent number: 7710714
    Abstract: A housing for a scale or load cell controller suitable for use in harsh environments. The housing includes a moisture-resistant front display unit coupled to a rear interface and mounting unit. The front display unit includes a front housing, a back housing, and a frame overlying a boundary or seal region between the front and back housings to provide a double moisture-resistant seal between the front and back housings. The front display unit defines an interior region including a display and a plurality of user input keys and controller circuitry. The front display unit is removably attachable to the rear interface unit. A moisture-resistant seal is also provided between the front display unit and the rear interface and mounting unit. The rear interface and mounting unit defines a recessed area supporting a battery pack, a power supply and an interface circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Rapp, Robert Scott, Richard P. Bozzi, Dennis R. Seguin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100104395
    Abstract: A composite metal male fastener is provided. The metal fastener includes an elongate hollow shell made of metal. The shell includes a threaded exterior for insertion or retraction from the threads of a female fastener. In addition, the shell element includes a central bore and a radially extending flange. The male fastener further includes a core element made of a composite material including plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber or the like. In a first embodiment, the core element fills the shell's central bore and extends proximally from the proximal end of the shell to encapsulate the shell's flange to form a male fastener head. In an alternative embodiment, the shell's proximal extremity includes a radially extending flange to form a male fastener head for rotation of the male fastener. For this embodiment, the core element extends proximally to the shell's proximal end, without projecting beyond the shell's proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, Douglas Stephen
  • Patent number: 7674276
    Abstract: A suture fixation apparatus having a first body portion having a bone engaging feature to fixedly engage a bony tissue and a second body portion defining an eyelet for receipt of a suture. The second body portion is rotatable with respect to the first body portion. Rotating the second body portion causes the suture to form a twist to frictionally secure the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T Stone, Gregory J Denham, Julie L Sauer
  • Publication number: 20100047034
    Abstract: A composite metal male fastener is provided. The metal fastener includes an elongate hollow shell made of metal. The shell includes a threaded exterior for insertion or retraction from the threads of a female fastener. In addition, the shell element includes a central bore and a radially extending flange. The male fastener further includes a core element made of a composite material including plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber or the like. The core element fills the shell's central bore and extends from the shell to encapsulate the shell's flange to form a male fastener head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas Stephen, Robert Stephen
  • Publication number: 20100025596
    Abstract: One embodiment of this fastening apparatus comprises a body with a passage through its length, a threaded member, a locking member, and a bowed ring. The threaded member is retained by the locking member in the passage. The bowed ring is disposed on the body and is configured to be flexible. This body may be fabricated of graphite in one instance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul N. Zeytoonian
  • Publication number: 20100028102
    Abstract: A mounting structure is provided which is capable of easily attaching a heat sink irrespective of a thickness of an LSI (Large-Scale Integration circuit) mounted on a printed circuit board. Each female screw metal fitting of each female screw portion is attached on an upper surface of a cylindrical gel in a stacked manner and a lower surface of the cylindrical gel is attached to the printed circuit board. An end portion of each male screw is made to pass through each through-hole of the heat sink so as to be screwed into each of the female screw portions. With a progress of screwing therein, each of the female screw portions is elevated and the cylindrical gel is pulled and elongated. Since a restoring force occurs when the cylindrical gel is elongated, the heat sink is pulled by each of the female screw portions toward the LSI. Thus, variations in height can be accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mitsui, Masahiro Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20100025559
    Abstract: A universal antenna mount featuring a first bracket with a concave face between right and left tangs, a reversible second bracket with a concave face and a generally convex opposite face between right and left tangs, and at least one fastener extending through the right tangs of the first and second brackets and at least one fastener extending through the left tangs of the first and second brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Rathbone, Frank LaBarba
  • Patent number: 7588402
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a screw with a removable tip section comprising a shank and a tip section; wherein the shank has a first threaded section consisted of an upper and a lower threaded sections and a recess defined at the surface of an end face. Furthermore, the tip section includes a second threaded section disposed thereon and an insertion having a coincident shape with the recess. By means of those threaded sections with different outer diameters, the screw is smoothly driven into the metal objects without being interfered in drilling and steadily fixed therein without swing after screwing; After screwing in, the tip section is alternatively removed from the shank by a wrench to be put into the recess to tighten or loosen the screw so as to increase the convenience of using.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Shu-Yun Chuang, Yu-Sheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 7585237
    Abstract: A bicycle component is configured with an axle fixing structure. In the preferred embodiment, the bicycle component is an electric derailleur. The bicycle component has a base member rotatably supported on an axle. Preferably, the axle includes a shaft portion with a head portion disposed adjacent a first end of the shaft portion for limiting axial movement of the base member in a first axial direction of the shaft portion, and a threaded portion disposed adjacent a second end of the shaft portion with external threads. A first locking member is threaded onto the external threads and configured to limit axial movement of the base member in a second axial direction of the shaft portion. Preferably, a second locking member is threaded into the internal threads of the second end of the shaft portion to secure the first locking member on the fastening portion of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20090199375
    Abstract: Devices and methods based upon the concept of a split ring having certain multiple interior angles to engage a stem or post having annular ring(s) with angular geometries that are complimentary to those of the split ring. The disclosure provides designs for a wide range of insertion and desertion forces between latch engagement stems and latch engagement bodies. Changes to insertion contact angles and contact area on engagement stems and corresponding changes to insertion contact angles and engagement areas on engagement bodies can significantly modify insertion forces required to engage various devices. Similarly, changes in degrees of angle between desertion angles and contact areas on engagement stems with corresponding changes in desertion angles and contact areas on engagement bodies will significantly modify the total desertion forces required to disengage various devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Venugopal Subramanyam
  • Publication number: 20090188187
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for connecting a flooring system to a vertical wall. In one embodiment the building structure includes a floor comprising a cementitious slab and a wall supporting at least a portion of the cementitious slab. A plurality of stand-off screws extend from the top of the wall into the cementitious slab and are configured to transfer forces between the cementitious slab and the wall. The stand-off screws comprise a lower screw portion and an upper stand-off portion. The lower screw portion is drilled into the top of the wall, and the upper stand-off portion extends above the top of the wall and is encapsulated within the cementitious slab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower screw portion is heat treated to a higher degree of hardness relative to the remainder of the stand-off screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: NUCOR Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Wayne Studebaker, David Lee Samuelson, Lionel Edward Dayton
  • Publication number: 20090175701
    Abstract: A self-tapping screw made of composite material includes a first shank and a second shank. The first shank made of stainless steel is provided with a locking head with a tool locking recess and a threaded member, having its lower end bored with a circular combining recess. The second shank made of low carbon steel, low carbon alloy steel or other steel suitable for carburizing and hardening treatment is provided with a threaded member and a cutting member and has its upper end secured with polygonal combining member to be combined with the combining recess of the first shank. The cutting member functions to cut a work piece and the threaded member will be locked therein. The stainless steel locking head exposed out of the work piece is uneasily corroded quickly by acid and alkaline in external environment, enabling the self-tapping screw locked in the work piece for long.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: CHENG-YUAN WU
  • Publication number: 20090133357
    Abstract: A composite fastener, a belly nut, a tie system and/or a method reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. The composite fastener, the belly nut, the tie system and/or the method secure a wall to a backup structure. The composite fastener is constructed from a fiber reinforced polymer that has fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The composite fastener has a low thermal conductive value (k-value) and has non-corrosive properties. The belly nut has a fastening hole on a first side of the belly nut to attach the composite fastener to the belly nut. Further, the belly nut has a pathway to receive a leg of a pintle from a top surface of the belly nut to a bottom surface of the belly nut. The pathway is sized to allow for greater vertical adjustment eccentricity between the belly nut and the pintle without creating large horizontal deflections of the tie system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph P. Richards
  • Patent number: 7530775
    Abstract: A fastener is provided including a bolt. The bolt has a head and a threaded shank extending from the head. The threaded shank is dimensioned to co-operate with a predetermined threaded bore, with the free end of the shank remote from the head being provided with an end cap and the end cap having a yieldable formation to engage frictionally with the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Håkan Jaconelli, Jonas Malmenslam
  • Publication number: 20090104001
    Abstract: Non-dimpling fasteners and methods of installing non-dimpling fasteners are provided herein. Non-dimpling fasteners can include a body including a first end and a second end, a tip at the first end of the body, a head at the second end of the body, a first body portion adjacent to the tip, a second body portion adjacent to the head, and a shoulder adjacent to the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion can have a first diameter and can include a first thread. The second body portion can have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter of the first body portion. The shoulder can have an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A. Kochheiser
  • Publication number: 20090095795
    Abstract: A tool assembly which is particularly suitable for friction stir welding applications. The tool assembly includes a holder having an axis and one end adapted to be rotatably driven by a rotary drive mechanism about the holder axis. A tool having an axis is also provided and includes a tool tip at one end. A fastener detachably and coaxially secures the holder and tool together. This fastener includes a first part secured to the second end of the holder and a second part secured to the second end of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Frank Hunt, Harsha Badarinarayan, Kazutaka Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20090092462
    Abstract: Disclosed are several clamps and a method for installing the clamps through at least two work pieces from one side. The clamps include a shank, a spacer, a core bolt and an expander. The shank and expander are keyed to together with the expander engaged on the core bolt such that rotation of the core bolt can bulb the expander to form a clamp surface on the blind side of the work pieces. The shank and spacer are temporarily held apart until the expander is bulbed wherein the shank is allowed to enter the spacer to clamp the work pieces. Subsequent over torque of the core bolts fractures a weakened portion of the core bolt permitting removal of the clamps when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20090028664
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a drive shaft, a threaded shaft, and a joint portion. The drive shaft is used for being operated to rotate around an axis thereof. The threaded shaft has a thread thereon, and is used for being screwed into an object. The joint portion is used for connecting the drive shaft with the threaded shaft. The joint portion is able to transfer the rotation of the drive shaft to the threaded shaft, and allow the rotations of the drive shaft and the threaded shaft about different axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-TANG PENG, GUANG-YI ZHANG, XIAO-ZHENG LI
  • Publication number: 20090001642
    Abstract: A device for affixing a decking member to a joist includes a jig body positionable atop a pair of spaced-apart decking members positioned atop a joist. The jig body has an angled bore having a bottom end extending through a bottom face of the jig body, the bottom end of the angled bore in communication with the space between the decking members. The angled bore defines a centerline extending through the space to a position on the side of the first structural member. The angled bore is for receiving a fastener drivable therethrough into the first structural member's side face, through the first structural member's bottom face, and into the second structural member's top face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Carl William Bolton
  • Patent number: 7465881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupler stem assembly including a coupler and a stem, the coupler includes a polymer material that has been molded to a predetermined shape, an outer surface that is threaded and provided with a coupler axis, and an inner surface that defines a cavity and that includes a retaining member, the stem includes an outer stem surface that is provided with a stem axis and that is shaped to fit within the cavity defined by the inner surface of the coupler; and a retaining surface that is located on the outer stem surface and shaped to cooperate with the retaining member of the inner surface of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 7464726
    Abstract: A modular flow system having individual modules that connect in a manner which allows for easy addition or removal of a module without the need for or risk of disturbing the connection between all modules. The system may include a first base having a through bore in which a fastener is disposed. The first base may include portions or components adapted to capture or retain the fastener within the bore. While retained within the bore, the fastener may connect the first base to a second base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mertes, Daniel E. Zeiler
  • Patent number: 7445251
    Abstract: A connector bolt for securing an oil cooler to an engine block is made of first and second telescopic pieces. The bolt can be made in different lengths by adjusting the telescopic position of the first and second pieces. The length is fixed by securing the relative positions of the first and second pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080247840
    Abstract: A fastener that includes a head part having an internally threaded hole extending from one side of the head part to another side of the head part, an externally threaded shank in threaded engagement with the internally threaded hole of the head part, the shank being externally threaded for threaded engagement with a nut, and an externally threaded locking part in threaded engagement with the internally threaded hole of the head part, wherein the shank and the locking part are in contact with each other inside the threaded hole, such that the locking part resists against travel of the shank through the threaded hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Davies
  • Patent number: 7427181
    Abstract: A composite drain plug for an automobile engine. The drain plug is made up of a hollow metal sleeve that is flanged at one end and closed at the other end. There is a core portion filling the hollow sleeve and having a head portion and a stub flange adjacent the flanged end of the sleeve. A circumferential sealing bead is bonded to the stub flange. The core portion is a glass-filled polymer and the sealing bead is made from a material which includes a cross-linked elastomer dispersed in a thermoplastic carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: SKF USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Nelson Denton, Thomas Sochacki
  • Patent number: 7407354
    Abstract: In the trucking industry, a wheel stud having a recess at either end to accommodate a sacrificial insert of metal higher in the electromotive series of metals than the metals of the wheel stud assembly, the lug and the components joined thereby and being of sufficient difference in color from the surrounding materials so as to be readily visible without disassembling the combination, and a method for its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Benmaxx, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Rau, III, Dennis M. Burrell