Plural Threads On Single Shank Patents (Class 411/412)
  • Publication number: 20030206787
    Abstract: An anchoring screw with double heads and triple threads of different depths of thread mainly includes a polygonal flange (or a polygonal sunken cavity) formed on the screw for fastening use. The screw has an upper section and a lower section forming respectively two bolts which have different screw thread specifications. One of the bolts has at least triple threads equally spaced from one another. The triple threads have different depths of thread. Thus the bolt of triple threads can provide an effective balance function when fastened into a construction hole to maintain a firm fastening without skewing. The screw threads of different depths of thread can also gather extruded cement debris when the screw is fastened into the construction hole to produce a stronger fastening effect. As there is no expansion incurred, the wall or board does not crack. Therefore the interval between the construction holes may be shortened, and number of construction holes may be effectively increased in a given unit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pan-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6619899
    Abstract: A cutting insert for fasteners having a shape with an outline conforming to at least a portion of a contour of a cross-section of on end of on fastener. The insert being made of a material sufficiently strong to provide for self-tapping in application of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Power Products III, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gaudron
  • Patent number: 6616391
    Abstract: A fastener for use in conjunction with plastic lumber is provided with an undercut head and radially projecting helical flutes on the shank which combine to contain plastic lumber material displaced by the shank and head beneath the head, permitting a single step installation to produce a finished appearance. The helical flutes have an opposed helical orientation to the screw threads. This opposed relationship causes the flutes to push displaced plastic lumber material away from the screw head while the flutes bore a space for plastic lumber material displaced by countersinking the screw head. The undercut head may be provided with a series of teeth around the underside of the head periphery. The teeth aid in penetrating the surface of the plastic lumber. The teeth also resist backing out of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Olympic Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Druschel
  • Publication number: 20030123952
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a screw or bolt having two interleaved helical threads, which bracket a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination. The fastener system includes means for latching the tilt of the coil so as to minimize the constraining forces and optimize the motion of the helicoil, that results in the screw or bolt being pushed into the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: John Duncan Unsworth, Thomas Cole Waram
  • Publication number: 20030026675
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deck screw intended for use with composite lumber, although it can be used with other wood products, such as pressure treated lumber. The deck screw of the present invention may be provided with a head and a shaft that has two regions of varying diameter. The upper region has threads that exceed the number of threads of the lower shaft, on a unit length basis. The threads of the upper shaft may be configured in an inverted buttress design. The lower region of the shaft terminates at a tapered distal end having a pointed tip that leads the screw through the wood material. Threads are provided on the lower region of the shaft. The head of the screw is provided with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a crown that extends around the perimeter of the head, The crown extends beyond the lower surface of the head, forming a recessed region between the lower edge of the crown and the shaft of the screw. The head may also be provided with an undercut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Hubert T. McGovern, Tomas P. Druschel
  • Patent number: 6494657
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a screw or bolt having two interleaved helical threads which bracket a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination. The two interleaved threads hold the coil and prevent it from rolling over the threads in high load applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Unsworth, Thomas Waram
  • Patent number: 6419435
    Abstract: An enhanced strength screw-type, self-tapping masonry anchor bolt for fastening a fixture or other attachment to masonry in which a hole is drilled to receive the anchor. The anchor is provided with a shank having a root section surrounded by at least one helical male cutting thread whose crest diameter exceeds the diameter of the hole whereby when the anchor is screwed into the hole, the cutting thread then cuts a female thread in the bank of the hole to mechanically retain the anchor therein to impart to the anchor a holding power that resists axial pull-out forces. The cutting thread has a leading face that is arcuate or radial (circular) and a trailing edge that is flat and disposed essentially normal to the shank of the bolt. Also provided is a masonry anchor for use with thin-walled masonry articles such as cinder blocks which is essentially a sleeve of a durable polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Gaudron
  • Patent number: 6382654
    Abstract: A towing device for vehicles is connected with a connection pin for a holding on the vehicle body and a hook-in eye connected with the pin, the connection pin having a fastening section as well as a lug part forming the hook-in eye. In a towing position and in an inoperative position, the connection pin is held in a support part of the vehicle body so that it cannot be lost, and, in the towing position, the connection pin with the fastening section can be fixed in a tension-resistant and pressure-resistant manner in a holding element of the support part and, in the inoperative position, can be fixed in the holding element by way of a locking device arranged adjacent to the hook-in eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Mahncke
  • Patent number: 6371709
    Abstract: A screw thread having a threadform including a ridge rising from root to crest with the crest having two peaks, separated by a trough the depth of which is less than the height of the ridge from root to crest. It has particular use as a screw for timber, and is especially suited to fixing railway rails to sleepers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignees: Hanstock Fasteners Pty Limited, Reid Construction Systems Pty Limited
    Inventors: Fotios Papafotiou, David Ian Kershaw
  • Patent number: 6368319
    Abstract: The invention involves a pedicle screw having a screw shaft and a screw head, with a free end of the screw shaft having a holding device for holding a safety mechanism. This safety mechanism serves to keep the pedicle screw from pulling out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Bernd Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6332741
    Abstract: An improved anchor device or fastening member which is particularly suited for use in the attachment of various fixtures and equipment to masonry, concrete, and other hard and/or friable substrates includes a head and a shank depending therefrom. The shank has a first threaded portion having a predetermined thread angle and a predetermined hardness, and a second threaded portion having a predetermined thread angle and a predetermined hardness. The first threaded portion is proximate to the head and the second threaded portion extends from the first threaded portion. The thread angle of the first threaded portion is different than the thread angle of the second threaded portion. In addition, the hardness of the first threaded portion is softer than the hardness of the second threaded portion. This provides for a more ductile anchorage when the fastening member is engaged with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Janusz
  • Patent number: 6322307
    Abstract: A threaded fastener (1) is disclosed for anchoring into a substrate comprising a core portion (2) having at least one helical continuous thread provided along a substantial portion of the length of the core, in which the helical thread has a substantially V-shaped cross section defining two flanks (4a, 4b) which subtend an angle of between substantially 60° and 90°, and the thread has a helix angle of between approximately 20° and 45°. The crest of the thread may be flattened, and the fastener (1) is especially suited to anchoring to a masonry substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Unifix Limited
    Inventor: Frank Glover
  • Patent number: 6322273
    Abstract: Joint restraint assembly for connecting pipes which includes a substantially annular body, at least one segment, and at least one bolt. The annular body is configured to fit around a pipe and has at least one pocket formed adjacent the pipe and at least one bore disposed through the body into the pocket. The segment is configured to fit in the pocket. The bolt extends through the bore engaging the segment abutting same against the pipe. In addition, the bolt has a stop ring formed thereon limiting the length the bolt can extend through the bore to a defined length sufficient for retaining the annular body around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary J. Gentile, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6296433
    Abstract: A masonry anchor is provided with a reaming portion which includes recessed portions for defining reservoir regions for accumulating debris generated by the reaming operation when the anchor is installed within a masonry structure. The accumulation of the debris within the reservoir regions reduces torsional friction and installation torque characteristic of the anchor installation operation. Masonry anchors which are self-tapping or self-threading and which do not have reaming portions operatively associated therewith can also have such recessed reservoir structure defined thereon for such similar dust and debris accumulation and discharge purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David Forsell, Richard J. Ernst
  • Patent number: 6250866
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping screw for concrete blocks which includes a shank having a proximal portion equipped with a double lead, self-tapping spiral thread and an unthreaded portion which connects the threaded shank portion to a carbide drill tip in an axially spaced relationship. The length of the unthreaded portion of the shank is selected to allow the drill tip to form a clearance hole extending through the concrete block prior to engagement of the threaded shank portion with the clearance hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Olympic Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Devine
  • Patent number: 6227430
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pin design for a friction stir welding (FSW) tool that can penetrate more deeply into workpieces to form a thicker weld joint without overloading the tool. The pin is provided with threads on its surface. Some portions of the threads are in a positive hand (d2, d3); positive threads screw in to draw the pin into workpieces when the pin is rotated. Other portions of the threads are in a negative hand (d1, d4); negative threads screw out to oppose drawing-in of the pin. When the pin is rotated and driven into workpieces under an applied vertical load, the positive threads encourage penetration of the pin into the workpieces while the negative threads enhance shearing of workpiece material into particles. The positive threads thus reduce the amount of vertical load required to drive the pin, and therefore allow the pin to penetrate more deeply into workpieces to form a thicker weld joint without overloading the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Rosen, Edward Litwinski, Juan M. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6125526
    Abstract: A method of fastening a first member to a second member. The first member has a first opening with first left handed threads that extend from a first surface to a second surface. A stud having a shaft with a first section having right handed threads that extend from an end to a first groove, a second section with second left handed threads that extend from the first groove to a second groove adjacent a head and a radial surface that extends on an angle from the second groove toward a peripheral surface on the head is obtained from a supply source. The shaft is inserted into the first opening to engage the first and second left handed threads and an initial torque is applied to the head to bring the radial surface into engagement with the first left handed threads. Thereafter, additional torque is applied to the head to cause the radial surface to engage and deform a portion of the first left handed threads as the peripheral surface is moved into engagement with the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Jack Wierzchon
  • Patent number: 6120227
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bolt which has been contemplated to solve problems of prior bolts and to provide the bolt adapted to corrects its own position in a precise direction to permit normal fastening without failure such as slipping, seizure or the like even when the bolt is inserted slantingly into a mating female screw. The bolt comprises a constant diameter columnar portion having a smaller diameter than that of a bolt shank portion and formed on an end portion of the bolt shank portion, formed with normal screw threads, in a direction of insertion with a short tapered portion therebetween, and complete screw threads formed on the constant diameter columnar portion to be equal in pitch and thread groove depth to the normal screw threads on the bolt shank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., LTD
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Murase, Yoshiyasu Ito, Yasuhiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 6116832
    Abstract: The screw of the invention is characterized by a threaded shank of which the foot segment is an elastomer and of which the head segment is a dimensionally stable material, preferably a plastic. The screw comprising an elastomer buffer integrated into it in this manner is used to decouple vibrations from two components to be connected without having to resort to any further accessory means. Preferably the screw is used as a locking screw and foremost is applicable to affix a motor vehicle water radiator to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignees: WOCO Franz-Josef Wolf & Co., Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Josef Wolf, Eric Portal, Manfred Schatz, Axel Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 6086303
    Abstract: The spacer screw has a first thread section (1) which can be screwed into a base element, a head section (3) which can be introduced into the construction element, a shank section (2) formed between the head section and the first thread section and a recess for the insertion of a tool. A second thread section (4), is additionally formed between the anchoring section and the shank section and has the same core diameter as the anchoring section (6). When using the spacer screw the head section (3) is drawn into the construction element by the second thread section (4) independently of the turning in of the first thread section (1), so that on the one hand the adjustment of the spacing between the base element and the construction element can take place without special measures and, on the other hand, the screw can be used independently of the differences in strength of the base element and the construction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Werner Fluckiger
  • Patent number: 6074149
    Abstract: A threaded fastener having a threaded shank with threads on a forward portion of the shank near the tip of greater size than threads on a rear portion of the shank. A collated screwstrip comprising a plastic holding strap holding a plurality of such fasteners in a row in spaced side-by-side relation with the holding strap in threaded engagement with the smaller rear thread portion of each fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: G. Lyle Habermehl
    Inventors: G. Lyle Habermehl, Troy D. Hale, Robert S. Bartley
  • Patent number: 6065919
    Abstract: A self-tapping screw with improved cutting point includes a head, a screw body, a double cutting point, and a washer. A first thread and a second thread are formed on the screw body. The second thread has the same pitch as the first thread and is formed between the first thread. The second thread has a major diameter which is less than the major diameter of the first thread. The first thread starts at substantially a shoulder and continues to a point of the screw body The second thread starts at substantially the shoulder and continues to the point of the screw body. The shoulder is formed on a bottom of the head. A washer preferably metal with rubber vulcanized thereon is placed under the shoulder of the head. The rubber seals the hole created by the self-tapping screw with improved cutting point. A notch may be included to improve the deburring and drilling ability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Philip D. Peck
  • Patent number: 6053653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening method for fastening a first member to a second member by a bolt, comprising the steps of: inserting the bolt through a hole in the first member into a hole in the second member to start threadably engaging the bolt in a threaded hole provided in the second member; then, in a subsequent threadably engaging process, shaping, for example by plastically deforming or cutting, the holes of both the first and second members by a large-diameter portion provided around a bolt shank and having a diameter larger than that of the holes. The invention also provides a fastening system and a bolt used for the above-described method. With this method, it is possible to accurately connect the first and second members by the bolt, and to miniaturize the parts without increasing costs or lowering productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sannohashi Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehumi Tanaka, Hideki Muramatsu, Shigehisa Becchaku
  • Patent number: 6045312
    Abstract: In a fastener having a head and a shank having a generally cylindrical portion with a proximal end adjoining the head and with a distal end, the shank has a primary thread formation and a secondary thread formation. The primary thread formation has a generally uniform radial dimension along the generally cylindrical portion. In one embodiment, the secondary thread formation has a radial dimension tapering outwardly so as to increase continuously from a region where the secondary thread formation originates near the distal end to a region where the secondary thread formation has a maximum radial dimension, which is equal approximately to the generally uniform radial dimension, the latter region being closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. If the secondary thread formation is interrupted, tapping torque is lower, as compared to tapping torque if the secondary thread formation is continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Hsing
  • Patent number: 6022177
    Abstract: The spacer screw has a thread section which can be inserted into a base member, a head section which can be introduced into a structural member and has a thread, and a shank section arranged in between. According to the invention, the thread is provided with a series of slits which in turn is formed from recesses running transversely to the screw axis and interrupting the thread turn at constant distances. When the screw is used, the thread is screwed into the structural member, which, in contrast to the use of known screws, is effected without excessive force. In addition, this screwing-in process takes place independently of the screwing of the thread section into the base member. When the thread section is screwed into the base member and when the head section is screwed into the structural member, the slit-like recesses do in fact generate a draw-in resistance, the draw-through force of the thread of the head section being reduced by the magnitude of said draw-in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Meyer Liestal AG
    Inventor: David Hofer
  • Patent number: 6015251
    Abstract: A secure threaded fastener, prevented from unexpectedly coming loose, is described. The fastener or a nut or bolt has a coil spring capable of stopping the fastener when the fastener may be unexpectedly rotated in a loosening direction due to an outside force. The coil spring is received in a smooth section of the fastener with one end of the spring being fixed and the other end being movable and so the spring's diameter is changeable in accordance with a rotating direction of the fastener. When the fastener is rotated in a tightening direction, the spring allows the fastener to be smoothly tightened. However, when the fastener is unexpectedly rotated in a loosening direction, the spring prevents the fastener from unexpectedly coming loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Boo Kang Chung
  • Patent number: 6015252
    Abstract: A self tapping screw with improved cutting point includes a head, a screw body, a double cutting point, and a washer. A first thread and a second thread are formed on the screw body. The second thread has the same pitch as the first thread and is formed between the first thread. The second thread has a major diameter which is less than the major diameter of the first thread. The first thread starts at substantially a shoulder and continues to a point of the screw body. The second thread starts at substantially the shoulder and continues to the point of the screw body. The shoulder is formed on a bottom of the head. A washer is placed under the shoulder of the head. The rubber washer seals the hole created by the self-tapping screw with improved cutting point. A notch may be included to improve the deburring and drilling ability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Philip D. Peck
  • Patent number: 5961896
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a carburetor fuel adjusting device that facilitates control of the quantity of fuel that flows from the fuel chamber to an air intake port of a carburetor by making it possible for the user to adjust an adjustment valve within the limits defined by emission control regulations. The carburetor fuel adjusting device has a cap having two appendages, and an engagement area to engage a valve extension of the fuel adjustment valves of a carburetor. The cap is retained by the retainer in either a disengaged position, or an engaged position wherein the engagement area of the cap becomes attached to the valve extensions. In the engaged position, the adjustment valves can be turned in unison with the cap within a range formed by the angle between the appendages which, when rotated, abut against stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: U.S.A. Zama Inc.
    Inventors: Kimio Koizumi, Yasuaki Kohira, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 5957646
    Abstract: An enhanced strength screw-type, self-tapping masonry anchor for fastening a fixture or other attachment to masonry in which a hole is drilled to receive the anchor. The anchor is provided with a shank having a root section surrounded by at least one helical male cutting thread whose crest diameter exceeds the diameter of the hole whereby when the anchor is screwed into the hole, the cutting thread then cuts a female thread in the bank of the hole to mechanically retain the anchor therein to impart to the anchor a holding power that resists axial pull-out forces. Formed on the root in the helical land between successive convolutions of the thread is a ridge that is raised above the root to define a compacting zone between the ridge and the bank of the hole. Particulate debris produced by the cutting action is discharged into the land and forced into the compacting zone to create a dense mass that wedges the anchor in the hole and thereby enhances the holding power of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Anthony C. Giannuzzi
    Inventors: Anthony C. Giannuzzi, Louis N. Giannuzzi
  • Patent number: 5895425
    Abstract: A surgical implant for securing ligament grafts into a joint. The implant has back-biting threads that allow the implant to be advanced into bone by impaction. If necessary, the implant can be removed from the bone by rotation. The implant is used, for example, for knee ligament repair by forming a longitudinal socket in a bone. The socket is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the flexible strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance to the longitudinal socket. The ends of the flexible strand remain accessible on either side of the bone. The ligament graft is captured within the strand loop protruding from the entrance to the socket. The strand is retracted into the socket, drawing the graft into the socket by pulling on the accessible ends of the flexible strand. The graft is fixed in the socket using the transverse implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Donald Grafton, Eugene M. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5885041
    Abstract: A self-tapping, screw-type masonry anchor turnable into a hole drilled in masonry to fasten an object thereto, the anchor also being capable of being chemically retained in the hole to render it exceptionally resistant to pull out and vibratory forces. The anchor includes a head engageable by a tool to turn the anchor into the hole and a shank extending from the head surrounded by at least one helical cutting thread whose crest diameter exceeds the hole diameter whereby as the anchor is turned into the hole, a mating thread is then tapped in its bank. Also surrounding the shank in the space between successive convolutions of the thread is a helical zone. The shank of the anchor is coated with a release agent, and when a charge of an uncured, flowable resinous adhesive is deposited in the hole and the shank is turned therein, this adhesive then fills the helical zone, the flowable adhesive acting to lubricate and cool the cutting thread as the shank is turned into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Anthony C. Giannuzzi
    Inventors: Louis N. Giannuzzi, Anthony C. Giannuzzi
  • Patent number: 5863167
    Abstract: The present invention supplies a drilling screw which can fix a gypsum board to a thin steel plate by utilizing an impact-type air driven screw fastener and execution method for fixing efficiently the gypsum board to the thin steel plate. The drilling screw 11 comprising the parallel thread part 13 and the smaller diameter parallel thread part 15 which are connected through the taper thread part 14. The height of thread crest of the smaller diameter parallel thread part 15 is as small as about 0.1 mm. The taper bit 16 is formed at the fore end of the smaller diameter parallel thread part 15. When the drilling screw 11 is hammered into the gypsum board and the C-type steel plate structural material with the impact-type air driven screw fastener, the smaller diameter parallel thread part 15 is inserted through the steel plate. Since the smaller diameter parallel thread part 15 has so small diameter, the steel plate is seldom deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Max Co.,Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5833418
    Abstract: To make it easy to manufacture a stud 1 provided with a spherical surface bearing, a race (3) is composed of a first member (3a) and a second member (3b) so that a ball receiving portion (301) is separated. Coupling surfaces (5) and (6) that couple with each other are formed in the first and second members (3a) and (3b). Screw portions are formed on the coupling surfaces (5) and (6), respectively. When the stud (1) provided with the spherical surface bearing is manufactured, a ball (2a) is held by the first and second members formed indivisually, and the first and second members (3a) and (3b) are threadably engaged with each other at the screw portions. In this case, by adjusting an amount of a engagement at the screw portion, the positional relationship between the first and second members (3a) and (3b) is set as desired, to thereby suitably adjust a gap between the ball receiving portion (301) of the race (3) and the ball (2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Shoji
  • Patent number: 5827031
    Abstract: A self starting finishing screw with a cylindrical shaft with a taper on one end and a tool engaging recess on the other end. The shaft is threaded along the entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory T. Swallow
  • Patent number: 5816012
    Abstract: An improved fastener securing framing members to metal studs is provided. The fastener has rigid shank, an integral head, a self-tapping or drilling tip, and a first and a second spaced apart buttress threads. The shank has a generally circular cross-section and a longitudinally extending axis. The head integrally extends a first end of the shank and has a top portion and an underside. The self-drilling tip is extends from a second end of the shank. The first buttress thread is formed in said shank and is adjacent the head and partially traverses the shank, terminating from the shank's second end. The second buttress thread is formed in the shank and sufficiently spaced apart from the first buttress thread such that the first thread does not continue to threadingly feed the shank through an aperture formed by the self-drilling tip, the second buttress thread terminating adjacent the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Willis
  • Patent number: 5795120
    Abstract: A screw or tap for forming or cutting threads in a workpiece. The screw includes a cylindrical shank directed along a longitudinal axis. The shank includes a work holding portion having a plurality of helical threads of a constant crest diameter, a constant root diameter, a constant pitch diameter, and circular cross-section. The shank also has a lead portion having at least a portion of a helical thread. Intermediate the work holding portion and the lead portion is a forming portion. The forming portion has at least one full thread located thereon having a crest diameter which is greater than the crest diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion, a root diameter which is larger than the root diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion, and a pitch diameter which is proportionally greater than the pitch diameter of the holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Donald R. Hurdle
  • Patent number: 5779417
    Abstract: In a fastener having a head, which may have having torque-absorbing ribs, and a shank, which is unitary with the head and which has a primary thread formation and a secondary thread formation. The primary thread formation, which defines axially spaced threads along a generally cylindrical portion of the shank and along a tapered tip of the shank, has a generally uniform radial dimension along the generally cylindrical portion of the shank. The secondary thread formation, which defines axially spaced threads between some of the threads defined by the primary thread formation, originates at a region spaced axially from the distal end of the generally cylindrical portion of the shank, terminates at the head, and tapers outwardly from the region where it originates toward the head. The secondary thread formation at the region adjoining the head has a radial dimension less than the generally uniform radial dimension of the primary thread formation along the generally cylindrical portion of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald D. Barth, Frank W. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 5772375
    Abstract: A cavity wall which is usually made with a hollow concrete block as the inner wythe and brick as the outer wythe is disclosed. A special purpose insertion tool is fitted to a standard hammer tool. A center pin is provided in the insertion tool made with an indent to match the pointed end of the tie. The pin is then pressed into the SDS fitting which is the connection into the drill. The tie end is supported by a short sleeve which, when it contacts the face of the wall, retracts against a spring until the tie driving is completed. A modified embodiment of the adapter recognizes that the tie when activated by the hammer invariably rotates clockwise. Accordingly, if the spring is wound clockwise, the bottom tail end will dig into its seat. On the other hand, if it is wound counterclockwise, it rotates in a "tail skid" relationship to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Helifix Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Ian Paterson, Brian Alan Breeze
  • Patent number: 5772927
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a carburetor fuel adjusting device that facilitates control of the quantity of fuel that flows from the fuel chamber to an air intake port of a carburetor by making it possible for the user to adjust an adjustment valve within the limits defined by emission control regulations. The carburetor fuel adjusting device has a cap having two appendages, and an engagement area to engage a valve extension of the fuel adjustment valves of a carburetor. The cap is retained by the retainer in either a disengaged position, or an engaged position wherein the engagement area of the cap becomes attached to the valve extensions. In the engaged position, the adjustment valves can be turned in unison with the cap within a range formed by the angle between the appendages which, when rotated, abut against stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: U.S.A. Zama, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimio Koizumi, Yasuaki Kohira, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 5746039
    Abstract: A truss fastener for fastening a chord to a tubular member comprises a head and a shank extending from the underside of the head and terminating at a self-drilling distal tip. The shank comprises proximal and distal portions, each having a spiral buttress thread, that are separated by an unthreaded shaft portion. The length L.sub.1 of the self-drilling tip and the distal, shaft and proximal portions of the shank L.sub.2, L.sub.3, L.sub.4 are selected such that L.sub.2 +L.sub.3 is greater than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, L.sub.1 +L.sub.2 is less than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, and L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are each greater than the total of the thickness T.sub.1 of the wall of the tubular member and the thickness T.sub.2 of the wall of the chord T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. Preferably L.sub.4 is also greater than T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. During installation, the shaft portion freely rotates within the entrance holes in the chord and tubular member as the self-drilling tip drills the exit holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Metaltite Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Nystrom
  • Patent number: 5743914
    Abstract: A bone screw having a head with a socket for receiving a screw driving device and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft includes respective alternating first and second helical threads running substantially parallel with each other along the shaft. Additionally, the second series of helical threads exhibits a diameter substantially different than the first series of helical threads. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the thread pattern of the bone screw exhibits a hi-low thread configuration. In addition, the bone screw may comprise a plurality of series of helical threads, each exhibiting different diameters from the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffry B. Skiba
  • Patent number: 5653614
    Abstract: Electrical apparatus including a cap and having a connection screw terminal cooperating by way of a screwthreaded head with a screwthreaded hole in the cap. The screwthreaded hole has an unthreaded outer part accommodating most of the screwthreaded part of the screwhead. A captive clamping washer is provided to permit clamping of a conductor between the clamping washer and a fixed conductive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Guy Eschermann, Pierre Merlin
  • Patent number: 5645386
    Abstract: A force fit connecting element (1), particularly a wheel stud, which may be force fit into in a drilled hole (3) through the exertion of an axial force, having a shank (5) and a stop (4) in the shape of a head, a collar or the like, having a diameter larger than shank (5). The shank (5) has on the side facing the stop (4) a force fit section (10), which is oversized with respect to the corresponding drilled hole (3). The shank (5) has on the side facing away from the stop (4) a section (22) with a fastening thread (23). The force fit section (10) has a multiple-threaded, preferably at least triple-threaded, helical profile (11). The helical profile (11), with respect to the cylindrical surface area of the drilled hole (3), has a contact area fraction (33) of at least 30% and is made by cold forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Damm, Walter Mages, Andreas Mohr
  • Patent number: 5609454
    Abstract: A driving assembly for driving opposed first and second driven members includes an elongated rod and a stop unit. The elongated rod extends through a through-hole of the second driven member. The elongated rod has an enlarged threaded first portion which is adapted to extend threadably through a screw hole of the first driven member and which is sized to prevent extension of the first portion through the through-hole of the second driven member, and a second portion which is adapted to extend out of the through-hole of the second driven member. The first and second portions of the elongated rod extend from two sides of the second driven member. The stop unit is connected to the second portion of the elongated rod so as to prevent axial movement of the elongated rod toward the first driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 5556255
    Abstract: A integrally threaded outlet for a turbine for paint spraying equipment of the type having a die cast turbine to provide air for operation with a portable paint spraying gun, the threaded outlet integrally formed on an extension projecting tangentially of the turbine enclosure and having a diameter approximately the same as a flexible hose coupling the turbine to the portable paint spraying gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kieffer
  • Patent number: 5524736
    Abstract: A master cylinder and novel screws for practicing a novel method of bleeding the master cylinder. The screws are tightened into the orifices conventionally employed for the attachment of brake lines. With these orifices plugged, the brake fluid reservoirs are filled and the piston is forced into the high pressure position. Air or other gas initially occupying the main bore is forced into the reservoirs, and the bubbling is highly visible. When the return spring returns the piston to its original position, fluid is sucked from the reservoirs into the main bore. When bubbling ceases, the master cylinder is considered bled, and is prepared for final connection to the brake system. The screws are removed and brake lines are attached instead. Preferably, the screws are stepped, and include a section of relatively larger diameter and a section of relatively less diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Maurice J. Korshak
  • Patent number: 5520688
    Abstract: A vertebral auxiliary fixation device comprises an auxiliary fixation piece and a double-threaded self-locking screw. The auxiliary fixation piece has a coupling element located at one end thereof and a threaded through hole located at another end thereof. The screw is composed of a head, a second threaded portion engageable with the threaded through hole of the auxiliary fixation piece, and a first threaded portion intended to fasten onto a vertebra to be fixed or vertebrae contiguous to the vertebra. The vertebral auxiliary fixation device is employed in conjunction with a vertebra fixation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Chih-I Lin
  • Patent number: 5443509
    Abstract: A bone fixation screw employs plural interleaved and axially symmetrical spiral threads. The threads are machined at the screw tip to form symmetrically disposed leading cutting edges. An interference-screw embodiment has a central axial cannula and a female hexagonal drive socket. The plural threads assist in unbiased starting and fast advance of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Boucher, Matthew R. Frushell, Niles Mallory
  • Patent number: 5433569
    Abstract: A self-drilling screw (10) having a body (16) that includes a driving head (18) and aperture (20) at its one end and a self-drilling tap (22) at its other end. Intermediate the length of screw (10) a solid annular member (24) comprising a peripheral edge (31) separating annular surfaces (32, 33) is formed. A plurality of radially extending serrations or teeth (36) is formed on the one annular surface (32), in a circumferential pattern paralleling the turning motion of the screw (10) in its application to a thin gauge metal deck structure (44). Two sets (26, 27) of different sized threads are formed on the body (16) between the surface (32) and the tap (22). As the serrations (36) gouged or coerce the metal during the achieving of a fully driven position for the screw (10), the larger sized threads (26) bind or tap-like to an upright boss (52) formed by the puncturing of the hole, first by the smaller sized set (27) of threads and then by the larger thread set (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: James C. Fall, Irwinch J. Schartzman, Steven Schartzman
  • Patent number: 5425407
    Abstract: A repair plug for sealable insertion into puncture holes in tires has a conical shank carrying one or more buttress threads which may extend onto a head portion adapted for rotation with a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventors: Vincent Archuleta, Edward Archuleta