And Discrete Biasing Spring Patents (Class 411/552)
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Patent number: 11988022Abstract: The housing lock includes a barrel, a screw and a bumper. The screw and bumper are threadedly engaged with one another and slidably engaged with the barrel. A barrel passageway includes a screw stop limiting sliding of the screw and bumper assembly in the distal direction and a bumper stop limiting sliding of the screw and bumper assembly in the proximal direction. The barrel includes feet. The perimeter defined by the feet is selected to closely fit within a housing passage in order to limit rotational movement of the housing lock within the housing passageway. The length of the feet is selected to prevent manipulation of the lockout of the housing passageway once the lock is secured to the housing. The barrel provides an exterior housing stop limiting movement of the housing lock relative to the housing in a distal direction. The bumper provides an interior housing stop limiting movement of the housing lock relative to the housing in a proximal direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: The Government of the United States as represented by the Director, National Security AgencyInventors: Andrew R. McGregor, Gary S. Mosholder
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Patent number: 11901265Abstract: A heat sink fastener assembly for fastening a heat sink onto a heat generating computer component. The fastener assembly includes a stud comprising at least one cam follower, and a rotatable nut defining a cam surface. A spring may be mounted to the heat generating computer component, and the spring is biased away from the heat sink. The stud is mounted to the spring and the nut is mounted to the heat sink. A clip mounted to the heat sink provides a secondary catch or attachment of the heat sink to the component.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
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Patent number: 11753091Abstract: A fixing is provided for securing a spare wheel to a structure, for example a part of a vehicle, the fixing including a connector having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixing relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess of the structure to secure the fixing to the structure; and wherein the connector further includes a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixing is connected to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Francisco Criado Del Pino, Francisco Cuervas Florido, Ivan Cipres Ballester
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Patent number: 11624204Abstract: A vertical rod coupler includes a bracket, bolt, and cam lock. The bolt is disposed through the bracket and the cam lock, and includes a head and a transverse pin. When the bolt is rotated relative to the cam lock, a pin camming surface cams the transverse pin to adjust the tension in the bolt and/or a distance between the head and the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Timothy Schaeffer, Larry Cote, Darren C. Eller
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Patent number: 11603876Abstract: A telescopic tube is disclosed. By pressing and rotating a switching button, an abutting section is aligned to a first hole of an outer tube and then elastically pushed by an elastic member, a pin section of the switching button is released from engagement with a fastening hole of the inner tube, and the position of the inner tube in the outer tube can be adjusted individually. After the inner tube is adjusted completely and the switching button is pressed to rotated again, the pin section is inserted into the fastening hole, the engaging section is engaged in the first hole. When the switching button is pressed, the movement of the inner tube makes the switching button release from the first hole and the third hole, and the inner tube, the control assembly and the inner mounting member are retractable in the through hole of the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Inventor: Ching-Yao Chou
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Patent number: 11208838Abstract: A clip release system for a vehicle door includes: a clip including a stem and a clamping portion configured to hold a window; a lock including at least one guide extending from the first axial surface to the second axial surface, the lock being disposed in the stem of the clip; a bolt that rotates between a first position and a second position, is inserted through the hole of the lock in an insertion direction, and biased to move out of the lock in a direction opposite the insertion direction, the bolt including a head at a first end of the bolt, a shaft extending to a second end of the bolt, and at least one locking tab disposed on a surface of the shaft and configured to pass through the at least one guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Scott P. Robison, Scott L. Frederick
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Patent number: 10954983Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a spring-loaded plunger within the housing, and a spring-loaded rotating lock extending from the housing. The spring-loaded plunger includes a slot and an end portion. The end portion is configured to extend outside the housing and to be moved inward at least partially into the housing. The spring-loaded rotating lock includes a shaft, a locking pin positioned on the shaft, and a disc positioned on the shaft and having a recess. At least part of the spring-loaded plunger fits within the recess of the disc and is configured to contact the disc, and at least part of the disc fits within the slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Brent A. Carper, Mitchell H. Parker
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Patent number: 10638840Abstract: Cantilevered retention systems for architectural systems are provided herein. As one example, a cantilevered retention system may include a support structure, a cantilever structure comprising a threaded channel and an L-shaped hook structure, and one or more retention sources configured to bias the cantilever structure to a first position, the cantilever structure being moveable between the first position and a second position via a fastener that traverses the support structure and at least partially traverses the cantilever structure and the one or more retention sources.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventor: Jerry Moro
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Patent number: 10427616Abstract: An accessory attachment system comprising a fastening key having an accessory retention cap, a stem extending from the retention cap, and at least one bit extending laterally from a distal end of the stem. The stem configured to be inserted through a key aperture in an accessory to be attached to the vehicle. The system includes a locking bracket connectable to the vehicle adjacent an accessory portal provided in the vehicle. The locking bracket comprises a base plate, a keyhole disposed through the base plate, and at least one inclined securing structure disposed along a circumference of the keyhole. Each securing structure comprises a ramp and a detent. The keyhole is configured to receive the stem distal end and bit(s) therethrough, and each securing structure is configured to engage the bit(s) and interlock the fastening key with the locking bracket upon rotation of the key.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Blake Henry Wilckens, Derral Edward Creswell, III, Jeffrey Lloyd Nabors, Scott Timothy Keziah
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Patent number: 9599136Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening system (10) for fastening two first and second profile bars (16, 18) which have a first and second groove (12, 14) respectively, comprising a fastening body (20) that has feather-key-like first and second projections (30, 32) which extend into first and second groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state, the projections (30, 32) being provided with first and second screw bores respectively which extend into one of the respective groove openings (34, 36) in jaw-like manner, the respective first and second hammer heads each being freeform heads which impart a twist, the first and second shafts being located partially within the groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state and first and second noses being arranged approximately diagonally to each other at each hammer head screw (22, 24) at the transition between hammer head and shaft, which noses lie against the jaw-like screw bores (38, 40) in the assembled state so as to inhibit rotation.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
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Patent number: 9046003Abstract: A bore-scope sealing apparatus is provided for removably sealing a bore-scope opening in a turbomachine wall with a plug. The bore-scope sealing apparatus includes a bayonet coupling via which the plug is mountable to the bore-scope opening. The bayonet coupling has a projection at the plug and a corresponding recess at the bore-scope opening. A resilient retaining device is arranged at the recess being compressed by the projection in a sealing position to retain the plug in the bore-scope opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Philip Twell
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Patent number: 9011059Abstract: A fastening unit (1,101) for fastening an object to a profile element (80) with a longitudinal slot (85). The profile element having an upper side formed by a flanges which define between them the longitudinal slot. The fastening unit includes an oblong metal anchoring element (2) for engaging behind the flanges, a washer element (4) for engaging the upper side of the flanges and a support element. The support element (3) is connected to the anchoring element and associated with the washer element. The connection between the support element and the anchoring element includes two or more connecting legs (36) which are formed integrally with a body of the support element and extend each through an associated recess in the anchoring element. The connecting legs at their distal ends have a retaining lug (37) for preventing that the anchoring element can be released from the distal ends of the connecting legs.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: J. Van Walraven Holdings B.V.Inventors: Jan Van Walraven, Marek Juzak
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Patent number: 8773857Abstract: A heat sink mounting device includes a touching plate and a mounting member. The touching plate defines a locking hole. The mounting member includes a locking post. The locking post includes a body and two protrusions protruding from the body. An inner surface of the locking hole defines two cutouts. The touching plate includes two blocking blocks extending from an edge of the locking hole on a bottom surface of the touching plate. The two protrusions extend out of the two cutouts and abut the bottom surface of the touching plate. One of the two protrusions is located between the two blocking blocks, to prevent the body from rotating freely in the locking hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Hao Yang, Xiang-Kun Zeng, Bao-Quan Shi, Jing-Jun Ni
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Patent number: 8695258Abstract: A nameplate attachment structure enables a nameplate to be attached in at least two variations of postures to a chassis outer surface of an apparatus, the nameplate being formed of an elastic body, the nameplate including: a shaft projected on a rear surface of an indication surface and having a distal end including a locking stop; and at least two engagement pieces respectively having hook projections, the chassis outer surface including: a support hole through which the shaft is inserted; and at least two engagement holes engageable with the engagement pieces. When the shaft is inserted through the support hole, the locking stop restricts movement of the nameplate in a direction in which the shaft extends, and when the engagement pieces are inserted through the engagement holes, the hook projections are engaged with the engagement holes so that the nameplate is attached to the chassis outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshifumi Kori, Akira Yokoyama
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Patent number: 8657545Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure and a clamp configured to clamp the first structure to a second structure. The clamp may include a top portion configured to extend through the slot, where the top portion includes a head, a neck portion coupled to the head and a cylindrical body coupled to the neck portion. The clamp may also include a rotatable nut located adjacent the slot, where the rotatable nut has an opening to receive the cylindrical body. The clamp may further include a spring nut configured to receive a portion of the cylindrical body. The rotatable nut is configured to be turned such that when the head of the clamp is aligned with the slot in the first structure, the top portion of the clamp is configured to lower into the opening and clamp the first structure to a second structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly
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Patent number: 8651786Abstract: A fastening device (21) for mounting on a mounting rail (11) having a rear-engagement member (22) which is configured to be introduced into the mounting opening (15) and to engage behind the rims (14) of the mounting opening (15) of the mounting rail (11); including a tensioning device (32) which cooperates with the rear-engagement member (22) and has a longitudinal axis, for clamping the fastening device (21) to the mounting rail (11); including a contact plate (42) for resting on the outside of the mounting rail (11) that has a feed-through opening for a part of the tensioning device (32); and a spring element (52) configured between the contact plate (42) and the rear-engagement member (22) for preloading the rear-engagement member (22) circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis (34) of the tensioning device (32); including a holding device (62) between the rear-engagement member (22) and the contact plate (42) for holding the rear-engagement member (22) in the preloaded position; upon releaseType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Merhar, Peter Mugg
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Patent number: 8607399Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power tool having a rotatable spindle includes a pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the pad assembly to the spindle. The pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a pad affixed to at least one side of the mounting plate, wherein the pad includes a primary material that is either metal, stone, ceramic, fiber, sand, nylon or polypropylene, and the mounting plate includes a central aperture. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a t-shaped key extending diametrically across the aperture. The t-shaped key comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the t-shaped key.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Richard T. Umbrell
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Patent number: 8567733Abstract: A support stand for display device includes a base seat, an elevating support, and a locking module detachably connected the elevating support to the base seat. The locking module includes a fixing member, a rotating member, an elastic member, and a latching member. The fixing member is fixed on one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member defines a gap and a latching groove. The rotating member is rotatably extended through the other one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member. The elastic member is sleeved on the rotating member, and abuts on the fixing member. The latching member is fixed on an end of the rotating member. The latching member is extended through the gap of the fixing member, and is engaged in the latching groove of the fixing member.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Lian-Cheng Huang, Jian Li
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Patent number: 8475101Abstract: A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Hung-Ti Su
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Patent number: 8430615Abstract: An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a securing hole, and two slots located aside the securing hole and communicating with the securing hole. The fastener includes a head, a bolt extending downwardly from the head, and two blocks extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots. The bolt is extendable through the securing hole together with the blocks extending through the slots, respectively. The fastener is then rotatable to a position such that the blocks abuts a bottom side of the base. The spring is resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yen-Chih Chen, Chien-Yu Chao
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Patent number: 8342328Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, Robert Michael Buresch, Donald George Scheffold
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Patent number: 8240944Abstract: A fixing device for an emblem plate includes a front cover, a panel, and a rotating member. The emblem plate is located on an outside of the front cover. A locking portion extends from an inner side of the front cover. The locking portion includes a hook. The panel defines a first through hole. The rotating member includes a rotating shaft extending through the first through hole. The rotating shaft axially defines a second through hole. The locking portion extends through the second through hole. A locking block is formed on an inner sidewall of the second through hole, corresponding to the hook. The rotating shaft can be rotated relative to the front cover in the first through hole of the panel, to release the locking block from the hook.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chin-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 7955038Abstract: A turnlock fastener (1) for the connection of two components features a cover plate (4) and a base shaft (5) which is formed on the cover plate (4) and which extends away from the cover plate (4), at which at least two opposing rigid locking stands (10, 11) are positioned at a distance from the cover plate (4) and extend outward from the base shaft (5) in the radial direction. In addition, a fixing arrangement is provided to secure the turnlock fastener (1) to a first component which possesses at least two radial elastic spring limbs (14, 15) which are each arranged between two locking stands (10, 11) and which are connected at one end with the base shaft (5) and which extend away from the base shaft (5) with the other free end in the direction of the cover plate (4). That way, the turnlock fastener (1) can be secured ahead of time within certain relatively large dimensions of insertion openings of different sizes and with relatively large pullout forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Friedrich Silbereisen, Jurgen Vollmer
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Publication number: 20110091298Abstract: A fastener comprises an adjustable insert that disposed in a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. An engagement member disposed within the bore is moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
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Patent number: 7841122Abstract: The present invention relates to adaptable leg supports for bipod assemblies and more specifically to an adaptable leg support assembly that is pivotable with respect to the legs of the bipod to maintain complete contact with the supporting surface as the weapon is rotated, removable to allow the adaptable leg support assembly to be sued with multiple bipod assemblies, and adaptable for use on different surfaces by changing the foot portion of the adaptable leg support assembly that actually contacts the supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Phoenix Tactical, LLCInventors: Scott Hansen, Ronald Detillo
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Publication number: 20100272541Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device comprising a closing part (8) which comprises a head plate (9) and a base shaft (11) equipped with clips (24). Spring webs are arranged on the base shaft (11) whereon a clip (24) is arranged, webbed wings are formed and journals are embodied. The receiving element (12) also comprises an edge wall (14) which is fitted with projecting sections and recesses, in addition to a profile surface. When the closing part is in the mounted state, the journals are arranged in a first recess and the spring webs are in a rear engaging position, wherein the clips engage behind the component (3). When the closing part (8) is in the demounted state, the journals are arranged in a second recess and the spring webs in a released position, wherein the journals are arranged in an engaging-free manner in relation to the rear engaging position. As a result, the components (1, 2, 3) are clipped together and can be detached from each other in a very simple manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIEInventor: Ingo Hauser
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Patent number: 7657960Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power buffer having a rotatable spindle includes a buffing pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the buffing pad assembly to the spindle. The buffing pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a buffing pad affixed to either side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate and the buffing pads each have respective aligned central apertures. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a pin extending diametrically across the aperture. The pin comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Richard T. Umbrell
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Patent number: 7556281Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bracket that connects an airbag subassembly to a support structure, such as a steering wheel armature. The bracket generally has a base formed from a material and at least two retention members extending from the base wherein the retention members are formed integral with and from the same material as the base. The present invention is also directed a method of forming the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael J Olesko, Joseph J. Mannino, Peter Vigeant, William Henry Travis
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Patent number: 7537409Abstract: An improved locking device is essentially characterized by the following features: at least two recessed sections extend radially outwards from the central axis and are arranged at regular angular intervals from one another, a setting member or rotary member is provided in the inside of the pot-like or housing-like fixed element; the rotary member comprises an actuation portion with a locking element which is axially offset in the direction of the base; the locking element has a structure provided with locking arms which project radially outwards, so that the thus designed locking element can be axially inserted through the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Steelcase Werndl AGInventor: Frank Huhnerbein
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Patent number: 7491025Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing a first substrate to an apertured second substrate includes a base member and a locking member mounted for rotation relative to the base member. The locking member is rotatable between an insertion position for insertion of the base member and locking member through the aperture formed in the second substrate and a locking position for releasably securing the first and second substrates together. A resilient member is provided to bias the locking member toward the base member when the resilient member is compressed. The locking member includes at least one protrusion and the base member includes at least one detent. The detent and protrusion are configured to releasably engage each other in the insertion position of the locking member and disengage from each other upon rotation of the locking member toward the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventors: Matthew A. Tangeman, Rainer B. Teufel
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Patent number: 7474530Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating heat in a computer system includes a heat sink, at least one fastener which secures the heat sink to at least one first support member, and at least one cup. The first support member has a top side and a bottom side. The at least one cup includes a cylindrical cavity, an upper protruding lip, and a lower base having a hole through which the at least one fastener passes. A method for dissipating heat in a computer system includes, mounting a heat emitting component onto a printed circuit board, pressing a heat sink into thermal contact with a heat emitting component, inserting a cup into an aperture of the heat sink, and supporting a heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Stewart, Daniel Hruska
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Patent number: 7401995Abstract: A channel connector comprises a main portion having a connecting portion, a clamping element having at least two opposite ends, and a threaded element threadably connecting the main portion to the clamping element. Each of the two opposite ends are spaced to interfere with walls of an interior portion of a channel during rotation of the clamping element in the interior portion of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Ronald C. Senakiewich, II
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Patent number: 7150596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventors: Carroll Diaz, Derrick Prentice
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Patent number: 7114899Abstract: A pop-up fastener including a tubular retainer for one-way passage into a socket. A fastening member slidably extends through the retainer. The fastening member has helical threads at its top and a protrusion at its bottom. A compressed spring is positioned atop the retainer for urging the protrusion into engagement with the bottom of the retainer and for urging the helical threads from the top of the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventors: Richard Christopher Gass, Robert Neil Dombroski, Ralph Carpinella
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Patent number: 7090454Abstract: A fastener, such as a housing, for mounting to a structure, such as a panel, that has an aperture formed therethrough. The fastener includes a shank member and an annular nut member that is configured to align coaxially with the shank member. The shank member is inserted through aperture in the structure and the nut member is placed on the shank member. Teeth on the radially outwardly facing surface of the shank member engage a pawl, such as one or more teeth, on the radially inwardly facing surface of the nut member to lock the nut member to the shank member. Removal of the nut member is effected by rotating the nut member to disengage the pawl from the teeth, thereby permitting longitudinal displacement of the nut member off of the shank member.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Floyd Bell, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Shain
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Patent number: 7077610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Buern USA, L.L.C.Inventor: Carroll Diaz
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Patent number: 7065963Abstract: A vibration and heat insulating board fixed so as to cover at least part of a heat source while forming a gap against the heat source surface, in order to lessen diffusion of heat from the heat source fixed in a vibration source, in which the heat source and the vibration and heat insulating board are coupled by means of a collar member having a pair of locking pieces fitted to the vibration and heat insulating board main body and bolted to a mounting part of the heat source, and ring-shaped coil members interposed between the pair of locking pieces of the collar member and the vibration and heat insulating board main body.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Nichias CorporationInventor: Takahiro Niwa
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Patent number: 7052223Abstract: A lockable key comprises a handle, a flange, a shaft, a first spring, a second spring, and two depressible balls. The handle is connected to the top of said flange, and the shaft is connected to the bottom of the flange. The shaft provides two lateral appendages, and he first spring is coiled around the shaft between the flange and the two lateral appendages. The shaft terminates in a tapered region that provides apertures through which the depressible balls depend. The second spring is mounted internal to the shaft and acts to push the depressible balls outwardly through the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: William Clarence Miller
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Patent number: 7044701Abstract: A fastening system (1) comprises a rear grip part (5) for introduction into a mounting opening (4) of an elongated mounting rail (2) in a first position and for gripping behind the mounting projections (6.1, 6.2) in a second position and a stop (3) for frontal external loading of the mounting rail (2). The stop (3) is connected to the rear grip part (5) by means of a threaded bolt (9). In addition, on the fastening system (1) a system is provided for providing a relative rotary movement between the stop (3) and the rear grip part (5) about the axis of the bolt (9). The system is configured as a transmission system for transforming a translatory movement of the bolt (9) relative to the stop (3) into a rotary movement of the rear grip part (5) relative to the stop (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Armin Herb
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Patent number: 6848388Abstract: An apparatus for quickly installing a flag on and removing a flag from a golf hole flag staff is disclosed. A flag staff attachment having laterally displaceable retaining clips is threaded onto the top of a golf hole flag staff, and a retainer cap is installed through the aperture at the top of the sleeve of a golf hole flag. Laterally displaceable retaining clips on the retaining cap engage the flag sleeve's aperture, thereby securing the retaining cap to the flag. An engagement member on the retaining cap displaces the retaining clips of the flag staff attachment, thereby allowing the engagement member to pass therebetween, thereby securing the flag to the staff.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Robert Shields
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Patent number: 6837661Abstract: A detachable insert connection arrangement adapted to be connected to a retaining channel having a slot-like opening between two retaining edges and method of connecting a component to a retaining channel. The connection arrangement includes a holder having a push-in part that includes a locking element. The push-in part is capable of being pushed into the retaining channel. A rotation pin is coupled to the locking element. The locking element is at least partially rotatable in two directions. A spring biases the locking element towards a locking position such that when the locking element is arranged in the retaining channel, the locking element bridges the slot and engages an inside of the two retaining edges. The locking element is movable, upon movement of the rotation pin against a biasing force of the spring, to a non-locking position, whereby the push-in part can be removed from the retaining channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbHInventors: Helmut Schwarz, Bernhard Homner
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Patent number: 6773215Abstract: A fastener for securing a composite panel 14 to a noncomposite support 12 includes a composite stud 22 with a notched shank 26, and a collar 36 with an axis 38 and circumferentially extending ribs 56. When assembled, the ribs 56 and notches 28 engage each other to resist axial translation between the stud and the collar. In one embodiment, a spring 66 urges the rib into contact with the notch to tension the stud and clamp the panel to its support. In a second embodiment, the collar 36a has external threads. A nut 76 engages the threads to tension the stud and clamp the panel to its support. The spring 66 is optional in the second embodiment. Because the composite stud is susceptible to damage if exposed to excessive torque, both embodiments include features to minimize torque transfer to the stud during assembly and disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: William J. Cuva, Robert E. Warburton
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Patent number: 6705795Abstract: An attachment mechanism for connecting a cooling device with a component to be cooled and carried by a connector is disclosed. The attachment mechanism includes a plate, a bore that connects with a portion of the cooling device, a hinge that can be removably hinged on the connector, and a latch assembly that includes tilt relief profiles that allow the latch assembly to pivot on the plate so that a latch profile on the latch assembly can be removably latched on the connector. The latch assembly further includes a spring locator and a spring that are positioned within a slot in the latch assembly and hold the spring pre-loaded in compression. When the latch assembly is tilted on the plate, the latch profile is pivoted outward to facilitate latching onto the connector. After latching onto the connector, the spring is further compressed and exerts a load between the cooling device and the component to be cooled such that contact resistance is reduced and thermal transfer is increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Shankar Hegde
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Patent number: 6666640Abstract: A fastener for a heat-radiator on a chip has a leg with a lower end and an upper end. A cone-shaped foot of which a maximum diameter is larger than that of the leg is formed at the lower end of the leg. A head is formed at an upper end of the leg. Two flexible bow arms are oppositely formed at two sides of the leg, each with a first end fixed on a bottom face of the head. A ring is formed on second ends of the bow arms. An opening is defined in the ring for the leg extending therethrough. A resilient member is provided outside the leg and extends through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventor: Hsin-Mao Hsieh
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Patent number: 6634844Abstract: The present invention is a fastener assembly, and a system including two panels secured together by the fastener. The panels may form part of a container with two portions secured together by the fastener, such as a door and a panel to which the door is hingedly connected. The container may have walls that are formed of a composite material with a metal edge channel. The fastener is suitable for joining panels that are relatively thick, such as those formed of a composite material. The fastener includes a screw rotatable in a body to move a crossbar into engagement with one portion of the container to clamp that portion to another portion of the container. The fastener is tamper resistant and operable completely from the exterior, without need to access the inside end of the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Bryan J. Huber
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Publication number: 20030156923Abstract: An indexing plunger is provided whereby a first downward force exerted on a hand grip or a lever will move a pin assembly downwardly and whereby a second rotating force exerted on the hand grip or the lever either clockwise or counterclockwise will lock the device into place by extending the locating pin and thereby locking it into place using the compression force exerted by an internal spring. This embodiment can assume a number of different physical configurations. In another preferred embodiment, the object is to provide an indexing plunger that moves the locating pin incrementally downwardly through the housing when the handgrip is rotated in the clockwise direction. At all times during the pin's downward movement, a compression spring maintains an opposing force on the handgrip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: John M. Winkler, Tony J. Cavadias
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Patent number: 6598435Abstract: A locking device suitable for NID housing security. The device includes a slotted cylinder, a key and key tool. The slotted cylinder has a resistance component contained in the cylinder. The key is mateable with the slotted cylinder and is held in place by the force of the resistance component. The key head has a cavity therein of a complimentary shape to the key tool so that the tool may be used to turn the key for locking or unlocking. A cylindrical sleeve is used for additional security. The sleeve fits over the mated key and slotted cylinder to protect against release of the parts and may further provide a barrier to removal from a structure being locked. By use of different key head cavity shapes each subscriber may only access their own line in a NID.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.Inventors: Douglas L. Cowan, David S. Kerr, Jason A. Kay, Ronald Marchisin, Ivan Pawlenko
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Patent number: 6568894Abstract: Fasteners, such as lock-pins, that in selected embodiments can be installed or removed from the near side of a blind installation. In one embodiment, the lock-pin includes a pin and a rotatable key. The pin includes a head portion, a shaft portion having a tip end, and a longitudinal axis of symmetry. A bore extends through the head portion and the shaft portion in a generally longitudinal direction non-colinear with the longitudinal axis of symmetry. In one aspect of this embodiment, the key includes a spring portion toward the head portion of the pin, a retainer portion toward the tip end of the pin, and an actuator rod portion extending therebetween rotatably disposed within the bore of the pin. When the key is rotated to an unlocked position, the retainer portion is disposed within the diameter of the shaft portion such that the pin can be inserted in, or retracted from, a hole only slightly larger in diameter than the shaft portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Golden Dove MarineInventors: Richard Golden, Mark Adams
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Patent number: 6520725Abstract: A holder for connection to a first unit has a locking device designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part in the first unit and, in a second position, for locking the holder to the first unit, is described. The holder's locking device has a threaded locking shaft arranged for axial movement in the holder, a handle with a threaded hole for admitting the locking shaft and a locking element rigidly connected to the locking shaft. The holder also has at least one beveled shoulder against which the locking element is axially movable, the handle axially pulling the locking shaft, as well as the locking element, against the beveled shoulder when rotated for locking, thereby inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element to lock the holder to the receiving part.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Siemens-Elema ABInventor: Thomas Valeij
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Patent number: 6506007Abstract: A fastening bolt fastens flanges between a bolt head and a nut attached on the threaded portion of the shaft via spherical washers. The fastening bolt has a cavity formed within the shaft. By application of pressure in the cavity with a hydraulic fluid supplied through a hydraulic pressure port in a plug, the shaft is extended and the fastening bolt becomes unfastened condition. In the unfastened condition, a gap is created between flange and nut, and the nut and the fastening bolt are free to rotate each other, therefore, the nut can be removed easily by hand from the fastening bolt, even the bolt is large in size. The fastening force is adjustable by the width of the gap before releasing hydraulic pressure in the cavity. By releasing hydraulic pressure in the cavity, the fastened condition is obtained. Conversion between fastened condition and unfastened condition can be made quickly and easily.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuharu Kishimoto, Yukihiko Koza, Hiroki Nomoto, Kenichi Yajima