Expander Threadedly Engaged By Mover Patents (Class 411/55)
  • Patent number: 9522028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fixation device for sacroiliac joint stabilization. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through the ilium of the pelvis and the bone anchor is rotated into position within the sacrum. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the sacroiliac joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Warren, Robert J. Flower
  • Patent number: 9506494
    Abstract: Fasteners are generally described. In some examples, a fastener can be secured to a first member or it can secure a second (or further) member to the first member. The example fastener can include a body for location with respect to the first member. The example fastener can also include at least one latch which can be located with respect to the body. The latch can move laterally with respect to the body from a non-latching position to a latching position. The example fastener can also include an actuator. The actuator can protrude from the body as the actuator moves from an inactive position to an active position. When the actuator is in the inactive position and the at least one latch is in the non-latching position, the body can be located with respect to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Peter Vullings
  • Patent number: 9486328
    Abstract: An expandable intervertebral cage device includes a first base plate and a second base plate, a proximal block with internal threading that mechanically couples the first base plate and the second base plate, and a distal block comprising an internal passage. The device has exactly two arm assemblies, one on each side. Each arm assembly includes a first arm mechanically coupled to the first base plate and the distal block, and a second arm is mechanically coupled to the second base plate and the distal block. A screw is arranged partially within the internal threading of the proximal block and passes through the internal passage of the distal block, such that rotation of the screw relative to the proximal block causes a change in distance between the proximal block and the distal block, and a corresponding change in the spacing and lordosis of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ex Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Omar F. Jimenez, Yefim Safris
  • Patent number: 9445919
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable thereform. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9398928
    Abstract: An orthopaedic assembly. The orthopaedic assembly includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a bone and an adjustable connector assembly including an adjuster having a threaded end and a tapered end. The assembly also includes an articulation component including a bearing surface and adapted to be coupled to the tapered end of the adjustable connector assembly. The threaded end is adapted to engage the fixation plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason M Chavarria, Scott A Lubensky
  • Patent number: 9339315
    Abstract: A bone fastener for use in orthopedic surgery for fixing an implant to bone has a threaded or unthreaded shaft configured to engage bone and a head having a thread on an outer surface to engage the implant. The thread on the head of the fastener has a profile in cross section that includes peaks with a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Manuel Schwager, Rene Wirth, Axel Cremer
  • Patent number: 9212684
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rivet nut unit. The rivet nut unit may comprise a rivet nut including a flange of which a lower surface is supported by a upper surface of a plate while riveting the plate by a riveter, a body part of which the inside of a lower part is worked to have screw threads and which is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape with a lower portion of the flange, and a hole-making head which is disengageably located on a lower end of the body part to rotate together with the rivet nut and bore an insertion hole in the plate while the riveter rotates in order to insert the body part into the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: SUNGWOO HITECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mun Yong Lee, Deok Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9125701
    Abstract: A subtalar implant (1) for stabilizing the subtalar joint in the human foot includes a longitudinal axis (L) extending between a front end (13) and a rear end (14), wherein a first anchor portion (2) is arranged to the side of the longitudinal axis (L) and a second anchor portion (3) is arranged to the side of the longitudinal axis (L). In accordance with the invention, a spreading mechanism (5) to spread apart the implant as a result of relative displacement of the first and second anchor portion (2, 3) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Pech, Vladko Kotuljac
  • Publication number: 20150139748
    Abstract: Fasteners are generally described. In some examples, a fastener can be secured to a first member or it can secure a second (or further) member to the first member. The example fastener can include a body for location with respect to the first member. The example fastener can also include at least one latch which can be located with respect to the body. The latch can move laterally with respect to the body from a non-latching position to a latching position. The example fastener can also include an actuator. The actuator can protrude from the body as the actuator moves from an inactive position to an active position. When the actuator is in the inactive position and the at least one latch is in the non-latching position, the body can be located with respect to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Peter Vullings
  • Patent number: 9022074
    Abstract: A plug for heat-conducting tubes is equipped with: a plug main body, which is formed so as to be capable of being inserted into the heat-conducting tubes; a columnar member, which is capable of being inserted into and removed from the plug main body from the cylindrical open end of the plug main body, and has at its outer circumference a tapered surface; and a wedge member, which is formed so as to be capable of being inserted into and removed from the plug main body from the cylindrical open end of the plug main body, and has at its inner circumference a tapered surface which opposes the tapered surface of the columnar member when the wedge member is inserted into the plug main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9012006
    Abstract: A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shiloh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Fisk, Daniel J. Driscoll, James F. Keys
  • Patent number: 8979454
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fastener anchor assembly for securing a fastener includes a base and a recess formed in the base. The recess has a substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape. The assembly further includes an insert positionable within the recess. The insert has a substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding with the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the recess. Additionally, the insert includes a fastener opening and at least one flexible portion. The flexible portion flexes to engage the recess as a fastener moves through the fastener opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Rich Howe, Danny Green, Gary Phillips
  • Patent number: 8979452
    Abstract: An anchor bolt comprising: a shaft part with a male screw thread; and a head part connected to the shaft part and having an attachment hole with a closed-end bottom to receive a bolt therein defined at a tip surface of the head part and a breaking groove provided at an outer side surface of the head part. The breaking groove is formed at an outer surface of a portion in which the attachment hole is defined. A torque equal to or greater than a fixed value exerted on a tip portion between the tip surface and the breaking groove of the head part causes the breaking groove to be broken, thereby causing the tip portion between the tip surface and the breaking groove of the head part to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: N-Pat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ikuno
  • Patent number: 8979453
    Abstract: A blind fastener including a pull-type core bolt having a shank with a head, and a sleeve having an elongated body with a head, and a tapered notch formed within an exterior surface thereof and defined by a tapered portion having a slope and a frictional enhanced surface. The core bolt is installed within the sleeve. During installation of the fastener within the plurality of work pieces, an axial force is applied to the core bolt the head of the core bolt engages the sleeve, and a bulb is formed on the elongated body of the sleeve, the bulb defining a portion of a bulbed portion. When a selected axial force is reached, the bulbed portion separates from the elongated body and engages axially the tapered portion of the sleeve, increasing the diameter of the bulb which engages a blind side of one of the work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhart Hufnagl, Douglas DeSalvo
  • Patent number: 8961086
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a body having an enlarged head at a first end, a tapered ramp at a second end, a cylindrical shank disposed between the enlarged head and the tapered ramp, internal threads, and a cylindrical passage formed through the body between the first and second ends. The fastener further includes a generally cylindrical corebolt having first and second threaded sections separated by a third non-threaded section, the corebolt disposed within the passage of the body and a sleeve having a generally cylindrical passage therethrough and movably disposed over a portion of the corebolt. A nut is in threaded engagement with the corebolt and is disposed adjacent an end of the sleeve. An interface between the corebolt and the nut is configured to resist relative rotation of the nut with respect to the corebolt until the sleeve is in abutment with a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8931988
    Abstract: A plastic screw grommet includes a head portion provided with a screwing hole for a tapping screw, and a leg portion expanded or prevented from deflecting by screwing the tapping screw. A hole diameter of the screwing hole is made smaller than an outer diameter of the above-mentioned tapping screw and larger than a root diameter of the tapping screw. Also, a projecting portion for filling a screw groove of the tapping screw to be screwed is formed in an inner face of the screwing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Shimizu, Takeshi Okada
  • Publication number: 20150003919
    Abstract: A dock connector for the connection of dock members with receiving sockets, includes a pair of end members configured to be received in respective receiving sockets of the dock member. Each end member has a pliable expansion member at a bottom thereof adapted for movement between a contracted/relaxed position and an expanded position. The end members are connected by a brace. A wedge is operatively mounted to the end member for axial translational motion relative to the end member. The wedge operates as an actuator to move said expansion member from its relaxed position to its expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Dustin Imel, Curtis Downs
  • Publication number: 20140356093
    Abstract: A spreading connector for connecting two furniture parts, including a built-in pot having a pot bottom, the pot being pressable, pot bottom first, into a housing bore of a first of the furniture parts. The pot further has a hollow-cylindrical pot wall that has a wall opening and at least one spreading tab that is cut free in the hollow-cylindrical pot wall and is pivotable about an axis running tangentially to the hollow-cylindrical pot wall. A tightening element is rotatably mounted inside the built-in pot for tightening a fastening bolt of a second of the furniture parts which passes through the wall opening. The tightening element has an outer eccentric surface for spreading the at least one spreading tab. The at least one spreading tab has a free tab end that extends in an axial direction away from the pot bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Häfele GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter NITSCHMANN
  • Patent number: 8888425
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blind bolt fastener that includes a threaded nut and bolt combination that passes through a deformable sleeve that has a shoulder, a deformable portion and a non-deformable portion. Upon tightening of the threaded bolt and nut combination, the deformable portion is compressed so that it bulbs to form a bulbed head. The shoulder on the sleeve blocks further compression of the deformable portion once the bulbed head is substantially completely formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20140331568
    Abstract: A bolt connection assembly is provided that is particularly well-suited for connecting structural members of a lattice tower structure for a wind turbine. The bolt connection assembly includes a bolt component having a head and a shaft and a structural bore component having a bore defined therethrough for receipt of the bolt component. The shaft includes a knurled surface such that the knurled surface defines an outermost shaft diameter. Moreover, the knurled surface includes a plurality of knurls, each defining a non-arcuate edge. The bore defines a bore diameter, wherein the outermost shaft diameter is greater than the bore diameter. In an assembled state of the bolt component and the structural bore component, the bolt component may be inserted within the bore such that the knurled surface may be deformed to friction fit within the bore diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Andersen, David D. Oliphant
  • Publication number: 20140301802
    Abstract: A zero-backlash bushing employs a dual-component composite design, comprising a tapered resilient slotted bushing core compressibly engaged by a cylindrical annular sleeve. As opposed to the axial pressure of a locking nut, the annular sleeve exerts a circumferential pressure on the bushing core, thereby inducing a tight radial engagement between the threads of the bushing core and the adjustment screw, as opposed to the lateral thread engagement induced by a locking nut. This tight radial engagement leaves radial gaps between the threads of the bushing core and the screw, which radial gaps can be filled with grease. Slots in the bushing core enable migration of grease within the bushing and facilitate constriction of the bushing core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Eugeniusz Kozak
  • Patent number: 8834084
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastening member, a locking member engaged with the fastening member, and an elastic member sleeved on the fastening member. The fastening member forms an arc resisting sidewall. The elastic member includes a main body and a plurality of elastic strips extending from a same side of the main body and spaced from each other. Each elastic strip gradually closes to an center axis of the main body along the direction of away from the main body. Each elastic strip forms an arc protrusion towards the center axis of the main body on an inner wall. The arc protrusion matches with the resisting sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Chou, Lian-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8801348
    Abstract: A blind fastener for clamping together two components through which the fastener extends comprises a sleeve having a radially expandable first end, a threaded fastener for extending through the sleeve, an expansion head threadedly mounted on the threaded fastener whereby movement of the expansion head towards the second end of the sleeve expands the first end, a collar for engaging with the second end of the sleeve and having an aperture through which the threaded fastener extends, the threaded fastener having a head formation for rotation of the threaded when the collar is positioned between the head portion and the sleeve, and said second end of the sleeve and the confronting surface of the collar comprising inter-engaging formations which resist relative rotation of the sleeve and collar but permit their axial separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kee Safety Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Jordan, Paul Bowes
  • Patent number: 8777533
    Abstract: A blind fastener including a core bolt having a shank with a head and a threaded portion, and a sleeve having an elongated body with a head, an internal threaded portion, and a tapered notch formed within an exterior surface thereof and defined by a tapered portion having a slope and a frictional enhanced surface. The core bolt is installed within the sleeve such that its threaded portion engages threadedly the internal threaded portion of the sleeve. During installation of the fastener within the plurality of workpieces, a bulb is formed on the elongated body of the sleeve, the bulb defining a portion of a bulbed portion. When a selected axial force is reached, the bulbed portion separates from the elongated body and engages axially the tapered portion of the sleeve, increasing the diameter of the bulb which engages a blind side of one of the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhart Hufnagl, Douglas DeSalvo
  • Publication number: 20140165367
    Abstract: A screw attachment plug includes a proximal portion having a first diameter and a first height, a middle portion having a second, constant diameter, a second height and a means for preventing rotation of the plug relative to the substrate and the portion. The screw attachment also includes a distal portion including a distal end, proximal end, and an outer surface therebetween. The plug includes a bore through the proximal, middle and distal portions adapted to receive a screw and a plurality of slots in the distal section, each defined by an open space between the outer surface and the bore thereby separating the distal portion into a plurality of sections. The open spaces are adapted to expand when a screw is inserted into the bore to thereby expand at least the middle and distal portions within the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DIVERSIFIED STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Back, Geoffrey C. Card
  • Patent number: 8740527
    Abstract: A self-drilling wall anchor device comprises a threaded member having a first threaded section and a second threaded section that provide different diameters, and an outer sleeve having a through hole that provides connective first area, second area, and third area. A second area diameter of the second area is larger than a first diameter of the first threaded section but smaller than a second diameter of the second threaded section. A third area diameter of the third area is larger than the second area diameter of the second area. When the first threaded section and the second threaded section cooperate with the outer sleeve for drilling, the second threaded section blocks the second area and the third area. Arms of the outer sleeve warp and curl out of a gypsum object, not into the gypsum object. The present invention reaches a favorable gripping effect and a preferable anti-retracting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Chia Cheng
  • Patent number: 8714896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element (1) for anchoring in a drilled hole, having a shank portion (2) and an expansion element (3), there being arranged on the shank portion (2) an expander body (8) for expanding the expansion element (3). The expansion element (3) has a plurality of arcuate expansion lobes (11), each expansion lobe (11) being formed by two bridging portions (14) connected by a yoke (15). The bridging portions (14) of the expansion lobes (11) together generate an envelope surface (M) of the expansion element (3), which envelope surface (M) has rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis (A) of the fixing element (1). In order to provide a fixing element (1) which can be used both in a wide and also in a narrow drilled hole, the invention proposes that the yoke (15) have an arcuate curvature (17) which projects beyond the envelope surface (M) in the radial direction (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Bohnet, Jochen Kaupp, Roland Unterweger, Mathias Haag
  • Patent number: 8707657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to both a proceeding and means for, in connection with hole making in a wall (1), for the mounting of items on the moisture-proof walls (1) of a wet area by means of an expandable mounting element (2), providing sealing of the hole. According to the invention, in addition to an expansion (I) of the mounting element (2) behind said wall (1), there is also provided an internal expansion (II) of the mounting element (2) in the receiving hole (3) of the mounting element (2) in question in the wall (1). There is furthermore provided a liquid-proof cover (III) around the entire mounting element (2) in question introduced and expanding in said receiving hole (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Hicet
    Inventors: Magnus Axelsson, Martin Hiller
  • Publication number: 20140112732
    Abstract: An expanding dowel rod structure for coaxially aligning at least 2 separate workpieces having circular apertures therein and/or securely attaching a boss in a circular aperture in a workpiece providing resistance to shearing is provided. The expanding dowel rod structure is comprised of a small number of easily machinable or obtainable pieces, is simple to insert and secure, automatically coaxially aligns the dowel rod structure in a circular aperture with generally even force across substantially all of the contacting surfaces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Randall Bushen
  • Patent number: 8704620
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a drive arm and an extension arm each extending along a common drive axis. One of the arms has a plurality of resiliently deformable fingers extending beyond the end of the arm towards the other arm. At least one of the fingers has a thread on its inner face while the other arm has a threaded portion. At least part of the threaded portion is received between the fingers. The fingers are adapted to urge the threads of the two arms into interengagement such that rotation of the drive arm about the drive axis displaces the extension arm along the drive axis. The two threads are arranged such that when the ridge of one thread is received in the groove of the other thread the two sides of the ridge abut the two edges of the mouth of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Filtronic Wireless Ltd
    Inventors: John David Rhodes, Christopher Ian Mobbs, Andrew James Panks
  • Publication number: 20140096364
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a mechanical fastener, an expander including a bulbing portion and a shank wherein the bulbing portion of the expander forms a flange by movement of the mechanical fastener without applying an initial clamping force. After formation, the flange is then drawn into a clamping position by continued movement of the mechanical fastener. Also disclosed is a method of using the disclosed clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8678730
    Abstract: An anchor stud includes a stud portion including a body portion having a first end that extends to a second end though an intermediate portion. A wedge member is operatively coupled to the second end of the stud portion. The wedge member includes a body having a generally frustoconical profile and is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV. A sleeve element is positioned on the stud portion at the second end adjacent the wedge member. The sleeve element is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gaudron, Jacob Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140079496
    Abstract: An undercut anchor system designed for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a lowermost end thereof for insertion and setting of an anchor therein, which utilizes interlocked components surrounding a rod body which can be used as a setting tool in a one-step process to position a bore hole sleeve and an anchor in position within the bore hole. An anchor is positioned on the rod body below the bore sleeve. A cutting tip protrudes from a lower end of the rod body. The cutting tip portion has an operational cutting radius greater than a radius of the rod body. In this manner, an anchor can be inserted within the pre-drilled hole, and, when the anchor has been flanged outwardly by conventional means within the hole, the flange portions of the anchor will rest within the enlarged area, thus securely retaining the anchor in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Cousineau
  • Publication number: 20140056664
    Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: Michael U. March, Oviedo Arciniega
  • Patent number: 8650722
    Abstract: A clip for a vehicle including: a substantially hollow clip main unit that has a distal end portion to be fixedly pressed into a fixation member on a vehicle body side, and a base portion in which an opening is formed; and a main unit support member that is capable of supporting the clip main unit from an inside thereof in a state where the main unit support member is completely inserted into the opening of the clip main unit, wherein a clip linking device is provided to the clip main unit and the main unit support member for engaging the clip main unit with the main unit support member so as to restrict the relative displacement in the insertion direction between the clip main unit and the main unit support member, in a state where the main unit support member is half-inserted into the clip main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizuo Hosoya, Nobumoto Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 8641343
    Abstract: Threaded connectors for securing a structure such as a post or pole to a support are disclosed. In one embodiment, an anchor has a passageway that is threaded for at least a portion of its length. An elongate connecting member has a relatively wide central section and threaded first and second sections extending from opposite sides of the central section. The first section is threadable into the passageway to secure the connecting member to the anchor. The connecting member is formed with a turning formation at its outer end so that it can be engaged with a turning tool in order to thread the connecting member into or out of the passageway. A nut is part of the connector and can be threaded onto the second section in order to secure the structure. Another version of the connector has a flanged nut having a flange spaced from the outer end of the nut, which is threadable onto a threaded connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Studio Milan Design Build, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan Mitrovic
  • Patent number: 8608417
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a mechanical fastener, an expander including a bulbing portion and a shank wherein the bulbing portion of the expander forms a flange by movement of the mechanical fastener without applying an initial clamping force. After formation, the flange is then drawn into a clamping position by continued movement of the mechanical fastener. Also disclosed is a method of using the disclosed clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8602703
    Abstract: Anchor and method for use of an anchor for securing structures. The anchor of the present invention comprises a slotted sleeve disposed on a bolt. The elements of the slotted sleeve expand outwardly when a compression element on the bolt is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rich
  • Publication number: 20130319180
    Abstract: The invention concerns a family of insertable temporary fasteners (100) comprising the following: a body (101) with a bearing face (102) at least one clip (103) with a hooking spur (104) a threaded rod (105, 205) connected to the clip, with a control nut (107, 207) screwed onto the said rod The family comprises at least two temporary fasteners (100) with different diameters and nuts with different lengths (116). The invention also concerns a set comprising such a family of fasteners, along with an installation device (13) comprising a means (26, 30) of detecting the length of the nut. The invention enables the installation device to automatically determine the appropriate tightening torque when installing the fastener based on the length of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Lisi Aerospace
    Inventors: VIANNEY DES COURTIS, ALEXIS GABILLON, ETIENNE LUNEAU, PHILIPPE PROT
  • Publication number: 20130272815
    Abstract: A blind fastener including a core bolt having a shank with a head and a threaded portion, and a sleeve having an elongated body with a head, an internal threaded portion, and a tapered notch formed within an exterior surface thereof and defined by a tapered portion having a slope and a frictional enhanced surface. The core bolt is installed within the sleeve such that its threaded portion engages threadedly the internal threaded portion of the sleeve. During installation of the fastener within the plurality of workpieces, a bulb is formed on the elongated body of the sleeve, the bulb defining a portion of a bulbed portion. When a selected axial force is reached, the bulbed portion separates from the elongated body and engages axially the tapered portion of the sleeve, increasing the diameter of the bulb which engages a blind side of one of the workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhart Hufnagl, Douglas DeSalvo
  • Publication number: 20130243543
    Abstract: A blind fastener for clamping together two components through which the fastener extends comprises a sleeve having a radially expandable first end, a threaded fastener for extending through the sleeve, an expansion head threadedly mounted on the threaded fastener whereby movement of the expansion head towards the second end of the sleeve expands the first end, a collar for engaging with the second end of the sleeve and having an aperture through which the threaded fastener extends, the threaded fastener having a head formation for rotation of the threaded when the collar is positioned between the head portion and the sleeve, and said second end of the sleeve and the confronting surface of the collar comprising inter-engaging formations which resist relative rotation of the sleeve and collar but permit their axial separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KEE SAFETY LTD.
    Inventors: Matthew JORDAN, Paul BOWES
  • Patent number: 8526192
    Abstract: A boss for securing a pair of mainboards includes a circular top and a plurality of first flexible legs. The first flexible legs are disposed on one side of the circular top and are separated from each other. Each of the first flexible legs includes a tilted wall and a pressing component. The tilted wall is formed on a surface of the first flexible leg that faces another first flexible leg. The pressing component is formed on one end of the first flexible leg away from the circular top. The tilted walls of all the first flexible legs cooperatively define a tapered channel. The tapered channel can be expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Pin-Cheng Chen, Te-Cheng Lee, Hung-Pin Lin, Yao-Yu Lai, Cheng-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 8486120
    Abstract: An implant includes a body having an upper and lower ends, a longitudinal bore defined by a threaded interior surface, and a threaded exterior surface; at least one stabilizer arm associated with a corresponding longitudinal slot in the body, the stabilizer arm being hingedly attached to the body and having a bone gripping protuberance projecting laterally outward therefrom. The stabilizer arm is movable from a first position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned within the bore and a second fully extended position wherein the bone gripping protuberance is positioned outside the threaded exterior surface of the body. The stabilizer arm is resiliently biased to the first position. A camming member is movable through the bore of the body from an initial position to a final position wherein the stabilizer arm is moved to the second stabilizer arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Andrew Shimko
  • Patent number: 8444355
    Abstract: An anchor stud includes a stud portion including a body portion having a first end that extends to a second end though an intermediate portion. A wedge member is operatively coupled to the second end of the stud portion. The wedge member includes a body having a generally frustoconical profile and is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness of between about 218 HV and about 290 HV. A sleeve element is positioned on the stud portion at the second end adjacent the wedge member. The sleeve element is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness of between about 218 HV and about 290 HV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gaudron, Jacob Olsen
  • Patent number: 8434984
    Abstract: A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
  • Patent number: 8434981
    Abstract: A screw anchor for concrete attachment to a railroad tie or solid track comprises external threads (16) disposed on the exterior of the screw anchor (10) and internal threads (18) disposed inside the screw anchor (10) for force-fitted connecting to a fastening element (30), wherein the screw anchor (10) comprises two sections (12, 14) adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction, the first section (12) having a substantially cylindrical external shape and the second section (14) having a substantially conical external shape, and wherein the second section (14) is disposed between the first section (12) and an inlet opening (26) for the fastening element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Vossloh Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Bösterling, André Hunold, Eugen Gart
  • Publication number: 20130097845
    Abstract: When it comes to an expansion plug (1) including an anchor bolt (2) with an expansion element (3) on a first end section (6) of the anchor bolt (2) having a longitudinal axis (10), preferably also including at least one force-applier (20) on the anchor bolt (2) in order to hold loads, and also including an expansion sleeve (4) surrounding the anchor bolt (2), the objective is to avoid an axial movement of the expansion sleeve (14), especially in the case of a drilled hole diameter in the lower tolerance range or in the case of a hollow space. The expansion plug (1) has at least one eccentric geometry, so that an expansion of the expansion sleeve (4) can be achieved by a rotational movement of the anchor bolt (2), especially around the longitudinal axis (10) as the axis of rotation (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mark Schaeffer, Georg Oberndorfer
  • Patent number: 8425167
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a stud bolt including a bolt portion and a weld end to be welded to a workpiece, and a nut member to be screwed into the stud bolt. The nut member screwed into the stud bolt before welding is formed out of an electrically conductive material to allow the welding current to flow through the nut member into the stud bolt and weld the nut member to the workpiece while connected to the stud bolt. Then an attachment member is disposed on top of the workpiece, and the attachment member is fastened to the workpiece when the nut member is turned in the fastening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Daisuke Miura
  • Publication number: 20130078051
    Abstract: A pull-up bolt assembly for frictionally supporting a high-weight structure to a hinge component using an opening or recess in the high-weight structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL HINGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward T. Vitone, Jr., Edward A. DePietro, Karen A Lison
  • Patent number: 8398345
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp that includes a bolt, a spacer, a shank, an expander and a blocking means. The bolt includes a non-threaded undercut that permits the bolt to rotate in an internally threaded portion of the spacer without threaded engagement between the bolt and the spacer. When used as a clamp, the spacer, shank, expander and blocking means cooperate to deform the expander into a blind side flange and to clamp a work piece between the flange and the spacer. To remove the clamp, the bolt is moved away from the spacer while rotating the bolt in the expander to bring the external threads of the expander into threaded engagement with the internal threads of the spacer. This permits the extraction of the bolt from the blind side expander by maintaining rotational restraint of the expander with the spacer. In several embodiments, a compression spring is positioned between the head of the bolt and the spacer to automatically move the bolt when it is rotated in a loosening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Pratt