Threaded Expander Patents (Class 411/60.2)
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Patent number: 10729475Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together or connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. A sleeve can surround at least a portion of the bone fixation device to promote bone in-growth with or at the bone joint or fracture to facilitate fusion of the bone segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Inventor: Ronald C. Childs
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Patent number: 9493296Abstract: A shipping strap assembly protects the isolator mechanism of a vibratory screening machine against exceeding its elastic limits. The isolator mechanism is pivotally connected between shafts on the machine frame and the machine basket. The protective assembly includes a distally narrowing boss on at least one of the shafts. A rigid strap has two apertures, one contoured to receive and ride on the boss and the other contoured to receive the other shaft, spaced to maintain the distance between the shaft axes within an elastic limit of the isolator mechanism. The narrowing boss provides leeway for easy manual alignment of the mechanism shafts with the strap apertures, and the narrowing boss and contour of the other aperture facilitate restoration toward its normal load length, of an elastically distorted mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventors: Grant A. Young, Thomas Ray Young
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Patent number: 8951293Abstract: An insert for receiving a bone screw includes an elongate sleeve having opposed proximal and distal ends and a wall defined by an outer peripheral surface configured for engaging bone and an inner peripheral surface configured for receiving a bone screw extended therethrough. At least one elongate slot is formed in the wall of the sleeve for promoting flexure of the insert. A tool for affixing an orthopedic screw insert within bone tissue includes a socket portion configured and adapted to engage a proximal section of an outer peripheral surface of an orthopedic screw insert. A driver extends distally from the socket portion. The driver is configured and adapted to engage a section of an inner peripheral surface of the orthopedic screw insert distal from the socket portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Paul Andrew Glazer, Robert Jordan, John Haroutunian
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Patent number: 8919172Abstract: Threads are formed in situ throughout a bore of a sleeve inserted into a corresponding hole a substrate. A sleeve having a bore is inserted into a corresponding hole of a substrate. A mandrel is rotated through the sleeve. The mandrel has a threaded ended; the threaded end rotating throughout the bore of the sleeve forms threads throughout the bore. Prior to inserting the sleeve into the corresponding hole of the substrate, the sleeve can be placed onto the mandrel. In this case, the mandrel has an increasing diameter at the threaded end thereof, such that the sleeve rests on the mandrel towards the threaded end thereof where the bore has a smaller diameter than the mandrel. The mandrel is then rotated out of the sleeve in a direction opposite the direction in which the sleeve has been inserted into the corresponding hole of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David C. Brower, Dean F. Herring
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Publication number: 20140064872Abstract: A replaceable anchor contains a body, and the body includes an extension, at least one slot, a screwing stem, and a nut. The extension is hollowly tubular and has the at least one slot defined thereon and the screwing stem inserting through and extending out of the extension so as to screw with the nut. The extension has a circular rib extending outwardly around one end thereof and being perpendicular to the extension, such that the extension is fixed into the hole, and the circular rib contacts with the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: FAR EAST UNIVERSITYInventor: Hsiang-Chi Wu
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Patent number: 8526192Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventors: Pin-Cheng Chen, Te-Cheng Lee, Hung-Pin Lin, Yao-Yu Lai, Cheng-Hsin Chen
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Patent number: 8434984Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLCInventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
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Patent number: 8215875Abstract: A bolt anchor is comprised of a body and sleeve. The body is generally wedge shaped with a threaded bore along its axis and at least one stop near its smaller end. The sleeve has a round collar with leaves extending from the collar parallel to the axis of the collar and each other. The at least one stop maintains the assembly of the body and sleeve. Prongs on the sleeve prevent the retraction or turning of the bolt anchor when a bolt is installed in a hole using the bolt anchor. Reduced material thickness associated with the leaves on the sleeve produces hinges which allow the leaves to be more easily deformed outwardly to engage the sides of a hole. Inserting a bolt and bolt anchor assembly into the hole and then turning the bolt pulls the body into the sleeve and creates a wedging effect in the hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Inventor: Roy Lee Robertson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8192122Abstract: An anchor bolt for use in a hole in a base material is provided and includes a stud, a sleeve disposed about the stud and a retainer nut, disposed in operable communication with the stud and having a dimension measured from a central axis of the hole that is at least as large as a corresponding dimension of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Powers Fasteners, Inc.Inventors: Paul Gaudron, Jacob Olsen
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Patent number: 8162577Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener assembly 1 for use as a slave bolt. The fastener assembly can be tightened and released from the same side and comprises: a) a shank 2 having a bolt head 3 at one end; b) a sleeve 7 slidably arranged on the shank 2; c) a spring 6 to bias the sleeve on the shank 2; and d) an expander stem 9 which can be screwed into a threaded bore 4 which runs the length of shank 2, the stem 9 having an enlarged portion which spreads the fingers 8 of the sleeve so that they engage and clamp the articles to be fastened.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Airbus UK LimitedInventor: John William Moore
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Patent number: 8007215Abstract: A fastening mechanism which is easy to handle and operate. The fastening mechanism includes a bolster, a bolt, at least two elbows, and a support bracket. The bolster is provided with several retainer walls externally disposed, one side thereof being formed into an opening and the inside thereof being formed into a hollow space with a passage through which the bolt can pass. At least two elbows extend from the bottom end of the retainer walls. When the bolt mates with the inner thread formed in the retainer wall, a friction plate formed with the support bracket lodges into a tapered slot between two retainer walls so that the support bracket cannot move against the retainer walls. The at least two elbows angle outwards to retain the support bracket when the bolt is traveling along the inner thread.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventor: David Chen
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Patent number: 8002506Abstract: A self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt includes a dowel having a guard rail fastening end and a ring. The fastening end is configured to be driven in rotation, and the ring is configured to rigidly connect to a first screwing end of the dowel by an incipient fracture portion. The self-expanding and self-undercutting guard rail bolt further includes a counter-dowel screwed to the dowel by a second screwing end. The counter-dowel includes an expansion cone, and an anti-rotation head having at least one edge which projects beyond a periphery of the dowel to prevent rotation of the counter-dowel about an axis of the guard rail bolt.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Societe de Prospection et d'Inventions Techniques SPITInventors: Fabrice Pourtier, Christian Ricordi
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Publication number: 20090178262Abstract: At least one embodiment generally relates to an installation assembly for an opening in a workpiece that includes a swaged collar, an inner member, and an outer member. The swaged collar has a first end, a second end, and a main body extending between the first end and the second end. The main body includes an inner surface defining a passageway through the collar. The inner member has a mandrel section for expanding the outer member. The inner member is used to expand the outer member and to keep the outer member in an expanded state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: Fatigue Technology, Inc.Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Timothy Howard Johnson, James Ryunoshin Ross
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Patent number: 7329076Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for indicating or gauging the position of one or more holes in a workpiece. In one aspect of the present invention reusable devices that can be removably engaged with a bore or tapped hole in a workpiece for accurately indicating the center axis of the bore or tapped hole are provided. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention includes an expandable shank, indicating surface, and driving head. The driving head can be used to install the device into a hole in a workpiece. The expandable shank can be expanded to positively engage the device with the hole in the workpiece and the indicating surface can be referenced, with a probe, to determine the center axis of the hole in the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Hartney, Kim R. Heinicka, Winston S. Webb
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Patent number: 7008159Abstract: A screw grommet comprises a shank inserted into a mounting hole in a workpiece and a flange formed at one end of the shank that is larger than the mounting hole in the workpiece. A cavity is formed in the flange and the shank into which a tapping screw can be screwed after insertion through a hole in a member to be mounted on the workpiece. The shank has a rectangular cross-section appropriate for a rectangular cross-section mounting hole in the workpiece. Both the flange and a portion of the shank are divided by a plurality of axial slits. Protrusions are formed diagonally on the outer periphery of the shank separated axially from the flange by about the thickness of the workpiece. The screw grommet is able to obtain high retention force with respect to a workpiece without rotating together with a turned screw.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLC.Inventor: Masashi Dendo
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Patent number: 6921237Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener, which expands by the insertion of an expanding member, preferably a screw. The fastener comprises a substantially flat head and two expandable legs. The head has an upper side and a lower side, preferably separated by a gap. The head has also a hole on the upper side in which the screw engages. Further, the screw engages in other locations of a critical portion of the rest of the body of the fastener, thereby increasing considerably the prevailing torque required to render the screw loose, the pulling force required to break the fastener or otherwise pull the screw out of the engageable hole of the upper side of the head, as well as the stripping torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: E. Vassiliou Revocable TrustInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6902567Abstract: A device (2) for fixing bone sections separated because of a fracture comprises a plate (4) with bores (8) for the fastening to a bone, a plurality of internally hollow barrels (10), screwed in the bores (8) of the plate (4) and a plurality of compression screws (6) adapted to be screwed in the bone and then locked in the barrels (10).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Nilli Del Medico
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Patent number: 6899498Abstract: A Spring fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows spring fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of spring fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the spring fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such spring fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: E. Vassiliou Rev. TrustInventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6896461Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by adaptability of use with substrates, such as steel panels for example, of various thicknesses. This is achieved predominately by providing the fastener with legs having an origin section in the vicinity of the head of the fastener. Expansion promoters and/or anti-sliding elements improve considerably the separation resistance of objects connected with the fasteners of the present invention. Assemblies and vehicles comprising the spring fasteners of this invention, connecting two objects, one of the objects comprising a slot in which the fastener is inserted, and the other a hole, are also included within the scope of the instant invention. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further assist in the elimination of squeaking noises.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: E. Vassiliou Revo Cable TrystInventors: Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Richard H. Ducato
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Patent number: 6848874Abstract: A fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made. In addition, fasteners with a combination of low and high barbs, which combination prevents rattling of the fastener and allows secure attachment on a part, such as a sheet metal, for example, are included.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6835037Abstract: A Spring fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows spring fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of spring fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the spring fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such spring fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: E. Vasiliou Revocable TrustInventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6829871Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor (80) for insertion in a hole (H) delimited by a wall comprises an expander member (32) and an expansion number (34), the expander member being provided at a leading end of the expander member, the expander member comprising a flaring end (40), the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end (48) thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole, wherein upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Cobra Fixations CIE LTEE-Cobra Anchors Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas W. McSherry, Pierre McDuff
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Patent number: 6746174Abstract: An adjunct part can be secured to a host part, where the host part defines a recess configured to allow a threaded fastener to secure the host part to a further part. The adjunct part has a resilient boss projecting therefrom and adapted to enter the recess, the boss having an axially extending opening to receive a threaded tightening member. The boss and the threaded tightening member have configurations which allow the tightening member, as it advances into the boss along the opening, to resiliently urge portions of the boss radially outward into binding contact with the interior of the recess, thereby fastening the adjunct part to the host part.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Mitel Knowledge CorporationInventors: Peter Mathieson Craig, Julia Turner
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Patent number: 6739813Abstract: A plastic encapsulated bolt includes a metallic insert having a head (e.g., a hex head, square head, or other type of deformed head) and a shank. An outer plastic layer encapsulates the metallic insert and forms a plastic encapsulated head and a plastic encapsulated shank. The plastic encapsulated shank can be totally or partially threaded. In one application, the plastic encapsulated bolt is used in combination with a plastic female anchor having an internally threaded portion. The plastic female anchor preferably includes multiple sections. The plastic encapsulated bolt includes a tapered threaded nose that engages the internally threaded portion such that the sections of the plastic female anchor expand outwardly as the plastic encapsulated bolt is threaded therein, causing the anchor to engage in an interference fit with a hole, for example, in concrete.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventors: William P. Gundy, Russell Wilmot
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Patent number: 6709210Abstract: A fastener having a head and two expandable legs. The fastener further has a Y-shaped funnel configuration, which has been formed by a partial cut of the legs. The sides of the Y-shaped funnel comprise inwardly bent portions which are designed to extend into the slot of an object. The bent portions produce jamming and clamping when an expanding member is inserted through a hole on the head, resulting to highly improved pulling force. The fastener may be used in slots of different widths and may be pulled easily out of the slots, if so desired, in contrast with the fasteners of the present state in the art. Further, the fastener may be used in vehicles to connect one or more parts together.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Eustathios Vassiliou RevocableInventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6626407Abstract: A mounting system for use in a work environment is disclosed. The system includes a mounting bracket having a first side and a second side. Either side of the mounting bracket is adapted for selective coupling to one of a mounting structure or an accessory. The mounting system also includes a first mounting interface associated with the first side of the bracket and a second mounting interface associated with the second side of the bracket. A sub-interface extends from each of the first mounting interface and the second mounting interface comprising an expansion member configurable between a first effective average cross-sectional dimension and a second average effective cross-sectional dimension and adapted for receiving a fastener. A mounting bracket including a first side and a second side is also disclosed. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting interface associated with the first side of the mounting bracket and a second mounting interface associated with the second side of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Alan F. Mauer
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Patent number: 6592244Abstract: An adjusting element for fastening a headlight arrangement on a vehicle. The adjusting element has a nut element and a screw element, the screw element being screwed into the nut element. An opening is formed at a vehicle-body-side supporting plate for the nut element. The nut element is formed by an expansion nut which can be inserted into the opening, can be adjusted and has an eccentrically constructed receiving groove, so that, in the insertion direction and transversely thereto, the opening has a larger measurement than the inside diameter of the receiving groove and that, as a result of the screwing of the screw element into the positioned expansion nut, the latter is fixed on the supporting plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Thomas Christiansen
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Patent number: 6579049Abstract: An expansion anchor to be set in a bore of a constructional component and including an anchor member (1) having, at its end facing in a setting direction, an expansion region (5), a guide region (6) remote from the setting direction end of the anchor member (1), and a transition region (8) located between the expansion (5) and guide (6) regions and having at least one opening (10) and at least one salient tab (12) provided in a region of the opening; and a cone (3) for expanding the expansion region (5) of the anchor member (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Werner Kaibach
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Patent number: 6558094Abstract: The invention relates to a plug (10) for fastening to hollow or panel-type building materials and to solid building materials. The invention proposes providing the plug (10) with expansion limbs (18) that extend longitudinally and that are connected to one another by thin skins (22) having a corrugation in the peripheral direction. That has the advantage of good screw guidance and a torsionally rigid construction of the plug (10); especially when fastening to hollow and panel-type building materials, undesirable backwards rotation of the plug tip (16) is avoided when screwing in an expansion screw by hand. Angled slits (32) in the plug tip (16) bring about good adaptation to screws having different diameters and different pitches of thread.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Wolfgang Nehl
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Publication number: 20030063959Abstract: An expansion screw includes an expansion sleeve having a conical plug assembled to an expandable front part thereof, a locating sleeve screwed to a rear part of the expansion sleeve, and a screw adapted to screw into the locating sleeve. The expansion sleeve includes an annular retaining groove between the expandable front part and the rear part thereof for receiving an O-ring therein. The O-ring is provided along its circumference with a plurality of claws that catch threads at the most front end of the screw to firmly hold the screw to the expansion sleeve. Therefore, the screw would not rotate and thereby loosen or separate from the locating and the expansion sleeves due to vibration caused by any external force, ensuring a secure and safe fastening of an item via the expansion screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventor: Sha-Lan Kao
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Patent number: 6524045Abstract: An expanding sleeve of an anchor is arranged around a threaded shank engaged in a plug for expanding the sleeve. The sleeve includes an axially compressible portion which includes portions that can be sheared and which are arranged so that after they have been sheared they allow the sleeve to be shortened axially. The sleeve consists of a cut-out sheet-metal blank rolled up on itself.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Societe de Prospection et d'Inventions Techniques SpitInventor: Fabrice Pourtier
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Patent number: 6524046Abstract: A wedge anchor has a shank with an expander section having a surface that forms an angle greater than 8° with respect to an axis of the shank. A plurality of longitudinal ribs project radially and outwardly from the expander section, extend along the axis of the shank, and are angularly spaced apart from each other. A tubular expansion sleeve is sleeved on a neck section of the shank adjacent to the expander section, and is formed with a plurality of axially extending slits for engaging the longitudinal ribs when the expander section is extended into the expansion sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: Tai-Ping Hsu
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Patent number: 6524044Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener, which expands by the insertion of an expanding member, preferably a screw. The fastener comprises a substantially flat head and two expandable legs. The head has an upper side and a lower side, preferably separated by a gap. The head has also a hole on the upper side in which the screw engages. Further, the screw engages in other locations of a critical portion of the rest of the body of the fastener, thereby increasing considerably the prevailing torque required to render the screw loose, the pulling force required to break the fastener or otherwise pull the screw out of the engageable hole of the upper side of the head, as well as the stripping torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: WTPA, IncorporatedInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6457922Abstract: An expansion bolt assembly includes an elongated bolt body. The bolt body is formed with an externally threaded insert portion that is adapted to be inserted into a bore formed in a wall, and an anchoring portion that extends from the insert portion and that is adapted to extend out of the bore and to project from the wall. The anchoring portion includes an externally threaded shank and a turning unit. The turning unit is disposed on one end of the shank and is adapted to engage a tool for driving axial rotation of the bolt body. A washer is sleeved on the bolt body between the insert and anchoring portions, and is adapted to lie against the wall. A sleeve is sleeved on the insert portion and has a proximate section abutting against the washer, and a distal section opposite to the proximate section and formed with a plurality of axially extending slits. The sleeve cooperates with the insert portion to confine an annular expansion chamber therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Chao-Yang Tsai
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Patent number: 6446313Abstract: A mechanical locking connector having a wedge, a wedge receiver, and an actuator. A wedge aligns closely to the interior of a wedge receiver and is forced by an actuator to expand opposing sides of the wedge receiver outwardly to frictionally engage any suitably shaped receptor having two corresponding opposing engageable sides.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Joel W. Pfister
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Patent number: 6409443Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener, which expands by the insertion of an expanding member, preferably a screw. The fastener comprises a substantially flat head and two expandable legs. The head has an upper side and a lower side, preferably separated by a gap. The head also has a hole (round, oblong or otherwise shaped) in which the expanding body may engage or pass through for expanding the legs and securing one object to another object, such as a plastic panel to a metal sheet. The fastener also comprises a Y-shaped funnel configuration, which has been formed by a partial cut of the legs. Miscellaneous configurations of the Y shaped legs provide improved guidance to the expanding member, improved engagement to at least one of the objects, such as the metal sheet for example, and improved engagement to the expanding member, among other advantages. The fastener may also comprise portions under the upper side of the head, which portions are engageable to the expanding member.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: WTPA, IncorporatedInventors: Joseph William Lowry, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6379092Abstract: A sealing fastener, which expands by the insertion of preferably a screw. The fastener comprises a substantially flat head and two expandable legs. The fastener has further an elastic body, especially a thermoplastic elastomer, molded at least on the lower side of the head by insert injection molding. The elastic body does not contain plasticizers which may be harmful to other plastics (such as polycarbonate and ABS for example) coming in contact with the fastener, all its surfaces are well defined, has well defined properties, and its dimensions are characterized by narrow tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: WTPA, IncorporatedInventors: Kanubhai Manibhai Patel, Michael Walter Smith, Edward John Smith
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Patent number: 6357718Abstract: A jackscrew insert and a method for jackscrew insertion into existing mounting openings in a machine base are described. A jacking shoulder is provided by a modification of the existing mounting openings utilizing a jackscrew machining tool. The jackscrew machining tool includes a cutting edge which cuts the jacking shoulder into the machine base adjacent the existing mounting openings. Should the existing mounting openings not be modified for proper utilization of the jackscrew insert, a jackscrew assembly and method for use are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James R. Crowell, Mark F. Fleer
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Patent number: 6315510Abstract: A plug for the aattachment of a threaded fastener in a throughbore in sheet material, particularly metal sheet, comprising a plug body adapted to be plugged into the throughbore and having a bore oriented in plugging direction, wherein the body has a sealing collar forming a stop during plugging action, the collar extending radially outwardly and having an annular sealing surface facing in plugging direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: ITW-Ateco G.m.b.H.Inventors: Jens Sturies, Karsten Rehberg
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Patent number: 6309155Abstract: An expanding sleeve anchor structure includes a nail base tube cooperating with a tapered spreading member. The nail base tube has an upper section provided with a plurality of separating lines each having an elongated transverse hollow slot substantially centered thereon which is used for reducing the stress concentration of the upper section of the nail base tube when the upper section of the nail base tube is forced to expand outward resulting in complete expansion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Joker Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pan Ching Huang
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Patent number: 6302627Abstract: A multi-component dowel for a removable anchor comprises an outer dowel sleeve and an expander with a collar gripping over an end of the dowel sleeve. The expander is movable within the dowel sleeve. There is at least one dowel sleeve ring bead arranged on an inner side of the dowel sleeve in an axial direction and tapering with respect to a symmetry axis in the direction of a plug-in opening. There is at least one expander ring bead formed on an outer wall of the expander. The expander ring bead has a pitch opposing the pitch of the dowel sleeve ring bead. There is at least one clamping element located in a free space between the dowel sleeve ring based and the expander ring bead.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Roland Reichelt
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Patent number: 6293743Abstract: An expansion anchor installable in a pre-drilled hole formed in a base material. The expansion anchor includes a bolt having a shaft with a head portion, an opposing end portion, and a threaded portion. A shoulder is disposed on the shaft intermediate the head portion and the end portion thereof, and an expandable sleeve is disposed about the shaft between the shoulder and the end portion of the shaft. The expandable sleeve has an expandable upper sleeve portion and an expandable lower sleeve portion wherein the expandable lower sleeve portion is expandable outwardly before the expandable upper sleeve portion is expandable outwardly. A nut having a substantially conical surface is fixed rotationally in the pre-drilled hole and is engagable with the threaded portion of the shaft. The substantially conical surface of the nut is engageable with the expandable lower sleeve portion so as to expand the lower sleeve portion until the nut is axially fixes in the pre-drilled hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Sigismund G. Paul, Edward D. Yates
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Patent number: 6283689Abstract: A one-piece insert fastener adapted for securement within an aperture in a panel by a threaded member. The insert fastener includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of outwardly protruding wings. In one embodiment, the base additionally includes a single-threaded, helical edge which is shaped to define an opening. In another embodiment, the base additionally includes an internally threaded drawn barrel which is shaped to define an opening. The insert fastener also includes a pair of resilient, spaced apart legs which are formed on and protrude out from the base. Each of the pair of legs includes an outwardly angled upper section, an inwardly angled middle section and a lower section. In use, the insert fastener is disposed into the aperture in the panel until the pair of wings abuts against the outer surface of the panel. The threaded member is rotatably driven into the opening in the base, the threaded member engaging the base upon rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: American Engineered Components, Inc.Inventors: Leonid Roytberg, Howard N. Wieland
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Patent number: 6276882Abstract: A mounting channel member including a body having an outer surface, a pair of side edges and a pair of ends and a plurality of undercut channels extending away from the outer surface. A mounting channel member assembly wherein a plurality of mounting channel members are mounted on a supporting surface in side-by-side relationship. An anchor fastener including a body having an upper body portion and a lower body portion secured to the upper body portion, a bore in the upper body portion, and the lower body portion including first and second legs with a space therebetween with the bore being aligned with the space.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Richard E. Young
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Patent number: 6250864Abstract: This invention relates to sheet metal reversed L-shaped segments, two of which may be assembled to form a T-shaped structure or fastener having a single layered head. The single-layered head has a hole engageable to an expanding member, such as a screw for example. The engageable hole is formed by two half holes, each half hole belonging to each L-shaped segment. Further, the fastener has legs, which expand upon insertion of the screw into the engageable hole. The T-shaped structure is adaptable to be securely locked in a slot of a metal sheet. This strong locking is realized by two sets of levers acting in opposite directions, and having as common fulcrum the region at the edges of the slot. One set of levers is formed by the action of the screw on the two half holes which form the engageable hole, while the other set of levers is formed by the action of the screw on the legs of the two L-shaped segments.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: WTPA, IncorporatedInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6213700Abstract: The grommet includes a shank with a planar surface through which an aperture is formed. A screw is inserted into the aperture. Boss segments are formed peripherally outwardly adjacent from the aperture. The outer walls of the boss segments form a diameter equal to the diameter of an aperture of a secondary panel to be engaged. The diameter of the screw head does not exceed the diameter of the aperture to be engaged. When the screw is in the fully driven position, the lower chamfered surface of the head of the screw urges the boss segments outwardly so as to engage the secondary panel. The shank of the grommet further includes lateral flexible wings for detent engaging a primary panel with a square aperture.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Stephen M. Everard
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Patent number: 6200080Abstract: A sleeve (1) to form one component of a fastener, comprises a body portion (2) which is externally cylindrical at (3) and is provided at one end thereof with an enlarged diameter collar (4), the body portion (2) being internally tapered down at (8) from its end (6) remote from the collar (4) as far as the face (7) of the collar (4), and the collar (4) being internally tapered down at (8) from its end (9) remote from the body portion (2) as far as the face (7). The invention also includes, in combination, a sleeve as defined above and a bolt having a frustoconical head, to form a fastener.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Universal Drilling & Cutting Equipment LimitedInventor: Michael Timothy Bryan
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Patent number: 6196778Abstract: There is a provided screw fixing plug wherein a head portion pritruding outwardly from an outer circumference of a trunk is integrally formed at one end pf the trunk. An opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed in the head, wherein the trunk is split in half along its axial direction into two legs portions, and wherein surfaces of the leg portions are inclined surfaces extending outwardly. By inserting the screw fixing plug into a starting hole of concrete or mortar and threading a screw into the screw fixing plug, an instrument or a untensil can be tightened to the concrete or mortar.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Wakai & Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takao Wakai