Radially Interposed Shim Or Bushing Patents (Class 403/365)
  • Patent number: 11673018
    Abstract: A replacement bicycle stem is disclosed herein. In particular, prior to operation of a bicycle in a stationary environment, the bicycle stem, if present, is removed and replaced with the replacement bicycle stem disclosed herein. The replacement bicycle stem is intended to rotate or turn with the handlebars, but independent of the steer tube and front wheel. More specifically, the replacement stem includes a main body with a mounting channel at one end and a handlebar clamp at another end. At least one bearing is disposed within a portion of the mounting channel for engagement against the steer tube. The at least one bearing allows or facilitates rotation of the stem about the steer axis independent of or substantially independent of the steer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 11642584
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus for maximizing a user's range of motion on a weightlifting exercise machine. The spacer apparatus includes a first interlocking part having a semi-circular body extending between top and bottom portions, and a lock portion extending between first and second ends of the semi-circular body. The first and second ends are spaced and a keyway is between the first and second ends. The spacer apparatus includes a second interlocking part having a body extending, at least partially, between first and second ends, and entirely between top and bottom portions. The body of the second interlocking part has a semi-circular portion with a key portion extending therefrom. In the interlocked configuration, the key portion extends between the keyway such that an outer perimeter of the first interlocking part and an outer perimeter of the second interlocking part are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: MAXIMUM RANGE OF MOTION, LLC
    Inventors: Mark P. Welch, Thomas W. Welch, Robert Holcombe
  • Patent number: 11333207
    Abstract: A viscous clutch includes a housing, an input device rotationally fixed to the housing, a rotor, a working chamber, a reservoir, a valve, and a quick disconnect bushing. The housing has a base, a cover, and a housing hub connected in in a rotationally fixed configuration. The input device is a pulley, a sprocket, and/or a gear. The rotor has a rotor disk and a rotor hub connected in a rotationally fixed configuration, and a central opening extends entirely through the rotor hub. The reservoir is carried by the housing and overlaps the input device in an axial direction. The quick disconnect bushing is removably secured to the rotor hub at the central opening and permits a rotationally fixed engagement between the rotor and an item driven by the clutch, such as an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HORTON, INC.
    Inventor: David R. Hennessy
  • Patent number: 11255410
    Abstract: A connector is provided for tensioning a guy line and connecting the guy line to a ground anchor or a tower. The connector may include a first body and a second body connected together by two or more threaded rods. The first body is connected to the ground anchor or the tower. The second body has a tapered cavity extending therethrough. The guy line extends through the tapered cavity, and wedges with a first and second inner arcuate surface that are vertically offset from one another are pushed into the tapered cavity. The first arcuate inner surface and the second arcuate inner surface may grip the guy line after the wedges have been pushed into the tapered cavity, while the vertical offsetting of the second arcuate inner surface reduces that stress on the guy line at an end of wedges. The first and second bodies may be drawn toward each other to tension the guy line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MACLEAN POWER, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Lin, Maxwell Goldsmith, Jason McKenzie
  • Patent number: 11247650
    Abstract: A brake device for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, having a housing, at least one pressure chamber arranged in the housing, filled with a hydraulic pressure medium and bounded by at least one cylinder piston moveable in an axial direction to generate brake pressure. The cylinder piston can be activated mechanically with an activation force by an activation rod unit which is secured to the cylinder piston. In order to provide an improved brake device which is of the generic type mentioned at the beginning and permit a secure connection between the activation rod and the cylinder piston and at the same time mounting which is as easy as possible, it is proposed that the activation rod unit is secured to the cylinder piston by a latching connection, wherein the latching connection is brought about by an axial relative movement between the activation rod unit and the cylinder piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Jefferson Colasanta, Thomas Sellinger, Manfred Rüffer, Horst Krämer
  • Patent number: 11193277
    Abstract: A system for a strand-to-threadbar coupler block for prestressed concrete is disclosed. A system includes a concrete member, one or more multi-wire strands disposed within the concrete member, and a strand-to-threadbar coupler block disposed within the concrete member. The strand-to-threadbar coupler block is formed with a threadbar opening to admit a threadbar, and with one or more strand openings. The system includes one or more strand chucks coupled to the strand-to-threadbar coupler block at the one or more strand openings. A chuck diameter for the one or more strand chucks is greater than a diameter for the one or more strand openings, and the one or more multi-wire strands extend through the one or more strand openings and engage the one or more strand chucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Inside Bet LLC
    Inventor: John Babcock
  • Patent number: 11028588
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rebar coupler. The rebar coupler includes a housing having first and second openings for receiving first and second rebars, respectively, and a partition disposed at a center; a mounting member inserted in each end of the housing and receiving rebars therein; a plurality of coupling members slidably disposed on the mounting member and being brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the inserted rebars to prevent the rebars from moving out from the rebar coupler; a resilient member configured to apply a restoring force to the coupling members so that the coupling members slid by the rebar inserted in the mounting member are returned to an original position; and a cover fastened to both ends of the housing to prevent the mounting member and the coupling members from moving out from the housing due to a tensile force of the rebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: N C COUPLER LLC
    Inventor: Hyun Uk Lee
  • Patent number: 10947754
    Abstract: A barrier cable anchor may include an anchor body including an inner surface, a retainer having a retainer body and the retainer body being retained to the anchor body, a collar having an outer surface and an inner surface and being at least partially within the anchor body, one or more wedges positioned within the tapered inner surface of the collar, and a nut engaging the collar and retained to the anchor body. The retainer may include a pin end retained to the inner surface of the anchor body and the nut may include a threaded outer surface so that rotating the nut within the anchor body advances the retaining collar and thereby tensions the barrier cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Felix Sorkin
  • Patent number: 10941786
    Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a blower wheel. The blower wheel is held via a nut on the shaft in a manner locked against rotation by frictional force. A thread moment of friction is transmittable between the nut and the shaft via a thread section. A first moment of friction is transmittable between the nut and the blower wheel via a first friction contact surface. The first friction contact surface is configured such that, at a minimum tightening torque of the nut, the first moment of friction is greater than the thread moment of friction. As a result, during the operation of the work apparatus when there is a relative movement between the blower wheel and the shaft, the blower wheel moves the nut along therewith. The nut retensions the blower wheel against the shaft. The second friction contact surface runs conically with respect to the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Densborn, Harald Schliemann, Ralf Cornelsen, Wolfgang Weissert
  • Patent number: 10919132
    Abstract: A quick release device of a hand tool includes: a main body; an operating portion, including a slidable sleeve movably disposed around the main body and a pin radially inserted into the slidable sleeve, the operating portion further including a movable rod movably disposed in the main body, the pin connected with the movable rod; an annular plastic body, rotatably disposed around the slidable sleeve and corresponding to the pin, a stepped structure formed between the slidable sleeve and the annular plastic body; an identification portion, disposed around the annular plastic body; wherein the slidable sleeve is movable between first and second positions, when the slidable sleeve moves toward the first position, the pin drives the movable rod to move toward a fixing position; when the slidable sleeve moves toward the second position, the pin pushes the movable rod to move toward a releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SHUN-YEE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 10889476
    Abstract: A device for securing an end of a braided hoisting rope to a lifting device includes a tubular fastening frame to be fixed to the lifting device; and a coil spring which is arranged to be installed and fastened over the tubular fastening frame. When the end of a hoisting rope is fastened in place, the hollow, or workable into hollow, end of the hoisting rope is threaded over the windings of the coil spring as the outer surface of the windings and into contact with, or to be brought into contact with the outer periphery of the tubular fastening frame. A method for securing an end of a braided hoisting rope to a lifting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jack Hoover
  • Patent number: 10787813
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting first and second tendons may comprise a body including first and second ends, a passageway therethrough and an access port; first and second wedges each configured to receive an end of the first and second tendons, respectively, each of the wedges being positioned in the passageway and oriented so as to resist withdrawal from the coupler of a tendon received therein; and first and second pistons positioned within the passageway proximate the first and second wedges, respectively; wherein the first and second pistons define a pressure chamber therebetween; wherein the pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the access port; and wherein the first and second pistons are configured to bear on the first and second wedges, respectively, and urge the first and second wedges apart in response to pressure in the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: PRECISION-HAYES INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nate Mikulsky, Paul Hohensee, Thomas Mathews
  • Patent number: 10780333
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus for maximizing a user's range of motion on a weightlifting exercise machine. The spacer apparatus includes a first interlocking part having a semi-circular body extending between top and bottom portions, and a lock portion extending between first and second ends of the semi-circular body. The first and second ends are spaced and a keyway is between the first and second ends. The spacer apparatus includes a second interlocking part having a body extending, at least partially, between first and second ends, and entirely between top and bottom portions. The body of the second interlocking part has a semi-circular portion with a key portion extending therefrom. In the interlocked configuration, the key portion extends between the keyway such that an outer perimeter of the first interlocking part and an outer perimeter of the second interlocking part are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: MAXIMUM RANGE OF MOTION, LLC
    Inventors: Mark P. Welch, Thomas W. Welch, Robert Holcombe
  • Patent number: 10619780
    Abstract: A single action push to connect fitting for conduit such as tube or pipe. The fitting includes a first fitting component and a second fitting component that are joined or assembled together to form a fitting assembly. The fitting assembly includes a conduit seal device and a conduit retaining device. A conduit may be manually or otherwise inserted into the assembled fitting assembly with a single axial movement and be retained and sealed without need for further action or movement of the fitting components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Douglas J. McClure
  • Patent number: 10556327
    Abstract: A hand tool assembly includes a body having a ratchet portion, a room and a window. A driving unit is rotatably received in the ratchet portion and the room of the body. The driving unit includes a driving head, a pawl, a spring and a rotary member. The rotary member is rotated via the window to control the operational directions of the driving unit. A seat is connected to the body, and the driving unit is connected between the body and the seat. The seat includes an insertion portion formed on one end thereof, and which is engaged with the room. The seat has an engaging portion formed on the other end thereof. The seat is replaceable to make the hand tool assembly have more functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Jun-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 10421334
    Abstract: An electric compressor mounted to a vehicle includes a motor, a compression unit driven by the motor, an inverter unit for driving the motor, a housing for accommodating the motor, the compression unit, and the inverter unit, and a cover mounted to the housing for closing a space accommodating the inverter unit. The electric compressor is fixed to the vehicle by means of a first mounting leg provided to the housing, and a second mounting leg provided to the cover. The second mounting leg includes a stress concentration part at which stress concentrates as compared with another portion of the second mounting leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Nishibori, Makoto Iwasa, Nobuaki Ogawa, Takeshi Imanishi, Yoshifumi Abe
  • Patent number: 10092302
    Abstract: The present application relates to a coupling device for a handle (3) of a medical tool (1) or medical power-tool chuck (30). The coupling device comprises a coupling-body (2) including a bore (6), a working axis (X) extending along said bore (6) and a seat (4) arranged at a first end (8) of said bore for receiving a tool-insert (10) with a central axis (Y) at an angle in reference to the working axis (X). The coupling-body (2) further comprises a protrusion (7) arranged within said bore (6), said protrusion (7) being configured to engage a groove (13) of the tool-insert (10) upon alignment of the central axis (Y) with the working axis (X). The engagement of the protrusion (7) with said groove (13) locks the tool-insert (10) within said coupling body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: 41 medical AG
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 9926698
    Abstract: The process includes forming a concrete form at least one end wall where the concrete form is adapted to receive concrete placed thereinto. The process also includes setting a fixed end anchor and a tensioning end anchor on at least one end wall where the fixed end anchor and tensioning end anchor are each adapted to receive a tendon. The process further includes threading the tendon through the fixed end anchor and tensioning end anchor such that a tensioning end portion of the tendon extends from the tensioning end anchor and placing concrete into the concrete form. The process includes installing a cap about the circumference of the tensioning end portion of the tendon. The cap includes a cap body. The cap body includes an inner bore, where the inner bore has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Felix Sorkin
  • Patent number: 9896845
    Abstract: An anchor is disclosed. The anchor may include an anchor body, the anchor body having an internal passage, and a lock nut, the lock nut having an internal tapered surface defining a forcing cone. The lock nut may be coupled to the anchor body. The anchor may also include a spindle, the spindle positioned within the internal passage and threadedly coupled to the lock nut. The spindle may have an expansion wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Felix Sorkin
  • Patent number: 9758110
    Abstract: A coupling system comprises a receiving component, an opening in the receiving component defined by a receiving wall and a mating component, configured to be placed into the opening in the receiving component and comprising a mating wall. A plurality of spaced receiving protrusions extends radially from one of the receiving wall or the mating wall, and are located serially to define a retaining groove. A locating rib is formed on, and extends about, the other of the receiving wall or the mating wall such that the mating component is pressed into the receiving component until the locating rib contacts the receiving protrusions. As additional insertion force is exerted upon the mating component the receiving protrusions yield in a radial direction, allowing the locating rib to enter the retaining groove for retention of the mating component relative to the receiving component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9410428
    Abstract: A turbomachine includes a rotor hub that has a central opening there through. A shaft extends through the central opening. A clamp is coupled with the shaft and the rotor hub such that the rotor hub is rotatable with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Lucas, Matthew B. Kennedy, John E. Holowczak, William K. Tredway, Aavo Anto
  • Patent number: 9074592
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method and a system to deploy a downhole pump within a well. The system includes the downhole pump disposed in a well, the downhole pump having a motor, and a cable having at least one strength member layer bonded to a cable core, in which a first end is connected to a power source disposed at a surface of the well and a second end is connected to the downhole pump. The cable is configured to support and power the downhole pump in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Montie W. Morrison, Joseph Varkey, Barry Lee Schuler
  • Patent number: 9062718
    Abstract: In a connection of a shaft to a mounting part, in particular a shaft-hub connection, the shaft has a first axial region which is able to be accommodated in the mounting part, the shaft has an additional axial region which has a larger diameter than in the first axial region, a transition region is provided between the first and additional axial region, whose diameter increases in the axial direction from the first to the additional axial region, from the value of the diameter of the first axial region to the value of the diameter of the additional axial region, in particular not exclusively abruptly, a bushing is provided between the shaft and the mounting part, the bushing having an axial region, in particular an axial terminal region, which is elastically deflectable by the transition region such that it is pressed against the wall of the mounting part, in particular when the shaft is inserted into the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Tobias Schwan
  • Patent number: 9004802
    Abstract: A tolerance ring has a band with outwardly extending corrugated protrusions forming waves that engage an outer surface of a shaft. At one end of the tolerance ring is an inwardly flared guide surface extending axially and radially from the band. The guide surface acts as a tapered entrance to a bore of a housing to assist during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventors: Niki S. Woodhead, Andrew R. Slayne
  • Patent number: 8740504
    Abstract: An apparatus for retensioning a loose roof plate held by a roof bolt, includes a main spacer, a washer, and a nut. The main spacer occupies a space between a head of the roof bolt and the loose roof plate, and the main spacer has a threaded circumferential outer surface and a radially extending slot for inserting a shaft of the roof bolt therein. The washer occupies a space between the main spacer and the loose roof plate, and the washer has a radially extending slot for inserting the shaft of the roof bolt therein. The nut has a threaded hole for passing the head of the roof bolt therethrough, for threading onto the threaded spacer and for tightening onto the threaded spacer until the roof plate is firmly pressed against the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: FCI Holdings Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Oldsen, John C. Stankus, Travis Mikel Sub
  • Patent number: 8714943
    Abstract: A mounting and damping system for a compressor including a mounting lug removably coupled to at least a portion of a housing of the compressor and a damping member disposed therebetween. The mounting lug and the damping member include at least one aperture formed therein to receive a bushing therethrough, wherein an outer diameter of the bushing is substantially smaller than a diameter of the aperture formed in the mounting lug to militate against contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Halla Visteon Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Aurelian Bahmata, Robert C. Trela
  • Patent number: 8684624
    Abstract: A tolerance ring includes a curved strip having first and second ends. Additionally, the tolerance ring includes a plurality of projections formed on the curved strip, and a physical connection between the first and second ends such that the curved strip forms a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Robert Slayne
  • Publication number: 20130315664
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed and can include a generally cylindrical body having a sidewall. The sidewall can include a first unformed section and a gap in the first unformed section. The gap can extend along an entire length of the body to establish a split in the body. The sidewall can also include a second unformed section opposite the first unformed section, a first wave bank flanking the first unformed section with the gap, and a second wave bank flanking the first unformed section with the gap. The wave banks can be equally spaced around a circumference of the body of the tolerance ring and the body of the tolerance ring can be symmetrical about a center axis that extends from a center of the tolerance ring and bisects the gap in the first unformed section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin NIAS, Simon Alan HUGHES, Andrew Robert SLAYNE
  • Publication number: 20130315655
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed and can include a generally cylindrical body having a sidewall. The sidewall can include a plurality of wave structures extending from the sidewall at regular intervals around the body, a first unformed section between a first pair of adjacent wave structures, and a second unformed section between a second pair of adjacent wave structures. The gap can extend along an entire length, L, of the body to establish a split in the body. The second unformed section can include a slot therein. The slot can have a length, LS, and LS?80% L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin NIAS, Andrew Robert SLAYNE, Simon Alan HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20130315654
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed and can include a generally cylindrical body that can include a side wall. The sidewall can define a top and a bottom. Further, the sidewall can include a plurality of wave structures that can extend from the sidewall, a plurality of unformed sections, and a gap that can extend along the entire length of the body. Each unformed section can be located between a pair of adjacent wave structures. Further, the gap can establish a split in the body. The tolerance ring can also include at least one hole intersecting at least one of the wave structures to establish a perforated wave structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin NIAS, Andrew Robert SLAYNE, Simon Alan HUGHES, Neil JAMES
  • Patent number: 8551593
    Abstract: A laminated product having a thickness that can be adjusted by chipping, and including alternating sheets and layers of an adhesive material in a stack, each sheet possessing an intrinsic resistance to tearing and each layer of adhesive material connecting adjacent sheets in the stack with a linking force which is weaker than the resistance of the sheets to tearing, enabling each sheet to be detached from the stack without tearing. The product includes a housing which is disposed inside the thickness of the stack, and an electronic identification element which is disposed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel André Gastel
  • Patent number: 8518839
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolled product having a thickness that can be adjusted by means of separation. The inventive product comprises an alternating stack (2) of sheets (4) and layers (6) of an adhesive material (8). Each of said sheets (4) has an intrinsic resistance to tearing and each layer (6) of adhesive material (8) joins together two adjacent sheets (4) in the stack (2) using a bond strength that is lower than the tearing resistance of the sheets (4). In this way, each sheet (4) can be detached from the stack (2) without being torn. According to the invention, each sheet (4) is essentially made from woven fibers and each sheet (4) belonging to each pair of sheets (4) which are adjacent to the same layer (6) of adhesive material (8) is impregnated, throughout the thickness thereof, with a mass of adhesive material (8) which is incorporated in the shared layer (6) of adhesive material (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel André Gastel
  • Publication number: 20130202450
    Abstract: A fan and shaft assembly for a turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a shaft and a fan. Sets of aligned throughbores are respectively of the shaft and the fan, at a junction between the shaft and the fan. Fastening systems are provided for the sets of aligned throughbores. Each fastening system comprises a sleeve received in one of the sets of aligned throughbores and sized to fit without play in the set of aligned throughbores. A head of the sleeve abuts a surface at the junction between the shaft and the fan. A fastener is inserted in the sleeve and extends beyond both ends of the sleeve to clamp the fan to the shaft, the fastener being loosely received in the sleeve. A method for replacing a component of a fastening system retaining a fan to a shaft is provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: RICHARD IVAKITCH, Andreas Eleftheriou, Alain Carrieres
  • Patent number: 8366150
    Abstract: A reinforcement tube assembly for a fastener in a vehicle body structure is provided. The reinforcement tube assembly includes a reinforcement tube and a locator. The locator is affixed to the reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is operatively configured to receive a fastener and is operatively configured be installed at least partially within a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: David Alan Parsons, Yiqun Liu
  • Patent number: 8240945
    Abstract: An assembly of at least two concentric axisymmetric parts intended to work at least in tension, wherein at least one axisymmetric part is equipped with at least one dust removal groove, the groove being cut from a plain surface of the first axisymmetric part in contact with a plain surface of a concentric second axisymmetric part so as to open toward the plain surface of the second axisymmetric part, the groove being capable of collecting the dust that lies in the area of contact between the two axisymmetric parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Melissa Adoum, Jerome Dubost
  • Publication number: 20120051886
    Abstract: A shaft assembly that includes a locked spacer mounted to a shaft shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Leonard Paul Palmisano, William Bogue, Robert J. DeRosa
  • Publication number: 20110299920
    Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference, wherein the projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by a unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: David Court, Andrew Robert Slayne
  • Patent number: 7988380
    Abstract: A seal device for preventing entry of debris into a rotary cutter drive housing when a shock protection device having frangible drive features is removed after having fractured the drive features following a driveline overload condition. The housing includes an upwardly facing opening through which a drive shaft for the cutter extends. The drive shaft rotationally engages the shock protection device for driving the rotary cutter. The seal device is disposed in the upwardly facing opening beneath the protection device and includes drive means for rotation in unison with the drive shaft. The seal device further includes a seal interface for sealing interface with a contact seal disposed on the inner circumference of the opening thereby preventing the entry of debris into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, David M. DeChristopher
  • Patent number: 7978437
    Abstract: A tolerance ring configured to improve mass eccentricity of an actuator arm assembly. The tolerance ring has a cylinder with a predetermined length between two ends, with a gap along the predetermined length of the cylinder, the gap having a first and a second edge, the cylinder having an aperture in the surface of the cylinder at the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: IntriPlex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Hanrahan, Ryan J. Schmidt, David D. Dexter
  • Patent number: 7966754
    Abstract: An adapter for permitting non-standard work tools to be attached to a work machine for which they were not originally sized to fit. The adapter comprises a sleeve which fits into bores on the work machine. Pins for attaching the work tool to the machine in turn are inserted through the work tool and into the sleeves. The sleeves protect the joint through seals positioned both on an outer surface of a flange of the sleeve, and on an inner surface of the bore of the sleeve. The sleeves also include holes for permitting lubricant to pass from the sleeve's outer circumferential surface to its inner circumferential surface. The sleeves may be permitted to rotate relative to the work machine via bearings in the bores of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Starykowicz, John F. Halterman
  • Patent number: 7819231
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a S cam, the S cam being an intermediary device between a brake actuator and a set of wheel brakes and is generally an elongate metal rod shank having an S-head at one end and a set of splines at the other end, the S-head having at least one arm for engaging a respective brake shoe, whereby rotation of the S cam in a first direction causes the at least one arm of the S-head act on the brake shoe to frictionally engage the brake shoe with a brake drum, the brake drum being affixed to a wheel, includes single bushing rotationally supporting the S cam. A method of supporting the S cam is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Gibson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7744302
    Abstract: A cross-key rotational alignment locking device for a VSI-type mineral breaker comprises a generally annular keyway 102 in the top edge portion of the main shaft 12 of the breaker, the annular keyway defining an upwardly extending pilot key 104, a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 126 in the upper portion of a cylindrical taper lock 108 disposed around the main shaft, the slots in communication with the annular keyway, and a cross-key 130 having a generally annular main body 132 disposed in the annular keyway 102, the pilot key 104 received in a central aperture 136 in the main body 132 of the cross-key 130, and the cross-key having a plurality of radially-extending arms 128 disposed in the plurality of slots 126, such that the taper lock 108 is locked in rotational alignment with the shaft 12. In the preferred embodiment a bronze sleeve 110 having a longitudinally extending split 120 is interposed between the taper lock 108 and the shaft 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Damian Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20100003076
    Abstract: A tolerance ring includes a curved strip having first and second ends. Additionally, the tolerance ring includes a plurality of projections formed on the curved strip, and a physical connection between the first and second ends such that the curved strip forms a closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew Robert Slayne
  • Patent number: 7607854
    Abstract: A variable angle standoff in accordance with an implementation of the present invention includes one or more bearing interfaces, which, in concert with other beveled components (e.g., beveled rings), fastens about a wide range of panel and/or object dimensions. In one implementation, a threaded fastener is inserted through a first bearing interface, which interfaces with a first beveled ring. The threaded fastener further threads through one or more panel and/or object eyelets, through a second beveled ring, through a second bearing interface, and ultimately into a standoff shaft. Despite relatively tight fastening of the threaded fastener to the standoff shaft, the first and second beveled rings can accommodate object curvature by rotating in any of an X, Y, and/or Z dimension, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: 3form, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Talley Goodson, William Gatti
  • Patent number: 7572117
    Abstract: A crankshaft and an mounting hole have two main circular arc parts on the same circle; and two connecting parts for connecting the adjacent main circular arc parts, and have a cross-sectional shape in which the connecting parts facing each other are substantially parallel. The connecting parts of the mounting hole are formed in the shape of a large circular arc which projects inward. The torque of the crankshaft is transmitted to the mounting hole in a state where the connecting parts of the crankshaft and the connecting parts of the mounting hole which are formed in the shape of a large circular arc come into line contact with each other; therefore, the value of any local stress generated in the mounting hole can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials PMG Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuaki Hosono
  • Patent number: 7563050
    Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to the rotation of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring is substantially rigidly mounted to the shaft. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring. These indentations may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress created by the radial deflection. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Temper Corporation
    Inventor: Sean E. Strait
  • Publication number: 20090035057
    Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a demountable pin or bushing element having a generally cylindrical shape and a main section having a main diameter and a circumferential groove. Assembled within the groove is a plurality of retainer pieces. The inner diameter section of each retainer piece is matable to the groove diameter such that the retainer piece protrudes from the groove. Each retainer piece has at least one axially oriented mounting hole. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing to order demountable pin or bushing elements employing the article of manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Victor L. CHUN
  • Publication number: 20090028637
    Abstract: A captured shim head set for a bicycle has a bearing set for mounting on the head tube of a bicycle; a member for axially loading the bearing set and radially affixing the bearing set to a steerer tube of a bicycle front fork; a top cap for covering the bearing set and with which an axial load is applied to the member; and at least one washer-shaped shim for adjusting the spacing between the top cap and member. A lost motion mechanism is formed between the member and top cap and at least one washer-shaped shim is selectively capturable in the lost motion mechanism for limiting the degree of movement between the member and top cap in a manner limiting the distance that the top cap is movable towards the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: CANE CREEK CYCLING COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Joshua COAPLEN
  • Patent number: 7470081
    Abstract: A first annular frame is formed on the bottom surface of an engine cover. A mount rubber of columnar shape is inserted into the first annular frame. Projections of the mount rubber are fitted into holes of the first annular frame. A through hole is formed in the mount rubber. An engagement projection is formed on the inner surface of the through hole. An adapter has a small-diameter part formed in the vicinity of the top end and a predetermined distance away from the top end toward the root thereof. The adapter has a flange formed below the smaller-diameter part. The top end part of the adapter is inserted into the through hole of the mount rubber to fit the engagement projection into the small-diameter part and bring the flange into abutment on the bottom surface of the mount rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Daikyonishikawa Corporation, Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Miyahara, Tatsuzo Hashimoto, Ryou Aoki, Oomi Arisaka
  • Publication number: 20080292395
    Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a flanged demountable pin or bushing element having a generally cylindrical shape and a main section having a main diameter and a circumferential groove. Assembled within the groove is a plurality of partially annular pieces forming a complete inner collar with an inner diameter section and an outer diameter section. The inner diameter of the inner diameter section of the inner collar is matched to the groove diameter; and in some embodiments the outer diameter of the outer diameter section of the inner collar is greater than the main diameter of the main section such that the inner collar protrudes from the groove. An outer ring has an inner diameter section and an outer diameter section and is engaged with the inner collar to form a flange on the element. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing to order demountable pin or bushing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Victor L. Chun