The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 31, 2011
Filed:
Jun. 04, 2007
R. William Arling, Windham, NH (US);
W. Patrick Kelly, Goffstown, NH (US);
Kevin Webber, Deerfield, NH (US);
Andrew Steiner, Manchester, NH (US);
Michael J. Slate, Merrimack, NH (US);
R. William Arling, Windham, NH (US);
W. Patrick Kelly, Goffstown, NH (US);
Kevin Webber, Deerfield, NH (US);
Andrew Steiner, Manchester, NH (US);
Michael J. Slate, Merrimack, NH (US);
DEKA Products Limited Partnership, Manchester, NH (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.