Patent ID: 6435076
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: F02B,F04B

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:an air compressor containing a piston in a cylinder; a flywheel having an axis of rotation; an elongated linkage structure configured to interconnect said flywheel with said piston; a support member projecting from said flywheel; and a bearing configured to support said linkage structure on said support member, said bearing having a cylindrical outer surface; said linkage structure having an inner edge surface defining an opening in which said bearing is installed in an interference fit, said inner edge surface extending continuously in a closed loop around said opening and having an annular section which is interrupted across a circumferentially extending gap; said linkage structure further having a portion configured as a living hinge which enables said gap to enlarge upon flexure of said hinge against an elastic bias of said hinge, with said elastic bias of said hinge establishing said interference fit between said cylindrical outer surface of said bearing and said annular section of said inner edge surface of said linkage structure.