Patents Assigned to Hein-Werner Corporation
  • Patent number: 5111680
    Abstract: A tower assembly for applying a force to a damaged part of a vehicle mounted on a work rack having upper and lower plates with inner and outer flanges, the assembly including a carriage mounted on the inner and outer flanges of the lower plate and a beam extending radially outward from the carriage, a tower mounted on the outer end of the beam with a vertically adjustable bracket mounted on one side of the tower and a guide member pivotally mounted on the bracket, a rail assembly mounted in the bottom of the tower for guiding a chain through the tower, a chain dog assembly mounted for reciprocal motion on the opposite side of the tower, a chain aligned with the chain dog assembly, rail assembly in bracket and being connected to the damaged vehicle and a force applying hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly mounted in the tower for moving the dog assembly to apply a force to the damaged vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 5088691
    Abstract: Hydraulic apparatus including a hydraulic fluid flow control cartridge for controlling hydraulic fluid flow between a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic fluid pump and between the hydraulic fluid pump and the hydraulic cylinder, and for permitting relief of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the reservoir in the event the hydraulic fluid pressure in the pump exceeds a selected pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Naber, James B. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5086208
    Abstract: An electric arc welder for performing welding on a work object, the electric arc welder comprsing a welding tip, a first connector for electrically connecting the welding tip to a first terminal of a battery, and a second connector for electrically connecting the work object to a second terminal of the battery, the second terminal being of opposite polarity from the first terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph P. Habermann
  • Patent number: 5076448
    Abstract: The crane having a generally trapezoidal frame with a caster wheel at each corner. A mast is mounted on the front of the frame with a brace between each rear corner and top of the mast. Spring loaded pins are used for these connections. A lifting ram is pivotally connected to the mast and to a telescopic boom pivoted on the mast. The frame has a socket on each side and a telescopic leg including inner and outer tubes is mounted in each socket. A spring loaded pin fixes the tubes relative to each other. The end of each leg has a wheel. Each leg can pivot relative to its sleeve to enable raising the leg to position the distal end near the mast. The legs can be disconnected from the sleeves and a locking device prevents removal of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5054307
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing vehicles to a rack, frame or bench, the apparatus including a universal base assembly for supporting various type attachment heads, the base assembly including a base which is adapted to be mounted on the rack and a slide mounted on the base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, the slide including a mounting plate for supporting the various types of attachment heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 5029814
    Abstract: An adjustable support device comprising a first elongated member having an upper end, a second elongated member having an upper end, a mechanism for connecting the first member to the second member such that the upper ends of the first and second members are vertically, adjustably movable in response to movement of the first elongated member with respect to the second elongated member, and a ratch connected between a first point located on the first member and a second point located on the second member for releasably securing the first and second points in spaced relationship and for selectively varying the spacing between the first and second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Reinald D. Liegel, Garry J. Sabel
  • Patent number: 5014442
    Abstract: A universal measuring bridge for determining the amount of misalignment of the datum points on a damaged vehicle, the bridge including a main beam formed from two extruded box beams, each box beam including a reference surface and an upper and lower track, the box beams being connected with the reference surfaces in a precise parallel spaced relation and the tracks also in a precise parallel spaced relation to each other and to the corresponding tracks on the other side, a slide arm having an upper and lower track and an upper and lower rail on each side and a fixed guide and a movable guide on the bottom for aligning the slide arm on the main beam and a cross slide mounted on each end of the slide arm, the cross slide including a pair of rollers positioned to ride on the lower track on each side of the slide arm and a compensating roller positioned to ride on the upper track, the rollers on the lower track being adjustable with respect to the lower track and movable into engagement with the inside of the rai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre N. LeGrand, James G. Ballard, Reinald D. Liegel, Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 5001798
    Abstract: A drive-on vehicle supporting arrangement for use with a floor anchor system includes a pair of parallel, spaced vehicle supporting treadways, each of which includes vehicle support stands secured to floor anchors to affix the support stand to the floor and clamps to connect to the undercarriage of a vehicle. Removable treadways are positioned between front and rear vehicle support stands. Additionally, a front treadway extends forwardly from the front vehicle support stand and a rear treadway extends rearwardly from the rear vehicle support stand and are supported by treadway support stands. A ramp leads to the rear treadway so that the repairman can drive a vehicle onto the treadway surface, elevate the vehicle, if necessary, by portable jacks and secure the vehicle atop the support stands. Thereafter, the treadways may be removed for clear access to the underside of the vehicle to facilitate repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Harold F. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4950392
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminates from caustic washing solution used in jet washers and the like such that the washing solution can be used for extended periods without replacement or disposal. The apparatus includes a filtration tank adapted to be connected to a tank of a jet washer for receiving caustic washing solution. The filteration tank houses a filter bag, and a pump is disposed in the filtration tank. The pump forces caustic washing solution through the filtration bag, to provide for removal of oil and grease from the washing solution, and also pumps washing solution into the tank of the jet washer to thereby cause flow of washing solution between the tank of the jet washer and the filtration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Tiegs, Reinald D. Liegel
  • Patent number: 4930261
    Abstract: An apparatus for engaging the stem of a valve member and for rotating the valve member about an axis, the apparatus comprising a sleeve member supported for rotation about an axis, the sleeve member having therein a cylindrical bore centered on the axis and machined by rotating the sleeve member about the axis, a spindle slideably housed within the bore for movement relative to the sleeve member along the axis, the spindle including an inner surface defining a frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the inner surface being machined by rotating the spindle in the sleeve and about the axis, a collar mounted on the sleeve member and including a second inner surface defining a second frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the second inner surface being machined by rotating the sleeve member and the collar about the axis, a first set of balls located within the bore and supported for radial movement relative to the sleeve member and for engagement with the spindle inner surface, a second set of balls located wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Tiegs, Michael J. Kurten
  • Patent number: 4920597
    Abstract: A drive-on vehicle supporting arrangement for use with a floor anchor system includes a pair of parallel, spaced vehicle supporting treadways, each of which includes vehicle support stands secured to floor anchors to affix the support stand to the floor and clamps to connect to the undercarriage of a vehicle. Removable treadways are positioned between front and rear vehicle support stands. Additionally, a front treadway extends forwardly from the front vehicle support stand and a rear treadway extends rearwardly from the rear vehicle support stand and are supported by treadway support stands. A ramp leads to the rear treadway so that the repairman can drive a vehicle onto the treadway surface, elevate the vehicle, if necessary, by portable jacks and secure the vehicle atop the support stands. Thereafter, the treadways may be removed for clear access to the underside of the vehicle to facilitate repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Harold F. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4899987
    Abstract: The scissor lift has two parallel sets of legs. Each set has one end of an inner leg pivoted on a base and the other end slideable on the elevating platform. One end of the outer leg of each set is pivotally connected to the platform while the other end slides on the base. The mid portion of the legs are pivotally connected on a pin which also supports a crank which can rotate about 90.degree. between a first generally horizontal position in which the actuated end of the crank is eccentric to an imaginary line connecting the pivot pin and the pivot of a ram which actuates the end of the crank. Initial actuation of the crank 90.degree. raises the pivot pin and the actuated end of the crank to increase the mechanical advantage of the ram. The angle of the ram now has adequate uplift to be as effective as the prior art while requiring about 1/2 the storage height. A stop bar is pivoted on the pivot pin and has a free end or tail slideable along the base as the pivot pin rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Craig
  • Patent number: 4899457
    Abstract: A measuring bridge including extensible legs supporting the measuring bridge into position beneath a vehicle. The extensible legs each include a compression spring for upward movement into engagement with the bottom of a vehicle frame. The measuring bridge also includes apparatus for adjustably positioning the pointers of the measuring bridge to compensate for variations in the size of reference holes provided in the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Fergus, Craig A. Wisner
  • Patent number: 4886242
    Abstract: A side lifting jack having a pneumatically and hydraulically actuated lifting cylinder for raising a lift arm of the side lifting jack. The jack includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir and air pressure is supplied to the hydraulic fluid reservoir to cause hydraulic fluid to be delivered to the lift cylinder. A flow restricting device controls the rate of flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of the hydraulic cylinder and prevents sudden movement of the jack or sudden extension of the lift cylinder assembly in the event that the load on the lift jack is suddenly reduced or removed from the lift jack. The jack also includes a ratch and pawl arrangement to selectively prevent retraction of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and lowering of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard Eck, Reinald D. Liegel, Charles Naber, Garry J. Sabel
  • Patent number: 4803783
    Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the diameter and concentricity of a bore in a workpiece, the bore having an inner surface, the apparatus comprising a base, a first surface engaging member supported by the base for movement along an axis and relative to a reference point, a selectively adjustable second surface engaging member supported by the base for movement along the axis, the second surface engaging member and the reference point defining the diameter of a circle, a third surface engaging member movably supported by the base and located on the circle, the third surface engaging member moving in response to movement of the second surface engaging member to maintain location of the third surface engaging member on the circle, the first, second, and third surface engaging members being adapted to be housed in the bore and to engage the inner surface of the bore, and the first surface engaging member being biased away from the second surface engaging member and against the inner surface of the bore, and a gauge for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Tiegs, Edward C. Gamoke
  • Patent number: 4794783
    Abstract: A vehicle repair and alignment rack for correcting and aligning misshapened vehicle frame and body portions comprises a rack structure having a vehicle supportive upper surface and a lower surface with opposite side rack portions having inner and outer flanges joined together to form a central opening, whereby a vehicle straddles the opening for work access to the vehicle underside. Front and rear supportive legs are affixed to the rack structure for elevation above a floor surface and have power fluid rams operatively connected thereto for folding the legs and lowering the rack structure to the floor to facilitate positioning a vehicle on the rack. Force supplying members are affixed to the rack structure and are easily movable therearound so that they can be selectively positioned to exert pulls on substantially any part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard F. Eck
  • Patent number: 4784371
    Abstract: A hydraulic jack including a bleed port for permitting the flow of fluid from the ram cylinder when the head portion of the ram moves to a position adjacent one end of the cylinder so as to prevent the ram head portion from being forced and the sealing means against the end of the cylinder. The bleed port means comprises a bore formed by a laser beam and extending through the cylinder wall, the bore having a diameter of less than approximately 0.015 inches along substantially its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Kamper
  • Patent number: 4739854
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid pump apparatus for use in supplying hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic lift cylinder used tilting the cab of a truck, the hydraulic fluid pump apparatus including a control cartridge for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid reservoir, pump chamber and hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Garry J. Sabel, Reinald D. Liegel, Charles Naber
  • Patent number: 4715573
    Abstract: A tool tray for supporting tools for use by a mechanic working beneath a vehicle. The tool tray includes a plurality of casters and a vertically adjustable stand for selectively supporting the tool tray in an elevated position wherein the height of the tool tray is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Reinald D. Liegel
  • Patent number: 4691443
    Abstract: A vehicle alignment system uses transverse, longitudinal and vertical bars mounted on a vehicle and equating to X, Y and Z axes for establishing the dimensions of the vehicle, which dimensions are then compared to the vehicle engineering specifications. The transverse bars are connected to the underside of the vehicle and, to enable quickness and ease of transferring the alignment system between vehicles, quick connect fittings extend between the transverse and longitudinal bars. Additional supports extend between the longitudinal bars and a base surface. The system is arranged so that transverse bars in a path of entry and exit of the vehicle can be readily removed and the vehicle removed and replaced, while maintaining the alignment system substantially set up and ready for use. The process improves the speed of use of the system by substantially alleviating the dismantling previously required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: Harold F. Hamilton, Robert L. Donahue