Patents Assigned to The Aro Corporation
  • Patent number: 5060771
    Abstract: A rotary vane air motor tool includes an adjustable torque sensing clutch which disengages the tool bit from the air motor and simultaneously closes a normally open valve to the air motor upon reaching a threshold value. A lever or toggle actuated normally closed valve is operable to initiate operation of the tool. The normally closed valve includes an exhaust or bypass passage to permit resetting of the normally open valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5054588
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Phil D. Thorp, Ward W. Harvey, Douglas E. Pyles
  • Patent number: 5052432
    Abstract: A universal swivel body for a fluid handling hose connector has threaded inlet and outlet ends connected by an axial fluid passageway and capable of attachment to a stationary fluid supply line and a rotating fluid service line. The axial fluid passageway has a number of internal circumferential sealing surfaces, each of which is sized and located to provide a fluid tight seal in cooperation with a compliant seal ring and with a corresponding sealing surface on a swivel adapter designed for a particular working pressure. The outlet end of the swivel adapter is capable of rotation with respect to the swivel body so that the device can be used with a hose reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry G. Vonalt, William R. Tate, Ernest K. Gentit
  • Patent number: 5014950
    Abstract: A clamping assembly to hold a magnetically operated electrical switch against the outside surface of a tie rod type pneumatic cylinder includes first and second clamp members pivotally cooperative with one another and retained by fastening means in cooperation with the switch. The clamp members include converging surfaces which cooperate with a tie rod to tightly draw the clamp onto the rod against a cylinder for a wide range of cylinder sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventors: Lachlan Ohman, Gary L. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5011341
    Abstract: A pneumatic power tool having a rotary driven output spindle defining an axis, an air motor having an output shaft axially aligned with the output spindle, transmission means connecting the output shaft and the spindle, and control means for operating the air motor. Incorporated in the transmission means is a two speed gear system to provide a first drive having a lower torque output and a second gear reduced having a higher torque output and a lower rotary speed output relative to the first drive. The two speed gear system also includes a spindle assembly which is axially translatable, biasing means for biasing the spindle assembly to the first drive position, and a collar rotatable about the axis and including a follower cooperative between the spindle assembly and the collar to effect axial movement of the spindle assembly between the first and second drive positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventor: Morton S. DeGroff
  • Patent number: 4982758
    Abstract: A diaphragm operated pressure regulator has a housing with a flow passage therethrough. The diaphragm in the housing is operatively connected to a ball valve in the flow passage for positioning the ball valve to control fluid flow through the flow passage at a predetermined pressure value. The diaphragm cooperates with the housing to define a displacement chamber. The displacement chamber is filled with fluid for backing up the diaphragm over its entire surface exposed to the displacement chamber. The diaphragm is preferably not perforated. A displacement piston cooperates with the displacement chamber to control the force applied to the diaphragm and thereby the flow through the flow passage. The displacement piston is adjustable into and out of the displacement chamber to vary the force applied to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventor: Leo J. Schlachter
  • Patent number: 4981280
    Abstract: An improved solenoid actuated, fluid control valve includes a diaphragm which is fluid actuated. Inlet pressure through a restricted orifice into a chamber on one side of the diaphragm acts against the diaphragm and causes closure of the valve, when the solenoid actuated valve in the passage from the chamber to exhaust is operated. When the solenoid or pilot operated exhaust is actuated, then the chamber is depressurized and the fluid flow valve opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventor: Karl A. Brandenberg
  • Patent number: 4978283
    Abstract: A chop-check pump for viscous material having cylinder means defining an axis, a drive rod axially movable within the cylinder means, a primer valve attached at one end of the drive rod and movable with the drive rod, and a floating check valve mechanism associated with the cylinder means at an outlet from the cylinder means through which the drive rod extends into the cylinder means. The primer valve includes a distal valve plate secured to the drive rod and a slidable valve plate on the drive rod slidable between a position against the distal valve plate and a position spaced from the distal valve plate. There are flow passages in both valve plates. Preferably, the flow passages in the slidable valve plate and the distal valve plate have a cross sectional area slightly less than the cross sectional area of the respective plates. In one embodiment, the slidable valve plate has a radial extent greater than that of the distal valve plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry G. Vonalt
  • Patent number: 4936753
    Abstract: A double diaphragm pump is disclosed. The pump utilizes duckbill and ball-type check valves interchangeably. The check valves are held in place by intake and exhaust manifolds that are convertable to single or dual inlet or outlet manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Kozumplik, Jr., Richard K. Gardner
  • Patent number: 4908884
    Abstract: A flexible filter drain is disclosed. The drain has a flexible body, a sealing washer, and a rigid brass drain stem with a sealing lip contacting the upper end of the body. The drain stem is held in sealing engagement with the flexible body by means of the cooperative action of an internal stem rib in the body and a rib member on the stem interlocking with the stem rib biased by the upper sealing lip on the stem cooperating with the upper surface of the body. A drain groove in the body provides fluid and contaminant flow through the drain when the lower party of the body and stem are displaced from axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. John, Jeffrey L. Miller
  • Patent number: 4895494
    Abstract: A double acting diaphragm pump includes a flat valve construction which is reversible to provide valving for both the inlet and outlet to the pumping chamber. A modular manifold construction cooperates with the flap valve construction to facilitate ease of replacement of the flap valve construction and case of repair of the diaphragm pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventor: Richard K. Gardner
  • Patent number: 4880064
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Willoughby, Phil D. Thorp
  • Patent number: 4872816
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump is mounted on a frame or bracket. The inlet of the diaphragm pump connects with a flexible hose or tubing having a probe designed to fit into a vehicle fluid passage such as the dip stick passage associated with the oil pan of a vehicle. The outlet to the diaphragm pump is connected to one of a pair of based hollow tube members designing part of a bracket for support of the pump. Each hollow tube has a generally S shape configuration and is connected to the other tube by cross braces. One of the hollow tubes has the dual function of acting as a support bracket for the diaphragm pump assembly and as a fluid conduit, which is connected to the diaphragm pump outlet at one end and defines a discharge passage into a container at the opposite end. The bracket assembly may thus be supported on a drum or other container by the bracket members with one of the bracket members serving as the discharge tube into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Fetcko
  • Patent number: 4858939
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for selectively releasing or retaining a bit in a rotary power tool. The mechanism includes a tool housing having an interior bore. A spindle, mateable with the bit, is mounted within the bore. A tubular release sleeve is also mounted within the bore, and is slidable between a retention position and release position. A bushing is positioned within the bore between the sleeve and the housing, with its exterior surface contacting the bore. A retention key is mounted within the spindle. The key is adapted to cooperate with the release sleeve to extend into a circumferential groove in the bit when the sleeve is in the retention position, and move away from that groove when the sleeve is in the release position. A spring is used to bias the release sleeve into the retention position, and a pin is mounted on the tool housing to hold the bushing within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Riggs
  • Patent number: 4854832
    Abstract: Briefly, the present invention comprises a combined mechanical shifting mechanism and pneumatic pilot valve construction to contrl the cycling of a double diaphragm pump. The mechanical cycling or shifting mechanism is positioned between pressure chambers of the diaphragm pump in the pump housing and extends axially into one or the other pressure chamber. The shifting mechanism moves axially in response to engagement by one of the pump diaphragms. Upon engagement by a diaphragm, the mechanical shift opens fluid pressure passageways to a pneumatic pilot valve which controls fluid flow to the respective pressure chambers associated with the diaphragm pump. A positive pilot signal is thus supplied through the entire stroke or cycle of the diaphragm pump. The mechanical shifting mechanism is not connected directly to a diaphragm or to the connecting rod which connects the diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Richard K. Gardner, p Nicholas Kozumplik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4844177
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool. A toggle-type trigger controls inlet fluid for forward and reverse operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Robinson, Robert A. Willoughby, Phil D. Thorp
  • Patent number: 4830586
    Abstract: An improved double acting diaphragm pump utilizes at least one supplemental diaphragm and associated pressure chamber arranged coaxially with the connecting shaft of the main diaphragms. The supplemental chambers are connected via parallel pressure lines or conduits to the pressure source for the main diaphragms and associated pressure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Herter, C. Bernard Sartran, Arno Grabowski
  • Patent number: 4772186
    Abstract: An improved torque control mechanism for a rotary vane, air motor tool includes acceleration and speed responsive slidable elements positioned in grooves that lie in a plane transverse to the spin axis of the motor and which form an angle with the radii extending from the spin axis. The elements cooperate with a cam plate which operates a fluid supply valve to close off air supply to the tool whenever torque of the tool causes the speed of the motor to decrease below a threshold level. A bypass valve and passage is manually operable to initiate operation of the air motor. An auxiliary low volume, low pressure valve and passage permits an operator to provide minor adjustments of the orientation of the output shaft of the tool. For reverse operation, the speed and acceleration control is eliminated by operation of a reverse operation control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas E. Pyles, David N. Carey
  • Patent number: 4747299
    Abstract: A method of testing the integrity of a package seal (14) provided between a container portion (11) and a lid portion (12), includes the steps of: initially reducing the pressure acting on the outer surface of the container portion to cause the lid portion to bow inwardly to a position of substantially maximum concavity while maintaining the ullage volume within the package substantially constant; further reducing the pressure acting on the outer surface of the container portion to distend the container portion for increasing the volume of the ullage space; and sensing for a change in position of the distended container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Fox, David C. Maloney
  • Patent number: 4715215
    Abstract: A leak detector is adapted to test the fluid-tight sealed integrity of a hermetically-sealed package having a movable wall portion. An enclosure surrounds a package-to-be-tested, and the space within the enclosure is evacuated by a vacuum pump. As the pressure acting on the outer surface of the package begins to fall,the gas within the package will be expand, pushing the movable wall portion outwardly. Such displacement of the movable wall portion is sensed and compared with a predetermined value. If desired, the reduced pressure within the enclosure may be held constant for as time interval, and the sensor used to determine whether the distended wall portion has relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Perhach, Charles E. Porter, Jr., David C. Maloney