Patents Examined by Alvin J Grant
  • Patent number: 7721630
    Abstract: An automatically adjustable locking pliers or tool includes a jaw fixed to a first handle and a jaw that pivots about the first handle. The pivoting jaw is connected to a lower tightening handle. A lever connects the tightening handle and first handle. A self-adjusting sizing and locking mechanism includes a thumb jaw sizing piece located near the jaws and movable to open the jaws so that they can be sized around a workpiece. When the thumb jaw sizing piece is released, the jaws automatically size and clamp lightly around the workpiece. The locking mechanism uses balls between a locking rod and a tapered surface. Locking occurs when the balls wedge between the rod and the tapered surface. A release cylinder is connected to a release paddle movable to unlock the mechanism. The sizing piece and locking mechanism are operable to automatically size and lock the pliers or tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7722444
    Abstract: An angle grinder is provided including a trigger assembly for selectively actuating the angle grinder. A particle separation assembly is provided for the removal of any dust, particle, or artifacts that may have entered into the housing of the angle grinder. A brush biasing system is also provided to ensure proper and efficient operation of the motor of the angle grinder. An overload monitoring system is included to monitor the loading on the motor. A clutch mechanism is also included to prevent overloading on the motor of the angle grinder. A gear wheel lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the wheel spindle from rotating during installation or removal of a grinding wheel on the wheel spindle. An anti-locking flange system is also included to prevent the over-tightening of the flanges and the grinder wheel during the operation of the angle grinder. A gear case labyrinth feature is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Gallagher, Michael C. Doyle, Eric E. Hatfield, David C. Tomayko, Daniel L. Krout, Tanika Malloy
  • Patent number: 7722445
    Abstract: An insertion tool (12) for an angle grinder (2) that has a hub (16) with at least a first fastening means for fastening the hub (16) to a driving device (22) of the angle grinder (2). The first fastening means if located on a partial circle (54) with a radius (56) of between 12 mm and 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Kraenzler, Peter Stierle, Albrecht Hofmann, Juergen Wiker, Harald Krondorfer, Joachim Schadow, Sinisa Andrasic, Thomas Schomisch, Christof Hoelzl, Johann Huber
  • Patent number: 7713107
    Abstract: A polishing tool comprising a support member, and polishing means fixed to the support member. The polishing means is composed of felt having a density of 0.20 g/cm3 or more and a hardness of 30 or more, and abrasive grains dispersed in the felt. A polishing method and apparatus involving pressing the polishing means against a surface of a workpiece to be polished, while rotating the workpiece and also rotating the polishing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventors: Sinnosuke Sekiya, Setsuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7703161
    Abstract: A vehicle extrication preparatory tool includes an elongated body portion with an ergonomic bend in the middle. A handle is provided forward of the bend extending in an upward direction perpendicularly to the rear section of the body. Incorporated into the upward end of the handle is a window punch. A pry bar is attached to the rearward end of the body portion. Incorporated into the forward end of the tool is a swivel segment. The swivel segment incorporates both a windshield spike and a windshield saw blade. In the open position, the saw blade extends from the swivel segment, running parallel with the front section of the body and the spike extends upward from the swivel segment perpendicular to the rear section of the body. When closed, the saw blade fits inside a slot in the body portion extending from the swivel segment inline with the front section of the body and the spike extends downward perpendicular to the rear section of the body from the swivel segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Darran Michael Handshaw
  • Patent number: 7704123
    Abstract: An adjustable handle assembly for a road surface cutting saw is provided that includes a back plate attached to the saw housing, an outer gear attached to the back plate, a bracket assembly including an inner gear, a tubular member slidably attached to the bracket assembly, and an adjustment lever having a threaded engagement end. The adjustment lever secures the bracket assembly to the saw such that the inner gear engages the outer gear. When the adjustment lever is loosened a bias spring biases the bracket assembly away from the saw such that the inner gear disengages from the outer gear to thereby allow rotation of the handle assembly to a desired operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Diamond Products, Limited
    Inventors: Martin D. Marsic, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7686677
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a floor treatment machine is provided that aids the operator in maintaining positive control of the machine. The wheel assembly includes a body that can be removably attached to the floor treatment machine, and wheels that are configured to contact the floor, while the floor treatment machine is in use. The body of the wheel assembly can include a first end disposed below the base of the floor treatment machine, an intermediate region, and a second end extending beyond the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Pearl Abrasive Company
    Inventor: Clayton Peterson
  • Patent number: 7682221
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method can use an eddy current monitoring system and an optical monitoring system. Signals from the monitoring systems can be combined on an output line and extracted by a computer. A thickness of a polishing pad can be calculated. The eddy current monitoring system and optical monitoring system can measure substantially the same location on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Boguslaw A. Swedek, Manoocher Birang, Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 7677956
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising (a) an abrasive consisting essentially of aggregated silica, (b) an acid, and (c) a liquid carrier, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 5 or less. The invention is also directed to a method of polishing a substrate comprising a dielectric layer using the polishing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cabot Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Carter, Gregory H Bogush, Farhana Khan, Timothy P Johns, Robert Vacassy
  • Patent number: 7530129
    Abstract: A multipurpose folding hand tool including a tool holder permitting exchanges of blades. The tool may include a folding scissors including a spring that is moved into operative engagement with a scissors handle to open the scissors handles apart from each other only as the scissors approaches an extended, operative position with respect to the handle of the folding hand tool, within which it may be stowed. A resilient grip member is incorporated in one of the handles of the folding multipurpose hand tool. A wire cutter and a crimping tool are located on pliers jaw tangs, between the pliers pivot and the foldable handles of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa C. Yale, Hollan A. Tsuda, Glenn Klecker, Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 7530558
    Abstract: A cutting board assembly comprises a cutting board; a frame for supporting the cutting board thereon; and a drawer having a length, a width, and a depth defining a containment space for containing food therein, and having measuring increments marked along a length or a width thereof. The drawer is supported by the frame for sliding movement between a retracted position, in which the drawer is substantially retained within the frame and the containment space is substantially covered, and a protracted position, in which the containment space is substantially uncovered. A volume of food retained within the containment space may be measured using the increments marked along the length or the width of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Edison Nation, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph N. Casale, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Jerry Shew
  • Patent number: 7523518
    Abstract: A trim tool and paint tray system for use in dispensing paint. The system includes a trim tool having a paint applicator to apply paint to a surface to be painted and at least one edge guard to shield adjacent surfaces that are to remain free of paint from the applicator. The system also includes a paint tray having a paint-receiving well and at least one slot free of paint. The paint tray is configured to receive the trim tool such that the paint applicator is received in the paint well to charge the paint applicator with paint and the edge guard is received in the slot so the edge guard remains free of paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Zibra, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis M. Futo, Scott A. Pyle, Michael M. Sherman, James C. Dale
  • Patent number: 7520798
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad having an annular polishing track and a concentric center O. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer having a plurality of pad grooves formed therein. The polishing pad is designed for use with a carrier, e.g., a wafer carrier, that includes a polishing ring having a plurality of carrier grooves. Each of the plurality of pad grooves has a carrier-compatible groove shape configured to enhance the transport of a polishing medium beneath the carrier ring on the leading edge of the carrier ring during polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7520796
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad having an annular polishing track and a concentric center O. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer having a plurality of pad grooves formed therein. The polishing pad is designed for use with a carrier, e.g., a wafer carrier, that includes a polishing ring having a plurality of carrier grooves. Each of the plurality of pad grooves has a carrier-compatible groove shape configured to enhance the transport of a polishing medium beneath the carrier ring on the leading edge of the carrier ring during polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7509892
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7506396
    Abstract: A hair brush with a cleaning element for removing entwined hair from the brush after use. The cleaning element of the brush includes a plate(s) with opening through which the bristles protrude. When the plate is expanded, the plate pushes any hairs entwined in the bristles to the tips of the bristles where they are removed. The brush also has a post mechanism, which allows for the adjustment of the cleaning element to various intermediary positions, effectively adjusting the length of the bristles for use of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Joe J DiPippo
  • Patent number: 7481137
    Abstract: A folding hand tool containing a plurality of elongated tools mounted on a predetermined sized lug and pivotally held in a handle. Shaped complementary sidewalls on the lugs placed adjacent one another provide locking means for positively positioning the plurality of elongated tools in an open or used position. The shaped complementary sidewalls on adjacent lugs may be selectively disengaged with a release or by overcoming a bias of an engaging force. The predetermined sized lugs provide improved transmission of forces and easier manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robyn Marie Johnson
  • Patent number: 7465215
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sponge blasting apparatus comprising: a recovering unit which sucks and recovers a blasting medium jetted out of a nozzle; a sorting unit which sorts the blasting medium sucked and recovered by the recovering unit into a reusable blasting medium and an unreusable blasting medium; a blower which gives a sucking force to the recovering unit via the sorting unit; a dust collector which removes dust from an exhaust air discharged from the sorting unit with a sucking force of the blower; a picking-apart unit which picks apart the reusable blasting medium sorted by the sorting unit; a continuous feeder which, having at least two reservoir tanks into which the reusable blasting medium picked apart by the picking-apart unit is inputted, changes over the two tanks between each other to continuously feed the nozzle with the blasting medium deposited in the tanks; and a carrier which carries to the continuous feeder the reusable blasting medium sorted by the sorting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokuo Shimizu, Atsushi Maeda, Takashi Kitahara, Tetsunori Yano
  • Patent number: 7464914
    Abstract: A power unit includes a rectangular frame base having a left shoe and a right shoe having a longitudinal track on their inner sides, a forward end having a support plate for receiving a jack stand, and a rearward end having a rear plate with an aperture for receiving an actuator shaft. A screw-threaded actuator shaft has a distal portion, and a proximal end extending through the aperture of the rear plate. A lateral screw axel has a threaded aperture receiving the distal end of the actuator shaft, and has its ends extending into the respective left and right track of the shoes. Two parallel lift arms have forward ends, and have rearward ends pivotally attached to the lateral axel. Two parallel connecting arms have forward ends pivotally attached to the forward ends of the shoes, and have rearward ends pivotally attached on the lift arms. Leveling pads are pivotally attached to the forward ends of the lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7455574
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking and cushioning a spindle of a power tool includes a driving disk, a combination of a cam and a plurality of elastic components, and a plurality of roller pairs. The combination of the cam and the elastic components is accommodated in a body. The driving disk is disposed at one end of the body and in contact with the cam. A surface of the driving disk is formed with a plurality of stopping blocks inserted into the body to contact the elastic components, respectively. The roller pairs are respectively disposed between two adjacent stopping blocks and in contact with an inclined surface of an outer surface of the cam. When the power tool is powered off, relative movements between the elastic components and the stopping blocks and pressing forces between the inclined surface of the cam and the roller can cushion and lock the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Porite Taiwan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiou Long Chu, Jung Kwan Kuo, Yen Shan Fang, Chin-Chiang Chen, Ching-Hsu Wu