Patents Examined by Alvin J Grant
  • Ratcheting tool
    Patent number: 7213491
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool having an axial pawl ratcheting mechanism is provided that may be used for a screwdriver or wrench and comprises a first gear including axial gear teeth on a first side providing for ratcheting in a first direction. A second bidirectional gear has axial teeth on both sides. The second gear is mounted to the first side of the first gear so that the first gear axial gear teeth engage the second gear axial gear teeth and provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A ratchet head is provided having an opening for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein in order to transfer torque between the ratchet head and the axial pawl ratchet assembly. An actuator is provided for adjusting the positioning of the axial pawl ratchet assembly between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thompson, Michael L. Foster
  • Rigging tool
    Patent number: 7210379
    Abstract: A rigging tool for use with a turnbarrel for joining ends of cables together in which the rigging tool has a first gripping member with a receptacle suitable for receiving a terminal end of a cable therein, a second gripping member having a receptacle suitable for receiving a terminal end of another cable therein, and a translating rod assembly connected to the first and second gripping members for allowing the gripping members to translate with respect to each other when the turnbarrel is rotated. The translating rod has a tubular body with a first rod fixedly adjustably received in one end of the tubular body and a second rod resiliently mounted in the second end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron P. Pepin
  • Screw guide device
    Patent number: 7210382
    Abstract: Screw guide is provided and includes a cylindrical member having a first end adapted to rotate a fastener and a second end adapted to receive torque from an external source and transfer the torque to the fastener, a stop ring engaged with the cylindrical member that is adjustable to control the movement of the fastener with respect to the screw guide. The screw guide may also include a sleeve that surrounds the cylindrical member and the stop ring and a stand off ring that is engaged with the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Eastway Fair Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert E. McCracken
  • Rotatable die tong jaw
    Patent number: 7204173
    Abstract: Power tong jaws comprising one or more dies which are rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: David A. Buck
  • Chainsaw throttle and brake mechanisms
    Patent number: 7200941
    Abstract: A chainsaw is provided having a brake band disposed about a drum that rotates during advancement of the saw chain about the saw bar. An end of the brake band is biased to a position that draws the brake band tight about the drum to prevent advancement of the saw chain, and the throttle trigger of the chainsaw is associated with this biased end to push the band against the bias and release the drum when the throttle trigger is squeezed to drive the elements of the chainsaw that serve to advance the saw chain. Also provided are new concepts for associating throttling and braking elements with the throttle trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Kent J. Myers
  • Adjustable ratchet wrench
    Patent number: 7201084
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench or spanner is disclosed. It comprises essentially an elongated handle element with a convex urging portion at one end, an upper jaw element with a concave urging portion, a lower jaw element with a protrusion portion and a ratchet assembly. The upper jaw element is movable with the assistance of the two engaging urging portions and the lower jaw element is adjustable with the assistance of the ratchet assembly. Two jaw portions are operable in tightening or loosening positions, without having to be disengaged from a hexagonal nut. When the jaw portions are opened in a loosening position, gripping edges of the jaw portions are allowed to shift from one width across flats to another width across flats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Power Bridge (Singapore) PTE Ltd
    Inventor: Wang Han Yap
  • Device for pivoting and positioning head of hand tool
    Patent number: 7197966
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a head which has an insertion and first teeth are defined in an outer periphery of the insertion. The insertion is pivotably connected to a recess between two lugs on a handle and a first biasing device is connected to an inner end of the recess. A control member is located between the insertion and the inner end of the recess, and has second teeth which are engaged with the first teeth. A cam-like protrusion projects from an underside of the control member and includes a curved outer surface which is in contact with the first biasing device. The first and second teeth are disengaged from each other when pivoting the control member so that the head can be pivoted, the first and second teeth are engaged again when the control member are pivoted back such that the head is positioned at a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Electronic torsional tool
    Patent number: 7194940
    Abstract: An enhancing structure of an electronic torsional tool having an electronic strain gauge for measuring a torsional force applied thereon; wherein the electronic torsional tool having a main body comprising: an extending rod mounted in the main body and extended through a longitudinal length of the main body, so as to enhance flexibility of the main body. The main body is provided with a hole to enhance flexibility of the main body. The extending rod is extended through a longitudinal length of the hole of the main body, so as to enhance the strength of the hole of the main body. The strain gauge is mounted in the hole of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Integrated endpoint detection system with optical and eddy current monitoring
    Patent number: 7195536
    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: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Boguslaw A. Swedek, Manoocher Birang, Nils Johansson
  • Bolt and nut engaging tool
    Patent number: 7191687
    Abstract: A bolt and nut engaging tool includes a loop that has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top side and a bottom side. The inner surface has a size and shape adapted for removably receiving a fastener. Each of a pair of the finger grips is coupled to the loop and extends in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of the finger grips has an outer end extending away from the loop. The fastener may be removably positioned within the loop member so that the loop member engages the fastener and may be rotated by placing rotational force on the finger grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael F. Wadsley
  • Retaining rings, planarizing apparatuses including retaining rings, and methods for planarizing micro-device workpieces
    Patent number: 7189153
    Abstract: Retaining rings, planarizing apparatuses including retaining rings, and methods for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of micro-device workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a carrier head for retaining a micro-device workpiece during mechanical or chemical-mechanical polishing includes a workpiece holder configured to receive the workpiece and a retaining ring carried by the workpiece holder. The retaining ring includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a first surface between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a plurality of grooves in the first surface extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. The grooves include at least a first groove and a second groove positioned adjacent and at least substantially transverse to the first groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore M. Taylor
  • Open end adjustable spanner
    Patent number: 7188550
    Abstract: A new mechanism of an open-end adjustable spanner which includes a right latch, a left latch, a return spring, and a control member containing hairpin springs and a serrated bit installed in an accommodation trough of a handle to create a torque transmission structure to turn a ratchet by gearing to permit easy alignment of the ratchet with the bolt or nut and avoid slipping therefrom before and after tightening or loosening the bolt or nut; and allow effort-saving and convenient torque application in clamping head of a bolt or nut by selecting a proper specification of the configuration of the open end of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Chang Tsai
  • Mounting device for a garbage disposal
    Patent number: 7185408
    Abstract: A tool for installing a garbage disposal to a sink flange extending below a sink includes a keeper and a platform. The keeper includes a head portion for engaging the sink flange above the sink and a leg portion extending along the sink axis through the sink flange. The platform carrying disposal mounting rings is releasably engaged with the leg portion below the sink to position it adjacent to and aligned with the end of the sink flange body. A snap ring is biased from the platform onto the flange body and into the annular groove in the flange body to trap the back-up ring and mounting ring on the flange body below the sink. The platform is disengaged from the leg portion and the tool is removed so that the disposal may be secured to the mounting ring in a known manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Keith
  • Reversible ratcheting tool with improved pawl
    Patent number: 7185566
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a body and a gear disposed in the body. The gear defines a plurality of teeth on a circumference of the gear so that the gear teeth define a first arc having a first radius. A pawl is disposed in the body so that the pawl is movable laterally with respect to the gear between a first position, in which the pawl is disposed between the body and the gear so that the body transmits torque through the pawl in a first rotational direction, and a second position, in which the pawl is disposed between the body and the gear so that the body transmits torque through the pawl in an opposite rotational direction. The pawl defines a plurality of teeth facing the gear, and the pawl teeth define a second arc having a second radius larger than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Arnold, Richard P. Folkenroth
  • Spanner with enhancing structure for positioning electronic devices installed therein
    Patent number: 7185570
    Abstract: A spanner with an enhancing device for positioning electronic devices installed therein; a spanner having a holding portion; at least one end of the holding portion having a driving portion; each of the connection of the driving portion and the holding portion having a strain gauge; a receiving space before formed in the holding portion; an enhancing rib being installed in the receiving space; each of an upper side and lower side of the receiving space of the holding portion having an electric device; the two electric devices being placed at two sides of the enhancing rib; the electric devices being connected to the respective strain gauges for measuring changes of resistances of the of the strain gauges as forces are applied to the strain gauges so as to calculate the twisting forces and display the values of the twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Pipe wrench having a fixed positioning ring
    Patent number: 7185564
    Abstract: A ratchet pipe wrench a C-shaped head including two jaws and a ratchet mechanism is received in the head so as to engage with a C-shaped engaging member rotatably engaged with the space between the two jaws of the head. A C-shaped positioning ring is securely engaged with a groove defined in an inside of the two jaws of the head so that only the engaging member is rotatable relative to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Omnidirectional twisting tool
    Patent number: 7185571
    Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Jar opener
    Patent number: 7185560
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel, easy to use, hand-operated apparatus for effortlessly loosening the threaded lid of ajar or bottle having a screw-on lid and readily accommodates jars or bottles of different sizes. One form of the invention includes a base having a jar supporting surface, a generally vertically extending guide column connected to the base and a carriage assembly connected to the guide for movement relative to the guide between a first raised position and a second lowered position. Novel features of the invention include the provision of a helical drive screw which drives a jar lid engaging assembly and a novel safety clutch mechanism which prevents the exertion of excessive force on the jar being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael P. Flanagan
  • Disposable battery powered screw driver, locking mechanism, and accessories
    Patent number: 7185562
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a driver may include an electric motor coupled to a bit interface. The bit interface may include a generally cylindrical body having first and second hollow portions. The first hollow portion may be on one end of the generally cylindrical body and may define a generally cylindrical hole. The second hollow portion may abut the first hollow portion and define an oblong channel. The oblong channel may be further defined by first and second parallel flat walls. The cylindrical body may also include a first transverse groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: OsteoMed L.P.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Raines, Jr., Shaher A. Ahmad
  • Screwdriver handle structure
    Patent number: 7182002
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle structure includes a handle having a storage compartment. The compartment comprises a number recesses to store screw heads therein. The handle is provided with a locator having a trough to receive an engaging device therein. The handle further comprises sliding sections to secure a sliding cover thereon in order to store screw heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hung-ming Hu