Patents Examined by Debra S. Meislin
  • Patent number: 7143666
    Abstract: The finger ring bottle opener includes a continuous ring band with a finger passage and a finger passage axis. A bar integral with a band palm portion extends from the band distal end and is generally parallel to the finger passage axis. A bottom surface of the bar is a cap top engaging surface. A short shank is integral with the band palm portion and extends radially outward from the band. A prong is integral with the shank and extends forward from the shank. A bottle cap skirt bottom engaging surface is on the prong. When the skirt bottom engaging surface is in engagement with a cap skirt bottom and the bar is engaging the cap top, the cap top surface is substantially parallel to the finger passage axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Tony M. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7124663
    Abstract: A bottle opener includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes an engaging section. The second member comprises a cap-removal portion and a grip portion. One of the first member and the second member includes two slots defined therein. An axle is slidably extended through the slots for pivotally connecting the first member and the second member. The engaging section engages with a portion of a circumferential end edge of a cap of a bottle to be opened. The grip portion of the second member is movable relative to the cap to a position for engaging with another portion of the circumferential end edge of the cap opposite to the portion of the circumferential end edge of the cap, thereby allowing removal of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Huang-Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 7117772
    Abstract: A wrench includes a shank having a drive head, a handle slidably mounted on the shank, and a resistance member mounted between the shank and the handle to provide a resistance to damp movement of the handle. Thus, when a force is applied on the handle to rotate the shank about the drive head, the force produces an axial component force which drives the handle to move relative to the shank, so that the resistance member is compressed, and the handle is moved on the shank to a determined position. In addition, the shank is provided with an indication portion to indicate a safety parameter of motion of the handle during movement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Chuck Chang
  • Patent number: 7111532
    Abstract: A torque wrench includes a driving shank received in a handle and having an intermediate portion pivotally attached to the handle with a pivot axle, and having two projections, a follower is slidably received in the handle and biased to engage with the driving shank by a spring biasing member, and two guiding members are fitted and retained between the driving shank and the handle and each includes a groove for slidably receiving the projections of the driving shank, and thus to stably guide the inner end of the driving shank to rotate and to move within the handle and to prevent the driving shank from being tilted or swung or vibrated relative to the handle. The grooves of the guiding members include a center of curvature located at the pivot axle of the driving shank and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Izu Min Wu
  • Patent number: 7107874
    Abstract: A hammer having a coupling rod extended from a neck at one end of the hammer body of the hammer, a bell detachably attached to the coupling rod, a rubber socket mounted in a transverse through hole of the bell and a transverse through hole of the coupling rod to accommodate a stud nut, and a screw threaded into the stud nut to affix the socket and the bell to the coupling rod of the hammer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Yung-Shou Chen
  • Patent number: 7107885
    Abstract: A tool handle self-contained a set of screwdriver bits includes a handle and a set of screwdriver bits in the handle. There is a fixed hole provided on the bottom of the handle and a receiving groove provided on the side of the handle. The set of screwdriver bits includes a base, a pillar installed on the base and a plurality of holding parts installed on the base. On the upper end of the pillar, a step portion is provided and each holding part holds a screwdriver bit. After the set of screwdriver bits and the receiving groove are assembled, the bottom of the base and the handle become a smooth surface and the top face of the pillar in the hole of the receiving groove forms a pressing face. If the pressing face is pressed, the set of screwdriver bits will move out from the handle. After the screwdriver bit is locked at the bottom of the handle, it can act as screwdriver. A tool handle self-contained a set of screwdriver bits can suit for various hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nieh Chuang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun Yong Chen
  • Patent number: 7100480
    Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for clamping an object with quick adjusting pliers. A top jaw has a bottom handle, a slot, and a series of ridges located around the slot. A pin extends through the slot. A tongue element has a first opening for receiving the pin. A bottom jaw has a top handle and another opening for receiving the pin, wherein the tongue element engages one of the series of ridges, and wherein the top jaw and bottom jaw pivot about a first axis that extends though a longitudinal axis of the pin, and wherein the tongue element is moveable relative to the ridges to allow for engagement or disengagement with said ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Jeffery L. Ditzler, Gene L. Tyser
  • Patent number: 7096765
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hand tool is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the tool may include a socket body, a key tip and an arm portion. The socket body may include a socket at a first end. The arm portion is connected between the socket body and the key tip. The key tip may include a hex key. The arm portion may define an opening for receiving a torquing device and the key tip may define a notch for receiving a torquing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Kenneth Newton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7096759
    Abstract: A flip-top can opener comprising: a length of rigid material; a wedge-shaped head located at a distill end of the length of rigid material; a hook located near the wedge-shaped head, and configured to engage an edge of a rim of a flip-top can such that when the flip-top can opener is pivoted about the edge of the can, the wedge-shaped head enlarges an opening of the flip-top can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Kirko
  • Patent number: 7089831
    Abstract: A cross-type wrench including a connector in which a dogging cavity and a receiving space are formed and an adjustment member accommodated in the dogging cavity and the receiving space. The adjustment member has a downward extending engaging section formed with multiple fixing holes. A press button is disposed on top end of the adjustment member. The press button is connected with a downward extending shaft rod formed with an axial shaft hole. A second fixing member is passed through a bottom end of the connector and inserted in the shaft hole. A resilient member is fitted around the shaft rod. The outer circumference of the connector is formed with multiple fixing tunnels for several rotary members to insert therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Chia Huan Chen
  • Patent number: 7089832
    Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for clamping an object with quick adjusting pliers. A top jaw has a bottom handle, a slot, and a series of ridges located around the slot. A pin extends through the slot and includes an engagement element. A bottom jaw has a top handle and another opening for receiving the pin. The engagement element engages at least one of the series of ridges in a first position, wherein the top jaw and bottom jaw pivot about a first axis that extends though a longitudinal axis of the pin, and wherein the engagement element is moveable along the first axis from the first position to a second position wherein the engagement element does not engage any of the series of ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Jeffery L. Ditzler, Gene L. Tyser
  • Patent number: 7086313
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides screwdriver connectors that each include (a) a body defining (1) a first end defining a first opening and a second opening; (2) a first cavity that opens onto the first end through the first opening; (3) a second cavity, connected to the first cavity by a passage, that opens onto the first end through the second opening; (b) a locking member disposed within the passage; (c) a spring and a tensioning member disposed within the second cavity; and (d) a collar that releasably engages the first end of the body, wherein in operation the spring biases the tensioning member against the collar and against the locking member which engages a bit disposed within the first cavity, thereby immobilizing the bit within the first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Jore Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan C. Cantlon
  • Patent number: 7082866
    Abstract: A torque-angle wrench has a torque preset alert circuit which provides a first signal when a predetermined torque level is reached, an angle sensing circuitry providing a second signal corresponding to angular rotation, output circuitry responsive to the second signal for providing an indication of angular rotation, and switch circuitry for preventing the second signal from reaching the output circuitry until the occurrence of the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas P. Becker
  • Patent number: 7073415
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument system for pedicle screws having a thread in their head which has a clamping screw in the direction of their screw axes, which can be actuated by a power screw driver, with holders for the absorbing of a torque contacting the head of the pedicle screw in a shape matched manner. Since the holders have a tubular part which is coordinated with its inner diameter to the guiding of the clamping screw and with centring parts being able to be fastened in the heads of the pedicle screws instead of the clamping screws, said pedicle screws being engageable when the holder is mounted on, the contact to the inserted pedicle screw can also be maintained with a non visible, i.e. smaller operation field, in order mount the same holder or other holders a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Centerpulse Orthopedics Ltd.
    Inventors: Simon Casutt, Nimrod Meier, Marc Huber
  • Patent number: 7069821
    Abstract: A movable jaw holding device includes a handle having a fixed jaw member holding a first rod member. A movable jaw member is pivoted to the handle by a pivot and holds a second rod member. A C-shaped retainer fastened to the shank of the pivot secures to secures the pivot to the handle and the movable jaw member. A spring member mounted on the pivot and stopped between the fixed jaw member and the movable jaw member is well protected by the head of the pivot and a cushion ring at one end of the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Cherng-Bin Hwang
  • Patent number: 7069814
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable securing apparatus for fastening and unfastening a lid to a container. The apparatus minimizes or prevents health risks of medical conditions associated with repetitive and cumulative motions by minimizing or preventing repetitive motions performed by an individual. The apparatus includes a base and a balancer configured to hold a rotational drive mechanism. The base provides support for the container by allowing the container to rest thereon in an upright position. The balancer is connected to the base and is configured to hold the rotational drive mechanism. The balancer provides for movement of the rotational drive mechanism to engage the container lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Steven G. Chervak, Arthur F. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7069816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven screw driver comprising a drive motor to which a first torque limiter is assigned and a head (1) which presents the screw-driving tool or a recess for a screw-driving tool. A ratchet mechanism (6) and a torque limiter (5) assigned to said ratchet mechanism (6) are positioned in the head (1) in such a way that the screw driver forms a manually actuated torque wrench whose torque is defined by the torque limiter (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Johannes Luebbering AG
    Inventors: Konstanze Saathoff, Achim Lübbering
  • Patent number: 7066053
    Abstract: A washer which has a body having a first bearing face surface at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with a nut, a second bearing face surface at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with an object, at least one third turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a thread of the bolt, and at least one breaking point arranged so that when the nut is turned and turns the bolt the washer stops the bolt from turning and thereby the nut creates a pull on the bolt which elongates the bolt in an axial direction and applies to the washer an axial force which breaks said body of the washer and allows a portion of said body of the washer to be pulled axially when the bolt elongates; and also a fastener, a method of fastening objects, and a tool for fastening objects can be provided with the new washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 7059223
    Abstract: A tool to replace motorcycle brake pads is used for back seating disc brake pistons into their bores to make room for replacement of old brake pads with new brake pads. The tool comprises a pair of curved elongated substantially flat members wedged at both ends that mount onto either side of wheel assembly disc or rotor. Once mounted upon the disc or rotor, the wheel assembly is rotated, causing the wedged ends to slide in between the disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc or rotor. This forcing the seating of disc brake pistons into their bores when the plateaued section of the tool is forced between the seating disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc or rotor, thus making room for the installation of new brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: William Arias
  • Patent number: RE39312
    Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a conveyor for transporting a tire mounted on a rim to a predetermined position at a tire inflating work station. The conveyor can include carrier surfaces spaced laterally with respect to one another along a path of travel for engaging the tire and rim for transport. The carrier surfaces are moveable along the path of travel and moveable vertically between a raised transport position and a lowered transfer position. A support surface at the tire inflating workstation has at least two portions. The portions include at least one interlocking joint for holding the portions of the support surface in sealing engagement with respect to one another during an inflation process. An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a reciprocal inflation head moveable from a first position spaced from the tire to a second position engagable with the side wall of the tire for communicating pressurized fluid to inflate the tire on the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Burke E. Porter Machinery Company
    Inventors: John P. Kane, Karl D. Sachs