Patents Examined by Jay A. Stelacone
  • Patent number: 5690268
    Abstract: A stapler with a storage chamber has an opening which is closable by a removable door or slipper. The slipper includes a flexible perimeter which fits on a frame in the stapler storage chamber. The stapler may further include one or more of the following: i) a device for stabilizing the pivotal connection between the slipper and the base when the slipper is opened and limiting pivotal displacement of the slipper; ii) a retaining device for selectively retaining and releasing the slipper relative to a base of the stapler; iii) a magnetic device for magnetically attaching the stapler to objects; iv) a reinforcement device for supporting an anvil of the stapler and frictionally latching the slipper to the base; and v) an arrangement for frictionally retaining the anvil to the base of the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Acco USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred J. Evans, David Q. Feng, Robert J. Long
  • Patent number: 5689891
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocating motion within the housing, a gear rotatably mounted within the housing, a wobble shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, a wobble plate rotatably mounted on the wobble shaft and connected to the spindle, and a clutch drivingly connecting the gear to the wobble shaft. The clutch includes a clutch driver rotatably positioned within the housing adjacent the wobble shaft, and the clutch driver includes a recess for insertably receiving a portion of the wobble shaft. The clutch driver can also include a relief ledge for providing clearance between the clutch driver and the wobble plate. The clutch can further include a first clutch disk connected with the gear and positioned between the gear and the clutch driver, and a second clutch disk connected with the clutch driver and positioned between the gear and the first clutch disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Bednar, Scott L. Kidney
  • Patent number: 5690265
    Abstract: A device for connecting products composed of stacked and continuously conveyed webs or sheets of paper or the like, wherein the webs or sheets are connected by a wire-like stapling material which can be cut and deformed into individual clamps. The stapling device includes a supply roll with conveying unit for the stapling material, a cutting device for cutting the stapling material to a length required for forming the clamps, a clamp forming unit, a plunger for pushing the formed clamps into the product and a clamp closing unit. The supply roll with the conveying unit, the cutting device and the plunger of the stapling device are mounted on a rotatable drum-shaped body which approximately contacts the product on one side thereof transversely of the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Hans-Helmut Jakob
  • Patent number: 5690267
    Abstract: An improved mounting structure for staple guns includes a plastic sleeve fitted around a cylinder of the staple gun for dividing an air chamber into an upper air chamber and a lower chamber. The plastic sleeve is comprised of a metal plate and a plastic body and may be fitted between two raised rings on the cylinder. Due to the plasticity of the plastic sleeve, the plastic sleeve may firmly adhere to the inner wall of the air chamber and the cylinder may be firmly positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Testo Industry Corporation
    Inventor: Brad Yang
  • Patent number: 5687897
    Abstract: A single cycle/multiple cycle dual mode pneumatically driven fastener driving tool utilizes a resettable valve, trigger apparatus, work contact element (WCE) and a mode selecting trigger blocking pin. With the pin in place, the trigger must be released then depressed for each tool actuation. The tool is actuated only when the WCE is also depressed but without regard to the sequence of trigger and WCE depression. In a multiple cycle mode, the pin is removed and the actuation valve is reset either by trigger extension, or by WCE extension for "bottom contact" operation. The tool can be activated by full trigger release and depression while the WCE is held against a work surface. No particular sequence of WCE and trigger depression is required in this second mode. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Campbell Hausfeld/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Chen Chiu Fa, Yang Chun Hsien
  • Patent number: 5687802
    Abstract: A hand held compressed air power tool is provided with a handle that can axially rotate about an orthogonal axis perpendicular to the tool housing. Thus, the handle can rotate independently of the motor housing thereby allowing the handle to point in a different direction other than toward the point of impact. The tool utilizes a rotational coupling system that allows the handle to rotate while also allowing compressed air to be fed into, and exhausted out of, the tool via the base of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spooner, William Keith Wallace, Harley Ingersoll, Yutaka Kazamaki
  • Patent number: 5687899
    Abstract: A gas type fastener driver 1 is supplied with electric power from an external power source 55 through an electric cord 53. When a trigger 45 is pulled to turn a switch 47 on, the external electric power is supplied to an ignition plug 17 to burn gas in a combustion chamber 14. Combustion gas pushes a piston 11 forward to drive a nail n by a driving rod 12 connected to the piston 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Dohi, Ernest John Wendling
  • Patent number: 5685474
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a tactile and audible firing indicator is disclosed. The instrument has preferred features which include a tactile and audible indicator disposed in the handle housing for indicating to a user when the instrument has been properly and completely actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Lynn M. Seeber
  • Patent number: 5682703
    Abstract: The fishing rod alarm apparatus is designed to provide the user indications of pressure on the line caused by the bite of a fish. The apparatus has a molded housing that contains an alarm system and a power source. The alarm is attached to a primary pin. A metal rod controlled by a magnet is held away from the primary pin when no pressure is maintained on the fishing rod. The metal rod is in normal contact with a secondary pin via a second magnet, and the secondary pin is attached to the power source. When pressure on the fishing line causes the metal rod to come into contact with the primary pin, the circuit is completed and the alarm will sound. As the pressure is increased the metal rod will be pulled away from the secondary pin and magnet which will result in the alarm being silenced. The magnet is positioned on a moveable slide to allow for changes in wind or water conditions such as current. When pressure is released from the line the magnets will return the metal rod to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Andrew J. Corbiere
  • Patent number: 5678748
    Abstract: A surgical stapler for use by a surgeon to place one or more rows of surgical staples in organs or tissue. The stapler is of a character having a supporting frame, a replaceable staple cartridge, an anvil, a mechanism for approximating the cartridge relative to the anvil, and a mechanism for firing the device so as to crimp the staples against the anvil. The device, while at all times permitting approximation of the cartridge relative to the anvil, provides a novel safety mechanism that clearly indicates to the surgeon that the staples have been fired from the staple cartridge and simultaneously disables the device until it is manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: VIR Engineering
    Inventors: Alan K. Plyley, Claude Vidal, Russell J. Redmond
  • Patent number: 5678641
    Abstract: A drilling and/or chipping tool includes a housing (30) containing a guide tube (36) with a striking mechanism (28) located within the guide tube, with the guide tube and striking mechanism being displaceable in the striking direction relative to the housing. Damping elements abut between the guide tube and the housing. Rotary motion is transmitted from a drive motor (31), located in a stationary position within the housing, in a wear-free manner to a crankshaft (34) of the striking mechanism (28) by an axial displaceable compensation element (33), so that the striking mechanism is displaceable in the striking direction relative to the drive shaft (32) of the drive motor (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengeschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Manschitz, Michael Selb, Dirk Schinkitz
  • Patent number: 5673842
    Abstract: A surgical stapler for effecting simultaneous cutting and stapling of tissue includes a frame and a staple cartridge positionable in the frame. The stapler includes a knife blade mounted for movement distally of the staple cartridge, with the cartridge including a rotatable member which cooperates with the knife blade for preventing use of the stapler unless it is fitted with a fresh, unused staple cartridge. The rotatable member on the staple cartridge is configured to facilitate convenient and efficient use of the stapler by reducing the force required for operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: John R. Bittner, Peter Lau
  • Patent number: 5673758
    Abstract: An improved structure of an impact screwdriver is provided which achieves a low-noise screw-driving operation. The impact screwdriver includes a clutch assembly for transmitting torque provided by a motor to a tool bit. The clutch assembly includes a toque-transmitting member, a torque-outputting member, and a clutch coil spring. The clutch coil spring is selectively wound around the torque-transmitting member and the torque-outputting member according to a rotational difference therebetween to establish torque transmission for providing the torque to the tool bit intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Company Limited
    Inventors: Yasuo Sasaki, Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 5673838
    Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing an array of staples is particularly adapted for dispensing staples having a non-linear bight and two spaced-apart legs depending therefrom, and material weakening nicks in the regions of the bight adjacent the legs. When the staple is dispensed from the device, the legs are bent into a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the bight. When it is desired to remove the staple, the bight is gripped and rotated until it breaks away from the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Frederick Reitze
  • Patent number: 5671814
    Abstract: This invention is a tool for either inserting the stem of a flag or marker in soil or rocky terrain or providing a hole therein of sufficient size to receive the stem of a flag. The tool is made up of three main components, these being an inner rod, an outer pipe and a pair of collars attached near the ends of the inner rod. The outer pipe is positioned between the two collars. The inner rod is notched on one end to facilitate inserting the tool. To insert the flag, the user places a bend in the flag stem and then places the stem inside the notch. By pounding down on the lower collar (which is attached to the inner rod) with the outer pipe the notched end and flag stem are driven into the ground. When the flag has been inserted to a desired depth, the tool is extracted leaving the flag inserted in the ground. Alternatively, to insert the flag the tool is used to create a hole of sufficient size wherein the flag is then inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Eric C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5662176
    Abstract: A supporting frame mounting a work implement, such as a post hole digger, is disclosed wherein the supporting frame is connected to a standard snow plow mount at the front of a truck. The supporting frame includes a fixed base member affixed to the snow plow mount and supporting a rotatable base portion by a slew bearing. The supporting frame further includes a double arm boom member pivotally connected to the rotatable base member and a single arm boom member pivotally connected to the double arm boom member to provide a compact nesting configuration for transport. The work implement is affixed to the single arm boom member by a pivot and a swivel to permit a self-seeking vertical orientation by gravity. A hydraulic system powers the pivotal movement of the boom members and the rotatable base member, as well as the operation of the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Kenneth B. Madgwick
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Madgwick, Randall M. Friesen
  • Patent number: 5662177
    Abstract: A device for breaking concrete and similar frangible materials to reduce it to rubble includes a power plunger and an actuator plunger mounted within a casing. The casing is carried on and operated by construction equipment such as a back hoe. As the back hoe is operated to cock the power plunger by moving the actuator plunger toward the concrete surface, a trigger mechanism affixed to the actuator plunger lifts the power plunger and an associated latch member to load a coil spring associated with the power plunger and presses against the latch member. As the coil is fully compressed, the trigger mechanism engages a trigger operating abutment and releases the latch member. The coil spring then fires the power plunger against the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Marinus A. Bosma
  • Patent number: 5661924
    Abstract: A bait storage system includes a pail-shaped bait container having a lid for closing off the open top of the container, a flexible cover composed of a mesh material, and structure for releasably securing the peripheral edge of the cover about the side wall of the container. The edge of the cover is shiftable between a number of positions along the container wall below the open top. The peripheral edge may be shifted towards the bottom of the container wherein the cover is pulled tautly over the lid and a portion of the container so that the cover retains the lid on the container. If desired, the lid may be removed and the tautly drawn cover functions as a strainer to retain the bait within the container as the water is replaced. Alternatively, the peripheral edge may be shifted towards the top of the container allowing formation of a well of the cover within the container for storing bait and facilitating removal of the bait from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Marjorie Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5662175
    Abstract: A pile hammer for driving down hollow piles from an upper end thereof includes a hollow pile cap adapted to rest and support the hammer on a upper end of the pile being driven. The cap has an anvil surface for receiving blows from a ram which is slidably disposed on a hollow tubular base extending downwardly from the pile cap and having a lower end portion extending into the hollow pile being driven below the level of the pile cap. The ram is slidable on an upper portion of the hollow tubular base and has an annular lower end face adapted to strike the anvil surface of the pile cap when the ram is released to drop from an elevated position above the pile cap. A ram lift system is provided in an upper portion of the hollow tubular base for lifting the ram to an elevated position a selected predetermined height above the pile for release to drop downwardly and strike a driving blow against the anvil surface on the pile cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Vulcan Iron Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Don C. Warrington, Vladimir A. Nifontov, Lev V. Erofeev, Dmitri A. Trifonov-Yakovlev
  • Patent number: 5660315
    Abstract: A guiding and gripping device for stapler is affixed in upright relation to the front surface of the stapler. The body member has a front contoured surface that receives a line being stapled and guides an unattached portion of the line in upright position along the front contoured surface. The front contoured surface also positions an unattached portion of the line laterally along the bottom surface in a position that is straddled by staples driven out of the bottom surface of the stapler. The front contoured surface includes a lower convex V-shaped groove for receiving an unattached portion of a line and that is bent thereover to impart friction to actual movement of the line. The front contoured surface also includes an upper projection having at least one guide surface offset laterally from the groove wherein a line that is bent over the groove and along one side of the laterally offset projection has angled engagement against the projection to further impart frictional clamping force on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Stacy A. Beavers, Herbert D. Beavers