Patents Examined by Melanie Alexander
  • Patent number: 9487382
    Abstract: An apparatus is magnetically mounted onto a metal surface, such as steel, presenting a bottle cap remover and magnetic cap catcher. The apparatus is molded as a one piece body having a plate with a surrounding stiffening flange. The bottle cap remover is fixed to a front surface. Magnets are molded into a rear surface with poles facing rearward, wherein the apparatus is secured by magnetic attraction to the ferromagnetic surface. Bottle caps, once removed, tend to slide on the plate and are captured by magnetic force so as to remain on the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Wicked Eye Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Piepmeyer, Dennis Nelson
  • Patent number: 9393676
    Abstract: A ratchet line wrench tool includes a generally open head member and a handle connected thereto. The head member has a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end and an inner hollow portion. The head member further includes a ratchet gear having a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end that corresponds to the open portion of the head member and a plurality of outer surface teeth along an outer surface of the ratchet gear. The head member further includes a ratchet pawl disposed within the head member and engaging with the outer surface teeth enabling coupled rotation of the ratchet gear. The ratchet line further includes a removable tool insert having an insert portion having outer surface teeth and being sized and configured to close the open portion of the ratchet gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Webermatic Tool Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Weber
  • Patent number: 9375829
    Abstract: A tool head includes a connecting component, a driving component, and a spacer. The connecting component includes a receiving end defining a tight-fit section and a non tight-fit section. The driving component is insertably fitted in the receiving end of the connecting component, and includes a body defining first and second engaging sections. The second engaging section is received in the non tight-fit section. The spacer includes first and second tight-fit edges, with the first engaging section tightly fit in the tight-fit section by the spacer, with the first tight-fit edge tightly abutting against a wall delimiting the tight-fit section, and with the second tight-fit edge tightly abutting against a wall delimiting the first engaging section, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: HONG ANN TOOL INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 9296093
    Abstract: A roller clutch mechanism of a reversible ratchet tool is configured to include a biasing and reversing mechanism for biasing rollers in the roller clutch mechanism. A cage member of the roller clutch mechanism locates rollers in either a clockwise or counterclockwise position based on a selective position of the reverser mechanism. The reverser mechanism applies a constant bias to the cage member so that the rollers are constantly biased and quickly engage between the ratchet body and the drive head. The constant bias applied to the cage member reduces the ratcheting angle for improved performance of the reversible ratchet tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Snap-on Inc.
    Inventor: David Ross
  • Patent number: 9283661
    Abstract: An impact socket includes a socket body having a first end configured to mount to a drive shaft of an impact wrench and an opposing second end, the socket body defining at least one socket body fastener driving structure at the second end. The impact socket includes a collar assembly carried by the socket body, the collar assembly defining at least one collar assembly fastener driving structure. The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between (i) a first position relative to the socket body where a distal end of the collar assembly extends beyond a distal end of the socket body and (ii) a second position where the distal end is disposed at least equidistant to the second end of the socket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lowell Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Cummings, Derek Silsby, Paul Carnes
  • Patent number: 9259561
    Abstract: A tattooing apparatus, which have a tattoo needle traveling back and forth to a skin to allow a staining solution for tattoo contained in the apparatus to penetrate into the skin and thus to get a tattoo and which can adjust a concentration of the staining solution for tattoo, is disclosed. The tattooing apparatus includes a chamber pressure adjusting member to adjust a degree of opening and closing an inlet of a storing chamber in which the staining solution for tattoo is stored, thus to adjust a pressure in the storing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bomtech Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Dae Lee
  • Patent number: 9242841
    Abstract: A main body portion has a major section and a minor section integrally molded of an elastomeric material. The major section has a central aperture with an interior surface in a frusto-conical configuration. The minor section extends laterally from the major section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: Linda D. Appleby, Emma Louise Faasse
  • Patent number: 9242766
    Abstract: An improved bag clamp comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member has an opening in a clamping surface thereof and there is a blade reciprocatingly movable along the second jaw member. A hinge couples the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The clamp is moveable between an open configuration in which the first jaw member and second jaw member are angularly spaced and a closed configuration in which the blade is received by the opening in the first jaw member and the blade is moveable along the second jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Roy Ruddell, Robert J. Halas
  • Patent number: 9227473
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for synchronously moving first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) of a tire fitting or removing apparatus. When an operator moves the first fitting or removal tool (300) in a substantially radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of a post (210) supporting the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400), a synchronization unit receives first and second input signals of first and second sensors (320, 420) coupled to the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) and indicating a radial movement or position of the tools (300, 400). The synchronization unit generates, based on a comparison of the first and second input signals, an output signal causing an actuator (450) to move the second fitting or removal tool (400) synchronous to the first fitting or removal tool (300) in said substantially radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Paolo Sotgiu
  • Patent number: 9221155
    Abstract: A lag driver includes a drive shank and a drive body assembly extending from the drive shank. The drive body assembly includes a fastener-receiving portion, wherein a fastener is receivable within the fastener-receiving portion in a first, loading position such that the fastener is positionable in substantial coaxial alignment with the lag driver, and wherein the fastener is rotatable into a second, locked position within the fastener-receiving portion such that the fastener-receiving portion is engageable with a portion of the fastener for applying torque to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Jore Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan C. Cantlon
  • Patent number: 9216503
    Abstract: A multi-tool is provided having a first end having a socket wrench, a second end having a retractable blade, a plurality of interchangeable wrench heads that are affixable over the second end of the tool when the blade is retracted, a screwdriver that is pivotally deployable from the body of the tool, an extendable magnet that is pivotally deployable from the reverse side of the tool, and at least one level. An alternative embodiment of the present multi-tool further includes a light to be used to illuminate dim work environments. The interchangeable wrench heads include an open-ended wrench head, an adjustable open-ended wrench head, a box end wrench head, and other such wrench head attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Glenford Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9211637
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapid installation of threaded fasteners is provided. The apparatus includes a drive portion configured for being received by a rotary tool, a bit holder extending from the drive portion and configured for receiving a tool bit, the bit holder defining an elongate portion, and a sleeve configured for translatable movement along the elongate portion. The sleeve has a first extended position in which an end of the sleeve extends substantially beyond the tool bit and a retraction position in which the sleeve does not enclose the tool bit. A spring biases the sleeve into the extended position. Pressing of an end of the sleeve against a working surface imparts translation of the sleeve in a direction from the extended position towards the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: RDA Werks, LLC
    Inventors: Dana Joseph Hewitt, James Ryan Stone, Stephen Andrew Miller
  • Patent number: 9205543
    Abstract: A driving head-changeable tool is provided, comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an end peripheral edge and a non-circular circumferential inner wall. The end peripheral edge is formed with corner portions and blocking flanges. The inner sleeve has a non-circular circumferential outer wall. The inner sleeve is rotatably sleeved by the outer sleeve and has a first connecting end along a central axis. An inner wall of the first connecting end is formed with concaves extending axially. The non-circular circumferential inner and outer walls are nonrotatably abutted against each other. As viewed in an axial direction, each concave overlaps with one the blocking flange. When a driving head is inserted in the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve come close to each other, the driving head is blocked by the blocking flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: YUAN LI HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui-Chien Chen, Chia-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9204694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to crimpers and shears used in the jewelry making industry. The invention includes a new and improved set of tools for crimping multiple sleeve sizes used in the making of necklaces, bracelets, and the like. One embodiment provides a single tool that is operable for crimping bead sleeves of one or more sizes. Another embodiment combines both crimping and shearing functions in a single tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Laura Gasparrini
  • Patent number: 9186783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic bit-changing screwdriver including a bit tip and a bit shaft assembly. The bit tip and the bit shaft assembly are pivotably connected. Guided by the bit shaft assembly, the bit tip may rotate relative to the bit shaft assembly and change the tip without requiring direct manual contact with the bit tip. Particularly, the screwdriver includes a handle, a bit tip, a shaft and a shaft sleeve. The bit tip includes two sizes/styles of tips at two ends respectively. The bit tip is pivotably coupled to the shaft. The shaft is fixedly coupled to the handle. The shaft sleeve surrounds the shaft. The shaft and shaft sleeve are slidingly coupled together. Outwards sliding of the shaft sleeve drives the bit tip to rotate within the shaft to achieve bit-changing. A deep groove is formed on a front end of the shaft. The bit tip is disposed in the deep groove. A middle section of the shaft has a guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shanghai Kunjek Handtools and Hardware Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao Wen, Junhua Shen
  • Patent number: 9168647
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing a dent from an automobile rim are described herein. A hammer having a hammer head containing lead, antimony and aluminum is applied to pound an automobile rim. The dent is removed from the rim without breaking the rim. Different compounds of lead for the hammer head are provided. In one embodiment the hammer weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. In another embodiment the hammer head has a cylindrical shape. The hammer head may chip away during hitting the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A. Logan
  • Patent number: 9162350
    Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 9156146
    Abstract: A wrench adapter device adapts a conventional box wrench for use with a ratchet. The device includes a housing having a top face, a bottom face, and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the top face and the bottom face. The perimeter wall comprising a plurality of planar faces wherein the housing is configured for insertion into a wrench such that the housing is engaged to be rotated by the wrench. A socket extends into the top face of the housing wherein the housing is configured for being engaged by insertion of a drive of a ratchet into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Keith Maceo
  • Patent number: 9156142
    Abstract: An open-end wrench includes a handle and a driver. The driver is connected with an end of the handle for providing a torque for a work piece. The driver includes two jaw portions and at least one inclined plane. The two jaw portions are formed on two sides of a front side of the driver, and are spaced for forming an opening. The inclined plane is formed on the driver and inclines from a center of the driver to an edge of the driver, and inclines across one of the jaw portions, and inclines from a connecting portion between the handle and the driver to the front end of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9138880
    Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a handle. A wire stripping component is arranged inside the handle; an opening corresponding to a working portion of the wire stripping component is provided on the handle. Owing to the built-in wire stripping component, the screwdriver has the wire stripping function. Also disclosed is a handle applied to the screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS CO., LTD, HANGZHOU GREAT STAR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventor: Weiyi Wang