Patents by Inventor Phil D. Thorp

Phil D. Thorp has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5213136
    Abstract: A device for retaining a depressed reversing valve in the depressed position which is operable by the fingers or thumb of one hand to accomplish both the depressing and locking motions and the unlocking motion when it is desired to return the tool to conventional push to reverse operation. This is accomplished by a notched rotary sleeve mounted to the tool housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Phil D. Thorp, Stephen F. Sims
  • Patent number: 5159987
    Abstract: A valve construction for dual valve automatic and manual shut-off screwdrivers and the like wherein construction of the valve features both valve elements in a central axial bore having a unique valve block which is held in place by a screw in a transverse bore, the unique construction permits operation of the manual valve by a pin in the cross bore, aligns the stem of the manual valve, and permits ready access to the stem and valve of the automatic shut-off device as well as assembly of all of the components through access in a single longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Phil D. Thorp, Stephen F. Sims
  • Patent number: 5156244
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The ARO Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas E. Pyles, Phil D. Thorp, Ward W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5054588
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Phil D. Thorp, Ward W. Harvey, Douglas E. Pyles
  • Patent number: 4880064
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Willoughby, Phil D. Thorp
  • Patent number: 4844177
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool. A toggle-type trigger controls inlet fluid for forward and reverse operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Robinson, Robert A. Willoughby, Phil D. Thorp