With Means To Bias Member Into Locked Position Patents (Class 269/170)
  • Patent number: 11865272
    Abstract: The present application is related to devices, systems, and methods for controlling active drive systems. In one embodiment, the drive system may include a first surface and a second surface for engaging an elongate member. The first and second surfaces may be attached to a drive mechanism to move the elongate member. The first surface may be slidable relative to the drive mechanism and may have a clearance between the drive mechanism and an end of the first surface during movement of the elongate member in a non-slip condition. A sensor may be associated with the first surface and may be configured to detect movement of the first surface in a slip condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Kokish, Sean P. Walker, Kamini Balaji, Francis Macnamara
  • Patent number: 11697525
    Abstract: A collection system for removable attachment to a work surface includes a container portion having an interior defined by a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls each including a first portion of a securement mechanism. The collection system also includes a first and second clamp arm assemblies that are configured to releasably attach to the first and second side walls, respectively. Each of the first and second clamp arm assemblies includes an upper clamp arm, a wall portion coupled to and extending downwardly from the first upper clamp arm, a lower clamp arm coupled to the wall portion, and a second portion of the securement mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the first portion of the securement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Keith Cyzen
  • Patent number: 9890898
    Abstract: A telescopic rod contains a first element, and a second element, and a locking mechanism. The first element is in the form of a hollow tube with an interior wall. The second element is arranged slidingly along a longitudinal axis within the first element. The locking mechanism is coupled with the second element to lock the relative position of the second element with regard to the first element. The locking mechanism includes a clamp washer to be moved between a locking position and an unlocked position it is located in an angular position axis. An angle of the clamp wash in the unlocked position with regard to the longitudinal is smaller than that in the locking position. An edge of the clamp washer meshes with the interior wall in the locking position, so that a frictional connection is formed between the edge and the interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: 9. Solutions Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo Christensen
  • Patent number: 9579775
    Abstract: A detachable blocking device, in particular on a clamping tool, having a blocking element, which blocks the displacement capability of a rod in at least one detachment direction in a blocking position, and a detachment member, which displaces the blocking element into a release position when moved from a default position into a detachment position, in which release position the rod can be displaced at least in the detachment direction. A brake element, in a braking position, acts on the rod so that the rod can only be displaced after neutralization of a braking force acting against the displacement direction of the rod, which braking force does not have to be neutralized in a sliding position of the brake element. The brake element has a brake lever and/or can be brought into its sliding position by pivoting an arm of the detachment member having a detachment lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: WOLFCRAFT GMBH
    Inventors: Zbigniew Noniewicz, Hans-Jürgen Schüller
  • Patent number: 9540867
    Abstract: A safety gate has a frame with top and bottom assemblies spaced apart in a vertical direction and with opposed side assemblies spaced apart in a horizontal direction in a deployed configuration. A length of the top and bottom assemblies is extendable and retractable to adjust a width of the frame between the opposed side assemblies. A flexible barrier is connected to and supported by the frame. A one-way jack mechanism is carried on each of the top and bottom assemblies. The length of the top and bottom assemblies can be extended without actuating the jack mechanisms to adjust the frame to a desired width to loosely fit a space between two surfaces. The one-way jack mechanisms, when actuated, incrementally further extend the length of the top and bottom assemblies such that the frame interferingly fits between the two surfaces under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: PFE LLC
    Inventors: Greg Pilgrim, Keith Alsberg, Mikael Bäckström
  • Patent number: 8827773
    Abstract: A locking means for a bit holder fixture for use with grinding apparatus for grinding the hard metal inserts of rock drill bits is provided. The locking means has a macro adjustment for quick positioning of a pressure plate against the body of the bit(s) and a micro adjustment to lock the bit(s) in place by applying pressure against the skirt or shank of the drill bit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: C.M.E. Blasting & Mining Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Bjorn Sjolander, Bo Thomas Sjolander, Robert Sjolander
  • Patent number: 8534655
    Abstract: A quick-release vise utilizing one or more clamp shafts that can be easily re-configured to clamp with CW or CCW rotation of a clamp handle. The clamp shaft is received in a housing secured to the underside of a workbench, and is free to slide in and out. The clamp shaft passes through aligned holes in a pair of opposing jaws, at least one of which is moveable. A pinion freely slides on the clamp shaft within the housing and converts rotational movement from the clamp shaft into linear movement via a meshing rack gear. The linear motion actuates a bridge which slides against a laterally fixed wedge causing the bridge to displace a locking element which clutches and moves the clamp shaft to affect clamping between the jaws. The wedge and bridge pair can be inverted to allow clamping to occur with a either CW or CCW rotation of the clamp handle and/or re-oriented to cause a spreading motion between the jaws rather than a clamping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Len Alan Hovarter
  • Patent number: 8439339
    Abstract: A clamp comprising a slide rail, a fixed arm integrally joined to the slide rail, and a slide arm movable on the slide rail is provided, the slide rail having in the cross section an overall height and an overall width having a ratio to each other, which ranges between 2.55:1 and 2.8:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Roesch, Michael Moesslein, Rainer Steinle, Michael Duss
  • Patent number: 7651078
    Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprises a drive for displacement of a push or pull rod to which a movable jaw is fixed with respect to a support carrying a stationary jaw in longitudinal direction of the push and pull rod, said drive comprising a torsion spring and being adapted to enter torque transmitting engagement with the push or pull rod for displacement of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss, Phil Reed
  • Publication number: 20080290575
    Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprises a drive for displacement of a push or pull rod to which a movable jaw is fixed with respect to a support carrying a stationary jaw in longitudinal direction of the push and pull rod, said drive comprising a torsion spring and being adapted to enter torque transmitting engagement with the push or pull rod for displacement of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss, Phil Reed
  • Publication number: 20080157450
    Abstract: A multi-range auto-advance bar clamp used for clamping work pieces together which may upon release of the brake instantly and automatically adjust from a wide open position to any desired closed position. The multi-range auto-advance bar clamp may comprise a slide bar, a movable jaw, a sliding jaw, a body, a drive assembly and a brake, an advancement mechanism, a rigid structural body extension and a slide rail. The jaws of the clamp are adjustably separated and positioned about a work piece. A mechanism for controlling the speed with which the clamp automatically closes may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Marusiak
  • Patent number: 7159859
    Abstract: A clamp body is provided with a channel formed in the clamp body and a retainer is movably mounted in the clamp body. A jaw is mounted on the clamp body and an end cap blocking one end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Anthony B. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7004067
    Abstract: A device for holding a golf ball during printing of indicia thereon. The device includes a base, a stationary member attached to the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, a clamping member slidably mounted on the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, and positioning members having springs that urge the clamping member toward the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Donald W. Godsey, Michael R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6957808
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Varzino, Mark R. Lytell
  • Patent number: 6929253
    Abstract: A bar clamp operates by squeezing a handle to close a jaw. The improvements of the present invention include: A rigid locking wedge geometry wherein the wedges are parallel to each other, a simplified wire form release element, a structure for retaining a jaw locking knob upon the jaw, and a snap fitted gripping pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6746006
    Abstract: A tool for selectively compressing and expanding work, the tool comprising a handle including bar holders and at least two slidable bars having work engaging surfaces at ends thereof both of which are slidably received in a separate one of the bar holders and both being adapted to be selectively fixed therein whereby at least one of the slidable bars is adapted to be reversibly received in one of the bar holders of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Lowell Thomas
  • Patent number: 6705217
    Abstract: A device for holding a golf ball during printing of indicia thereon. The device includes a base, a stationary member attached to the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, a clamping member slidably mounted on the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, and positioning members having springs that urge the clamping member toward the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Donald W. Godsey, Michael R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6648315
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a rod slidably received in a channel of a housing, a catch plate and a release panel slidably engaged onto the rod and biased to be released and engaged onto the rod. A hand grip is pivotally secured to the housing, a pawl is rotatably secured in the housing and has one end engageable with the hand grip and the other end engageable with the catch plate to tilt the catch plate relative to the rod and for allowing the rod to be moved relative to the housing by the hand grip and the pawl. A knob may move and release the release panel relative to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yung Jen Lee
  • Patent number: 6648314
    Abstract: A clamp has a first clamping jaw support (2) which can be displaced along a slide bar (1) and fixed thereon by applying a tilting moment. The clamping jaw support has a first clamping jaw (3), certain areas of which lie at a distance from the slide bar (1) and a second clamping jaw support (4) which is located and substantially fixed in the area of one end of the slide bar. The second clamping jaw support has a second clamping jaw (5) which is located opposite the first clamping jaw (3) and which is displaced towards the first clamping jaw (3) when the clamping jaw support is impinged upon by an eccentric pressure element (6), located at the end of the slide bar. The second clamping jaw support (4) can be pivoted about a shaft (13) which fixes it to the slide bar (1). The eccentric pressure element (6) acts upon a pressure shoulder (7) of the second clamping jaw support (4) which obliquely crosses the slide bar (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Degen, Zbigniew Noniewicz, Theo Gasper
  • Patent number: 6578837
    Abstract: A clamping tool having a first jaw connected to a pull/push rod and a fixed second jaw connected to a housing which includes a handle disposed opposite the second jaw and arranged along side a grip provided on the housing. Displacement of the handle towards the grip moves the first jaw towards the second jaw and towards a clamping position in a stepwise manner while reverse movement of the rod and jaws is blocked by a detent member. Release of the detent member is provided by a release lever. The release lever can also be utilized, in conjunction with the detent member, to move the rod and first jaw in a release direction. Movement of the rod and first jaw in the clamping direction is caused by engagement of the rod by a carry-along member. The carry-along member, in turn, is engaged by an operating arm which, in turn, is engaged by the handle. The operating arm is slidably connected to the housing thereby enabling the overall length of the operating arm and handle to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Blank, Zbigniew Noniewicz, Klemens Degen, Hans-Jürgen Schüller
  • Patent number: 6575442
    Abstract: In order to provide a clamping device with a clamping rail (14) guided for displacement and an actuating device (12) which comprises a gripping element (77), by means of which the clamping rail (14) can be displaced, which can be used universally it is suggested that the clamping rail (14) be displaceable via the gripping element (77) in one direction (A) or an opposite direction (B) and that a change-over device be provided for freeing the displacement in one direction (A; B) and blocking the displacement in the opposite direction (B; A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Horst Klimach, Siegfried Foshag, Karl Philipp, Hans Röesch
  • Patent number: 6568667
    Abstract: A bar clamp of the type operated with one hand to advance a movable jaw toward a fixed jaw to clamp workpieces and having a holding brake with release mechanism is modified according to the invention to provide a quick set up apparatus. The modified bar clamp adds a spring and adjustable stop to allow opening the clamp to a wide position. The release mechanism then is triggered to close the jaws on the work before operating the advancing mechanism in the usual manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Hall
  • Patent number: 6530565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory for use with bar clamps, and more specifically, to a bar clamp attachment for extending a bar clamp to a plurality of working lengths. The bar clamp extension of the present invention generally comprises an extension bar and a coupler that releasably attaches the extension bar to a primary bar of a bar clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Loran R. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6474632
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for plank clamp includes a gear set and a rack mounted on a clamp main body to mesh with each other, a first sleeve tightly mounted on a rotary shaft of the gear set, and a coupling arm mounted on a shank of the first sleeve. When the coupling arm is pivotally turned about the rotary shaft toward the clamp main body, the first sleeve and the gear set are caused to rotate at the same time, and the rack meshing with the gear set is caused to move backward toward the clamp main body. A movable jaw fixedly connected to a free end of the rack is therefore moved toward the clamp main body, which also function as a fixed jaw of the plank clamp, to a desired position to tightly clamp a plank between it and the clamp main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ferng-Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 6412767
    Abstract: A method of attaching a clamping jaw to a support element comprising a stop element having the steps of positioning a stop element within a channel formed in the clamping jaw and blocking a first end of the channel and a second end of the channel so that the stop element is trapped between the first and second ends of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: American Tool Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Toby Jay Beckmann, Thomas Michael Chervenak, Anthony Bernard Fuller, Ryan Keith Hopper, Steven Edward Zlomke
  • Patent number: 6386530
    Abstract: A bar clamp operates by squeezing a handle to close a jaw. The improvements of the present invention include: low actuation force, two speed action to provide both high speed closing and high force clamping, a removable bar to allow different length bars to be installed into one body, a side mounted bar release button which allows easy access and an increased handle stroke, and reinforced wedge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 6382608
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping and spreading bar clamp or bench vice includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw opposing the fixed jaw, where the fixed jaw and the movable jaw each include two jaw pads facing in opposite directions. The movable jaw connects at one end to a slide bar, which is movable to bring the movable jaw toward and away from the fixed jaw, the movable jaw includes means to releasably engages the slide bar and advances the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw or moves the movable jaw away from the fixed jaw for spreading or jacking. A two-way drive means is operational by a trigger handle grip. Also included is a pair of mechanical detent switches, which are rotated approximately ¼ revolution, to either change the direction of the movable jaw, or release the clamp after either clamping or spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Steven W. Michell
  • Patent number: 6367787
    Abstract: A hand clamp includes a slide bar having a first jaw coupled to an end. A body having a jaw slidably receives the slide bar with the jaws in opposition. A drive assembly moves the slide bar in a single direction and includes a cavity formed in the body through which the slide bar extends. A driving lever is carried within the cavity to frictionally engage the slide bar and incrementally move it in the single direction. A braking lever is pivotally coupled to the body for movement into frictional engagement with the slide bar preventing the slide bar from moving in a direction opposite the single direction. A trigger handle is pivotally coupled to the body for moving the driving lever into and out of frictional engagement with the slide bar. A brake release is carried by the trigger handle for selectively engaging the braking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: American Tool Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Poole, Robert N. Poole
  • Publication number: 20020027318
    Abstract: A locking device in a stapler is adapted to lock a member displaceable along a bar in an optional displacement position, said member carrying a catch for the object to be stapled. The locking device has a locking element connected to the displaceable member and displaceable together with the same, said locking elements having a through hole, through which the bar extends. The hole is designed such that the locking element is tiltable along the bar between a front position, pinch position, in which the locking element portion defining the hole engages the bar and pinches the locking element thereto, and a rear position, free position, in which this hole-defining portion goes clear of the bar. The locking element is spring biased towards its pinch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: ISABERG RAPID AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6299152
    Abstract: A work bench has a pair of clamping jaws supported on parallel spaced apart beams. At least one of the jaws moves toward the other by means of driving members that are associated with each beam. Each of the driving members for the at least one movable jaw is capable of being individually actuated. The driving members include a step-by-step or ratchet drive constructed and arranged so that each of the drive members can be individually actuated or actuated in unison with one foot of a user via a double-lever construction. The workbench enables hands-free actuating and clamping of both symmetric or prismatic and asymmetric or non-prismatic parts and components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Sangmeister, Zbigniew Noniewicz
  • Patent number: 6254073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping clip that can be actuated with one hand, having a drive housing comprising a hand grip and a fixed clamping jaw, with an actuating handle that can be displaced toward a rail with a second jaw by means of pivoting actuation on the hand grip, whereby the rail is blocked against back-pressure by means of a blocking element that can be released by means of thumb pressure on a release element. For better handling, it is provided that the release element forms an actuating arm that sits on a pivot axle that protrudes laterally from the housing approximately at the level of the actuating handle, the pivot axle of said arm being arranged, in relation to the direction of clamping of the rail, before the pivot axle of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Zbigniew Noniewicz, Hans-Jürgen Schüller
  • Patent number: 6212977
    Abstract: A spring chuck having a locking mechanism provided between two handles of the spring chuck. The locking mechanism includes a sleeve connected at an end to one handle of the chuck, a shaft having an end connected to another handle of the chuck and another end movably located in the sleeve via a lower open end thereof, a brake handle having a ring-shaped head put around the shaft and pivotally connected the lower open end of the sleeve, and a compression spring mounted around the shaft between the sleeve and the ring-shaped head of the brake. The compression spring normally pushes the ring-shaped head to pivotally turn away from the sleeve to frictionally contact with the shaft, preventing the shaft from moving in the sleeve and thereby lock the handles of the chuck to a fixed position. Pushing the brake handle toward the sleeve causes the ring-shaped head to align with the sleeve without frictionally contacting with the shaft and therefore allows the handles of the chuck to move freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ferng-Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 6113085
    Abstract: In order to improve a clamping device comprising a guide rail, a first clamping element supported on the guide rail and having a first clamping surface formed by a pressure member of a clamping spindle and movable in a clamping direction, a slide bracket guided on and movable along the guide rail and fixable by a first wedging element, and a feed device including a second wedging element supportable on the guide rail and a pivotally mounted feed lever lying with its handle between the guide rail and the clamp grip of the clamping spindle, and a second clamping element supported on the guide rail and having a second clamping surface, such that ergonomically it can be installed more expediently on a workpiece, and the workpiece can thereby be finally clamped, it is proposed that the feed lever act with a first pressure member between the second wedging element and the slide bracket such that upon actuation of the feed lever in the direction of the clamp grip of the clamping spindle, the slide bracket is displac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Norbert Lindenthal, Hans Roesch
  • Patent number: 6089365
    Abstract: A pallet for carrying dynamo-electric machine component workpieces of different dimensions is provided with first and second support members, at least one of which is movably mounted on the pallet so that the distance between the support members can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of differently dimensioned workpieces. The pallet may include an aperture which allows a removal device to pass through and remove a workpiece from, or deposit a workpiece to the pallet. Each movable support member is releasably locked so that a user may unlock and adjust the support members to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Axis USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Rossano Galassi, Antonio Randazzo, Maurizio Mugelli
  • Patent number: 6000686
    Abstract: A locking, three-way clamp for applying a bi-directional vector force against one or more workpieces. The clamp 10, of the present invention, includes a handle 22, first and second opposing jaws 24 and 26, respectively, a jaw actuation lever 28, a threaded adjusting screw 30 and a toggle lock 32. Second opposing jaw 26 pivots, in relation to first jaw 24, about a central pivot point 34. First and second opposing jaws 24 and 26 each include a distal end 25 and 27, respectively. A workpiece restraint member 36 can be utilized for providing a rigid planar surface for engagement with a workpiece. The locking three-way clamp 10 of the present invention also includes an engagement device 50, on the distal end of each jaw, that pivots inward towards the restraint member 36 thus applying a vector force having x- and y-component vectors that forces a first workpiece against a second workpiece and simultaneously forcing the clamp 10 towards the workpieces 120 and 140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: W. Shuford Yates
  • Patent number: 5853168
    Abstract: A bar clamp for single hand operation; includes a housing, a fixed jaw and a movable jaw mounted on one end of a slide bar for movement in a direction toward the fixed jaw. A spring-loaded driving key is secured on the slide bar and through operation of a trigger handle engages the slide bar for advancing the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw. A locking key is biased against the slide bar and normally engaged with the slide bar to prevent motion of the second jaw away from the first jaw and actuatable to disengage from the slide bar to allow advancement of the second jaw away from the first jaw. The trigger handle has one end pivotably mounted within the housing and formed with two lateral mounting plates of arched outer configuration. The housing is comprised of a first housing portion and a second housing portion, with at least the driving key and the locking key being accommodated within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Johannes Drake
  • Patent number: 5833359
    Abstract: A portable light fixture uses a bar clamp which is operable with one hand and includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw includes a one-way drive mechanism, which releasably engages a slide bar and advances the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw, and permits clamping to be accomplished by application of clamping pressure through the one-way drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bonnie L. Shreve
    Inventor: Gerald A. Hollenbach
  • Patent number: 5775680
    Abstract: A pipe clamp includes a clamp body which supports a screw. A jaw is mounted at one end of the screw and an actuator is used to advance the screw with respect to the clamp body in order to clamp or spread a workpiece with respect to a workpiece-engaging element. The clamp body is movable along the length of the pipe, and the screw is inclined with respect to the pipe to increase clearance for the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Sorensen, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony Fuller, Toby J. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 5664817
    Abstract: A portable door stop comprising a pair of door engaging elements connected to one another by parallel links. A spring extends between the elements to draw them together against opposite faces of a door. A floor or ground engaging element is pivotally mounted to one of the elements so that when it is in place, movement of the door causes the elements to more tightly engage the door. The portable door stop may be used for doors which close in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: E2 Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Chester N. Ballew, Robert K. Eversole, Thomas C. Gaunt
  • Patent number: 5662790
    Abstract: A deinking system for use with recycled paper pulp includes a number of gas sparged hydrocyclones mounted around the outer periphery of a foam separation vessel, with the slurry outlet from each hydrocyclone introducing slurry into the vessel below the level of liquid in the vessel, and above the accepts outlet from the bottom of the vessel. An annular trough is provided adjacent the top and outer periphery of the vessel, and has a bottom sloping to one or more drain outlets. The hydrocyclone discharge conduits into the vessel are tangential to cause bubble-releasing swirling of the slurry in the vessel. The cyclone preferably is pedestal-less, and has a single gas inlet, and a deflector within the annular air jacket of the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy
    Inventors: Keith A. Carlton, Scott M. Clum, Joseph R. Phillips, Todd A. Salvato
  • Patent number: 5593147
    Abstract: A hand tool containing a movable jaw mount, a slide bar wherein the movable jaw mount is mounted to the slide bar. A support assembly is provided for supporting the slide bar. A stationary jaw mount is spaced away from the support assembly. Interchangeable quick change jaws are mounted to both the movable jaw mount and the stationary jaw mount. Quick change jaws face each other for clamping operations and face away from each other for spreading operations. A two-way drive arrangement is designed having at least an engagement lever. A handle engages the engagement lever when the two-way drive arrangement is engaged, and disengages the engagement lever when the two-way drive arrangement is released. A support structure mount is mounted to the slide bar. A quick release support structure is mounted to the support structure mount providing free-standing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Kenric W. Read
  • Patent number: 5454551
    Abstract: An improved bar clamp has a slide bar with a first jaw and a second jaw, the jaws set in opposing relationship along the slide bar. The first jaw may be advanced towards the second jaw by a setting mechanism that is removably attachable to the first jaw. The setting mechanism for advancing the first jaw has a hand lever and hand grip that act in concert upon manual squeezing to step-by-step advance the first jaw. The improved bar clamp also has a jaw comprising a body portion, bent along its length at an obtuse angle, which divides the body portion into an upper portion and a lower portion. A protective pad is attached to the upper portion near the end thereof on the same side of the body portion as the obtuse angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Hobday Clamp Company
    Inventor: Harold W. Hobday
  • Patent number: 5338114
    Abstract: A mixing arm assembly suitable for mixing the contents of a capsule which includes a support arm in the form of an elongated member having two ends with one end of the arm adapted for connection to an agitator suitable for mixing the contents of a dental capsule. The distal end of the arm containing a moveable jaw assembly adapted to receive and hold a dental capsule in a closed locked position during mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Kerr Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Steele
  • Patent number: 5282303
    Abstract: A hand-held press is provided for installing fasteners in a sheet of fabric. The press has a frame with a pair of arms forming a C-shaped recess into which the fabric may be inserted. The frame has a handle extending outwardly from a press axis with a lever pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the handle enabling a user to squeeze the handle and lever together. A shaft is oriented along the press axis and slidably cooperates with the frame. An advance sear on the shaft is engaged by the lever to cause the shaft to incrementally advance when the lever is squeezed with the handle. A retract sear cooperates with the shaft and the frame to prevent the shaft from retracting. A pair of die elements attached to the frame and the shaft facilitate the installation of fasteners in a sheet of fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: SnapFast Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick G. Schriever
  • Patent number: 5197360
    Abstract: A bar clamp having one of its jaws mounted on a jaw carrier which is slidable on the bar and which may be manually shifted thereon in one direction by releasing a brake key or keys and manually shifted in the opposite direction by manipulating a jaw carrier drive mechanism, the brake key or keys and the drive mechanism being alternately operable by holding the clamp in one hand. In its preferred form, the one-hand manipulatable drive mechanism is attachable to a commercially available bar clamp made according to Holman U.S. Pat. No. 2,815,778 dated Dec. 10, 1957.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Adjustable Clamp Co.
    Inventor: Robert D. Wooster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5170682
    Abstract: A bar clamp having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which is radially movable over both short and long distances to clamp against a workpiece and is operable using one hand with complete control by the operator at all times. The jaws may either face one another while being mounted on the same side of a handle/grip assembly or face in opposite directions while being mounted on opposite sides of the handle/grip assembly whereby they may be incrementally advanced by the trigger handle/driving lever. The movable jaw may also be a clamp jaw affixed to a handle assembly which moves toward a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Petersen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Sorensen, Dwight L. Gatzemeyer
  • Patent number: 5161787
    Abstract: An improved C-clamp has a clamp body and a detachable setting mechanism. The clamp body has inner and outer legs with a hollow bore in the inner leg to allow passage of a stem having a work-engaging pad on its end therethrough toward an aligned fixed work pad on the outer leg. The setting mechanism for advancing the stem has a hand lever and hand grip that act in concert upon manual squeezing to step-by-step advance the stem. The setting mechanism removably attaches to the clamp body by a spring-biased lever that grips attachment pins on the body. A latch lever positioned on the inner leg of the clamp body causes a retaining lever to grip the stem when the latch lever is closed and to allow the stem to move freely when the latch lever is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Harold W. Hobday
  • Patent number: 4989847
    Abstract: An improved bar-clamp apparatus includes an elongate bar which has a first clamping jaw affixed adjacent one end of the bar. A carrier is mounted for selective reversible movement on and along the bar. A second clamping jaw faces the first jaw and is mounted on a carrier for movement therewith and relative thereto. A one-hand-actuatable drive mechanism is connected to the carrier and is actuatable to drive the carrier along the bar towards an end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Grant Chapman
  • Patent number: 4778375
    Abstract: In the production of shaped plastic elements using deep-drawable thermoplastic film, a tension frame is required to clamp the film. The tension frame is formed by lengthwise and transverse frame parts, on the outside edges of which is located one angle clamp on each. The angle clamps can be actuated by means of closure levers into a releasable clamping position, in which the clamp arms of the angle clamp press with force against bottom fixing members of the frame parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: J. H. Benecke AG
    Inventor: Kurt Mente
  • Patent number: 4478397
    Abstract: A workpiece support structure includes a pair of elongated beams supported in transversely spaced parallel relation by first and second foldable leg structures. A first clamp mechanism on the first leg structure supports a first transversely extended guide member. A second transversely extended guide member is carried on a pair of trolley wheel clamps equipped with disengageable clutch mechanisms for fixing the trolley wheel clamps at selected positions on the beams. Thus the second guide member is longitudinally movable to engage a workpiece between the first and second guide members whereupon the first clamp mechanism is applied to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The disengageable clutches of the trolley wheel clamps are interconnected by a transverse actuator rod so that the clutches are easily simultaneously operated by one hand of a worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Inventor: William M. Krueger