Handle Manipulation For Jaw Actuation Patents (Class 269/6)
  • Patent number: 11811359
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting one or more framed solar modules are disclosed. A solar module mounting system can include a plurality of support members configured to support one or more framed solar modules above a mounting surface, such as the ground or the roof of a building. The support members can include rails formed from a rigid material, such as steel. The solar module mounting system can also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms each configured to secure a portion of a framed solar module to a portion of a respective one of the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: PanelClaw, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanghai Yang, Joseph Armano, Vasilije Jovanovic, John De Papp
  • Patent number: 11739920
    Abstract: A light clamp apparatus includes a clamp configured to affix the light clamp apparatus to an object. The light clamp apparatus also includes a light assembly configured to removably attach to the clamp at least at two different positions on the clamp, the light assembly including a magnet, whereby the light assembly is removably attachable to a surface comprising a ferromagnetic metal. The clamp includes a slide bar comprising a first end and a second end, a first jaw coupled to the first end, and a body slidably receiving the slide bar having a second jaw opposing the first jaw. The clamp further includes a drive assembly for moving the slide bar in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Jackson, Nicholas Servies
  • Patent number: 11498186
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sharpening a cutting edge of a cutting tool, such as a kitchen knife. A fixture secures opposing sides of a blade of the cutting tool and includes a main body and hinged first and second clamping jaws each having a clamping end adapted to compressingly engage a respective side of the blade. A guide coupled to the main body has converging support surfaces to contactingly engage a back edge (spine) of the blade opposite the cutting edge to center the blade along a central plane of the fixture. A retraction mechanism establishes a clamping force upon each of the respective sides of the blade via the clamping jaws. Further embodiments include a base assembly adapted to receive the fixture, and a swing arm style abrasive assembly to carry out a sharpening operation upon the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Darex, LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Baker, Conner S. MacFarlane, Joseph T. Zachariasen, Daniel T. Dovel, Travis Campbell
  • Patent number: 11440164
    Abstract: A clamp contains: a first clamping assembly, a second clamping assembly, and a guide shaft. The first clamping assembly includes a base, a first clamper, a first connection member, and a first buffer. The base has a grip, an operation lever, and a release lever. The base further includes a release structure driven by the release lever to remove the base from the guide shaft. The second clamping assembly includes a second clamper, a second connection member, and a second buffer. The first buffer accommodates the guide shaft, and the second buffer is fitted on and is rotated with respect to an outer wall of the second connection member. The second clamper is fitted on the second buffer and the second connection member, the second clamper is rotatable relative to the second connection member, and the second clamper and the second buffer are connected with the second connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: YUN KUAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Che Chen
  • Patent number: 11364595
    Abstract: A material handling device for use in manipulating a tubular substrate includes a C-clamp, which in turn comprises a movable jaw that is pivotally coupled to a fixed jaw. A handle is coupled to and extends from an outer surface of the fixed jaw. An actuator is coupled to the fixed jaw. The actuator is operationally coupled to the movable jaw so that the actuator is positioned firstly to pivot the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw to position the C-clamp in an open configuration, and, secondly, to pivot the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw to position the C-clamp in a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the C-clamp is configured to insert a tubular substrate. In the closed configuration, the C-clamp couples to the tubular substrate, positioning a user to grasp the handle to manipulate the tubular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Gerald A. Martin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11325178
    Abstract: A pressing tool for pressing fittings to produce pipe connections, with two opposing pressing jaws, each having a pressing section and a lever section, and having a retaining element for swivel connecting the pressing jaws, wherein the pressing sections form a receiving section and wherein pressing the lever sections apart causes the receiving section to close. An actuator spindle, a spindle nut and at least two actuator levers are provided, and each actuator lever is swivel connected at one end to the lever section of a pressing jaw and each actuator lever is swivel connected at another end to the spindle nut. A method for pressing fittings for the production of pipe connections is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Dominik Kramer, David Schmitt, Jörg Rosenthal, Markus Faulstich, Nadine Riili, Detlev Schmitt, Uwe Grünkemeier, Matthias Stahlschmidt
  • Patent number: 11312024
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus assembles a first component and a second component. The assembly apparatus includes a gripping section, a correcting section, and a driving section. The gripping section grips the first component. The correcting section corrects positional shift of the first component relative to the second component. The driving section drives the correcting section. The correcting section includes a first mechanism connected to the gripping section and a second mechanism connected to the driving section. The first mechanism has a first tapered portion on a surface opposite to the gripping section. The second mechanism has a second tapered portion on a surface opposite to the driving section. The second tapered portion has a substantially identical shape to the first tapered portion. The first tapered portion is placed on the second tapered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Takagi
  • Patent number: 11273536
    Abstract: A fixture structure contains: a first body, a second body, and an actuation rod. The first body includes a first clamp, a holding grip, a drive mechanism, and a press lever. The actuation rod includes two extensions. The second body includes a base, a second clamp, and an accommodation groove. A locking mechanism is disposed in the base and includes two release button, two springs, and two positioning sheets. A respective positioning sheet has a flat section, two upward tilted guide sections, and a through orifice. The respective positioning sheet is urged by the respective spring to push the flat section to engage into the accommodation groove. The respective release button has multiple posts aligned with the respective positioning sheet. When the respective release button is pressed, the multiple posts push the respective positioning sheet so that the flat section removes from the accommodation groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Chien-San Chen
  • Patent number: 10716566
    Abstract: A dual-directional, or multi-degree-of-freedom, surgical clip is provided. The clip includes a top clamp. A bottom clamp is hingedly connected to the top clamp at a hinged joint for mutually pivotal transverse motion about the hinged joint. The top and bottom clamps each include a hinged attachment at an extreme end thereof. A first portion of each of the top and bottom clamps is in hinged connection with a corresponding second portion of the respective top and bottom clamps for mutually pivotal lateral movement. A method of using the clip to concurrently grasp and move patient tissue is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: EDWARD VIA VIRGINIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
    Inventor: Michael Breiner
  • Patent number: 10391512
    Abstract: A multifunctional irrigation pliers and method of piercing, cutting, and fitting an irrigation tube with an irrigation pliers. The irrigation pliers enables the forming of a hole in an irrigation tube, the placement of a nozzle or a drip emitter into the formed hole or a terminal opening of the irrigation tube, the cutting of a length of the irrigation tube, and general deforming of sections of the irrigation tube. A first jaw and a second jaw are pivotally attached together at a pivoting joint to allow the jaws to be pivotally displaced toward and away from each other by moving a first handle and a second handle to and away from each other. The inner surfaces of the jaw comprise a blade, a spike, and retaining slots sequentially positioned across the jaws to engage the irrigation tube, the nozzle, and the drip emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Keith Samuel
  • Patent number: 9908748
    Abstract: A clamping device for lifting and transferring objects can employ slanting interfaces to convert a pulling action on the clamping device to a clamping action on the object. Components of the clamping device can include a metal core embedded in a body of a different material. The embedded core construction can allow a simplified fabrication of the clamping device for high stresses, high forces, high durability and high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Hoa Nhon Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9254158
    Abstract: A bending tool can be configured to bend an orthopedic implant and includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first base and a first adjustment member that is movably coupled to the first base. The second jaw assembly is movably coupled to the second jaw assembly. The second jaw assembly includes a second base and a second adjustment member that is movably coupled to the second base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Koch, Robert J. Schoutens
  • Patent number: 9085067
    Abstract: A spanner wrench and a method of rotating an object with the spanner wrench is provided. The spanner wrench is configured to engage and rotate the object, and the spanner wrench is supported in a manner that resists tilting and transverse movement of the spanner wrench as the spanner wrench is rotating the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen Burton Stayton
  • Patent number: 9073180
    Abstract: A quick release structure for a woodworking clamp, which has a clamp body slidingly connected to the transverse rod, and the securing chuck having a securing rod disposed through a securing hole of the transverse rod. One side of the securing chuck is formed with an accommodating portion, both sides of the accommodating portion are connected to a quick release element, a positioning shaft respectively is disposed on the quick release element, the positioning shaft is placed through the shaft aperture; an outer surface of the quick release element is provided with a pressing portion. When the quick release element is connected into the accommodating portion, by compressing the elastic element, the securing rod is driven to release from the securing hole. When the pressing portion is not pressed, the elastic element bounces back to retract the quick release element to secure the securing chuck onto the transverse rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 9033326
    Abstract: An interlocking and removable tool for floral arranging, consisting of two interlocking pieces which form a sturdy grid when assembled. This grid is placed on top of a vase, jar, bowl, or other vessel used for housing arranged flowers. This grid keeps flowers in place while being arranged, without falling over, and allows the user to construct floral arrangements with ease. When the desired arrangement is complete, the interlocking components slide apart and are removed without disrupting the floral arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Adam Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 9027913
    Abstract: A spring clamp includes a first body which comprises a gripping portion and a clamping portion, a second body which comprises a gripping portion and a clamping portion, a first pivot element which pivotally connects the first body and the second body, and a locking mechanism which comprises at least a pair of friction pair components. The first friction pair component is arranged on the first body, and includes a first friction pair element; and the second friction pair component is arranged on the second body, and includes a second friction pair element. The first and second friction pair elements rub against each other to effect the locking function. The rubbing of the friction pair elements occurs mainly in the plane perpendicular to the first pivot element axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Hangzhou Great Start Industrial Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Great Start Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueming Li
  • Patent number: 8985566
    Abstract: A F type clamp having a locking function includes a base frame including a locating frame bar and a rail, a sliding member having one end coupled to the rail and selectively set between a locking position and an unlocking position, a clamping member movably mounted at an opposite end of the sliding member and providing a jaw plate for working with the locating frame bar to hold down a workpiece, and a locking device set between the sliding member and the rail for locking the sliding member to the rail under normal conditions and for enabling the sliding member to be moved relative to the rail by an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ehoma Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Huan Chuang
  • Patent number: 8967602
    Abstract: One embodiment of a hand protector device suitable for protecting the hand of the user of pneumatic or other nailing devices, by providing a shield sufficient to stop, impede, or deflect the momentum of a nail projectile from a nailing device. The device also contains gripping plates to easy the user's grip upon the materials to be fastened by the nailing device. In addition, the device is secured solely by the power of the user's grip, such that it can easily be removed simply by the user relaxing his or her grip on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Pat A. Prestidge
  • Patent number: 8893393
    Abstract: A power tool including a sliding member slidably received in the power tool and a pair of lock plates, each of the pair of lock plates including an opening, and the lock plates being configured such that the sliding member slides within the opening. First ends of each of the lock plates are pivotably attached to a support at a first side of the sliding member, and second ends of each of the lock plates being biased toward one another at an opposite side of the sliding member. A first contact portion of the lock plate contacts a first surface of the sliding member at the first side of the sliding member, and a second contact portion of the lock plate contacts a second surface of the sliding member at the opposite side of the sliding member, wherein the sliding member is secured with respect to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A Kuehne, Mark D Miller, John S Vantran
  • Patent number: 8888084
    Abstract: A saw horse pipe clamp preferably includes a support rod, a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, a slidable clamp jaw, a tightening clamp jaw, a clamp housing, a clamp screw and an angular adjustment device. The first mounting bracket is attached to a first end of a saw horse and the second mounting bracket is attached to a second end of the saw horse. The support rod is rotatably retained in the first mounting bracket. The clamp jaws are slidably retained on the support rod. The clamp housing is secured to an end of the support rod. The clamp housing is rotatably retained by the second support bracket. The clamp screw is threaded into the clamp housing and an end of the clamp screw is rotatably engaged with the tightening clamp jaw. The angular adjustment device is tightened to prevent rotation of the clamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Aldredge, Daniel J Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8882093
    Abstract: A handheld clamping tool includes a sliding bar, a fixed handle having installed therein actuation plates, a stop plate, spring members and a release bar, a driving handle, a coupling rod coupling the actuation plates and the stop plate, and a first jaw holder. The driving handle has an integrated cam portion for driving the actuation plates and the stop plate. By means of the release bar, the handheld clamping tool can be quickly released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sheng Pu Promotion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzu-Chi Kuo
  • Patent number: 8876097
    Abstract: A shingle holder and alignment tool including a telescopic bar keeper, a telescopic rod guide and adjustable catches, the telescopic rod guide extendable along a horizontal axis to conform to a desired length of a row of shingles, the adjustable catches raising or lowering the rod guide relative a preceding row of shingles by way of a pair of slide guards, such that the shingle holder and alignment tool is operable by a single individual, configurable to shingles of various sizes and accurately aligns a new row of shingles to be installed upon a preceding row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Rego
  • Patent number: 8869364
    Abstract: A tool for separating material layers may include a first arm including a first end and a second end; a second arm including a first end and a second end; a first material contact pad carried by the first arm proximate the first end of the first arm; and a second material contact pad carried by the second arm proximate the first end of the second arm. The second end of the first arm may be joined to the second end of the second arm, and the first material contact pad and the second material contact pad may be movable with respect to one another along two substantially orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Jaynes
  • Patent number: 8850672
    Abstract: A fixture includes an elongated rod, a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are assembled with the elongated rod. The second jaw has a pivotal portion and a grip. A trigger is connected outside the pivotal portion. A front chamber is formed in the pivotal portion for receiving a plurality of clasping pieces and a restoring spring penetrated by the elongated rod. The restoring spring pushes the clasping pieces to synchronously drive a push rod connected to the trigger. Each of the clasping pieces is formed with a groove facing the restoring spring. The restoring spring is formed with a guiding section bent toward the clasping pieces. The guiding section is disposed in the groove to guide the second jaw to advance smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ching-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 8839591
    Abstract: A concrete anchor point system provides for an anchor point, a receptacle for embedding into a concrete structure for removably receiving the anchor point, and a tool for remotely installing the anchor point in the structure, or removing the anchor point from the structure. The receptacle is preferably tapered, and an anchoring end of the anchor point is preferably tapered to match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Climb Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Guthrie, Ivan A. J. Kekahuna, Eric Shawn Patrick, Ben Sy
  • Publication number: 20140265084
    Abstract: A tool for providing a clamping force and a spreading force in the opposite direction of the clamping force. The tool includes a handle assembly having a trigger and a bar supported by the handle assembly. The bar is configured to move relative to the handle assembly when the trigger is actuated, and the bar includes a slot spanning from a first end of the bar to a second end of the bar. An inner rod is received within the slot, and a detent mechanism selectively couples the inner rod to the bar. The inner rod is received within the first end and coupled to the bar to provide the clamping force when the trigger is actuated, and the inner rod is received within the second end and coupled to the bar to provide the spreading force when the trigger is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Evatt, Richard Davidian, Anthony Tocco
  • Publication number: 20140265086
    Abstract: A handtight clamp comprising two parallel rods that are press-fit into a stable handle and which have a moving handle that is movable across the parallel rods. The handtight clamp also comprising a first coil spring and a second coil spring around the two parallel rods, the first coil spring having less bearing pressure than the second coil spring, and the first coil spring laying adjacent to the moving handle. The handtight clamp additionally comprising a jaw extending from the stable handle and the moving handle, the jaw having a rigid inner jaw portion and a semi-rigid outer jaw portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen D. ALBIN
  • Publication number: 20140265085
    Abstract: A bar clamp having a locking pliers, toggle action clamping mechanism is herein disclosed. The locking pliers include a fixed handle, a movable handle, and a toggling linkage arrangement therebetween for toggling the locking pliers from a first open position to a second clamped position. A bar is connected at one end to the fixed handle. The bar clamp includes an adjustable outer clamping jaw slidably connected to the bar. The outer clamping jaw includes disengageable locking mechanism for disengagably locking the outer clamping jaw in any given position along the length of the bar. The bar clamp also includes an inner clamping jaw connected to the toggling linkage arrangement such that when the locking pliers are toggled into the clamped position the inner clamping jaw is caused to move toward the adjustable outer clamping jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen D. ALBIN
  • Patent number: 8827251
    Abstract: A handheld clamping tool includes a sliding bar, a bracket selectively and detachably coupled to one of two opposite ends of the sliding bar and providing a first jaw, a handle holder affixed to the sliding bar and providing a second jaw, a driving handle operable to move the bracket relative to the handle holder, and a control knob including a male knob member and a female knob member coupled together in a horizontal bottom hole of the bracket, a pin affixed to the female knob member and movable with the female knob member in and out of a lock hole at one end of the sliding bar to lock/unlock the bracket and the sliding bar, and a compression spring mounted between the male knob member and the bracket to support the male knob member in the locking position where the pin is inserted through the lock hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tzu-Chi Kuo
  • Patent number: 8813326
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing or decompressing a compressible body is provided. The apparatus comprises an upper nest arm and a lower nest arm separated by a rigid rod. The upper nest arm has an upper nest arm mounting feature configured to receive a first end of the compressible body. The upper nest arm mounding feature is shaped to fit the contours of the compressible body. The lower nest arm has a lower nest arm mounting feature configured to receive a second end of the compressible body. The lower nest arm can traverse the rigid rod to either compress or decompress the compressible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Randal Frank Zychowski, Ronnie D. Boggs
  • Patent number: 8794609
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a clamp for achieving tight miter joints in wood casings or other materials comprising mitered ends. The clamp according to the present invention comprises a first handle and a second handle attached to each other to form a handle member and a first jaw and a second jaw attached to each other a clamping member. The handle member and clamping member are attached to each other in a manner that creates an over center cam mechanism that prevents the clamping member from opening unless the handle member is also opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Trim Clip, LLC
    Inventor: Evans Kalambokas
  • Patent number: 8783671
    Abstract: A clamp includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a first connection, a second connection, and an actuator. The first jaw and the second jaw include a first clamp surface and a second clamp surface, respectively. The first connection operatively connects the first jaw to the second jaw in a manner that permits relative movement between the first jaw and the second jaw. The second connection is operatively connected between the first jaw and the second jaw. The actuator is configured to shorten a length of the second connection to thereby reduce a relative distance between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ranieri, Stephen Rowlay, Robert Christie, Stephen Skeels
  • Publication number: 20140182116
    Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Irwin Industrial Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris W. Cicenas, Charles R. McKean, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony B. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8763998
    Abstract: The portable hand held miter clamp device provides several advantages. First, the device is portable and is used on site, rather than requiring that a work piece be transported to a clamp. Second, the device is extremely time efficient. A worker need only position the miter joint of the work piece, position the stationary drive lever as desired, and slide the clamping lever adjacent to the miter joint. The worker then triggers the device to clamp the joint. The quick release releases the device as desired, instantly. The device offers further advantage in that the spikes ensure no slippage of work piece engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Worstell
  • Patent number: 8757604
    Abstract: A support device (2) is provided for supporting one or more items (4) in use. The support device includes at least first and second clamping members (6, 8). The clamping members move relative to each other to allow the members to be moved between clamped and unclamped positions. Each clamping member has at least one clamping surface (26, 24) defined thereon, The at least first and second clamping members are arranged with a space (30) defined between the clamping surfaces to allow the one or more items (4) to be located in said space in use and to be clamped therebetween in said clamped position. The support device further includes adjustment means for allowing the space between the clamping surfaces to be adjusted in use. The adjustment means includes user actuation means (231, 233) and actuation of said actuation means causes at least one of said at least first and second clamping members to move relative to the other of said at least first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: David Crampton
  • Patent number: 8740208
    Abstract: A clamping device has a removable handle to move a clamp between an opened and clamped position. A receiving member is on the clamp to receive the handle. The handle has a latching member to couple with the receiving member. An actuating member is coupled with the handle to move the clamp from an opened to clamped position. A release mechanism is coupled with the clamp or handle to move the clamp from a clamped to an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Hagan, David Martin, Henry Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8728087
    Abstract: A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping ends are movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping ends of the first and second arms comprise opposed clamping surfaces. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first to the second surface. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Mohamed Soliman, Troy Allen McMillen
  • Patent number: 8714533
    Abstract: A clay model support device includes a base, a support frame connected with the base, and a panel connected with the support frame. The base includes a lower surface configured to engage an associated horizontal floor surface. The support frame is pivotable with respect to the base about a generally horizontal axis. The panel is configured to support an associated clay model. The panel is slidable with respect to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8708311
    Abstract: The normal process for installing and removing push pins are with the fingers and after repeating this process several times the fingers may become tired or sore. With the E-Zee Push device the push pin is inserted into one end of the device and the device is used to easily push the pin into a soft to semi-hard surface. The other end has grooves that fit over the push pin and makes it easy to pull the push pin out. Sometimes when picking up push pins the pointed end of the push pin may stick you. E-Zee Push has an attached magnet, which is able to pick up several push pins at one time without the danger of being stuck and making them easily accessible while installing objects to the desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Shelton Coupe
  • Patent number: 8702077
    Abstract: A quick clamp includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a crank, an operating handle, a shaft assembly and a slide rail. The crank is arranged in a cover plate of the second jaw with the operating handle rotatably screwed to an upper end of the crank, the shaft assembly connected to a through bore formed at a middle portion of the crank and the slide rail extended through a slide rail slot formed near a lower end of the crank. By turning the operating handle in one direction, the crank is brought to pivot with the slide rail slot thereof becoming inclined to press against the slide rail, so that the slide rail is stopped from moving relative to the second jaw. When the operating handle is turned reversely, the slide rail is released, and the second jaw is movable along the slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Sung Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8702076
    Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris W. Cicenas, Charles R. McKean, Thomas M. Chervenak, Anthony B. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8696286
    Abstract: A pivoting hub nut, or hub clamp, for manually securing an object to a rotatable shaft provides a first hub defining a first radial slot and a second hub pivotally attached to the first hub defining a second radial slot. A first handle extends from the first hub, and a second handle extends from the second hub. A latch is disposed on the clamp for selectively locking the clamp in a closed position. An axial bore is defined along the centerline, or hub axis of rotation, of the clamp. The clamp includes a threaded region facing the axial bore for engaging corresponding threads on the shaft. Upon installation of the clamp onto the shaft, the clamp can be rotated relative to the shaft in a closed position for adjusting the longitudinal, or axial, placement of the clamp on the shaft, and the clamp can be tightened against a wheel rim or other object for securing the object on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Martin
  • Patent number: 8684343
    Abstract: A composite fabrication vent assembly for connection to an inflatable bladder, the combination of a vent assembly and an inflatable bladder, and a method of mechanically connecting a vent assembly and a bladder. The vent assembly comprises a body member having a first clamping surface, a clamping member having a second clamping surface, and a carriage member interconnecting the body member and the clamping member, with the first and second clamping surfaces in opposing relationship. With the open end of an inflatable bladder inserted between the opposed clamping surfaces, the carriage member is adapted to translate the body member and clamping member toward one another to form an airtight seal with the inflatable bladder. A controlled source of pressurized gas, connected to a gas inlet of the vent assembly, can then inflate and deflate the bladder in a controlled manner through one or more passageways in the vent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rubbercraft Corporation of California Ltd
    Inventors: Alan D. Hiken, David H. Lee, Robert L. Harshberger, Leo H. Phan, Rufino Santos
  • Patent number: 8678889
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust fan having a frame within which fan blades and a motor are secured. The frame includes an upper sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall, defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposite sides of the frame. A flexible exhaust boot is secured to the frame of the exhaust fan adjacent the outlet opening. The exhaust boot is a flexible piece of material having a substantially tubular configuration with a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A support assembly secures the exhaust fan and exhaust boot in position adjacent an opening. The support assembly includes a vertical bracket having a first end and a second end, and an outwardly extending support block is mounted at the first end of the vertical bracket. The support assembly also includes a horizontal bracket extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Dean
  • Patent number: 8672307
    Abstract: A clamp mechanism for assisting a bricklayer or mason worker in positioning and aligning a next row of bricks being laid upon a previous row of bricks using an alignment string is provided. One end of the alignment string is secured in a desired position adjacent the previous row of bricks. The clamp mechanism comprises a clamp having a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm. A spring mechanism biases the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm in a general direction toward each other. A string receiving mechanism is associated with the clamp for receiving a portion of the alignment string. Upon the alignment string being secured to the string receiving mechanism and the clamp being positioned upon a brick in the previous row of bricks, the alignment string indicates the proper positioning and alignment of the next row of bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Martin I. Pacheco, Cesar Cruz
  • Patent number: 8656771
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the thickness of a cloth when the predetermined pressing force is applied to the cloth. A device for measuring a cloth thickness includes a stationary part having a base surface; a movable member having a pressing end to press a cloth against the base surface; a movable member driving mechanism to move the movable member linearly without rotating around itself from an initial position up to an over-pressing position where the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface with a force exceeding the predetermined pressing force; a load cell for detecting a force with which the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface; and a pulse coder for detecting the space between the base surface and the pressing end when a force value detected by the load cell reaches the predetermined pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Okada, Nobuhisa Ito
  • Patent number: 8646766
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a body having a first guiding feature and a slider component positioned within the body that is moveable between a first position and a second position. A pair of jaw members is coupled to a slider assembly, wherein the jaw members are moveable between a first state and a second state based on a direction of travel of the slider component. At least one of the jaw members includes a second guiding feature operably coupled to the first guiding feature of the body. The first and second guiding features cause the jaw members to automatically pivot from the first state to the second state when the slider component travels from the first position to the second position and pivot from the second state to the first state when the slider component travels from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shrockie LLC
    Inventor: Joel Aaron Shrock
  • Patent number: 8641024
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may be made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Scott A. Murray, Sun Xiao Wei
  • Patent number: 8628070
    Abstract: A device for the temporary fixing or manipulation of objects including a first head with a front active face and a rear active face and a second head with a front active face and a rear active face. The front and rear active faces of the first head are movable relative to one another and the front and rear active faces of the second head are movable relative to one another. The rear active face of the first head is immovably connected to the front active face of the second head. The device also includes a force mechanism for introducing an active force to the first and second heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hannes Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8621736
    Abstract: An alignment clamp assembly is provided for aligning and holding flanged or framed ductwork while the ductwork is being joined together. The assembly includes an upper jaw having a planar end portion and a lower jaw pivotally coupled to the upper jaw. The lower jaw has a planar end surface and is pivotable to position the end portion of the upper jaw against the end surface of the lower jaw. A pin is coupled to one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. A cavity is positioned in one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw opposite the pin. The pin extends into the cavity when the end portion of the upper jaw is positioned against the end surface of the lower jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael L. Hall