Helical Spring Patents (Class 29/227)
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Publication number: 20030061695Abstract: A pair of pincers for assembling and disassembling the spring of the brake shoes in a drum brake includes a position lever and a hook lever preset in its form, having respective grip at a lower portion and pivotally combined together. The hook lever has a hook formed on a top end and the position lever is fitted with a position member capable to rotate freely therein and the position member has ratchet teeth provided around on an upper end. Thus, the ratchet teeth of the position member are forced to firmly hold the outer wall of the brake shoes, and the hook of the hook lever hooks the spring of the brake shoes and then hold close two grips to disassemble it with quickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventor: Hsin Fa Kang
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Publication number: 20030041430Abstract: A hand tool having at least one end configured with several circumferentially spaced resilient detent fingers defining the periphery of a cage for capturing and both transversely and longitudinally positively confining the annular periphery of a spring-retaining cup of a brake shoe assembly of a vehicular drum brake. A captured cup is pressed by the tool against the end of a brake shoe positioning coil spring and the cup is rotated one quarter turn to attach or detach the cup relative to the end of a retaining pin which passes through the center of the cup and secures the cup, coil spring and brake shoe to a brake shoe supporting plate on the drum brake shoe assembly. The cup is retained in the tool when separated from the brake shoe assembly. The tool may be configured with multiple cages, such as a double ended tool. It may also be in the form of a socket tool having only one cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: John T. Morrison, Walter Russell Fitza
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Patent number: 6477756Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Edward Orton Newcomer
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Patent number: 6470554Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for mounting a MacPherson strut suspension radius rod, comprising steps which consist in: inserting the elements forming the control rod beneath a mounting head having at least a tilting degree of liberty; bringing the control rod top end alongside a portion of the mounting head; compressing the spring by the relative movement of the mounting head with respect a locking member engaged in its prestressed spring, when the mounting head portion comes to a stop and when the shock-absorber rod moves beyond the upper spring retainer.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin-Michelin & CieInventors: Francis Aubarede, Antoine Ducloux
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Patent number: 6434807Abstract: An apparatus for removing coil springs having a first upright handle member terminating on its upper end with a threaded drive block for accommodating a steel screw threadable through the drive block and movable along the threaded shaft. There is provided a first spring block secured to the upper face of the drive block for accommodating a first end of a coil spring. There is a second spring block on an end portion of the steel drive screw for accommodating the second end of the coil spring, so that rotation of the drive screw expands or retracts the distance between the first and second spring blocks, and would expand or retract the spring in sufficient distance to remove or replace the spring. There is further provided a guide plate below the second spring block, having a slot for accommodating a first bar for pushing or pulling a spring out of engagement and for accommodating a second bar having a member for pushing or pulling a spring out of engagement or pulling a cotter pin out of engagement.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Paul Begin
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Patent number: 6393682Abstract: A spring loaded mud flap tool (10) includes a hook element (20) carried by one a first of a drive rod (30). The hook end of the hook element is sized to grasp the end of the spring carried within the hanger tube of the mud flap assembly. A handle assembly (80) is carried by a second end of the drive rod. The handle assembly allows the user to manipulate the hook until it successfully grasps the spring. A bearing assembly (40) is carried on the threaded surface of the drive rod (30), and supports a pair of diametrically opposed crank handles (70). In operation, the bearing assembly rests on the open end of the hanger tube. Revolution of the crank handles turns the drive rod, which retracts the hook element and therefore retracts the spring. The force of the spring pulling the tool (10) into the hanger tube is offset by an equal force exerted by the bearing assembly on the rim of the hanger tube. A safety chain (90) connects the hanger tube and the bearing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Donald L. O'Kane
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Patent number: 6374495Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying clips to mattress spring assemblies in a highly accurate and fast manner via operating or positioning members that properly position the innerspring coils relative to the borderwires for clipping thereof. Improperly positioned innersprings have their end coils shifted past the borderwires as they travel downstream to be clipped by the apparatus and method herein. In this manner, the positioning members are operable to use the progression of the spring assemblies as they are driven downstream to properly position the innerspring coils relative to the borderwires for being clipped thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Stanley Fastening SystemsInventors: Paul Lackler, Joseph Chandler
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Patent number: 6336625Abstract: A shock-absorber mounting structure includes a base frame holding two parallel rails vertically, a top carrier and a bottom carrier moved along the parallel rails in the base frame, a screw rod rotated by a hand wheel to move the top carrier along the rails relative to the bottom carrier, a hydraulic system controlled to move the bottom carrier along the rails relative to the top carrier, and two shock-absorber holders respectively installed in the top carrier and the bottom carrier and adapted to hold a shock absorber therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventor: Tsai-Tien Liao
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Patent number: 6148693Abstract: A tool improved over the prior art provides a means for easily and safely removing a timepiece mainspring from its barrel for cleaning and lubricating. A barrel holder is provided having a rim, and an essentially planar surface which includes openings therethrough. A mainspring barrel containing a mainspring is inserted into a mating opening. A barrel holder cap is snapped over a rim of the barrel holder. The cap surface includes openings opposite the barrel holder openings. The cap and barrel holder thereby form a receptacle for receiving an extracted mainspring. The watchmaker accesses a loop of the mainspring in the barrel holder, and removes the mainspring. The energy in the spring is thereby released and the expanding spring is captivated in the receptacle, permitting removal therefrom for cleaning and lubricating. In an improved version of the invention, a circular disc having a plurality of circular openings for receiving mainspring barrels of varying size.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Inventor: Zbigniew Filipowers
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Patent number: 6108882Abstract: A tool facilitating removal of brake shoe hold down springs from a brake assembly including a handle with a bent shaft extending therefrom having a tip with C-shaped gap, having symmetrically-opposed end profiles, therein which retains the spring lead.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Dave Hodgson
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Patent number: 5967493Abstract: A spring compressor of the type having a base, a post, upper spring mounting members fixedly mounted on the upper portion of the post, lower spring mounting members slidably mounted on the lower portion of the post, and a moving device for moving the lower spring mounting members toward the upper spring mounting members to compress a spring mounted between the spring mounting members. The upper spring mounting members have spring engaging elements, preferably in the form of angle irons, for engaging the top of the spring assembly. The spring engaging elements can include retaining bolts for preventing movement of the spring assembly toward or away from the post. The spring compressor can also have adapters mounted on at least one of the upper and lower spring mounting members to engage portions of the side of a coil of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Peter Amstutz
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Patent number: 5966788Abstract: A spring vice (56) for tensioning coil springs, which have a spindle drive (59, 61), which has approximately wedge-shaped radial fingers (64, 65, 66) at one of its ends and a support cylinder (60) with a contact element at its other end. Two pressure plates (57, 58) with a passage opening (77, 87), through which the spindle drive (59, 61) can be passed, are used to tension a coil spring. In the mounted state, the radial fingers (64, 65, 66) of the spindle drive (59, 61) can be brought into a nonrotatable pulling connection with locking recesses (81, 82, 83) of the first pressure plate (57), while the second pressure plate (58) without locking recesses is supported axially at the contact element of the support cylinder (60) of the spindle drive (59, 61) for tensioning the coil spring. To increase the safety of operation, provisions are made for the contact element of the support cylinder to have support fingers (72, 73, 74), whose number corresponds to the number of the radial fingers (64, 65, 66).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Klann Tools Ltd.Inventor: Horst Klann
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Patent number: 5954315Abstract: A spring-compressor device comprises a body having at least two telescopic parts (1, 4, 7) fitted with respective coupling means (2, 9) for jaws (3, 10), and including means internal to the body for controlling lengthening or shortening thereof. The innermost part (7) of the body is constituted by the body of a single-acting actuator whose rod (11) which is secured to the piston (12) of the actuator is fixed to the outermost part (1) of the body and is provided with a duct (14) for feeding the chamber (13) of the actuator whose increase in volume tends to retract the body of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Mecanique EnergertiqueInventor: Patrick Lambert
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Patent number: 5954314Abstract: A spring vice (1) compression springs (31), comprising a spindle drive with a threaded spindle and two tensioning claws (2, 17) of an approximately fork-shaped design, wherein the tensioning claws (2, 17) can be moved toward each other by actuating the threaded spindle. To make it possible to apply strong tensioning forces for tensioning compression coil springs and to guarantee a simple exchangeability of the tensioning claws (2, 17) at the same time, the two tensioning claws (2, 17) are provided with a mounting cylinder (3, 16), which forms a kind of bayonet catch together with the spindle drive. This bayonet catch is optimally suitable for absorbing strong tensioning forces and permits a simple replacement of tensioning claws (2, 17) without problems.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Klann Tools Ltd.Inventor: Angelika Weisshaar
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Patent number: 5930879Abstract: A split ring assembly apparatus includes a rotatable drive spindle operating within the bore of a cylindrical housing and having a drive pin adapted to engage the gap in one face of a split ring positioned axially on one end of the spindle to rotate the ring. An opening wedge is biased into engagement with the opposite face of the split ring and has an edge positioned to enter the other ring gap in response to ring rotation to cause the ring to progressively open along its split.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Worth Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Eugene G. Piotrowski
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Patent number: 5926935Abstract: A torsion spring having a central coiled portion and a pair of resilient arms projecting from the coiled portion in different directions is incorporated in a workpiece so that the coiled portion is fitted on a support pin on the workpiece and the arms are engaged with first and second engagement portions on the workpiece. A center pin is inserted into the coiled portion of the torsion spring, and the coiled portion is held by attraction of an attracting portion provided around the center pin. A pair of forming pins are moved relative to the center pin in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center pin to abut against the respective arms of the torsion spring and deflect them.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Mizuta, Mitsuyoshi Okiyama
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Patent number: 5907894Abstract: A spring compression device for a shock absorber of a motor car includes a hollow vertical post, a rack mounted inside the post engaged with a pinion and being movable upward or downward by a compression handle. A spring holder includes a spring hanger for hanging an absorber spring. One end of the holder is connected by a hinge to a head on the rack top so as to be rotated left and right. A pair of pivoting arms each include a boss, the arms being rotatively mounted on both sides of a second hinge so as to be widened left and right. A shock absorber holder is mountable at an outer end portion of the arms. A feed screw shaft moves the pivoting arms left and right, centering around the second hinge. A tightening handle is attached to one end of the feed screw shaft to perform loosening and tightening operations of the pivoting arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Inventor: Tae-Hong Ha
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Patent number: 5829896Abstract: A device and method for installing a keycap spring in a computer keyboard having a vertical tube and a base for mounting the keycap spring at the bottom of the vertical tube. The device comprises a handle, a shaft with a tapered head connected to the handle, a sleeve which slides over the shaft, and a sleeve spring connected to the sleeve which slides over the shaft and fits between the sleeve and the handle. The keycap spring is inserted into the sleeve where it fits over the tapered head of the shaft. The tool is then inserted into the vertical tube and the end of the tool is placed over the base. Downward pressure is then applied to the tool, causing the keycap spring to be compressed inside the sleeve. When the keycap spring is fully compressed, the downward pressure applied by the user forces the bottom end of the keycap spring onto the base. The tool is then extracted. The keycap spring is held by the base, causing the spring to slide out of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Gerald K. Cain, Jr.
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Patent number: 5794321Abstract: A spring compression tool and method for using the spring compression tool in assembling a brake shoe adjustment mechanism on a WAGNER front brake. The tool includes a C-shaped body member and an adjustable portion. The body member includes a first end having a first clamping member, and a second end to which the adjustable portion is movably mounted. The adjustable portion includes a threaded shaft and a beam member. The beam member includes a plate and second and third clamping members. Rotation of the shaft moves the second and third clamping members relatively toward or away from the first clamping member. The tool is used to compress a brake shoe adjustment spring, and to maintain the spring in a compressed condition to permit assembly of other components of the adjustment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Eric A. Jereb
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Patent number: 5791033Abstract: A railroad car truck frame jack clamps a side frame, the clamps suspend a cross tube which in turn suspends one or more cylinders which raise a bolster plug thereby lifting the bolster relative to the side frame and decompressing the truck springs for repair or replacement, twisting loads being minimized in the preferred embodiment by a lost motion slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Holland CompanyInventors: Robert V. Norby, Henry F. Ninstil, Stefan Pendrick
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Patent number: 5732456Abstract: A tool and a method for installing and removing a spring for brake shoes on a large vehicle. A shaft has a handle angularly connected to a first end. A spike is mounted on the shaft, the spike being spaced apart and approximately parallel to the shaft. Preferably the shaft has two oppositely formed bends between the spike and the second end of the shaft. The spike engages the arcuate end of the spring and the shaft is leveraged to expand the spring to permit engagement and disengagement of the end of the spring with the brake shoe.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventor: Donald Lamar Frey
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Patent number: 5680686Abstract: An apparatus for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly of the type having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring includes a frame, a first section connected to the frame for supporting the lower portion of the spring, and a second section for holding the upper portion of the spring or upper spring seat. The second section is movable toward and away from the first section and is arranged for axially compressing the spring as the second section moves toward the first section. The second section includes guide structure, a head, linkage structure, and pivot structure. The guide structure is connected to the frame and is for allowing the second section to move toward and away from the first section. The head is mounted on the guide structure and is for positioning the spring. The linkage structure is connected to the guide structure and is for allowing the head to tilt in a first plane generally parallel to the linear axis of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Branick Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kevin S. Bosche, Thomas S. Bolgrean
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Patent number: 5659936Abstract: The brake spring tool includes a shaft cooperative with a slotted collar. The slot may be fitted over the lead wire of the spring and the shaft tightly engaged against the lead wire to facilitate installation or removal.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventors: Randall J. Ploeger, Larry Morgan
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Patent number: 5617757Abstract: A liquid level monitoring system for underground storage tanks includes a submersible monitoring pipe system having telescoping sections that are biased to an extended position enabling the pipe to be self-retained within the tank between its upper and lower walls adjacent to and offset axially from a selected access opening in the tank, such as the discharge opening which normally accommodates the pump for the tank. The pipe system houses an electronic level sensor which is coupled to an above ground control system via conductor wires. An elongate accessing member having an openable and closable clamp jaw assembly for gripping the pipe system and disposing it in a compressed condition within the tank offset from the riser opening is provided as a part of the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Horner Creative Products, Inc.Inventor: Jack R. Horner
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Patent number: 5584110Abstract: A tool is provided which facilitates the installation of a standard garbage disposal unit. The tool allows the installer to set the hanger frame around the sink opening sleeve without having to hold down the sink opening sleeve while attaching the circular spring to the lower end of the sink opening sleeve. The tool of the invention has a lower portion with frustoconical side to facilitate the expansion of the circular spring. The tool also has an upper portion which is generally cylindrical and which fits up into the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve. Snap-on devices, such as spring-and-ball detents, are disposed around the upper portion of the tool to engage the tool to the annular lip at the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: David Mordoch
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Patent number: 5564172Abstract: A spring tightener includes a central tube assembly which includes a cylindrical guide tube having a lower end with a seat bushing having an axial thrust bearing in which a flange ring at the lower end of a threaded spindle is positioned for securing and rotatably supporting the spindle. A coupling tube is telescopically movable in the guide tube and the device includes a cam engageable with a slot of an adjacent tube for the positive locking guidance of these tubes. A threaded tube is connected to the outer end of the coupling tube and it is internally threaded and in threaded engagement with a spindle which is journalled in the seat bushing of the guide tube. A first pressure plate is provided with recesses which engage against outwardly extending radial fingers of the threaded tube and a second pressure plate is mounted over the cylindrical guide tube and bears against a bearing surface at the lower end of the guide tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: Horst Klann
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Patent number: 5544400Abstract: A tool for compressing and holding the internal spring of a rotary joint 15 for the easy and safe removal and installation of the assembly plate screw/s having at one end an anchor (1) perpendicular to a spacer (2), which is perpendicular to a riser (3), which is parallel to the anchor. The end of the riser opposite the spacer is connected to a lever (4) at hinge (9). The hinge is secured with hinge pin (10) and allows the lever to fold parallel to the spacer. A bell hanger (5) is connected to the lever parallel to the spacer when in the extended position and parallel to the riser when in the folded position. The bell hanger is inserted into a bell (6) and retainer (8) which are secured by a bell keeper (7).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Inventor: John E. Wells
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Patent number: 5528808Abstract: An installation tool for stringing a tensioned wire between an anchor point and a retaining point, including a sleeve having a slidably mounted pin inside. A tip of the pin holds a loop end of the tensioned wire (such as a coronode in a corotron wire assembly), and protrudes from an end of the sleeve. When the tip holding the loop end of the tensioned wire is placed adjacent to a retaining pin, and the tip is retracted into the sleeve, the loop end of the wire slides onto the retaining pin, where it may rest in a securing notch. A spring may be used to bias the tip of the pin to retract or protrude from the end of the sleeve positioned adjacent to the retaining point. An end of the pin protruding from the sleeve end opposite the retaining point may be used independently or in cooperation with a biasing spring to move the tip of the pin into and out of the sleeve. The sleeve may include gripping areas and or finger loops to permit the user to accurately manipulate the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1993Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Paul J. Holubek, Betty J. Curtis, Frank R. Walsh
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Patent number: 5507083Abstract: A generally straight elongated lever tool is insertable through the notch between the ribs in the end of a heavy duty truck brake shoe. A notch in the end of the tool engages the wire between the coils of the return spring when the tool is inserted between the shoe ribs at the end of the shoe. The tool is fulcrummed about the end of the brake actuating S-cam or roller for stretching the spring. One side of the notched end of the tool is concave or cupped to contact one of the spring coils for direct axial lift or stretch to cause the spring end hook to snap over an anchor pin up installation. The opposite side of the notched end of the tool surface is inclined for spring removal such that upon reversed insertion of the tool with the inclined surface against the spring coil and fulcrumming about the S-cam or roller, the coil is deflected laterally upon stretching of the spring to cause the end hook to clear the anchor pin upon relaxation of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1992Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Christopher Redgrave, Jay White
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Patent number: 5507470Abstract: A spring compressor having a vertical post with a movable spring mount on the middle part of the post and a fixed spring mount on the upper part of the post. A self-contained, hydraulic jack is mounted between the movable spring mount and the lower part of the post or a base supporting the post. The jack is operable to move the the movable spring mount up toward the fixed spring mount to compress a spring between them. The fixed spring mount can be adjustably mounted on the upper part of the post. Each spring mount has a pair of support arms. There is a spring engaging hook at the end of each arm. The arms on each mount are movable toward or away from each other and are also swingable in a vertical plane so that they can be easily mounted on a spring. Adjustable stops are also provided for limiting upward movement of the arms on the fixed spring mount and for limiting downward movement of the arms on the movable spring mount.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Inventor: Peter Amstutz
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Patent number: 5477598Abstract: A cap and spring installation and removal tool apparatus is provided for installing and removing a motorcycle spring on motorcycle front forks. The tool includes a frame having a yoke attached to the frame for engaging a motorcycle front fork spring housing and a threaded shaft threaded through a portion of the frame for compressing and expanding a spring in a motorcycle spring housing and having an axial bore extending therethrough and a handle on one end portion thereof. A rotatably mounted shaft is rotatably mounted through the bore in the threaded shaft and has a handle on one end and a spring tube cap engaging member, such as a hex head, on the other end thereof so that the rotatably mounted shaft can be rotated to remove or attach the spring tube cap while the threaded shaft is rotated to compress or release spring in the spring housing for removing and reinstalling the motorcycle front fork spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Inventor: John B. Borner, Jr.
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Patent number: 5477599Abstract: A tool for attaching springs to a trampoline mat, and a method for using the tool to assemble a trampoline. The tool has a straight rigid shaft and a curved rigid handle connected and separated by a rigid plate. The handle is curved to fit the closed hand of a user, and the plate prevents accidental contact of the spring with the user's hand regardless of the orientation of the tool. One end of each spring is connected to the frame of the trampoline. The other end of the spring is slipped over the straight shaft of the tool, then attached to one of the "D" rings on the mat. By pushing the tool away from him or her, the user causes the spring to slide down the shaft and hook onto the "D" ring. The process is then repeated for the other springs and "D" rings.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Inventor: J. Wayne Blanchard
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Patent number: 5455996Abstract: A method of using a brake spring tool which includes a shaft cooperative with a slotted collar. The slot may be fitted over the lead wire of the spring and the shaft tightly engaged against the lead wire to facilitate installation or removal.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1994Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventors: Randall J. Ploeger, Larry Morgan
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Patent number: 5448813Abstract: This invention relates to a retainer-pin tool for removably mounting the brake shoe of an automotive brake to the brake backing plate where the retainer-pin tool has radially and oppositely spaced internal keyway slots which are preferably orthogonal to each other and which extend at least in part in an axial direction and have openings in the transverse plane which defines the engagement end of the tool. The keyway slots have parallel sidewalls extending at least in part axially and are bounded radially by the axially extending outer peripheral surface of the tool. The sidewalls have a transition taper at the engagement end of the tool such that the transverse width of the keyway slots is greatest in the engagement surface. The engagement end of the tool has a truncated surface chamfer region which is pf sufficient smoothness to permit slideable bearing engagement between the tool and the retainer nut.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Inventor: Essam K. Yassa
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Patent number: 5423113Abstract: Air brake anchor spring pliers have two straight plier arms arranged side by side and linked by an adjustable pivot mechanism. At the jaw ends of the arms are two convergent slots that slope towards one side of the pliers. These are arranged to engage air brake anchor springs of all types. The opposite, handle ends of the pliers slope outwardly and have bevelled ends that may be used to pry the spring ends loose from the brake shoes.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Inventor: Frank Jezowski
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Patent number: 5386622Abstract: A device for chucking a zigzag spring, which comprises a pair of pawl elements, a drive source, and a detector. One of the two pawl elements may be moved and stoped at at least one position by operation of the drive source through detection of the detector, and then both two pawl elements are brought into engagement with both end portions of the zigzag spring, respectively, according to a length of the spring. The detector may comprise a plurality of proximity switches, one of which detects movement of such one of the pawl elements to that particular position. By those plural proximity switches, a base position may be set for that one of pawl elements in relation to another of them, according to a selected one of plural different zigzag springs with different lengths.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Tachi-s Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Susaki, Matsuo Majima, Yaushi Kaku, Hiroshi Takagi
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Patent number: 5371936Abstract: A tool for attaching springs to a trampoline mat, and a method for using the tool to assemble a trampoline. The tool has a straight rigid shaft and a curved rigid handle connected and separated by a rigid plate. The handle is curved to fit the closed hand of a user, and the plate prevents accidental contact of the spring with the user's hand regardless of the orientation of the tool. One end of each spring is connected to the frame of the trampoline. The other end of the spring is slipped over the straight shaft of the tool, then attached to one of the "D" rings on the mat. By pushing the tool away from him or her, the user causes the spring to slide down the shaft and hook onto the "D" ring. The process is then repeated for the other springs and "D" rings.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Inventor: J. Wayne Blanchard
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Patent number: 5367755Abstract: The present invention relates to expansion tools where two ends of a workpiece are to be grasped and controlled to permit ease of and safety in workpiece manipulation for installation or removal. Workpieces of specific interest include brake retaining springs used in the Rockwell Q-Series Brake. The spring shanks in retaining springs used in the Rockwell Q-Series Brake present an inline shoulder. The jaws and upstanding arm of the present invention are particularly adapted to receive an inline shoulder of a such a retaining spring and to provide spring control and ease and safety in manipulation and installation not presently realized or offered in other expansion tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Inventor: Robert D. Wood
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Patent number: 5349733Abstract: A tool includes a solid block body unitary with a plurality of equidistantly spaced-apart blades which project from the body in the same direction, each blade having flat planar opposed faces with the faces of all of the blades being parallel to one another. The faces of each blade are chamfered at the distal ends thereof and are spaced apart by a pair of opposed parallel side surfaces, each inclined to the planes of the faces at an angle which approximates the complement of the helix angle of an associated spring, to facilitate insertion of the blades between the spring convolutions when the spring is extended, to maintain it in its extended condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Kirk E. Mellits, Dean J. Iwinski
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Patent number: 5345664Abstract: A method for installing and removing brake springs and brake shoes in a vehicle involves the following steps: removing a wheel from the vehicle and removing a brake hub from the vehicle (If the brake assembly is situated on an apparatus other than a vehicle, the step of removing the wheel is not included.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventors: Garald C. McMahon, Kevin M. McMahon
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Patent number: 5237729Abstract: A device for removing or applying a brake spring having a hook onto a pin which device has a handle for providing leverage which curves to reverse the direction of force applied to the handle and to allow the device to fit over and around the pin which is to hold the brake spring. The curved portion defines a groove to engage the pin and allows the pin to act as the fulcrum of the device. The curved portion also acts to engage the spring and guide the spring onto the pin as well as holding the spring at a non-interfering distance from the bar while the spring is raised over the bar. The spring arm is of the same width or smaller than the spring hook so that the spring hook can fit over the spring arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventor: John Martin
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Patent number: 5213018Abstract: A tool structure is arranged to include a pneumatic chamber with a piston and rod mounted and directed through the chamber coaxially thereof, with a forward end of the rod terminating in a rectilinear plate received through a slot within a pneumatic reservoir of a pneumatic brake organization. The rectilinear plate is arranged for engaging a forward end of a spring member within the pneumatic brake reservoir and its compression therewithin upon application of pneumatic pressure within the tool chamber. A modification of the invention includes an alignment block received within the brake chamber to effect a latching of the engaging plate in a retracted orientation preventing its rotation.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Inventor: Duane R. Lalone
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Patent number: 5186435Abstract: Improvements to a method and apparatus are disclosed for making a series of coil springs pocketed within individual pockets in an elongate fabric strip comprised of two overlying plies capable of being welded together. Improvements include improvements to fabric tracking and folding, fabric handling along the fabric path, and various direct-drive configuration eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1991Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: Simmons CompanyInventor: Ruslon J. Smith
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Patent number: 5172889Abstract: An improved strut spring compression tool is provided having a load screw that extends between pairs of arms that are engaged with spaced coils of a strut spring to be compressed. The improved load screw is provided with a stop block formed unitarily thereon. The stop block serves as a limit stop that prevents further adjustment of the arms of the spring compression tool toward each other that could potentially result in damage to the component parts of the strut spring compression tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1992Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: LincolnInventors: Steven W. Post, Gregory Law
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Patent number: 5172462Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved device for speedily compressing a shock absorber spring employed in a vehicle suspension system and minimizing any twisting of the spring during the compression operation. The spring compression device comprises a hollow post, a housing detachably attached to the hollow post and having a clamp for gripping a shock absorber unit, a sliding bar movably mounted in the housing downward or upward, a pair of arcuate swing arms rotatably pivoted at a bracket of the sliding bar and a pair of inverted U-shaped arcuate grippers for clamping the absorber spring and slidably attached to end regions of the swing arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1992Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Inventor: Tae-Hong Ha
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Patent number: 5165154Abstract: A tool for attaching and removing the springs extending between and interconnecting a set of brake shoes in a drum-type brake assembly comprises a rigid plate which is adapted to be slidingly and removably positioned between facing ends of the shoes adjacent the apertures in the shoes in which respective hooked ends of the spring anchor. Each surface of the plate includes a boss projecting normal therefrom which serves as a fulcrum for the second element of the invention which serves as a lever. The lever includes a distal end which is used to grasp and urge the hooked end of the spring into its' respective aperture in the shoe. This may be easily accomplished by levering the shank of the lever against the boss on the stationary plate extending between the shoes.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Inventor: Roma Miller
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Patent number: 5154398Abstract: A spring stretcher for stretching furniture springs, such as no sag springs, commonly found in sofas, lounge chairs and the like. This spring stretcher stretches a replacement spring in an obstructed environment, thus will stretch a replacement furniture spring without having to remove the upholstery from the piece of furniture. The spring stretcher includes a ratchet mechanism having a barrel threadably attached to one end of the ratchet mechanism and a telescoping rod is inserted through the opposite end of the ratchet mechanism which passes through the ratchet mechanism and is fed into the barrel. A hook is fastened to the end of the barrel opposite its threadably attached end and another hook is fastened to the exposed end of the telescoping rod. The hooks rotatably fastened to the device further enhance its application in a confined area. The spring is secured at each end to one of each of the hooks. As the ratchet mechanism actuates the telescoping rod, the two hooks diverge to stretch the spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Inventor: Lenval M. Mayfield
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Patent number: 5140734Abstract: An adjustable brake spring pliers that are readily adjustable for use on either shoe of both old and new types of brake drums of varying sizes. The pliers has a pair of pivotally joined arms. One of the arms has a flat portion formed thereon that minimizes the potential of damage to the brake lining contacted by the flat portion during use of the pliers. The other of the arms includes a pair of pivotal tips formed thereon. Each of the tips have a respective notch formed th erein for engaging a spring to be installed/removed thereby. The tips may be readily selectively adjusted, permitting the pliers to be utilized on brake drums of varying sizes and types.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth J. Taggart
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Patent number: 5113561Abstract: The rewinder has a tubular housing defining an interior chamber which is open at the top and bottom ends and has an inboard annular shoulder and an aperture through the housing wall. A winder with a handle and an annular shoulder is received in the chamber with the handle extending out the bottom. The winder annular shoulder and the chamber form an annular rewinding compartment. The inboard end of the spring is held to the winder while the spring passes through the aperture in the chamber wall and the rewound spring is retained in the compartment by a cover. The rewinder also has an element that adjusts the effective diameter of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Inventor: Wayne A. Scott
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Patent number: RE34097Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for compressing a helical spring of the type typically used in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking device extendible over the respective helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operation. The two shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes a separate tool engaging configuration on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1989Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Inventor: Kenneth D. Kloster