Aligner Or Center Patents (Class 29/271)
  • Patent number: 5832582
    Abstract: Apparatus for aligning two members (28) includes a first section (63, 67) and a first coupling device (70, 71) for coupling first section (63, 67) to one of the members (28). A second section (61, 62) is provided and a second coupling device (71, 70) to couple the second section (61, 62) to the other of the members 928). A third coupling means (67, 68) movably couples the first and second sections together to facilitate relative movement between the first and second sections to align the two members (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Future Alignments Limited of Anderson House
    Inventors: Graham Stephen, Robert Stephen
  • Patent number: 5806161
    Abstract: A tool including a short shaft with splines corresponding to motor shaft splines at one end, and splines corresponding to pump shaft splines at the other end. The tool is placed between a pump and motor so that their respective shafts can be aligned, and the tool is then removed so that the pump and motor can be permanently secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Danniel Shane Schneider
  • Patent number: 5799380
    Abstract: The invention proposes a rapid, safe, and economic device for assembling a servo valve with an input shaft, an output shaft and a valve sleeve in a hydraulically centered position by:a) Forming a preassembled unit consisting of the output shaft and the input shaft;b) Clamping the valve sleeve into a rotatable position, however a position in which it is fixed in the axial direction;c) Inserting the preassembled unit into the valve sleeve, with said preassembled unit being axially movable, but positioned in a nonrotatable fashion such that the valve sleeve and the output shaft adjoin one another and can be turned relative to one another;d) Charging the preassembled servo valve with hydraulic pressure;e) Centering the servo valve by turning the valve sleeve; andf) Pressing the preassembled unit into the valve sleeve such that the output shaft and the valve sleeve are pressed together within the overlapping region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Arnd Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 5799408
    Abstract: A structural member alignment tool is provided for aligning and connecting misaligned structural members having bores therethrough and a method for using same. There is also provided a flange alignment tool kit comprising a structural member alignment tool and a plurality of sleeves and a method for using same. The sleeves decrease the inner diameter of the structural member bores thereby allowing the structural member alignment tool to align misaligned structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Michael C. Sprayberry
  • Patent number: 5745968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool used to insert the sleeve of a cylindrical printing blanket over a press cylinder. One end of the tool is equipped with a tapered portion which forms a snug fit with the inside wall of the sleeve. This tapered portion is formed on a ring shaped member, a plurality of connecting rods connect the ring shaped member to a base plate attached to a handle. The length of these connecting rods is sufficient to accommodate the length of a bearing assembly of the press cylinder onto which the cylindrical blanket is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Reeves Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Genest, Andrew J. Gaworowski, Herman D. Sheron
  • Patent number: 5729881
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool for disassembling blowers on certain diesel engines such as those known as Detroit Diesel Engines includes a pair of hydraulically operated pistons that are pressurized by a manually operated hydraulic pump which translates the pistons at the same time to force the shafts of the gears in the blower to slide off of their respective shafts at the same time and onto the respective pistons. This captures the gears and prevents damage to the blower and its component parts. The hydraulic tool includes a platen that is bolted to the casing of the blower by utilizing the tapped holes that are used to bolt the end cover plate of the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Fred Mitchell Kent
  • Patent number: 5728188
    Abstract: A method of accurately circumferentially orienting the output shaft of each of a plurality of oscillating gob distribution device units (S) with respect to one another and with respect to a support device (T) used to support a plurality of gob chutes. A fixture (10) having a slot (22) extending therethrough is secured to the output shaft of each of the drive units and in a fixed circular position relative thereto. The positions of the output shafts are adjusted to bring the slots into alignment with one another by inserting the shank portion (42) of a zeroing bar (40) into the slots of the fixtures, and the position of the support device is circumferentially adjusted to bring a recess therein into a predetermined circular orientation with respect to a step end portion (46) of the zeroing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Warnecke
  • Patent number: 5706581
    Abstract: A high precision mounting method for linear guide rails is performed with the steps of: fixing the first linear guide rail to a first predetermined position while pressing the first linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig, disposing the mounting jig at a second predetermined position so that a section shape of the reference surface of the mounting jig in a longitudinal direction thereof is symmetric with respect to a center line between the first and second linear guide rails, and fixing the second linear guide rail to the mounting bed while pressing the second linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig disposed symmetrically. The mounting method is capable of mounting the linear guide rails in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichiro Kato, Hideyuki Tajimi
  • Patent number: 5694675
    Abstract: A method of locating a striker on a vehicle body in position for engagement with a latch on a closure mounted on the vehicle body for swinging movement from an open position to a closed and latched position employs a device comprising a central frame, and a pair of elongated, rigid support bars. The inner ends of the bars are pivoted to the frame for swinging movement between a retracted position and an operative position in which the bars extend in opposite directions laterally outwardly from the frame in substantial alignment with one another. A spring mounted foot on the outer end of each bar is adapted to support the device on the vehicle body when the bars are in their operative positions. A striker locator is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Pasternak, Francis C. Whittle, Thomas N. Seel
  • Patent number: 5655281
    Abstract: A reciprocation control apparatus includes a manifold including delivery and exhaust ports formed therethrough, the manifold being movable between an air delivery/exhaust pipe to a pushing-out cylinder and an air delivery pipe to an air supply. When the manifold is moved to a position in which the delivery and exhaust ports are connected to each other, air is selectively supplied to or exhausted from the head and cap sides of the pushing-out cylinder. Thus, the pushing-out cylinder can easily and simply be controlled in reciprocation. When such a reciprocation control apparatus is incorporated into a ring alignment apparatus, the ring alignment apparatus can easily and simply be switched from one state to another with an automated alignment being carried out to handle a number of ring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignees: Asahi Chiyoda Kogyou Co. Ltd., Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Nagata, Kazuhiko Touno, Tsutomu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5653012
    Abstract: A device for locating a striker on a vehicle body in position for engagement with a latch on a closure mounted on the vehicle body for swinging movement from an open position to a closed and latched position comprises a central frame, and a pair of elongated, rigid support bars. The inner ends of the bars are pivoted to the frame for swinging movement between a retracted position and an operative position in which the bars extend in opposite directions laterally outwardly from the frame in substantial alignment with one another. A spring mounted foot on the outer end of each bar is adapted to support the device on the vehicle body when the bars are in their operative positions. A striker locator is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Pasternak, Francis C. Whittle, Thomas N. Seel
  • Patent number: 5637129
    Abstract: A set-up fixture (50) for positioning the needle holders (18, 20, 22) of a molten glass feeder bowl with respect to one another, the fixture having a frame member (52) and a plurality of prongs (54, 56, 58) depending from the fixture, one prong for each of the needle holders of the feeder bowl installation. The prongs are inserted into apertures (24b, 26b, 28b) of base members (24, 26, 28) from which the needle holders are carried to accurately position support arms (30, 32, 34) to which the base members are affixed, and thus the needle holders and the plunger needles (12, 14, 16) carried thereby, with respect to one another. The prongs depend different distances from the frame member to permit sequential insertion of the prongs into the base member apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Warnecke
  • Patent number: 5590474
    Abstract: A bolt hole alignment pin for assisting in aligning mating flanges in piping systems comprises a head, a first portion for slip fit with the bolt holes in the flanges, a second portion for centering a gasket between the mating flanges, and a third portion offset from the second portion for providing a cam action when the head is turned to bring the flanges into exact alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventor: Douglas E. Lamb
  • Patent number: 5573229
    Abstract: A fixture for aligning clamping pipes end to end to enable joining the pipes by welding includes a collar circumscribing one of the pipes and circumferentially spaced arms extending outwardly from the collar and then coaxially with the pipes. Pipe damps are supported by each of the arms at approximately 120 degrees intervals about the pipe. The stems of the clamps are supported by the arms such that proper orientation of the clamping shoes and guide members is assured. Furthermore, an extension of the stem which projects between the pipes and carries an inner guide member for engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the pipe has a differential thickness such that the pipes are initially separated by a predetermined thickness by engagement of the pipes with the necked portion of the extension for tack welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Goodwin A. Lycan
  • Patent number: 5560091
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning adjacent opposing first and second pipe flanges at the ends of opposing sections to facilitate attachment of the pipe flanges by bolting or other means, comprising an elongated body, an internally threaded ring mounted to the one end of the body, a plurality of studs having a smooth segment sized to correspond to common pipe flange bolt hole sizes and a threaded segment for selectively mounting a stud into the threaded ring and one of the bolt holes of the first pipe flange; a transverse section mounted to the other end of the body; and a jacking means for engaging the transverse section and the second pipe for moving the second pipe flange into alignment with the first pipe flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Sexon J. Labit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5543001
    Abstract: A labeler for the placement of self-adhesive labels onto compact disks, having a positioning cone with a cylindrical extension, a flat surface with a diameter greater than that of the cylindrical extension, and a tapered end opposite the cylindrical extension, a positioning plate having a central positioning hole, and a surface upon which a self-adhesive label can be placed, and a base supporting the positioning plate, having a hollow space below the positioning plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Micropatent
    Inventors: Joseph Casillo, Frederick M. Johnson, John M. Heath, Jr., Gregory R. Veilleux, William J. Dufault
  • Patent number: 5513547
    Abstract: In a turbine system of the type wherein a first large cylinder having a first flange is connected to a second large cylinder having a second flange by a multiplicity of bolts securing the first flange to the second flange, a method of precisely aligning the first and second cylinders includes steps of (a) loosening the bolts that secure the first flange to the second flange so as to permit the first and second cylinders to be slightly shifted with respect to each other; (b) removing at least one of the bolts from its respective boltholes in the first and second flanges; (c) replacing the removed bolt in the respective boltholes with an apparatus for laterally shifting the first flange with respect to the second flange by a controlled amount; (d) shifting the flanges by using the apparatus; (e) tightening the bolts; (f) removing the apparatus; and (g) replacing and tightening the removed bolt. A unique apparatus for performing the lateral shifting is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Alan R. Lovelace
  • Patent number: 5511717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a means for aligning the edges of plate-like bodies for welding said edges together, comprising a plate-like support member to be inserted into a gap between the edges to be welded, and support means positioned on the opposite sides of the plates and arranged to press the edges of the bodies to be welded into the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Tuomo Uusitalo
  • Patent number: 5477603
    Abstract: Typically in assembling an instrument panel to a vehicle body, a HVAC (heater, ventilator, and air conditioner) control assembly, or the like, attached by flexible cables to the vehicle body must be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel and this operation requires the services of an assembly worker to guide the control assembly through the opening. The subject apparatus and assembly method facilitates movement of the instrument panel into an assembled position with the HVAC control assembly extending through the opening in the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Kemichick
  • Patent number: 5419035
    Abstract: A snap attaching tool for attaching stud and socket type snap assemblies to an edge or intermediate location of a fabric or other carrier material. Separable base, stabilizer and top elements respectively carrying a seat recess with a convex floor, a guide opening and an assembling punch are normally aligned by a base mounted rectangular spindle. The spindle permits relative vertical adjustment of the elements and is removable to allow for attaching snaps at locations distant from the edge of the material. The oblong shape of the elements with arcuate aligned sides promotes easy holding of the tool end distant from the location for striking with a hammer during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Jeannine A. Twigg
  • Patent number: 5416964
    Abstract: A cam bearing alignment tool for installing and aligning the number one cam bearing in an internal combustion engine comprising a ring adapted to receive the number one cam bearing of an engine; and a plurality of legs, each leg having a base end, a tip end and an intermediate portion therebetween with the tip ends of the legs coupled to the ring and the intermediate portions extended downwards therefrom to terminate at the base ends with each base end having a screw hole disposed thereon adapted to receive a screw therein for coupling with an engine block such that the cam bearing hole thereof is axially aligned with the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Harley L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5383268
    Abstract: Disposable tools for locating a power receptacle or a power pin within the corresponding port therefor in a header housing are disclosed. The tool for positioning a receptacle within a port includes a base having a positioning contour and a plug having an axis therethrough extending from the base. The plug is sized such that when the positioning contour on the base is engaged against at least two opposed lead-in surfaces about the port the plug extends into the barrel of the first receptacle to align the axis of the same with the axis of the port.The tool for positioning a pin within a port includes a sleeve having a central bore extending therethrough and an outer positioning surface thereon. The power pin is receivable in and retainable by the sleeve. The sleeve is sized such that when the positioning surface thereon engages against at least two opposed surfaces of the port the axis of the pin is retained in a predetermined relationship with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Stephen L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5369864
    Abstract: A tool kit includes an assemblage of components for aligning and installing a ball bearing set in a skate wheel. Ball bearing sets conventionally have outer and inner annular bearing races and a central axle hole. The assemblage includes a base having a lower surface and a cylindrical wall defining an upwardly opening cavity in the base. A generally planar, upwardly facing annular shoulder at the top of the wall surrounds the cavity. The assemblage also includes a guide shaft tool mounted in the cavity. The tool includes an elongated guide shaft extending upwardly from the base. The longitudinal axis of the shaft is extends concentrically relative to the shoulder of the base and generally perpendicularly relative to the plane of the shoulder of the base. A collar on the shaft presents another upwardly facing shoulder surrounding the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Built for Speed, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin H. Hill
  • Patent number: 5351334
    Abstract: A rotation and alignment device for assembling of an optical fiber connector with a lower connection loss. This device image-processes the distribution of optical intensity of light emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber of a ferrule and derives an optical peak intensity point of the end surface of the optical fiber such that the point is placed in a predetermined region of a rectangular coordinate system. This device comprises a rotation and marking part for controlling a rotational position of a marker with respect to the ferrule and marking the optical peak intensity point on an outer surface of the ferrule. A ferrule fixture part is coupled to the rotation and marking part and fixes the ferrule such that the outer surface of the ferrule is marked with the optical peak intensity point by the marker. A vertical supporting part supports the rotation and marking part and the ferrule fixture pat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Telecommunication Authority
    Inventors: Oh G. Chun, Seung H. Ahn, Myung Y. Jeong, Tae G. Choy
  • Patent number: 5327631
    Abstract: A plurality of roll pin punches in association with an elongate handle are mounted for ease of assembly within a container structure. A cap member having an internally threaded bore and including a forward wall bore coaxially aligned through the forward wall and the threaded bore includes a resilient "O" ring mounted within a toroidal groove and interfaced between the threaded bore and the forward wall bore to secure the punch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: George P. Lincavage
  • Patent number: 5321875
    Abstract: A centering tool for coaxially aligning a well block with a discharge bore of a steelmaking vessel, the centering tool comprising a support frame and a cluster of pivotable centering arms. Each centering arm includes a wedge shaped portion having a first edge adapted to engage a drive means, and a second edge having a first surface adapted to engage the wall of a bore extending through the well block, and a second surface adapted to engage the wall of the discharge bore of the steelmaking vessel. The drive means includes an expansion plug for engaging and pivoting centering arms positioned within the bore of the well block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Hoffman, Alvin M. Nestler, Donald J. Idstein
  • Patent number: 5285704
    Abstract: A caster angle regulating tool for automobile wheels includes a prismatic head (15), a set of wheel drum plate mounting disks (18, 19, 20) interchangeably attachable by screws (25) in holes (23) therethrough to screw threaded bores (17) in bosses (16) on the prismatic head (15), a pivotable adjusting nut (11) pivotly mounted by opposite axle shafts (12) thereon in bearings (13) in brackets (14) mounted on the prismatic head, a screw threaded adjusting shaft (6) engageable in the adjusting nut (11) and a clamping device (1, 2, 3, 4) rotatably mounted on one end (5) of the adjusting screw for clamping onto a stub axle (M) attached to the wheel drum plate (R). Rotation of the adjusting shaft (6) in the adjusting nut (11) thereby moves the spring stub axle to increase or decrease the caster angle, depending upon the direction of rotation of the adjusting shaft during alignment of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Pedro Santana Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5243749
    Abstract: A tool for removing a transmission pump assembly from within an automatic transmission The tool includes an adjustable driver subassembly for applying torque to a central stator shaft of an automatic transmission, and a pump tool housing includes a plurality of pump tool halves adapted to be grippingly champed about the exterior of transmission pump reaction shafts of various diameters A pump tool housing formed of two pump tool halves, preferably made of aluminum, is secured to the outside surface of the transmission pump reaction shaft by two bolt and nut assemblies. The bolt and nut assemblies are tightened to squeeze the pump tool halves onto the exterior of the transmission pump reaction shaft so that the transmission pump can be pulled centrally off of the transmission stator shaft by torque applied to the stator shaft from a drive bolt threadedly secured to the pump tool halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: William E. Shultz
  • Patent number: 5244531
    Abstract: To fasten a seam of sheet material, a seam roller is positioned over a seam of roofing material having overlapping portions of sheets of roofing material which are forced together as rollers pass over. Each of a plurality of rollers is mounted to rotate around a horizontal roller axis in circumferentially spaced apart relationship with each other at an angle to the radii of their circles of rotation, which circle is in a plane at an angle to the horizontal. With this arrangement, the rollers apply a forward pulling action on the seam roller, and apply a pressure to the sheet material in a sweeping motion that removes air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: W-W Sales, Incorporated
    Inventor: Phillip W. Wells
  • Patent number: 5237739
    Abstract: Disposable tools for locating a power receptacle or a power pin within the corresponding port therefor in a header housing are disclosed. The tool for positioning a receptacle within a port includes a base having a positioning contour and a plug having an axis therethrough extending from the base. The plug is sized such that when the positioning contour on the base is engaged against at least two opposed lead-in surfaces about the port the plug extends into the barrel of the first receptacle to align the axis of the same with the axis of the port. The tool for positioning a pin within a port includes a sleeve having a central bore extending therethrough and an outer positioning surface thereon. The power pin is receivable in and retainable by the sleeve. The sleeve is sized such that when the positioning surface thereon engages against at least two opposed surfaces of the port the axis of the pin is retained in a predetermined relationship with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5231733
    Abstract: Apparatus for grasping circular knobs which may be attached to drawers or doors of cabinets or the like including a generally dome-shaped grasping element having a handle attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. The internal surface of the generally dome-shaped element includes a series of internal shoulders of various diameters for the purpose of grasping knobs of various sizes so that the handicapped person may more easily manipulate the drawer or door to which the knob is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Sydney C. Dittman
  • Patent number: 5205028
    Abstract: The wafer alignment fixture is provided with a cassette support which can be slid between two positions on a base plate. In one position, the cassette support is aligned with a roller in order to align notched wafers with each other. In the second position, the cassette support is aligned with a second roller so as to effect alignment of wafers having flats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Silicon Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5203064
    Abstract: A tool used particularly with vehicular tires, including inflatable inner tubes, is formed with a rim clamp arranged for securement to a peripheral rim portion of a vehicular tire rim, and an internallyy threaded or alternatively smooth bore cap member arranged for securement to a valve stem, with a plurality of chain links of adjustable length mounted between the rim clamp and the cap member to maintain alignment of the valve stem during installation and removal of a valve stem or valve stem and tube member relative to the vehicular rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Gary L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5181304
    Abstract: An alignment system and method wherein a machine module is aligned with and secured to a machine base. A plate is loosely held on the module by screws, and the base and plate have mating pin holes. A pin is inserted through the mating pin holes, and the plate moves to find its aligned position. The screws are then tightened to fix the plate on the module, and the pin is removed. Subsequent realignment can be easily accomplished by reinsertion of the alignment pin to insure registration between the preset plate and base pin holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz W. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 5123812
    Abstract: A detachable apparatus is provided which facilitates rotation and handling of an alignment dowel during its installation into a steam turbine cylinder. The apparatus consists of a body having a threaded portion and a handle. The threaded portion allows the apparatus to be attached to the dowel prior to assembly. An elongated nut is threaded onto the body of the apparatus and, after being tightened down against the dowel, locks the apparatus onto the dowel. The dowel can be rotated in the cylinder by applying torque to the handle of the apparatus or by engaging a wrench onto the elongated nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Groenendaal, Jr., Daniel T. Brantley
  • Patent number: 5067696
    Abstract: A device for clamping relative to each other at opposite end edges two metal objects which are to be welded together including a draw bolt, an element screwed onto the draw bolt forming a tension nut, and a bridge piece which has an opening through which the draw bolt passes. The draw bolt at one end bears a relatively thin part with a clamping plate or similar element and at least one element is connected to the draw bolt above the relatively thin part which forms at least one protuberance projecting outwards. The bridge piece has guide means for guiding the protuberance in such a way that an up and down movement of the screw bolt relative to the bridge piece is permitted, but rotary movements of the screw bolt about its central axis are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Allen D. Morley
  • Patent number: 5050644
    Abstract: The actuating tool for coupling and uncoupling the coupling elements of the shaft coupling arrangement is rotatably mounted in the loom frame externally of the coupling elements. The tool includes a drive shaft, crank webs which extend transversely of the drive shaft and a pair of rollers which are disposed externally of the coupling elements. Upon pivoting of the tool, the rollers effect coupling or uncoupling of the coupling elements. The tool may be operated automatically and may be constructed so as to guide the individual push rods of the shaft drive when loom shafts are not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Hans Peter
  • Patent number: 5038449
    Abstract: A tool for use in checking and filing the end gap of piston rings. The tool includes a cylindrical member having a shoulder adjacent one end thereof which will receive and seat a piston ring and position it at a predetermined depth below the deck of a bore in order to determine the end gap between the adjacent ends of a piston ring with the shoulder on the tool providing for accurate position of the piston ring at a given depth throughout the 360.degree. circle of the piston ring. The tool includes a groove or channel formed therein by which the end gap can be filed to increase the end gap to the desired dimension. The tool enables the ring to be positioned in the cylinder and the end gap measured and the tool then is used to hold the ring when filing the ends. The slot or groove in the tool provides a guide for the file when filing the end gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: John E. Huggins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5020204
    Abstract: A tool having a pair of end members, each with an arcuate surface for engaging a riser section of an exhaust manifold. One of the end members is formed with a threaded cylindrical recess for threadably receiving an adjustment bolt having a cylindrical recess with smooth walls. The other end member is formed with a cylindrical peg or fitting which slidably passes into the smooth-walled cylindrical recess. A method for aligning apertures in an exhaust manifold with holes in cylinder heads of an engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Eugene Desair
  • Patent number: 5009443
    Abstract: An improved stud and alignment tool which may be pivotally engaged to forcibly slide the draw bar of a hitch assembly onto the stud of an implement frame includes a stud having an elongate body and a spherical tip member attached at a first end thereof. The alignment tool has a similar elongate body and has, at a first end thereof, a cavity extending longitudinally through a portion of the tool body. The cavity is shaped so as to receive the spherical tip member of the stud, thereby releasably and pivotally coupling the alignment tool with the stud. A method for aligning a stud with a hitch assembly draw bar includes the steps of pivotally and slidably engaging the alignment tool with the draw bar, pivotally engaging the alignment tool with the stud, and pivoting the alignment tool into axial alignment with the stud while slidably forcing the draw bar off the alignment tool and about the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: George F. Howatt
  • Patent number: 4999914
    Abstract: A spring operated pinching device, which includes a housing defining therein a plurality of scoop channels for receiving an adjusting knob, an actuating member, a guide board member and a tool holder member, with a compression spring set between the adjusting knob and the actuating member, with a guide rod member and an eccentric spring set between the guide board member and the tool holder member, and with a board tool member fastened in the tool holder member. The downward pressing force of the housing against the board tool member forces the tool holder member to squeeze the eccentric spring permitting the guide rod member to insert through the guide board member into the actuating member so that the instantaneous expansion force from the compression spring forces the actuating member to drive the board tool member to connect a telephone wire to a wiring board by means of squeeezing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Yin H. Cheng
  • Patent number: 4970772
    Abstract: The wafer alignment fixture is provided with a pair of upstanding walls for mounting of a wafer cassette thereon as well as with a roller parallel to the walls to engage with the wafers of the cassette. Rotation of the roller causes the wafers in the cassette to rotate so as to move the notches of the wafers into alignment with the rollers. Upon coming into alignment with the roller, the wafers drop down onto a pair of support surfaces while being spaced from the roller so that further rotation is precluded. The roller may be tensioned in order to eliminate sag due to the weight of the wafers. Also, a second roller may be provided for rotating the aligned notches of the wafers into a different angular position within the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Robert E. Steere, III
  • Patent number: 4964207
    Abstract: A blade setting tool assembly for clamping a plurality of heat seal and cutting blades within a blade retaining channel of a three blade seal bar is disclosed. The blade setting tool assembly includes a blade positioning block having an upwardly directed blade positioining slot extending along its length to receive the exposed blade edges. A pair of mounting straps fixed to the blade positioning block extend upwardly along opposite sides of the block and include upper ends terminating above the height of the blade seal bar. The strap upper ends are each formed with a slot open to one of the vertical edges thereof to receive opposite end portions of an eccentric roller extending between the upper ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Gary R. Daniel
  • Patent number: 4955926
    Abstract: A device is used to adjust caster of a wheel in a suspension system that includes a rod member that affects the caster of the wheel. A portion of the rod member is disposed within a bushing that is attached to the vehicle. The device includes a curved longitudinal member for insertion between the portion of the rod member disposed within the bushing and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Shim-A-Line, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Specktor, John Specktor
  • Patent number: 4943253
    Abstract: A fastener-receiving member is disclosed that can be used with either a blind hole or a hollow wall. In addition, the length of the fastener-receiving member can be adjusted to be accommodated within various thicknesses of walls. The nut portion of the fastener-receiving member is configured so that it has ridges at its outer periphery that will engage with the surface of a hole regardless of the quality of the drilled hole. A wing-like locking section will expand to insure an adequate grip between the wall and the member. In addition, an insertion tool is disclosed that aids an operator in inserting the fastener-receiving member into a hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Dry Dock Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4936004
    Abstract: Apparatus for insertion of an object into a close clearance hole utilizing a double taper starter system. The apparatus includes a first taper to align the object radially; a narrow section of length such that with the object tilted to the angle of the first taper, clearance in the hole is maintained; a cut-back segment of either constant diameter or reverse taper geometry; and a second taper of approximately the same size and shape as the first taper to align the object angularly. The apparatus of the invention can be advantageously used in mechanized assembly processes, the assembly of shafts into bearings, and in thermally assembled or regular interference fits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Mark R. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 4911041
    Abstract: An alignment tool designed for use with flexible cable type screw drivers such as carburetor adjusting tools, comprising a rigid tool which is fixed to the end of a screw driver type handle and shaft, the rigid tube has a spiral shaped slot formed therein so that a flexible cable may be rolled through the slot into the center of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventors: Michael P. Jones, John P. Jones
  • Patent number: 4870741
    Abstract: A wall racking tool for enabling a single individual to align and plumb walls in framing construction utilizes a clamp for securement to a sill plate of an erected frame wall. A first pulley attached to the clamp body is connected to a second pulley by a rope. A jam cleat on the second pulley secures the rope in tension. The second pulley is attached to a top rail of a second erected wall. The second wall is aligned and plumbed by tensioning the rope. The clamp has a pair of parallel right angle channel side rails connected by a cross bar. Opposite ends of the cross bar are connected to the side rails for pivotal and limited longitudinal sliding movement. An axially fixed threaded rod is received for rotation within a journal bore formed through the cross bar. A traverse plate has a threaded bore engaging the threaded rod. Two pairs of levers extend from a top surface of each of the side rails. Four pivotal links secure the levers to end faces of the traverse plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hansmann
  • Patent number: 4864707
    Abstract: A method and tool for alignment of a vortex meter with pipe flanges having raised faces on the side engaged by the meter, the tool comprising a round cylinder having an eccentric hole longitudinally therethrough for rotating the tool to touch raised spaces on the flanges whereby the flanges may be aligned, and the method comprising placing two such tools which are slightly longer than the dimension of the meter body, each having an eccentric hole longitudinally therethrough, passing a bolt through the holes in the flanges and longitudinally through the tool, rotating the tools until they touch the raised faces, and placing the meter body and any required gaskets between the flanges until it rests on the tools, after which the bolts are tightened through the other holes in the flanges as well as tightening the bolts through the tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Boris A. Kamenster
  • Patent number: 4838138
    Abstract: A scroll saw blade clamp and blade alignment tool to facilitate blade changes while assuring proper positioning and alignment of the blade. The blade clamp is for the upper end of the blade and includes a pair of clamp bars, one of which is pivoted to the upper saw arm. A locking screw clamps the bars together for clamping of the blade, and a strategically located pin prevents relative rotation of the clamp bars and also serves as a blade guide to properly locate the blade while it is being clamped in place. The alignment device takes the form of a flat bar provided with a recess for holding the lower blade clamp. A groove in the bar is centered on the recess to properly align a saw blade received in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: R. B. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Verle Rice, William Curtis, Richard Keener, Robert Raffurty