Abstract: Systems and methods are described for governing and monitoring operations of tools. The systems include a registration and control computer, one or more mobile devices, and one or more tools. The tools include electronic locking provisions which upon activation selectively enable tool operation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 25, 2020
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2023
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Harald Krondorfer, Rudolf Kreuzer, Frederick D. Pond
Abstract: A crimping tool is described comprising a first crimping member, a second crimping member, at least one intermediate crimping member, a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The free ends of the first crimping member and the second crimping member form an opening of the crimping tool. The first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, and the second crimping member are sequentially hinged together via connecting devices. The first sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the first crimping member. The second sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the second crimping member. The first sliding member is adjacent to the second sliding member. The inner sides of the first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, the second crimping member, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member are formed to be pressed with the workpiece to be crimped.
Abstract: A crimping tool is described comprising a first crimping member, a second crimping member, at least one intermediate crimping member, a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The free ends of the first crimping member and the second crimping member form an opening of the crimping tool. The first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, and the second crimping member are sequentially hinged together via connecting devices. The first sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the first crimping member. The second sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the second crimping member. The first sliding member is adjacent to the second sliding member. The inner sides of the first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, the second crimping member, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member are formed to be pressed with the workpiece to be crimped.
Abstract: Battery charging systems having battery charging circuits are described. The battery charging circuit can be located within a battery housing. Alternatively, the battery charging circuit can be located within a charging shoe housing. Also described are power source modules. In addition, various methods of charging and discharging are described.
Abstract: Various clutch adjusting assemblies for incorporating in drain cleaning machines are described. The assemblies enable adjustment or setting of a clutch in a drain cleaning machine without the use of tools.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 10, 2018
Date of Patent:
November 15, 2022
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Robert Skrjanc, Glen R. Chartier, Scott Kruepke, James E. Hamm, Harald Krondorfer
Abstract: A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.
Abstract: Various drop head coupling assemblies are described. The coupling assemblies enable a drop head tool typically used in drain cleaning operations to be releasably engaged with a drain cleaning cable. The coupling assemblies enable the drop head tool to undergo a wide range of motion relative to the drain cleaning cable, particularly during rotation of the cable and drop head.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 4, 2018
Date of Patent:
June 7, 2022
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Christopher Schmauder, Richard R. Bowles, Sachin Shashikant Dakare, Sandeep Sidagouda Patil Patil
Abstract: Augers that utilize a drain cleaning cable which can be rotated and selectively extended or retracted from the auger are described. The augers utilize coupling assemblies that enable easy coupling or decoupling between the drain cleaning cable and a torque transmission shaft of the auger.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 10, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 31, 2022
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Harald Krondorfer, Christopher Schmauder, Jacob Schneider, James Teets
Abstract: A powered fish tape having a rotatable drum is described for pulling electrical wires through conduit or other enclosed regions. The fish tape utilizes an electric motor and a gear assembly for extending or retracting the fish tape and wires attached thereto. The fish tape includes a powered mode and a manual mode. When placed in the manual mode, an operator may manually rotate the drum to extend or retract the fish tape.
Abstract: Electrical power supply cord retention systems are described. Also described are drain cleaning machines using such cord retention systems. In addition, methods of selectively retaining power cords in association with drain cleaning machines are described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 7, 2018
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2022
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Scott Kruepke, Robert Skrjanc, Glen R. Chartier, Ben Azzam, Billy Yrad
Abstract: Various storage containers are described for retaining drain cleaning cables. Storage systems utilizing the containers with a cable guide assembly are further described. Also described are methods of using the containers and systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 2018
Date of Patent:
October 19, 2021
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Glen R. Chartier, Robert Skrjanc, Scott Kruepke, Ben Azzam
Abstract: Drain cleaning and inspection machines, systems and methods are described. The systems and methods utilize a GPS-enabled drain cleaner to collect information during drain cleaning or inspection, forward that information to a host server at which various processing and imagery generation occurs, and providing a detailed map and/or report.
Abstract: Drain cleaning machines having various fluid management provisions are described. The various fluid management provisions serve to direct and collect fluid and debris carried with a drain cleaning cable undergoing retraction into the machine.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 11, 2018
Date of Patent:
July 27, 2021
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Scott Kruepke, Robert Skrjanc, Glen R. Chartier
Abstract: Shear tools are described that are driven by a power assembly. In one version, the shear tools include a pivotally movable pair of lever arms. Upon activation of the power tool, the lever arms of the shear tool are pivotally displaced and urge a die along a shearing plane relative to another stationary die retained by the shear tool. In another version, the shear tools include a carriage and link assembly. Upon engagement and activation with a power assembly or power tool, a movable die is urged past a stationary die. Also described are systems and related methods utilizing the shear tools which enable convenient shearing or severing of workpieces such as strut channel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 4, 2019
Date of Patent:
June 15, 2021
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Richard M. Kundracik, Matthew Bertram, Evan T. Foreman, Robert M. Baracskai, Sachin Dakare
Abstract: Systems and methods are described for governing and monitoring operations of tools. The systems include a registration-and-control computer, one or more mobile devices, and one or more tools. The tools include electronic locking provisions which upon activation selectively enable tool operation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 11, 2020
Date of Patent:
June 1, 2021
Assignee:
Ridge Tool Company
Inventors:
Harald Krondorfer, Naga Penmetsa, Rudolf Kreuzer