Patents Examined by Alvin Grant
  • Patent number: 9757830
    Abstract: An elongated support frame carrying a jig at a first section of the support frame. The jig receives a plurality of picket and rail fencing members in a pre-defined arrangement for assembly. A plurality of swedge guns are mounted to a gun platform. The gun platform is carried at a second section of the support frame so that distal ends of the swedge guns are aligned with a receiving section of the jig. At least one of the jig and the gun platform is slidable along the support frame so that the swedge guns are received into hollow interiors of the picket fencing members and repositionable along the length of the picket fencing members. The swedge guns are operable to form an indentation on an interior surface of the picket fencing members causing an interlocking engagement with one of the rail fencing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald P. Allen
  • Patent number: 9744676
    Abstract: A synchronized gripping mechanism is provided which includes coupled slider-crank mechanisms. The coupled mechanisms each include a sliding grip and an intermediate link connected by a pivotal connector. A coupler link is provided on a stationary pivot and which couples and synchronizes the two slider-crank mechanisms. Overload protection structure is provided to prevent damaging the links if one of the sliding grips encounters an off-center specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9744688
    Abstract: The present concept is a cutting surface and debris container in combination with a vacuum cleaner. The cutting surface and debris container includes a hollow container with a debris storage compartment, and a cutting surface for supporting a workpiece to be cut. The cutting surface has an opening to allow fresh air to be drawn into the container. The top section of the container has an outlet that can connect to a hose which couples the container to a vacuum cleaner. Debris generated from cutting the workpiece is drawn into the container. Large debris particles drop in the debris storage compartment while small particles are extracted by the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Luke Woloszczuk
  • Patent number: 9738501
    Abstract: Industrial truck with a drive part and a load part with two wheel arms that is height-adjustable relative to the drive part, wherein each of the wheel arms has a wheel arm lever, which has at least one load roller and is pivotably articulated on the wheel arm, and a rod, via which a height adjusting movement of the load part is coupled with a pivoting movement of the wheel arm lever, wherein the rod has a hydraulic cylinder, with which a length of the rod is adjustable and which has an operating volume, characterized in that the two rods are push rods, and the industrial truck has a pressure accumulator, which is connectable with the operating volumes of the two hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschadt
    Inventors: Dirk Wendt, Klaus-Peter Badura
  • Patent number: 9731388
    Abstract: An example method of assembling a turbomachine airfoil array includes, among other things, securing a partial airfoil array within a fixture, the partial airfoil array having at least one existing airfoil extending radially between an inner and an outer fairing and an open area where at least one existing airfoil has been removed. The method includes mounting a positioning saddle relative to a base of the fixture, the positioning saddle aligned with the open area, holding a replacement airfoil using the positioning saddle, applying a curable material at an interface between the replacement airfoil and the inner and outer fairing, and curing the curable material while maintaining a relative position between the replacement airfoil and the inner and outer fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Feigleson, Dennis R. Tremblay, Michael E. McMahon, Nathan C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9725914
    Abstract: The application is directed to a device for assisting individuals with the installation of one or more construction materials. The device is operationally configured to support construction materials at an elevated position. The device is also operationally configured to be attached to horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces and angled surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Strickland
  • Patent number: 9724806
    Abstract: A device for clamping a workpiece (P) to a workbench (T) includes a body (1) containing a vacuum-generating element. The body (1) has a lower cavity (2) open at the bottom and positioned in the vicinity of a face for securing to the workbench (T). The lower cavity (2) forms a vacuum reserve, this vacuum reserve being connected by a substantially straight duct (6) to an upper face for securing a workpiece (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: THIBAUT SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Thibaut, Christophe Thibaut
  • Patent number: 9718179
    Abstract: A striking tool having an improved attachment mechanism to safely and securely attach the head of the tool to the tool handle. In one configuration, the attachment mechanism has a key at the upper end of the handle that is sized and configured to be received in and engage a cooperatively configured keyway on the lower side of the head. In another configuration, the attachment mechanism has a connecting element with an elongated body that extends through a tubular body portion at an upper section of the handle and into a passageway in the head. In yet another configuration, the striking tool has both attachment mechanisms. A striking member made out of harder material can be utilized for the striking portion of the head. The connecting element can connect to an aperture in the striking member. A side nail puller can be positioned on the outer surface of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Mark R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9718177
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tool set for the installation and removal of a gasket from a hose. The tool set may include a gasket insertion tool configured to install a gasket on a hose, the gasket insertion tool being self-centering and having a plunger foot configured to install the gasket onto the hose. The tool set may also include a gasket removal tool configured to remove a gasket from a hose, the gasket removal tool being self-centering and including at least one blade configured to grab onto the gasket to remove the gasket from the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Bell
  • Patent number: 9719256
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a locating assembly as a component of a locating table segment for positioning truss segments in a truss assembly system. The system generally includes a plurality of table segments aligned in parallel and adapted to position a series of locating blocks on a top surface of the system/table, where each block is a component of one of a plurality of locating assemblies in the system. The block positions collectively define an outer boundary of a support truss (e.g., as a roofing truss). Once the blocks are moved to their desired position, appropriately sized truss segments are placed within the block-defined boundary and fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: JOE'S EATS, LLC
    Inventor: Edward G. Joseph
  • Patent number: 9713366
    Abstract: A support fixture is provided for holding chain to facilitate addition of pendants thereto. The fixture comprises a polymeric base and a pair of inter-nesting uprights pivotably mounted therein at opposed ends of the base. The uprights can be stably disposed in either an upright usage configuration or a nested horizontal configuration. The base has an upper surface with a generally planar periphery and a major centrally located recess formed therein. The upper extremity of each upright is provided with a retention pin and a padded clamp. Each clamp is formed from a “7” shaped portion and an inverted “L”-shaped arm pivotably joined thereto, with horizontal portions of the “L” shaped arm and the “7” shaped portion defining the jaws of the clamp. A resilient spring is disposed between a vertical leg of the “7” shaped portion and a vertical leg of the inverted “L” shaped arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: DPG USA INC.
    Inventors: John C. Olson, Ronald C. Farnum, Nikhil Gupta
  • Patent number: 9713868
    Abstract: An apparatus for pushing a fastener from a host material with, for example, an air hammer includes a punch shank, a compression spring, a hollow sleeve, a fastener and a punch. The hollow sleeve includes an opening formed therein for interfitment over a central portion of the punch shank, and a set screw placed therein for engagement with a retention flat portion of a central portion of the punch shank. The punch includes a top that operably engages with the air hammer, and a bottom end having a recess formed therein, where the recess is configured and arranged for retention of a top of the punch shank. The spring fits over the punch shank, and contacts the bottom end of the punch and the top end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: James Douglas Pell
  • Patent number: 9707672
    Abstract: A tool designed for aligning and positioning snap-ties used in assembling the structural concrete shaping forms. The tool comprises a shaft member fixedly attached to a slotted engaging member for engaging the snap-ties. The slotted engaging member typically has a tapered slot so that the user may easily encompass the snap-tie and position it in a single step without the need to temporarily lock the snap-tie to the tool during positioning. The tool also allows the user to position snap-ties remotely without the need for the user's body to enter a concrete form apparatus, thereby decreasing the chance of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: William Belding
  • Patent number: 9711956
    Abstract: A cable guide is made of four sections that are connected in series with three hinges. In the closed position, the cable guide forms a cylinder with four enclosed openings for four parallel cables. In the open position, the cable guide is linear with each section having a cylindrical slot for receiving a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Lee D. Welch
  • Patent number: 9707648
    Abstract: A part assembling apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The part assembling apparatus for a vehicle that assembles constituent elements in a part that is transferred using a part transfer line to be received by a jig and that automatically assembles the part by selectively mounting various applications that test the part of which assembly is complete includes: a base frame and a mounting plate. The base frame is installed at a work place to correspond to the jig. The mounting plate is mounted to slidably move upward and downward at a front side of the base frame and configured to mount various applications to be used upon assembling and testing the part at a front surface. In addition, at least one operation cylinder is mounted to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong-ho Kwak, Suyoung Kim, Se-hoon Ham, Yongtae Kim
  • Patent number: 9708090
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus is mounted to a tags pasting device and is for adjusting a position of a tag. The adjusting apparatus includes a cylinder assembly and a holder assembly. The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and an absorber, the absorber is coupled to the cylinder and is for absorbing a tag. The holder assembly is coupled to the cylinder and includes two elastic pieces. The cylinder drives the absorber to engage with the two elastic pieces, thereby the two elastic pieces aligning with the tag on the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: Bing Yu, Jian-Ping Jin, Zhi-Jin Ma, Yong-Fu Hu
  • Patent number: 9709333
    Abstract: A rack for simultaneously processing a plurality of parts includes a frame, a plurality of defined locations on the frame for receiving and holding individual parts for processing and a latching assembly for locking the parts to the frame in the defined locations. The rack further includes a security feature for indicating if the latching assembly is opened after the parts have been loaded and locked into the defined locations on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David John Hill, Steve Sparkes
  • Patent number: 9695530
    Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates commencement and execution off-loom bead weaving stitches such as, but not limited to, odd/even count Peyote (Gourd), Two (or more) Drop Peyote, Herringbone (Ndebele), Brick (Comanche/Cheyenne), Right Angle Weave, Netting, and derivative stitches. The apparatus in all embodiments provides means to temporarily secure beads by use of one or more of the following: a nonflexible or flexible filament-with or without aid of a sewing needle, friction, clasping with means to engage and disengage or a releasable adhesive in a format that enables the user to have improved sightline and access to the beads, improved control of bead placement resulting in a reduction of color placement and stitch execution errors, and allows the completed or in progress beadwork to be removed from the apparatus intact. The apparatus may be formatted for bead size and configured or combined to accommodate the width of the desired beadwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Deborah Jean Hall
  • Patent number: 9682462
    Abstract: A push-pull pliers with hammers utilizing the mechanism of conventional vise-grip locking pliers comprises a fixed jaw with threaded hole and hammer head and a slidable hammer assembly attached to either side of the body of the fixed jaw. Gripping a workpiece, such as a cotter pin, a nail, a tube, etc., the slidable hammer assembly can be used to push the workpiece into its base or to pull the workpiece out of its base. The slidable hammer assembly is detachable from the body of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 9682454
    Abstract: An in-line indexing mechanism as part of a work-stop system which employs a lead screw to alter the relative distance between a work-stop plate and a swing arm—as well as alignment pins and springs to maintain contact and rigidity between this work-stop plate and swing arm—in order to precisely alter the parameters of a workpiece plane. In particular, the indexing mechanism of the preferred embodiment resides within the extension of an arm, and is located, by default, within the workpiece plane; the act of indexing therefore exerts force upon a workpiece along a coincident axis within said workpiece plane. Additionally, the indexing mechanism may be removed from the workpiece plane, by way of axially rotating the arm, without abandoning the original workpiece parameter and adjustment values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Robert James Suhling