Patents Examined by Alvin Grant
  • Patent number: 9675227
    Abstract: The invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner with a swivel and swing handle fitted to the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner using a ball and socket joint and a connecting bolt. Because of the ball and socket joint and a spiral spring surrounding the connecting bolt between the ball and socket joint and the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner, the handle can freely swivel and rotate at any angle relative to the upright portion to provide enhanced flexibility in maneuvering the vacuum cleaner, thus effectively reducing the bodily stress and strain involved in using a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew John Potoroka
  • Patent number: 9643328
    Abstract: A food slicing guide for use with a slicing tool that slices a plurality of food items comprises a first body member including a first guide surface, a first recessed surface that is recessed relative to the first guide surface, and a food positioning system; and a second body member including a second guide surface and a second recessed surface that is recessed relative to the second guide surface. The first recessed surface is adapted to retain the plurality of food items. The food positioning system adjusts the position of the plurality of food items relative to the first guide surface. The second guide surface is movably positionable adjacent to the first guide surface to define a slicing gap. The slicing tool is movable within the slicing gap to slice the plurality of food items with a single slice of the slicing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Clark E. Kreston, Jr., Jessica Rhomberg, Alex Kreston, Clark E. Kreston, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9630818
    Abstract: A collapsible hoisting device for use in the construction of large metal containers and to a removable accessory applicable thereto. It facilitates construction procedures by reducing project times and costs. The collapsible device includes a column (2) along which respective upper bodies (6) and lower bodies (7) that have been inserted into said column (2) move. The bodies (6, 7) are linked by an extendable means (8). The upper bodies (6) and lower bodies (7) have a corresponding mechanism to lock or attach (9) to the column (2), The column (2) is mounted so that it pivots with respect to a base (1) and the upper body (6) has a housing (609) suitable for the insertion of a removable, fingernail-shaped accessory (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: Marcelo Ricardo Cantoni, Sebastián Cantoni
  • Patent number: 9623550
    Abstract: A work station includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface and work back. The work station is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the work station is preferably collapsible and securable. In one configuration, the work station has a work bench portion which can be raised or lowered relative to a base portion, wherein in the lowered position, the base portion is positioned in an interior space of the work bench portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: JPL Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
  • Patent number: 9592588
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section. The clamp member may be formed of modular sections connected circumferentially in series in which each modular section defines a mounting location upon which a pipe engaging member can be removably attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: 1729655 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventor: Quinn Bender
  • Patent number: 9573232
    Abstract: A first piston for high load is inserted into a housing so as to be movable vertically, and a second piston for low load is inserted into a cylindrical hole of the first piston so as to be movable vertically. An output portion projects from the second piston to above the housing. A first spring for high load and a second spring for low load are mounted in a spring chamber defined by both pistons and. Both springs and are mounted so as to urge the first piston and the second piston upward. A switching mechanism disposed in the pressure fluid chamber at a side opposite to the spring chamber, connects the first piston selectively to the housing or the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOSMEK LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yokota, Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 9566955
    Abstract: A length-adjustable telescopic tube (1) has a longitudinal axis (L), an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (4). In one of the tubes (2, 4) a component (20) is arranged, which features first attachment structures (28a, 28b). The tube (2, 4) has second attachment structures. Furthermore, at least one plug-in element (50, 60, and 70) with third attachment structures (58, 68, and 78) is provided, which cooperate with the first (28a, 28b) and second attachment structures (48a, 48b) to form a form-locking connection with the component (20) in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis (L) or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Seidel
  • Patent number: 9566698
    Abstract: A holding tool for fixing bearings contains: a fixer, a rotary bar, and a plurality of positioning paws. The fixer includes a threaded hole and plural slots, one end of an inner wall of each slot communicates with the threaded hole, and each positioning paw is mounted on each slot. The fixer also includes a plurality of springs, each being fixed on each slot and each positioning paw has a stepped abutting rib and a tilted guiding face. The rotary bar includes a screwing section for screwing with the threaded hole, and the rotary bar also includes a conical contacting segment formed on a first end thereof and inserting through the threaded hole, wherein the contacting segment abuts against the tilted guiding face, after the rotary bar is screwed, such that each positioning paw is pushed by the contacting segment to expand outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: POUL CHANG METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Hao Huang
  • Patent number: 9565974
    Abstract: A culinary device that includes a planar first member that forms a throughhole and a planar second member. A multi-position coupling mechanism couples the planar first member with respect to the planar second member, and allows the planar second member to be moved from a first position with respect to the planar first member to a second position with respect to the planar first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 9561567
    Abstract: A workpiece holding device includes a main body having a groove and a bearing plate configured to receive a workpiece; an elastic member mounted in the groove at an angle relative to the bearing plate, and having an engaging portion protruding beyond the groove; and a resisting member having an inclined surface received in the groove. The inclined surface can abut the elastic member. When the resisting member rises it forces the engaging portion of the elastic member to move toward the bearing plate, thus securing the workpiece when present. When the resisting member lowers the elasticity of the engaging portion causes it to move away from the bearing plate, thus releasing the workpiece when present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-Gang Liao, Xiao-Yi Wu, Shi-Mei Cai
  • Patent number: 9555508
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a rigging table system that delivers the members from the cutting station to a location behind the workers at the rigging table, transports the members vertically below the surface of the floor on which the workers stand, horizontally transports the members underneath the floor on which the workers stand, and delivers the members vertically above the surface of the floor in front of the workers for assembly on the rigging table. The members are delivered through the use of systems that drop, slide, lift, and extend the members of the truss to the desired locations using automatic sensors or call buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Corey D. Privett, Danny R. Buckendahl, Michael T. Chikos, Frederick J. Dederman, Shane P. Finkral, Jeffrey S. Gallop, Doyle G. Hopper, Jr., Daniel W. Johnson, Terrence L. Jueden, James P. Laudenklos, Jordan S. Otjen, James L. Pofahl, Brian L. Richter, Russell L. Sila, Gerald J. Wieser, Kyle J. Zautke
  • Patent number: 9557073
    Abstract: The present invention discloses adjustable air duct sealing systems for obstructing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Such systems may include an adjustable frame assembly configured to allow changes to a perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Systems may also include an actuator pole connector configured to attach the adjustable air duct sealing system to an actuator pole. Systems may include two or more support arms such that each support arm connects the actuator pole connector to the adjustable frame assembly and each support arm moveably connects to the actuator pole connector to allow the support arms to adjust to changes in the perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Some systems also include a sheet cover configured across the adjustable frame assembly to obstruct airflow through at least a portion of the adjustable frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Corey Breed, Kurt Herloff Petersen
  • Patent number: 9555666
    Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly and replacement of bolts on a wheel hub is revealed. The tool includes a first tool set and a second tool set. The first tool set has a base and a fastener. The base is a circular body with a receiving part. A pad is disposed on the receiving part and a bearing is arranged under the pad. The fastener includes a hexagonal head, an enlarged part, a cylindrical part and an axial hole arranged with a thread. The second tool set has a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected to each other. A wheel bolt is pressed into the wheel hub by the first tool set while the wheel hub is positioned by the first and second arms of the second tool set fastened with the wheel bolts of the wheel hub for convenient assembly of the wheel bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHOU KING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Chou Lin
  • Patent number: 9550277
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved clamp for securing two members together. The invention includes a pair of clamp jaws that may be positioned in spaced relation to each another and adjusted in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew E. Williams, Brian D. Goldmark
  • Patent number: 9533381
    Abstract: An aligning fixture for box welding that is used to internally support a work-piece has a mounting plate and a plurality of supporting legs. Each of the plurality of supporting legs is removably attached to the mounting plate by a plate connector in order to provide adjustability for welding work-pieces of various sizes. A support structure, being a first leg and a second leg, is pivotally connected to the plate connector and a hinge. The hinge supports a roller mount, a roller, and a pad assembly. The roller mount is vertically positioned, wherein the roller is connected to the roller mount opposite the hinge. The roller allows the supporting leg to slide across the bottom surface within the work-piece. The pad assembly is pivotally attached to the hinge and rests flush against the inner wall of the work-piece when the aligning fixture is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nu-Way Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Arthur Southwell
  • Patent number: 9533392
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a clamping mechanism for clamping/unclamping rotation of a rotary table. A load is measured when an unclamping command is output and then the rotary table is rotated after a set time set in the timer passes, and the set time of the timer is changed in response to a magnitude of the measured load. In this way, it is possible to prevent the clamping mechanism from being damaged due to a subsequent command given before unclamping ends, and extend a life span of a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuma Nishimura, Naoki Sato, Hiroki Tezuka
  • Patent number: 9537293
    Abstract: An enhanced apparatus and method for securing a wire to a pulling cable for pulling wire. Specifically, the pulling cable and wire are attached via a pulling head body. The wire is inserted into an end of the pulling head body and secured by crimping the pulling head body against the wire. Further, crimp zone indicators positioned on the outer surface of the pulling head body indicate the optimal zone of crimping to achieve substantial contact between the pulling head body and the wire. A pulling cable is secured to the pulling head body via a ball swage that comprises a tapped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bennett, William T. Bigbee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9535228
    Abstract: A blowing head for installing blown cable, comprising a low-inertia motor using electrical current, operable to obtain the advance of the cable within the blowing head, adjusting means operable to vary the level of current of the motor, and low-inertia sensing means to sense movement and changes in the level of movement of the cable within the blowing head, wherein in use the adjusting means varies the level of current used by the motor in response to changes in the level of movement sensed by the sensing means, and wherein the varying level of current does not exceed a maximum current level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company
    Inventors: Philip A Barker, Paul M Andrews, Graham A Laidler, Keith E. Nolde
  • Patent number: 9527129
    Abstract: A riveting tool contains: a body, a retaining post, and a pressing handle. The body includes an extending column, an accommodating cavity for accommodating the retaining post, one of plural adjusting heads selectively fixed into the accommodating cavity. The retaining post includes a movable clamping extension. The body also includes a grip and a returning spring for pushing the grip and the retaining post. The retaining post includes two recessed faces, the pressing handle includes two guiding pieces. Each guiding piece has a neck section, an arcuate section, and a reinforcing section. A curvature of the arcuate section is larger than that of the reinforcing section, such that when a distance between the grip and the pressing handle is expended to a maximum length, each guiding piece retains with the retaining post, and when the pressing handle is pushed toward the grip, each guiding piece pushes the retaining post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Li-Su Chen
  • Patent number: 9527703
    Abstract: A pneumatically or hydraulically activated lifting device has a main carrier with a first cavity having a first lifting element arranged inside the first cavity. The main carrier also has a second cavity arranged in fixed movement with respect to the first cavity. A second lifting element is arranged inside this second cavity and is movable in the two mutually opposed directions of movement with respect to this cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: HERRMANN AG
    Inventor: Johannes Herrmann