Patents Examined by Alvin Grant
  • Patent number: 9186731
    Abstract: An apparatus to remove plugs. In a first embodiment, the apparatus is configured to remove a plug from a hole saw, and in a second embodiment, the apparatus is configured to remove a plug from a hole. The first apparatus includes a pivotable support frame for retaining and stabilizing a cleaning structure. The cleaning structure is arranged to fit within the cylinder of a hole saw and cause engagement with the plug until the plug is split sufficiently to cause its removal from the hole saw. The second apparatus includes a tube and a retractable plug engagement rod retainable in the tube. The tube and plug engagement rod are secured together when the plug engagement rod is extended from the tube. The end of the plug engagement rod is configured to enable its insertion into a plug. The second apparatus is withdrawn, extracting the plug in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: George Cossaboom
  • Patent number: 9180562
    Abstract: In a wheelset press for pressing or pulling wheels, brake disks or the like on/off axles of rail vehicles, two piston/cylinder units are directed toward one another and stationarily arranged on a common straight line, wherein said piston/cylinder units serve for exerting the required pressing power and, if applicable, for displacing the axle in its longitudinal direction to bring about the pressing-on or pulling-off process. Pressure pistons are provided on the piston/cylinder units to transmit the pressing power onto the facing end of the axle. At least one press abutment for supporting a wheel, a brake disk or the like during the pressing process is designed in such a way that it can be transferred into its support position by means of a relative movement of the axle transverse to its longitudinal direction and otherwise situated outside the press area. The at least one press abutment can be fixed in different positions along the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: MAE Maschinen-und Apperatebau Gotzen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Mitze
  • Patent number: 9183915
    Abstract: A workpiece-holding unit for installation on machining centers for connecting rods, comprising a crosspiece which is adapted to be rotatably supported about its axis in front of a machining head of the machining center and has internal, hydraulic longitudinal ducts which communicate with respective hydraulic outlets on the main faces of the crosspiece and are connected to hydraulic feed means. Several workpiece-holding tools are installable on the main faces of the crosspiece and are provided with positioning mechanisms and locking mechanisms for at least one connecting rod, which are hydraulically operated via respective hydraulic lines leading at positions aligned to said hydraulic outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: VIGEL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco Massaia
  • Patent number: 9184579
    Abstract: A wall grommet, which can be installed through the surfaces of walls to route wiring in the walls' interior spaces. In particular, the wall grommet is configured for running power cords inside walls and presenting the electrical connectors of a power cord in a manner such that power cords are hidden from view. The grommet may comprise a housing, which defines an interior space that is adapted to hold either the female connector or male connector of a power cord. The housing may be configured to enclose and secure the electrical connector of the power cord in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Daron Callahan, Peter M. Schneider, David Singer, Kenneth J. Buras
  • Patent number: 9180604
    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: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Edward G. Joseph
  • Patent number: 9180565
    Abstract: An assembly fixture allows for the incorporation of a decorative trim piece into an encapsulated window assembly. A method of utilizing the assembly fixture to incorporate the decorative trim piece into the vehicle window assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Thomas S. Hicks
  • Patent number: 9168616
    Abstract: A rotating module for a clamping device is disclosed. More specifically, the rotating module includes a housing including a first connecting section having an end rotatably connected to an upper portion of a base frame and a second connecting section formed vertically to the first connecting section. An end portion of a connecting plate is connected to the second connecting section and a clamping device mounted at the other end of the connecting plate and configured to clamp a panel. A gear unit in the housing is rotated by receiving torque of the operating motor. Clutch units are mounted respectively in the first connecting section and the second connecting section, connected to the gear unit, and configured to selectively transmit torque of the gear unit to the first connecting section or the second connecting section so as to rotate the housing or the connecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jung Whan Yeum
  • Patent number: 9168646
    Abstract: A straight threaded rod has three reference elements spaced apart from each other. A shoulder and a knob having a fourth reference element are screwed onto the rod. A spring is mounted on the rod between the knob and the shoulder. The rod is inserted through two axially aligned holes in two abutting pieces, with the shoulder bearing on a first surface of one of the two pieces. By adjusting the position of the shoulder and the knob along the rod it is possible to apply a calibrated clamping force to a pair of abutting pieces, regardless of the thickness of the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Galota, Sabato Inserra Imparato, Pasquale De Bonis, Gianni Iagulli
  • Patent number: 9162856
    Abstract: A device for lifting and holding the front or rear wheels of small to medium size and weight vehicles such as snow blowers, golf carts or lawn mowers is disclosed. The device contains two platform assemblies configured for wedging under the wheels of vehicles and a hoist configured for lifting the wheel to a desired height to provide access to the underside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Elliott, Paul George LaRock
  • Patent number: 9162351
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a shank body, a pry bar, at least one clutch, a foot hold, and a fine adjustment mechanism. The shank body includes a plurality of located grooves. The pry bar includes a first receptacle adapted for the shank body inserted therethrough. The foot hold is mounted on the shank body. The fine adjustment mechanism for fine adjusting the pry bar is mounted on the shank body and engaged with the pry bar and includes at least one second receptacle. Furthermore, the at least one clutch is disposed in the at least one second receptacle and alternatively engaged with a selective one of the plurality of located grooves of the shank body Furthermore, the pry bar is adapted to be fine adjustably moved through a distance smaller than a pitch between two adjacent located grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Patent number: 9163765
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a first coupling housing (12) and a second coupling housing (20) is provided. The first coupling housing (12) comprises a guiding element (101; 201; 301a-e; 401b,c; 501b-d) extending from the first coupling housing (12) and having a free end (102; 202; P) at a distance (h) from the first coupling housing central axis (a-a). The second coupling housing (20) comprises a receptacle (123; 223; 323; 423; 523) for the guiding element and pull-in means (8) for pulling the guiding element into the receptacle, said pull-in means (8) being connected to the guiding element free end (102; 202; P). The invention allows the first coupling housing to be pulled towards the receptacle at an angle which is not coincident with the central axis (a-a), and when the guiding element is in place inside the receptacle, the first coupling housing central axis (a-a) and the central axis (b-b) of the second coupling housing are aligned and coincident, and the two housings are rotationally aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Aker Pusnes AS
    Inventors: Jon Hovik, Rients van der Woude, Birger Oya, Tor Vidar Oya, Ole-Magne Gilde
  • Patent number: 9162245
    Abstract: A powder coating system including a powder coating conveyor, a work piece; the powder coating conveyor including a hang hole tool having a conveyor portion and a work piece engaging portion. The work piece engaging portion is structured to engage a conveyor member supported by the conveyor structure. The work piece engaging portion has an outwardly extending shaft portion extending distally outward from an expanded portion. The work piece has a recess therein, the recess being shaped and sized to receive the work piece engaging portion in close fitting relation and the recess having a first inside dimension at a greatest depth of the recess and a second inside dimension at a least depth of the recess. The second inside dimension is greater than the first inside dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: BTD Wood Powder Coating, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Martin
  • Patent number: 9160152
    Abstract: A transmission cable installation device is provided, which includes a protective sheath surrounding at least one transmission cable and having at least one longitudinal recess. A rigid element is inserted in one of said at least one recess. Also provided are a protective sheath and a profiled support suitable for being inserted in a recess in the protective sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: FRANCE TELECOM
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Campion, Jean-Pierre Louboutin, Jean-Michel Landouar
  • Patent number: 9160149
    Abstract: Provided is a wire grip, which has excellent workability for bracing the wire and which can grip a linear object for bracing the wire without applying any excessive load to the linear object. The wire grip comprises a stationary-side wire gripping portion having a body and a movable-side wire gripping portion, whereby a linear object can be gripped between them, where a first action portion for moving the movable-side wire gripping portion back and forth and a second action portion connected to the first action portion by a connecting rod are turnably attached to the body, whereby the connecting rod is pulled substantially parallel to the gripping portions so that the connecting rod, and the first and second action portions are linked to act to move the movable-side wire gripping portion towards the stationary-side wire gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: NAGAKI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Iwama
  • Patent number: 9157465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixture and/or locator for supporting and positioning and/or calibrating an object comprising a male or female portion of an interlock mechanism, the fixture and/or locator comprising: at least one fixating (2) component for holding the object in a fixed position, characterized in that, the at least one fixating component comprises a locking element (3) configured for receiving the male portion and a release element (4) for releasing the male or female portion from the locking element by actuating the release element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MATERIALISE N.V.
    Inventor: Jo Massoels
  • Patent number: 9149919
    Abstract: A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use, or disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PNEUMATIC SCALE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Celli, Jr., John Toth, Robin Thompson, Patrick Reeves
  • Patent number: 9150085
    Abstract: A sliding door assist device includes a guided cart attachment structure, a retracting structure and a door support structure. The retracting structure is pivotally coupled to the guided cart attachment structure to move between an extended position and a stowed position with respect to the guided cart attachment structure. The door support structure is coupled to the retracting structure such that the door support structure moves with the retracting structure with respect to the guided cart attachment structure between the extended position and the stowed position. The door support structure is configured to support a sliding door in a prescribed open position with the retracting structure in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Dial
  • Patent number: 9149924
    Abstract: A pull handle for operating a window covering with a pulling lead. The pull handle includes a first element with a top end and a bottom end, and a second element, attachable to the first element, with a top end and a bottom end. When the second element is attached to the first element, the pull handle is along a section of the pulling lead with the position of the pull handle fixed with respect to the pulling lead. The pull handle is configured to have a diameter that is easily and comfortably gripped by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Marie Manvel
  • Patent number: 9144899
    Abstract: The roll claw is a complementary tool with a purpose of using less stress force to do work. The roll claw is configured with a rounded head and a claw end. The roll claw has a square portal that accepts a ratchet or pull handle of various sizes, and a round portal that accepts a chain link of any make where a tension strap with a hook can be attached. The roll claw uses leverage to reduce the stress force to perform certain work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Bryant
  • Patent number: 9145648
    Abstract: A pulling tool includes a housing and a tube disposed within the housing, the tube configured to supply hydraulic fluid. The spike puller further includes a piston rod connected to a piston. The piston rod has a hollow axial bore, and the piston and the piston rod are axially moveable relative to the tube. The spike puller has a passage communicating fluid from the tube to the piston. The passage is contained within the housing. The passage is variable between a first configuration in which hydraulic fluid flows at a first restricted flow so as to provide a slower retraction of the piston rod and a second configuration in which hydraulic fluid flows at a second less restricted flow so as to provide a faster retraction of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Crover