Patents Examined by Debra Meislin
  • Patent number: 7225709
    Abstract: A connector for easily secure a socket thereon includes an axle rotatably received in an axial recess in an end of the connector and an inclined slot is defined radially in the body. A spring is biased between a first end of the axle and an inside of the axial recess. A guide portion such as a concavity with various depths is defined in a second end of the axle. A ball is movably engaged with a radial hole in the end of the body and operatively in contact with the concavity. A controller is rotatably mounted to the body and a pin extends through a hole in the controller and the inclined slot and is engaged with a receiving hole in the axle. The pin is automatically rotated backward by the spring when the user releases the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: I-He Liao
  • Patent number: 7207244
    Abstract: A selective one-way wrench includes a head defining a first space and a second space communicated with the first space. A gear is put pivotally in the first space. The gear includes a toothed external face. A direction controller is put in the second space. The direction controller includes two toothed faces. A spring pushes the direction controller to the gear. A direction switch includes a first element put pivotally on the head and a second element put in the second space and connected to the first element for bringing selected one of the toothed faces of the direction controller into engagement with the toothed external face of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Patent number: 7100481
    Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. A locking member can be set by a sliding motion toward the handle end to hold the handles in a closed position. A curved shoulder on the edge of a handle wipes across a screw hole opening in the opposite jaw to provide a screw cutting function with a slicing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Hartranft, Bruce P. Konen, Scott Huff
  • Patent number: 7017457
    Abstract: A tool is described comprising a shaft having a first longitudinal axis and a front segment, wherein the front segment has a cross-sectional area, wherein the front segment is configured to engage at least a portion of a screw head, and wherein the front segment has at least a first recess having a second longitudinal axis substantially transverse to the first longitudinal axis; at least one spring element housed in the first recess, wherein a first portion of the spring element at least partially protrudes transversely across the first longitudinal axis; wherein the cross-sectional area is substantially polygonal, having a least one radii; wherein the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with at least one radii; and wherein the portion of the spring element protruding transversely across the first longitudinal axis is elastically deformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Synthes (USA)
    Inventors: Ferdinand Nessbaum, Franco Cicoira
  • Patent number: 6923094
    Abstract: A tool has a pair of elongate housings adapted to be joined together in a housing assembly for enclosing and supporting a flexible drive mechanism entrained about a pair of rotatable elements. Each of the rotatable elements is disposed on the housing assembly at opposite ends thereof. A flexible drive mechanism provides a transfer of power between the rotatable elements so that rotation of one rotatable element at one input end of the housing assembly will effect driven rotation of the other rotatable element at an output end of the housing assembly. The elongate housings include male and female configurations for aligning and joining the housings without independent fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Steven H. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 6913248
    Abstract: A vehicle lifting and wheel removal combination system includes a hydraulic pump mounted on a vehicle. Each of a plurality of hydraulic jacks is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic pump. Each of the hydraulic jacks is mounted to a frame of the vehicle. A plurality of actuators is operationally coupled to the hydraulic pump for selectively positioning each of the hydraulic jacks in an extended position or a retracted position. A plurality of air compressors is mounted to the vehicle and each is operationally coupled to the power supply. Each of a plurality of air lines is fluidly coupled to one of the air compressors. Each of the air lines has a free end having a first mating portion coupled thereto. A pneumatic impact gun for removing lug nuts has a second mating portion for selectively coupling to one of the first mating portions of the air lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Michael J. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6895837
    Abstract: A wrench structure includes a wrench body having a handle portion. The handle portion is formed with a reinforcement portion having a first side formed with a first holding portion and a second side formed with a second holding portion. The first holding portion has a plane vertical to that of the second holding portion. Thus, the user's hand and the holding portion of the wrench body have a larger contact area, so that the holding portion of the wrench body can apply a larger force and torque to drive and rotate the workpiece, such as the nut or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6832531
    Abstract: A tool has a pair of elongate housings adapted to be joined together in a housing assembly for enclosing and supporting a drive mechanism between a pair of oppositely disposed rotatable elements. The drive mechanism provides a transfer of power between the rotatable elements so that rotation of one rotatable element at one input end of the housing assembly will effect driven rotation of the other rotatable element at an output end of the housing assembly. The input end of the housing is provided with a first interlock configuration overlying and encircling the input end rotatable element. A motor mechanism is coupled to the input end of the housing assembly and has a rotatable drive shaft which passes entirely through and drives the input end rotatable element. The motor mechanism is integrally formed with a second interlock configuration identical to and matingly engageable with the first interlock configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Steven H. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 6799493
    Abstract: An open end wrench including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw keeping between them a constant relation of lateral slide to each other; a fluted surface being provided at the lower edge of the movable jaw; a spring being adapted between two jaws to define a clamping space under normal status; a locking gear permitting reciprocally flexible circulation having a ratchet to engage the fluted surface of the movable jaw under normal status and a dialer to keep the ratchet separating from the fluted surface being respectively provided at both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Wang
  • Patent number: 6792835
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a multi-purpose tool, an adaptor and a socket wrench. The multi-purpose tool includes a body that contains implements such as knives, openers, scissors and other such devices. A fixed plier jaw extends from the body, and a movable plier jaw pivots about the body to a closed position against the fixed plier jaw. The closed plier jaws include an opening that surrounds and engages a driven section of the adaptor. The driven section includes an elongated cross-section to form a long torque arm within the closed jaw opening. A flange at each end of the driven section holds the adaptor in an axial direction. A universal socket may be attached to the driven end of the adaptor to provide a wrench suitable for many fastener shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Endeavor Tool Company, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Quick, Joel S. Marks, Michael Marks
  • Patent number: 6792635
    Abstract: An improved type of joining pliers, particularly one that presses and joins an object (coating terminal) to a conductive wire and can make correction without being deviated or displaced during a compressing and joining process, comprising a left handle, a right handle that is pivoted to the left handle so the two handles can be opened or folded to each other, an opening mold that is movably pivoted to the left handle, and a slide block that is movably pivoted to the right handle and can be embedded in the opening mold; by the mobility of the opening mold and the slide block that are movably pivoted to each other, the assembling position of the mobile opening mold and the slide block can be automatically corrected when the left and right handles are folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chao-Chin Yen
  • Patent number: 6769329
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench with a releasable socket which is rotatable in a handle circular pocket and the socket extends on the wrench for only the thickness of the handle and does not protrude beyond the handle. The socket is symmetrical in its configuration and is therefore reversible in its position in the pocket and it still produces the same rotational drive. A pawl and spring are on the handle, and the pawl is snug with the socket to hold the socket in an axially fixed position on the handle. The pawl protrudes from the handle and indicates the rotational drive direction required of the handle. Fluid clean-out holes extend into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Pilling Weck Incorporated
    Inventors: Hua Gao, James A. Rinner
  • Patent number: 5458177
    Abstract: The machine has a base, a fixed arm connected to the base and defining an inverted "U"-shaped configuration having a free end. A conventional bead extractor is connected to the free end of the fixed arm, which overlies a rotatable tire-supporting platform driven by a drive unit. The rotatable platform is mounted on a plate having opposite sides provided with bearings movably connected to a pair of parallel guide elements fixed to the sides of the base. A fine-adjustment mechanism is provided for positioning the plate and the rotatable platform with respect to the bead extractor and the fixed arm for accommodating a wide range of different sizes of wheels and tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: MACIS S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Magnani
  • Patent number: 4881434
    Abstract: A tool for threading oversized rope through an opening in an elastic strap. The tool includes a plier type implement having both upper and lower jaws which are movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper jaw has an opening formed therein and the lower jaw includes a hollow member in alignment with the upper jaw opening when the jaws are in a closed position. The outside surface of the hollow member on the lower jaw will accept an opening in an elastic strap and the inside surface of the hollow member allows an oversized rope to pass therethrough and be threaded into the opening in the elastic strap which is on the lower jaw hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Robert L. Keller
  • Patent number: 4878260
    Abstract: A combination tool includes a pair of handles and attached jaws pivotable as to each other, with a finger rest mounted to one jaw and a cutter wheel pivotally mounted to the other jaw. A tapper is mounted to one handle opposite a jaw and the handles are covered with plastic sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventors: William A. Tunningley, Martha A. Tunnungley, Emanuel M. Pupulidy
  • Patent number: 4873899
    Abstract: An adjustable ratchet wrench (10) for turning a shaft (12) having a key (14). The ratchet wrench (10) includes a socket element (22) received within the head (18) of the wrench. The socket element (22) has an inner diameter (24) in which a key receiving slot (27) is formed. The socket element (22) is operatively connected to the head (18) by a ratchet mechanism (28). The inner diameter (24) of the socket element (22) is effectively modified by positioning a crescent block (38) within the inner diameter (24) of the socket element (22). The crescent block may take the form of a jaw (39) or a bushing (52). The jaw may include one or two jaws which are shifted radially by an adjustment screw (45) relative to the socket element (22). The bushing (52) includes a retention mechanism (56, 57) for securing it within the inner diameter (24) of the socket element (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: Tadeusz L. Mazurek
  • Patent number: 4873900
    Abstract: An improved device is disclosed for driving slotted head fasteners. The invention involves the use of a straight bit with parallel opposing surfaces to apply torque to the fastener slot over an increased area and reduce the tendency of the bit to slip out of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: Massimo Ciumaga
  • Patent number: 4869139
    Abstract: A driver with automatic speed and torque switching including two different drive trains which operate in parallel and are driven at the same time by a motor. One drive train provides a high-speed output while the other provides a low-speed output. A single drive head for transmitting torque to the nut is normally coupled to the high-speed output, and not to the low-speed output. The machine operates initially at the high speed for the "free rotation" of the nut. When the nut contacts the surface of the structural body, the drive coupling to the high-speed output is disabled, and the low-speed output (which formerly was not coupled to the drive head) is not at the same time coupled to the drive head. The nut is then driven much more slowly but with a higher driving torque. Within the low-speed drive train there is included a friction clutch, and adjustment means for adjusting the level of torque at which it will slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignees: Alexander S. Gotman, Gene W. Arant, Marvin H. Kleinberg, Marshall A. Lerner
    Inventor: Alexander S. Gotman
  • Patent number: 4869137
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved jaw construction for power tongs and bucking units wherein the jaws include a pair of gripping pads which are mounted to the jaws with a resilient insert so that loads applied through the jaw to the pipe are distributed over the gripping pads to minimize scoring the pipe or deformation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Damon T. Slator
  • Patent number: 4864898
    Abstract: An opener for both pop-top cans and bottles is formed to include an elongated lever body. A lifting element is positioned on the lever body and is sized and shaped to fit underneath the lift tab on a pop-top can. A fulcrum element is further formed on the lever body in physical association with the lift element but spaced away from the lift element so as to form a channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element. The channel is sized and shaped such that the lift tab of the pop-top can can be sheaved in the channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element for manipulation of the lift tab to open the pop-top can. The opener further includes a bottle cap edge gripper located on the lever body in physical association with the fulcrum element. For removing bottle caps from capped bottles, the bottle cap edge gripper is independently formed and then positioned on the opener such that it engages the edge of the bottle cap when the fulcrum element is positioned in the center of the bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce E. Tricinella