Patents Examined by Joni B. Danganan
  • Ratchet screw driver assembly
    Patent number: 5806381
    Abstract: A ratchet screw driver includes a driving stem having a gear rotatably engaged in the bore of a handle and having a free end end for engaging with a fastener to be driven. A ratchet mechanism is engaged in the handle and engaged with the gear of the driving stem for selectively driving the driving stem. A barrel is rotatably engaged on the driving stem and movable along the driving stem for engaging around the fastener and for preventing the fastener from being tilted and for preventing the fastener from hurting the hand of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Ching Chou Lin
  • Wrench for wire nuts
    Patent number: 5806382
    Abstract: A wire end connector tool designed for use with a standard wire connector cap for crimping the ends of wires together. The tool consists of a cylindrical handle of a thickness to fit comfortably in a user's hand and an axial member, longer than the handle, rotationally captured in and extending through the cylindrical handle and able to rotate therein. One or both ends of the axial member protrude from the end(s) of the cylindrical handle. Each protruding end is formed into a helical coil with its axis parallel to, but spaced from, the axis of the handle. Each coil is designed to securely accept standard wire connector caps such as those described above and to prevent it from rotating. This allows wires to be connected with a simple wrist rotation rather than requiring manual twisting with the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Wayman Hall, Jr.
  • 13 in 1 multi-purpose screwdriver
    Patent number: 5799552
    Abstract: A screwdriver with sturdy construction, lightweight, changes quickly, and transports easily. This device has a two deck multi-bit holder for nut drivers and bits, a top locking deck which is very secure, a quick release button to separate the decks and observe the nut drivers and bits, a hand driver with a magnetic sleeve to accept all the nut drivers and bits, and a hex to slide the top deck up and down. The key to this device lies in the top lock deck: the notched dowel pin fits snuggly into the matching notch on the hex shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis Francis Curtis
  • Screwdriver adapted to be coupled to an electric drill for automatic rotation thereof
    Patent number: 5797302
    Abstract: A screwdriver adapted to be coupled to an electric drill for automatic rotation thereof including an interior member having a lower extent with a circular cross-section and a screwdriver tip at its end. The interior member has an upper extent of an enlarged cylindrical shape with a hexagonal component extending rearwardly thereof. An exterior cylindrical member of the screwdriver has a lower extent of a reduced diameter and an upper extent of an enlarged diameter and has an interior bore extending therethrough. The bore of the upper extent is adapted to receive the upper extent of the interior member and the lower extent of the exterior cylindrical member is adapted to receive the lower extent of the interior member with the screwdriver tip extending through the lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph F. Khoury
  • Fuse pulling device having safety blockout and fuse holder features
    Patent number: 5797298
    Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic fuse handling tool includes a pair of spring arms that diverge outwardly from a base portion to free ends defining a constantly widening gap between the arms. A pair of opposed fuse-gripping jaws are provided across the gap adjacent the free ends of the arms and another set of opposed fuse retaining seats are provided a location intermediate the jaws and the base portion. The jaws are closeable about a fuse by pinching the arms together enabling the fuse to be removed from its spring clip. Once removed, the fuse is secured to the tool by sliding it into the narrowing gap into position between the retaining seats. A block-out portion projects from the base portion and is configured for installation within the vacant fuse clip so as to disable the fuse clip to prevent inadvertent reinstallation of the fuse therein, while storing the fuse in adjacent proximity to the fuse clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald A. Grevel
  • Folding hand tool set
    Patent number: 5791211
    Abstract: A folding hand tool set having a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle and a plurality of hand tools rotatably mounted thereto. The one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle is preferably constructed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Spacers may be provided for rotationally isolating the hand tools. The folding hand tool set is capable of transmitting more then 110.0 Newton.meters of torque without compromising the integrity of the one-piece, completely integral plastic handle. A one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle for receiving hand tools is also disclosed. The handle can withstand at least 30 Newton.meters of torsional force without compromising the integrity of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: John R. Bondhus, Michael D. Blackston, Barry Bondhus, Dennis A. Burda, Mark L. Petroske
  • Chain saw multi-tool
    Patent number: 5787535
    Abstract: A multi-tool with an assembly of tool instruments particularly useful for the field maintenance of chain saws. The multi-tool includes a hollow handle with a spark plug socket connected at one and a plurality of tool instruments pivotally connected at the end opposite the spark plug socket. The tool instruments include a raker gauge, small tooth file, large tooth file, small screw driver, large screw driver, air filter brush and serrated knife. The tools pivot about the handle end into the hollow handle. Included with the tool is a sliver tweezer which is insertable into an aperture formed within the multi-tool handle. The spark plug socket is pivoted about one end of the multi-tool handle and locked in place in a keyed-portion of the handle, thereby providing a tool acting as a socket wrench capable of applying substantial torque to a work piece, e.g., spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Epstein
  • Hydraulic backup tong
    Patent number: 5778742
    Abstract: The powered backup tong assembly 10 includes a planar support plate 14, a pair of hydraulically powered cylinders 16, 18, a pair of link arms 20, 22, and heads 24, 26, and 30 for gripping engagement with the oilfield tubular. The powered backup tong frame includes an open throat 28 for laterally moving the power tong on and off the tubular member. A pair of rear ears 32, 34 each extending laterally outward from a centerline 12 of the plate 14 facilitate mounting the pair of hydraulically powered cylinders 16, 18 laterally outward of the support plate 14. The opposing heads 24, 26 are each pivotally connected to a respective pivot arm 20, 22, and the head 30 is mounted directly to support plate 14. The power tong is relatively simple and lightweight, and is highly reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eckel Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph L. Stuart
  • Container lid cutter and opener
    Patent number: 5778472
    Abstract: A tool for removing lids from containers is formed from a single piece of planar rigid material by stamping or cutting therefrom a pattern and thereafter bending portions of the pattern into operative elements including a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion includes a first flange having a first flange flap, an inward projecting recess, a cutting flange having a cutting edge, a second flange, and a third flange, wherein the third flange and the cutting flange are bent to the same side of the tool to perform a cutting function while the first flange and the second flange are bent to the opposite side to facilitate a prying function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Frank J. Lang
  • Integrated modular ice axe head
    Patent number: 5768727
    Abstract: An integrated modular ice axe head is disclosed including a first base member fixedly attached to a handle and a second base member, attachable to the first base member, which has an accessory, such as a hammer head or adze formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the two base members form a receiving slot when they are attached to one another for receiving and holding the base of an accessory, such as an ice pick. Because the first and second base members can move toward and away from one another before attachment is completed, the receiving slot is of variable width and facilitates pieces having loose tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles Brainerd
  • Striking tool
    Patent number: 5768956
    Abstract: A head-to-handle interface for a striking tool having a plane of symmetry has a web in the plane of symmetry and sidewalls around the periphery of the web except for the direction of joining the handle to the head, the web and sidewalls forming socket areas on both sides of the web, such that a handle shaped to engage the sockets is joined to the head in a manner that bending stresses are greatly alleviated at and near the head-to-handle interface. In one embodiment a variable weight system provides for a user varying the weight of the head of a striking tool. In another aspect, a nail-pulling slot is provided with significantly tapered inner walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Todd Douglas Coonrad
  • Locking swivel head ratchet wrench
    Patent number: 5768960
    Abstract: A tilt head wrench is provided having a handle with spaced-apart first and second openings each having a different geometrical shape. A tilt head includes a connector part through which extends a connector opening having a third geometrical configuration. A connector shaft extends through the first, second and connector openings. It includes a first end portion having a cross-sectional configuration that is engageable with the first opening and connector opening. The shaft includes a second end portion that is circular and permits free rotation of the head when positioned within the connector opening and second opening. Selective axial positioning of the connector shaft allows the tilt head to be in a locked or unlocked disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Tarue David Archuleta
  • Ratchet tool
    Patent number: 5768957
    Abstract: A hand tool comprising a housing 1 with a ratchet wheel 2 in one end of the housing 1 and a lever assembly mounted on the housing adjacent the other end of the housing. The lever assembly comprises two linkages 23,24 pivotably attached to a lever 21 and to a mounting bracket 25. A rod 5 is disposed axially in the housing 1. A link chain 6 and ratchet tooth 7 are connected to the other end of the rod 5 about the ratchet wheel 2. The lever 21 is attached to the end of the rod 5 to form a ball socket. When the lever 21 is squeezed, the end portion 22 of the lever 21 pulls the rod 5 substantially straight outwards from the housing 1 which pulls the link chain 6 and ratchet tooth 7 on the ratchet wheel 2 to rotate the ratchet wheel 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Rodney William Baker
  • Hand tool with multiple locking blades controlled by a single locking mechanism and release
    Patent number: 5765247
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Break down tong apparatus
    Patent number: 5758553
    Abstract: A tong apparatus is provided for gripping a pipe. The apparatus includes a base and a housing coupled to the base. The housing is formed to include an interior region having a top opening. The apparatus also includes a jaw assembly extending through the top opening and into the interior region of the housing. The jaw assembly includes a lower clamp portion having a lower jaw, a linkage having a lower end coupled to the lower clamp portion and an upper end, and a cylinder having a movable piston. The cylinder is coupled to the upper end of the linkage. The apparatus further includes an upper clamp portion having an upper jaw, the upper clamp portion being coupled to the piston, and at least one removable stop extending through the housing adjacent the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Robert G. Perry
  • Dual size socket drive adapter
    Patent number: 5752418
    Abstract: A dual size adapter for use in combination with a socket wrench as well as sockets of variable size. The socket adapter includes an internal sliding driver member which projects from one end or the other of the body of the adapter to define a driver of a first cross sectional size in configuration or an alternate cross sectional size in configuration when projected or telescoped from one end or the other end of the adapter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: T & L Robins Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Terry K. Robins
  • Dual purpose ratchet screwdriver
    Patent number: 5749271
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle having a chamber in its interior for accommodating a ratchet mechanism, a drive sleeve of the ratchet mechanism being provided to cooperate with a transmission shaft inserted through a hole of the handle, the transmission shaft having a bit at either end, the bit at one end of the transmission shaft being utilized as a structural element for power transmission while the bit at the other end being used to drive a screw. The ratchet mechanism may be enveloped by a bit receptacle made of plastics before the mechanism is put inside the chamber such that the drive sleeve is fitted with the transmission shaft fixedly located at the front end of the handle. A rear cap may be provided at the rear end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Tasi-Fa Liu
  • Power wrench apparatus having a positive sliding clamp
    Patent number: 5740703
    Abstract: A tong apparatus is provided for gripping a pipe. The apparatus includes a support having a track, a first positive stop, and a second positive stop. The apparatus also includes a jaw assembly having a base slidably coupled to the track of the support. The jaw assembly includes a cylinder having a movable piston. The cylinder is rigidly coupled to the base. The jaw assembly also includes a clamp for gripping the pipe. The clamp has a first jaw coupled to the movable piston and a second jaw coupled to the base. The first jaw has at least one stop located between the first and second positive stops of the support so that when the piston is extended from the cylinder the first jaw initially moves toward the second jaw until the first jaw engages the first positive stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Robert G. Perry
  • Apparatus for removing a safety cap from a safety container
    Patent number: 5735181
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a safety cap from a safety container is provided for a prescription bottle or other safety container system. A tapered surface wedgingly engages the periphery of the safety cap when pressed into pressure engagement with the tapered surface. The tapered surface includes prongs for guiding the safety cap into pressure engagement with the tapered surface. A suction cup is disposed on the tapered surface for detaching the safety cap from the safety container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Arthur G. Anderson
  • Manually operable rod holder
    Patent number: 5727432
    Abstract: A manually operated mechanical rod holder has a support arm pivotally mounted on a drill rig chassis. A fixed jaw is mounted on an outboard end of the support arm. A movable jaw is mounted on a plate secured to a sleeve carried by the support arm. The sleeve is connected to an outer end of a sliding block that is slidably mounted in the sleeve. An inboard end of the block is connected to an outer end of an arcuate spring section integral with an operating lever. The inner end of the spring section is connected pivotally to an end of a link, the other end of which is pivotally mounted on the support arm. An inboard end of the operating lever has a handle. The throw of the movable jaw with respect to the fixed jaw remains constant. The distance between the movable jaw and the fixed jaw can be varied to accommodate different sizes of pipe or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Central Mine Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Burns, Kyle Oberlander