Patents by Inventor Howard L. Snodgrass, Jr.

Howard L. Snodgrass, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Blade tension gauge
    Patent number: 7594462
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blade tension gauge for a band saw which provides a constant reading of the magnitude of the forces that act to put tension on the blade. The band saw includes a moveable wheel, a blade, and a frame, where movement of the moveable wheel in relation to the frame tensions the blade. The blade tension gauge includes a wheel positioning assembly rigidly connected to the moveable wheel and connected to the frame to be moveable relative to the frame. A load element is positioned to receive a load existing between the wheel positioning assembly and the frame. A sensor is configured to measure the load. A display is configured to display the tension value. Also disclosed is a method for outputting the tension of the blade of a band saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Howard L. Snodgrass, Jr.
  • Quick release device for band saws or the like
    Patent number: 6739231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning a continuous loop, such as a cutting blade installed on a band saw having a frame, a manually rotatable tensioner, a first pulley rotatably connected to the manually rotatable tensioner, a second pulley spaced away from the first pulley, and a cutting blade strung between the first pulley and the second pulley, generally including the steps of positioning an adjustable body, such as a reciprocally actuated rod, between the manually rotatable tensioner and the second pulley, extending the adjustable body in a direction away from the second pulley and toward the manually rotatable tensioner so that the manually rotatable tensioner and the first pulley move in direction away from the second pulley, withdrawing the adjustable body in a direction toward the second pulley so that the manually rotatable tensioner and the first pulley move in a direction toward the second pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Howard L. Snodgrass, Jr.
  • Guide for band saws
    Patent number: 6463836
    Abstract: A band saw blade guide for use with band saw blades, the band saw blade guide including a base, a wheel having a high-speed bearing and a circumferential groove, and a shaft movable with respect to the base. The groove receives a non-cutting edge of a band saw blade. The band saw blade guide is biased to be in constant contact with the non-cutting edge of the band saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Howard L. Snodgrass, Jr.