Patents by Inventor Robert O. Huff

Robert O. Huff 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).

  • Patent number: 7530576
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 7044480
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forguer
  • Publication number: 20040094907
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forguer
  • Patent number: 6669207
    Abstract: A chuck for a manual or powered driver having a rotatable driveshaft includes a body having a front section and a rear section. A plurality of jaws are operatively associated with the body, and the jaws are adapted to engage a tool to be utilized by the driver. The body's rear section includes serrations extending outwardly therefrom. A sleeve member is pressed onto the serrations whereby the serrations dig into the sleeve to at least assist in rotationally securing the sleeve to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forguer
  • Publication number: 20020014749
    Abstract: A chuck for a manual or powered driver having a rotatable driveshaft includes a body having a front section and a rear section. A plurality of jaws are operatively associated with the body, and the jaws are adapted to engage a tool to be utilized by the driver. The body's rear section includes serrations extending outwardly therefrom. A sleeve member is pressed onto the serrations whereby the serrations dig into the sleeve to at least assist in rotationally securing the sleeve to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forguer
  • Patent number: 6296257
    Abstract: A chuck for a manual or powered driver having a rotatable driveshaft includes a body having a front section and a rear section. A plurality of jaws are operatively associated with the body, and the jaws are adapted to engage a tool to be utilized by the driver. The body's rear section includes serrations extending outwardly therefrom. A sleeve member is pressed onto the serrations whereby the serrations dig into the sleeve to at least assist in rotationally securing the sleeve to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 6286842
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5924702
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5732956
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5704616
    Abstract: A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a rotatable drive shaft including a primary tightening mechanism utilizing a three-jaw assembly actuated by a nut or tightening ring and a supplemental tightening mechanism. The supplemental tightening mechanism includes a camming portion defining a tightening cam profile. The supplemental tightening mechanism further includes a plurality of lever bars, one end of each of the lever bars forming a cam follower and the other end of each of the lever bars operatively associated with the nut so that when the supplemental tightening mechanism is actuated in a tightening direction, the lever bars will force the nut forward to produce an enhanced tightening force on the tool through the jaws. The supplemental tightening mechanism is configured to allow drive through release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Louis M. Shadeck, Richard L. Marcengill
  • Patent number: 5573254
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5531461
    Abstract: A chuck for releasably holding a tool such as a drill bit has a torque limiting coupling in the mechanism which is rotated manually to close the jaws of the chuck on the tool. When the chuck has been tightened on the tool by a certain amount, the torque limiting coupling releases. Thereafter, continued manual rotation of the component which provides the input to the coupling operates a cam and cam follower mechanism which forces the jaws of the chuck into even tighter engagement with the tool. When the chuck is subsequently loosened to release the tool, the cam and cam follower mechanism automatically resets to ready the chuck for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Louis M. Shadeck
  • Patent number: 5476273
    Abstract: A plastic grip boot for a metal part of a chuck, typically a keyless chuck, is disclosed. The grip boot is insert molded to a rotatable metal part of a chuck, the metal part extending under the grip boot for the axial length of the grip boot which is normally gripped by the user in order to provide support to the grip boot. During molding, the plastic preferably flows into surface features of the metal part to help secure the grip boot to the metal part. The grip boot improves user grip of the metal part during operation of the chuck to adjust the spacing of the chuck jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis M. Shadeck, Robert O. Huff, Valerie Owens
  • Patent number: 5465983
    Abstract: A removable nosepiece for a chuck includes a plastic and/or metal ring which is removably mounted on a distal portion of either the main body or a sleeve of the chuck so that the ring is concentric with the central longitudinal axis of the chuck. The removable nosepiece may include a washer-shaped member of rubber extending radially inwardly from the plastic and/or metal ring. If provided, the rubber washer resiliently engages and centers a tool inserted into the chuck through the central aperture of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Valerie Owens, Louis M. Shadeck, Robert O. Huff
  • Patent number: 5452906
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5431420
    Abstract: A non-impact keyless chuck suitable for use with manual or powered drivers is disclosed. The chuck comprises a body which carries a rotatable split nut having a relatively fine thread and a plurality of slidable jaws, which may be identical, driven by the rotatable nut. An anti-friction bearing is disposed between the rotatable nut and a bearing thrust ring mounted on the body. A clutch or torque limiting mechanism is provided to limit the tightening torque to a predetermined value while the loosening torque may be limited or unlimited. The front sleeve, and rear sleeve, if used, may be formed from a structural plastic to reduce manufacturing costs. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may be placed on the front sleeve to improve the grip and temporarily restrain and center the tool during chuck tightening or loosening operations. A relatively soft elastomeric grip boot may also be placed on the rear sleeve, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Paul T. Jordan, William F. Forquer
  • Patent number: 5411275
    Abstract: A chuck for releasably holding a tool such as a drill bit has a torque limiting coupling in the mechanism which is rotated manually to close the jaws of the chuck on the tool. When the chuck has been tightened on the tool by a certain amount, the torque limiting coupling releases. Thereafter, continued manual rotation of the component which provides the input to the coupling operates a cam and cam follower mechanism which forces the jaws of the chuck into even tighter engagement with the tool. When the chuck is subsequently loosened to release the tool, the cam and cam follower mechanism automatically resets to ready the chuck for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Huff, Louis M. Shadeck
  • Patent number: 5409243
    Abstract: A removable nosepiece for a chuck or other similar tool holder has an outer ring of relatively hard and inflexible material such as plastic and/or metal and an inner ring of relatively soft and flexible material such as rubber. The outer ring releasably holds the nosepiece on the distal end of the chuck or other tool holder. A tool is inserted into the chuck or tool holder through a central aperture in the inner ring. The inner ring engages the sides of the tool to help keep dust and debris out of the chuck or tool holder. The nosepiece can be removed and replaced when it becomes worn (e.g., when the inner ring is no longer functional).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Louis M. Shadeck, Robert O. Huff, Valerie Owens
  • Patent number: D359217
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Chuck Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Valerie D. Owens, Robert O. Huff
  • Patent number: D361076
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis M. Shadeck, Robert O. Huff, Valerie D. Owens