Threaded Cylindrical Rod And Mating Cavity Patents (Class 24/525)
  • Patent number: 11331163
    Abstract: A holder apparatus for enabling secure coupling of a variety of medical tool types, having different head member configurations, to a medical device. The apparatus has at least two housing portions that open and close to receive the head member, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts to the height and/or shape of the head member, such that there is no relative movement between the housing portions and the head member. The adjustment mechanism may be a ratchet mechanism, a semi-flexible fastener, or a moldable material disposed on one or more of the housing portions. There may be a locking mechanism to lock together the housing portions, and a tightening mechanism to secure the grip of the housing portions on the head member. The housing portions may be configured to allow removal of at least a portion of the medical tool from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: XACT ROBOTICS LTD.
    Inventors: Ben Galili, Frank Schenk, Simon Sharon, Danna Perlman, Edna Gadon
  • Patent number: 10907670
    Abstract: A clamp assembly that may be used for securing to a raised portion of a surface. The clamp assembly comprising a mounting body of a general block shape having a slot for receiving the raised portion formed in a bottom surface of the mounting body attaching the clamp assembly thereto. The clamp assembly is configured with one or more pins that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes formed in the mounting body, whereby the push-pin holes extend to the slot from a side surface of push-pin holes. The clamp assembly includes a fastening element adapted to be received in a fastener hole formed adjacent the push-pin holes in the side surface of the mounting body. The fastening element is configured to secure, attach and hold the clamp assembly to the standing seam by forcing the pins against the raised portion of the surface disposed in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Tamas Kovacs, Alan Wasley, Jim Bailey, Martin Taylor
  • Patent number: 10799226
    Abstract: A surgical adaptor comprises a first member is attachable to a first surgical instrument having a projection that defines an axis. A second member is attachable to a second surgical instrument such that the second surgical instrument is movable in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the axis. Surgical systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian A. Capote, Christopher T. Martin, Steven Nowak
  • Patent number: 10329773
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wall panel system having a plurality of wall panels arranged within a framework. The wall panels may include a plurality of retention devices releasably engaging the framework to position the wall panels relative to the wall panel system. One or more of the retention devices may be actuated to engage and disengage from the framework. The wall panel system may include trim releasably engaging the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Associated Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: T. Richard Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10286998
    Abstract: A structural assembly including a first structural member defining a first partial bore and including a first protrusion extending from a periphery of the first partial bore on a first side and a second protrusion extending from the periphery of the first partial bore on a second side, a second structural member defining a second partial bore and including a first protrusion extending from a periphery of the second partial bore on a first side and a second protrusion extending from the periphery of the second partial bore on a second side, wherein the second partial bore is aligned with the first partial bore to define a through-bore, a first engagement member engaged with the first protrusions and a second engagement member engaged with the second protrusions, wherein the first and second structural members are clamped between the first and second engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jerry D. Chungbin
  • Patent number: 10179011
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a sternal osteotomy guide and sternal fixation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Montefiore Medical Center
    Inventors: Evan S. Garfein, David S. Geller, Katherine A. Weimer
  • Patent number: 9421836
    Abstract: Hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hollow sleeve inserted into the trailer hitch receiver, and a hitch mount inserted into the hollow sleeve. First and second planar end surfaces of sidewalls of the hollow sleeve lie in a common plane that is oriented at an acute angle to a central longitudinal axis of the hollow sleeve. Additional hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hitch mount, and a hollow sleeve that includes a first L-shaped elongated member and a complementary second L-shaped elongated member. Further hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hitch mount including an elongated bar inserted into and extending from the trailer hitch receiver, and a hollow sleeve at least substantially fully covering the portion of the elongated bar extending from an opening of the trailer hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Hitch LLC
    Inventors: Dixon Ford, Kenneth H. Carter
  • Patent number: 9353527
    Abstract: A roof mounting bracket and roof mounting snow retention system are disclosed, in which the bracket creates a deformation in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a preferred embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or more threaded fasteners in a first arm of the bracket and one or more opposing threaded fasteners in the second arm. Void in bracket is placed over the panel seam, with the first arm on a first side of the seam and the second arm on the opposite side of the seam. The opposing contact points of the screw heads create a “wave” deformation in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. The opposing set points of the present invention allow secure attachment of the bracket to the seam without having to “dimple” or dent the panel seam using a single set screw, requiring less force by the user. In certain embodiments, the bracket includes a slidably removable compression member to accommodate wide or narrow seam roofs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Sno-Gem Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael V. Smeja
  • Patent number: 8733027
    Abstract: A roofing clamp is arranged on a corresponding roof seam for receiving a Z-shaped clamp for attaching to the end of a solar collector and receiving a U-shaped clamp for attaching to the sides thereof for attaching the solar collector to the roof without insertion within said roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Medical Products Inc.
    Inventors: Carrol Marston, Martin Taylor, Tamas Kovaks
  • Publication number: 20140008508
    Abstract: A force-spreading clamp including a tubular body having a longitudinal opening for receiving at least a portion of a generally cylindrical object and a wall encircling the longitudinal opening, a gate including a clamping member positioned within the longitudinal opening and having a contact wall for distributing clamping force along a surface of a generally cylindrical object, a guide mechanism being configured to maintain alignment between the gate and the tubular body, and an actuator configured to actuate the gate in a radially inward direction with respect to the tubular body wall to cause the clamping member to apply clamping force to a generally cylindrical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Streamlight, Inc
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Weber
  • Patent number: 8601651
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with an edge portion of a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material against bending. A fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material. The first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving the edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material. In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for transporting a sheet material generally includes a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame for allowing rolling movement of the frame, and an adjustable vice coupled to the frame for securing a sheet material in the vice on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hallmark Stone Company
    Inventor: Frederick Joseph Christen
  • Patent number: 8381372
    Abstract: A camming clamp has a fixed jaw, a pair anchored in the fixed jaw, and a moving jaw threaded onto the guides. A levered cam is threaded onto at least one guide. A backing surface is threaded onto the same one guide. It sandwiches the levered cam between itself and the moving jaw. An adjustable locking provision locks the backing surface at fixed positions along this guide with the levered cam. Wherein, the levered cam has a cam head with an over-center axis such that, when rolled on one side of the over-center axis the camming clamp is slack and adapted to position the jaws on opposite sides of an object to be clamped, and, when rolled over the other side of the over-center axis the jaws clamp tight on said object. The over-center axis prevents the cam head from auto-pivoting back to slack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Randall E. Arnall
  • Patent number: 8302265
    Abstract: A wire gripper for positively locking a wire in place between an overhead support and a suspended load such that it can support the suspended load and maintain tension on the wire. The wire gripper includes an elongated body with a through bore and a threaded bore intersecting the through bore. Two open channels extend through the body parallel with and on either side of the threaded bore. A threaded fastener extends into the threaded bore. A U-shaped clip member with two legs is carried by the threaded fastener. By passing one or more wires through the through bore and tightening the fastener, six points of contact can be brought to bear against the inserted wires and thereby lock the wires with respect to the wire gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8210486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for a bar from which to hang kitchen utensils, such as ladles, skimming ladles, film dispensers, etc. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket and a clip. The mounting bracket is formed of a flat plate extended at one of its edges by a 90° bend. The plate has, on the opposite face to the bend, an engaging device and a central hole. The clip has a U-shaped cross section with a front face connected by a bridge of material to a rear face that has a cutout opening into the bottom of the rear face. The cutout engaging device can engage and slide. The invention makes it possible, using a complementary accessory, either spacer piece or leg, to mount the bar on a flat vertical support or under a horizontal support, and to choose the locations of the mountings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cristel SAS
    Inventor: Paul Dodane
  • Publication number: 20120061896
    Abstract: A part fixturing system for securing a workpiece includes an expanding clamping device and a work holding device. The expanding clamping device includes a clamp base portion, first and second traversing wedge blocks, an actuation screw, and a clamp plate portion. The clamp base portion comprises a longitudinal recess, and the traversing wedge blocks are located inside the longitudinal recess, each block including an inclined contact surface and a threaded aperture. The actuation screw passes through the longitudinal recess of the clamp base portion and the threaded apertures of the traversing wedge blocks. The clamp plate portion comprises first and second declined contact surfaces. The work holding device comprises first and second support columns that define a longitudinal loading envelope. The expanding clamping device is positioned inside the longitudinal loading envelope of the work holding device and couples the workpiece to the first and second support columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Koczera
  • Patent number: 8002772
    Abstract: A surgical tool for mounting a trackable target to a human bone, suitable for fixation to a human femur. The tool includes a removable bone clamp and a releasable coupling member which is integrated with the removable bone clamp. The releasable coupling member is arranged to mate with a compatible coupling member mounted on the trackable target to establish a predetermined spatial relationship between the bone clamp and trackable target. The releasable and compatible coupling members form a releasable connection which is mechanically constrained to re-engage only in a re-engaged position that accurately recaptures the predetermined spatial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, Robert A. Bruce, William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Roger C. Carignan
  • Patent number: 7789352
    Abstract: A clamp for gripping two members together, in which one of the members may be repositioned within the clamp between two orientations. The clamp is made of two jaws having facing flat surfaces. Each flat surface has a recess for accommodating one of the members, while each flat surface has two additional recesses representing the alternative positions of the second member which can be moved between the alternative positions by loosening the fastening device connecting the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Valiant Rock LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Darling, III
  • Patent number: 7674982
    Abstract: The insulator, includes a lower bell shaped portion, an intermediate annular waist portion and an upper saddle portion for receiving and supporting an electric transmission overhead cable. An axial blind bore opens at its lower end for receiving an upstanding support pin. The saddle portion includes a transversely-curved groove, substantially normal to the axial bore, and jutting parts on each side of the cable receiving groove and laterally protruding from the waist portion. Each jutting part has an external face which is provide with a partly annular groove, generally coaxial with the bore and of greater radius than that of the waist portion. These annular grooves are adapted to positively retain the inturned flanges of a cable retaining clasp despite an upward force or a laterally upwardly directed force exerted by the cable on the clasp. The waist portion can still be used for attaching the electric wire by a tie-wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: BMC Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Francois Cloutier, Paul Gentes
  • Patent number: 7605331
    Abstract: Cable support insulators of the present invention generally have an insulator body having a cable base and a plurality of insulator sheds. The cable base has a ratchet locking mechanism to secure an electrical conductor to the insulator. In preferred embodiments, a cable support insulator is provided that has an insulator body includes a plurality of insulator sheds and a cable base. A locking base is connected to the cable base, and a retaining clamp is pivotally connected to the cable base. The cable base has a front end, a back end, and a seat adapted to receive a conductor cable. The locking base has a front plate having a plurality of ratchet teeth. The retaining clamp has a first retaining arm, a second retaining arm, and a locking blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Bendrix Wire & Cable, Inc.
    Inventor: May K. Cho
  • Publication number: 20090070998
    Abstract: In order to increase the clamping effect in an electrical screw connector used in industrial applications to fix or hold an electrical conductor, the support and contact surfaces for the electrical conductor are textured. According to the invention, the texturing of the support and contact surfaces for the electrical conductor is carried out by various production methods using embossing or stamping tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Follmann, Olaf Gemke, Heinz Reibke
  • Publication number: 20090025192
    Abstract: A clamp comprising a slide rail, a fixed arm integrally joined to the slide rail, and a slide arm movable on the slide rail is provided, the slide rail having in the cross section an overall height and an overall width having a ratio to each other, which ranges between 2.55:1 and 2.8:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Roesch, Michael Moesslein, Rainer Steinle, Michael Duss
  • Publication number: 20080295301
    Abstract: A spring-loaded clamp device including a C-shaped frame having first and second substantially opposing arms interconnected by an intermediate shank, the first arm having a substantially hollow carrier sleeve aligned substantially along a clamping direction oriented substantially transverse of the second arm, and the second arm having a thin and flat anvil portion positioned opposite from the carrier sleeve and further comprising an interior clamping surface that is oriented substantially transverse of the clamping direction. A clamping rod is carried in the hollow of the sleeve for longitudinal movement in the clamping direction toward an internal face of the second arm and in an opposite unclamping direction away from the second arm. An expansive biasing member is coupled for expanding the clamping rod for longitudinal movement along the clamping direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7432449
    Abstract: An electrical power line insulator has an end clamp with a saddle for supporting an electrical wire, a track provided on a front surface of the saddle, a keeper for compressing and supporting an electrical wire seated in the saddle, a bolt and a nut for fastening the keeper to the saddle and operable to horizontally move the keeper along the track, and an insulator housing secured to the end clamp and mounted on a support structure. The end clamp and the insulator housing are detachably assembled with each other by means of a cylindrical clamp base integrally provided on a lower portion of the saddle and the track of the clamp and an upper fitting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Bong Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 7386922
    Abstract: A two-piece clamping unit for attaching to a roof seam whereby a top piece contacts one side of the seam and a base piece contacts the opposite side thereof and the top and bottom pieces are threadingly secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Precision Molding
    Inventors: Martin Taylor, Tamas Koyacs, Randy Bald
  • Patent number: 6629720
    Abstract: An I-beam clamp comprises a body having a seat and defining a medial plane extending through and perpendicular to the seat and a normal plane aligned with the seat; a pair of pads mounted to the body for movement between respective closed positions beyond the seat, on opposite sides of and in spaced relation to the medial plane and in spaced relation to the normal plane, and open positions, whereat each pad is disposed, relative to its closed position, in a direction away from both the normal plane and the medial plane; and an actuator for effecting movement of the pads between their closed positions and their open positions. Clamp pairs can be secured to a disabled trailer undercarriage and a brace can be disposed between each pair. A saddle can be secured to each pair to urge the brace towards the undercarriage and support same for towing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Fraser Evans
  • Patent number: 6598275
    Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Steris, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kolody, Ward L. Sanders, Victor M. Selig, Joseph T. Sestak, Yury Keselman, Viroon Mai Ujjin, John von Buelow, Vijendra Nalwad, Richard C. Blanchard, Jonathan Scheiner
  • Publication number: 20030110604
    Abstract: A clamp device designed for use in the motion picture industry where there is a need for temporarily mounting and supporting various lighting and other hardware on or from available surfaces and fixtures without marring them. The clamp device basically includes a fixed jaw attached to one end of a threaded shaft and an adjustable jaw which is movably mounted on the threaded shaft. A threaded adjustment member is coupled to the adjustable jaw to control the position of the jaw along the threaded shaft. Both jaws are configured to accommodate a multiplicity of variously shaped surfaces and structural members on which they are designed to be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Kennard
  • Patent number: 6378819
    Abstract: An implement mounting assembly for attachment to a horizontal bar of a vehicle including a rigid mounting bracket, the mounting bracket having a U-shaped cross-section, the mounting bracket having a first generally rectangular front face and a second generally rectangular rear face, both of the faces having holes therein for receipt of bolts for connecting the bracket to a weight bar of a vehicle, and a hollow rigid receiver rigidly connected to the bracket, the receiver preferably being generally rectangular in cross-section and being oriented vertically upward when the bracket is connected to the weight bar; the rear face of the bracket preferably having a generally rectangular slot therein for placement over a supporting member which may be connected to the weight bar. Preferably the receiver has a collar located around the outside of the upper end thereof for providing additional strength to the upper end of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6327753
    Abstract: A clamp for securing wire rope or other flexible cord with a high retention force. The clamp of the present invention has an outer housing with a gripping surface therein for securing wire rope or other flexible cord placed therein against the opposing gripping surface of a traveling block, gripping force being applied by rotation of a threaded member in threaded engagement with outer housing. Wire rope or other flexible cord is thereby gripped with significant control over axial alignment and without compressing segments of wire rope or flexible cord together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Kennedy W. Rushing
  • Patent number: 6299117
    Abstract: An improved clamping device includes a clamping body, a clamp bolt, and a clamping plate. The clamping body has an open lower portion and a top plate at an upper portion. The top plate is formed with a top hole, a depression being formed at an outer periphery of the top hole and being provided with at least two depression holes. The clamping bolt has a clamping rod connected to a bolt plate. The bolt plate has an outwardly projecting bolt post. The clamping rod has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the top hole and is provided with threads. The bolt plate is sized to match the depression and provided with bolt holes corresponding to the depression holes. The clamping plate includes a bottom clamping portion, a top clamping portion, and a clamping wall, each of which is bent in a right-angle. The top clamping portion has a through hole sized to match the clamping rod and is provided with threads corresponding to those of the clamping rod. The clamping rod passes through the top hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 6253426
    Abstract: Many automotive radiators are now made with a metallic heat exchanger core and plastic top and bottom portions. A circumferencial lip on the plastic portions receives an O-ring. A flange on the core is folded over the lip and crimped to compress the O-ring between the lip and the flange to achieve a seal. When the crimp loosens, the radiator leaks. Current practice is to remove and replace the radiator since the leak cannot be repaired by brazing. The invention provides a clamp for slipping over the flange at the leak. Rotating one or more screw fasteners on the clamp compresses the crimped portion of the flange at the leak and the O-ring to repair the leak. The clamp remains in place without significant interference with function. The method of repair may be employed without removing the radiator from the vehicle. In may be performed without special skills or tools to greatly reduce the costs of leak repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles Miller, Roger Miller
  • Patent number: 6249936
    Abstract: A device for fixedly securing and releasing items located between counter members and against an abutting member, the device being capable of securing such items to or releasing such items from an end connector and actuating a wedgelock assembly through a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Matthew J. Webster
  • Patent number: 6131938
    Abstract: A receiver-type trailer hitch system embodiment of the present invention comprises a splint assembly with a pair of opposing clamps that simultaneously engage opposite sides of the outer surfaces of an open end of a hitch receiver tube and shank end of a trailer coupling adaptor after being locked into place with a clevis pin. The splint assembly is tightened with a pair of bolts in a vice-like assembly to bring the opposing clamps hard against the hitch receiver tube and the trailer coupling adaptor to eliminate wobble and free-play that would otherwise exist between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: William W. Speer
  • Patent number: 6131252
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for an exhaust gas system having two components, an exhaust gas system component which can be subjected to heat and a thermal shielding plate fitted beneath the exhaust gas system component and connected to it, including a connecting member arranged in such a way as to allow relative displacement of the exhaust gas system component and the thermal shielding plate in relation to each other as a result of differential thermal expansion behavior. The connecting member has sliding tongues with sliding surfaces for slidably engaging a first component with a predetermined spring force. Furthermore, the connecting member is rigidly connected to the second component and threaded clamping members make it possible to fix the second component onto the connecting member and to brace the connecting member with the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Hoheisel, Lutz Niemax, Thomas Kempernolte
  • Patent number: 6067693
    Abstract: A clamp with a pair of separable and adjustable arms including a main member. A pair of arms are adjustable coupled with the main member. The pair of arms each have an inner collar portion adapted for adjustable coupling with the main member. A pair of fingers are adjustably coupled with respect to the pair of arms. The pair of fingers each have a threaded rod receivable within the threaded apertures of the pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Shi-Jia Chen
  • Patent number: 6053288
    Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Alemite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul E. Okpokowuruk
  • Patent number: 5944146
    Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Alemite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul E. Okpokowuruk
  • Patent number: 5860197
    Abstract: A centering clamp which is particularly useful for clamping work pieces in jigs is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Phillip S. Fox
  • Patent number: 5826310
    Abstract: A bar clamp apparatus having a pair of opposing clamp jaws, with one of the clamp jaws slidably joined to a handle member. The handle member and attached clamp jaw are slidably mounted on a bar. The clamp jaw attached to the handle member includes a pin which slidably engages a pair of corresponding slots or tracks in the handle member, to allow the clamp jaw to slidably move relative to the handle member. A knob has an attached threaded screw which passes through a threaded bore in the handle member with the end of the screw contacting the clamp jaw on the handle member. Rotation of the knob advances the screw and moves and applies pressure to the clamp jaw attached to the handle member. A workpiece is positioned between the clamp jaws, and the first clamp jaw is moved towards the second clamp jaw by rotating the knob to advance the screw thereby holding the workpiece between the clamp jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Hobday Clamp Company
    Inventor: Harold W. Hobday
  • Patent number: 5769292
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus for securing an independent article securing implement to a support bar of an existing vehicle article carrier without requiring any disassembly of the support bar from the vehicle article carrier. The clamp apparatus includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion includes a channel portion and a hook portion and the second body portion includes a base portion slidably engageable within the channel portion, and a hook portion. The first and second body portions are clamped over a support bar through the use of an elongated threaded fastener and fastening nut, which provides a significant degree of adjustability to accommodate support bars having varying cross-sectional widths. A pair of elongated, slot-like openings are formed in the first body portion and a pair of openings are also formed in the second body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Jon D. Sparham
  • Patent number: 5657882
    Abstract: A cue holder including an upper member and a lower member having a plurality of rubber lined holders for cues and having a set of aligned jaws for removable attachment to a table. The jaws are adjusted by a threaded knob received in a horizontal opening in the lower jaw and on to a threaded bolt. As the knob is rotated, the lower jaw moves up and down relative to the upper jaw. A peg may be secured in the upper jaw and slidingly received in the lower jaw to prevent rotation of the jaws relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Jaye J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5586373
    Abstract: A clamp includes a pair of relatively movable clamping members carrying clamping pods for engaging articles and holding them together. One of the members includes an arm having larger and smaller cross-sectional portions with a bore extending therethrough. The other member includes an arm which slidably engages the arm of the other member through a tongue-and-groove connection. A bore in the arm of the other member is coaxial with the bore in the other member. A rotatable fastener extends through one of the boxes and is threadedly engaged with the other bore. The larger cross-sectional area stiffens the member at its weakest point thereby permitting materials such as plastic to be used in the manufacture of the clamp. The tongue-and-groove connection assures alignment of the members during clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Grrreat Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Devon Eby, Dale Love, James L. Reed
  • Patent number: 5526554
    Abstract: A device for connecting movable elements such as wheelchairs or gurneys to a vehicle body for transportation has a clamping assembly mounted on a threaded rod which is secured to the vehicle body at its one end. The clamping assembly includes a fork member for engaging the movable element and a nut coupled to the fork member. The nut has a threaded bore and an intersecting inclined passing bore of larger diameter. When the device is not under load, the nut can be tilted so that the assembly can slide easily along the rod via the passing bore. When the assembly is under load the nut is locked on the rod via the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Esgleas G. Runde
  • Patent number: 5369850
    Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a pair of elongated upper and lower clamping members each having a pair of first and second transverse channels being spaced from one another and formed in confronting faces of the clamping members, a pair of gripping plates being disposed in the second channels of the clamping members, and a fastener releasably connect the upper and lower clamping members together at middle portions thereof extending between the first and second channels of the clamping members for providing simultaneously dual gripping of a portion of an awning between the gripping plates in the second channels of the clamping members and of an awning support brace portion between the clamping members in the first channels thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Jess J. Noble
  • Patent number: 5355539
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) is provided for releasably connecting a mobile support stand (52) with a patient transport device such as a gurney (54), in order to allow patient transfer with the support stand while eliminating the need for extra transport personnel. The clamping assembly (10) preferably includes a pair of opposed, laterally spaced apart jaws (20, 22) interconnected by a central bight section (24). A pair of oppositely extending elongated connection elements (14, 16) are secured to the opposed faces of the bight section (24), and permit the clamping assembly to be releasably and pivotally inserted into a tubular section (66) conventionally provided as a part of the gurney (54). A clamping screw (18) is threadably received by one of the jaws (20) and cooperates with the opposed jaw (22) for securely clamping the upright standard (60) of the pole unit (52) within the clamping assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: St. Francis Research Institute
    Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger
  • Patent number: 5339500
    Abstract: A holding clamp for connecting together two sheets of material, at least one of which is susceptible to expansion. The clamp has a thread leg having a thread portion for receipt of a threaded member and a pair of clamping legs integrally joined at one end to form a C-shaped structure adapted to receive therebetween a sheet of expandable material, the thread leg being connected to an opposite end of one of the legs of the clamp. Each clamping leg has a through hole in line with the thread portion of the thread leg through which can pass the threaded member and an annular flange around each through hole that extends inwardly from the inner surface of each clamping leg that faces the other clamping leg and toward said other leg, the flanges abutting each other when the two clamping legs are brought together by the threaded member to keep the two legs apart a distance greater than the thickness of the expandable sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: A. Raymond GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Muller, deceased, Klaus Hullmann
  • Patent number: 5332184
    Abstract: A pole clamp assembly (10), and a method of using same, involves two jaws (14, 16) mounted on a base frame, or housing, (12) with a first (14) of the jaws being movable on the frame along two parallel curved tracks between closed and open positions and a selectively-actuatable biasing mechanism (18) comprising an elastic or spring member (38, 102) attached between the movable jaw (14) and a reel or hub (36, 36'). By selectively moving the hub between open and closed positions, the biasing mechanism moves the jaw between the closed and open positions, but if the jaw is held in the closed position, for example, which it will be if the clamp is engaged with a pole, the biasing mechanism flexes when the hub is moved to the open position to allow the movable jaw to remain in the closed position. When the jaw is no longer held in the closed position it snaps to the open position under the influence of the biasing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: TREK Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5320314
    Abstract: The moving parts of the clamping mechanism are enclosed within a hollowed out enlarged casing at the base of the stabilizer post. The hooked base of the post forms the bottom of the clamp. Inside the post casing the hooked top of the clamp is attached to two side panels with angled slots. A screw through a back panel engages a large rectangular nut fitted with angled protruding blocks on each side of the nut. The nut protruding blocks fit into the angled slots of the side panels. The bolt is rotataly fixed at one end so turning it moves the nut forward and backward along the screw. When the bolt is turned and the nut moves horizontally on the bolt, the side panels move up and down. The hooked top of the clamp moves up or down engaging and releasing a side rail of an operating table between the clamp elements. A relatively flat knob to turn the screw is the only protrusion from the post casing at the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventors: John R. Bookwalter, William H. Bookwalter
  • Patent number: 5276949
    Abstract: An improved mount for motion Picture Lighting and Rigging Equipment. A strong, light-weight mount that can be quickly and securely clamped to a variety of objects of different sizes and shapes. The clamping jaw (22) (23) faces are always parallel to each other and are padded to protect the objects being clamped. All major components (21) (22) (23) (24) are rust proof. The components of the mount can be rearranged to suit specific clamping situations.The shaft (21) of this mount will fit into existing support devices used in the motion picture industry. Thus, this mount can also be used to hold various objects on a movie set and serve as a connection between those objects and the existing support devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Steven L. Cordellini
  • Patent number: 5131780
    Abstract: A clamp having an L-shaped body member and a U-shaped body member laterally shiftably connected relative to one another by a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Grrreat Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Love