Wedge Patents (Class 254/104)
  • Patent number: 8393596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool (1) for forcing a door comprising:—an elongated shaft (2); and—a head (5) fixed to the shaft (2) at the front end thereof, the head (5) having a base part (6) provided with a striking surface (7) on a first side for receiving impacts from a striking tool and a wedge part (8) extending from the base part on the opposite side thereof essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The wedge part comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and two side walls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface on opposite sides of the wedge part. Each one of the side walls is provided with cutting edges (44) extending in parallel to each other or at least essentially in parallel to each other between the bottom surface and the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gränsfors Smide i Gnarp AB
    Inventor: Peter Lindskog
  • Publication number: 20130045074
    Abstract: A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis includes a frame having a first fulcrum surface and a second fulcrum surface, a first effector arm that pivots about the first fulcrum surface, a second effector arm that pivots about the second fulcrum surface, and an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: FAST FUSION, LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. McKinley
  • Patent number: 8322687
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system provides a releasable mechanical lock between telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a stationary backing wedge block that defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft and piston is supported generally parallel to the backing wedge block. A slidable wedge block biased by a spring to a locked position is supported for reciprocal movement on the shaft along the angled smooth surface. Hydraulic fluid urges the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lift Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Faccio, Christopher R. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8234937
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Prem Anand Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 8191191
    Abstract: A mattress lift apparatus is provided for insertion between a mattress and an underlying support structure, such as a box spring. The mattress lift apparatus elevates a portion of the mattress so that bed linens may be tucked between the mattress and the underlying support structure. A continuous loop is formed by a base member, an incline member, a transition member and a handle member, wherein the continuous loop provides structural integrity to the mattress lift apparatus. An aperture is formed within the continuous loop, including along an inside portion of the handle member to enable the handle member to be gripped. In one embodiment, the handle member includes a substantially semi-circular shape. In another embodiment, at least one support rib is positioned in the aperture to mechanically couple the base member and at least one of the inclined member and the transition member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cadence Keen Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam Montross
  • Publication number: 20120119174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for opening a door by staving it in, which device can exert a thrust on the vertical surface of the door and stave it in when the device is positioned against the door on the side to which it opens by being pulled, the device comprising an actuator, an intermediate soleplate (6), and an upper jacking bar (7), the device being characterized in that it comprises an upper jacking device (10) fixed in hinged manner to the upper end of said upper jacking bar (7), and comprising at least one wedging and locking device (12) forming: a front flat portion (12a) that can be introduced into a slit (3a) between the door frame (2) and the upper end (31) of the door (3); and a riser portion (12b) extending in a longitudinal direction YY? perpendicular to said front flat portion (12a) and above it, and a rear portion (12c) located at the base of and behind said riser part, at the underside of which a fixing element (12d) is capable of allowing pivotal hinging of said wedging and loc
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: LIBERVIT
    Inventor: Yvan Cardona
  • Publication number: 20120112036
    Abstract: Disclosed are various wedges that may be used in a restrainer bracket of a jet pump assembly. The jet pump assembly may include a restrainer bracket having an upper bracket and a lower bracket connected to an inlet mixer. A wedge may be provided between the upper bracket and the lower bracket and a wedge rod may pass through a slotted hole of the wedge. Ends of the wedge rod may be attached to the upper and lower brackets. The restrainer bracket may further include a yolk-like member which surrounds the inlet mixer and is connected to a riser pipe. The wedge may include an inclined surface which is configured to engage with a restrainer bracket pad of the yolk-like member. The wedges may further include inner curved surfaces which contact the wedge rod and the inner curved surfaces may be part of an insert that may be inserted in the wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Robin D. Sprague, Michael S. DeFilippis
  • Publication number: 20120085981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool (1) for forcing a door comprising: —an elongated shaft (2); and—a head (5) fixed to the shaft (2) at the front end thereof, the head (5) having a base part (6) provided with a striking surface (7) on a first side for receiving impacts from a striking tool and a wedge part (8) extending from the base part on the opposite side thereof essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The wedge part comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and two side walls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface on opposite sides of the wedge part. Each one of said side walls is provided with cutting edges (44) extending in parallel to each other or at least essentially in parallel to each other between the bottom surface and the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Lindskog
  • Patent number: 8136308
    Abstract: A wedge set for use in fastening floor joists consists of two interslidable wedge members (1, 2) adapted to abut each other along cooperating first abutment surfaces (3, 10), each wedge member (1, 2) having a second abutment surface (4, 11) forming an acute angle with the corresponding first abutment surface. The second abutment surfaces (4, 11) on the two wedge members (1, 2) of the wedge set extend substantially parallel to each other. The wedge members (1, 2) have cooperating locking means (6, 7, 13, 14), which are adapted for retaining them from a mutual displacement so that the distance between their second abutment surfaces (4, 11) is reduced, and retaining means (9, 15), which are adapted for retaining the first abutment surfaces (3, 10) in abutment with each other. The first abutment surfaces (3, 10) are plane and the locking means (6) consist of ratchets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Junckers Industrier A/S
    Inventors: Ole Slott, Thomas Flindt
  • Patent number: 8002902
    Abstract: The boiler cleaning apparatus and method provides for cleaning the exterior surfaces of a heat exchanger. The apparatus and method include tools and steps, respectively, for temporarily spreading tubes with a wedge and holding open the tubes with a block to form and gain access to tube lanes. Once access to a lane is attained, a nozzle assembly having an outlet for blowing high velocity cleaning fluid is selected from a group of nozzle assemblies. The selected nozzle assembly will have an outlet for blowing fluid in a direction that effectively cleans the tubes adjacent the opened lane. After the tubes are cleaned the tool for holding the lane opened is removed and the process is repeated for another lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Krowech
  • Publication number: 20110062400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool (1) for forcing a door comprising:—an elongated shaft (2) having a front end and a rear end;—a handgrip (10) located between the front end and the rear end of the shaft; and—a head (5) fixed to the shaft at the front end thereof, the head having a base part (6) provided with a striking surface (7) on a first side for receiving impacts from a striking tool and a wedge part (8) extending from the base part on the opposite side thereof essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Lindskog
  • Patent number: 7905465
    Abstract: A shimless aligner for insertion between a machine foot and base to align the foot relative to the base, which foot and base are secured together by a hold-down bolt extending between the foot and base. The aligner includes, a top plate having a slanted bottom surface, a taper wedge having a slanted top surface slidably engaging the slanted bottom surface of the top plate and further having a vertical alignment rod extending substantially laterally, a bottom plate below the taper wedge, and a back plate attached substantially perpendicularly at one end of the bottom plate. For receiving the hold-down bolt, the top and bottom plates have a corresponding hole, while the taper wedge has a slot. Said back plate has a hole for the vertical alignment rod to slidably engage the hole thereby preventing rotation of the taper wedge during vertical alignment operations and preserving bent foot corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Softway Industrial Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Abdul Gaffar Mohammad Anwar
  • Publication number: 20110023998
    Abstract: A wood splitting wedge having high level of splitting capacity and durability and capable of splitting a log into four pieces at once. The wood splitting wedge is comprised of main twice-inclined splitting ribs (3) compatible with the sides of upper and lower regular tetrahedral pyramids and complemented by supplementary pushing ribs (7) compatible with the ribs of supplementary regular tetrahedral pyramid having smaller section and revolved at 45° relative to upper and lower pyramids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Patvakan Hakhinyan, Karen Gasparyan
  • Patent number: 7774913
    Abstract: A device for separating opposed ceramic elements from a metal base member, the device including a rigid body shaped complementarily to an inside surface of the base member and receivable therein. Opposed wedge members are mounted are in the body wall. The body includes a threaded interior surface. A bolt is included for threaded engagement with the interior surface and has a conically-shaped end. Each wedge member is engageable with one of the ceramic elements, such that upon inserting of the body in the base member and threaded movement of the bolt inward to the body, the end of the bolt engages the wedge members to urge the wedge members outward through a body wall to engage the ceramic elements to urge the ceramic elements apart and to separate from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard M. Murdy, John C. Simmons, James R. Blake, Timothy L. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20100108773
    Abstract: A rail brace assembly is adapted to buttress the head of a stock rail selected from one of two different stock rail groups mounted on the top surface of a brace plate. The assembly includes a stop block assembly also is affixed to the brace plate top surface. A rail brace moveable between a first brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a first stock rail group and a second brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a second stock rail group, has a pair of spaced side walls, a upwardly facing top surface, first rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, second rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, a first rail group brace plate contact surface and a second rail group brace plate contact surface. An elastic fastener cooperates with a clip housing to clamp the rail brace against the stock rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: James A. Remington, Karl E. Axthelm, Phillip R. Merrifield
  • Publication number: 20100088870
    Abstract: A tool for removing sheathing, decking material and the like includes a generally wedge-shaped head and a handle having a base end portion integrally connected to the head and a free end portion projecting rearwardly from a rear end of the head. A fulcrum member removably connects to the head proximate the rear end thereof so as to extend in a direction transverse to the handle to provide a fulcrum during operation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Hoolahan, Frank J. Pirnat
  • Patent number: 7621504
    Abstract: A cribbing apparatus for stabilizing a post-accident vehicle against unwanted movement of the vehicle during a rescue operation in which a victim trapped in the vehicle is to be extricated from the vehicle including a cribbing block having a two cribbing block portions, one of which is vertically movable with respect to the second in order to fill a space between the vehicle and the ground. The cribbing block includes a stair-stepped upper surface to facilitate the placement of the cribbing beneath vehicles of various ground clearances. The first cribbing block portion is raised to further fill space between the vehicle and the ground on high clearance vehicles, such as SUVs, Trucks and Buses. The structure and operation of the cribbing apparatus eliminates the need to forcefully jam cribbing into place between the vehicle and the ground and eliminates the need to stack cribbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Craig McCallum
  • Publication number: 20090282631
    Abstract: The boiler cleaning apparatus and method provides for cleaning the exterior surfaces of a heat exchanger. The apparatus includes tools for temporarily spreading and holding open a tube bank to form and gain access to tube lanes. Once access to a lane is attained, a nozzle assembly having an outlet for blowing high velocity cleaning fluid is selected from a group of nozzle assemblies. The selected nozzle assembly will have an outlet for blowing fluid in a direction that effectively cleans the tubes adjacent the opened lane. After the tubes are cleaned the tool for holding the lane opened is removed and the process is repeated for another lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Krowech
  • Publication number: 20090026427
    Abstract: A cribbing apparatus for stabilizing a post-accident vehicle against unwanted movement of the vehicle during a rescue operation in which a victim trapped in the vehicle is to be extricated from the vehicle including a cribbing block having a two cribbing block portions, one of which is vertically movable with respect to the second in order to fill a space between the vehicle and the ground. The cribbing block includes a stair-stepped upper surface to facilitate the placement of the cribbing beneath vehicles of various ground clearances. The first cribbing block portion is raised to further fill space between the vehicle and the ground on high clearance vehicles, such as SUVs, Trucks and Buses. The structure and operation of the cribbing apparatus eliminates the need to forcefully jam cribbing into place between the vehicle and the ground and eliminates the need to stack cribbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Craig McCallum
  • Patent number: 7357364
    Abstract: Support devices are adapted for use to releasably attach mounting items to structures constructed of brick, stone, concrete or cinder block, or other comparable materials. The devices have expander and support portions. The expander portion have two inter-fitting wedge members which slidably and adjustably engage with each other for adjustable insertion and fixation within gaps, such as mortar joints between bricks, stones or blocks. The support portions removably attach to the expander portions, and have support members in the form of hooks, clips, pegs, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Jackson, Gary Fick
  • Publication number: 20080052882
    Abstract: A clamp for joining two hull sections is disclosed. In some embodiments, the clamp is realized by a bulkhead and a wedge, wherein the wedge forces the two hull sections into a seated position on the bulkhead. In some embodiments, the clamp further comprises o-rings for providing a pressure seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin J. Mackie
  • Patent number: 7328879
    Abstract: A bearing washer is inserted into a horizontally elongated recess formed within the top flat surface of an upper tapered wedge of a support assembly through which equipment is adjustably positioned on a foundation. The upper wedge is vertically and horizontally adjusted in slidingly positioned contact with a lower tapered wedge along inclined surfaces within a recess formed therein before attachment of the tapered wedges to each other by horizontal fastener bolts extending through the upper wedge and the lower wedge. In such adjusted position of the wedges, a convex surface on the inserted bearing washer is in contact with a concave surface within a recess formed in the top surface of the upper wedge to support the equipment in close spaced relationship thereabove. Slidable adjustment of the wedges is limited by a recess shoulder in the lower tapered wedge to avoid excessive loading of the fastener bolts under severe shock and vibration conditions imposed on the equipment positioned on the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gus F. Plangetis
  • Patent number: 7292443
    Abstract: A heat sink mounting assembly includes a retention module having a bottom and a pair of posts extending from the bottom. A heat sink is located on the bottom of the retention module. A clip spans across the heat sink and includes a clamping member having first and second legs releasably engaging with the posts of the retention module, and a pressing member having a first end thereof pivotably engaging with a first end of the clamping member. The pressing member has a pressing portion pressing the heat sink toward the retention module when a second end of the pressing member is depressed to engage with a pair of ears formed at a second end of the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tien Lai, Cui-Jun Lu, Song-Shui Liu
  • Patent number: 7272204
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided which are designed to structurally replace welds that attach a riser brace assembly to a jet pump riser pipe. The riser brace assembly may include an upper clamp assembly, a lower clamp assembly, and a plurality of mechanical fasteners to provide clamping forces to the upper clamp assembly and the lower clamp assembly. The upper clamp assembly and the lower clamp assembly sandwich a riser brace support, wherein the riser brace support is provided with at least one through-hole to accommodate the plurality of mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7156431
    Abstract: Wedge couple for fixing and wedging-up of windows and doors in connection with their mounting in a wall opening, and associated with mounting shears with which the wedges can be located and tightened by means of a shearing operation with one hand. The wedge couple includes two flat wedges oriented in mutually opposite directions, each with a thick end and a thin end. The thin end of one wedge is connected to the thick end of the other wedge by means of a thin deformable plate which ensures that the two wedges are correctly arranged in relation to each other and able to be displaced only parallel towards each other in their longitudinal direction, when they are being forced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Keld Norgaard
  • Patent number: 7093669
    Abstract: An impact tool, comprising: a shaft; a stop on the shaft; a slider movable on the shaft for striking the stop to create an impact force; and a handle on the slider to allow a user to move the slider. The handle isolates the impact force from the user by being movably attached to the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 7059223
    Abstract: A tool to replace motorcycle brake pads is used for back seating disc brake pistons into their bores to make room for replacement of old brake pads with new brake pads. The tool comprises a pair of curved elongated substantially flat members wedged at both ends that mount onto either side of wheel assembly disc or rotor. Once mounted upon the disc or rotor, the wheel assembly is rotated, causing the wedged ends to slide in between the disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc or rotor. This forcing the seating of disc brake pistons into their bores when the plateaued section of the tool is forced between the seating disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc or rotor, thus making room for the installation of new brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: William Arias
  • Patent number: 6991010
    Abstract: A splitting head for a log splitting apparatus includes abutting primary and secondary splitting assemblies, each having a circular securing ring that holds wedge members having cutting edges directed toward the log. The cutting edges of the secondary assembly split into smaller pieces the pieces produced by the primary assembly, producing a bundle of elongated pieces of firewood in parallel array and wherein the center of the bundle has not been compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6866249
    Abstract: The B-post extension device is a movable support base utilized in emergency rescue situations involving automobiles, specifically door openings, the device providing for an adjustable support base for an extension ram, the device being placed against a support structure within the automobile, the device further having an adjustable slide plate secured upon at least two support rod arms, the support rod arms spanning a distance between a heel portion and a toe portion, the toe and heel portion resting against the automobile support structure, reducing the distance required to be pushed by the extension ram and providing readjustment for the increasing span of the door opening during extension and recovery of the extension ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Shane Campbell, Alan Sanders
  • Patent number: 6862965
    Abstract: A tool to replace motorcycle brake pads is used for back seating disc brake pistons into their bores to make room for replacement of old brake pads with new brake pads. The tool comprises a pair of curved elongated substantially flat members wedged at one end that mount onto either side of wheel assembly discs. Once mounted and secured upon the discs, the wheel assembly is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the wedged ends to slide in between the disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc. This forcing the seating of disc brake pistons into their bores when the plateaued section of the tool is forced between the seating disc brake pistons and the wheel assembly disc, thus making room for the installation of new brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: William Arias
  • Publication number: 20040159369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to manually operated device comprising a conical threaded part having in top an aperture for connecting a replaceable threaded screw which is engaged into a saw cut for loosen the guide bar of chain saw stucked into a tree, a cylindrical part having apertures is formed in bottom of the conical part for receiving a power bar having a connecting means at each end for receiving a circular handle member, and a lower part having a flat face with end generally circular is formed in bottom of the cylindrical part, which allows the user to use a crescent wrench if need be.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Gilles Lessard
  • Patent number: 6763560
    Abstract: A bucket spreading tool is disclosed for separating covers of adjacent turbine buckets, the tool includes: an arm for extending a head of the tool between adjacent turbine wheels and for positioning the head between the adjacent buckets of a wheel, wherein the head includes an attachment to an end of the arm and a forward portion having a front side surface shaped to engage a first bucket of said adjacent buckets, and a rear side surface shaped to engage a second bucket of said adjacent buckets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dwight McGee, Mike Tessier, Gary Senecal, Kiernan Francis Ryan
  • Patent number: 6726179
    Abstract: A fifth wheel helper is adapted to be inserted underneath a fifth wheel hitch plate to hold it in a horizontal position so that the truck can be pulled forward after the king pin of the trailer has been trapped behind the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel helper comprises a solid piece of material having a tapered first end and a flat second end and an indentation on an underside thereof for engaging a truck frame rail to hold the fifth wheel helper underneath the hitch plate. A safety bolt is provided for locking the fifth wheel helper on the truck frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: John Howard Ketchapaw, Clifford Ketchapaw
  • Patent number: 6715257
    Abstract: An improved construction member or joist is disclosed that includes upper and lower chords connected by various members including first and second trimmable webs at either end thereof, which webs include end portions received in grooves in the upper and lower chords. Significantly, the profile of the end portions of the webs includes at least one notch or ridge that fits within a corresponding notch or ridge in the chord to provide a more secure attachment, even under unusual loading conditions. Supplemental webs are also provided that can be attached to the member at various locations to provide an additional degree of support only where needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kent Trusses
    Inventors: Michael L. Kent, Andrew G. Forsayeth
  • Patent number: 6702246
    Abstract: A leveling device for heavy loads having a weldable base (10) and a cast iron cover (12) secured thereto with a wedge (32) disposed within the cover (12) and slidably supported on the base (10), a wedge follower (58) resting on the wedge (32) and extending through the cover (12), a spherical washer (106) seated at an upper end of the wedge follower (58), an adjusting screw (82) for adjusting the position of the wedge (32) within the cover (12), and a wedge position indicator (96) extending upwardly through the cover (12) to show the position of the wedge (32) therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick G. Schriever
  • Patent number: 6675461
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic dipole antenna employing one or more spacers is disclosed. The magnetic dipole antenna having three plates, where each plate has holes for inserting one or more spacers through the bottom and middle plates. The distance separation between the top plate and the middle plate of the magnetic dipole antenna determines the operational frequency. Spacers are used to adjust and secure gap between top and middle plates and fix operational frequency of antenna at desired target frequency. A coaxial cable is attached to the magnetic dipole antenna for measuring the resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Rowson, Laurent Desclos, Gregory Poilasne
  • Patent number: 6647083
    Abstract: A vibration mitigation clamp apparatus is provided, which is designed to stiffen a riser brace assembly in a nuclear reactor so as to increase the natural vibration frequency of the riser brace assembly. In an embodiment, the vibration mitigation clamp apparatus may include a first plate, a second plate and a wedge assembly. The vibration mitigation clamp apparatus is attached to upper and lower riser brace leaves of the riser brace assembly, at a location near a weld that attaches the leaves to a riser brace block of the riser brace assembly that is affixed to an RPV sidewall. The wedge assembly is expandable to apply forces on inside surfaces of the riser brace leaves, countering clamping forces applied to the first and second plate to fixedly secure the vibration mitigation clamp apparatus on the riser brace assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6616128
    Abstract: The assembly of the present invention provides a number of deployable wedges, each of which may incorporate a brightly colored, reflective surface to make the wedge easily locatable visually. Each wedge provides a series of alternating notches and ridges that are formed in opposing faces of each wedge to ensure positive engagement between a door and a doorframe. This notched configuration also ensures that one wedge, used in tandem with another wedge, is highly resistant to slippage of any kind between the two wedges. Each wedge utilizes a structural configuration that maximizes strength of the wedge while minimizing any extra weight, something that is to be avoided by firefighters who are already heavily burdened with other firefighting equipment and protective gear. This structural configuration allows each wedge to be used as a tool for turning a valve when such is desired or required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: William L. Selzer
  • Publication number: 20030151035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating device (1, 100) that includes a wedge (30, 130) that extends between first and second plates (10, 110, 20, 120). At least one of the plates (10, 110, 20, 120) is supported by a support device (e.g. a bar 31). The support device supports the or each plate (10, 110, 20, 120) whilst the device (10, 110, 20, 120) is in use so that the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120) are substantially prevented from bending or twisting due to the forces applied to the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, David Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20030102468
    Abstract: The assembly of the present invention provides a number of deployable wedges, each of which may incorporate a brightly colored, reflective surface to make the wedge easily locatable visually. Each wedge provides a series of alternating notches and ridges that are formed in opposing faces of each wedge to ensure positive engagement between a door and a doorframe. This notched configuration also ensures that one wedge, used in tandem with another wedge, is highly resistant to slippage of any kind between the two wedges. Each wedge utilizes a structural configuration that maximizes strength of the wedge while minimizing any extra weight, something that is to be avoided by firefighters who are already heavily burdened with other firefighting equipment and protective gear. This structural configuration allows each wedge to be used as a tool for turning a valve when such is desired or required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: William L. Selzer
  • Patent number: 6561486
    Abstract: A compact, vacuum compatible motorized jack for supporting heavy loads and adjusting their positions is provided. The motorized jack includes: (a) a housing having a base; (b) a first roller device that provides a first slidable surface and that is secured to the base; (c) a second roller device that provides a second slidable surface and that has an upper surface; (d) a wedge that is slidably positioned between the first roller device and the second roller device so that the wedge is in contact with the first slidable surface and the second slidable surface; (e) a motor; and (d) a drive mechanism that connects the motor and the wedge to cause the motor to controllably move the wedge forwards or backwards. Individual motorized jacks can support and lift of an object at an angle. Two or more motorized jacks can provide tip, tilt and vertical position adjustment capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: EUV LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Haney, Donald Joe Herron
  • Publication number: 20030071250
    Abstract: A tool to be used with fifth wheels, comprising of a solid piece of material approximately seventeen inches and five centimeters in length and roughly three inches and five centimeters tall. With an angled front that allows easy use in situations involving a king pin of a commercial towing unit becoming stuck behind a fifth wheel. An indentation on the bottom allows for security to the frame of the towing unit and a safety bolt allows for locking protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: John Howard Ketchapaw, Clifford Ketchapaw
  • Patent number: 6533004
    Abstract: A wood-splitting impact tool with an enhanced wood-splitting function by virtue of its improved penetration and its reduced recoil. Improving the penetration of the wedge is achieved by fabricating the wedge of aluminum, titanium, graphite composite or alloys thereof, or any lightweight material that has rare energy transfer capability. Penetration into wood is further enhanced by using a frictionless or smooth surface coating on the penetrating surfaces of the wedge, such coating being PTFE, Teflon®, or anodized aluminum. The wedge and its cutting edge surfaces can be anodized to toughen as well as smooth all surfaces subject to deformation. The surface of the wedge is structurally decreased in recoil by interrupting the metal surface with small, periodic, directional or stepped abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Harris G. Thor
  • Patent number: 6463114
    Abstract: A jacking device includes first, second, and third members (51, 52, 53), and a jacking screw (55). The first and second members (51, 52) have sloping side portions (57). The third member (53) has a plurality of sloped side portions (57) and a threaded opening (67) extending from its top portion (69) through to its bottom portion (59). The third member (53) is movably supported between the first and second members (51, 52). The jacking screw (55) engages the threaded opening (67) in the third member (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Adrian P. Wivagg
  • Patent number: 6390162
    Abstract: A log splitter is disclosed as employing a fluid driven hammer adapted to impart successive log splitting movements to a log splitting element, a manually operable parallelogram linkage for supporting the hammer for vertical movement relative to an upper position for removably positioning the splitting element in engagement with a log to be split, and a control for controlling operation of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Donald P. Sahlem
  • Patent number: 6364289
    Abstract: A locksmith's wedge for opening vehicle doors includes a tapered lower body and a channelized upper body. The tapered lower body is sized to slide between the outer wiper and outer surface of a vehicle's window, thereby separating the wiper from the window so that a locksmith's unlocking tool may be inserted. The tapered lower body includes a tapered lower edge, a slightly ramped surface and a generally parabolic blade surface. A channelized upper body includes opposed sidewalls defining a channel between them. A parabolic inner surface extends the length of the wedge, on the side opposite the the sidewalls. A pair of tapered sides, adjacent to the parabolic inner surface, taper from a wide point adjacent to the top to a narrow point adjacent to the lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Cook
  • Patent number: 6354569
    Abstract: Cribbing apparatus for stabilizing a post-accident vehicle against unwanted shifting of the vehicle during a rescue operation in which a victim trapped in the vehicle is to be extricated from the vehicle includes cribbing blocks hinged together for pivotal movement to fill a space between the vehicle and the ground at the site of an accident. A wedge is inserted between the pivotally connected cribbing blocks for operating the cribbing apparatus without jolts and dislocations which otherwise could cause shifting and concomitant increased danger of injury to the victim, as well as to a rescuer. A hinge includes leaves and wings in U-shaped configurations which deter skewing of the cribbing blocks during pivotal movements. The cribbing blocks include grooves for reception of the wedge such that skewing or collapse of the wedge is deterred by virtue of the confined movement of the wedge within the grooves during operation of the cribbing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Michael C. Gioia
  • Patent number: 6354058
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes several disadvantages in conventional tile installation by providing tile regulators and a method of using them that provide both the proper grout spacing between tiles and vertical and horizontal plumb levels of the tiles, which regulators enhance the ease of installing the tiles and the final appearance of the newly laid tile. The present tile regulators are designed to compensate for the existing limiting conditions associated with conventional regulating products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher H. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20020027221
    Abstract: A compact, vacuum compatible motorized jack for supporting heavy loads and adjusting their positions is provided. The motorized jack includes: (a) a housing having a base; (b) a first roller device that provides a first slidable surface and that is secured to the base; (c) a second roller device that provides a second slidable surface and that has an upper surface; (d) a wedge that is slidably positioned between the first roller device and the second roller device so that the wedge is in contact with the first slidable surface and the second slidable surface; (e) a motor; and (d) a drive mechanism that connects the motor and the wedge to cause the motor to controllably move the wedge forwards or backwards. Individual motorized jacks can support and lift of an object at an angle. Two or more motorized jacks can provide tip, tilt and vertical position adjustment capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Steven J. Haney, Donald Joe Herron
  • Patent number: 6343444
    Abstract: Provided is a plumbing device for plumbing and connection of a long member, at the time of installation vertically of the long member on an upper end of a lower member, which is used for plumbing the installed long member to connect with the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsumotokoumuten, Matsumura-gumi Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsusei Minami