Step-by-step Traveling Bar Patents (Class 254/105)
  • Patent number: 11719049
    Abstract: A subsea vertical drilling machine is disclosed, having: a drill assembly formed by: a riser pipe having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first and second ends; and a drilling machine body, including a drilling head, coupled to the first end of the riser pipe; and a vertical feed system configured for advancing the drill assembly in a vertical direction. The riser pipe is provided with at least one rack extending along at least a part of the length of the riser pipe, and the vertical feed system comprises a motor coupled to a pinion, the pinion arranged for engaging with the rack for advancing the drill assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FNV IP B.V.
    Inventors: Peter David Richards, James Alexander Amos
  • Patent number: 10196248
    Abstract: A jack for lifting segments of a structure includes a pair of masts, a mast base, a mast cap, a hydraulic ram, a bottom bracket and a shuttle. The masts are identical and upright with a plurality of evenly spaced holes. The mast base supports the mast and the mast cap receives the upper ends of the masts and maintains the masts in a parallel, relationship. The hydraulic ram moves between a retracted position and an extended position with a stroke distance which is significantly less than the mast height. The bottom bracket is removably pinned to the masts and receives and supports the lower end of the hydraulic ram. The shuttle receives the upper end of the hydraulic ram. The bottom bracket and shuttle, when not pinned to the masts, can slide vertically up the masts. The shuttle includes features for connecting to a segment of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Wesley Allen Bainter, Jeffrey Daniel Bonnet, Julius Peter Van de Pas
  • Patent number: 9808899
    Abstract: A method for mutually positioning tubes. End faces, which includes a generally annular and generally circular end surface near an inner surface of the tube and a beveled edge surface connecting the end surface to an outer surface of the tube, are provided on first and second tubes, respectively. Plural clamping cylinders are engaged with the first and second tubes, respectively. Each cylinder is radially arranged onto and evenly distributed around respective tubes. The first and second tubes are pre-positioned relative to each other such that their respective end faces are opposite each other. At least one radial offset is assessed between the respective end surfaces of the first and second tubes. The clamping cylinders of the first and/or second tube are moved relative to each other in accordance with the assessed radial offset based on an optimization of areas in which their respective end surfaces coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SERIMAX
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Dagenais
  • Patent number: 9702105
    Abstract: A device for translationally maneuvering a structure able to move with respect to a fixed support, includes at least one rack and at least one output pinion which is driven by motor elements via a gear train borne by a chassis. At least one element of the gear train consists in a slave element borne by a shaft equipped with torque limiting elements collaborating with the chassis and having a limit torque which is determined so as to: immobilize the slave element in terms of rotation with respect to the chassis when its torque is below the limit torque to permit translational maneuvering of the mobile structure by the turning of the output pinion; and allow the slave element to rotate with respect to the chassis when its torque is higher than the limit torque, to avoid a static or dynamic overload being applied to the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: NOV-BLM
    Inventor: Francois Desprez
  • Patent number: 9519205
    Abstract: A projection image display device includes a rod lens of rectangular cross section, into which white light from a light source enters, and exits as diffused light of uniform illumination intensity. The rod lens is provided with: only a single pair of rods which are formed by splitting the rod lens along the optical axis so as to bifurcate it along long sides of the rectangular cross section, and which have a thin filmed formed on a portion at the periphery of the mutually opposed surfaces thereof; and with a cover part that covers the outside periphery of the pair of rods, for retaining the pair of rods in such a way that the rods are opposed a slight distance apart due to the thin film formed on the mutually opposed surfaces, and that has openings formed at the light entry side and the light exit side of the rod lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Hirata
  • Patent number: 9464733
    Abstract: A system and method for securely cradling a subsea pipeline is claimed that lands on one side of the pipeline, is embedded into the sea floor, reaches under the pipeline, positions the cradling structure, and then lifts the pipeline. The system typically comprises a gravity driven pile based device, comprising a pile tower, a roller carriage assembly, and a jacking assembly that engages the roller carriage assembly and pile tower rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONLA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gregory Restivo, Kinton Lowell Lawler, Donald C Nelson, Nikunj C Patel, Jason Ray Pollick
  • Patent number: 9464396
    Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Khachaturian, E. John Greeves
  • Patent number: 9441386
    Abstract: A jacking pole apparatus is disclosed. A jacking pole may include two tubular members, slidably engaged with one another in such a manner that they may extend or expand. A jacking pole may engage two surfaces or objects and extend therebetween in order to provide support. Further, a jacking pole may vertically displace an object or surface. A jacking pole utilizes locking mechanisms to remain in certain positions and provide continuous support for surface and objects. The locking mechanisms may also be utilized during vertical displacement in order to facilitate such motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Allen Buckingham, Jamin Ray Buckingham
  • Patent number: 9435096
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction method of a foundation for an underwater support structure, which is capable of rapidly installing the foundation of a large-scale structure on a sea floor, and also sufficiently ensuring a horizontal load supporting capability. The construction method includes installing a pile having a head part, in which a catching groove is formed, in a sea floor G; fabricating the foundation for the underwater support structure, in which a buried guide tube is formed to protrude downwardly from a lower surface of the foundation for an underwater support structure, and settling the foundation for the underwater support structure on the sea floor, such that the head part of the pile is inserted into the guide tube; and anchoring the pile into the guide tube using an elastically protruding settlement device formed in the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: DONG MYEONG ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS & ARCHITECTURE
    Inventors: Hee Jeong Shin, Young Jun Lee, Seong hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20150144854
    Abstract: A jacking pole apparatus is disclosed. A jacking pole may include two tubular members, slidably engaged with one another in such a manner that they may extend or expand. A jacking pole may engage two surfaces or objects and extend therebetween in order to provide support. Further, a jacking pole may vertically displace an object or surface. A jacking pole utilizes locking mechanisms to remain in certain positions and provide continuous support for surface and objects. The locking mechanisms may also be utilized during vertical displacement in order to facilitate such motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Allen BUCKINGHAM, Jamin Ray BUCKINGHAM
  • Patent number: 8973899
    Abstract: A jacking pole apparatus is disclosed. A jacking pole may include two tubular members, slidably engaged with one another in such a manner that they may extend or expand. A jacking pole may engage two surfaces or objects and extend therebetween in order to provide support. Further, a jacking pole may vertically displace an object or surface. A jacking pole utilizes locking mechanisms to remain in certain positions and provide continuous support for surface and objects. The locking mechanisms may also be utilized during vertical displacement in order to facilitate such motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Allen Buckingham, Jamin Ray Buckingham
  • Patent number: 8910957
    Abstract: A self-loading mini dolly includes a dolly frame; a front dolly arm carried by the dolly frame; a wheeled front axle carried by the front dolly arm; a front dolly platform carried by the front dolly arm, the front dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions; a rear dolly arm carried by the dolly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the front dolly arm; a wheeled rear axle carried by the rear dolly arm; and a rear dolly platform carried by the rear dolly arm, the rear dolly platform selectively deployable between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis C. Hassell
  • Publication number: 20140319437
    Abstract: There is provided a jack apparatus having a base plate with a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge, the top surface having an opening, a bar extending from the top surface of the base plate, and a travelling member mounted to the bar. The travelling member has an actuator that moves the travelling member along the bar relative to the base plate and a lifting bracket mounted at an end of the travelling member, the lifting bracket having a top surface and a bottom surface, and the lifting bracket being sized to fit within the opening when the travelling member is adjacent to the base plate such that the lifting bracket engages the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ABL X-PRESS LTD.
    Inventor: Allan Roy Plummer
  • Patent number: 8602388
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a manual force reduction device for reducing a force required to initiate movement of a load by a separate mechanism. The device can have an energy storage mechanism that has a compressed position and a released position, and the energy storage mechanism can be operable to store a predetermined amount of energy when it is in the compressed position. A latch can be included and be used to hold the energy storage mechanism in the compressed position. At a desired time, a latch release can release the energy storage mechanism from the compressed position such that the predetermined amount of energy is released and transferred to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustavo Esquivel Garcia
  • Patent number: 8540215
    Abstract: A wire grip comprising a stationary-side gripping portion provided with a body and having a substantially straight front shape, and a movable-side wire gripping portion arranged to face the stationary-side wire gripping portion and set movable back and forth with respect to the stationary-side wire gripping portion, whereby the linear object can be gripped between the stationary-side wire gripping portion and the movable-side wire gripping portion, wherein a first action portion for moving the movable-side wire gripping portion back and forth and a second action portion connected to the first action portion by a connecting rod are turnably attached at their individual ends to the body, wherein the other end of the first action portion and the other end of the second action portion are turnably attached to one end of the connection rod and an intermediate portion of the connection rod, respectively, wherein the other end of the connecting rod is pulled substantially parallel to the stationary-side wire grippin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nagaki Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Iwama
  • Publication number: 20130146825
    Abstract: A jacking pole apparatus is disclosed. A jacking pole may include two tubular members, slidably engaged with one another in such a manner that they may extend or expand. A jacking pole may engage two surfaces or objects and extend therebetween in order to provide support. Further, a jacking pole may vertically displace an object or surface. A jacking pole utilizes locking mechanisms to remain in certain positions and provide continuous support for surface and objects. The locking mechanisms may also be utilized during vertical displacement in order to facilitate such motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Allen BUCKINGHAM, Jamin Ray Buckingham
  • Patent number: 8459901
    Abstract: A jacking system for jacking a structure, includes a leg having a longitudinal axis and including first engagement parts along the leg, and a guiding frame displaceable along the leg. The guiding frame includes at least a first, second, third and fourth actuator, the actuators each having a first and second actuator part which in operation can displace with respect to one another along the leg, the first actuator part of the actuators coupled to the guiding frame, the second actuator parts of the actuators each coupled to first engagement parts for engaging and disengaging the first engagement parts of the leg for providing abutment in the longitudinal direction of the leg, the second actuator parts of the actuators displaceable along the leg past one another, and the actuators being arranged in pairs opposite one another with respect to a longitudinal plane of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GustoMSC Resources B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Pieter Aartdrianus van Nood, Johan Albert Commandeur, Johannes Andries Hofman
  • Patent number: 8387953
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack an include an elevation assembly and a guide bracket. The elevation assembly includes a threaded member and an elongated support member, with the elongated support member configured to threadedly engage and rotate relative to the threaded member. The guide assembly includes a guide bracket configured to engage the threaded member such that the threaded member moves with the guide assembly as the guide assembly moves along a path defined by a longitudinal axis of the elongated support member. This movement raises or lowers a vehicle positioned on the jack. Various embodiments address the assembly of a vehicle jack by engaging a threaded member with an elongated support member and a guide bracket. Rotation of the elongated support member about its longitudinal axis causes the threaded member to move the guide bracket along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: MoJack Distributors, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Vernon Drake
  • Patent number: 8308151
    Abstract: An elevator assembly includes a carrier, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a primary portion pivotally connected to the carrier and a secondary portion pivotally connected to the primary portion. A first gear system interconnects the first arm and the second arm for synchronous rotation with respect to the carrier in opposite directions. A pair of second gear systems establish a geared relationship between the secondary portions of the arms and the carrier. A support member is connected to the secondary portions of the arms, wherein rotation of the primary portions of the arms with respect to the carrier drives the support member between a neutral position and at least a first extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Comau Inc.
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Publication number: 20120032124
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a vehicle jack include a base, an upright support mounted adjacent to and extending upwardly from the base, a toothed rack, a toothed bar pin, and a release handle. The toothed rack has a first end and a second end and defines a plurality of ratchet troughs therebetween, and the toothed rack is mounted adjacent the upright support. The ratchet assembly is adapted to move along a path defined by the upright support, and the toothed bar pin, which is mounted adjacent the ratchet assembly, is adapted to selectively engage a portion of the toothed rack adjacent one of the plurality of ratchet troughs as the ratchet assembly moves along the path. The release handle is mounted adjacent the second end of the toothed rack, and the release handle is adapted to selectively disengage the toothed bar pin from one of the plurality of ratchet troughs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MOJACK DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Vernon DRAKE
  • Publication number: 20090078919
    Abstract: A support device comprises a base including a receiving portion disposed on the top of one side thereof for receiving a post which allows to hold a heavy object, a stopping mechanism defined between the post and the base and including teeth arranged on one side of the post, the base also including a rotatable engaging member affixed thereon for correspondingly engaging with the teeth, wherein the base further includes a pedal fitted in another side thereof so as to move vertically. Besides, between the pedal and the post is defined with a transmitting mechanism including a rotatable wheel pivotally disposed on the base and having a chain, one end of which is coupled to the bottom of the post, and another end of which is connected to the pedal, mounted thereon, such that while the pedal moves vertically, the post is urged to move vertically as well, thereby obtaining a quick and safe operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20080173848
    Abstract: A channel member having four roller wheels is controlled by an ergonomic handle formed from a continuous length of aluminum tubing having a first arm to support one hand of a user, and a second arm to support a second hand of the user to guide and stabilize the handle, and to accept the weight of the user, when the roller wheels are pushed against an oilfield tubular, thus causing the oilfield tubular to be rolled from one position to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Carbert Wade Navarre
  • Patent number: 7097406
    Abstract: A skate for a wheel assembly of a motor vehicle is used to maneuver the vehicle in confined spaces. The wheel skate has a U-shaped frame fitted to the wheel assembly by adjusting the width of the expandable/contractible frame until the unit is wide enough to position a plurality of rollers in engagement with opposing sides of the tire of the wheel assembly. A foot pedal lever is operated to contract the frame assembly and raise the tire clear of the garage floor. A locking knob drops into a hole in the frame assembly to lock the position of the frame assembly. A fork drives the frame assembly together. The locking knob does not move into the following hole until the fork is moved into another hole. The device is used in pairs which are attached to either the front or back wheels in order to swing one end of the vehicle around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Wang Gang
  • Patent number: 7011471
    Abstract: A jacking method and apparatus for a heavily loaded platform includes hydraulic continuous linear motion motors, preferably comprising a plurality of phased hydraulic piston/cylinder units, that are engaged to drive the heavily loaded platform to provide relative motion of the platform with respect to a platform support, and to also hold the platform in a selected stationary position. In the preferred jack-up system, the number of hydraulic piston/cylinder units and the number and design of the teeth that are engaged in providing relative motion may be combined to substantially reduce material stresses on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: James E. Ingle
  • Patent number: 6981822
    Abstract: In a jacking system for a marine platform, a plurality of hydraulic continuous linear motion motors are engageable with a plurality of marine platform supporting logs to provide relative motion between the platform and its supporting legs, and to also maintain the platform and its supporting legs locked in a stationary relationship. In the jacking system, the number of hydraulic piston/cylinder units and the number and design of the teeth that are engaged in providing relative motion may be selected to substantially reduce material stresses on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: James E. Ingle
  • Patent number: 6880809
    Abstract: A separating device that includes a wedge that extends between first and second plates, with at least one of the plates being supported by a support device such as a bar. The support device supports the or each plate while the device is in use so that the plate(s) are substantially prevented from bending or twisting due to the forces applied to the plate(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Future Alignments Limited
    Inventors: Robert Stephen, David Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6773218
    Abstract: An adjustable ceiling panel lifting apparatus for installing ceiling panels without using ladders. The adjustable ceiling panel lifting apparatus includes lift support assemblies each including a support base member and a pair of support rail members being spaced apart and extending upwardly from the support base members; and also includes wheel assemblies upon which the lift support assemblies are mounted with each of the wheel assemblies including a bracket member and a wheel being rotatably mounted to the bracket member; and further includes lift members being movably mounted upon the lift support assemblies; and also includes lift actuating members being supported upon the lift support assemblies and being engageable to the lift member for raising and lowering the lift members; and further includes elongate support members interconnecting the lift support assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Mingoes
  • Patent number: 6763566
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involving releasing the rotor (1) and turning it to and fixing it at top dead center, attaching an extractor head to an exposed end of the hammer axle. A cross-piece (2.1) is applied and a releasable element of a slide (2.4) of a hammer axle puller is pulled, making a releasable connection between cross-piece and rotor attachment elements. The slide is moved to a position in which the puller head is connected to the slide in a shape-locking manner, securing the hammer position, returning the carriage whilst extracting the hammer axle (1.5) to release the hammer. The connection between the head and slide is released, moving the slide until the head and slide re-engage and returning the slide again to extract the hammer axle until the entire hammer and/or protective cap (1.4) and axle if appropriate are extracted. An Independent claim is also included for an arrangement for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Lindemann GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Hassler
  • Patent number: 6652194
    Abstract: A mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) jacking system includes a plurality of hydraulic continuous linear motion motors, preferably comprising a plurality of phased hydraulic piston/cylinder units, that are engaged with a plurality of MODU supporting legs to provide continuous relative motion between the MODU platform and its supporting legs, and to also maintain the MODU platform and MODU supporting legs locked in a stationary relationship. In the preferred jack-up system, the number of hydraulic piston/cylinder units and the number and design of the teeth that are engaged in providing relative motion may be combined to substantially reduce material stresses on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: OSL Offshore Systems & Deck Machinery, LLC
    Inventor: James E. Ingle
  • Patent number: 6581910
    Abstract: A rack-type lift for vehicles includes a first, stationary rack and a second movable rack that supports a lifting unit. A toothed wheel that is movable within the lift between a first and second end position is interposed between the racks, which racks are so positioned relative to the toothed wheel that opposite ends of these racks engage the toothed wheel at the different of travel positions of the toothed wheel. Thereby, the lifting unit of the vehicle lift travels a distance twice as large as the toothed wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tebaldo Granata
  • Patent number: 6347817
    Abstract: A locking device installed in a cargo support to lock a retractable tube, including a holder frame fastened to the outer tube of the retractable tube, a rack moved in a longitudinal sliding way defined between two parallel lugs of the holder frame, a driving lever pivoted to the holder frame for moving the rack, and a locking block pivoted to the holder frame and retained by a spring to lock the driving lever, wherein a L-shaped locating plate is mounted in the holder frame for the positioning of the outer tube of the retractable tube, having a round hole on a transverse section thereof through which the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, two stop flanges bilaterally extended from a longitudinal section thereof and respectively engaged with respective end notches on the holder frame, and a lug extended from one stop flange and fastened to a lug at the holder frame; the holder frame and the locking block are respectively made of iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Yeh-Chien Chou
  • Patent number: 6131883
    Abstract: A pry tool for facilitating disassembly of suspension components in a vehicle wheel suspension assembly which includes a vehicular telescopic strut member secured to a steering knuckle. The tool comprises a handle member along with a fulcrum tower, with the combination being arranged to substantially enclose the strut, and through forces created by the pry tool, and against the coil spring, the tool enables and facilitates removal of the steering knuckle from the body of the strut. The pry tool includes an elongated handle with a handle yoke at one end for enclosing or enveloping the strut, and with a fulcrum yoke at the opposed end for contacting the upper end of the steering knuckle. Axial removal forces are applied between the coil spring and the steering knuckle, thereby freeing the strut component from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy
  • Patent number: 6129339
    Abstract: A strut spring compressor (20) having a support frame (22), a plurality of pivot arms (24, 26, 28, 30), a plurality of spring clamps (32, 34, 36, 38), and an actuating mechanism (40) is utilized to compress and expand a spring (42) of a strut assembly (44) whereby maintenance can be performed on the strut assembly (44). Each of the pivot arms (24-30) is pivotally attached to the support frame (22) by ball joints (74) which permit the arms (24-30) to pivot independently and three-dimensionally to compensate for a variety of spring sizes, and the spring clamps (32-38) are pivotally attached to the arms (24-30) to compensate for a variety of spring pitches. The actuating mechanism (40) includes a forcing screw (116) pivotally joined to a top trunnion assembly (118) and threadably engaging a middle trunnion assembly (120) and a bottom trunnion assembly (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Lundgreen, Larry W. Betcher
  • Patent number: 6062541
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for moving and aligning objects such as machine components includes a plate positionable beneath and engageable with an object to be moved, a block engageable with the plate, and a bolt extending through a bore in the block. The bolt includes an end which is positionable adjacent to the object to be moved and which is rotatable within the bore to cause axial movement of the bolt. Such axial movement of the bolt causes the end of the bolt to push against the object to be moved and to thereby move the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Bryan D. Hampton
  • Patent number: 5966788
    Abstract: A spring vice (56) for tensioning coil springs, which have a spindle drive (59, 61), which has approximately wedge-shaped radial fingers (64, 65, 66) at one of its ends and a support cylinder (60) with a contact element at its other end. Two pressure plates (57, 58) with a passage opening (77, 87), through which the spindle drive (59, 61) can be passed, are used to tension a coil spring. In the mounted state, the radial fingers (64, 65, 66) of the spindle drive (59, 61) can be brought into a nonrotatable pulling connection with locking recesses (81, 82, 83) of the first pressure plate (57), while the second pressure plate (58) without locking recesses is supported axially at the contact element of the support cylinder (60) of the spindle drive (59, 61) for tensioning the coil spring. To increase the safety of operation, provisions are made for the contact element of the support cylinder to have support fingers (72, 73, 74), whose number corresponds to the number of the radial fingers (64, 65, 66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Klann Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 5967493
    Abstract: A spring compressor of the type having a base, a post, upper spring mounting members fixedly mounted on the upper portion of the post, lower spring mounting members slidably mounted on the lower portion of the post, and a moving device for moving the lower spring mounting members toward the upper spring mounting members to compress a spring mounted between the spring mounting members. The upper spring mounting members have spring engaging elements, preferably in the form of angle irons, for engaging the top of the spring assembly. The spring engaging elements can include retaining bolts for preventing movement of the spring assembly toward or away from the post. The spring compressor can also have adapters mounted on at least one of the upper and lower spring mounting members to engage portions of the side of a coil of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Amstutz
  • Patent number: 5954315
    Abstract: A spring-compressor device comprises a body having at least two telescopic parts (1, 4, 7) fitted with respective coupling means (2, 9) for jaws (3, 10), and including means internal to the body for controlling lengthening or shortening thereof. The innermost part (7) of the body is constituted by the body of a single-acting actuator whose rod (11) which is secured to the piston (12) of the actuator is fixed to the outermost part (1) of the body and is provided with a duct (14) for feeding the chamber (13) of the actuator whose increase in volume tends to retract the body of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mecanique Energertique
    Inventor: Patrick Lambert
  • Patent number: 5954314
    Abstract: A spring vice (1) compression springs (31), comprising a spindle drive with a threaded spindle and two tensioning claws (2, 17) of an approximately fork-shaped design, wherein the tensioning claws (2, 17) can be moved toward each other by actuating the threaded spindle. To make it possible to apply strong tensioning forces for tensioning compression coil springs and to guarantee a simple exchangeability of the tensioning claws (2, 17) at the same time, the two tensioning claws (2, 17) are provided with a mounting cylinder (3, 16), which forms a kind of bayonet catch together with the spindle drive. This bayonet catch is optimally suitable for absorbing strong tensioning forces and permits a simple replacement of tensioning claws (2, 17) without problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Klann Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Angelika Weisshaar
  • Patent number: 5791033
    Abstract: A railroad car truck frame jack clamps a side frame, the clamps suspend a cross tube which in turn suspends one or more cylinders which raise a bolster plug thereby lifting the bolster relative to the side frame and decompressing the truck springs for repair or replacement, twisting loads being minimized in the preferred embodiment by a lost motion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Holland Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Norby, Henry F. Ninstil, Stefan Pendrick
  • Patent number: 5680686
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly of the type having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring includes a frame, a first section connected to the frame for supporting the lower portion of the spring, and a second section for holding the upper portion of the spring or upper spring seat. The second section is movable toward and away from the first section and is arranged for axially compressing the spring as the second section moves toward the first section. The second section includes guide structure, a head, linkage structure, and pivot structure. The guide structure is connected to the frame and is for allowing the second section to move toward and away from the first section. The head is mounted on the guide structure and is for positioning the spring. The linkage structure is connected to the guide structure and is for allowing the head to tilt in a first plane generally parallel to the linear axis of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Branick Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Bosche, Thomas S. Bolgrean
  • Patent number: 5564172
    Abstract: A spring tightener includes a central tube assembly which includes a cylindrical guide tube having a lower end with a seat bushing having an axial thrust bearing in which a flange ring at the lower end of a threaded spindle is positioned for securing and rotatably supporting the spindle. A coupling tube is telescopically movable in the guide tube and the device includes a cam engageable with a slot of an adjacent tube for the positive locking guidance of these tubes. A threaded tube is connected to the outer end of the coupling tube and it is internally threaded and in threaded engagement with a spindle which is journalled in the seat bushing of the guide tube. A first pressure plate is provided with recesses which engage against outwardly extending radial fingers of the threaded tube and a second pressure plate is mounted over the cylindrical guide tube and bears against a bearing surface at the lower end of the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 5507470
    Abstract: A spring compressor having a vertical post with a movable spring mount on the middle part of the post and a fixed spring mount on the upper part of the post. A self-contained, hydraulic jack is mounted between the movable spring mount and the lower part of the post or a base supporting the post. The jack is operable to move the the movable spring mount up toward the fixed spring mount to compress a spring between them. The fixed spring mount can be adjustably mounted on the upper part of the post. Each spring mount has a pair of support arms. There is a spring engaging hook at the end of each arm. The arms on each mount are movable toward or away from each other and are also swingable in a vertical plane so that they can be easily mounted on a spring. Adjustable stops are also provided for limiting upward movement of the arms on the fixed spring mount and for limiting downward movement of the arms on the movable spring mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Amstutz
  • Patent number: 5496013
    Abstract: A device for moving large and heavy apparatuses combining modular rail sections positioned one after the other to form two parallel rails onto which slides a load-carrying plate extending transversely between the rails. The upper surface of the rail section has a central row of upwardly projecting supporting elements positioned at regular intervals along its length. The undersurface of the carrying plate has two opposite edge portions each having two parallel rows of guiding elements projecting down and positioned at regular intervals along its length. When the plate is positioned on top of the rails, the two rows of guiding elements define a guiding channel which may releasably engage the central row of supporting elements projecting up from the corresponding rail. The upper layer of each supporting element and the bottom layer of each guiding element are made of a friction material, either low friction material to facilitate movement therealong or high friction material to enhance friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Les Systems M.L.G. Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Lussier
  • Patent number: 5477599
    Abstract: A tool for attaching springs to a trampoline mat, and a method for using the tool to assemble a trampoline. The tool has a straight rigid shaft and a curved rigid handle connected and separated by a rigid plate. The handle is curved to fit the closed hand of a user, and the plate prevents accidental contact of the spring with the user's hand regardless of the orientation of the tool. One end of each spring is connected to the frame of the trampoline. The other end of the spring is slipped over the straight shaft of the tool, then attached to one of the "D" rings on the mat. By pushing the tool away from him or her, the user causes the spring to slide down the shaft and hook onto the "D" ring. The process is then repeated for the other springs and "D" rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: J. Wayne Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5477598
    Abstract: A cap and spring installation and removal tool apparatus is provided for installing and removing a motorcycle spring on motorcycle front forks. The tool includes a frame having a yoke attached to the frame for engaging a motorcycle front fork spring housing and a threaded shaft threaded through a portion of the frame for compressing and expanding a spring in a motorcycle spring housing and having an axial bore extending therethrough and a handle on one end portion thereof. A rotatably mounted shaft is rotatably mounted through the bore in the threaded shaft and has a handle on one end and a spring tube cap engaging member, such as a hex head, on the other end thereof so that the rotatably mounted shaft can be rotated to remove or attach the spring tube cap while the threaded shaft is rotated to compress or release spring in the spring housing for removing and reinstalling the motorcycle front fork spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: John B. Borner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5186435
    Abstract: Improvements to a method and apparatus are disclosed for making a series of coil springs pocketed within individual pockets in an elongate fabric strip comprised of two overlying plies capable of being welded together. Improvements include improvements to fabric tracking and folding, fabric handling along the fabric path, and various direct-drive configuration eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Simmons Company
    Inventor: Ruslon J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5172889
    Abstract: An improved strut spring compression tool is provided having a load screw that extends between pairs of arms that are engaged with spaced coils of a strut spring to be compressed. The improved load screw is provided with a stop block formed unitarily thereon. The stop block serves as a limit stop that prevents further adjustment of the arms of the spring compression tool toward each other that could potentially result in damage to the component parts of the strut spring compression tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Lincoln
    Inventors: Steven W. Post, Gregory Law
  • Patent number: 5154398
    Abstract: A spring stretcher for stretching furniture springs, such as no sag springs, commonly found in sofas, lounge chairs and the like. This spring stretcher stretches a replacement spring in an obstructed environment, thus will stretch a replacement furniture spring without having to remove the upholstery from the piece of furniture. The spring stretcher includes a ratchet mechanism having a barrel threadably attached to one end of the ratchet mechanism and a telescoping rod is inserted through the opposite end of the ratchet mechanism which passes through the ratchet mechanism and is fed into the barrel. A hook is fastened to the end of the barrel opposite its threadably attached end and another hook is fastened to the exposed end of the telescoping rod. The hooks rotatably fastened to the device further enhance its application in a confined area. The spring is secured at each end to one of each of the hooks. As the ratchet mechanism actuates the telescoping rod, the two hooks diverge to stretch the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Lenval M. Mayfield
  • Patent number: 5137235
    Abstract: A portable stand supports and positions an inverted power drill relative to an overlying workpiece. The power drill is adjustably positionable both vertically and angularly with respect to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darel L. Wentworth, Martin K. Carty
  • Patent number: 5117546
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a new bull gear onto a trunnion shaft of a BOF, the apparatus comprising a first stop removably attached to the end face of a turnnion shaft, a gear press shaft extending through an aperture within the first stop means, the gear press shaft having a first end portion with an enlarged segment inserted into a recess provided within the trunnion shaft, a second stop adjustably attached to a second end portion of the gear press shaft, a gear press plate removably attached to the gear and encircling the gear press shaft between the first and second stops and a jack means located between the gear press plate and the second stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Craig J. Lawrence, James L. Marino