Miscellaneous Patents (Class 254/1)
  • Patent number: 7544902
    Abstract: A lift measurement system is provided for determining a position of a load during a lift operation. The system includes a display that includes a scale and encloses a movable indicator that moves relative to the scale. A linkage is in communication with the load and the scale, such that movement of the load is translated to movement of the indicator relative to the scale to provide an indication of the position of the load. A plurality of displays and linkages may be installed at various load support zones such that the relative position of the corresponding indicators provides feedback related to the orientation of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Frantz D. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20090090895
    Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a wide range of objects on an elongated tubular structure includes a carriage subsystem with a tubular body having an interior central channel an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the elongated tubular structure. Rollers facilitate linear translation of the tubular body along the elongated tubular structure. At least one hook is pivotally mounted on the tubular body and configured to controllably engage a means for locking the carriage in a raised position. The carriage subsystem also includes a flange for attaching an object to the carriage subsystem. A winch and cable control motion of the carriage system between a lowered position adjacent to the base and a raised position adjacent to the top of the tubular structure. A collar attached to the top of the tubular structure includes a tubular body with an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the tubular body of the carriage subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: James Hogan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090039324
    Abstract: A device for lifting office partitions sufficiently to allow floor tiles upon which the partitions normally rest to be replaced, without disassembling the partitions, employs L-shaped brackets having horizontally extending tabs which may be wedged beneath the partitions. A manually reciprocated handle pumps fluid into a cylinder to force a piston outwardly so that the piston rod rotates a lever to lift the brackets and raise the partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Harvey C. Collins
  • Patent number: 7451960
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a tool on an object. The apparatus has a frame and ways on the frame for fixing the apparatus to the object. The tool is attached to the apparatus and the latter supports itself against the object In addition, the frame displays an upper and a lower support claw that are effective even in an inclined disposition with respect to the object. The frame including the upper and lower support claws further forms a C-shape. Moreover, the upper as well as lower support claws are designed such tat the holding effect during loading of the apparatus arises through the canting of the two support claws with respect to a portion of the object located between the two support claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lukas Hydraulik GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Kirchner, Wolfgang Bertleff
  • Publication number: 20080140027
    Abstract: A stun gun dart acquiring, removing and housing device and method of using this device to remove a dart. The device provides a container, such as a tube, and a slider supported at least partially inside the container and is adapted to grasp a stun gun dart. The user places the slider over the dart, thereby engaging the dart into the distal end of slider and then moves the device away from subject, removing the dart. Then, the user moves the slider rearward into the container to store the dart in a safe location. The dart once locked in place inside the container can now be handled and viewed without concern of inadvertent contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carson L. Linker
  • Publication number: 20080073630
    Abstract: A lifter is disclosed using two transmission mechanisms at two sides of a housing for lifting, for example, a bed or chair, each transmission mechanism including a motor. a worm gear wheel meshed with a worm shaft as the output of the motor, a screw rod threaded into an inner thread in the hollow gear shaft of the worm gear wheel, a push block fixedly fastened to one end of the screw rod and moved with the screw rod to lift/lower the load upon rotation of the motor, and a sliding block fixedly fastened to the other end of the screw rod to guide axial displacement of the screw rod in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: MOTECK ELECTRIC CORP.
    Inventor: Jung-Jen Wu
  • Publication number: 20080017837
    Abstract: The invention described herein is a device for the installation of electrical conduit. It consists of an adaptor portion that interfaces with and connects to electrical conduit. On the opposite end of the device lies an appendage to which a guiding line can attach. A handle portion permits easy manipulation for both screwing and unscrewing of the adaptor and a flange portion prevents excessive and unnecessary screwing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent Christopher Steele
  • Publication number: 20070278464
    Abstract: The invention comprises an anchor, rope and pulley system to load and unload cargo into and out of passenger vehicles. The anchor system comprises two load bearing straps and a means to attach the straps together. The straps are looped around the vehicle's side handle grips. The looped straps attach to each other near the center of the cargo area. The rope and pulley system comprises a rope, a large pulley, a small pulley, a means to attach the rope and pulley system to the anchor system, a means to attach the cargo to the rope and pulley system, and a means to clamp the rope to create a handle. Cargo can be lifted into a vehicle by pulling the handle with one hand and guiding the cargo with the other hand. A durable guard material over the cargo area's point of entry protects the vehicle and cargo from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jesse Constant
  • Publication number: 20070210542
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a pallet having a wheeled frame supporting a lift plate. The lift plate is raised by inflation of bladders disposed beneath the lift plate and lowered by deflation of the bladders. A fluid supply system provides pressurized gas for bladder inflation. Gas operated brakes resist apparatus movement when engaged. A method of moving a pallet in which a wheeled lift plate is positioned between a surface and a pallet, bladders disposed beneath the lift plate are inflated to raise the lift plate and thereby raise the pallet off of the surface, the raised lift plate supporting the pallet is rolled to a desired location, and the lift plate is lowered by deflating the bladders until the pallet rests on the surface at the desired location. A method of delivering palletized beverages is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Swift Water Logistics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Hammond
  • Patent number: 7255204
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving elevator equipment, particularly an elevator car when stuck in a shaft, comprises a suspension point which is connected to the elevator equipment by an adjustable-height connection. Contrary to the prior art, the suspension point includes a length-adjustable assembly configured for engagement with opposing walls of the shaft or opposing guide rails within the shaft at any chosen location along the shaft. The invention thus provides a localized solution that can be used conveniently at any position within the shaft and is therefore independent of the position, and indeed the presence, of any lifting hooks within the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Pius Elmiger, Carlos Latorre Marcuz
  • Patent number: 7213796
    Abstract: The linear actuator comprises an elongated first band wound in helical form about a central axis and capable of taking a retracted position and an extended position with its turns spaced from one another in the direction of the central axis, and first fasteners carried by the first band and longitudinally disposed therealong. The linear actuator also comprises an elongated second substantially flat band wound on itself, with its turns substantially transversely parallel to the central axis, and capable of taking a retracted, spiral position with its turns nested within one another and an extended position with its turns forming a helix around the central axis and generally equally radially spaced therefrom to form a telescopic column, the first and second bands, when in retracted position, in respective locations so as to clear each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Gestion Laforest Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Laforest
  • Patent number: 7163195
    Abstract: Displaced force backing wedge with a rigid wedge shape, a rigid handle, the wedge shape having a plurality of rounded ridges extending from left to right at its top most surface. The wedge shape has a centrally located slot extending perpendicularly from the thin edge of the wedge to the center area of the wedge. The handle extends outward perpendicularly from a central portion of the thick side of the wedge. A preferred embodiment includes rounded ridges that run parallel to the front surface and start as a small radius and progress to larger radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Lawson
  • Patent number: 7090196
    Abstract: A method of removing a dart from an animal body. The method uses a dart removal facilitating tool that includes a handle, adapted to be grasped by a human hand. A dart removal head is attached to the handle and is adapted to be placed in proximity to the dart. The head has a surface that is adapted to be pressed against animal flesh without creating further injury. The method includes pressing the dart removal head against a portion of the animal body near the dart and engaging for dart for removal from the animal body while the dart removal head is being pressed against the portion of the animal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Carson R. Linker
  • Patent number: 7073777
    Abstract: A modular wheel lift provides elevation of a vehicle wheel enclosed by body portions of a low height above the ground. A base lift unit includes a lift surface height selected to be less than the body portions height. A ramp unit is aligned and hingedly attached to one end of the base lift unit, to allow rotational movement of a wheel to the base lift surface. Additional lift units having ramp ends and progressively decreasing lengths are laterally positioned and stacked on the base lift surface. Side brackets are releasably positioned along either side surface to secure the stacked additional lift units to allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel to an uppermost lift surface. A method of assembly and elevating includes laterally positioning and stacking a plurality of lift units having progressively shorter lengths to provide lifting of a vehicle wheel without disruption of the vehicle body portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: D. Roger Branstetter
  • Patent number: 6968878
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base, (b) a frame, and (c) a detachable pronged head for gripping the tree while the tree is being felled. As the tree falls, the head remains attached to the tree, and detaches itself from the frame of the tree pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6910675
    Abstract: A ramp for vehicles and a method of using the ramp and the ramp has a plurality of ramp parts which can be progressively assembled to increase the height of the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry Cox
  • Patent number: 6899319
    Abstract: A jack having a detachable rear-end handle comprises a wheeled jack and a hand-held ring. Two sidewalls of the jack are each provided with a pair of blocking pieces respectively mounted on an upper location and a lower location about a screw nut of a rear shaft. The hand-held ring can be coupled to screw nuts of a rear shaft. The blocking pieces further restrict the rotation of the hand-held ring. The connection of the hand-held ring at the rear end of the jack not only facilitates carrying the jack but also controlling the movements of the jack to a proper lift point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: MVP (H.K.) Industries Limited
    Inventor: Victor Hung
  • Publication number: 20040221439
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a pneumatically actuated, hydraulic jack and an electric air compressor. The disclosed apparatus is self contained and portable and includes a pneumatically actuated hydraulic jack, an air compressor, at least one air supply line, and an electronic switch, for directing the air flow to either the jack or the air supply line. The air supply line can be used to inflate objects, such as tires, or used to power pneumatic tools. The air compressor is preferably powered by an automobile's electrical system and is thus adapted with a cigarette lighter adaptor. This apparatus is preferably used for changing vehicle tires and/or inflating the tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jesse Villarreal
  • Patent number: 6814342
    Abstract: A pad adapter for vehicle lifts includes a pad releasably attachable to the pivoting arms of a pivoting arm lift to enable the pivoting arm lift to be used as a frame engaging pad lift. The pad adapter includes a platform for engaging the frame of the vehicle and may include pockets for receiving the pivoting arms of the lift, pins for releasebly engaging the pivoting arms, and ramps to facilitate driving a vehicle over the pad adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mohawk Resources Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven G. Perlstein, Ronald W. Veresko, Rickey D. Wells
  • Patent number: 6779780
    Abstract: The specification describes a mobile jack stand power unit for use with a jack stand that is convertible for use as a load-lifting jack. The power unit comprises a generally rectangular mobile chassis having a forward end and a rearward end with a lift means mounted on the chassis including a pushing means, and a pair of parallel lift arms. The lift arms are pivotal within the chassis and have forward ends and rearward ends, with the forward ends adapted to be raised and lowered by the pushing means for use with the jack stand, and are further adapted for use with a lift bridge. A lift bridge is adapted to be positioned on the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use as a load-lifting jack; and the bridge is further adapted to be displaced from the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use with the jack stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 6749178
    Abstract: In combination with a portable log splitter having a wheel mounted support frame, a splitter frame mounted on the support frame, a power driven means disposed on the splitter frame for splitting wood, a towing bar engageable with the wheel mounted support frame and a brace disposed on the towing bar, an apparatus is provided for converting the portable log splitter into a hoisting mechanism. The apparatus for converting the log splitter includes a base member removeably attachable to the splitter frame adjacent the bottom thereof for preventing the portable log splitter from tipping over during lifting and a lift adapter that is slidingly engageable with the splitter frame and removeably attachable to the power driven means for engaging a predetermined object to be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Loughner
  • Patent number: 6748636
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a forming element from a concrete pipe includes a support member and a removal device including first and second elements. The first element is attachable to the forming element and has a stop. The second element is supported by the support member such that the second element is swingable with respect to the support member. In addition, the second element is engageable with the stop so as to apply a force to the first element for removing the forming element from the concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Harland D. Couillard
  • Publication number: 20040108493
    Abstract: A lift and turn drive unit, comprising a working element which may be linearly displaced and rotated relative to at least one housing element, whereby the working element is formed from at least one lifting element and at least one turning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Ortmeier, Walter Lang
  • Patent number: 6705595
    Abstract: A universal lifting device for elevating heavy off-the-road vehicles, e.g. mechanical shovels used in mining operations, is proposed to raise the upper revolving section of the shovel and allow for its lower wheeled base to be removed with a view to attending to the maintenance, for instance, of the rotation mechanism of the shovel. The lifting device comprises front and rear lifting beams to which various type of brackets can be removably mounted to ensure a proper positioning of the front and rear lifting beams with respect to the revolving frame of different models of mechanical shovels. Front and rear lifting points are provided to control the vertical displacement of the front and the rear lifting beams, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: 3991814 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Belley, Serge Marinier, Jean Briand
  • Publication number: 20040031953
    Abstract: A novel pair of jacks and method for separating A-coils from furnaces to allow the removal or replacement of furnaces is provided having at one end a pair of lift plates, stabilization cord and tensioning mechanisms for tensioning the stabilization cord and stabilizing the pair of jacks with respect to the A-coil housing to allow the removal of the furnace housing and storage of the A-coil housing on the novel stabilized pair of jacks. The novel pair of jacks include a lifting mechanism and handle for lifting the lift plates and thereafter storing the handle while simultaneously locking the release mechanism. A scotching mechanism may also be provided to prevent damage to the novel jacks from improper use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Leggett
  • Patent number: 6691983
    Abstract: An economical jack stand for use with a power unit has a rectangular base plate with a tubular housing having a lower end attached to the base plate. A “U” shaped ratchet shaft with ratchet teeth on the forward edges thereof, is telescopically inserted within the housing and is extendable and retractable therein. The jack stand has a pair of pawls interconnected by a pin, with each pawl adapted to be engagable with a respective tooth on the ratchet shaft, and with the pin pivotally attached to the upper end of the housing. An actuator spring is secured to the pin forming a handle for rotating the pawls into engagement with the teeth of the shaft, and further for rotating the pawls for disengagement from the teeth of the shaft. The components are suitably formed from standard sheet metal and metal plate stock with minimal machining and welding required to form and assemble the economical jack stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Publication number: 20040026672
    Abstract: An apparatus to be used in conjunction with a jack for raising a vehicle by one of its wheel hubs when the vehicle has become stuck in a rut or when the vehicle's jacking points are inaccessible. The substantially hollow apparatus is strengthened for use with heavy vehicles with a reinforcing bar. The apparatus is secured to a vehicle's wheel hub through interaction between the connection members incorporated in the apparatus and lug nuts or bolts of the vehicle. The horizontal component of the jack is inserted into the hollow cross-section of the apparatus and then raised. The result of which is that the vehicle is raised to a point where the vehicle's wheel is raised out of the rut or to the height where the jacking points are accessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Caloger
  • Publication number: 20040026673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling a cable drum flange constituted by a set of wooden sectors (2A) placed side by side to form a disk and a U-shaped rim (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Orzel
  • Patent number: 6682048
    Abstract: A cam that when positioned next to a nail which is engaged with the claw of a claw hammer will keep the prying fulcrum of the hammer at the level of the head of the nail as the hammer rotates along the cam and pulls the nail upward with a force directed along the axis of the nail. The cam is provided with a handle that serves as an aid in positioning the cam and also an aid to placing the cam in and removing the cam from a craftsman's personal carrier. The handle also can serve as a straight edge, a scale, a scribing guide, a pry, and a tack and brad pulling aid. The handle and the cam together can serve as a square. The cam can be provided with a slot which a partially pulled nail can enter so that the hammer can regain a mechanical advantage and to press against the work surface and protect it from damage from the nail being pulled from the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Weber
  • Publication number: 20030222251
    Abstract: A cam that when positioned next to a nail which is engaged with the claw of a claw hammer will keep the prying fulcrum of the hammer at the level of the head of the nail as the hammer rotates along the cam and pulls the nail upward with a force directed along the axis of the nail. The cam is provided with a handle that serves as an aid in positioning the cam and also an aid to placing the cam in and removing the cam from a craftsman's personal carrier. The handle also can serve as a straight edge, a scale, a scribing guide, a pry, and a tack and brad pulling aid. The handle and the cam together can serve as a square. The cam can be provided with a slot which a partially pulled nail can enter so that the hammer can regain a mechanical advantage and to press against the work surface and protect it from damage from the nail being pulled from the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Weber
  • Publication number: 20030218155
    Abstract: The specification describes a mobile jack stand power unit for use with a jack stand that is convertible for use as a load-lifting jack. The power unit comprises a generally rectangular mobile chassis having a forward end and a rearward end with a lift means mounted on the chassis including a pushing means, and a pair of parallel lift arms. The lift arms are pivotal within the chassis and have forward ends and rearward ends, with the forward ends adapted to be raised and lowered by the pushing means for use with the jack stand, and are further adapted for use with a lift bridge. A lift bridge is adapted to be positioned on the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use as a load-lifting jack; and the bridge is further adapted to be displaced from the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use with the jack stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Publication number: 20030205702
    Abstract: A device and method for imparting movement to a selected line are disclosed. A device incorporating teachings of the present invention may include a motion arm extending through an opening in the housing of the device. The arm may be coupled to a connection clip that can grip a selected line. The selected line may include, for example, twisted pair, coaxial cable, optical cable, shielded high-gauge wire, etc. In some embodiments, the arm of the device is coupled to a motion generator that imparts movement to the motion arm in at least one direction. In operation, the imparted movement may be conveyed through the motion arm and the connection clip to the selected wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Donald L. Perry, Russell W. White
  • Patent number: 6641115
    Abstract: The present invention is a lifting system that can be used to construct cylindrical grain bins. It includes sets of identical, telescoping jacks actuated by hydraulic cylinders and an hydraulic system having separate hydraulic circuits that serve each set of jacks. The separate hydraulic circuits include identical pumps and control valves. The pumps and the control valves can be operated in unison to supply equal amounts of hydraulic fluid to the sets of jacks so that all of the jacks may be raised or lowered in unison. The lifting system can be used to uniformly lift successive rings of a grain bin structure made up of connected panels. After a first ring is lifted, a second ring can be attached to the lower edge of the first ring. The second ring is then lifted and the process is repeated until the grain bin is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Wesley Allen Bainter
  • Patent number: 6626423
    Abstract: A combination for use with a vehicle jack constructed and arranged to affect raising and lowering movements of the vehicle. The combination comprises an elongated rigid jack operating tool and a longitudinal entry tool retainer. The tool retainer is fixedly mounted to the vehicle. The tool retainer has a tool receiving space and a resiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a tool engaging surface. The tool and the tool retainer enable the tool to be mounted to the tool retainer by moving the tool in the longitudinal direction into the tool receiving space. The tool contacts the tool engaging structure and urges the tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of the tool into the tool receiving space. The tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages the tool engaging surface against an exterior surface of the tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Doswell
  • Patent number: 6604562
    Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling trees. The tree pusher controls and determines the direction in which the tree falls, using a base, a frame, a detachable head which engages the tree trunk, and an extendable screw-type trailer jack that is repairable/replaceable during operation and capable of bearing the weight of a large tree, for urging the frame and the head against the trunk of the tree. For use on uneven ground, the tree pusher is provided with a base extension. A chain is used to connect the base of the tree pusher to the trunk of the tree, to prevent movement of the base when the jack is activated. The tree pusher can be readily moved to the job site, and can be used on any type of terrain, including hard surfaces, and for any type of tree, including trees with rotten wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6595490
    Abstract: A process for winching comprising attaching a first line to a jack, connecting a second line to the object to be winched, connecting a third line to the running gear of the jack, immobilizing the jack, connecting the third line to the second line and cranking the jack to move the object, and connecting the first line to the second line to hold the object in its new position. Apparatus for holding an object being winched in a new position including a winch tensioner bracket connected to a grab hook by a chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bloomfield Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Harrah, Patrick F Simpson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6547216
    Abstract: The push actuator has a fixed base which rotatably carries a selectively rotatable rotor. A horizontal band has a lower portion stacked in a helical pattern and has an upper portion engaged by the upper portion of a vertical band, to form a telescopic column. The lower portion of the vertical band is stacked in a spiral, separately from the horizontal band, the horizontal band is supported on the rotor with a helical ball support track along which a number of balls can roll and slide, to allow substantially frictionless rotation of the rotor member while the horizontal band remains rotatably stationary. A ball re-circulation unit allows the balls to circulate between the top of the track and the bottom of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gestion LaForest Inc.
    Inventors: Paul-André Bouchard, Pierre Laforest, Pierre Gagnon, Alain Forté
  • Patent number: 6526850
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved jack bit comprised of a tubular jack actuator for driving a scissor or screw type jack and a shaft having a curved latch end engaged within the jack actuator for effecting rotation of the jack actuator. The improvement resides in a centering barrel slidably carried on the shaft and within the jack actuator whereby on rotation of the shaft by a power driver, the centering barrel provides for smooth and continuous transfer of energy of the shaft engaged with the jack actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Darrell Lee Miller
  • Publication number: 20030029277
    Abstract: A tool for inserting and removing gaskets from hose couplings includes a shaft having a nose and heel attached at one end of the shaft. The heel includes a flat, bottom surface that is pressed against the gasket in order to push the gasket into place. The heel may have a sufficiently large surface area to not cause undue markings or damage to the gasket when it is inserted. When the gasket is to be removed, the nose is inserted between an underside of the gasket and the gasket seat. The heel is then moved into contact with the gasket seat and used as a fulcrum by which the nose is lifted away from the gasket seat. This lifting movement causes the gasket to be lifted out of the hose coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Mark G. Lummis
  • Publication number: 20020185636
    Abstract: Lifter is a spiral type of device that will be installed in your car to make your driving easier. It will be commanded electrically or electronically from inside your car on your dashboard. It will be good for changing a tire in an emergency. Protect your car against theft and against tow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Clovis Salomon
  • Patent number: 6435476
    Abstract: A self-adjusting furniture lifting bracket assembly preferably for lifting furniture to provide access to the floor under the furniture, has movable furniture support members mounted on an intermediate support spacing the support members apart. At least one of the support members move in an arc due to a bias member located proximate at least one of the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Cletus J. Stratman
  • Patent number: 6431523
    Abstract: A manhole cover removing tool includes an elongated body having an upper end with a handle attached and a lower end defining a pivot area. A first elongated member is attached to the body so as to extend generally transversely therefrom in a first direction and terminate in a pointed end designed to engage an open pick hole type of manhole cover. A second elongated member is attached to the body so as to extend generally transversely therefrom in a second direction, generally opposite to the first direction, and terminate in a flattened end designed to engage a recessed pick hole type of manhole cover. In a preferred embodiment the handle, elongated body and one of the first and second elongated members are formed integrally from a single metal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Garrett M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 6431522
    Abstract: A base for a hydraulic spreading ram for rescue work with crushed or collapsed motor vehicle bodies wherein the body must be spread to extricate a trapped victim. The base is U-shaped, having parallel upper and lower arms, and a vertical connecting arm spanning and connecting the upper and lower arms. A stationary jaw is fixed to the lower arm. A movable jaw is constrained to slide along the vertical connecting arm by guide plates fixed to the movable jaw and which ride along grooves formed in the vertical connecting arm. The upper arm is aligned with the lower arm, and has a threaded opening for receiving a correspondingly threaded hydraulic ram in an orientation such that the ram forces the movable jaw downwardly towards the stationary jaw. The movable jaw has two receptacles each disposed to receive a ram which is employed to spread the vehicle body. The two receptacles provide a selection of positions for the ram which spreads the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Edward G. Cutrell, Sr., Edward G. Cutrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6398186
    Abstract: A method of removing an elongate first object from a second object is described. Typically, the first elongate object being removed comprises a free end portion and an embedded end portion which is embedded in the second object. In one embodiment, the method comprises (a) surrounding at least a portion of the elongate object with a rigid material to which one or more pneumatic jacks are attached; (b) placing at least a portion of the pneumatic jack(s) in contact with the second object; (c) placing one or more clamping surfaces in contact with the elongate first object; (d) actuating the jack(s) to introduce a separating force between the elongate first object and the second object while concurrently introducing a clamping force to the first elongate object through the clamping surface, the clamping force being proportionate to the separating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Lemoine
  • Publication number: 20010038094
    Abstract: A portable, compact cart easily lifts and maneuvers heavy vehicle wheels for removal, repair, transportation, and the like. The cart includes a U-shaped bracket with opposing arms slidably interconnected along a straight center section. In addition to wheels beneath the cart, rollers are mounted atop the arms. For example, each arm may include a paired set of rollers forming a V-shape when viewed from the cart's top or end. When an upright wheel is cradled by opposing arms, the rollers help keep the wheel upright. A user-activated push/pull assembly is attached to both arms to slidably lengthen and shorten the center section, thereby drawing the arms together (lifting the wheel) or spreading the arms apart (releasing the wheel). The push/pull assembly may use a lever whose distal end is pivotally coupled to one of the arms along the straight center section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Execair Maintenance Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Eugene Lundy, Donald Eugene Lundy
  • Patent number: 6299137
    Abstract: The present invention is a lifting system that can be used to construct cylindrical grain bins. It includes sets of identical, telescoping jacks actuated by hydraulic cylinders and an hydraulic system having separate hydraulic circuits that serve each set of jacks. The separate hydraulic circuits include identical pumps and control valves. The pumps and the control valves can be operated in unison to supply equal amounts of hydraulic fluid to the sets of jacks so that all of the jacks may be raised or lowered in unison. The lifting system can be used to uniformly lift successive rings of a grain bin structure made up of connected panels. After a first ring is lifted, a second ring can be attached to the lower edge of the first ring. The second ring is then lifted and the process is repeated until the grain bin is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Wesley Allen Bainter
  • Patent number: 6299135
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a quick rise type lifting jack positions multiple valves that control two stages of the lifting operation of the jack in the same valve housing machined into a base of the jack and thereby reduces the costs involved in manufacturing and assembling the hydraulic circuit of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: McNeil (Ohio) Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 6264169
    Abstract: A jack with enclosing or cover plates is disclosed, which is especially suited for enclosing the supporting plates at two sides of a four wheel jack and the pump of the jack. The jack can be combined with two supporter enclosing plates and a pump enclosing plate which may have any desired shape or color, so that the outlook of the jack is vivid and various. By the enclosing or cover plates, painting for the related shielding components by baking or injection can be omitted. The cover or enclosing plate can be secured by tenons or screwing lock. Thus, the present invention has a simple structure and can be assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 6257554
    Abstract: A holder for selectively supporting a staple remover comprises a housing sleeve, an adjustable tethering member, means for retracting the tethering member from a use orientation into a retrieval orientation, and an attachment member for mounting the housing sleeve to an anchor surface. The housing sleeve includes a receiving chamber sized and shaped to accommodate a staple remover, and a positioning notch disposed within the housing sleeve maintains the staple remover in a dispensing orientation within the receiving chamber between uses. The means for retracting the tethering member automatically draws the staple remover into the receiving chamber, and cooperates with the positioning notch to automatically orient the staple remover in the dispensing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Skip McDonough