Including Screw Drive Patents (Class 254/231)
  • Patent number: 11828348
    Abstract: A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve, a driven member, and a clutch assembly. The housing includes an attachment feature. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing. The inner sleeve is disposed in the housing and is coupled with the drive member. The inner sleeve is rotatable together with the drive member relative to the housing. The driven member is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with the drive member. The clutch assembly facilitates selective coupling between the drive member and the inner sleeve. A second attachment feature is coupled with the driven member. The driven member is slidably coupled with the inner sleeve such that the driven member and the second attachment feature are translatable together between a retracted position and an extended position in response to rotation of the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy P. Squires, Ronald J. Hanna, Kenneth J. Lamb, Joseph Krumme Bullard
  • Patent number: 11814863
    Abstract: A cable barrier separator apparatus for separating cables from the barrier support so that the barrier support can be replaced. The cable barrier separator apparatus includes an actuator assembly; and an engagement assembly in communication with the actuator assembly for separating cables from support devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: DSE Enterprise Inc
    Inventors: Scott A Johnson, Dustin S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11772249
    Abstract: A spring compressor tool is provided. A tool for compressing an inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner used in motive power systems, comprising a frame affixed with a fastening pin, the fastening pin optionally inserted into a hollow axle of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner. A threaded stud affixed to an end of the frame, the threaded stud optionally coupled to a yoke providing lateral movement of the yoke along the threaded stud. A threaded fastener optionally coupled to the threaded stud and the yoke restricting movement of the yoke, the yoke optionally coupled to an end of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner opposite the fastening pin. A lip attached to the yoke, the lip grasping the end of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner, movement of the yoke along the threaded stud controls extension and contraction of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Edwin Peter Vandriel
  • Patent number: 11713797
    Abstract: A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve and a driven member. The housing includes a first attachment feature. The driven member includes a second attachment feature. The inner sleeve is disposed at least partially in the housing and is rotatably coupled with the housing. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing and is operably coupled with the inner sleeve such that rotation of the drive member facilitates rotation of the inner sleeve. The driven member is movable with respect to the guide member between a retracted position and an extended position along a centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Revolok Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Squires, Ronald J. Hanna, Kenneth J. Lamb, Joseph Krumme Bullard
  • Patent number: 11236802
    Abstract: A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve, a driven member, a cable member, and a clutch assembly. The housing includes an attachment feature. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing. The inner sleeve is disposed in the housing and is coupled with the drive member. The inner sleeve is rotatable together with the drive member relative to the housing. The driven member is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with the drive member. The clutch assembly facilitates selective coupling between the drive member and the inner sleeve. The cable member is coupled with the driven member. The driven member is slidably coupled with the inner sleeve such that the driven member and the cable member are slidable together between a retracted position and an extended position in response to rotation of the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Revolok Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Squires, Ronald J. Hanna, Kenneth J. Lamb, Joseph Krumme Bullard
  • Patent number: 10710143
    Abstract: A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with one or more internal cavities. Each cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. During the solidification process tension is applied. The resulting linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Bright Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard V. Campbell, David M. Gladwin
  • Patent number: 9765907
    Abstract: An anchor for a cable or rod includes a ferrule or other spring stop, to which one or more springs or arms are coupled. The spring stop may be attached to an end or other region of the cable to enable the cable to be tensioned against a support structure. The one or more springs or arms may be, for example, one or more coil springs, one or more conical coil springs, two or more cantilever springs, or one more arms. The anchor is twisted or pushed through a hole in the support structure from a first side to a second side and contacts the surface of the second side. A ferrule spring stop may be swaged to the cable or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Joel Duane Herman
  • Patent number: 9236151
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a preform made from interlaced fibers is applied to tension the preform used in a process for fabricating a part made from a ceramic matrix composite material. During this process, the preform is tensioned before and during its densification using the tensioning device (100), which comprises a main body (2), a first assembly element (3) and a second assembly element (4) and a control rod, rotation of the control rod causing translation of the second assembly element, separation of the first and second assembly elements from each other and tensioning of the preform along the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIE ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Christophe Lorrette, Daniel Nunes, Cédric Sauder
  • Patent number: 9108309
    Abstract: A tensioning device for installing tree stands that includes a drive end and a cable output end to attach to a medium that is placed around a tree. The tensioning device creates more tension in the medium than is generally able to be applied by hand with ratchet straps or chains, which provides safer installation of a tree stand or climbing ladder. The tensioning device includes a drive system that can be driven with standard power tools or hand tools to retract a cable. The tensioning device may be designed with or without a clutch feature. The clutch feature allows for a desired cable tension to be reached for each installation and provides feedback to the operator when the correct tension is reached. The tensioning device includes an external bracket or hook for easily attaching to a tree stand or climbing ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Hurricane Safety Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Squires, Ronald J. Hanna, Kenneth Lamb
  • Patent number: 9073187
    Abstract: A tensioning device for tie down applications in a utility market that includes a drive end and a cable output end to attach to a medium, item, or truck or trailer. The tensioning device creates more tension in the medium than is generally able to be applied by hand with ratchet straps or chains, which provides a more secure tie down of items in a utility application. The tensioning device includes a drive system that can be driven with standard power tools or hand tools to retract a cable. The tensioning device may be designed with or without a clutch feature. The clutch feature allows for a desired cable tension to be reached for each installation and provides feedback to the operator when the correct tension is reached. The tensioning device includes an external bracket or hook for easily attaching to an item, medium, or truck or trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hurricane Safety Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Squires, Ronald J. Hanna, Kenneth Lamb
  • Patent number: 8944410
    Abstract: The fence post extraction tool is a tool used to extract a wooden fence post from the ground using only vertical movement. The wooden fence post extraction tool includes a threaded rod that screws into an expanding piercing tip. The expanding piercing tip is driven into a pre-drilled hole located on a top surface of the wooden fence post. The piercing tip is driven into the hole via a hammer sleeve that is slideable engaged about the threaded rod. The threaded rod is attached to an attachment clip located at a distal end from the piercing tip. The attachment clip secures to a lifting means suspended under a tripod, and which lifts the wooden fence post vertically from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Skubisz
  • Patent number: 8881348
    Abstract: A tension tool includes: a shaft body that has a first locking portion formed at one end portion thereof and a screw portion formed from the other end portion thereof to a screw portion; a cylindrical body that holds the shaft body to interpose a gap therebetween and has a second locking portion attached to a lateral side thereof; and a nut that is disposed to the screw portion in contact with the other end portion side of the cylindrical body and adjusts a separation length between the first locking portion and the second locking portion. Further, the gap is interposed between the cylindrical body and the shaft body, and a virtual line connecting the two locking portions and an axial line formed by the shaft body are inclined. Preferably the first locking portion is a hook and a distal end thereof is bent in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ryouhei Teranishi
  • Patent number: 8820716
    Abstract: A cord tightening tool used to tighten elongated flexible cord includes a frame with each outer end having a saddle that attaches to a cord to be tightened. A hook with a swivel mount is provided in a center of the frame that attaches to the cord between the saddles. A threaded shaft connected to the hook can be rotated to pull the cord downward to remove slack. The saddles and hook are interchangeable with different shapes to be used with various types of cord materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher A. Silver
  • Publication number: 20130099185
    Abstract: A canopy tensioner adapted for use with a louver system wherein the canopy tensioner is mounted in pairs on the short and long arms of rib arm unit that traverse the body of the tensioner via an arm connecting chase is connected to a fiber anchor extrusion (keder) and wherein a rotating a nut positioned on the end of the rib arm unit changes the tension on the shade canopy element of the louver system. In an alternative mode, the tensioner unit is adapted for use with shade canopies, wherein the shade canopy is connected to and supported by poles that are connected by headers that are connected at right angles to rafters; support/connector blockes are positioned in the lumen of the rafter thereby connecting the tensioned to the support structure, and the tensioner is also mechanically connected to the front and rear keders of the shade canopy fabric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Rountree
  • Publication number: 20130048928
    Abstract: Extracting apparatuses of the present disclosure include post extracting apparatus comprising a housing having a bore therethrough, wherein the bore includes a shoulder. A lift member is adapted to receive an attachment member at a first end of the lift member. The lift member is disposed in the bore and is operatively associated with an actuator. The actuator engages with at least a portion of the shoulder. Actuation of the actuator causes the lift member and the attachment member to move in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Bitner
  • Patent number: 7938384
    Abstract: An extended length strand take up device is presented that may be used to repair damaged guy wires in the field. The invention comprises two connecting bodies connected by a single tension rod that extends continuously between the two connecting bodies. Each connecting body slides over opposite ends of the tension rod and is held in place by a stop member, such as threaded nuts screwed onto the respective ends of the tension rod. The connecting bodies may further include an inwardly-facing pull tab or tabs that can be used for pre-tensioning the guy wire. An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a single tension rod that is fixedly anchored to the ground and several connecting bodies that are fixedly mounted along the end of the guy wire at standard increments. The tension rod runs parallel to and overlaps the end of the guy wire. The connecting bodies slide along the length of the tension rod until the required tension and length is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: James A. Stevens, D. Scott Brooks, Richard L. Dillon, Marcellus A. Chase
  • Patent number: 7891640
    Abstract: A fence stretcher system and method are shown and described. In one embodiment, the fence stretcher system comprises a body. A rod having a diameter configured to allow the rod to be woven into a fence's links may be attached to the body. A rod-holder having a diameter sized to receive the rod may also be attached to the body. A plurality of hooks configured to engage the rod when the rod is woven into the fence may also be attached to the body. An interface may also be attached to the body. Using this system, fence may be quickly and easily stretched with minimal link displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Donald J. Price
  • Publication number: 20090309081
    Abstract: A zero fleet winch with guides that move while a cable is wound on a drum. The guides hold the cable always at 90 degrees to the drum. A tensioning turnaround sheave keeps the cable tight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Production Resource Group L.L.C
    Inventor: James Kempf
  • Patent number: 7533867
    Abstract: A cable hanger includes a base having an opening defined to stably sleeve on a tube of a bicycle and an adjust unit connected to the base. The base has a tongue outwardly extending therefrom and a through hole defined in the tongue. The adjust unit comprising an adjust base and an adjuster is partially mounted in the through hole. The adjust base is mounted on the tongue and has a hole aligned with the through hole for receiving the adjuster. The adjuster has a through hole aligned with the through hole in the tongue for adapting a cable. The cable passes through the through holes in the adjuster and the tongue. A tension of the cable is adjusted by a movement of the adjuster relative to the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Patent number: 7497071
    Abstract: A chain puller includes an elongate housing having a C-shaped channel extending between the first end and the second end of the housing. First and second chain engaging members are provided. Each has a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion has a chain engaging face to be inserted between links of a chain. The lower portion of the first chain engaging member is fixedly attached toward the first end of the housing, and the lower portion of the second chain engaging member is slideably engaged within the C-shaped channel toward the second end of the housing. A screw actuator has a nut fixedly attached toward the second end of the housing relative to the second chain engaging member and a screw member engaged within the nut. The first end of the screw member has an engagement face that engages the second chain engaging member. The second end has means for rotating the screw member to cause the engagement face to advance or retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Tillberg
  • Patent number: 7451962
    Abstract: A turnbuckle having pivoting releasable anchors on opposing ends that when attached to different articles provides for moving one or both of the attached article toward or away from the other. The turnbuckle anchors comprise a plate incorporating housing for releasably receiving a turnbuckle eyelet and a blade extending from the base having a substantially triangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Keith Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7422195
    Abstract: This object is achieved by a rope tightening device for space defining nettings of a three-dimensional framework wherein rope parts of the space defining nettings are connected to the junction point members of a supporting frame to which frame the space defining netting is attached, the rope tightening device according to the present invention being characterized in that a rope receiving part (6, 6a) is arranged, by means of a tightening screw (10), on an inner surface or an outer surface of a hollow junction point member (1) or on an outer surface of a solid junction point member, respectively, wherein said rope receiving part (6, 6a) is movable in the direction of the tightening motion, and that the rope parts (3) of the space defining netting which is to be tightened are fixable within the rope receiving part (6, 6a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: UDB Urban Design Berlin GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Köehler
  • Patent number: 7334498
    Abstract: An initial tension device has a wire cable for connecting a drive unit and a movable member, a tension case fixed to an immovable member, a regular retainer engageable with an outer cable of the wire cable, and a slot formed in the tension case to extend in the longitudinal direction of the wire cable. The regular retainer engaged with the outer cable moves together with the outer cable by the tension applied to the wire cable through the length defined by the slot. The regular retainer is engaged with the outer cable in the state where a maximum tension is applied to the wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Shoji Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 7325360
    Abstract: A cable tensioner includes two members, such as a pipe and a tube, that define a cable path. The members are helically mobile relative to each other. A retractable detent permits the relative movement of the members in one direction and prevents the relative movement of the members in another direction. The cable tensioner is thus irreversible, regardless of the operating conditions. The cable tensioner is, for example, applicable to a cable used in a vehicle window regulator. The window regulator cable extends in a protective sheath. One end of the protective sheath abuts against the second member, and the second member acts on the end of the protective sheath to increase the cable path and cable tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems - France
    Inventors: Mustapha Mazouzi, Pradet Marc
  • Patent number: 7198253
    Abstract: Wire attachment and/or tensioning assemblies are described. The ends of wires may be fitted with mateable collar and wedge components to allow the wire to be securely attached to a supporting structure such as, for example, the surface of a railing post. The wire attachment assembly may be rotatably attached to a tensioning device that enables wire tension adjustments without rotating the wire itself, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the opposing end of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Suncor Stainless, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman F. Striebel, Patrick A. Striebel
  • Patent number: 7175162
    Abstract: A hoist provides high mechanical advantage and accurate positioning, driven by hand or with a powered rotary implement such as a drill. The hoist includes flexible tension members, such as chains, cables or straps, for applying force and tension to a load. A load nut is connected to the tension members for high mechanical advantage from rotational drive input to a load screw threadedly connected to the load nut. Alongside the tension members are guides forming channel-like spaces within which the flexible tension members travel. The guides, or portions of the guides, pass through the load nut in most forms of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce E. Ratcliff
  • Patent number: 7055804
    Abstract: A tool for binding and securing the binding of a load, said binding including a tube having a pawl disposed in a housing adapted to engage a gear that may be coupled to a tube, wherein rotation of the gear can cause extension and contraction of shafts with respect to the tube. The pawl having more than one operation configuration, such as a load tightening, load loosening and a free spin position. An indicator coupled to the pawl and adapted to move relative to the housing to indicate the operational configuration by pointing to corresponding markings disposed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Scott
  • Patent number: 6945516
    Abstract: A tool for binding and securing the binding of a load, said binding including a tube having left and right hand threads at opposed ends and sides and threaded shafts mated to the threads whereby turning of the tube relative to the shafts produces common insertion or extension of the shafts relative to the tube. A gear secured to the tube and a pivotal housing with handle surrounding the gear. A pawl carried by the housing and moveable into and out of engagement with the gear in either rotative direction whereby handle movement either contracts or extends the shafts simultaneously from the tube. A centered position of the pawl and a detent in said pawl engaged by a spring biased pinion that retains the pawl as desired out of engagement with the gear for free turning of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Scott, Keith Jull, Loren Stolin
  • Patent number: 6926258
    Abstract: A strap tension retaining device is configured for a use with a bulk unit secured by a strap under tension. Such a bulk unit load has a corner and defines a bulk unit perimeter. The strap tension retaining device includes a fixed base element, fixed relative to the bulk unit load, a floating element movable relative to the fixed base element, a biasing element mounted between the floating element and the fixed base element and a guide element mounting the floating element to the fixed base element to guide movement of the floating element relative to the fixed base element. The strap tension retaining device is positioned at about the corner of the bulk unit load with the strap positioned around the bulk unit perimeter of the bulk unit load, over the strap tension retaining device floating element. When the strap is tensioned a force is exerted by the strap on the floating element to force the biasing element against the bias direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Sowa, Michael Kaufman, Lawrence Promise, Mark Hughes
  • Patent number: 6913247
    Abstract: A quick-action tensioning device (1) for cable control switches comprises a holding element (2), to which a cable (3) can be fastened in a clamping manner, and a housing (8), which is connected with the holding element (2). According to the invention, devices (9, 10) for a precise adjusting are provided between the housing (8) and the holding element (2). In particular, a nut (10) can be used for the precise adjusting, so that the cable tension can be continuously adjusted, in which case a rough adjustment as well as a precision adjustment can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Bernstein AG
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Meinhard Gerner, Joachim Ulfik, Markus Finger
  • Publication number: 20040088833
    Abstract: A quick-action tensioning device (1) for cable control switches comprises a holding element (2), to which a cable (3) can be fastened in a clamping manner, and a housing (8), which is connected with the holding element (2). According to the invention, devices (9, 10) for a precise adjusting are provided between the housing (8) and the holding element (2). In particular, a nut (10) can be used for the precise adjusting, so that the cable tension can be continuously adjusted, in which case a rough adjustment as well as a precision adjustment can be carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Rolf Wecke, Meinhard Gerner, Joachim Ulfik, Markus Finger
  • Publication number: 20030178611
    Abstract: A turn buckle 10 that forms part of a stay of the mast of a sailing craft. The turn buckle 10 includes a cable attachment 12 that is fixed to a stay cable, and a threaded rod 14 to be attached to the boat hull. A turn member 16 is threadably attached to the rod and has fixed to it a bearing cap 18. The bearing cap 18 faces a bearing block 20 fixed to the cable attachment 12, while rotatable bearing elements 21 are located between the cap 18 and bearing block 20 to provide for relative rotation between the turn member 16 and attachment 12 to enable tensioning of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: BROLGA 98 PTY LTD
    Inventor: Malcolm John Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030010966
    Abstract: A composite tension member. The composite tension member is assembled from a number of composite rods, each having two ends. A wedge plug is formed around the ends of the composite rods. The wedge plugs are inserted into termination fitting having a termination fitting body with an aperture at a proximal end for receipt of the bundle of composite rods and having an internal cavity that flares outwardly from a proximal end to a distal end to closely receive the wedge plug with the composite rods imbedded therein. A closeout nut is used to retain the wedge plug in the termination fitting body. The invention further provides method of manufacturing composite tension members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robbie J. Sjostedt
  • Patent number: 6176145
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved actuating mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism (15) is comprised of a split housing (16), a gear transfer system (18) enclosed in the housing, a threaded barrel (19) extending from the housing, a screw rod (20) threaded for movement through the barrel, an end plate (21) mounted to the housing opposite the barrel, the transfer system communicating with a driver input (22) and the barrel, whereby rotation of the transfer system will cause rotation of the barrel and axial movement of the screw rod through the barrel. The transfer system comprises beveled ring (23) and pinion (24) gears. The driver input comprises a square recess set in the pinion gear. The driver input may be adapted for operation with either a pneumatic driver or a manual driver. The housing is filled with grease and the barrel and housing are adapted to be greased by means of a conventional grease gun. The end plate and screw rod include clevis end connections (28, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventor: Jay E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5971178
    Abstract: A hoist is constructed for powered drive by an impact tool. The hoist includes tension means for applying a force in tension to a load. Gear means are operatively associated with the tension means for producing a tension force in the tension means. The gear means include a gear element which provides a positive hold of the produced tension force when the gear means are not being driven. Impact fitting means are connected to the gear element for enabling the gear means to be power driven by an impact tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Bruce E. Ratcliff
    Inventors: Bruce E. Ratcliff, Ralph A. Ratcliff
  • Patent number: 5623751
    Abstract: A tie-down device for securing cargo bindings. The device includes a housing unit with a hollow cavity therein. A threaded screw extending through the bore of the cavity and projecting through an opening in a closed end of the housing unit and secured to a threaded fastener. The invention further includes a threaded nut and capture assembly fixedly attached to the opposing end of the threaded screw that is able to extend and retract through an open end of the housing unit. The threaded screw can be turned to a first position projecting the capture assembly through the open end to either capture or loosen bindings. The threaded screw can be turned to a second position causing the secured bindings to be retracted into the housing unit facilitating their tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth Knutson
  • Patent number: 5205543
    Abstract: A chain linking device utilizes a rod of steel round stock, wherein one end of the rod is bent to form a hook while the remaining straight section is threaded. A sleeve and pin member includes a sleeve, with an inner diameter slightly larger than the round stock which fits over the threaded portion of the round stock. A straight pin is formed with or attached to the sleeve so as to protrude radially outward. A washer and a nut are located on the threaded round stock following the sleeve. In use, the hook on the end of the rod is inserted in a gap within the chain several links removed from a free end of the separated or broken chain. The pin on the sleeve and pin member then is inserted in a comparable location several links removed from the other free end of the separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Perry C. Thiede
  • Patent number: 5159729
    Abstract: A tie-down device for securing and holding down cargo and the like. The device includes a turnbuckle. A strap is provided having a first end and a second end that are secured to the turnbuckle, so as to loop back on itself and defining a loose strap and a stationary strap. A first hook is carried by the turnbuckle. A second hook is carried by the strap between the loose and stationary straps. Rotation of the turnbuckle in a first tightening direction wraps the loose strap around the stationary strap, shortening the loose strap for tightening the device and securing and holding down the cargo and the like and also locking the loose strap in place. Rotation of the turnbuckle in a second loosening direction unwraps the loose strap from around the stationary strap, lengthening the loose strap for untightening the device and unsecuring and releasing the cargo and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: William T. Walker
  • Patent number: 4901775
    Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for tensioning a bundling strap about an item to be bundled having a motor and a rotatable output shaft coupleable to one end of an elongated external screw threaded shaft supported for rotation at its opposite end by an end cap. A guide block is adapted for linear reciprocal movement along the shaft between the hand-held unit and the end cap and has threads corresponding to screw threads on the shaft, the guide block having connected thereto means for gripping the bundling strap. A reversible power means energizes the hand-held unit and reverses or halts the direction of rotation of the output shaft upon exertion of a predetermined force upon the guide block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Edge Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest D. Scott, Gregory W. Scott, Donald L. Tedder
  • Patent number: 4624449
    Abstract: A mechanical puller comprising two "U" shaped frame members one nestable within the other. The two frame members are interconnected through a pivotal bracket carried by the outside frame member. The inner frame member is attached to the outer frame member pivotal bracket by an elongated threaded bolt which passes through an aperture in the pivotal bracket. A nut and washer combination mating with the threaded bolt allows longitudinal adjustment of the inner frame member relative to the pivotal bracket. The inner frame member is both pivotal and rotatable relative to the outer frame member and longitudinally adjustable relative to the pivotal bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: Samuel H. Gentry
  • Patent number: 4620705
    Abstract: A gut stringing device for stringing a tennis racket or the like which permits accurate adjustment of a tension applied to the string. The device has a threaded screw and a nut mounted on it. Slide plates carrying a string clamp are moved by driving the threaded screw. Simultaneously a lever coupled to the nut swings against the bias of a spring until it touches a limit switch set at a desired pound value. The limit switch stops a motor driving the threaded screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Asics Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 4567627
    Abstract: A load binder or lashing tightener is provided made up of a first inner elongate sleeve member closed at one end, an anchor fitting on said closed end, a thread nut in the other end of said first sleeve, a second outer sleeve having one end adapted to telescope over the first inner sleeve, an anchor member on said second sleeve adjacent the other end, an elongate screw extending through the second sleeve, one end threadingly engaging the nut in said first sleeve, the other end rotatably fixed in the said other end of said second sleeve, a drive on said other end for rotating said screw whereby said second sleeve is caused to telescope over the first sleeve and the anchors on said sleeves are brought together and an anchor member at the said one end of said second sleeve adapted to receive the lashing to be tightened after the sleeves have been telescoped. The drive may be a hand knob protected by a spacer ring on the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: W. W. Patterson Company
    Inventors: William W. Patterson, III, Eugene F. Grapes
  • Patent number: 4560147
    Abstract: A U-strap mounts a nut between the legs of the strap for rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The nut is provided with a threaded bore which threadably receives an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is also threaded internally reversely to its external threads and threadably receives a stud connected to or constituting a first member to be placed under tension with respect to a second member coupled to or constituting the strap. The turnbuckle is particularly useful in mounting standard wire or rod rigging on a sailboat or sailing yacht.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Bowdren, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Bowdren
  • Patent number: 4367862
    Abstract: A roller chain-connecting tool comprises a narrow elongated body containing a lengthwise-extending threaded rod journaled in and extending through both ends of the body to hexagonal bolt heads for rotating the rod. A chain hook is mounted on the threaded rod by means of an internally threaded block which moves lengthwise along the tool's body when the rod is turned. In one embodiment, a second chain hook is mounted on one end of the body and the rod is threaded in only one direction. In another embodiment, the second chain hook is mounted on another internally-threaded block and the threaded rod has approximately one half threaded in each direction from its center. The chain hooks or jaws are gently curved toward one another and are tapered so as to fit both small and large gauge roller chains, the large chains being at least twice the size of the small chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Nordic Diving Salvage & Marine Contractors Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert I. McGregor
  • Patent number: 4345740
    Abstract: A system for tensioning stranded or wire cables in prestressed concrete comprises an anchoring head having holes in which are anchored the strands or wires. The anchoring head has a ring in screw-threaded engagement with an exterior surface of the head for providing a reactive support for the anchoring head. An intermediate member is releasably fixed to the anchoring head by rods which extend through holes in the intermediate member and are in screw-threaded engagement with the anchoring head. The intermediate member also has a screw-threaded exterior for engagement with the ring to allow the ring to provide a reactive support for the intermediate member at intermediate stages in a tensioning operation.The intermediate member is releasably connectable to a tensioning jack thus allowing the jack and the intermediate member to be removed from the anchoring head once tensioning is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Inventor: Romualdo Macchi
  • Patent number: 4247009
    Abstract: A fastener for securing pipes to a rack includes a tensioning mechanism, a bracket for mounting the tensioning mechanism to the rack, and a flexible cord. The tensioning mechanism has a tubular housing, a threaded shaft mounted in the housing to rotate about its longitudinal axis while being fixed axially, and a movable bracket threaded on the threaded shaft and mounted in the housing so that it will move up and down along the length of the housing in response to rotation of the threaded shaft. The flexible cord has one end fixed to the mounting bracket and knots spaced along a portion of the length of the cord adjacent its free end. The cord is wrapped around the articles to be held on the rack and one of the knots in the cord is selectively and releasably positioned in a notch in the movable bracket. Rotation of the threaded shaft in one direction will cause the cord to tighten about the articles and rack to fixedly secure the articles to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Inventor: Christopher R. Vaurigaud
  • Patent number: 4223869
    Abstract: A load binder or lashing tightener is provided made up of a first inner elongate sleeve member closed at one end, an anchor fitting on said closed end, a thread nut in the other end of said first sleeve, a second outer sleeve having one end adapted to telescope over the first inner sleeve, anchor means on said second sleeve adjacent said one end, screw means extending through the second sleeve, one end threadingly engaging the nut in said first sleeve, the other end rotatably fixed in the said other end of said second sleeve and hand wheel drive means on said other end for rotating said screw whereby said second sleeve is caused to telescope over the first sleeve and the anchor means on said sleeves are brought together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventors: William W. Patterson, III, Eugene F. Grapes