Threaded Fastening Means Patents (Class 269/101)
  • Patent number: 11513528
    Abstract: A method for docking a robot at a charging station includes the following steps: the charging station outputs a first transmitting signal and a second transmitting signal, wherein an overlapping zone and two non-overlapping zones are formed within the signal transmission range of the first and second transmitting signals, and a blank zone forms within a predetermined distance. When the robot needs to move to the charging station, the robot detects its entry into the overlapping zone or one of the two non-overlapping zones, and the robot moves in the direction of the charging station by alternately moving in and out between the overlapping zone and one of the two non-overlapping zones until the robot moves to the blank zone, then the robot either moves directly towards the charging station, or rotates and then moves backwardly towards the charging station, thereby allowing the robot to dock at the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Yan
  • Patent number: 11034528
    Abstract: A workpiece holding jig including a base member conveyed by a linear guide and at least one pair of holding pieces arranged on the base member in the direction crossing the conveying direction of the linear guide. Each of the at least one pair of holding pieces includes a workpiece holding portion that fits or contacts with the outer peripheral surface of a workpiece located between the at least one pair of holding pieces to prevent the workpiece from slanting or becoming misaligned during the conveyance. At least one of holding pieces in the at least one pair of holding pieces is movable in the direction away from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio Motowaki
  • Patent number: 10882152
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a structure for positioning a tool on an elongated recess of a workpiece, wherein the elongated recess extends along a first longitudinal axis and has end surfaces on two end faces. The structure may include a plate having a cutout extending along an axis; a centering device; and a clamping device fixedly connected to the plate and the centering device. The cutout, when the second longitudinal axis is aligned parallel to the first longitudinal axis, enframes the elongated recess. The centering device includes a centering jaw movable within the cutout along the second longitudinal axis and also movable into and out of the elongated recess. The clamping device, on the side of the plate facing the elongated recess, includes clamping jaws movable along the second longitudinal axis to come into mechanical contact with one of the end surfaces of the end faces of the elongated recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Kördel, Helmuth Euler, Anton Schick, Wolfgang Heine
  • Patent number: 10808881
    Abstract: A base plate assembly is provided for supporting a structural member on a floor surface. The base plate assembly has a substantially planar base plate, having one or more holes through the base plate. There are also one or more supports to support the base plate above the floor surface, forming a cavity between the base plate and the floor surface. There are one or more bolt retainer assemblies each having a bolt, associated with one of the one or more holes. Each bolt retainer assembly has an engaged orientation retaining the bolt through the hole and an retracted orientation retaining the bolt within the cavity and not through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Christie Lites Enterprises Canada Inc.
    Inventors: John Phillips, Eustaquio Rates
  • Patent number: 10596673
    Abstract: A pressure applying system using a fixed vise and an adjustable vise. The fixed base utilizes strain gages to measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base through a working member from the adjustable base. The adjustable base utilizes a bi directional worm screw to apply a linear force to the working member relative to the fixed base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Elijah Tooling, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Miller, Julie A. Miller, Austin C. Styer, Derek L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 10300546
    Abstract: A fixture includes a base with a bottom and a rim, a clamp with an exterior in a shape of a portion of a clamp sphere and a component space that is wholly within the clamp sphere, wherein the clamp is positioned such that the clamp exterior is in contact with the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kirk D. Hlavaty
  • Patent number: 9994299
    Abstract: A tool for use in installing a bulkhead within a structure is provided. The tool includes a base member configured to couple to the structure, and a positioning member configured to couple to the bulkhead. The base member includes a primary fastener hole sized to receive at least a portion of a fastener therethrough, and sized such that the fastener is configured to bias against the base member to retract the positioning member towards the base member when the fastener is engaged with the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James Alan Aske, Andrew J. Ponton
  • Patent number: 9804179
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Tan, Ming Xia, Yushan Tan, Jun Chen, Erhua Cao, Genqian Li, Robert F. Zuk
  • Patent number: 9751199
    Abstract: A wheel stud press assembly for displacing a wheel stud relative to a wheel opening in a wheel flange comprising a frame assembly and a drive system. The frame assembly defines first and second arm portions and a drive axis. The drive axis extends between the first and second arm portions. The drive system comprising a drive rod and is supported by the frame assembly to displace the drive rod along the drive axis. When the drive rod engages the wheel stud and the first and second arm portions engage the wheel flange, operation of the drive system forces the wheel stud out of the wheel opening between the first and second arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Tiger Tool International Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Andrews
  • Patent number: 9651466
    Abstract: An edge sharpness measurement apparatus includes a clamp for securing a test medium against a frictional member, and an engagement mechanism for a normal force, such that the normal force directs the test medium against the frictional member with a force based on operational conditions of the test medium. A further engagement mechanism is for a tangential force, in which the engagement mechanism is adapted to increase the tangential force to identify a tangential force sufficient to dispose the frictional member across the test medium. A pivot defines an angle of application of the tangential force relative to the normal force, such that disposing the frictional member across the test medium defines a point of overcoming frictional forces between the test medium and the frictional member. A measurement device, such as a gauge or range on a spring, measures the tangential force sufficient to dispose the frictional member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher Brown, Jocelyn Close, Jason Hopkins, Michael Dragonas, Frank Bruton
  • Patent number: 9468926
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Tan, Ming Xia, Yushan Tan, Jun Chen, Erhua Cao, Genqian Li, Robert F. Zuk
  • Patent number: 9302370
    Abstract: A tool kit for holding a door knob during supporting installation or uninstallation of a door locks, the tool kit comprises a bar clamp comprising a clamp assembly mounted on a slide bar, adapted for holding an edge of a door. The slide bar extends towards an outer face of the door. The tool kit further comprises an angular bracket comprising a first arm slidably mountable on the slide bar and a second arm comprising a felt pad adapted for holding a door knob in position on the outer face of the door, upon pressing at least one locking pressure point on the angular bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Jacques Nadeau
  • Patent number: 9186777
    Abstract: An assembly fixture having a base with an upper surface. A plurality of blocks, each having a quick release clamp detachably secured to it, are positioned on the base so that the clamps engage the workpiece components when in their clamped position. The blocks are then fixedly secured to the base but the clamps may be easily removed and reattached when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Woods
  • Patent number: 8905391
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable holder for supporting a firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support head and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of a gun barrel cradle and means for pivotally conne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Weissenborn
  • Publication number: 20140210150
    Abstract: An adjustable work holding system can quickly adjust for different sized work pieces and can grip components with a small, about 0.100 inch, grip on the material, eliminating wasted material. Adjustable jaws can be mounted on a base plate and tightened into a desired position. Grippers are attached to the jaws and extend only about 0.100 inch over the jaws to provide a gripping surface. The grippers can be resiliently held open by a resilient member, such as an O-ring. A drive bolt for each gripper can be tightened to move the grippers closer together and grip material. The grippers provide strong holding forces and pulls the work piece down, which allows for more aggressive machining operations as compared to conventional work holding systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: David Allen Bishop, Kevin J. Glover
  • Publication number: 20140210151
    Abstract: A die pressing plate including a main body, an adjusting groove, and a main through hole, each of the left or right surface of the main through hole has at least one guiding groove; a lower cushion block having a top curve surface; and an upper cushion block having a lower curve surface for engaging the top curve surface of the lower cushion block, at least one extension portion protruding away from the lower curve surface, the at least one extension portion having two blocking portions, the blocking portions of the at least one extension portion engage the at least one guiding groove, the at least one extension portion extends elastically when the blocking portion slide downwardly, and the blocking portion is blocked by the bottom surface of the main body. The die pressing plate is simple in structure, fast and convenient to assemble and use, and low in cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ningbo Yinzhou Zhonghe Haulida Plastic Mould Factory
    Inventor: Huafeng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8714537
    Abstract: A clamp device (30) includes a plurality of arms (32, 34). One of the arms supports a securing member (36). The other arm includes a curvilinear surface (40) that directly engages a curved wall of an article at a location in line with a centerline of the securing member. The curvilinear surface (40) allows for the clamp device to reliably engage an article having a curved wall for a lifting operation. One example use of a disclosed example device is for lifting tubes associated with a hydraulic elevator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, William J. Derwin, Jeffrey M. Dickinson, John E. Cegelka, Craig A. Buckley
  • Publication number: 20140015186
    Abstract: Disclosed is a configurable table that uses configurable mounting pieces to mount a work piece on the configurable table at a predetermined location. The configurable table includes a fixed portion of a mounting clamp that can engage a rotatable portion of a mounting clamp on a positioner or other device. The positioner can then rotate the configurable table and work piece to various orientations for performing horizontal welds, using robotic welders, as well as machining and cutting. The configurable table can also be used for initial fabrication, cutting, or working, which eliminates the need for separate fabrication and finish welding tables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Brent Wessel, Todd Scarpella, Lance F. Guymon
  • Publication number: 20130087961
    Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support head and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of a gun barrel cradle and means for pivotally connecting and loc
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Weissenborn
  • Patent number: 8376340
    Abstract: The clamping fixture (1) consists of a workpiece pallet (2) and an actuator (27). The workpiece pallet (2) comprises at least two clamping jaws (4,5) for clamping in place a workpiece, while the actuator (27) is provided for opening and closing the clamping jaws (4,5). By means of the actuator (27) the clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastically excursionable to the extent that a workpiece, after release of the actuator (27), can be locked in place by the material-elastic restoring force of the clamping jaws (4,5). Preferably the workpiece pallet (2) comprises a main body (3) provided with a slot (6) defined on both sides by the clamping jaws (4,5). The clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastic excursionable by means of the actuator (27) transversely to the slot (6). The clamping jaws (4,5) are provided with fitted jaws (13, 14) which in relation to each clamping jaw (4,5) can be shifted transversely to the slot (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8342495
    Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support bead and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of one of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Weissenborn
  • Patent number: 8047515
    Abstract: A jig for used in performing a finish processing of a cylinder bore 3 comprises a jig body 10 that comes close to and disengages from a cylinder head mounting surface 2, bolt member 16 that forms a tapered bore portion 20 by a internal surface 21 of a plurality of blot pieces 18 having a threaded portion 19 engageable to a female threaded portion 8 of a head bolt hole 7 and that expands the diameter thereof by a wedge action receiving through the tapered bore portion 20, a tapered shaft member 17 having a tapered surface portion 22 inserted into the tapered bore portion 20 so as to add the wedge action to it, and a piston member 24 having a pressing surface 23 contacting a given surface portion on the cylinder head mounting surface 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Asayama
  • Publication number: 20100164158
    Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support bead and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of one of
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard WEISSENBORN
  • Publication number: 20100066000
    Abstract: A jig for used in performing a finish processing of a cylinder bore 3 comprises a jig body 10 that comes close to and disengages from a cylinder head mounting surface 2, bolt member 16 that forms a tapered bore portion 20 by a internal surface 21 of a plurality of blot pieces 18 having a threaded portion 19 engageable to a female threaded portion 8 of a head bolt hole 7 and that expands the diameter thereof by a wedge action receiving through the tapered bore portion 20, a tapered shaft member 17 having a tapered surface portion 22 inserted into the tapered bore portion 20 so as to add the wedge action to it, and a piston member 24 having a pressing surface 23 contacting a given surface portion on the cylinder head mounting surface 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Asayama
  • Publication number: 20090261519
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securing device for plate-like work pieces, comprising a body member and an anchor member, the body member having a first end and a second end, the first end having an engagement portion, a biasing member to basis the body member laterally within a plurality of aligned openings in said work pieces and biasing the engagement portion past the openings, the engagement portion having an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the body member including a threadable portion, the anchor member being operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor member including a threaded member to engage the threadable portion, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the body member toward the anchor member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: David C. Piggott
  • Patent number: 6889968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a general purpose clamping device. It comprises a straight shank with the lower end attached to a short cylindrical sleeve and a movable arm sliding over the shank. Feeding through the free end of the movable arm is a threaded rod with clamping pad and turning handle at the lower end and upper end respectively. The present invention is designed to hold a workpiece tightly, quickly and conveniently on the working surface of a table, workbench or machine tool. And the invention can be relocated easily over the workbench made of wood or metal, or over the working surface of a machine tool. Attachments are provided to enhance the functionality of the invention. A Y-axis attachment assembly is adapted to being slidably mounted on the straight shank to hold a second workpiece along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the vertical clamping direction of the multi-function clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 6854630
    Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6763563
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a liquid cooled compressor stator bar bottle clip having a groove extending around an outer surface of the bottle clip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the repair apparatus includes a first body portion that includes a plurality of threaded fastener openings in a first end section and a second end section of the first body portion, a second body portion that includes a plurality of threaded fastener openings in a first end section and a second end section of the second body portion, and a plurality of threaded fasteners extending through corresponding fastener openings in the first and second body portions. The fasteners connect the first and second body portions such that an elliptical opening is defined between the first and second body portions. The elliptical opening extends through the repair apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Michael Allen Shanahan
  • Patent number: 6547258
    Abstract: A chuck body has a first surface for fixing to a support body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface of the chuck body is provided with a pair of chuck members for chucking a workpiece and a guide rail for guiding an open and close operation of these chuck members. Further, a plurality of stationary holes for fixing the chuck body to the support body is formed at a position overlapping with the chuck members of the guide rail so as to communicate with the first surface, and each of the chuck members is provided with a work hole for inserting a screw into these stationary holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Mandokoro, Hiroshi Hanne
  • Patent number: 6547116
    Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6523818
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel apparatus and method for securing a work object, such as a pipe, conduit, bar, rod or the like, using a wrench or other gripping tool that acts as a second set of hands. The wrench is pivotally attached to a support that has a receiving location wherein a work object sits. The wrench can be rotated about its end opposite the mouth so that the mouth engages the work object, and the wrench is held in engagement with the work object by the force of gravity. When a pipe wrench is gripping a work object in such a way, the work object will be prevented from rotating in one sense, thereby allowing someone practising this invention to use both hands to apply a torque to the work object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Le Mac Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Francis Le Vert, Martin Philip Sommerard
  • Patent number: 6406229
    Abstract: A clamp for securing an oversized work-piece to a milling machine table using the T-slot on the front surface of a Bridgeport-type milling machine table. The clamp, when attached to the T-slot, extends beyond the table and over it where it can be tightened down on a work-piece to hold it to the top surface of the table. The clamp includes a heel block and a clamp block held in spaced relation by a separation bolt and a tightening bolt. To mill an oversized work-piece, the clamp is inserted into the T-slot and then the separation distance of the clamp block to the heel block is adjusted by rotating the clamp block around the separation bolt until the separation distance is slightly wider than the thickness of the work-piece. The tightening bolt is then used to tighten the clamp onto the work-piece. The nose end of the heel block can be shaped to match the profile of the T-slot or can be modified to allow the nose to be rotated into the slot by rounding its corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Alpha Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Derrick, Scott J Echerer
  • Patent number: 6342138
    Abstract: An electroplating rack includes a cathode flight bar from which depends an insulated rack bar over an acid bath. A clamp is fixed to the rack bar, and has a bridge electrically connected to the flight bar through a conducting core inside the insulated rack bar. The clamp has a main body made of plastic, which includes a slot in which protrudes the bridge. An electrically conducting spring clip is installed in the slot, and is formed of two arms continuously biased into a spreaded, opened condition in the slot. A screw carried by the main body, when rotated in a first direction, can force the spring clip into a closed condition, in which it can hold an article to be electroplated between its two arms, and in which one of the spring clip arms is forced against the bridge member. Thus, electrical current can pass through the rack flight bar and conducting core, then through the bridge member, the spring clip and finally into the article to be electroplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: M & B Plating Racks Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Brown
  • Patent number: 6161824
    Abstract: A tool useful in the installation of wallboard, especially on ceilings, having two surfaces at a substantially right angle to each other, or a single surface, with means for attachment of said tool in appropriate locations as a means of providing temporary support for wallboard during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ido H. Gustavson
  • Patent number: 6126158
    Abstract: A jaw assembly for use on a slideway of a machine table includes one or more guide rods over which a vise jaw freely slides. No fasteners or mounting members are required to mount and demount the jaw from the assembly. Before the jaw is tightened to apply a clamping force, it is held in an unbiased condition without the need for biasing springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Eddy Engibarov
  • Patent number: 5586754
    Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece relative to a planar support surface including a pair of contoured block members, each provided with a plurality of slots and apertures and having a base provided with structure for operatively attaching the block members to the planar support surface. A bar clamp has structure for securing a workpiece and further has opposite ends wherein each end of the bar clamp is operably associated with one of the pair of block members. The plurality of slots and apertures are axially aligned in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Each slot is operatively associated with a selected one of the plurality of apertures and is further dimensioned to receive one of the ends of the bar clamp. The plurality of apertures further include at least one aperture formed in the base of each contoured block wherein the at least one aperture is provided with structure for operably connecting the block member to the planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Willis R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5513836
    Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed for holding doors, panels and similar generally planar workpieces in an upright position while the device is attached to a stationary or movable support. Automatic clamping of a workpiece is accomplished by placing the workpiece on a support member and in contact with a movable member, with the weight of the workpiece causing diagonal sliding movement of the workpiece and movable member towards a stationary member. The workpiece is released by lifting the workpiece, with a coil spring urging the movable member diagonally away from the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Jerry Hillenburg
  • Patent number: 5433356
    Abstract: An engineer's vise (16) having a fixed inner member (20) with a stationary jaw (24) and an elongate extension (22) for inserting into and mounting to a trailer receiver (18) attached to a motor vehicle (37), thus providing a vise for use in the field. The vise has a movable outer member (30) and jaw (32) operated by a threaded shaft (34) and turned by a handle (38). The vise can be securely attached to receiver by a pin (53) in one of four positions: upright, inverted, on its right side, on its left side. It can be quickly and easily removed and stored for safe keeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Jay A. Russell
  • Patent number: 5407183
    Abstract: There is provided a drywall installation tool which is generally rectangular and has a first and second section. In one embodiment, the first section being provided with at least two apertures through which nails or screws can be placed to secure the tool to a drywall sheet that is already in place. A spacer is provided on the surface of the first section of the tool to properly position the tool on the installed drywall surface. When the tool is positioned on a installed drywall surface, the next sheet of drywall is then placed on the second section of the tool and pushed upwardly to properly position the second sheet of drywall on studs or metal supports and the drywall tool holds the sheet of drywall in place while it is being secured with either nails or screws to the underlying support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: James C. Singeltary
  • Patent number: 5397114
    Abstract: A clamping device for fixing a die on the setting surface of a lateral injection molding machine comprises a clamp main body, plural clamping hydraulic cylinders installed in the output portion at the front end portion of the clamp main body, and a guide mechanism for guiding the clamp main body movably only in the longitudinal direction without separate from the setting surface, in which the clamp main body can be freely changed over in position with respect to the setting surface in the released state, so that it may not be dislocated from the setting surface. The lower base portion of the clamp main body can be divided as a base member to be fixed on the setting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Aioi Seiki, Inc.
    Inventor: Ichiro Kitaura
  • Patent number: 5395100
    Abstract: A chain saw vise includes a body of generally rectangular shape with an arcuate concave bottom surface defining downwardly projecting legs which each taper to a pointed edge. A lag screw has a head welded to a central portion of the arcuate surface, and has a downwardly projecting threaded shank. A circular hole extends transversely through the body. A slot with a width less than diameter of the hole extends transversely through the body, communicates with the hole, and opens through a top surface of the body. A threaded screw stud engages a threaded hole in the body, has its inner end disposed in the slot, and has a manually operable handle secured to its opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Wayne L. Stienbarger
  • Patent number: 5283986
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the grinding wheel sharpening of contour knife blades having a contoured cutting edge formed along one side thereof includes contour profile knife blades having a passageway formed therethrough, the passageway having an opening into the flat surface of the knife blade and an opening into the mounting surface of the knife blade, the opening into the flat surface being of greater diameter than the opening to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Gianfranco Pozzo
  • Patent number: 5234205
    Abstract: A quick die change clamp secures a workpiece to a work surface equipped with a T-slot. The quick die change clamp includes a fastener having a threaded end and a head at an end opposite the threaded end for slidable movement in a T-slot of a work surface. The quick change clamp also includes a clamp bar adapted to engage and disengage a workpiece and a rotatable flange stem nut attached to the clamp bar for moving the clamp bar along the threaded end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen F. Shanley
  • Patent number: 5206982
    Abstract: Structure for and method of die transfer. The structure comprises low friction bearing structures set into elongated T-slot bars secured in parallel, transverse spaced apart relation on a bolster plate and a die transfer truck table top actuable in response to the table top being raised to the level of the top of the T-slot bars with the table adjacent the bolster plate to raise a die positional on either the truck or bolster plate and facilitate universal movement of the die in a plane parallel to the top of the bolster plate. V-block and pin structure for centering the die on the bolster plate and die clamping structure including a washer having one straight edge and which moves axially of a bolt with a nut are also part of the die transfer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Donald H. Brown
  • Patent number: 5190273
    Abstract: The pallet includes one or more supporting faces, each of which is provided with an anchorage system for equipping the clamping fixture of a rough piece to be machined with machine tools. Each supporting face has one or more anchorage members for components of said clamping fixture. Each anchorage members may be adjusted as to height and as to angular orientation and is connected with a supply of fluid.Said adjustment is carried out by screwing and unscrewing said anchorage members in corresponding appropriately threaded holes in the supporting faces of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: SZ S.r.l.
    Inventor: Guido Salvagnini
  • Patent number: 5076553
    Abstract: The fixture for holding threaded workpieces is a right angle fixture. It has two integrally formed webs which have exterior planar surfaces at a right angle with respect to each other. There are holes through each of the webs. The holes are of selected diameters and each has therein threads of selected pitch. Securing of the fixture and placing a threaded fastener through its corresponding hole permits operations to be accomplished on the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5056766
    Abstract: A vise for use with a machining table having an elongated T-slot in its upper surface includes a stationary jaw and a jaw support transversely extending over the T-slot and clamped against the table in spaced relation to one another by a clamping device centrally extending through the jaw and jaw support into the T-slot. A movable jaw is mounted on the jaw support with its gripping surface facing the gripping surface of the stationary jaw and its opposite surface inclined to the table. A wedge member having an inclined surface conforming to the inclined surface of the movable jaw is located between the movable jaw and the jaw support. Adjustment of the vertical position of the wedge member relative to the table enforces a horizontal motion of the movable jaw to grip a work piece located between the jaws. An auxiliary base member with a T-slot in its upper surface is also provided upon which the vise may be alternatively mounted for portable free-standing use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Eddy Engibarov
  • Patent number: 4968011
    Abstract: A small size vice constructed to hold small parts while being work processed on up to three sides with one clamping of the part being work processed. The small vice uses a rigid frame design applicable for being clamped in a larger bench vice, bench mount bracket or machine table clamp having rigidity not found in small vices. The small size vice has narrow jaws and very long movable jaw travel for it's jaw width and with the jaw travel perpendicular to the clamping surfaces of the jaws. The small size vice also has an underside rigid web reinforcing substantially the length of the vice to prevent the vice from bowing from vice jaw clamping force and to provide a web for being clamped in a larger bench vice (or other clamping device) with the smaller size holding small parts being worked on over to one side of the bench vice. The two sided shoulder at the top of the underside rigid web prevents vice slip down when the small vice is clamped in the jaws of a larger vice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Robert C. Womack
  • Patent number: 4915367
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention described relate to clamping apparatus for parts to be machined comprising cramps presenting elastically deformable fingers which engage the flanks of the part to be machined and rigid fingers which abut the part, a T-grooved bed-plate, sliders bearing the cramps, and locking braces for locking the sliders on the bed-plate. Eccentrics enable the cramps to be advanced on the slider to bend the deformable fingers and bring the rigid fingers into abutment with the part. The opposite cramps are secured to the bed-plate in alignment with a reference face perpendicular to the grooves. Lateral grooves are provided for engagement by clamps to fix the bed-plate to a table of a machine tool. Cramps are provided in recesses under the sides of the bed-plate for alternative engagement by the jaws of a vice. Variants are described, which enable parts with non-parallel sides to be clamped. The clamping apparatus is particularly suitable for repetitive use (mass production).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Carossino Freres
    Inventor: Andre Carossino
  • Patent number: 4848758
    Abstract: A clamp for holding small workpieces, such as jewelry, is disclosed. The clamp is rotatable and tiltable about a central mounting shaft, and includes hand rests extending transversely from each side of the clamp. The hand rests allow one's hands to be supported and stabilized while performing work on the workpiece, thereby reducing fatigue while also improving stability, accuracy and steadiness. In the preferred embodiment the clamp includes an integral flux cup for facilitating soldering operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Neal C. Mills