Third Class Lever Action Type Patents (Class 269/239)
  • Patent number: 5758870
    Abstract: A clamp pin handle cover for covering a pin handle of a mechanical clamp. The clamp pin handle cover includes an elongate cover body defining a slot which is adapted to receive the clamp pin handle therein. In one embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a fixed pin handle. In a second embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a translating pin handle with the translating pin handle disposed at its mid position or a translated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Mega Technology E.D.M., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5713682
    Abstract: A paper handling device comprises a flexible, substantially U-shaped handle portion having first and second side members, the first and second side members terminating at first and second ends respectively; first and second arms are respectively disposed at the first and second ends and each directed substantially away from the handle portion; first and second tines depend transversely from the first and second arms respectively, the first and second tines extending in a generally parallel relation and normally spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the spacing between pre-punched holes in the paper. Compressing the handle portion reduces the distance between the tines so as to allow the tines to be inserted into the respective holes in the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis Gary Clark, Steven Charles Black, Duane Christensen, Michael Barry Lasky
  • Patent number: 5611146
    Abstract: A removable attachment for use with a hand-held tool is disclosed. The tool comprises a housing and a cutting blade mounted therein for continuous reciprocating movement during operation. The attachment comprises a work piece receiving member pivotally mounted to the tool housing. An adjustable clamping member is pivotally mounted to the work piece receiving member. An adjuster, movable between an operable and a non-operable position, is operably connected to the clamping member for adjusting the clamping member so as to clamp a work piece positioned on the work piece receiving member for operation thereon by the cutting blade. A quick release mechanism comprising a sliding member, movable between a first position and a second position, is provided for quickly moving the adjuster between its operable and non-operable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Lucien C. Ducret
  • Patent number: 5595375
    Abstract: A clamp for releasably gripping a workpiece includes a base member, a first jaw portion attached to the base member and having a first gripping portion and a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the base member at a pivot location, and having a second gripping portion. The second jaw is pivotable about the pivot location between an open, retracted position where the first and second gripping portions are spaced apart and a closed, gripping portion where the first and second gripping portions engage the workpiece and apply a gripping force to hold the workpiece. An actuator selectively retracts the second jaw member from the gripping position into the retracted position by application of a retracting force. A mechanism which may include a cam or an over-center linkage releasably holds the second jaw member in the retracted position independently of the retracting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Benn Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann Bennhausen
  • Patent number: 5579561
    Abstract: Improved seat belt gripping devices are provided for clamping and locking the shoulder portion and lap portion of a seat belt together in order to adequately secure a child safety seat in place on a car seat. The devices disclosed herein are tamper-resistant so that children and infants will not be able to remove the devices while in use and further the devices disclosed herein are easy to use. The safety devices of the present invention eliminate the need for removing slack from the shoulder portion of the seat belt in order to ensure that the child safety seat will not move in a forward direction during a sudden stop, collision or normal traffic maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Keith T. Smith, Gord McDougall
  • Patent number: 5577717
    Abstract: The jeweler's saw vise is for holding a relatively thin workpiece to permit a jeweler to use a saw to cut the workpiece firmly held by the vise. The vise comprises a pair of elongated upper and lower jaws having a front surface and a rear surface. The upper jaw is superimposed over the lower jaw which has a length longer than the upper jaw. The rear portion of the lower jaw forms a mounting tab for attaching the vise to a support. A biasing spring is interposed between the jaws to resiliently bias the jaws to a closed position. The jaws at the front surface are provided with a V-notch, with the widest part of the notch being located in the front surface to form an entrance to a V-notch provided in the jaws of the vise where the cutting of the material or workpiece occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Donald M. Benson
  • Patent number: 5529297
    Abstract: A clamp having internal snap-fit attachments has a first member, a second member and an actuating mechanism. At least one of the preceding members has a pair of sections thereof which are attached together by a plurality of snap-fit attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Patent number: 5486014
    Abstract: A dolly includes an elongated rigid support member for receiving a lower end portion of a panel-shaped support leg of an upright piano. The support member is formed by an elongated bottom wall and a pair of side walls rigidly connected along opposite longitudinal side edges of the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom so as to define an elongated channel extending between the spaced side walls and above the bottom wall of the support member. The channel is open along its upper end to receive the lower end portion of the support leg of the upright piano. The dolly also includes a pair of carriages supporting the opposite ends of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Darald F. Hough
  • Patent number: 5375636
    Abstract: A pocket joint cutter system for forming a pocket cut and fastener bore into a workpiece. The pocket cut and fastener bore receives a fastener such as a self-tapping screw which passes through the bore and into a second workpiece for forming a Joint between the two workpieces. The head of the fastener is held within the pocket cut in order to secure the joint. In one preferred form of the present invention, a workpiece system secures the workpiece in a predetermined position and forms the pocket cut and fastener bore into the workpiece. This preferred embodiment further comprises a bench-mounting system coupled to the workpiece system for securing the system to a bench. Using this embodiment of the present invention, the system can be mounted to a bench, and the workpiece can be brought to the system and held in position while the user forms the pocket cut and fastener bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Bosten, Earl R. Clowers, Daniel P. Wall, George W. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5308582
    Abstract: A hypodermic syringe uncapping device includes a housing enclosing two opposed, pivotal arms adapted to grip a cap protecting a hypodermic syringe needle. Upon insertion through a hole in the housing, the capped needle is forced against a movable plunger whose lower end engages one of a number of pins extending from the surface of a rotatable cam located between the arms. Rotation of the cam thus induced allows the arms to pivot toward each other under the urging of an arm-connecting spring, causing the arms to grasp the cap and thereby allow subsequent withdrawal of the needle. When the needle is reinserted in the cap and the cap is again pushed against the plunger, the cam is rotated still further, forcing the arms apart and permitting the cap to be withdrawn from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Louis M. Serra
  • Patent number: 5244195
    Abstract: A clamping fixture (10) for releasably clamping a workpiece (12) to avoid damage to the workpiece comprises a support (40) having a pair of arms (60,62) mounted thereto for rotation to and from each other. Each arm has a jaw assembly (68,70) spring-biased thereto opposite the jaw assembly on the other arm so that each jaw assembly can "float" along each of the x, y and z axes. When the arms are rotated together, the jaw assemblies conformally grip the workpiece therebetween with a reduced incidence of damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Clyde A. Lawrence, Ivan Pawlenko, Brian D. Potteiger
  • Patent number: 5205462
    Abstract: A brazing fixture apparatus is disclosed for holding a heat exchanger core during a brazing operation. The fixture includes a generally rectangular frame including a contact member disposed on one side of the frame and a single lever extending axially along the length of the frame. The lever pivots from a first position to allow placement of the core onto the frame to a second position, in response to gravity, such that in the second position, the lever applies a constant compressive force on the core to hold the core together during the brazing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Crosier, Mark R. Nock, Josef Hirmann
  • Patent number: 5074509
    Abstract: A plumb bob support adapted for use by pipe fitters by which the plumb bob can be quickly and accurately suspended from a pipe or similar cylindrical object with the plumb bob being aligned with the center of the pipe thereby enabling the plumb bob to accurately indicate a center point of the pipe on a surface below the pipe. The support includes a pair of elongated, arcuate arms generally in the form of a caliper used for measuring outside diameters of pipes and the like with pipe engaging clips or jaws mounted on the facing ends of the arms by a universal ball and socket connection. The arms are pivotally connected and include a swivelly mounted hook to which the plumb bob can be connected. The arms also include laterally extending pins on which a bubble level can be supported to accurately position the pipe engaging clips in horizontal alignment thereby assuring that the hook and thus the plumb bob will be accurately aligned with the center line of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: William T. Van Orden
  • Patent number: 5054755
    Abstract: A hand tool for mounting U-shaped joist hangers upon header beams to support the series of joists to be distributed therealong. The joist hanger itself is slid into the forward face of the tool body with its bottom transverse portion entering a rearwardly-extending slot from its front face and over a forwardly-extending projection adapted to align the tool and hanger with the bottom edge of the beam. Angle-section legs of the hanger extend upwardly from the transverse portion and lie flush against the sides of the tool. A spring-biased projection extends from the top of the tool above the bottom projection and hanger to clamp them to the header beam and permit the worker to use his hand for nailing the hanger to the header beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Lester K. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 4953836
    Abstract: Work holder apparatus for clamping large workpieces in position to carry out finishing operations comprising a base support unit, spaced parallel upright support members disposed thereon and extending upwardly to define a generally channel-shaped opening for insertion of a workpiece in the channel, a movable clamping member mounted on one of the support members including a workpiece-engaging surface in facing relation to the other of the support members, and clamping control means for horizontally advancing the clamp member toward and away from the other of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Mark Starck
  • Patent number: 4938678
    Abstract: An adjustable clamp frame assembly for holding different sizes of plastic sheets in a thermo form machine. The frame assembly has longitudinal and transverse beams carrying clamp units that hold a plastic sheet on the beams. The longitudinal and transverse beams are movable along rails of a rectangular frame to change the lateral distance between both the longitudinal and transverse beams to accommodate different sizes of plastic sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James N. Oulman
  • Patent number: 4901963
    Abstract: An adjustable clamp is formed of two extrusions pivotally joined together by retaining structures consisting of a web and bead extruded as part of one of the extrusions and a channel extruded as part of the other extrusion and having sufficient cross-sectional size to receive the bead longitudinally. Edge portions of the channel define a gap wider than the web but narrower than the bead to allow limited pivotal movement of one extrusion relative to the other about an axis in the channel and to prevent the bead from slipping transversely out of the channel. One extrusion has a body portion with an arm extending from the body portion and a pressure pad on the arm. The other extrusion has a generally U-shaped configuration consisting of a bight and two sides, one of which has an edge with an extruded pressure pad thereon facing the pressure pad on the arm. The other side, which is adjacent the pivot axis defined by the bead and the channel, is juxtaposed with respect to the body portion of the othe extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Universal Consolidated Methods, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Yoder
  • Patent number: 4901964
    Abstract: A clamp for attaching surgical support apparatus onto the side rail of an operating table includes a clamp body having an attachment portion adapted for coupling engagement with surgical support apparatus, a fixed jaw member for engaging the upper corner portions of the side rail, a movable compression member for engaging the lower corner portions of the side rail, and driving means for moving the compression member to an open, retracted position allowing positioning of the jaw member and compression member about the opposite sides of the rail, and to an extended position in which the compression member is urged against a lower edge portion of the side rail with the rail being confined and compresssed between the fixed jaw and compression member. According to this arrangement, a compressive force is transmitted by the turn screw through the compression member against the side rail which firmly anchors the clamp at any desired position along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Bernard E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 4871106
    Abstract: A non-dedicated pallet assembly (10) is provided to carry and precisely position a plurality of integrated circuit packages (12). The pallet assembly includes an exterior frame subassembly (14) emcompassing an interior frame subassembly (16) formed to include a plurality of receiving nests (48) arrayed in rows thereon. Each receiving nest (48) is adapted to receive a modular package holder (18) in one of several selectable rotational orientations. The preferred modular package holders (18) may be in the form of a finger support holder (126), a surface protection holder (128) or a multi-nest holder (130), each conformed to the shape and dimensions of a selected package (12). Vertical support to the package holders (18) and the packages (12) is provided by a leaf spring (60) associated with each receiving nest (48) and by an openable and closable gate subassembly (20) associated with each pair of rows of receiving nests (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Charles R. Wharff
  • Patent number: 4869482
    Abstract: A tool for loosening a seized ball joint from a tie rod in a motor vehicle and consists of a shank having a stationary jaw with a wedged shaped seat so that the seized ball joint can sit in the wedged shaped seat. A movable jaw is pivotly secured to the shank while a puller bolt is transversely threaded through the shank causing the moveable jaw to pivot to press against end of the seized ball joint. A handle with a removable handle extension having a support portion is threadably attached to the shank so that a hammer can hit against the support portion to loosen the seized ball joint from the tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Rodolfo Beccaceci
  • Patent number: 4865302
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the attachment of decorative objects to an outer surface of a balloon comprises a plate-like base member, a first plate-like side wall member rigidly attached to the base member and oriented substantially perpendicularly thereto, and a second plate-like side wall member opposable to the first plate-like side wall member. Hinges pivotably secure the second plate-like side wall member to the base member so that the second plate-like side wall member can pivot from an open position for loading and unloading to a closed position wherein the second plate-like side wall member is opposed and substantially parallel to the first plate-like side wall member. A plurality of rods attached at one end to the first plate-like side wall member extend substantially parallel to the base member and to each other and cooperate with the base member, the first side wall member and the second side wall member to hold the balloon in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Wes Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4830349
    Abstract: A hydraulic clamp is provided that is suited for fixing a workpiece on the table of a machining center work pallet and the like. In a clamp housing there are arranged a swingable clamp arm and a hydraulic cylinder one before the other longitudinally, the clamp arm being pivotably supported near the lower end thereof to be freely swingable longitudinally, an elastic body is provided to extend from the clamp arm at the middle in height to a constituent member of the hydraulic cylinder so that the clamp arm is pushed back to be inward of the front face of the clamp housing in the absence of hydraulic oil pressure, while the clamp arm is driven forward by a piston of the hydraulic cyinder to be beyond of the front face thereof when sufficient oil pressure is provided to the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Ichiro Miyata
  • Patent number: 4796877
    Abstract: A holder and saw guide device for an elongated tube or rod type workpiece includes V-shaped support areas accommodating various size workpieces in a first cavity. A gripping member extends into the first cavity for positioning in a gripping relation with the workpiece along a first concave surface of the gripping member. A second concave surface disposed on an opposite face of the gripping member presents a reversely-curved configuration. The second concave surface cooperates with a stem which is adapted for selective axial shifting movement. The gripping member is biased toward an open position facilitating installation and removal of the workpiece. A pair of parallel walls are disposed in generally normal relation to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. These walls advantageously include hardened wear plates which line a guide structure for a cutting blade. A mounting member facilitates securing the device to an associated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Crawford Fitting Company
    Inventors: James C. Musil, Emery J. Zahuranec
  • Patent number: 4733842
    Abstract: A multi-purpose clamp for clamping an attachment to a support structure. This clamp consists of a first rigid panel with two edges, a second rigid panel hingedly attached to the first edge of the first rigid panel, a third rigid panel hingedly attached to the second edge of the first rigid panel, a threaded sleeve and rod for changing the angular orientation of the second rigid panel with respect to the third rigid panel and opposing grips located on the faces of both second and third rigid panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: William W. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 4729552
    Abstract: A vertical vise adaptable for floor mounting and having two spaced posts. One post carries a stationary work piece engaging jaw on its upper end and beneath the jaw, a vertically adjustable work piece support cradle assembly. The second post is hollow and shorter than the first post. A clamping head positioning arm is pivotally secured in the cavity of the second post so that its upper end is swingable toward and away from the first post. The second post carries a screw which projects thereinto for forcing the positioning arm toward the first post. The positioning arm projects above the second post and carries a clamping head assembly which includes a movable work piece engaging jaw mounted on a lever which is cam actuated. In use, a work piece is inserted between the posts with its bottom edge resting on the support cradle and its upper edge projecting above the clamping jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: George Pempek
  • Patent number: 4706948
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the automatic mechanical centering and simultaneous clamping of elongate round bodies of various diameter. It consists of two collet chunks arranged at an axial distance from each other in the plane of symmetry of which lies the centering axis. The two chunk arms of each collet chunk include collet jaws each of which is provided with one slide element and one grip element. The effective flanks of the grip elements are concavely curved such that they in each case engage the circumference of the round bodies when the round bodies, sliding along the effective flanks on the slide elements, have been raised by the latter until their longitudinal axes coincide with the centering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Hombak Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harro Kroecher
  • Patent number: 4687190
    Abstract: A bench vise of the type having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw is provided wherein the movable jaw is a pivotable, adjustable jaw capable of utilizing a variety of angles of attack, thereby securely holding irregular as well as regular shaped workpieces. The bench vise is further formed having a flat fixed jaw and a forward anvil portion in order to provide a surface adequate to permit work to be performed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 4651553
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake comprising a plurality of C-shaped frame members that support a first member. The first member has a clamping surface. A second member is hinged to the first member and has a bending surface. A plurality of bars are pivoted to the frame members and support an anvil member that extends longitudinally of the first member. A cam support shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame members and a plurality of eccentric cams are secured on the shaft. Each bar is generally C-shaped and a cam is positioned between the upper and lower flanges thereof. A handle is secured to the shaft such that when the handle is operated, the eccentric cams are rotated to move the bars and, in turn, the anvil member into and out of clamping position. The shaft and eccentric cams are provided with circumferentially spaced teeth extending axially so that the cams are locked in any adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4619447
    Abstract: This invention is an improved concept of the clamp shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,629, as issued June 5, 1973. This clamping device has two C-shaped arms, each of which is an assembly of two plate-like members of sheet metal. These two arm assemblies are pivotally retained at one end with the plate-like members in an overlay condition. A pivot pin has an enlarged center portion which acts as a spacer and has two eccentric cam areas sized and spaced to actuate apertures formed in one of the arm pairs. Shouldered rivets retain these arm assemblies in spaced array and a stop pin secured in this pivot pin has a length sufficient to engage a secured rivet. At one limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas move one arm assembly to a maximum clamping force and, at the other limit of movement of the stop pin, the cam areas are in a reduced-force application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Inventor: John B. Blake
  • Patent number: 4579321
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioner for positioning a work piece such as a sheet or plate having first guide rails extending in the direction of the X-axis and second guide rails extending in the direction of the Y-axis, first and second carriages respectively movably supported on said first and second guide rails, clamp support members respectively supported by the first and second carriages and being movable in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the carriages, and clamping devices mounted to each clamp support member and adapted to clamp the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: U.S. Amada Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Kawano
  • Patent number: 4562618
    Abstract: A paper clamp for holding documents together, usable on desks and permissible of one-hand operation, the paper clamp comprising:a base plate; a pair of supports erected at opposite sides of the base plate; a lower plate pivotally supported by and between the pair of supports; an upper plate pivotally supported by and between the pair of supports, wherein the upper plate is pivotable in an opposite direction to that of the lower plate; the lower plate and the upper plate including toothed portions, which are in engagement with each other so as to enable the both plates to pivot in opposite directions; the upper plate terminating away from the terminating end of the lower plate; and a leaf spring provided between the lower plate and the base plate whereby the terminating end of the upper plate is placed into contact with the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: N. K. Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Michio Masuda
  • Patent number: 4538383
    Abstract: Each workpiece holder of a grinding machine is reciprocated relative to and turned about an axis parallel to that of a wheelhead spindle. Workpieces carried by the holder are brought from in front of and to the side of an abrasive wheel front working surface into contact with the working surface. To prevent the pieces ground by the abrasive wheel from being scratched, after the workpieces have been ground, the wheelhead spindle is translated from a region where the grinding is performed. Simultaneously the workpiece holder is turned from in front to the side of the abrasive wheel working surface. The grinding machine, for instance, comprises two workpiece holders that are diametrally opposed with respect to the abrasive wheel. The holders turn in opposite reciprocating directions. The workpiece holders carry two half-holders for optical fibers having ends to be connected together. The ends of the fibers are simultaneously and coplanarly ground by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventors: Rene Le Marer, Robert P. Delebecque
  • Patent number: 4536921
    Abstract: Cable clamp with jaws and a wedge.The invention deals with a cable clamp having clamping jaws, a clamping wedge and locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Geroh GmbH, Mechanische Systeme
    Inventors: Richard Brendel, Herbert Conrad
  • Patent number: 4529182
    Abstract: A fluid driven piston and cylinder includes a pair of wide opening jaws for gripping relatively thick workpieces. The jaws are mounted on a head which is linearly displaceable by a piston rod powered by the piston and cylinder. An actuating plate on the head actuates closure of the jaws when the head reaches its maximum outward position of displacement. The actuating plate displaces a U-shaped yoke reciprocably mounted on the head. The jaws are pivotally mounted on the head and are squeezed into gripping relationship to a workpiece by rollers mounted on the extremities of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: State Die & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Al L. Valentine
  • Patent number: 4524959
    Abstract: A holder for use in holding two pipes or pipe joints to be welded where one of the pipes or pipe joints is held by three pipe abutting members mounted in angularly spaced relation on a common holder with the position of the pipe abutting members being adjustable by a screw bar. The other pipe or pipe joint is held by means of three supporting screw bars adjustably mounted in the pipe abutting members. With this holder the facing end portions of the pipes or pipe joints maintain the groove abutting condition and the centering condition. The holder is easily positioned on the pipes or pipe joints for performing the welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventor: Tetsushi Kubo
  • Patent number: 4519129
    Abstract: A tool assembly for use with a prime mover, such as a bench press, for terminating a plurality of insulated conductors in a mass terminator connector. The tool assembly includes a pair of supports, at least one of which is adapted for attachment to the prime mover, for reciprocal movement relative to one another. The assembly also includes a conductor insertion die set carried by one of the supports for inserting the conductors into the connector. This die set includes an insertion die corresponding to each terminal element of the connector. Finally, the assembly includes connector holding means carried by the other support for holding the connector in alignment with the die set. The holding means has connector release means for retaining the connector in the holding means and is engageable by the connector and movable by the connector from a retention position to a release position and biased to the retention position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Roy A. Moody, John J. Bulanda, Russell E. Wende
  • Patent number: 4516423
    Abstract: An apparatus for reliably engaging and supporting a motor vehicle frame for use in vehicle frame and body straightening. The illustrated apparatus includes a plurality of frame engaging clamping heads which each comprise a pair of relatively movable jaw supports, biasing springs interposed between the supports for biasing the supports in a jaw opening position, clamping bolts extending through said supports for selectively moving the jaw supports into clamping position against the biasing force of the interposed springs, and clamping jaws carried by said supports with a floating mounting that permits limited pivotal jaw movement relative to the supports during clamping for enhancing reliable engagement of the jaws with a vehicle frame regardless of surface irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Unibody Time Saver Corporation
    Inventor: George Reich
  • Patent number: 4515355
    Abstract: A sheet metal holder (20) utilizing a linear wedge action for use on a sheet metal working machine (10). A pair of holders (20) are movable on machine (10) to provide for two axes positioning of a worksheet. Workholder (20) is formed from a box shaped member (32) having a pivot arm (31) movable about a pivot connection (42) within box member (32) and extending therefrom. A fixed jaw (34) extends from box member (32). A movable clamping jaw (30) is formed at the free end of pivot arm (31). A linear actuator bar (26) engages pivot arm (31) and forces jaws (31, 34) to close on a worksheet. Linear actuator bar (26) and pivot arm (31) are constructed to make the workholder (20) self locking. An appropriate actuator is provided for positioning bar (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: The Warner & Swasey Company
    Inventor: James R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 4489583
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake comprising a plurality of C-shaped frame members that support a first member. The first member has a clamping surface. A second member is hinged to the first member and has a bending surface. A plurality of bars are pivoted to the frame members and support an anvil member that extends longitudinally of the first member. A cam support shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame members and a plurality of eccentric cams are secured on the shaft. Each bar is generally C-shaped and a cam is positioned between the upper and lower flanges thereof. A handle is secured to the shaft such that when the handle is operated, the eccentric cams are rotated to move the bars and, in turn, the anvil member into and out of clamping position. A cover is provided on each bar to enclose the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4484775
    Abstract: A rotatable lever and an initially transversely disposed adjustable linkage echanism for attachment in predetermined relation to at least one movable work-performing arm and operable such that upon rotation of the lever and linkage mechanism responsive to pivotal rotary movement of the lever portion thru a designated travel arc of at least approximately 90.degree., the movable arm moves much more rapidly during the first approximate one-half to three-quarters of its designated travel arc, and thereafter continues to move progressively slower in a firm positive manner thru the remainder of the travel arc, while moving from its transverse relationship to a generally parallel or linearly aligned relationship. This simplified mechanism is non-servo in character and relatively low cost compared to servo devices embodying continuous sensing and feedback circuitry. Among various uses are easy association with various known industrial type robot devices embodying programmed control of articulated mechanical arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: George E. Norkus
  • Patent number: 4475728
    Abstract: A toggle actuated bench clamp including an elongated bar mounted on a swivel plate and having a fore and aft motion and an up and down motion but being constricted by said toggle actuated bench clamp, and a toggle mechanism to force one end of the bar down to clamp, the other end of the bar resting on a fulcrum point, or the like, rising from the top surface of the swivel plate. The swivel plate may be mounted on a table or bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur K. Haddad
  • Patent number: 4468129
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing particulate material carried in separable containers or process modules rotated with the longitudinal axis thereof at an angle other than 90.degree. to the axis of rotation thereof so that the container rotates asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. The containers have mixing or process bars rotatably mounted therein and extending also at an angle other than 90.degree. so as to be horizontal when the container is in position for asymmetrical rotation during mixing operations. A docking station of the apparatus has a column connected to the drive shaft at the angle other than 90.degree., an upper arm and a lower arm which is connected to the column and to actuators which tilt the lower arm from a horizontal, container receiving position to a position essentially parallel to the upper arm for clamping the container therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: General Signal Corp.
    Inventors: George C. McIntosh, Jonathan C. Everdyke, Marlin D. Schutte
  • Patent number: 4454630
    Abstract: A fish holding and cleaning device containing two frame members that are attached to one another by a hinge for folding to a closed carrying position and unfolding to an open, cleaning position. When opened to a cleaning position the ends of the frame members pinch together so that a fish tail can be captured therebetween. The head of a fish so captured can be secured to an outside end of one of the frame members by a hook and a biasing element such as a rubber band. Each frame member has a grooved cleaning surface upon which a fish resides when being cleaned on that side. By using the hook a fish can be moved to and secured to the opposite cleaning surface while its tail remains captured between the frame member ends. Pockets are attached below the frame members for the storage of cleaning tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Charles E. Shouldis
  • Patent number: 4453705
    Abstract: A trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventor: William D. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4438668
    Abstract: A wrench includes two mutually movable jaws that are mounted by means of parallel linkages to a housing forming the handle. A rod is axially movable in the handle by means of an internally threaded sleeve extending into the bottom of the handle. The rod is connected at its top, by a pivotal link, to the top of the outer member of the parallel linkage. A locking member is pivotally attached to the housing and there is pivotally connected thereto, a wedge-shaped member that is adapted to engage a locking sleeve loosely mounted on the rod. The rotation of the threaded sleeve adjusts the distance between the jaws, while the engagement of the stop member with the locking sleeve prevents the movement of the jaws when they are in a working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Yeheskel Solomon
  • Patent number: 4422628
    Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for machine tools comprises a frame; a rocking sleeve member, rockably fixed to the frame; a cylindrical member, slidably inserted in the rocking sleeve member, so as to move therein; a rod member, inserted in the cylindrical member, so as to project therefrom; a swinging holding member, rockably provided at one end of the rod member; and an upper clamping jaw and a lower clamping jaw, both connected to the swinging holding member, for gripping an end of a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Shigeo Kasai
  • Patent number: 4416104
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an impulse sealer includes a pair of drive arms pivoted on a flat base member and a pressure arm pivoted about the same pivot between the drive arms. Complimentary pressure members are located at the free ends of the drive arms and pressure arm for clamping a member to be heat sealed. A pair of levers are pivoted intermediate their ends on the drive arms between the clamping member and the pivot. The levers are comprised of two arms disposed at oblique angles relative to each other with the end of the lower arm sliding on the flat surface of the base member. The free end of the upper arm of the lever is connected to the pressure arm at a point between the clamping member and the pivot by means of a connecting rod so that depression of the drive arm will cause the ends of the lower lever arm to slide along the surface of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Fuji Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Teruo Yamada
  • Patent number: 4396184
    Abstract: In the manufacture of a cable-type tire chain having elongate flexible side members and cross-members carrying traction sleeves, the cross-members are connected to the side members by hooks which are crimped to the side members in a press. To assemble the cross members and side members, they are supported in an assembly jig, with the hooks attached to the opposite ends of the cross-members and embracing the side members. The hooks on one side of the chain are crimped simultaneously to the relevant side member in a single pressing operation while supported in the jig, which applies tension to the side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: Burns Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Coutts
  • Patent number: 4394242
    Abstract: The invention involves a cell which may be used for producing molten aluminum by electrolysis of aluminum oxide in a molten bath. The cell includes a cathode and an anode, a bar and a hanger. The bar is connected at an upper end to the hanger and at a lower end to the anode. Flexible means is provided for supplying electrical current through the bar to the anode. A jack means raises and lowers the hanger and thus the anode. Included in the invention, the hanger is mounted at at least two separated points, one higher than the other, in encompassing, sliding relationship, on a single, upright, circular cross-sectioned post passing through the hanger. By this technique, the hanger is constrained to move up and down, without rotation about horizontal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Adnovum AG
    Inventor: John F. Clark
  • Patent number: 4372142
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake comprising a frame having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw and an anvil member adjustable secured to the movable jaw. The fixed jaw has a clamping surface movable between workpiece clamping and non-clamping positions relative to the clamping surface of the fixed jaw. A bending member is hingedly connected to the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is releasably locked in workpiece clamping position by a structure that includes an oval shaped spring device member having opposed ends and opposed walls. The spring device is pivoted at one end to said movable jaw and at the other end to a handle for manipulating the jaw and comprises a pair of links each of which comprises front and rear walls. The front walls are pivoted to one another and a wedge is positioned between the rear walls so that as the thickness of workpiece varies the spring device will pivot to accommodate the different thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Rhoades