Operator Supported Patents (Class 269/3)
  • Patent number: 7681870
    Abstract: A pipe clamp fixture that may be used for more than one size diameter pipe is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tefentools Ltd.
    Inventor: Zion Ben-Gigi
  • Patent number: 7673860
    Abstract: A clamp including a plurality of clamping assemblies, a first of the clamping assemblies including two opposing clamping jaws that have first-shaped clamping surfaces, the clamping jaws being movably mounted on support structure for movement towards and away from each other; and a second of the clamping assemblies including two opposing clamping jaws that have second-shaped clamping surfaces which are shaped differently than the first-shaped clamping surfaces and which are movably mounted on support structure for movement towards and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Tefentools Ltd.
    Inventor: Zion Ben-Gigi
  • Patent number: 7665718
    Abstract: A powered or hand-activated stationary and/or portable hose fitting insertion apparatus and method. A hose is preferably held in place with a clamp, strap or other apparatus on a platform or in a trough and a fitting is caused to be inserted into an end of the hose by a force applied to the fitting from a pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Joel Kent Benson
  • Patent number: 7650677
    Abstract: A tool and method is provided for installing nut-clips or like components, wherein safety and ease of installation are significantly improved over the prior art, and installation time is substantially reduced. A useful embodiment is directed to apparatus for use in attaching a nut-clip or other hardware component to structure having a slot defined by spaced apart edges, wherein the nut-clip has first and second resilient spaced apart hook flanges. The apparatus includes a holder adapted to receive the nut-clip, and a blade member positioned to bear against the first flange member when the nut-clip is received into the holder. A magnet or other element is provided for releasably retaining the nut-clip in the holder. A handle, which can be grasped by the single hand of a user, is attached for maneuvering the holder and retained nut-clip to position the second flange against one of the slot edges, and to thereafter apply force, through the blade member, to reduce the spacing between the first and second flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Burgess
  • Patent number: 7651078
    Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprises a drive for displacement of a push or pull rod to which a movable jaw is fixed with respect to a support carrying a stationary jaw in longitudinal direction of the push and pull rod, said drive comprising a torsion spring and being adapted to enter torque transmitting engagement with the push or pull rod for displacement of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss, Phil Reed
  • Patent number: 7641183
    Abstract: A clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a clamp body having a first slot through which the support element passes along a first direction and an opening that faces in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A handle grip attached to the clamp body, a braking lever and a brake actuator that contacts the braking lever and includes an engagement element that extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Anthony B. Fuller, Scott Daniel Springer, Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 7624974
    Abstract: A bar clamp includes a driving key including a first key plate, an intermediate second key plate engaged the first key plate, and a rear first spring engaged with the first and second key plates; a locking key including a third key plate, an intermediate fourth key plate engaged with the third key plate, and a rear second spring engaged with the third and fourth key plates; and a spring-biased release button engaged with a protrusion of the third key plate. Pressing the release button against a handle grip will counterclockwise pivot the protrusion to compress the second spring until the third key plate contacts the fourth key plate and the third key plate is disposed perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of a slide bar. Further pressing the release button will counterclockwise pivot the third and fourth key plates until they are perpendicular to the axis of the slide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Bo Ren Zheng
  • Patent number: 7618029
    Abstract: A wire clamp holder includes a magnetized central post or support body mount having left hand and right hand clamp arms or clip holders magnetically attached thereto and rotatable with respect thereto to permit maximum adjustability for positioning of lead wires held by wire clamping jaws associated with the clamp arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Joseph Haley
  • Patent number: 7614617
    Abstract: A multi-range auto-advance bar clamp used for clamping work pieces together which may upon release of the brake instantly and automatically adjust from a wide open position to any desired closed position. The multi-range auto-advance bar clamp may comprise a slide bar, a movable jaw, a sliding jaw, a body, a drive assembly and a brake, an advancement mechanism, a rigid structural body extension and a slide rail. The jaws of the clamp are adjustably separated and positioned about a work piece. A mechanism for controlling the speed with which the clamp automatically closes may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Marusiak
  • Patent number: 7611132
    Abstract: A clamp accessory including a support element comprising a mounting surface adapted to rest on a work surface, the support element formed with at least one notch adapted to receive therein a bar of a bar clamp and support the bar at a distance spaced from the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tefentools Ltd.
    Inventor: Zion Ben-Gigi
  • Patent number: 7604224
    Abstract: A bar clamp, including a bar; a first jaw movably coupled to the bar; a second jaw being movably coupled to the bar; and a motor configured to move the second jaw toward the first jaw. One of the first and second jaws including a drive lever that engages the bar and a trigger to move the drive lever and move the bar relative to the one of the first and second jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, John Alexander
  • Patent number: 7600744
    Abstract: A quick clamping fixture includes a main rod, on which two sliders are slidably mounted and may be braked at desired positions to clamp a workpiece between them. The two sliders each have an L-shaped plate and a set of metal plates mounted in a housing thereof with the main rod extended through these plates. The L-shaped plate and the metal plates in the housing are normally pushed by a compression spring into an inclined state to thereby firmly press against an outer surface of the main rod, preventing the slider from sliding along the main rod. When the L-shaped plate is pushed and held, the L-shaped plate and the metal plates are moved into an upright state without firmly pressing against the main rod, allowing the slider to slide along the main rod; and when the L-shaped plate is released, the slider is braked again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Ferng Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 7547006
    Abstract: A fruit and vegetable gripper (10) consisting of a resilient body (20) having a curved concave gripping surface (22) containing a number of slots (26), with a cutting shield (32) integrally formed within the body. A first insert (34) and a second insert (40) snap into the body, with each insert including gripping barbs (36) and (42) that penetrate the slots. When the gripper is manually held, the first insert gripping barbs (36) and second insert gripping barbs (42) are extended by hand pressure when a fruit or a vegetable is held, thereby achieving a positive non-slip grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Tim Lockwood
  • Patent number: 7546691
    Abstract: A workpiece positioning apparatus comprises two sets of jaws mounted on a rigid elongate bar, the jaws being adjustable to provide repeatable spacing of any arbitrary distance between the jaw sets. When two pieces of lumber, such as wall studs, are inserted into the two jaw sets, they are positioned at the specified spacing along a stringer such as a wall bottom plate. Indicia are provided on the strip indicating the English or metric measure of the distance between corresponding parts of the jaw sets, as well as enhanced indication of typical, e.g., 16-inch and 24-inch centerings used in American homebuilding. 15¼ and 23¼ inch indicia are also provided for shorter spans needed at stringer ends and corners to accommodate 4-foot-wide panels. The gap between jaws on one or both of the jaw sets is further adjustable to fit the thicknesses of the lumber being used. Longer jaws can be used to assure perpendicularity of wider workpieces to the elongate edges of the supporting construction members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Chester M Mackey
  • Patent number: 7530556
    Abstract: A bar clamp has an operating handle being in ratchet engagement with end teeth of a slide bar. The operating handle is adapted to pivot counterclockwise to cause a first clamping jaw carrier to displace along the slide bar and then pivot about a lock pin in the slide bar so as to displace a first clamping jaw a sufficiently large distance to securely clamp a workpiece by cooperating with a corresponding clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Bo Ren Zheng
  • Patent number: 7513492
    Abstract: A hand held quick-clamping device includes an adjusting rod, a retaining handle, a driving handle, a first clamping block, and a second clamping block. The adjusting rod intersects the retaining handle, a set of adjusting sheets, and the stop sheets. A first clamping block is locked in a predetermined end of an adjusting rod, and a second clamping block is formed on a top end of the retaining handle. A driving handle is pivoted to the retaining handle. A traveling top shaft is installed in the retaining handle, and an axial shaft is opposite to it. While the driving handle is pressed, a top end of the driving handle pushes the top shaft. Through the top shaft, the axial shaft pushes the adjusting sheets and the stop sheets. And the movement of the sheets will drive an adjusting rod to move in one direction, thus producing a clamping or extending function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sheng Pu Promotion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzu-Chi Kuo
  • Patent number: 7404245
    Abstract: A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, James H. Strickland
  • Patent number: 7398965
    Abstract: A workpiece holding system (10) is configured for holding a workpiece (R) for crafting thereof by a craftsman (C). The system (10) broadly includes a mounting assembly (12) removably coupled a support surface (B), an articulating frame assembly (14) coupled to the mounting assembly (12), a workpiece-supporting tool assembly (16) removably coupled to the frame assembly (14), and a mirrored ambidextrous handrest assembly (18) removably coupled to the mounting assembly (12). A fixture (36) spaced from a work zone (W) adjustably receives the tool assembly (16) so that the workpiece (R) held therein can be positioned substantially in the work zone (W) so that when the tool assembly (16) is maneuvered, thereby articulating the frame assembly (14), the workpiece (R) substantially remains in the work zone (W). The tool assembly (16) includes a connection assembly (80) configured to quickly and removably couple tools (78, 140, 152, 154, 172) into a clamp (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7396004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bar clamps, and more specifically, to attachments for extending the length of such clamps and enabling such clamps to be adaptable to a wider array of clamping needs. The accessories include an extension bar, a coupling that attaches one end of the extension bar to the clamp primary bar locking the bars in longitudinal alignment, and a stop that attaches to the primary bar or extension for fixing the location of a clamp jaw along the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: John M. Kern
  • Patent number: 7389978
    Abstract: A jaw for a bar clamp and a method of using a bar clamp, the bar clamp including a trigger having a first force applying mechanism to apply a first force against the drive lever at a first point on the drive lever that is remote from the bar as the trigger pivots with respect to the main section to provide low mechanical advantage to the drive lever. The trigger also having a second force applying mechanism to apply a second force against the drive lever at a second point on the drive lever that is closer to the bar than the first point as the trigger pivots with respect to the main section to provide high mechanical advantage to the drive lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, Keith M Lombardi, Alisdair Cumming
  • Patent number: 7374159
    Abstract: A lockable mount (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting a jewelry crafting attachment (12) to a workbench (B). The illustrated lockable mount (10) broadly includes a mount plate (14) configured to be coupled to the support (B) to receive the attachment (12) and a locking assembly (16) associated with the mount plate (14) for selectively preventing the attachment (12) from moving relative to the mount plate (14). The illustrated mount plate (14) is configured to provide a universal mount wherein several attachments can be quickly and readily interchanged for secure support thereon and comprises a six sided body presenting a generally trapezoidal configuration. The illustrated locking assembly (16) includes a flexible locking plate (36), an entrapped pin (38), and an actuating screw (40). The flexible locking plate (36) is shiftable between a flush position and a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7350760
    Abstract: There is provided a clamp for concrete forms which has improved durability compared with a conventional P-clamp, and can withstand vibrations necessarily produced by a vibrator when the concrete is placed. This clamp for concrete forms comprises a substantially U-shaped clamp body which rivets end parts of a pair of L-shaped clamp arms to each other so as to be rotatable and holds a connection part of the concrete forms, and a clamp lever body which presses one clamp arm toward the other clamp arm to press both clamp arms against each other by riveting ends of a pair of arm parts with respect to the other clamp arm so as to be rotatable, and rotates them toward the clamp arm, and engages an opening part formed between the pair of arm parts with the L-shaped bent shoulder part of the other clamp arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaura Corporation
    Inventor: Hayao Yamaura
  • Patent number: 7337515
    Abstract: An device for breaching an outwardly opening door and methods for use thereof. The device combines a serrated blade for penetrating the crevice between a door and a doorjamb and an extendable handle with a ratcheting mechanism allowing the operator to remain out of the line of fire when breaching the door. The device may also be used by a single operator by initially driving the blade between the door and doorjamb via a hammering function involving the retraction of the extendable handle combined with the weighted block and thrusting force applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Breaching Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darron Phillips, Jeff Wright, Craig Staff
  • Patent number: 7325797
    Abstract: In order to provide a clamping and spreading device with a slide rail which is mounted for displacement and the displacement movement of which can be actuated in a clamping direction with blocking of the displaceability in the opposite direction and the displacement movement of which can be actuated in a spreading direction with blocking of the displaceability in the opposite direction, wherein the direction of displacement can be switched over between clamping direction and spreading direction, which can be produced in a simple manner and can be operated in a simple manner, a movable positioning element is suggested which supports actuating elements for the slide rail, wherein the displacement movement of the slide rail in the clamping direction or in the spreading direction can be actuated as a function of the position of the positioning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Kloepfer, Hans Roesch
  • Patent number: 7322085
    Abstract: A portable hose fitting insertion apparatus and method. The apparatus can be hand held and operated in areas such that hose repairs can be made without removal of the hose. A friction operated ratcheting mechanism is preferably used to drive a shaft forward. A pad is preferably disposed on an end of the shaft and pushes on an outer surface of the fitting. A clamping mechanism is preferably disposed on a terminal portion of the apparatus and holds an end portion of a hose in place while a fitting is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Joel Kent Benson
  • Patent number: 7322572
    Abstract: A mechanism includes a first push button at one side and a spring-biased second push button at the other side such that pressing the first push button will lock a slide bar of a vise and a fixed jaw carrier thereof by inserting a first pin of the first push button into one positioning hole of the slide bar, pressing the second push button to insert a second pin thereof into one positioning hole by pushing the first pin out of one positioning hole with the spring being compressed, and releasing the second push button will cause the spring to expand to push the second push button outwardly and push the second pin out of one positioning hole for unlocking the slide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Great Clamp Company
    Inventor: Ching-chen Yang
  • Patent number: 7306212
    Abstract: A ratchet clamp is proposed, said clamp comprising a first limb with a first handle member and a first jaw member; a second limb with a second handle member and a second jaw member; a pivotal bearing for the relative pivotal movement of the first limb and the second limb; and a ratchet mechanism for fixing relative pivotal positions of the first limb and the second limb; wherein the first jaw member is mounted on the first limb in displaceable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mark Cantin
  • Patent number: 7272878
    Abstract: A cam actuating clamp. The clamp has first and second jaws, with one of the jaws including a surface forming a fulcrum and the other one of the jaws including a projecting arm which contacts the fulcrum when the clamp is in an open position. The clamp is moved from a closed to an open position simply by the user grasping an actuating lever that is pivotally secured to one of the jaws and lifting the clamp, in which the weight of the jaws causes rotation of the jaws, relative to the actuating lever, into an open configuration. A pair of springs secured under tension between the jaws hold the jaws in the open position. The jaws are clamped over a work piece by the user moving the actuating lever into a second position. A camming surface on the actuating lever provides an over center action that enables the springs to both assist in opening the clamp as well as closing the clamp depending upon the position of the actuating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D Dixon
  • Patent number: 7258333
    Abstract: An improved bar clamp in which the first jaw assembly consists of a handle assembly or setting unit, on a slide bar inside of an independently mounted first jaw. A finger lever is pivotably attached to the setting unit and at its upper end pivotably attached to the first jaw. A braking lever is included in the first jaw, and a driving lever in the setting unit. Upon first movement of the finger lever a spring forces the driving lever into firm contact with the slide bar, preventing movement of the first jaw away from the second jaw. The finger lever has no further contact with the driving lever, but upon further movement, acts indirectly on the driving lever via the handle assembly to draw the slide bar and the second jaw towards the first jaw. Releasing the finger lever draws the handle unit forward for the next cycle. Release of the braking lever in the first jaw allows movement away from the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Harold William Hobday
  • Patent number: 7222842
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vise clamp that can provide a large clamping force and be operated stably. The vise clamp includes a stationary jaw, a movable jaw connected to the stationary jaw, and a clamping device connected to the movable jaw. The clamping device includes a contact element moved up and down under the control of a lever. Two pinions are connected to the lever. Two pushers are provided besides the pinions. Each pusher includes a rack engaged with one of the pinions. The contact element is put against the pushers. As the lever is pivoted, the pinions are rotated. As the pushers are moved up by means of the pinions, the contact element is pushed up by means of the pushers. Thus, a workpiece can be clamped between a contact portion formed on the stationary jaw and the contact element connected to the movable jaw. Hence, the clamping force is large and the operation is stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chian Ling Lin
  • Patent number: 7216862
    Abstract: A tool for securing a clamp, such as a P clamp, to a mounting location, comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw; and an actuator to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw. The first jaw includes a retainer for a fastener. The method of attaching the clamp to the mounting location includes the steps of: placing a first fastener in the retainer; locating the clamp between the jaws; manipulating the actuator to tighten the clamp; and securing a second fastener to the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard Michael Walsh
  • Patent number: 7172183
    Abstract: A hand clamp includes a housing having a handle for being held by a hand of a user, a piston rod slidably received in the housing, a driving lever engaged in the housing and having an opening for slidably receiving the piston rod and biased to grip the piston rod when the driving lever is tilted relative to the piston rod. A trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and has a driving shaft for tilting the driving lever to move the piston rod step by step. A braking lever is slidably engaged on the piston rod for gripping the piston rod when the braking lever is tilted relative to the piston rod. A hand grip is pivotally coupled to the handle and has an actuating end for actuating the braking lever to release the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chung Cheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7159858
    Abstract: A bar clamp (10) comprising a bar (16), a first clamping jaw (12) mounted on the bar, a second clamping jaw (14) sliding mounted on the bar, at least one of the clamping jaws (12,14) comprising a double-faced clamping jaw (12A, 12B, 14A, 14B) comprising one face facing one end of the bar and another face facing an opposite end of the bar, wherein centers of both faces of the double-faced clamping jaw are positioned at substantially equal heights from the bar, and a jaw advancing mechanism (20) coupled to the second clamping jaw (14) and adapted to move the second clamping jaw (14) selectively towards or away from the first clamping jaw (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tefentools Ltd.
    Inventor: Zion Ben-Gigi
  • Patent number: 7114715
    Abstract: A bar clamp including a first bar member and a second bar member with the second bar member telescoping out from the first bar member. A securing mechanism, such as a pin in the first member, releasably secures the members together at a preferred telescoping position. The second bar member has a jaw member that can be advanced or retracted by means of a linear actuator and the first bar member has a jaw member that can be adjusted by positioning the cam-action locking mechanism in one of the notches disposed along the length of the first bar member. As a result of the telescoping relationship of the bar members, workpieces of varying sizes may be clamped between the jaw members without the need of multiple bar clamps of varying lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Central Purshasing LLC
    Inventor: Ben Kirk
  • Patent number: 7097170
    Abstract: 17A lockable mount (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting a jewelry crafting attachment (12) to a workbench (B). The illustrated lockable mount (10) broadly includes a mount plate (14) configured to be coupled to the support (B) to receive the attachment (12) and a locking assembly (16) associated with the mount plate (14) for selectively preventing the attachment (12) from moving relative to the mount plate (14). The illustrated mount plate (14) is configured to provide a universal mount wherein several attachments can be quickly and readily interchanged for secure support thereon and comprises a six sided body presenting a generally trapezoidal configuration. The illustrated locking assembly (16) includes a flexible locking plate (36), an entrapped pin (38), and an actuating screw (40). The flexible locking plate (36) is shiftable between a flush position and a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7093828
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may me made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Scott A. Murray, Sun Xiao Wei
  • Patent number: 7090209
    Abstract: A jaw for a bar clamp having a trigger pivoted to a handle at a position on the handle that is spaced from the bar. The trigger directly contacting a drive lever at a contact point, such that the contact point between the trigger and the drive lever changes along the length of the drive lever as the trigger pivots with respect to the handle such that when the contact point is remote from the bar the trigger provides high mechanical advantage to the drive lever, and when the contact point is closer to the bar the trigger provides low mechanical advantage to the drive lever. Also, a method of using a bar clamp, including positioning first and second moving jaws on opposite sides of a member to be clamped and activating a mechanical motor to move the bar and force the first moving jaw toward the second moving jaw until both the first and second moving jaws securely clamp the first member to be clamped between the first and second moving jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Stanley Tools and Hardware
    Inventor: Stephen Rowlay
  • Patent number: 7066457
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, and a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted and are operable for being shifted between work engaging and work releasing positions. In one form, the apparatus may be configured with clamp members capable of being fully removed from the elongate member and placed back thereon while maintaining the operability of the clamp members. At least one of the clamp members may be capable of being mounted on the elongate member in a plurality of directions, or may include jaw assemblies which are removable from and/or rotatable with respect to the elongate member. In addition, the apparatus may include a base for securing the base to a work surface and a catch for securing the elongate member to the base. In another form, the base may be configured to receive and secure the elongate member in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Gerritsen, William J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7040609
    Abstract: A clamping fixture includes a gauge rod having a fixed and a movable jaw mounted thereon, a lever-like handle, and a shift plate having a lower slot, via which the gauge rod is extended. The shift plate is connected to a rear side of the movable jaw via two shafts having compression springs mounted thereon. When the handle is downward pulled, a roller on the handle pushes the shift plate to turn clockwise, bringing the slot into an inclined position to firmly press against the gauge rod and thereby becomes immovable to stop the movable jaw from moving. The handle has a nut engaged with a screw rod mounted on the movable jaw. When the screw rod is turned, the nut and accordingly the handle are axially finely adjusted until a workpiece is firmly clamped between the two jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Ferng-Jong Liou
  • Patent number: 7036806
    Abstract: An electrically driven press tool that is compact, reliable and cost-effective. There is a press tool in which a crimping tool is retained in a recess by a bolt. An electromotor drives a spindle, which interacts with the crimping tool, by a reducing gear. The spindle is connected to a shaft by a pressure flange. The bearing pressure, which acts on the spindle, is brought to bear on a pressure ring by a pressure flange and a pressure bearing, the ring acting directly or indirectly on a force or pressure sensor. When a predetermine set value of the crimping is reached, the sensor forwards a switching signal to the controller of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Von Arx AG
    Inventors: Rene Amherd, Paul Dummermuth
  • Patent number: 7017894
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vise clamp for a stable and precise operation. The vise clamp includes movable and stationary jaws including corresponding contact portions. The movable jaw is secured to an end of a rod. The rod is inserted through the stationary jaw in a sliding manner. A first trigger is connected to the bottom of the stationary jaw. A second trigger is connected to a handle extended from the bottom of the stationary jaw. The first trigger is operable to drive a moving device in the stationary jaw. The second trigger is operable to drive a retaining device in the stationary jaw. The retaining device consists of grip collars around the rod. The moving device includes grip collars around the rod and two linings between the grip collars and the rod. Thus, the area of the contact of the moving device with the rod is large. Hence, the operation of the vise clamp is stable and precise, and the clamping force of the vise clamp is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Chian Ling Lin
  • Patent number: 7014159
    Abstract: An x-ray cassette holder and clips capable of holding various types of x-ray cassettes including aluminum cassettes and tunnel cassettes. The clips when used with the tunnel cassettes allow for the changing of the vinyl cassette without releasing the cassette holder. The shaft or upright structure is calibrated to allow for easy positioning of the height of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Wade Spradley, Paul Spradley
  • Patent number: 6983930
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a clamping device with an attached arm in which the act of opening the clamp makes the arm flexible and the act of closing the clamp makes the arm rigid. By operating in this manner, the present invention may allow a worker to position the arm (while flexible) in any number of different and easily attainable positions while also allowing the worker to secure a workpiece and immobilize the arm in a single step. In another embodiment of the present invention the arm can be made flexible independently of opening the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Christopher Louis La Mendola
    Inventors: Christopher Louis La Mendola, Paul Hatch, Kristian Buschmann, Kevin R. Lovell, Joseph R. Peters
  • Patent number: 6983522
    Abstract: An exchange device for grip heads comprising a plurality of clamping jaws, consisting of a carrier plate having a borehole. Pivoting arms are axially staggered in relation to the carrier plate and are concentrically arranged in relation to the borehole. The pivoting arms are articulated by a joint in such a way that they can be pivoted in a plane containing the axis of the borehole. The pivoting movement is thus carried out radially in relation to the axis of the borehole. Coupling elements are arranged on the pivoting arms, by which the exchange device can be coupled to the clamping jaws of the grip head and detached from the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hainbuch GmbH Spannende Technik
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Weller, Wilhelm Hetschel
  • Patent number: 6978989
    Abstract: A workpiece holding system (10) is configured for holding a workpiece (R) for crafting thereof by a craftsman (C). The system (10) broadly includes a mounting assembly (12) removably coupled to a support surface (B), an articulating frame assembly (14) coupled to the mounting assembly (12), a workpiece-supporting tool assembly (16) removably coupled to the frame assembly (14), and a mirrored ambidextrous handrest assembly (18) removably coupled to the mounting assembly (12). A fixture (36) spaced from a work zone (W) adjustably receives the tool assembly (16) so that the workpiece (R) held therein can be positioned substantially in the work zone (W) so that when the tool assembly (16) is maneuvered, thereby articulating the frame assembly (14), the workpiece (R) substantially remains in the work zone (W). The tool assembly (16) includes a connection assembly (80) configured to quickly and removably couple tools (78, 140, 152, 154, 172) into a clamp (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 6973859
    Abstract: Locking or expanding pliers (1) having two plier arms (4, 5) which arc joined to each other in the manner of a scissor-type joint. The arms forming grip sections (6, 7) on one end and clamping sections (12, 13) on the other end and being able to be locked in various clamping positions, whereby the clamping results from the elastic deformation of at least one of the two plier arms (4, 5) occurring when the plier arms (4, 5) are placed in a clamping position. A spring element (F) is arranged in the active area between the clamping section and the grip section in order to achieve improved proportioning of the clamping force, whereby both grip sections (6, 7) can be disposed on top of each other and placed in another locking position (19, 20), when both clamping sections (12, 13) are maintained in a distanced position (a), in order to increase clamping power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Zbigniew Noniewicz
  • Patent number: 6957478
    Abstract: A tool for disconnecting the air and electrical connections between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station includes a handle and a forked portion. A spring-mounted push bar extends away from the handle and abuts the electrical connection socket of the trailer. A lifting lug on one of the prongs of the forked portion of the tool lifts the hinged plate away from the trailer's electrical connection. The tool is placed around the electrical connection adjacent the trailer and is pushed upward until it engages the trailer plug. The handle is then pushed towards the trailer, forcing the plug on the motor vehicle away from the socket. Projections extending from the forked portion of the tool can be used to engage the air line connectors between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station to separate the air lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Ontiveros
  • Patent number: 6957808
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Varzino, Mark R. Lytell
  • Patent number: 6955344
    Abstract: A system of tools and connector assemblies can be erected in numerous arrangements and configurations, in positive, selected interrelationships, for the mounting and support of a workpiece or the like. Engagement portions on the tools are clamped by the clamping blocks comprising a connector assembly; the tools may be C-clamps, bar-clamps, pipe-clamps, coupling devices, brackets, standoffs, and like implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Robert L. Brass, Steven W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6943301
    Abstract: A wildlife guard placement tool for installing a wildlife protection guard on an insulator of an elevated, electrical power distribution system has been provided that includes a first end, a second end, an opening, a near side, and a far side with a slot formed therein. The opening and the slot are positioned such that a placement tab of the wildlife protection guard can be received into the opening and out through the slot. Additionally, a method for placement of a wildlife protection guard on an insulator of an elevated electrical power distribution system has been provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Lon G. Lee