Clamp Type Fastening Means Patents (Class 269/97)
  • Patent number: 12089681
    Abstract: A device to secure a door chock to an industrial helmet more particularly a firefighter's helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Inventor: Todd K. Swanson
  • Patent number: 11997986
    Abstract: A pet treat holder comprising a body, a clamp, a gripper frame, and a treat gripper, and a method of providing a pet treat to an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: BarkerFun, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Mravca, Jim Mravca
  • Patent number: 11904498
    Abstract: A receiving table 100 for supporting a side surface of a honeycomb formed body, the side surface being parallel to a cell extending direction. The receiving table 100 comprises: a body portion 10 having a groove 11 extending in one direction; a support portion 20 comprising: a flexible sheet substrate 21 in contact with a surface of the groove 11 of the body portion 10; and a foam layer 22 attached to the flexible sheet substrate 21, the foam layer 22 being brought into contact with the side surface of the honeycomb formed body; and fixing members 30 for fixing the support portion 20 to the body portion 10. The support portion 20 is provided in a non-adhesive state to the body portion 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotada Nakamura, Nobuyuki Kuroki
  • Patent number: 11565351
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes the following: a support frame, first stage, a suction part, and a plurality of island-type second stages. The support frame is disposed on the first stage. The height of the support frame is lower than the height of the first stage. A plurality of island-type second stages are disposed on the support frame on the same plane as the first stage. The suction part is disposed on the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshinaru Suzuki, Dokyun Kwon, Jaebum Pahk, Jinwon Baek, Jeongho Yi, Jinpyung Lee, Kyongho Hong
  • Patent number: 11318584
    Abstract: An attachment jig includes a pressing member having a positioning portion configured to position a target component in a direction where an attachment target surface of a fixing target member extends, and a pressing portion configured to press the target component positioned by the positioning portion toward the attachment target surface, and a detachment member having a first abutting portion configured to come into contact with the attachment target surface, the first support surface, and the second support surface, and a second abutting portion configured to come into contact with the pressing member on the attachment target surface, is the detachment member being configured to cause the pressing member to be positioned in a direction where the attachment target surface extends with respect to the first support surface and the second support surface, and detachable from the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuyuki Masuko, Takatsugu Nagahama
  • Patent number: 10873289
    Abstract: The adjustable bracket for a solar panel is configured for use with a solar panel array and the associated panel rack. The adjustable bracket for a solar panel aligns each of the one or more solar panels during the attachment of the one or more solar panels to the panel rack. The adjustable bracket for a solar panel comprises plurality of rafters and a panel support. The panel support attaches to the plurality of rafters. The plurality of rafters attaches to the panel rack. The panel support prevents movement by the one or more solar panels in the direction of the pitch. The plurality of rafters prevent lateral movement of the one or more solar panels relative to the pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Tevendale
  • Patent number: 9091384
    Abstract: A pipe jack including a sprocket head having radial projections, a hydraulic jack having a ram plunger at a top end and a base at a bottom end, a base plate and a roller chain sized to engage with the radial projections in various embodiments. In one embodiment, arc sprockets are provided in parallel on the sprocket head with each sprocket having a chord, connecting the arc ends, defining a flat surface across the arc sprocket. The chain engages with the arc sprockets and are adjacent and axially offset. The sprocket head having a support plate with a top and bottom surface, the top surface fixedly engaged with the arc sprockets. A receiving tube can be axially centered on and fixedly engaged with the support plate bottom surface. The pipe jack can be used to lift and position a half sole repair sleeve along a pipe to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph R. Helmin, Jessica A. Lobello
  • Patent number: 8944424
    Abstract: Clamping apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus can include a rigid backing member having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough. The apparatus can further include a spring member having a plurality of radial members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the radial members can be connected at a hub. The second end of each radial member can be connected to a flange. A plurality of apertures, corresponding to the plurality of apertures in the backing member, can be disposed about the flange. The radial members can be fabricated using two or more plies of resin-impregnated carbon fiber. The spring member can be affixed to the backing member using one or more fasteners disposed in the backing member apertures and corresponding aperture disposed in the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A Lev, Mark S Tracy
  • Patent number: 8789821
    Abstract: Present invention provides a handy tool that can be used to facilitate welding job, where (second) work objects can be held on by the holding surfaces of the first positioning frame of the welding bracket; the first positioning frame is used to hold on to another (first) work piece between the generally v-shaped swinging foot pieces on the v-frame; the two swinging foot pieces can pivot on respective axle, allowing for adjustment to different size/diameter of first work piece, and the bolt and butterfly nut structure allows adjustment to be made between first positioning piece and the v-frame, for purpose of adapting to welding object of different thickness held on by the holding surfaces on the positioning frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Publication number: 20140145389
    Abstract: A clamp assembly that can be installed on and removed from its mounting on an elongated structure (e.g., 2×4) without the need for sliding past an end of the structure is disclosed. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp bodies with pads for engaging a workpiece. Each of the clamp bodies includes a clamp mount with a movable member arranged to be moved into forced engagement with an exterior surface (e.g., side) of the 2×4 to fix the clamp body on the 2×4. At least one of or both of the clamp bodies include a releasable connection that, when released, allows for the removal of the clamp body from the 2×4 without the need to longitudinally slide the body past an end of the 2×4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, Robert Christie, James Spaulding, Karl Vanderbeek, Nidta Viyakornvilas
  • Patent number: 8678889
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust fan having a frame within which fan blades and a motor are secured. The frame includes an upper sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall, defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposite sides of the frame. A flexible exhaust boot is secured to the frame of the exhaust fan adjacent the outlet opening. The exhaust boot is a flexible piece of material having a substantially tubular configuration with a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A support assembly secures the exhaust fan and exhaust boot in position adjacent an opening. The support assembly includes a vertical bracket having a first end and a second end, and an outwardly extending support block is mounted at the first end of the vertical bracket. The support assembly also includes a horizontal bracket extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Dean
  • Patent number: 8646161
    Abstract: A clamping device is provided for an assembly of a stringer coupling in a region of a lateral butt joint between a first and a second fuselage section of an aircraft for coaxially connecting a respective first and second stringer of the first and the second fuselage sections, the stringer coupling intersecting a frame element profile in the region of the lateral butt joint. A supporting yoke is configured to bridge the frame element profile in an arc-shaped manner and includes a first end foot supported by the stringer coupling on the first side of the frame element profile and a second end foot supported by the stringer coupling on the second side of the frame element profile. The supporting yoke includes a middle tensioning hook configured to interact with the frame element profile. The first and the second end feet are tensionable against the stringer coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Bense, Axel Sauermann, Eugen Gorr
  • 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: 20130328257
    Abstract: A log holder for holding a log, tree or other piece of wood in a raised position above the ground to enable the log, tree or other piece of wood to be cut into pieces is disclosed. The log holder comprises a support member arranged to provide a fulcrum on which a log can be supported and about which the log can be pivoted. Stop means is provided and is adapted to adjustably secure strap means, the strap means being adapted to wrap in a loop around a log to hold the log in a cantilevered position between the strap means and the support member, wherein the stop means is adapted to enable the size of a loop of the strap means wrapped around a log resting on the support means to be decreased but not increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: FOREST MASTER LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Martin
  • Publication number: 20130177859
    Abstract: A blower for use to accelerate combustion by providing additional air to a fire (e.g., to assist in the lighting of a fire). The blower may include a cylindrical housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening with a bore extending therebetween. A fan assembly and power source may be disposed in the bore and be operable to induce air flow through the bore. Air exiting the outlet opening may travel in a direction substantially parallel with a central axis of the cylindrical housing. The blower may be supported by an infinitely adjustable flexible member that may be manipulated to position the blower with respect to the fire to provide outlet air to the fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Bruce Prior, George Prior
  • 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: 8220786
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fixture assembly that is capable of holding work pieces such tiles of various sizes in various positions in a manner which enables freehand cutting. Various embodiments include a main fixture having a working top surface area that includes strategically placed cylindrical openings that are configured to receive easily manipulated tile holding clamps, various dogs that can be removably secured to the fixture in order to place tiles in a desirable position to be held during a cutting operations. The fixture is light weight and is easily transportable to a jobsite and has the capability of storing the clamps, dogs, marking instruments and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sam Armstrong, Peter Denley, Timothy Baker, Jie Liu, Loren Doppelt, Dale S. Dilulio, Scott Micoley, Ronald Bradbery
  • Publication number: 20120032383
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a mounting base, a rotation actuator mounted to the mounting base, a beveled active gear driven by the rotation actuator, and at least two clamp jaws rotatably connected to the mounting base. Each clamp jaw includes a beveled driven gear engaging the beveled active gear of the clamp apparatus and a clamp body connected to the beveled driven gear. When the clamp jaws are rotated together with the beveled driven gear, the clamp bodies are moved toward or away from each other to clamp or release a workpiece, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHEN-CHUN LI, HSIEN-CHUAN LIANG, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Patent number: 8061700
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus to hold an object to a worktable includes a guiding pole mounted to the worktable, a pressing member connected to the guiding pole, a supporting pin extending from the pressing member towards the worktable, and a resilient member connected between the guiding pole and the worktable. the pressing member is rotatable related to the worktable between a first position and a second position. The pressing member forces the object against the worktable and the supporting pin passes through the worktable in response to restoring of the resilient member when the pressing member is moved to the first position. The supporting pin abuts against the worktable to keep a disengagement of the pressing member from the object overcoming restoring of the resilient member when the pressing member is moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110278780
    Abstract: An anti-bounce device (100) for a saw mill, the device including a strut (60) having a first end piece (50), a second end piece (51) and a resilient member (52) therebetween, the first end piece of the strut being moveable relative to the second end piece; an engagement means (40) associated with the strut (60) adapted to move across a surface of a material to be sawn, the engagement means (40) transferring force to the first end piece (50) of the strut and the resilient member (52) of the strut dampening relative movement between the first end piece (50) and the second end piece (51) of the strut thereby restraining movement of the engagement means (40) relative to the surface of the material to be saw, and connection means (70,80) for connecting the strut to the saw mill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: PILOT PASTORAL CO. PTY LTD
    Inventor: Warren Geoffrey Lucas
  • Patent number: 7950638
    Abstract: A fly tying vise to be used for holding a fishing hook and to provide rotation of the fishing hook on two axes, one axis along the center of the hook shank, the other axis perpendicular to the hook shank and the two axes cross each other. The fly tying vise has a multi-part base assembly and a bearing mechanism which will provide a lateral rotation of the jaws. While the hook holding mechanism is connected to the rotatable part of the base, a series of elongated designed parts connected to the stationary part of the base and extended over the cylindrical center of the base assembly for holding parachute post to aid tying parachute patterns and like. The vise base can be locked in different positions laterally for using the vise as a regular rotary vise or working on a fly from different directions, such as fight handed or left handed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Yungshien Vincent Su
  • Publication number: 20100230882
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus to hold an object to a worktable includes a guiding pole mounted to the worktable, a pressing member connected to the guiding pole, a supporting pin extending from the pressing member towards the worktable, and a resilient member connected between the guiding pole and the worktable. the pressing member is rotatable related to the worktable between a first position and a second position. The pressing member forces the object against the worktable and the supporting pin passes through the worktable in response to restoring of the resilient member when the pressing member is moved to the first position. The supporting pin abuts against the worktable to keep a disengagement of the pressing member from the object overcoming restoring of the resilient member when the pressing member is moved to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7789289
    Abstract: A holding tool for fixing an electronic component (2) during a manufacturing process, the electronic component (2) comprising a winding assembly (20) and an electronic circuit (24), wherein the holding tool (1) includes a holding tool body (10), first and second jaws (12, 14) disposed at the holding tool body (10) relatively movable to each other in a first direction (A), and first and second wire guide means (3, 4) characterized in that the first and second wire guide means (3, 4) are disposed at the holding tool body (10) remote from the jaws (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Smartrac Technology Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Bajahr, Ruprecht Wiskott, Markus Spreng
  • Publication number: 20100117281
    Abstract: A quick lock and release clamp mountable onto the bedrail of an operating table, hospital bed, and the like. The clamp includes a body, a foot, and a mouth having at least three sides defined by the body and foot. A biasing member is coupled to at least one of the body and the foot, wherein an actuating member coupled to the biasing member is configured to transmit a force to the mouth via the biasing member. A protrusion extending from the body and towards the foot engages the bedrail, thereby fixing the clamp onto the bedrail, by moving the actuating member in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CAREFUSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark DOYLE
  • Publication number: 20090267278
    Abstract: A fork assembly (18) for mounting a pedestal riser (16) to an apparatus frame (12) of a precision apparatus (10) includes a fork bracket (20), a bracket retainer (228), a fork engager (22), and an engager attacher (230). The bracket retainer (228) fixedly secures the fork bracket (20) to the apparatus frame (12). The fork engager (22) engages the pedestal riser (16). The engager attacher (230) attaches the fork engager (22) to the fork bracket (20) while allowing for movement between the fork engager (22) and the fork bracket (20). With this, design, the fork bracket (20) can be fixedly secured to the apparatus frame (12) at a given location, while the fork engager (22) can be selectively moved to selectively attach and detach the pedestal riser (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Christman, Ovidio Horacio Anton
  • Patent number: 7565069
    Abstract: A locator comprises a first clamping element, a second clamping element opposite to the first clamping element, a guide bar extending through the first clamping element and the second clamping element, and a transmitting element rotatably disposed between the first clamping element and the second clamping element and abutting the first and second clamping elements. When the transmitting element rotates, the first clamping element and the second clamping element move along the guide bar to approach or move away each other, thereby clamping or releasing an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Yao-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 7520538
    Abstract: A purge gas introduction system for an orbital tube welding setup is provided, configured to inject high purity inert purge gas to the interior volume of a tube or tubular component. An o-ring is interposed between an annular base and an annular ring, their junction forming an annular o-ring groove, each part forming one sidewall, with the o-ring fully recessed within the groove, protecting the o-ring during the insertion and removal of a tube. The annular base and an annular ring are configured to receive a tube terminus. The sidewalls of the o-ring groove are divergent one to the other, wherein as the annular ring is drawn towards the annular base, the o-ring is forced partially out of the groove, forming a substantially leak tight seal between the tube and the o-ring. A purge gas from an external source is transmitted to the annular base through a purge connector, then, in turn, introduced to the interior volume of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin David McGushion
  • Patent number: 7487942
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for clamping objects has wide, stable feet that prevent the clamp from tipping over. The feet are of such a height that the clamp handle can be rotated by the user without interference from the bench on which the pipe clamp rests. The clamping faces have holes drilled through them to allow jigs or cauls to be attached to the clamping faces to clamp unusually shaped objects. The clamp also has a hook on the foot for convenient hanging of the clamp for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rockler Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Krohmer
  • Patent number: 7383943
    Abstract: A method of repairing a slat conveyor includes an anchor bar and a ratchet puller. The anchor bar preferably includes an anchor frame and a pair of C-clamps. A first C-clamp is pivotally coupled to a first end of the anchor bar with at least one link and the second C-clamp is coupled to a second end of the anchor bar with at least one link. The anchor bar is secured to conveyor frame with the pair of C-clamps. A first end of the ratchet puller is secured to the anchor bar and to a first end of a broken conveyor chain. A second end of the ratchet puller is attached to a second end of the broken conveyor chain. The ratchet puller is actuated, until the first and second ends of the broken chain meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Guy E. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7249548
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a corrugated metal sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table, a clamp assembly, and a cutting tool. The clamp assembly has a lower frame and an upper frame. A lower vibration absorbing pad is supported by the lower frame, and an upper vibration absorbing pad is secured to the upper frame such that the upper vibration absorbing pad faces the lower vibration absorbing pad. In an open position the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads are separated to permit the corrugated sheet metal to be positioned therebetween and in a closed position the corrugated metal sheet is clamped between the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads with at least one of the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads substantially conforming to the contour of an adjacent surface of the corrugated metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Core Tech Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Blanco, Scott D. Pardue
  • Patent number: 7165762
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and positioning a work piece in a desired position includes a hand-operated clamp for securing the apparatus to a fixed support, such as a table or workbench, a flexible, multi-segmented arm having one end secured to the hand-operated clamp and the opposite end pivotally secured to a vise. The vise includes a pair of jaws, a pair of essentially parallel tracks, and a screw mounted substantially parallel to said tracks. A small platform having resilient flanges snaps over and secures itself to the tracks. A number of configurations of the platform are possible depending upon the support structure of the electrical connectors or other assemblies which are being soldered or assembled. Work pieces of various shapes and sizes may be secured either to the platform or by the jaws of the vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher B. Duzick
  • Patent number: 6880817
    Abstract: A support apparatus adapted to support a snowboard having a threaded insert during a tuning operation is provided. The support apparatus includes a support member and a board rest supported on the support member. An attachment member extends from the board rest and is adapted to engage the threaded insert of the snowboard. A method of supporting a snowboard is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6785958
    Abstract: A jig for loosening electric wires of a wire harness passed through a grommet is disclosed. The jig includes a fixing-side clamping portion for clamping the one end of a wire harness, a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the wire harness, a bearing slidably engaged with the guide rail; a lock portion for locking said bearing to the guide rail, a circular rotating member, supported by said bearing, for rotating the wire harness in a circumferential direction of the wire harness; and a movable-side clamping portion, integrally attached to the rotating member, for clamping the other end of the wire harness. The rotating member may have a spiral cam groove, and the bearing may have an engagement protrusion to be engaged with the cam groove so that when the one clamping portion is inverted, the rotating member can move in its longitudinal direction. The one clamping portion may include a rachet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corp.
    Inventors: Takahiro Saito, Norihiro Yoneyama, Kenji Usui, Masaya Uchida
  • Patent number: 6761349
    Abstract: An improved clamping assembly especially suited for use in a bench vise for allowing a user to choose between conventional fine-screw-reduction closure and/or opening of the jaws for clamping, or quick-set sliding adjustment of the jaws. The clamping assembly relies on a toothed rack and pawl. The pawl is selectively engaged with the toothed rack to allow conventional reduction gear closure or opening. Alternatively, a user can more quickly open and close the jaws by disengaging the pawl from the rack and simply sliding the jaws relative to one another. The clamping assembly provides a quick-set clamping action which allows a user to initially to preset the jaws by sliding them together in one quick motion, followed by conventional fine-screw-adjustment for high-force clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Brian McCraw
  • Publication number: 20030234479
    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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Brass, Steven W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6547228
    Abstract: A holding device for work pieces to be machined, with a fixture and a vacuum holding block which can be set on the fixture, where an automatic or remotely-controllable mechanical locking device, for holding the vacuum holding block in position on the fixture is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Schmalz, Thomas Eisele, Ralf Stockburger
  • Patent number: 6527265
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for supporting and maintaining fascia in proper position during installation upon the exterior of a building, such as a residential dwelling. A forked member is temporarily attached to the eave of the building. A cross member is connected to the forked member. The vertical position of the cross member, relative to the forked member, is adjustable and temporarily fixable. A support member, upon which the fascia rests and is supported, is connectable to the cross member. The horizontal position of the support member, relative to the cross member, is adjustable and temporarily fixable. By selectively adjusting the horizontal position of the support member, and by selectively adjusting the vertical position of the cross member to which the support member is connected, the position of the support member, and thus the fascia, is precisely adjustable in two dimensions. The apparatus thus permits the fascia to be held in proper place while the user permanently installs the fascia to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Clinton Goodding
  • Patent number: 6524174
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a rotatable spindle, a head detachably connected to the spindle, and a clamp for clamping outer circumferential surfaces of the spindle and the head to one another so that the head may be driven by the spindle. The clamp has an annular clamping frame sized to encircle the outer circumferential surfaces of the spindle and the head, a projection disposed on one end of the clamping frame, a lever pivotally connected to the other end of the clamping frame, and a fastener pivotally connected to the lever and configured to hook over the projection. Once the fastener is hooked over the projection, the lever is pivoted to force the ends of the annular clamping frame together and thereby produce a clamping force that secures the spindle and head to one another. The clamp can be manipulated easily and with a simple motion to clamp the head to the spindle. Also, the parts of the clamp generate little mechanical friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi-Sung Bae, Min-Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 6514371
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying adhesive film to an article. Clamps are mounted on a fixture for temporarily securing the fixture to the article. Film locator clips are mounted on the fixture to receive a segment of adhesive film. At least one of the film locator clips is moveable and biased in one direction to apply tensioning force to the film to hold at least a part of the film in a spaced relationship to the vehicle. A wiping head on the fixture is shifted to engage the film and cause one portion of the film to be applied to the vehicle. The wiping head is then moved from the one portion of the film to other portions of the film to apply the other portions of the film to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Louis K. Justin
  • Patent number: 6502355
    Abstract: A storm cover for protecting a building's exterior glass includes a resiliently rigid protective storm panel connected directly to the glass so as to substantially cover the glass surface. The protective storm panel is connected to the glass by shock absorbing connectors positioned to hold the panel on the glass and spaced apart therefrom, to substantially protect the glass from impact by distributing the force of an impact. The protective storm panel is made of a substantially resiliently rigid material such as wood, plastic, or light gauge metal, and the exterior glass is preferably a glass window or glass door. The protective storm panel may be sized so as to overlap a frame surrounding the window or door to thereby provide added protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Bori
  • Patent number: 6364304
    Abstract: A fly tying vise provides a three point engagement with a hook by use of an anvil having an aperture therein. An elongate engagement member slides inwardly and outwardly relative to the aperture, and includes a slot therein for receiving a portion of the hook therethrough. Translation of the engagement member controls the degree of engagement of the hook by the vise. The vise support post is curved away from the user to provide room for the user's hands during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: David S. Strait, Arlan W. Way
  • 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: 6308944
    Abstract: A wiring jig is provided with a cable receiving area which receives cables. A crank-shaped supporting member supports a pillar which supports the cable receiving area. A pressing member having a pair of locating feet is provided with a pressing screw. Tightening the pressing screw of the pressing member fastens the supporting member to a perforated panel. Loosening the pressing screw allows the supporting member to rotate and/or slide so that the pillar can be installed at any desired position without being limited by the position of mounting holes pre-formed with a predetermined spacing in a perforated panel which receive the pair of locating feet of the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ota, Hajime Kato
  • Patent number: 6305091
    Abstract: Double end and single end jig apparatus is disclosed having a channel and guide edges for marking window/door trim held in the channel, for subsequent miter cut of corners for mounting the trim around window/door opening, and a set back or margin between the window/door opening and the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Arvel D. Tegels
  • Patent number: 6178893
    Abstract: A hinged derail is provided with an adjustment assembly for adjusting the position of the hinge pin relative to the rail. The hinged derail is adjustable to provide for proper alignment of the deflecting block with the top surface of a rail for a variety of rail heights. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment assembly includes a pair of rotatable adjustment flanges which support the hinge pin in an eccentric fashion. Rotation of the adjustment flanges changes the vertical position of the hinge pin. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an actuating assembly is provided for operatively associating a power actuator with the derail shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Pease
  • Patent number: 6158113
    Abstract: A jig for loosening electric wires of a wire harness passed through a grommet is disclosed. The jig includes a fixing-side clamping portion for clamping the one end of a wire harness, a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the wire harness, a bearing slidably engaged with the guide rail; a lock portion for locking said bearing to the guide rail, a circular rotating member, supported by said bearing, for rotating the wire harness in a circumferential direction of the wire harness; and a movable-side clamping portion, integrally attached to the rotating member, for clamping the other end of the wire harness. The rotating member may have a spiral cam groove, and the bearing may have an engagement protrusion to be engaged with the cam groove so that when the one clamping portion is inverted, the rotating member can move in its longitudinal direction. The one clamping portion may include a rachet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Saito, Norihiro Yoneyama, Kenji Usui, Masaya Uchida
  • Patent number: 6095508
    Abstract: A vice device consisting of a frame containing a fixed jaw and a rack, the rack being placed in a plane perpendicular to the fixed jaw; and a mobile jaw, containing a body and a jaw mobile in movement compared to the body. The jaw is mobile in movement parallel to the rack with the possibility of locking onto the rack by means of a rack mobile in the body equipped with notches at its end opposite the rack and biased in the direction of rack by at least one spring and maneuverable by a lever connected to the body. The end of the body connected to the lever being linked to a cam which leans on the posterior part of the mobile jaw in order to allow the spreading of the mobile jaw compared to the body in the direction of the fixed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Virax S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Baraldi, Jean Mazingue
  • Patent number: 6089554
    Abstract: A portable work platform is provided for attachment to a stationary object such as a ladder. The platform includes a frame, a clamp to retain the frame to a stationary object, a vise for retaining a work piece and a guide for retaining the free end of an elongate work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John Berardino
  • Patent number: 6029721
    Abstract: A portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on the structural body, a clamping mechanism disposed on one of the body and the platform, the clamping mechanism comprising a rod rotatably attached to the one of the body and the platform, and a block movably connected to the rod and movable between a first position contacting the other of the body and the platform and a second position bypassing the other of the body and the platform. The work bench may also include a plurality of legs supporting the structural body. The structural body preferably has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably the rod is rotatably attached to the platform, and the rod rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the platform. The rod may have an end bent away from the platform. Preferably, the block is pivotally attached to the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. O'Banion
  • Patent number: 5988615
    Abstract: A device for fixing an object to the edge of a flat support, the support having a top face on which the object is to be fixed and a lower face. A vertical section piece, positionable close to the edge of the support, is perpendicular to the plane of the support. The upper end of the section piece has an element which engages and holds the object on the top face of the support, e.g. rods projecting into a cavity in the object. An arm extending perpendicular to the section piece supports at one end thereof a cam for being selectively moved to press against and released from pressing against the lower face of the support. The section piece passes through an opening in the arm and the arm with the cam thereon is tiltable with reference to the section piece for locking the arm along the section piece. A lever then rotates the cam to press against the lower face of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Virax S.A.
    Inventor: Patrice Churoux