With Ball Detent Patents (Class 279/905)
  • Patent number: 6561523
    Abstract: A tool-bit holder for receiving a tool-bit that automatically captures the tool-bit as it is inserted into the holder with a quick release mechanism to prevent axial withdrawal of the tool-bit from the holder. The tool-bit includes a shank portion with a circumferential groove. The tool-bit holder also includes a hub having a longitudinal bore for receiving the shank and a radial bore partially housing a detent ball used to capture the tool-bit shank at its circumferential groove within the tool-bit holder. A sleeve is axially slidably mounted relative to the hub and has a radial bore in communication with the radial bore of the hub for reception of the detent ball. The sleeve is axially biased by a spring and forces the detent ball against and along an inner ramp face fixed relative to the hub. The inner ramp face forces the detent ball radially inwardly and through the radial bore to seat in the circumferential groove of the tool-bit shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: James L. Wienhold
  • Patent number: 6536780
    Abstract: A hand power tool has a tool holder with a base body; a drive part; at least one locking body for connecting the base body of the tool holder with the drive part; a securing body which radially fixes the at least one locking body in an engaging position; an actuating element operative for unlocking the tool holder and guiding the securing body to a position which radially releases the locking body, the base body in a locking position surrounding at least a part of the drive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Baumann, Ulrich Bohne, Rolf Mueller, Dietmar Saur
  • Patent number: 6530579
    Abstract: A wedging clamp assembly is provided for retaining a saw blade. A housing defining a vertical cavity therein is included in the assembly. The cavity includes a top end and a bottom end tapered with respect to the top end. Extending through a bottom end of the housing is a saw blade passageway included in the bottom end of the cavity. Disposed inside the cavity is a saw blade retention mechanism. A piston is further disposed within the cavity. The saw blade retention mechanism is configured for lockingly retaining a saw blade upon insertion into the passageway, thus, causing the piston to be biased against the bottom end of the cavity. At least one locking element is further included in the saw blade retention mechanism, and such locking element is disposed in the cavity for engaging the bottom tapered end. A wedging clamping force exerted by the at least one locking element is applied to the saw blade, and such force renders the saw blade immobile relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Jan P. Houben, James P. Orrico, Michael Holzer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6497418
    Abstract: A tool-bit holding device in a percussion tool includes a rotatable and axially-movable retainer sleeve for accommodating a shank of a tool bit. A lock member supported by the retainer sleeve is movable radially with respect to the retainer sleeve. The lock member can engage the shank of the tool bit to limit axial movement of the tool bit. A small-diameter surface portion formed by an inner surface of a fixed front cover contacts the rock member and projects at least part of the lock member inward of the retainer sleeve to engage the lock member with the shank of the tool bit when the retainer sleeve is placed at an active position. A conic surface portion formed by the inner surface of the front cover is engageable with the lock member, and is able to variably limit radial movement of the lock member as the retainer sleeve moves axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihisa Yahagi
  • Patent number: 6488452
    Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber, the tube assembly including a shank adapted to be received within a chuck of a drill. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly, the tool holder having (i) a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof, and (ii) a second tool locking mechanism at a second end portion thereof. The drill and drive apparatus further includes a tube locking mechanism which is configured to releasably lock the tool holder to the tube assembly when the tool holder is at least partially received in the tool chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Hoskins, Kevin M. Ward
  • Patent number: 6474656
    Abstract: A power drivable chuck 30 includes a body 72 which is formed with a shank-receiving opening 34 having a triangular cross section. A spring 104 is located about a forward section 78 of the body 72, and is captured within a chamber 102 between a base surface 98 of a sleeve 76 and a forward surface 100 of an intermediate section 80 of the body. A ball 90 is located in a passage 86 formed through the body 72 from an exterior surface 96 to the opening 34. A pair of slots 106 and 108 are also formed in the body in communication, and aligned, with the passage 86 on opposite sides of the passage. The ball 90 is formed with a through hole 112 and receives a pin 114 therein, with opposite ends of the pin extending from the ball and into respective ones of the slots 106 and 108. The spring 104 engages and normally urges the opposite ends of the pin 114 against the base surface 98 of the sleeve 76 normally to extend a portion 90a of the ball 90 into the opening 34 for locking a shank 42 within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6457916
    Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a chuck assembly of the type having a chuck hub with a longitudinally extending bore therein the longitudinally extending bore having a closed end, an open end, and a radially extending bit bore in communication with the longitudinally extending bore, and a bit ball movable in the ball bore between a first retracted position out of the longitudinally extending bore and a second engaged position partially in the longitudinally extending bore. The inventive improvement includes a shuttle slidably disposed in the longitudinally extending bore. The shuttle has a first longitudinally extending portion having a first lateral dimension and a second longitudinally extending portion having a second, smaller lateral dimension. The shuttle is movable longitudinally between a first release position and a second lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Insty-Bit, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wienhold
  • Patent number: 6398279
    Abstract: An interchangeable coupling is provided for removably fastening tools (2) to manipulators (3). The interchangeable coupling has two coupling parts (5, 6) with a form fit lock (7). The lock has several mobile balls (8) and a piston (11) for moving the balls. The coupling parts (5, 6) have corresponding cavities (9, 10). The cavities (9) in the tool side coupling part (5) are essentially cylindrical ball channels (30) with an oblique channel axis (31). In a locked position, these cavities (9) accommodate the blocking balls (8). The channel axis (31) preferably slopes from the robot-sided cavity (10) towards the tool side (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Kuka Schweissanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Botho Kikut
  • Patent number: 6343901
    Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Dale K. Wheeler, Thomas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6325393
    Abstract: A chuck device for a tool of the type having a bit on an end thereof and a drill on the other end thereof includes a spindle with a stub formed on an end thereof, a tube including a first section mounted around the stub of the spindle and a second section, a sliding sleeve slidably mounted around the tube, and a ball partially received in a transverse countersink in the second section of the tube. A first elastic member is mounted around the tube and attached between an outer shoulder of the tube and an inner shoulder of the sliding sleeve. A second elastic member includes a first end received in the stub and a second end in the tube. When the chuck device is in a condition not receiving the tool, the ball is moved out of the longitudinal hole of the tube and partially located in the annular groove of the sliding sleeve under the action of the second elastic member, and the first elastic member is in a compressed status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Tsai-Ching Chen, Chiu-Man Chang-Kao
  • Patent number: 6311989
    Abstract: A chuck for screwdriver inserts (20), having an insertion cavity (8) of a bush (5), the insertion cavity (8) being adapted in cross section to the polygonal section of the insertion shank (23) of the bit, windows (16) opposite one another in the corner region of the insertion cavity (8) being located in the bush (5), and round clamping bodies (19, 19′) lying in said windows (16) on supporting shoulders (18), the diameter of which clamping bodies (19, 19′) is greater than the window wall thickness and which are loaded inward toward the cavity by an inclined surface (14) of a spring-loaded actuating sleeve (9) and press in point contact against the corner of a corner recess of the insertion shank (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Sylvester Rosanwo
  • Patent number: 6302408
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool system that can be coupled to the drive shaft of a lathe. Said system comprises a tool holding fixture which can be connected to the lathe, and a took which is stored in a polygonal recess in the tool holding fixture so as to be torsion-proof yet removable. This tool has a tool shank and at least one functional section extending coaxially therefrom. The tool rests axially on a centering area in the polygonal recess, and rests radially on several identical locking elements. These are arranged in radial cavities in the tool holding fixture, at equal angular distances and at an axial distance from the centering area. This enables centering of the tool in the tool holding fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Eva-Maria Zierpka
  • Patent number: 6290606
    Abstract: An enclosed articulating joint for coupling a drive motor to an auger type earth anchor. The joint comprises a socket member attached to the drive motor and a ball member attached to the anchor. The socket member has a polygonal internal cross section which matingly engages the contour of the ball member. A locking assembly is included for locking the ball and socket members together during operation of the system. An optional non-locking coupler is provided for bypassing the locking assembly for rapid, successive driving operations. An optional offset coupler is provided to accommodate greater degrees of axial and longitudinal misalignment between the anchor and the socket member. This drive system is particularly suitable for use with horizontal boring machines, but has many other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: The Charles Machines Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Allen Hodson
  • Publication number: 20010017447
    Abstract: A hand power tool has a tool holder with a base body; a drive part; at least one locking body for connecting the base body of the tool holder with the drive part; a securing body which radially fixes the at least one locking body in an engaging position; an actuating element operative for unlocking the tool holder and guiding the securing body to a position which radially releases the locking body, the base body in a locking position surrounding at least a part of the drive part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Otto Baumann, Ulrich Bohne, Rolf Mueller, Dietmar Saur
  • Publication number: 20010013683
    Abstract: A tool-bit holding device in a percussion tool includes a rotatable and axially-movable retainer sleeve for accommodating a shank of a tool bit. A lock member supported by the retainer sleeve is movable radially with respect to the retainer sleeve. The lock member can engage the shank of the tool bit to limit axial movement of the tool bit. A small-diameter surface portion formed by an inner surface of a fixed front cover contacts the rock member and projects at least part of the lock member inward of the retainer sleeve to engage the lock member with the shank of the tool bit when the retainer sleeve is placed at an active position. A conic surface portion formed by the inner surface of the front cover is engageable with the lock member, and is able to variably limit radial movement of the lock member as the retainer sleeve moves axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihisa Yahagi
  • Patent number: 6270085
    Abstract: A chuck device for a tool bit includes a spindle with a stub formed on an end thereof, a tube including a first section mounted around the stub of the spindle and a second section, a sliding sleeve slidably mounted around the tube, and a ball partially received in a transverse countersink in the second section of the tube. A first elastic member is mounted around the tube and attached between an outer shoulder of the tube and an inner shoulder of the sliding sleeve. A second elastic member includes a first end received in the stub and a second end in the tube. When the chuck device is in a condition not receiving a tool bit, the ball is moved out of the longitudinal hole of the tube and partially located in the annular groove of the sliding sleeve under the action of the second elastic member, and the first elastic member is in a compressed status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Tsai-Ching Chen, Chiu-Man Chang-Kao
  • Patent number: 6260281
    Abstract: A device for mounting a blade on a reciprocally movable blade carrier of a cutting tool includes a blade pressing member and a blade pressing surface formed on the blade carrier, so that the blade can be pressed against the blade pressing surface by the blade pressing member. A retainer member serves as a guide for the pressing member, so that the pressing member can move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing surface between a first position for pressing the blade against the pressing surface and a second position for releasing the pressing force of the pressing member. An operation member is shiftable relative to the blade carrier and is operable by an operator for moving the pressing member between the first position and the second position. A ball is interposed between the pressing member and the operation member. A contacting surface is formed on the operation member, so that the ball can roll along the contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Okumura, Mitsuyoshi Niinomi, Shinsuke Mori
  • Patent number: 6241026
    Abstract: A tool holder attachable to a spindle of a hammer and which can receive a bit, the bit having a shank with at least one retaining groove extending along part of the shank, the retaining groove having a defined length, a front end and a rear end that limit axial movement of the bit in the tool holder, which tool holder comprises a hollow cylinder having an axis, an axial bore, a rear end that can be attached to the spindle of the hammer, and a front end that can receive the shank of the bit so that the bit is slidable within the cylinder in an axial direction, at least one retaining element that is located so that it can extend radially into the bore of the cylinder and into the at least one retaining groove of the bit so that the retaining element can be hit by the rear end of the retaining groove during the transition to idling and limit the extent of axial movement of the bit within the cylinder, at least one radial restraining element limiting movement of the retaining element in the radial direction, at l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bernhard Wache, Manfred Droste
  • Patent number: 6237231
    Abstract: A clamp for the blade of a hand held reciprocating tool includes a spindle coupled to the drive mechanism. A slot is formed in the spindle for receiving the blade tang and a collar is threadably received on the spindle. A blade clamping member is disposed between the collar and the blade and includes an engaging member for engaging a hole in the blade tang and a pair of ears which engage the upper and lower shoulders of the blade tang to provide three points of engagement when the collar is tightened. The clamp also includes a nose section which engages the blade at its junction with the tang to provide reinforcement against breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Jungmann, Ken R. Jordan, Bernhard Palm
  • Patent number: 6234491
    Abstract: A liner for a power tool holder has a wall which defines an interior and an exterior periphery. The interior periphery is sized to receive a tool shaft and the exterior periphery is sized to fit within a tool holder. The liner protects the tool shafts from marring, nicking or the like while being frictionally held by the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Dale K. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6224303
    Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Dale K. Wheeler, Thomas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6199872
    Abstract: A holder for holding a tool, having an elongated housing, including a longitudinal hole having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of a mounting portion of the tool bit. The housing further has at least one radial hole running from an outside surface of the connector to the longitudinal hole. The radial hole contains a substantially spherical locking means movably arranged in the radial hole. The means cooperates with a circumferential groove in the tool bit to lock the tool bit in place when the tool bit is fully inserted into the holder. A sleeve is arranged to reciprocally slide over the first connector between two end positions. The sleeve is biased towards the tool by a first biasing means, and the sleeve has a step arranged on the inside of the sleeve, which step blocks the locking means when a tool is fully inserted into the longitudinal hole. A plunger is arranged to reciprocally slide inside the longitudinal hole, being pressed by a second biasing means towards the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Maxtech Consumer Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Maz A. Hasan
  • Patent number: 6193242
    Abstract: The elongate rod shaped non-impact and non percussion drilling tool comprises: a non-impact and non-percussion drilling tool or implement formation at an outer end of the shank, a portion of the shank having a polygonal cross section at a location on the shank other than at an inner end of the shank, an annular groove in the shank which is only wide enough to receive a detent to prevent axial movement of the tool when it is received in a snap-in chuck assembly and a spline formation at an inner end of the shank. The chuck assembly includes either a polygonal drive structure in a center bore of the chuck assembly or a rotatable nose collar or an axially movable nose collar whereby a tool received in the center bore is held by friction in the polygonal drive structure or by a rotatable movement or an axial movement of the nose collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Troy Robison
  • Patent number: 6179302
    Abstract: An adapter for a driver of a rotary tool, and including a pin and slot combination effective between an adapter body and an adapter collar which is slidable on the body. A pin and slot combination guides the sliding and a spring urges the collar with its pin and slot combination into a tool locking position. The slot in the combination is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and thus it secures the working tool relative to the body and does so by means of a rotary action for the collar which actually also induces the axial movement of the collar for the securing of the tool. The tool has a conical surface oriented opposite to that of a collar conical surface which bears upon the balls for the tool tightening action mentioned. The method of securing the tool is included in the aforementioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Beere Precision Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Kevin K. Marchant
  • Patent number: 6135462
    Abstract: The chuck assembly comprises: a chuck body having an outer end portion, an outer periphery and a central axial bore extending at least part way therethrough; a nose collar mounted on the outer end portion of the chuck body; structure for mounting the chuck body onto the outer end of a shaft of a powered drive mechanism; the outer end portion of the chuck body having at least one radially extending bore therein which extends from the outer periphery of the chuck body inwardly to an opening which opens to the central bore and which has a diameter less than the diameter of the radial bore; at least one ball or detent in the at least one radial bore; urging mechanism for urging the ball or detent into the radial bore and part way through the opening; releasing mechanism for allowing the ball or detent to move radially outwardly in the radial bore and away from the opening; and structure in the central bore for engaging a tool shank and preventing rotation of the tool shank relative to the chuck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignees: Gary Sebastian, Thomas Vigil
    Inventor: Troy Robison
  • Patent number: 6126370
    Abstract: A rotary device has a releasable tool holder. A spindle with two ends has one end adapted to secure to a rotary device and the other includes a bore to receive a tool. A mechanism to retain and release the tool from the spindle bore is coupled with the spindle adjacent the bore end. At least two unlike retention members to apply a force on the tool in the bore are adjacent the bore. A sleeve surrounds the bore end of the spindle as well as the at least two unlike retention members. The sleeve has a common surface to apply a force on the at least two unlike retention members such that when the sleeve is axially moved along the spindle, the force is varied with respect to the position of the surface on the retention member. This force maintains the tool in the bore or enables the tool to be removed from the bore. A biasing member maintains the sleeve in a retention position on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Dale K. Wheeler, Thomas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6092814
    Abstract: A tool holder (10) is proposed for tools inserted into machines for drilling and/or percussion operation having means for rotational driving and axial locking of a tool shank which can be inserted into a tool receptacle (11) of the respective machine, wherein a plurality of axial strips (13) which project inward radially are provided for rotational driving and at least one radially lockable locking body is provided at the tool holder (10) for locking. In order to accommodate tool shanks of two grooved shank systems with different outer diameters, two axial strips (13) which are located opposite from one another and are directed inward radially are arranged at the receptacle bore (12). The axial strips (13) are guided such that they can be released outward radially, particularly in a springing manner, wherein the axial strips (13) engage in corresponding grooves (20) of the respective inserted tool shank (19) for rotational driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Kageler
  • Patent number: 6074140
    Abstract: A handheld rotary power unit includes a housing with a handle and a distal end portion, a motor shaft extending through the distal end portion of the housing, and a quick-release chuck assembly connected to the motor shaft. An actuator assembly is provided on the housing that enables a user to operate the quick-release chuck assembly with a hand of the user while that hand of the user is holding the handle portion of the housing. Actuator assembly examples include an electrically powered solenoid, a manually powered linkage, and a pneumatically powered piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Banner American Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy P. Cook
  • Patent number: 6023848
    Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement particularly for power reciprocating saws and similar tools having a reciprocating shaft connected to a cutting member includes a locking member and a locating pin which cooperates to prevent inadvertent removal of the saw blade. The saw blade clamping arrangement further includes a support member carried by the drive shaft for movement therewith. The support member at least partially defines a longitudinal slot for receiving the saw blade. The locating pin extends into the longitudinal slot and is adapted for partial insertion into the aperture from a first side of the saw blade. The locking member, which in the preferred embodiment is a spherical bearing, is operative for selectively engaging the saw blade with the drive shaft. The locking member is movable to a locking position in which the locking member is partially inserted into the aperture from a second side of the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Dassoulas, Jason R. Melvin, Robert G. Moores, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5996452
    Abstract: A chuck device for a power tool includes a follower rotatably and slidably received in a tube and coupled to and driven by a power tool and having a hole for receiving a driving stem. One or more balls are slidably received in the follower and may be forced inward of the follower to engage with the driving stem for allowing the driving stem to be driven by the follower. The balls may be disengaged from the driving stem when the ball is received in the annular recess of the tube for preventing the driving stem from being over-driven by the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Shu Chi Chiang
  • Patent number: 5988957
    Abstract: A power tool with a quick release tool holder has a spindle with a central bore to receive a tool, a first aperture and second aperture extend into the central bore. A ball is in each of the first apertures. The ball locks the tool against axial movement. An elongated roller is in each of the second apertures. The roller prohibits rotation of the tool within the spindle. A first sleeve is fixed with the spindle. The first sleeve maintains the rollers in the apertures. A biasing member axially biases the rollers. A second sleeve is circumferentially positioned about the spindle and axially movable on the spindle. The second sleeve has a surface in contact with the balls. Also, a biasing member is provided to provide a force on the second sleeve such that the sleeve is moved against the force of the spring to enable insertion or removal of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5971403
    Abstract: A tool bit holding device for use in percussion apparatuses such as electrically operated hammers is provided. The device includes a tool bit carrier, a front hand-operated grip, and a rear hand-operated grip. The front hand-operated grip is supported by the tool bit carrier so as to be movable in a lengthwise direction and a circumferential direction of the tool bit carrier. The rear hand-operated grip is installed rotatably on a hollow cylinder connected to a casing of the hammer. The removable of a tool bit from the tool bit carrier is accomplished by moving the front grip in the lengthwise direction and then turning it in the circumferential direction to release engagement between the tool bit and the tool bit carrier. The angular orientation of the tool bit carrier relative to the casing of the hammer is accomplished by turning the rear grip relative to the tool bit carrier to shift a angular relation between the tool bit carrier and the casing of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Koko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Yahagi, Mutsuo Harada
  • Patent number: 5957634
    Abstract: A drill extender apparatus having: (1) an rotary drive coupler providing, on one end, threaded engagement to the drive of a conventional electric drill and a polygonal shaped driven tool receptor cavity and locking collet at the other end; and (2) a tool extender, having drive shaft at one end, and a polygonal shaped driven tool receptor cavity and locking collet at the other end for receiving a tool, such a tool would include one of a set of drill bits, each having an extender shaft having a notched polyhedron shaft having multiple positions for drilling/boring deep holes, having multiple grooves adapted to be received by the quick disconnect collet of the tool extender wherein the balls selectively engage a groove for engaging said polygonal shaft and the polygonal shaped shaft is locked in place by the action of the polygonal cavity of said collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: David J. Carpinetti
  • Patent number: 5954347
    Abstract: A tool holder and an associated tool with the shank are provided for a drilling and/or striking machine tool. The tool holder has a drive spindle with a receiving opening provided with a cone for centering and a portion for driving the tool. Dumbbell-shaped locking elements are guided with their inner ends in a passage and with their outer ends in a longitudinal groove. The outer ends engage in pockets in an axially displacable locking sleeve which is prestressed by a spring in the direction toward its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Buck, Siegfried Fehrle, Bernd Koelle
  • Patent number: 5947484
    Abstract: A quick release chuck device has a body member defining an axially extending bore for receipt of a tool shank. At least a portion of the bore is defined by a plurality of radially compressible and axially extending gripping segments. The gripping segments are equally spaced and defined by axial slots extending from a front face of the body member. At least two axially extending and aligned recesses are defined on each of the gripping segments. An operating member is coaxial with and surrounds at least the gripping segments of the body member. The operating member defines a varying radial width channel with the recesses formed on the outside of the gripping segments. The operating member is axially movable relative to the body member. Actuating elements, such as balls, are disposed within the varying radial width channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark S. Huggins, Kenneth M. Montjoy
  • Patent number: 5906378
    Abstract: A coupling adapter (1) for positioning a tool (90) in a particular given position with high repetitive precision on a chuck (80) that can be activated by a medium for a machine tool. The chuck (80) is equipped with elements (52, 54, 82, 55, 57, 58) of a first holding system and the tool (90) with elements of a second holding system, with a pressure-medium source that is controlled by a central control device and connected to the chuck (80) through a first medium channel (81) provided in the machine tool. The coupling adapter (1) is provided on a first end face with counter-elements (52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58) of the first holding system and on a second end face (29) with counter-elements of the second holding system and has a device on the chuck (80) for clamping depending on the medium pressure and a holding device for the tool (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: System 3R International AB
    Inventor: B. Hakon Nordquist
  • Patent number: 5903983
    Abstract: A clamp for the blade of a hand held reciprocating tool includes a spindle coupled to the drive mechanism. A slot is formed in the spindle for receiving the blade tang and a collar is threadably received on the spindle. A blade clamping member is disposed between the collar and the blade and includes an engaging member for engaging a hole in the blade tang and a pair of ears which engage the upper and lower shoulders of the blade tang to provide three points of engagement when the collar is tightened. The clamp also includes a nose section which engages the blade at its junction with the tang to provide reinforcement against breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.
    Inventors: Richard H. Jungmann, Ken R. Jordan, Bernhard Palm
  • Patent number: 5775981
    Abstract: An air die grinder secured on a rotary shaft of a pneumatic motor by a fixing device is disclosed. The fixing device includes a sleeve having a driving section with none circular cross-section and a locating section with a circular cross-section. A ball hole is formed through the wall of the locating section of the sleeve. A steel ball is placed in the ball hole and pushed by an outer tube fitted around the sleeve to protrude out of the inner wall of the sleeve and abut against the stem of the grinding wheel, therefore the grinding wheel is located on the die grinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Maw-Chyuan Yang
  • Patent number: 5697740
    Abstract: A clamping device for connecting a toolhead and a toolholder on machine tools using a cylindrical or at least partly conical location hole with corresponding shank, wherein a rotatable clamping bolt with spiral guides is used, in clamping to move clamping members outwards from within, thus providing a positive and non-positive locking of the toolhead and the toolholder. The clamping bolt has at least one stop to limit the angle of rotation in clamping. The retainer for the clamping members is spring mounted in the toolholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Widia GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Von Haas, Hans Tack, Rene Huchon
  • Patent number: 5678961
    Abstract: A quick change adapter is provided for quickly changing a tool. The adapter includes a tubular-shaped inner member having an axial bore for receiving a shank of a tool, the inner member including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the second portion thereby defining a shoulder portion. The first portion includes at least one aperture extending between the outer surface and the axial bore. A ball is retained in the aperture and extends into the axial bore and beyond the outside surface of the inner member. The second portion of the inner member has an end which is adapted to be coupled to a tool chuck. A hollow tubular outer member is slidably mounted around the inner member and has a tapered inner wall therein and an end wall at one of its ends. A spring surrounds the second portion of the inner member and rests against the end wall at one end and rests against the shoulder portion at its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Dennis W. Fleege, Douglas P. VanWaart
  • Patent number: 5674031
    Abstract: A tool holder comprises a receptacle having one end connectable with a machine spindle, to a receptacle and the like and an opposite end, a head provided on the opposite end and having a coaxial cylindrical head opening, a housing received non-rotatably and axially longitudinally displaceable in the head opening and having a coaxial cylindrical housing opening, a quick exchange insert for a tool insertable in the housing opening and coupleable with the housing, and an inner signal device reacting to a relative movement between the head and the inserted quick exchange insert to produce a disturbance signal which identifies a damaged or a destroyed tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Otto Bilz Werkzeugfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Reiner Bilz, Siegfried Bader
  • Patent number: 5624586
    Abstract: An alignment device and method for a plasma arc torch system which corrects the position of a torch in relation to the receptacle for a successful union. The device and method mechanically align in situ electrical contacts, gas, and water conduits of the torch during a torch change. The time expended for a torch charge is reduced because the torch is self aligning to the receptacle. Minimal human interaction is required to change a torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sobr, Nicholas A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5609603
    Abstract: A surgical cutting device having a powered handpiece adapted to receive a cutting blade. The cutting blade is locked to the drive shaft by a locking ball holding member which is locked in place by a cylindrical cam ring which urges the balls of the locking device into corresponding notches in the blade. A second locking ball holding member is provided on the housing of the handpiece to lock the cylindrical cam ring itself. A blade guard extends from the cylindrical cam ring to produce a surgical cutting device having an improved safety feature which prevents its operation without the guard in proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Hall Surgical Div. of Zimmer Inc.
    Inventor: Harry A. Linden
  • Patent number: 5603516
    Abstract: A drilling and/or chipping tool has a locking sleeve (9) axially displaceable through a first axial length (A1) and a second axial length (A2). When the locking sleeve (9) is axially displaced through the first length (A1) a rotationally fixed connection between a tool bit holder (10) and a housing (1) of the tool is interrupted. If the locking sleeve is displaced by the second length (A2) the tool bit holder (10) can be removed from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Neumaier
  • Patent number: 5573255
    Abstract: A quick release chuck device for releasably holding a jaw blade includes a body member having an internal longitudinal bore defined therein. The longitudinal bore has a substantially rectangular cross-section shape for receipt of conventionally sized saw blades. At least one radial bore is defined in the body member and is in communication with the longitudinal bore through one of its short sides. An engaging device is disposed in the radial bore and is movable radially within the radially bore so that at least a portion of the engaging device extends into the longitudinal bore in a locking mode of the chuck device to hold a saw blade within the device through contact with a recess defined in the edge of the blade. A spring-biased outer sleeve is disposed about at least a portion of the body member. The outer sleeve is movable longitudinally between a released position and a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn L. Salpaka
  • Patent number: 5464229
    Abstract: A quick-change chuck device has a body member having an internal recess defined therein. An inner sleeve member is fitted into this recess and is axially movable relative to the body member. The inner sleeve has an internal bore defined therethrough which is concentric with the recess. An axial spring mechanism biases the inner sleeve member axially away from the body member. An axial movement locking device is configured with the inner sleeve member to allow a tool shank to slide into the internal bore of the inner sleeve when the sleeve is moved axially towards the body member and to axially lock the tool shank within the internal bore when the inner sleeve member is biased by the spring mechanism away from the body member. A rotational movement locking device is configured within the recess of the body member. The rotational movement locking device defines a bore aligned with the internal bore of the inner sleeve member for receiving the tool shank passing through the inner sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn L. Salpaka
  • Patent number: 5437465
    Abstract: A spindle sleeve (4) is provided for the rotary operation in a tool changing device on a hand-operated machine tool, especially a drill hammer for optional operation with a hammer drill or with another tool. To make rapid tool change possible with a simple design, a locking body (7), which co-rotates with the spindle sleeve (4), is mounted in at least one perforation (6) of the spindle sleeve (4). An adapter (14), on which the corresponding tool can be fixed, can be axially inserted into the spindle sleeve (4) with a guide surface (22, 23), and has depressions (13) for the locking bodies (7) for nonrotatable and axially nondisplaceable connection to the spindle sleeve (4). An outer sleeve (8), which blocks the locking bodies (7) in the depressions (13) in a locking position and radially releases them in its release position, is displaceably arranged on the spindle sleeve (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Vogele, Dieter Hirt
  • Patent number: 5427482
    Abstract: An annular cutter connecting apparatus includes an arbor, annular cutter fixing locking members received in holding holes formed in the lower end portion of the arbor and a sleeve member surrounding the lower end portion of the arbor, for fixing an annular cutter to the arbor. The sleeve has a first control face having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the lower end portion of the arbor, for projecting the locking members into the central bore by a predetermined length when the first control face engages the locking members, and second control faces formed circumferentially in the first control face, for receiving the locking members. The sleeve is rotatable around its own axis so as to cause the locking members to selectively face the first control face and the second control faces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Asano, Yutaka Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5417527
    Abstract: A quick change chuck assembly for tool bits uses a bayonet style lock. The assembly is constructed with a bore that receives a multi-faceted shank of a tool bit. Rotating the shank within the bore locks the shank in place, preventing undesired axial extraction of the tool bit from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: James L. Wienhold
  • Patent number: 5409333
    Abstract: A drill includes: a drill housing having a chuck collar of the drill made as a polygonal prism or a cylindrical collar having at least a secant flat surface formed thereon, a central drilling tool axially mounted in the drill housing, and a sleeve member having a hollow bore portion centrally formed through the sleeve member, having a coupling adapter formed on a proximal end of the sleeve member concentrically detachably secured to the chuck collar of the drill housing and having a screw driver member detachably mounted on a distal end of the sleeve member, whereby upon coupling of the sleeve member secured with the screw driver member onto the chuck collar of the drill, the hollow sleeve member on the drill will encase the central drilling tool previously axially mounted in the drill housing without first dismantling the central drilling tool for convenient replaceable uses of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignees: Ho-Shuenn Huang, Dye-Jon Hu
    Inventor: Dye-Chung Hu