Helical Spring Patents (Class 29/227)
  • Patent number: 5095603
    Abstract: A drum brake service tool and a method of using the same is disclosed. The tool comprises a lever having a pair of spaced, parallel arms disposed at one end thereof, the arms being adapted to receive a brake spring substantially perpendicularly therebetween. A brake-spring retaining mechanism is disposed proximate the free end of each of the arms. One of the free ends of the brake spring is passed over the brake-spring pin of one of the first or second brake shoes. The brake-spring is then engaged in between the arms of the lever. The lever is pivoted on the cam to extend the brake-spring to the point that the other free end of the spring lies proximate the brake-spring pin of the second brake shoe. The free end of the spring is then engaged with the pin of the second brake shoes. The tool may also be used to remove or install a brake roller in the brake shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventors: Vincent E. Carruthers, William P. Sowers, Ralph McConnell
  • Patent number: 5050281
    Abstract: Two components are interconnected with a helical extension spring. After attaching a helical extension spring to a first component, the spring is stretched to a predetermined length and the first component with the torsion spring maintained stretched at the predetermined length is held as an integral unit in a predetermined relative position to a second component. Thereafter, the first component with the stretched spring is fitted to the second component in a predetermined positional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamashina
  • Patent number: 5036573
    Abstract: A Holland cylinder removal tool is set forth for use in removing a fifth wheel cylinder from an associated fifth wheel mount. The tool includes a plurality of spaced parallel and aligned arms, each extending from a respective fluid cylinder end and a piston of the fluid cylinder wherein the arms are extensible and retractable with respect to one another and are each formed with a "U" shaped jaw at a terminal end of each arm for securement adjacent a spring assembly associated with a pneumatic cylinder of the Holland fifth wheel mount to compress the springs and enable removal of the associated pins connecting the air cylinder to the cores aligned with the air cylinder within the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas E. Congdon
  • Patent number: 5031294
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in assembly and disassembly of the strut assembly having a shock absorber disposed within a coil spring. The apparatus includes a frame and a first spring engagement member secured to the frame for engaging the first end of the spring of a strut. A second spring engagement member is provided connected to the frame for movement with the frame toward and away from the first spring engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Branick Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Krueger
  • Patent number: 5003680
    Abstract: A universal tool for the fitting and removal of brake shoe return springs of trucks, truck trailers and omnibuses in the form of a slender bar which may be used as a first, second or third class lever and has at least one draw hook member pivoted thereon so as to be able to swing through an angle of at least 90.degree. in relation to the lever. The lever furthermore bears a spur and its distal or outer end is in the form of a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Ivan Vesely, Xaver Kreitmair
  • Patent number: 4980959
    Abstract: A tool for use in automatically installing a helical coil insert to a preselected depth in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece. The tool includes a tubular tool body carrying an insert near its lower end, and a mandrel threadedly received in the tool body for engaging the insert and rotatably advanced into the tapped hole by a driver device. An adjusting sleeve encircles the mandrel and is threaded to a selected position in the tool body, to serve as a stop for further advancement of the mandrel, thereby controlling the depth to which the insert is installed. The sleeve's position can be adjusted quickly and conveniently without disassembling the front assembly of the tool from the driver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard J. Czarnowski
  • Patent number: 4976022
    Abstract: A hand-held and hand-manipulated tool adapted to hook or unhook an extension type of helical spring, such as a trampoline spring, to or from an anchoring structure, such as the frame of a trampoline, is preferably formed as a unitary elongate lever of the second kind from steel bar stock advantageously having a rectangular cross section, the end of the lever being adapted to rest on the surface of the spring as a fulcrum, the opposite end portion providing the power arm of the lever and having a handle member formed at its free end transversely of the lever, and a work arm depending from between the power arm and the fulcrum adjacent to the fulcrum and formed to receive and hold the unanchored loop, hook, or eye end of the spring, whose other end is anchored to supporting structure, such as the grommeted margin of the trampoline jump sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventors: Theodore W. Thornton, Willem E. Leeflang
  • Patent number: 4976416
    Abstract: A pressure spring tensioner comprises a cylindrical guiding tube having an axially elongated tube slot with a threaded spindle extended axially within the tube and rotatably mounted therein. The first sleeve is affixed to the tube adjacent an end thereof and it carries a first gripping clamp which is engageable over one end of the spring. A second sleeve assembly is slidable on the tube and it carries a second gripping clamp which engages with the opposite end of the spring. The second sleeve assembly includes a second sleeve slidable on the guiding tube and with a sliding snug fit and having a radial recess. A pad is arranged in the second sleeve in threaded engagement with the spindle and it has a radial finger extending through the tube slot which is of a length no longer than twice the thickness of the guiding tube and engages in the radial recess of the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 4976280
    Abstract: A valve spring compression tool is provided and consists of a C-shaped frame having at a first extremity a fixed pad with a central aperture therethrough. A structure at a second extremity of the C-shaped frame is for moving a movable pad toward and away from the fixed pad in an axial alignment. When a valve head of a valve bears against the fixed pad a valve spring can be compressed to release a pair of retaining members from a valve stem through the central aperture so that the valve can then be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Robert Lagana
  • Patent number: 4959897
    Abstract: A torsion spring mounting apparatus mounts a torsion spring on a spring support. The torsion spring comprises a leg portion, a coiled portion one end part of which extends to the leg portion, and an engagement portion which extends to the other end part of the coiled portion and which is bent in the radial direction of the coiled portion. The spring support comprises a cylindrical shaft onto which the coiled portion is to be fitted, and a coil engaging protrusion embedded in the circumferential surface of the shaft such that the coil engaging protrusion is normal to the shaft. A spring movement device grasps the torsion spring, and fits the coiled portion onto the shaft by moving the torsion spring along the shaft so that the engagement portion does not overlap the coil engaging protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Ogawa, Kenichi Watanabe, Tsutomu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 4930751
    Abstract: A coil spring compressing tool for use in compressing suspension springs of cars and trucks includes a pair of elongated rectangular blocks extending in spaced parallel relation. A pair of parallel guide rods are slidably received through aligned apertures provided adjacent opposite end portions on each of the blocks. An enlarged retaining stop is secured at each end of each of the guide rods for limiting maximum separation of the blocks. An elongated threaded rod has a first end portion received for free rotation in a central bore formed through one of the blocks and a second end portion in threaded engagement with a threaded bore formed centrally through the other block. A driving head is provided on an end portion of the threaded rod for engagement with a wrench. A pair of oppositely directed hooks are secured at aligned positions on side faces of the blocks and are dimensioned for engagement with a coil spring. Rotation of the threaded rod causes the blocks to move together to compress a coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Willie R. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 4909480
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a compressor for the coil spring of a MacPherson strut. It comprises a top force transfer ring and a bottom U-shaped, helical ramp plate secured together in spaced relationship by tie bars. The U-shaped ramp plate is inserted between coils of the spring to surround the central, shock absorber stem. Then when the device is rotated, the ramp plate is threaded down the coil spring to pull it up into the containment between the tie bars. The slight compression of the coil spring in this manner relieves force against the spring mounting to enable repair and or change of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Charles T. Mattson
  • Patent number: 4872645
    Abstract: A coil spring compressor includes two jaws, one of which is fixed at one end of a guide tube, while the other jaw is slidably mounted on such tube and connected to a slide (32) provided with a radial finger member in the shape of a wedge extending through a slot in the tube. The slidable jaw has a body defining a bore and from which extend two claws or clamps and that is extended by a screw-threaded skirt. A radial groove having a shape complementary to the shape of the radial finger member is provided in the wall of the bore and cooperates with the finger member in the relative locking of the two elements, while a tapped ring screwed on the screw-threaded skirt completes their locking together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Facom
    Inventor: Michel Dossier
  • Patent number: 4872644
    Abstract: A tool for compressing the coil spring of a motor vehicle suspension strut comprises a rack with opposed sets of cleats mounted thereon which are adapted to grip respective coils of the spring intermediate its ends. The sets of cleats are selectively movable towards or away from each other along the rack by rotating a crank handle. Within each set, the cleat spacing may be adjusted by moving the cleats along arms on which they are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Peter A. Papapetros
  • Patent number: 4870737
    Abstract: A brake spring removal tool is disclosed. The tool includes laterally extending spurs which engage the coiled portion of the spring, allowing the user to remove or install the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Roger Navarro
  • Patent number: 4813118
    Abstract: A tool system for demounting and mounting shock absorber parts in order to change shock absorber cartridges in shock absorbers, and includes a tool for demounting and mouting the coil spring (1) of a vehicle shock absorbing leg, using a tool for demounting and mounting shock absorber closure screws, where the tool for the coil spring (1) of a vehicle suspension has two spring clamps, each of which has a threaded spindle (4) to one end of which a first spring engaging element (5) is fitted, a second spring engaging element (6) displaceable freely on the spindle, and a screw element (19) with which the second spring engaging element (6) is displaceable against the first spring engaging element (5) to compress the coil spring (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Bernhard Schmack
  • Patent number: 4809951
    Abstract: A spring compressor for large coil springs especially for motor vehicle axle springs comprises first and second disc-like pressure plates which are located at spaced locations along the axis of a cylindrical guide tube and each has a central bore opening. A threaded spindle has a spindle head with a key profile and it is rotatably mounted in an axial thrust bearing of the cylindrical guide tube. The guide tube has a radial support surface on which one of the pressure plates is supported. A cylindrical threaded tube has internal threads insertedly engaged with the threaded spindle and the spindle is connected to the guide tube with an axial mobility so as to rotate with the guide tube. The threaded tube has an end which faces away from the spindle head which has a plurality of radial fingers which fit into corresponding recesses formed in the first pressure plate which includes radial enlargements which form passages for the radial fingers carried by the threaded tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 4807488
    Abstract: A coiled resistance element is connected to an insulator block by sequentially locating and holding the coil in place; camming the coil such that two adjacent coils are forced together and the coils on either side are forced away so as to form two gaps or openings; and, inserting the arms of an insulator block into the two gaps so as to force the two adjacent coils into the cross bar portion of a T-slot formed in the connector block. Upon removing the camming forces from the coil, the two adjacent coils will be separated and located in the cross bar portion of the T-slot to thereby secure the coil and insulator together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: John R. McManus
  • Patent number: 4785519
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly of the type having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring. The apparatus includes a frame and attachment members for holding a first portion of the spring with the spring positioned in predetermined alignment within the frame. A compression head is mounted on the frame and movable toward and away from a compression direction. The compression head includes first and second compression elements for imparting a force on a second portion of the spring and urging the spring toward the compression direction. The compression head includes linkage for connecting the first and second compression elements with the elements being movable relative to one another and free to assume unaligned positions as the compression head urges the spring into compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Branick Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Krueger
  • Patent number: 4768270
    Abstract: A tool for use in automatically installing a helical coil insert to a preselected depth in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece. The tool includes a tubular tool body carrying an insert near its lower end, and a mandrel in treadedly received in the tool body for engaging the insert and rotatably advancing it into the tapped hole. An adjusting sleeve encircles the mandrel and is threaded to a selected position in the tool body, to serve as a stop for further advancement of the mandrel, thereby controlling the depth to which the insert is installed. The sleeve's position can be adjusted quickly and conveniently without the need for removing the mandrel from the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Rexnord, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard J. Czarnowski
  • Patent number: 4764179
    Abstract: An automatic tension spring mounting device used for spreading a pad receive member onto a seat frame in a seat for a vehicle such as an automobile is disclosed. In the device, there are provided a plurality of guide means respectively located so as to correspond to engagement portions in the seat frame and adapted to be able to restrict tension springs each having end hooks in the two ends thereof in the peripheral and longitudinal directions thereof. When mounting the tension springs, the end hooks of the tension springs can be guided into the seat frame engagement portions by the guide means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Yajima
  • Patent number: 4742607
    Abstract: A transmission disassembly tool, for compressing springs biasing a retainer against a snap ring disposed on a hub within a rear piston casing of a transmission includes a rod passing through the hub and extending above and below the hub, a cap disposed on the retainer, a device for locking the cap on the rod above the hub, a pedal, a device for detachably connecting the foot pedal to the rod below the hub, and a device for pivotally attaching the pedal to any substantially vertical surface, whereby depression of the pedal pulls the retainer away from the snap ring, and a method for operating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventor: John A. Piscitelli
  • Patent number: 4736505
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in repairing or replacing parts of the suspension system, such as a MacPherson strut of an automobile which suspends a frame or passenger compartment from a lower portion which includes the wheels and the axle. The apparatus includes an elongated upright apparatus which has a piston rod extending out the top. A special mounted assembly is mounted on top of the piston rod with outwardly extending arms which exerts an upward force on the spring of the MacPherson strut. At the same time a chain is attached between the housing of the elongated tool and the frame or body to prevent upper movement of the frame. When the spring is compressed the shock absorber portion of the MacPherson strut can be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Vernie F. Vanbeber
  • Patent number: 4732365
    Abstract: A bench mounted spring compressor is utilized to compress a helical coil spring of a MacPherson strut suspension assembly. The compressor includes a fixed base member having an adapter attaching the shock absorber thereto. A vertically movable tube is arranged to telescope within a tube secured to the fixed base member. The upper end of the movable tube includes an engaging shoe head assembly which is horizontally movable relative to the vertically movable tube. A manually operable ball nut-helical screw arrangement moves the engaging shoe toward and away from the fixed base member. The ball nut-helical screw arrangement is freely movable in one direction of rotation but inhibited in the opposite direction of rotation. The telescoping tubes are prevented from rotating relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Kloster
  • Patent number: 4715114
    Abstract: A tension spring takeout device for use in an automatic tension spring mounting apparatus for automatically mounting tension springs for mounting a pad receive member to a seat frame forming an automotive seat. The tension spring takeout device comprises a stock mechanism into which the tension springs are discharged from a part feeder having a separation mechanism for separation of the tension springs that are successively supplied, and which are arranged in a line and stocked; a takeout mechanism comprising a predetermined number of takeout means located in the stock mechanism so as to correspond to the mounting intervals of the tension springs to the seat frame and operable to push out a predetermined number of tension springs simultaneously; and a transfer device adapted to catch the tension springs pushed out by the takeout means of the takeout mechanism as well as to transfer and mount the tension springs to the mounting portions of the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Yajima
  • Patent number: 4703547
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a coil spring on a damper strut to manufacture a damper strut assembly. The apparatus includes a clamp for holding the strut in a vertical direction with the lower end of the spring attached to a lower spring seat provided on the strut. A caliper type spring depresser is provided. The depresser is mounted on a plate for movement along a substantially vertical guide rail mechanism. The plate is swingable in a substantially vertical plane so that the direction of movement of the depresser can be adjusted so as to coincide with the direction of the axis of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Zenta Togawa
  • Patent number: 4691428
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spanner wrench for and method of removing a torque-locked torsion spring from a winding cone. The wrench retrieves and engages the terminal end of the spring to apply both a radially outwardly directed force to such terminal end of the spring while simultaneously applying a tangentially-directed force which is counter to the torque lock to remove the spring from the cone without damage to the cone. In its preferred form the wrench is adjustable so as to be able to accommodate spring and cone assemblies of widely varying diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: David A. Engstrom
  • Patent number: 4679780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for compressing a helical spring of the type typically used in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking device extendible over the respective helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operation. The two shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes a separate tool engaging configuration on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Kloster
  • Patent number: 4653185
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting tension springs (tension coil springs) to suspend a seat frame and a pad receiving member forming an automotive seat is disclosed which comprises a supply hopper, a transfer mechanism, a guide member, a setting device and a direction restricting member. In the apparatus, when loaded into the supply hopper, the tension springs are separated from one another and then discharged one by one therefrom to the transfer mechanism, where they are rectified in the right and left deviations thereof by the guide member before they are delivered to the setting device. Then, the tension springs are caught and lifted up by the setting device and, during this lifting operation, they are rectified in the direction thereof by the direction restricting member, so that they can be automatically mounted to the seat frame as well as to the pad receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kajima, Eiji Suzaki
  • Patent number: 4641814
    Abstract: A spring coil compressor tool capable of compressing an automobile spring while it is operatively mounted on the vehicle is disclosed. The inventive spring coil compressor tool includes elongated hook means on the upper spring coil engagement means that allow the safe compression of the spring coil despite the obstruction of low extending fender walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Maremont Corporation
    Inventors: Sharookh Lala, Patrick Lehnerer, Russell Hanson, Michael Stevens
  • Patent number: 4603461
    Abstract: A device for tensioning and extending an elongate helical tension spring, one end of which is anchored and the other free end of which is disposed toward and spaced from a structure to which the spring is to be connected. The device includes a frame with a spring engaging saddle engageable with a side of the spring, between the ends thereof. The device next includes an elongate flexible girdle with one end anchored to the frame extending about the spring and having the other end releasably coupled to the frame. The device next includes a manually rotatable winch drum carried by the frame, a manually operable ratchet releasably stopping rotation of the drum and an elongate tow line with one end portion connected with and wound about the drum and its other end portion extending to and releasably coupled to the structure to which the spring is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventors: Jerald R. Whippie, John F. Hartman
  • Patent number: 4585211
    Abstract: An agricultural tyne assembly is disclosed which uses a series of linkages to transfer loading from the tyne as deflection of the tyne occurs upon striking an obstacle during tilling. There is also disclosed means to adjust the spring loading on an agricultural tyne.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Collison & Co.
    Inventor: Alan Griffin
  • Patent number: 4568063
    Abstract: A spring compressor for axially compressing a helical coil spring of an automobile and then holding the spring in the compressed position consists of two identical devices mounted on opposite sides of the axial spring which is to be axially compressed. Each device comprises metal plates held together by rollers, the plates having curved hook formations to engage a coil of the spring. A threaded spindle fits into a housing capable of pivoting between these metal plates. A chain is threaded around the coils of the spring which is to be compressed and around the rollers between the metal plates. Threaded on the spindle is a chain adjustment piece through which the chain passes and which moves outwardly along the spindle when the spindle is turned, so as to cause the chain to pull the spring and compress the coils of the spring between the loop of chain and the curved hook formations of the metal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Hans Gramlich
  • Patent number: 4558500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring compressor adapted to compress an associated coil spring of a MacPherson strut suspension system. The spring compressor includes a lower clamping member adapted to be secured to the portion of the cylindrical shroud of the MacPherson strut located below the associated helical spring platform. A pair of spaced apart elongate threaded shank members are mounted on the clamping member and extend upwardly where they are threadably connected to a pair of spaced apart upper spring engaging hooks. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the elongated shank members are adjustably mounted to the clamping member to permit adjustment of the spaced apart distance between the upper spring engaging hooks. This enables the spring compressor to accommodate coil springs of various diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Kloster Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Kloster
  • Patent number: 4541614
    Abstract: To substantially reduce the stock of spring cramp sizes needed for holding and clamping axle springs of motor vehicles having widely varying diameters, the clamping jaws of a spring cramp have a contact surface which is substantially flat and, at least in the zone of median plane of the jaw and over the entire jaw leg leading in the clamping direction, slightly slanting inwardly by an angle .alpha. of from 2.5.degree. to 6.degree., so that the radially outer edge of jaw leg trails behind the inner one during a clamping operation. In addition, a backing rib is provided projecting substantially symmetrically from the inner edge of each clamping jaw axially in the clamping direction, which rib extends through a center angle .beta. of from 30.degree. to 100.degree.. At their free ends, the jaw legs are about 1.5 to 2 times wider than in the zone of their median plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 4531759
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension strut having onboard service of shock absorber cartridge through access opening in the mount tower and through the upper mount while the road wheel remains on the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Rezanka, Bernard J. Finn
  • Patent number: 4520543
    Abstract: A coil spring compressor for compressing a coil spring during the assemblage of sub-assemblies of automotive suspension systems, in particular, of the MacPherson type. The coil spring compressor is of the type which includes a head plate positioned above a base and movable with respect to the base. The coil spring compressor is provided with a pair of guide bars pending from the head plate and on which a slidable clamp carriage is mounted. The clamp carriage carries a clamping mechanism having a pair of clamping assemblies facing each other and positioned at both sides of the coil spring. Each clamping assembly comprises a pair of clamping arms interconnected with each other so that the clamping fingers provided at the inner free ends of each arms extend toward the coil spring to be introduced between two successive turns of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Ito
  • Patent number: 4516303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a helical gear drive assembly which can be utiized as a spring compressor for compressing an associated helical coil spring of the type commonly utilized on MacPherson strut suspension assemblies. The spring compressor includes a pair of elongate parallel threaded guide shafts having an upper spring engaging shoe secured to the upper end thereof and a lower support link secured at their lower ends. The gear drive assembly is mounted on the guide shafts intermediate the upper spring engaging shoe and the lower support link and is utilized to support a lower spring engaging shoe in spaced apart, facing relationship with the upper spring engaging shoe. Both the upper and lower spring engaging shoes can be formed of a helical configuration to provide positive engagement with the respective coils of the spring. The helical drive assembly includes a separate internally threaded sleeve mounted within a housing about each of the threaded guide shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Kloster
  • Patent number: 4514888
    Abstract: An apparatus (40) for installing a coil spring (30) under tension between the discharge electrode wires (20) of a rigid-frame type electrostatic precipitator (10). The installation apparatus (40) comprises a longitudinally elongated support rod (42), first spring engagement pin (54) mounted stationarily to the outboard end (44) of the support rod, second spring engagement pin (64) supported from and translatably movable along the support rod, and spring tensioning device (70) for selectively positioning the second spring engagement pin (64) at the proper position along the support rod (42) so as to elongate the spring to the proper length necessary to slip the ends (34) of the spring about and between the discharge electrode wires (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis B. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4509775
    Abstract: Structure and method of encapsulating a compression spring to a height less than working height in between end seats which can be selectively released when in an installed position to permit the spring to extend to a working height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick P. Arndt
  • Patent number: 4509240
    Abstract: A device for installing a spring in such a way that a first arm thereof is brought into engagement with an actuator and a second arm is brought into engagement with a fixer to thereby establish exertion of a resilient force between the actuator and the fixer, wherein a step of bringing the first arm of the spring into engagement with the actuator which bears the second arm so that the spring is preparatorily held in an idle state is followed by a step of releasing the second arm from the engagement with the actuator in automatic response to attachment of the actuator to a basic body having the fixer, whereby the second arm is brought into connection with the fixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuo Tezuka
  • Patent number: 4502664
    Abstract: A MacPherson strut spring compressor has a drive mechanism to move a strut clamp assembly toward and away from the front of the frame. Upper and lower positioning assemblies are vertically movable with respect to the frame to accommodate MacPherson struts of different sizes and spring offsets, with the upper positioning assembly being vertically adjustable independently of the lower positioning assembly and the lower positioning assembly being vertically adjustable with respect to frame. There is also disclosed locking mechanism for each of the positioning assemblies to retain the MacPherson strut in place during operation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Corporation
    Inventors: Roy B. Bendickson, Raymond R. Zuzinec, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4494289
    Abstract: A coil spring compressor for compressing a coil spring during the assembly of subassemblies of automotive suspension systems, having a head plate positioned above a base and movable with respect to the base. The coil spring compressor is provided with a pair of guide bars suspended from the head plate and on which a slidable carriage is mounted. The carriage carries a pair of compressing assemblies facing each other and positioned at both sides of the coil spring. Each assembly comprises a pair of compressor arms interconnected with each other. Each compressor arm is provided with a finger mount to which a compressing finger is adjustably attached. The fingers are introduced between two successive turns of the coil spring by operating handles provided on the compressor arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 4490897
    Abstract: In the particular embodiment of the device for replacing components in a front suspension of a vehicle disclosed in the specification, a work bench has two arms one projecting from each side and each having a mounting plate to be affixed to a wheel hub of a suspension mounted on the bench, and a pressure cylinder acts on the arms to lift the mounting plates and thereby compress the springs of the front suspension components to facilitate dismantling and replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Alf M. Forre
  • Patent number: 4486935
    Abstract: A coil spring compressor adapted for use in the assembly of automotive suspension systems, particularly, of the MacPherson type. The coil spring compressor includes a head plate movable vertically with respect to a base on which a MacPherson strut forming part of the suspension system to be assembled is held in position. A clamp carriage having a frontal opening is mounted to the head plate for vertical sliding movement relative to the head plate to adjust the vertical position of the clamp carriage. The clamp carriage is provided with four clamping arms, each of which is pivoted at its outer end to the carriage and has at its inner end a clamping hook engageable with the selected turn of the coil spring. Two clamping arms forming a pair are arranged along a side of the frontal opening and two clamping arms forming another pair are arranged along the opposite side thereof, the front and rear clamping arms in each pair being interconnected with each other so as to swing conjointly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroo Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 4442580
    Abstract: A tool is provided for maintaining an automotive coil spring in a compressed condition during installation in an automobile chassis. The tool includes two elongated plate members each of which has an end that is curved in hook-like fashion and an end with two spaced apart apertures. A pair of parallel chain links extend through the apertures to interconnect the plates. The plates can slide along and pivot around the chain links. The curved end can grasp a spring convolution to keep the spring compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Dimitrios Antoniadis
  • Patent number: 4395020
    Abstract: A spring compressor employs a fluid-operated piston-cylinder which drives a first platen toward a second platen to compress a MacPherson strut mounted between the two platens, the first platen being pivotally mounted for self-adjustment to accommodate many different strut sizes and designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Ammco Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip A. Spainhour
  • Patent number: 4366729
    Abstract: A tool for extending and thereby restoring the compression of a fuse block spring (46). The tool comprises a rod (10) fixedly mounted at one end to extend from an end of one arm (14) of a pistol grip and at the other end is slotted to admit the spring tang as the rod (10) is inserted within the spring coils. When the rod (10) is stopped, either by a portion (48) of the spring or the fuse socket base, a finger (32) at the end of a sleeve assembly (18, 29) slidably fitted over the rod (10) is rotated to capture an initial coil of the spring. The sleeve assembly (18, 29) at its other end is pivotally connected to an end of a second arm (22) of the pistol grip, which second arm (22) is also pivotally connected to the first arm (14). The second arm (22) is closable on the first arm (14) to retract the sleeve assembly (18, 29) along the rod ( 10) to extend the spring (46) to the required length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric G. Strubing
  • Patent number: 4338711
    Abstract: A brake adjuster tool including a set of dies and a pneumatic press for assembly and disassembly of a main landing gear brake adjuster. The assembly operation requires only two steps saving considerable time while presetting the adjuster pin automatically on assembly. The brake adjuster tool includes a pneumatic cylinder or diaphragm, control valve and air regulator and provides a mechanical pressure of up to 400 pounds with a linear travel of 4 inches which is needed to perform the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventor: John T. Wright
  • Patent number: 4330916
    Abstract: An assembly tool upon which a spring is secured for enabling the spring to be inserted within an orifice whose entrance diameter is smaller than the outside diameter of the spring is disclosed. The assembly tool includes (1) a mandrel consisting of a first and second section; (2) a securing device that locks one end portion of the spring to the mandrel as it is positioned upon the first section; and (3) a releasable locking device that is rotatably and slideably mounted upon the second section for securing the other end portion of the spring. Upon securing the ends of the spring in the securing device and the locking device, and rotating the locking device upon the second section of the mandrel, the outside diameter of the spring is reduced. The spring is then inserted within the orifice while it is secured to the mandrel, unlocked and thereby returned to its unwound position, and subsequently released from the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh S. L. Dannatt