Circular Spring Patents (Class 29/229)
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Patent number: 7389571Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a retaining ring attaching device capable of improving assembling efficiency and a data storage device fabricating method. In one embodiment, a C ring attaching device included in a hard disk drive assembling apparatus expands a C ring, puts the expanded C ring on a pivot, and contracts the C ring on the pivot. The C ring attaching device moves chuck arms holding the C ring such that the C ring is moved so that a gap in the C ring moves away from the pivot while the C ring is being contracted.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Tatsuo Hayakawa, Takanori Kawakami
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Publication number: 20080141512Abstract: Apparatus (2) for removing or fitting a compression ring (4), which apparatus (2) comprises a body (6), at least one externally threaded portion (8) which is on the body (6) and which is for receiving a compression ring nut (10), a bore (12) which is in the body (6) and which has a screw thread (14), a spindle (16) which has an external thread (18) and which is screwable backwards and forwards in the bore (12) in the body (6), at least one abutment means (20) for engaging an end (22) of a pipe (24) requiring the compression ring (4) to be removed, and a handle which in use is permanently attached to the body (6) and which is for preventing rotation of the body (6) during rotation of the spindle (16) for removing the compression ring (4) from the pipe (24), and during rotation of the compression ring nut (10) for installing the compression ring (4) on the pipe (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Spencer James Freeman
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Publication number: 20080041197Abstract: A mechanically levered spring coil key ring opener in which the thumb and fore finger digit operating the levered opener are generally protected from coming into contact with the spring coil key ring capable of breaking fingernails and cutting the operators digits on the hand or the hand itself. The levered key ring opener is spring loaded in the open position ready to insert the points of the prongs between the spring coil ring strips and with the minor thumb and fore finger pressure, the leverage is sufficient to create an opening between adjacent coil ring strips of the key ring to insert or remove a key of most thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventor: JANET LYNN LALOND
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Patent number: 7313984Abstract: A tool for moving two members relative to each other, such as narrow and wide tangs of an elastic clamp, includes first and second bodies formed substantially identically and operably coupled to each other in spaced, opposing relation, each of the bodies have a substantially lateral channel defining inner back, bottom and front walls therein. Each back wall includes a recess sized and shaped to cooperatively engage the narrow tang of the elastic clamp, when the narrow tang is received in the channel, to substantially retain the lateral position of the narrow tang relative to the body. Each front wall includes an opening for engaging the outward projection of the wide tang when the wide tang is received in the channel, thereby substantially retaining the lateral position of the wide tang relative to the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Daniel D. Lionberg
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Publication number: 20070204451Abstract: A snap ring installation tool which includes a finger gripping portion having a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a lower end, and an upper end; a middle portion having a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a lower end which is generally integral with said finger gripping portion upper end, and an upper end which terminates in a ledge; an arcuate open cylindrical portion disposed on said upper end of said middle portion and having an interior surface and a predetermined radius of curvature matching that of the snap ring for which it is to be used; and a left stop wall and a right stop wall disposed on said interior surface of said open cylindrical portion and separated a predetermined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: LORAE A. FISTOR
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Patent number: 7210219Abstract: The fastener to shaft insertion tool is disclosed which consists of a shaft holding member, a fastener insertion member, and force transmitting member. The fastener holding member facilitates the holding of the fastener and the application of forces to the fastener necessary for its proper insertion onto a shaft. Forces are provided to the fastener holding member by way of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. The fasteners are inserted adjacent a ring or gear being coupled to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Cinetic Automation CorporationInventor: Paul Thal
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Patent number: 7194936Abstract: A convertible retaining ring pliers has a pivot, first and second jaws and first and second handles rotatably secured about the pivot. A pair of transfer pins is slidably disposed for selective movement in the jaws and the handles for establishing alternative operating positions enabling the jaws to move either inwardly or outwardly as the handles move inwardly. A switching mechanism is provided for simultaneous shifting of the transfer pins in the jaws and the handles. The switching mechanism includes reaction member housing assemblies which are mounted on opposite ends of the pivot and disposed on opposite external surfaces of the handles. A switchplate structure is rotatably mounted for side-to-side movement about the pivot, and is slidably positioned between at least one reaction member housing assembly and the external surface of one of the handles.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: A&E Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Bruce J. Engel, James W. Murphy, Larry F. Gerbert
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Patent number: 7185408Abstract: A tool for installing a garbage disposal to a sink flange extending below a sink includes a keeper and a platform. The keeper includes a head portion for engaging the sink flange above the sink and a leg portion extending along the sink axis through the sink flange. The platform carrying disposal mounting rings is releasably engaged with the leg portion below the sink to position it adjacent to and aligned with the end of the sink flange body. A snap ring is biased from the platform onto the flange body and into the annular groove in the flange body to trap the back-up ring and mounting ring on the flange body below the sink. The platform is disengaged from the leg portion and the tool is removed so that the disposal may be secured to the mounting ring in a known manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: John R. Keith
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Patent number: 7114228Abstract: A spring compressor comprising an actuator with a body and a rod that are telescopically movable relative to each other and two jaws each comprising an attachment portion (2) for attachment to the actuator and a working portion (3) for engaging a turn of a helical spring (8, 9), the working portion (3) of each jaw comprising a first part (4) and a second part (12), one of the parts being connected to the attachment portion (2) and defining a track segment (5) for bearing against a portion of a spring turn, and the other part forming an arm (12) hinged to the attachment portion (2) or to the first part (4) in the vicinity of one end (5c) of the track segment (5) about an axis (11) that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the track segment (5), and forming at its free end a zone for taking charge of a turn of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Mecanique EnergetiqueInventor: Patrick Lambert
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Patent number: 7093518Abstract: A tool for tensioning loosening, and opening spring-type clamping elements with two radially outward-projecting actuating arms, the tool including a hand-operable actuating part, a Bowden cable having a bore and a sheath, the Bowden cable being connected to the actuating part, and a tensioning part with two jaws which are able to move relative to each other. Each of the jaws is configured to act on one of the actuating arms, a first one of the jaws being connected to the core, and a second one of the jaws being connected to the sheath of the Bowden cable so that the jaws can be brought toward each other and thus execute a tensioning movement. The actuating part includes a device for automatically locking in a tensioning stroke and a device for feeding the Bowden cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: Engelbert Gmeilbauer
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Patent number: 7089640Abstract: A problem where a tool is deformed when a retaining ring is fitted on a shaft is solved. Plate members (2, 2a) positioned at at least one side of a full back surface of a retaining ring (W) are arranged at a holder (1) provided at the head of a tool body. A contact portion (3), a portion opposite an opening portion (Y) in the outer periphery of the retaining ring (W), is provided more backward than the heads of the plate members (2, 2a). A fall-off prevention structure (4) from which the retaining ring (W) can be easily detached is provided at the holder (1). There are sheltering spaces (5, 5a) arranged outside both side portions of the retaining ring (W) in its installed state. When the retaining ring (W) is installed to the holder (1), the retaining ring (W) does not fall off because of the fall-off prevention structure (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Chubu Bearing Kabushiki KaisyaInventors: Kouichi Tanaka, Yoshichika Tanaka
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Patent number: 7080432Abstract: A tool is disclosed, for inserting a multi-turn spiral lock, received by a groove of a piston assembly. The tool includes a handle, for transmitting manual torque forces, to enter a spiral, grooved head, or a profiled fitting, a wire lock ring. The spiral, grooved head, is manufactured, with a ½ turn medium-pitched, helical groove. This permits the ½ spire, after being assembled, to be easily pushed, and transferred, to a piston groove. Also, a wire lock end, equipped with a controlled sliding sleeve, allows the ring to be located on the tool, prior to assembly. This allows for an easy bore insertion to snap the wire lock into the bore groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Inventor: Clyde Jewel Norwood
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Patent number: 7055413Abstract: A pair of pliers is provided for snap rings. The pair of pliers includes two handles pivotally connected with each other, a spring compressed between the handles and two jaws detachably installed on the handles. Each jaw includes a first operative portion, a first tip extending from the first operative portion, a second operative portion extending from the first operative portion and a second tip extending from the second operative portion. The size of the second tip is different from that of the first tip.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Tien-Shui Wang
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Patent number: 7047619Abstract: A tool and method is provided for the installation of radial seals such as for example O-rings into radial grooves. The tool and method can be used to install an O-ring into a dovetailed groove of an items such as a valve stem. The tool includes a first part having a first face at an angle relative to a plane in which the plane lies and a second part having a second face opposed to the first face and that a second opposite angle relative to the plane in which the seal lies. Compressing the first and the second part towards the two faces together squeezes the seal and urges it into the groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Barry Wambold, Kirk VanAcker, Connie Mroch, Larry Norton
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Patent number: 7047618Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying an expandable member, such as an O-ring, to a part to from an installed part. The apparatus and method comprise a piston slidably positioned within a housing with a slidable sleeve interposed between the housing and the piston. The piston has an expandable member engagement surface on a leading end thereof. During operation, the expandable member is transferred from a holder to the exterior surface of the slidable sleeve. The slidable sleeve is then positioned sleeve about the part and relative movement of the housing with respect to the sleeve, transfers the expandable member from the sleeve and onto the part.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Whitney Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael Hunter
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Patent number: 7032479Abstract: A pair of pliers is disclosed for E-shaped snap rings. The pair of pliers includes two handles and two jaws. The handles are pivotally connected with each other. Each of the handles includes a first end and a second end so that the first ends of the handles are opened when the second ends of the handles are closed. Each of the jaws includes a first end, a second end and an oblique groove. The first end of each of the jaws is connected with the second end of one of the handles in a detachable manner. Near the second end each of the jaws is defined the oblique groove in order to receive a portion of an E-shaped snap ring. Thus, the E-shaped snap ring is opened when the first ends of the handles are closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: Tien-Shui Wang
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Patent number: 7007357Abstract: A removal and installation device for external and internal snap rings that can switch between shaft and hole modes by simple operation and produces better controllability, workability, serviceability and easiness in handling is provided. A rotary plate is rotated in a positive direction, a left side lever is turned as a shaft part is rotated integrally with the rotary plate, right and left side levers are crossed substantially in an X shape, the crossed parts supported by the shaft part, realizing the hole mode. The rotary plate is rotated in reverse direction, the left side lever is turned in a reverse direction as the shaft part is rotated in a reverse direction integrally with the rotary plate, both pivot parts of the right and left side levers arranged substantially in a V shape supported by the shaft part so that both projected working tools are parallel, realizing the shaft mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Iwata Denko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Nakamoto
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Patent number: 6993816Abstract: A retaining ring installation tool for use in installing retaining rings onto shafts and into bores is formed from a single piece of metal to define a cylindrical, elongated body. A hollow cavity is formed in one end of the body and the wall of the body that defines the cavity is slotted to form a plurality of individual, flexible spring contact arms or fingers which extend forwardly from a rear body portion and which collectively define an insertion end of the tool. The ends of the fingers are enlarged to ensure contact occurs between the tool and the retaining ring during the installation of the ring onto a shaft or into a bore. The contact arms are bent either radially inwardly or outwardly so that they will contact the retaining ring at all times during installation of the ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Smalley Steel Ring CompanyInventor: Michael Greenhill
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Patent number: 6983677Abstract: A convertible retaining ring pliers has a pivot, first and second jaws and first and second handles rotatably secured about the pivot. A pair of transfer pins is slidably disposed for selective movement in the first and second jaws and the first and second handles for establishing alternative operating positions enabling the jaws to move inwardly as the handles move inwardly and allowing the jaws to move outwardly as the handles inwardly. A switching mechanism is mounted to the handles and pivot for providing simultaneous shifting of the transfer pins in the jaws of the handles. The switching mechanism includes first and second flexing spring plates which are mounted on opposite ends of the pivot and disposed on opposite external surfaces of the handles. Each of the spring plates includes a pair of boss pins engageable with opposite ends of the transfer pins.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: A&E IncorporatedInventor: Bruce J. Engel
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Patent number: 6976412Abstract: A tool equipped with a turnable driving head includes a left handle and a right handle to couple with a right driving section and a left driving section therebetween. The left handle and the right handle and the right and the left driving sections are coupled together by a coupling element such that the right and left driving sections may be anchored on the front sides of the left and the right handles at a selected angle to wrench C-shaped snap rings to facilitate operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Min-Chi Yu
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Patent number: 6964089Abstract: A tool for installing a locking ring in an annular groove defined by a lower annular rim portion of a sink flange of a garbage disposer sink flange assembly. The tool includes a pair of elongated members that are pivotally connected at a pivot point to form a pair of opposed handles and a pair of opposed ring-engaging tips. The tips define a pair of outwardly facing indentations that adapt the tips to engaging the locking ring in order to spread the locking ring by operation of the person squeezing the handles toward each other. Mechanical stops are located in the opposing handles that prevent excessive spreading of the locking ring. In addition, the tool is configured such that when the tool is brought into position, and the tool is leaned over the locking ring is released from the ring-engaging tips.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventor: Albert F. Ramirez
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Patent number: 6907802Abstract: A tool for actuating a workpiece includes a fixed member for contacting a contact surface of a workpiece and a movable member, which is supported by the fixed member for generally linear movement relative to the fixed member. The movable member is for contacting a second contact surface of the workpiece. The tool further includes a trigger mechanism for urging the movable member into engagement with the second contact surface. The trigger mechanism has stored energy therein and is adapted to apply a load to the movable member whereby the movable member moves over a first range of movement for moving the second contact surface relative the first contact surface in response to the load for actuating the workpiece. In addition, the trigger mechanism releases at least a portion of the stored energy when the movable member no longer detects a reaction force from the second contact surface to thereby move the movable member over a second range of movement in response to the release of the stored energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Robert H. Schneider
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Patent number: 6792837Abstract: A plier tool having first and second jaws independently and rotatably disposed about a pivot. A pair of handles are rotatably disposed about the same pivot. The handles are attached on opposite sides of the jaws by a bolt that passes through openings in the handles and through the center of the jaws. The handles are capable of being alternately engaged with the jaws by a pair of pivoting members such that the tool is changeable between a first position where the first jaw is engaged with the first handle and the second jaw is engaged with the second handle and a second position where the first jaw is engaged with the second handle and the second jaw is engaged with the first handle. In this manner, the tool can be switched from an internal retaining ring plier to an external retaining ring plier.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Stride Tool, Inc.Inventor: Nicola Battistone
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Patent number: 6789313Abstract: A piston-pin lock-ring-insertion tool has a ring-insertion tube (1) in ring-insertion relationship to a ring pusher (2). The ring-insertion tube has an inside periphery with a press-close taper (8) that is tapered inwardly from a ring-feeder end (6) to a ring-guide bore (9) that is cylindrical uniformly intermediate the press-close taper and a ring-insertion end of the ring-insertion tube. The ring-insertion end (7) of the ring-insertion tube has a perpendicularity surface (10) that is adapted for alignment of the ring-guide bore and a piston-pin bore (4) in a crankshaft-engine piston (5). The ring pusher has a pusher taper (26) with a pusher head (12) adapted for being buttressed against a side of lock ring (3) for pushing the lock ring from a major diameter to a minor diameter of the press-close taper proximate a circumferential entrance to the ring-guide bore. The ring pusher has a slide rod (13) that is oppositely disposed end-to-end from the pusher head.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: George P. Hendricks
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Patent number: 6725516Abstract: A rubber ring coupling apparatus for coupling rubber rings with an object includes a ring cartridge and expansion elements. A rubber ring is held in an expansion opening located in the ring cartridge. The expansion elements are disposed into the rubber ring and expanded along expansion slots formed in the ring cartridge. Then the object is inserted into the rubber ring and the expansion elements are withdrawn from the rubber ring to let the rubber ring couple with the object. Thereby assembly labor cost and time may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Silitek CorporationInventor: Robert Pan
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Patent number: 6722011Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for installing a c-clip outside a far end of a passage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises prong members each comprising a prong end, a base end, and a lip part. A base is secured to the base ends, so the prong members are parallel with each other, and so the lip parts form a ring-shaped lip adapted to secure the c-clip. A tube is provided comprising an inner surface having a varying radius. The base inserts the prong members through the tube and against the inner surface, the inner surface forcing the c-clip to close into a closed c-clip. The prong ends are moved at least partially through the rear of the tube, and in some embodiments through a tube extension, permitting a restoring force of the c-clip to open the c-clip.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Bradley Bacon
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Patent number: 6718607Abstract: A method and an implementation equipment for fixing an elastic clamp band (1) to the lugs (5) particularly adapted for re-current mounting of a flexible connection pipe (12) on a pipe system (13). An automatic dispenser (2) of clamp bands (1) is arranged to position each clamp band (1) such that its two lugs are externally accessible to be seized by the grips (9, 52, 103) of a hand tool for extracting and fixing (8, 50, 100) which are brought together to compress the lugs (5) of the clamp band (1) by external (11) separately controlled actuators. The tool (8, 50, 100) comprises elements for bringing together the grips (9, 52, 103)) freely and reversibly when the external actuators (11) are activated and elements for releasing them instantly or gradually at the desired moment with an external control (14, 123).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Gillet OutillageInventors: Pascal Gillet, Fabrice Petit, Laurent Melin
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Patent number: 6711791Abstract: A slide hammer tool is particularly useful for replacing worn teeth of a trenching machine. The teeth are retained in chain links of the trenching machine by respective open keeper rings. The tool has a rod with stops proximate both ends. A hammer is slidable on the rod between the stops. On one rod end is a wedge with converging surfaces that match radial surfaces on the keeper rings. The other end of the rod has a concave surface that matches the keeper ring outer diameter. To remove the keeper ring from a worn tooth, the wedge converging surfaces are abutted against the keeper ring radial surfaces. The hammer is rapidly struck against the corresponding stop. The impact of the hammer on the stop is transmitted to the wedge converging surfaces and to the keeper ring radial surfaces. The impact is sufficient to cause the keeper ring opening to expand, and the keeper ring is pushed off the tooth.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Clint Hess
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Patent number: 6678930Abstract: The retainer or snap-ring tool of this invention includes a pair of jaws with only one of the jaws attached to a single handle. The jaws are disposed to be spread apart one from the other by a jaw positioning device. The lower end of each jaw is equipped with a tip to interface with the free ends of various types of snap-rings. The tips force the ring to extend or contract when placing the ring on a shaft or within a cylindrical bore of a body. The jaw positioning device comprises a threaded shaft having a positioning wheel formed integral with the shaft to rotate the shaft and move the pair of tips at the ends of the jaws with respect to one another. The tips remain a fixed distance from one another without gripping the handle. The universal tool of this invention works equally well for internally and externally applied snap-rings without any changing or modification of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Greg J. Owoc
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Patent number: 6640405Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Shinobu Ino
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Publication number: 20030192162Abstract: A tool for installing a locking ring in an annular groove defined by a lower annular rim portion of a sink flange of a garbage disposer sink flange assembly. The tool includes a pair of elongated members that are pivotally connected at a pivot point to form a pair of opposed handles and a pair of opposed ring-engaging tips. The tips define a pair of outwardly facing indentations that adapt the tips to engaging the locking ring in order to spread the locking ring by operation of the person squeezing the handles toward each other. Mechanical stops are located in the opposing handles that prevent excessive spreading of the locking ring. In addition, the tool is configured such that when the tool is brought into position, and the tool is leaned over the locking ring is released from the ring-engaging tips.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Albert F. Ramirez
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Patent number: 6622361Abstract: A railroad clip removal system for efficiently removing a fastening clip from a receiver bracket of a crosstie. The railroad clip removal system includes a frame structure having a center cutout and a pair of opposing slots, an actuator, a pair of engaging arms pivotally attached to the actuator and slidably positioned within the opposing slots. The engaging arms have a catch portion that engages the fastening slip while the engaging arms simultaneously compress the prongs of the fastening clip thereby removing the fastening clip from the receiver bracket of a crosstie.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Inventor: Timothy R. Wilson
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Patent number: 6615474Abstract: A tool for installing a locking ring in an annular groove defined by a lower annular rim portion of a sink flange (e.g., a component of a garbage disposer sink flange assembly) includes a pair of first and second elongated members that are pivotally connected at a pivot point to form a pair of opposed first and second handles and a pair of opposed ring-engaging first and second tips. The first and second tips define a pair of outwardly facing first and second indentations that adapt the first and second tips to engaging the locking ring in order to spread the locking ring by operation of the person squeezing the first and second handles toward each other. The first and second tips define a pair of inwardly facing third and fourth indentations that adapt the first and second tips to engaging the annular rim portion of the sink flange.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Albert F. Ramirez
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Patent number: 6609282Abstract: A device for installing a bolt retainer onto a bolt includes a support bar and a handle attached to the support bar. A retainer dispensing assembly mounted to the support bar includes a rail capable of holding a number of bolt retainers thereon. A retainer seat is attached to the support bar, and the retainer seat and retainer dispensing assembly are relatively positioned so that the retainer dispensing assembly delivers bolt retainers to the retainer seat. A slide member is slidingly mounted in a channel in the support arm. The slide member slides between a first position in which it engages a bolt retainer on the retainer seat and a second position in which it drives the bolt retainer onto a bolt.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Thomas Morrissey, Louis Francis Zukowski
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Patent number: 6574847Abstract: A valve keeper installation device for facilitating installation of valve keepers. The valve keeper installation device includes a pliers member for engaging and compressing valve locks including: a jaw portion for providing a compressive force; a handle portion designed for being grasp by a human hand, and having two opposed members such that squeezing both opposed members towards each other tightens the jaw portion providing a compressive force; and a cup portion integrally coupled to the jaw portion, and designed for engaging a valve keeper, the cup portion includes a first curved member integrally coupled to a first jaw member and a second curved member integrally coupled to a second jaw member, the first and second curved members being positioned such that an longitudinal axis of the cup portion is substantially collinear with a longitudinal axis of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Tracy L. Scroggins
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Publication number: 20030088961Abstract: A device for installing a bolt retainer onto a bolt includes a support bar and a handle attached to the support bar. A retainer dispensing assembly mounted to the support bar includes a rail capable of holding a number of bolt retainers thereon. A retainer seat is attached to the support bar, and the retainer seat and retainer dispensing assembly are relatively positioned so that the retainer dispensing assembly delivers bolt retainers to the retainer seat. A slide member is slidingly mounted in a channel in the support arm. The slide member slides between a first position in which it engages a bolt retainer on the retainer seat and a second position in which it drives the bolt retainer onto a bolt.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Brian Thomas Morrissey, Louis Francis Zukowski
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Patent number: 6530135Abstract: The present invention comprises a camshaft holding tool and corresponding method for operating the camshaft holding tool in double overhead camshaft engines. In one embodiment, the holding tool includes a body portion including first and second curved portions, where each of the first and second curved portions includes two or more teeth. Each tooth of the first and second curved portions engages adjacent teeth of respective one of first and second camshaft sprockets. A method of operating the tool includes placing the tool between the first and second camshaft sprockets and rotating the tool about an axis until the teeth of the first and second curved portions engage teeth of the first and second camshaft sprockets, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Inventor: Bahram Soleymani
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Patent number: 6507985Abstract: Tooling and process for installing a split type, circular snap ring into a slotted or grooved wrist pin journal of a piston utilizing an installation sleeve member with an internal bore therethrough which is positioned against the piston so that its bore is aligned with the piston's wrist pin journal. The bore in the installation sleeve including a tapered passage to progressively radially inwardly constrict the snap ring as it moves axially through the installation sleeve. An elongated plunger assembly is moved axially to engage the snap ring and move it through the bore of the installation sleeve. The plunger assembly is sized to permit it to move through the entire extent of the tapered portion and into the piston's journal so that in turn the snap ring is moved into the wrist pin journal and finally into alignment with a retainer slot or groove into which the snap ring can radially expand outwardly into a seated position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Neil W Loughlin, Eric D Emmer
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Publication number: 20030009871Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventor: Shinobu Ino
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Patent number: 6477756Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Edward Orton Newcomer
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Patent number: 6470774Abstract: An improved structure pliers for inner and outer diameter C-shaped snap rings comprised of a two-part symmetrically paired left and right-handled pliers body that is situated together at a predetermined point between its two inner sides and, furthermore, in an upper and lower overlaid and pivotably linked assembly positioning; two implement ends capable of being articulated apart and together by pivoting at the front portion and two hand grips for manual operation disposed at the rear portion; and an elastic component mounted between the two hand grips near their pivotable linkage area to provide a rebound force when the two hand grips are pivoted by squeezing. The two implement ends have a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole respectively formed in them and the two hand grips have a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole respectively formed in them near their pivotable linkage area.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Hsueh Chin Chang
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Publication number: 20020138963Abstract: A tool for installing a locking ring in an annular groove defined by a lower annular rim portion of a sink flange (e.g., a component of a garbage disposer sink flange assembly) includes a pair of first and second elongated members that are pivotally connected at a pivot point to form a pair of opposed first and second handles and a pair of opposed ring-engaging first and second tips. The first and second tips define a pair of outwardly facing first and second indentations that adapt the first and second tips to engaging the locking ring in order to spread the locking ring by operation of the person squeezing the first and second handles toward each other. The first and second tips define a pair of inwardly facing third and fourth indentations that adapt the first and second tips to engaging the annular rim portion of the sink flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Albert F. Ramirez
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Patent number: 6453531Abstract: An assembly tool for setting a lateral position of a rear window panel placed on a window glass support surface of a rear window opening of an automotive vehicle is provided. The tool includes an upper jaw for extending over a C pillar of the automotive vehicle, the upper jaw has a weather strip channel contact member and an adjustable length extending finger with an extreme edge window contacting surface for setting a lateral position of the rear window panel within the window glass support surfaces. A lower jaw pivotally is connected with the upper jaw for contacting and gripping an inboard surface of the vehicle C pillar. A quick connect vice mechanism for closing the upper jaw and the lower jaw toward one another to grip the C pillar is also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Craig R. Krass, Roger A. Johnson, Lisa Fugate, Craig A. Johnson, James C. Shur
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Patent number: 6378403Abstract: A pair of convertible pliers capable of switching between a first configuration suitable for use with external retaining rings to a second configuration suitable for use with internal retaining rings. The pliers convert from external to internal by operation of a pair of pins disposed in the jaws and capable of being maneuvered by a cam surface inside a knob on the tool such that the tool is convertible from a first position where movement of the handles inward causes the jaws to move inward to a second position where movement of the handles inward causes the jaws to move outward.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Stride Tool, Inc.Inventors: Darryle E. Bates, Scott S. Kalanish
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Patent number: 6370985Abstract: An extractor tool for coupling fastened to pipes comprises an actuation device, a holding device, and a cable having one end secured to the holding device and the other end slidably secured to the actuation device. In use, engage the holding device with the coupling and pivot the first actuation device to enlarge the diameter of the coupling, thereby detaching the coupling from the pipes through the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Pi-Liang Wu
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Patent number: 6363602Abstract: A clamp orientation machine and a method of operation therefor wherein the machine includes a magazine for containing at least one clamp, a movable clamp support member for supporting a clamp received from the magazine, a pair of movable gripper fingers for gripping and positioning a clamp received from the clamp support member and a cavity for supporting and positioning a hose for receiving a clamp from said gripper fingers.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: T. R. Clark Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Clark
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Patent number: 6360419Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Edward Orton Newcomer
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Patent number: 6257105Abstract: A reversible jaw snap ring pliers equipped with a single pair of jaws having tips disposed at both ends that can be alternated directionally for snap ring installation and removal which is comprised of similarly shaped handles contiguous to two one-piece overlaid mounting sections coupled by a joint and jaws assembled onto the handles. The handles have a set of projecting mounting pins that are disposed in alignment at the upper extent of a joint section, and formed in the jaws are insertion holes matching the arrangement of the mounting pins on the handles that enable the assembly of the jaws onto the handle mounting pins. Among the innovative features, the jaws are structurally capable of bi-directional engagement to compress or distend snap rings, with straight pointed tips constructed at one end and curved pointed tips constructed at the other end.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Shuh-Sen Lin
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Patent number: 6256852Abstract: A tool (10) for installing an anti-flashover ring (140) onto a cylindrical device includes a housing (12) with an inner wall (24) with an extending edge (26). A plunger assembly (50) is slidably coupled to the housing (12) and carries the ring (140). The cylindrical device or bushing insert is received in the housing and the plunger assembly positions the ring onto the cylindrical device and the extending edge presses the ring onto the cylindrical device. A rod axially disposed in the housing and fixed to the plunger assembly is received in a bore (119) of the bushing insert (110) and assists in the positioning of the ring. The plunger assembly (50) includes a plunger (52) having a closed end (54) opposite an open end, the plunger has an interior plunger wall (60) with a spring lip (66). A holding collar (90) is slidably received in the plunger and a collar spring (100) is disposed between the plunger and the holding collar for biasing the holding collar.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Edward H. Decker
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Patent number: 6249946Abstract: A tool for the one-handed removal of retaining rings includes a handle and a ring-engaging portion. The ring-engaging portion includes an engagement head that has a slot formed in it for receiving the free end of the retaining ring. The engagement head has a flat surface adjacent the slot which forms a sidewall of the slot and which serves as a lead-in surface to fit between the layers of multiple-turn retaining rings.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Small Steel Ring CompanyInventor: Michael Greenhill