Circular Spring Patents (Class 29/229)
  • Patent number: 6189190
    Abstract: A device for the remote handling of equipment (4) for instance designed for mounting elastic rings (6) comprises a fixed jaw (8) and a mobile jaw (12) which moves linearly relative to the fixed jaw (8) by actuating elements coupled to the equipment (4) by a cable (2) connected to the mobile jaw (12) inside a sheath (3) one end of which comes to stop (10) on the fixed jaw (8). The actuating elements consist of two branches (13, 14) articulated on a common axis (15) such that the distance between their free end (131, 141) is not less than the maximum displacement of the mobile jaw (12), when bringing closer the two handles (16, 17) respectively integral with the two branches (13, 14) of which the free end (131) of one (13) acts as a stop to the other end of the sheath (3) while allowing the cable (2) that is connected to the free end (14) of the other arm (14) to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Gillet Outillage
    Inventors: Pascal Gillet, Fabrice Petit
  • Patent number: 6164162
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in installing and removing a resilient ring clamp having overlapping ends, each end having a radially extending lug thereon. The tool squeezes the lugs of the clamp to increase the circumference of the clamp so that the clamp can be slipped over a hose. A frictional drive assembly moves a shoe rod outwardly from a housing such that a shoe on the distal end of the shoe rod moves toward a hook on the distal end of a hook rod extending from the housing, thus squeezing the lugs of the clamp between the shoe and the hook. The hook rod can be selectively positioned around the shoe rod so that the hook and shoe can be oriented in a selected direction without axially rotating the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Rade Furundzic
  • Patent number: 6128975
    Abstract: Adjustable pliers for a constant tension hose clamp include a pair of arms pivotally connected together at intermediate portions of the arms. Each arm has a handle portion and a gripping portion, and the gripping portions have opposed ends that are spaced apart a predetermined distance. Each end has a grasping element, with each grasping element adapted to hold one actuating member of the hose clamp. This enables the hose clamp to be held by the grasping elements between the gripping portions to enlarge the diameter of the hose clamp by pressing the handle portions together. One of the arms has two separate sections, a gripper section and a handle section. These sections are rigidly connected together by an adjustable rod mechanism that enables the two sections to be moved relative to each other to change the angular relationship between the two sections by adjustment of the rod mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Paul E. Schley, Timothy P. Hume
  • Patent number: 6125517
    Abstract: A pair of pliers for loading-unloading E-type clamping piece mainly comprises a clamping operational strip in shape of a long flat board, wherein a C-opening is formed at one end and a crotched opening at the other; and a handgrip that can be inserted with those two ends of the clamping operational strip alternatively. The handgrip is further provided with a movable pin, which can move up or down, fastening to the clamping operational strip. By virtue of abovesaid construction, the clamping operational strip can hold an E-type clamping piece to clamp at a circular groove on a target article, or vice versa. The C-opening can be used by the way to select a required E-type clamping piece by comparing its opening width with outer diameter of the circular groove on a target article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Yung Yu
  • Patent number: 6108883
    Abstract: A tool to remove a retaining ring at least partially received in a groove of a cylinder has a handle lever constructed to engage the open end of the cylinder and a claw lever having a hooked end or claw constructed to be received at least partially underneath the retaining ring with the claw lever pivotally connected to the handle lever permitting relative movement between the two levers. The pivotal connection between the handle lever and claw lever permits them to be separated and joined together in a scissor-like fashion to facilitate engaging the claw with the retaining ring. When engaged with the retaining ring, the tool is pivoted about the cylinder to displace the claw and thereby displace the retaining ring inwardly and upwardly of the groove to remove it from the cylinder. The tool permits easy and non-destructive removal of the retaining ring and requires relatively low force and a relatively low level of skill to remove the retaining ring from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Diebolt International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Cotter
  • Patent number: 5956830
    Abstract: An O-ring assembly tool for locating an O-ring within a groove formed in the end surface of a fitting includes a plunger having a cylindrical body with an end wall. A locator hub with a cylindrical body closely receives the cylindrical body of the plunger. A compression spring biases the plunger rearwardly within the locator hub, while a retaining pin allows axial forward movement of the plunger, but prevents relative rotation with respect to the locator hub. The locator hub includes an enlarged receiving end which axially and radially locates the assembly tool with respect to an end fitting. The cylindrical body of the plunger includes a flat annular engagement surface and when the plunger is pushed forwardly, the engagement surface pushes an O-ring forwardly into the groove on the end face of the fitting. The locator hub has a tapered inner surface at its forward end which radially-inwardly compresses the O-ring to fit cleanly within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Donald B. Imbus, Christopher L. Fleece
  • Patent number: 5953801
    Abstract: A tool is provided to remove a snap ring from a shaft of a machine such as a small gas or electric motor. The tool includes two pins that engage the ends of the snap ring and a mechanism for advancing the pins to move the snap ring around the shaft and ultimately off the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: K-Line Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon L. Hulsebus
  • Patent number: 5943754
    Abstract: A snap-ring pliers for facilitating quick and easy engagement of the jaw portions thereof with the free ends of a snap-ring includes a pair of pivotally connected handles, and a pair of elongate jaws, one of which extends from each of the handles, with each of the elongate jaws defining a groove extending along the length of the jaw. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each groove defines an elongate base portion recessed into the jaw and ramp portions laterally adjacent each side of the base portion, with the ramp portions being inclined from a face of the jaw toward the base portion of the groove to facilitate engagement of the jaws with the free ends of a snap-ring, even when the ends of the snap-ring cannot be seen. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the jaws extend from each of the handles along a line which is at an angle relative to the pivot axis and to the plane in which the handles are pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: B&T Tool
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Plite
  • Patent number: 5933935
    Abstract: A hand tool for installing retainer rings includes a frame element, a pair of swing arms and a threaded drive shaft. The frame is an axially elongated post element having a pair of pivot joints symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a post axis along a line substantially normal to the post axis. A pair of swing arms attached to the pivot joints for partial rotation about respective pivot joint axes, extend together along the post axes away from a handle portion of the post length. Retainer ring engagement nibs are secured to extension arms that project from distal ends of the swing arms. Threaded follower blocks pivotally secured to each of the swing arms receive respectively threaded opposite ends of the drive shaft. A midposition of the drive shaft is secured to the post element with rotational freedom and axial restraint. Thread leads of the two follower blocks are oppositely turned to produce oppositely directed movement of the retainer ring nibs when the drive shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Custom Hoists, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold B. Alcorn
  • Patent number: 5884381
    Abstract: A tool for removal of a clip retained on a railway rail, the tool being cacterised by:a forward claw adapted to engage the retained rail clip beneath a forward portion of the clip and a rearward claw adapted to bear against a rearward portion of a rail shoulder, the forward and rearward claws being spaced apart and co-operating to grip the clip therebetween; anda lever connected to the rearward claw, the rearward claw being rotated in response to a rotation of the lever, the lever and rearward claw being rotatable with respect to the forward claw about an axis transverse to the clip and substantially parallel to the railway rail; anda wedge located between the forward and rearward claws being arranged so as to receive and engage the clip therein;whereby, in use, a rotation of the lever produces a corresponding rotation of the rearward claw bringing the forward claw into engagement with the clip and urging the clip forwards such that the outer edges of the clip are compressed by the wedge to allow the clip to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Everts & Van Der Weijden Exploitatie Maatschappij Ewem B. V.
    Inventor: Richard Robert Calusinski
  • Patent number: 5875536
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a snap ring comprises an inner press assembly which is spring biased downwardly from an upper press assembly. The inner press assembly includes a plurality of arms having first ends having an abutment surface adjacent a notch. During installation of the snap ring, the upper press assembly and inner press assembly move toward a component which receives the snap ring, such that the first ends of the arms abut the snap ring. The snap ring is thus moved downwardly into the component. If the snap ring expands radially outwardly into the snap ring groove, the abutment moves past the snap ring and the notches receive the snap ring. If the snap ring does not expand sufficiently radially outwardly into the snap ring groove, the abutment surface of the arms contacts the snap ring, thereby resisting downward movement of the inner press assembly. There is then relative axial movement between the inner press assembly and the upper press assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Cobra Machine Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Frank N. Ring
  • Patent number: 5870811
    Abstract: An elongate, steel rod has a terminal end which defines a wedge, and a handle on the opposite end. Adjacent to the terminal end, there is a barrier provided to prevent excessive travel of the wedge under the limb of a locking clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Ray Ciok
  • Patent number: 5865075
    Abstract: A plier tool which is convertible between a type wherein the jaws spread apart when the handles are squeezed and a type wherein the jaws close when the handles are squeezed. A pair of apertures, one for each type, is provided in one of the plier levers. The pivot assembly is insertable in and removable from each of the apertures for making the conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Stride Tool Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Medved
  • Patent number: 5862577
    Abstract: A tool is provided for ensuring that a snap ring fitted within an internally opening groove in a cylinder, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is properly seated within the groove. The tool includes a rim defining a radial shoulder and an axial projecting portion. The radial shoulder engages the radial surface of the snap ring to press the snap ring axially against an opposing radial shoulder within the cylinder to help flatten and align the snap ring while the axially projecting portion extends through the snap ring. A handle is mounted on the hub and engages inner ends of radially extending spokes, while a coil spring biases the handle outwardly from the hub to keep the spokes normally withdrawn. Upon pressing the handle axially against the bias of the coil spring, the spokes extend radially to engage the inner periphery of the snap ring to thereby shove the snap ring home within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur B. Zimmerman, George H. Acker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5826467
    Abstract: A pair of snap ring pliers for engaging with different retaining rings include a pair of handles pivotally coupled together at a hub having an aperture. A pair of jaws are pivotally coupled together at a shaft which is slidably engaged in the aperture and adapted to be moved between an upper position and a lower position. A positioning member has a lower chamber and an upper chamber for engaging with the shaft and for allowing the shaft to be moved between the chambers and for allowing the jaws to engage with different retaining rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Hsin Te Huang
  • Patent number: 5724723
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a multiple component article such as an optical fiber connector and inspecting assembled multiple component articles. The apparatus includes a fixture or nest for retaining an elongated body of the connector in a selected orientation. Stations of the apparatus are included for placing the elongated body in the fixture in a selected orientation, placing a biasing component on the elongated body, placing a coupling nut on the elongated body over the exposed end and abutting the biasing component, and applying a retaining component to an outside surface of the elongated body for retaining the biasing component between the elongated body and the coupling nut in a compressed state. The inspection system includes a fixture for retaining the multiple component article in a selected orientation in which a portion of the elongated body and a portion of the coupling nut are exposed for inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Norman Saliba, Joseph Leon Kaminski, III, Richard Eugene Benner
  • Patent number: 5617620
    Abstract: A snap ring applicator having a pair of scissor arms connected to a pivot element. The snap ring applicator includes a linear activating device connected to a driving element. The driving element contacts the angled activating surface contained on the rear end of the scissor arms. The linear movement of the driving element forces the rear end of the scissor arms together which causes the scissor arms to pivot about a pivot element and thereby separates the front ends of the scissor arms. Contained in each front end of the scissor arms is a snap ring pin, which is sized to engage a snap ring. When the snap ring applicator is activated to move the front ends of the scissor arms apart, the snap ring pins act to expand the inner diameter of the snap ring. When expanded as such, the snap ring can then be passed over the pipe or shaft to which it is to be applied. The snap ring applicator is then deactivated, which returns the snap ring to its original size, thereby securely positioning the snap ring as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph E. Weuster, Otis A. Hite
  • Patent number: 5601540
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus having a cylindrical shaft including a retaining shaft, an expansion shaft, and a frustoconical transition shaft extending therebetween. The expansion shaft has a recess sized to receive a flange radially extending outward on an elongated member. The shaft is configured to be received within a housing having a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway is defined by an interior surface which includes a cylindrical first surface positioned at the top of the housing. The first surface has in inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the split ring. The interior surface also includes a frustoconical constriction surface positioned at the bottom end of the housing. The housing raises and lowers relative to the shaft for positioning the split ring onto the elongated body under the force of a weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Brian Stevens
  • Patent number: 5588204
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a spring retaining ring into a groove of a workpiece includes a storage unit, a passageway, a groove locator and a pusher. The passageway delivers the ring from the storage unit to the groove and includes interior and exterior portions as well as orientation member for orientation of the ring during its motion through the interior of the passageway. The substantially flat, spring-type groove locator has one of its ends connected to the passageway and another free end adapted for engagement with the groove. The pusher is movable within the passageway for forcible delivery of the spring retaining ring to the groove. In the operation, the free end of the groove locator is positioned within the groove to guide movement of the ring prior to its entry into the groove, whereas the free end of the groove locator is forcibly removed from the groove upon the ring entering the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Rotor Clip Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Rossman
  • Patent number: 5584110
    Abstract: A tool is provided which facilitates the installation of a standard garbage disposal unit. The tool allows the installer to set the hanger frame around the sink opening sleeve without having to hold down the sink opening sleeve while attaching the circular spring to the lower end of the sink opening sleeve. The tool of the invention has a lower portion with frustoconical side to facilitate the expansion of the circular spring. The tool also has an upper portion which is generally cylindrical and which fits up into the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve. Snap-on devices, such as spring-and-ball detents, are disposed around the upper portion of the tool to engage the tool to the annular lip at the lowermost end of the sink opening sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: David Mordoch
  • Patent number: 5557832
    Abstract: A tool member to aid in the attachment and removal of a wide variety of differently sized and shaped clip type fastener members commonly used in a wide variety of different mechanical assemblies such as in the installation and removal of the ball device associated with many different types of trailer hitch assemblies, the present tool member comprising a body portion having opposed end portions, one end portion of the tool body including a hook member for engaging the clip type fastener member to effect removal thereof by exerting a pulling force thereagainst, and the opposite end portion of the tool body including a recessed cavity for receiving and holding the clip type fastener member when positioned therewithin to effect attachment thereof to a particular mechanical assembly by exerting a pushing force thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald A. Vanden Brook
  • Patent number: 5542167
    Abstract: A device for attaching/detaching a snap ring, which can be set up in either of types for shaft and hole applications only by one operation of turning right and left leading portions removably inserted in holes at both ends of a snap ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Iwata Denko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 5515587
    Abstract: A reversible hand pliers provides for movement of the jaws of the pliers in the same direction as the movement of the hand grips or in the opposite direction depending upon the manner in which the separate handles are engaged with the separately moveable jaws. The handles are substantially identical in construction as are the jaws. Pivoting of the handles with respect to the jaws is effected by movement of the handles from a coplanar position on one side of the jaws through approximately a 180.degree. rotation to a coplanar position on the opposite side of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: The Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Pool
  • Patent number: 5483732
    Abstract: A variable pliers for clamping a C-shaped retaining ring comprises a main body, a pliers head, and two clamping rods. The main body is made up of two handles provided respectively at the front end thereof with a pivoting hole dimensioned to received therein a pivoting shaft. The pliers head comprises two clamping member, one of which is provided with a round protection having an axial hole dimensioned to receive therein the pivoting shaft. Another one of the two clamping members is provided with a through hole dimensioned to receive therein the round projection. The two clamping members are provided respectively with locating holes by means of which two clamping members are fastened with the main body in conjunction with the locating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Tian S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5473804
    Abstract: A first lever and a second lever are hinged to each other by a pivot. Each lever includes a handle at the bottom end and a jaw at the top end. The jaw at the top end of the first lever includes a curved portion and a tip portion, as does the jaw at the top end of said second lever. The pivoting arrangement of the first and second levers is such that the handles are squeezed together to move the respective jaws of the first and second levers together to surround and compress the plurality of fingers on the spring retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Mark S. Rush
  • Patent number: 5392504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool (10) used for the removal of retained spring clips on railway tracks. The tool is characterized by a body (12) and a handle (14), the body having clip engaging means (22) adapted to engage outer edges of a retained clip and the handle including means (24) capable of delivering an impact to the body, the clip engaging means being adapted to compress the outer edges of the clip so as to permit passage of the clip through a gate retaining the clip to thereby release the clip. The invention also discloses a protective shroud (30) used to protect an operator of the tool from injury caused by movement of the clip when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Everts & Van Der Weijden Exploitatie Maatschappij Ewen B.V.
    Inventor: Richard R. Calusinski
  • Patent number: 5343607
    Abstract: A tool for installing a gasket and a snap ring including a shaft, a first plate attached to the forward end of the shaft, a second plate slidably carried by the shaft, a spring disposed about the shaft between the first and second plates, and a sleeve that is free to slide over the shaft and engage the second plate. The first plate has a loading surface with a loading groove for receiving a snap ring and a shoulder for holding a gasket. A plurality of openings are formed through the first plate, communicating with the loading groove and approximately equally spaced about the groove. A plurality of rods are attached to the second plate, each rod slidable in one of the openings. In use, the loaded tool is inserted into a hollow pipe or pipe fitting having an internal flange and an internal seating groove, such that the gasket is positioned against the flange and the ring is in the approximate plane of the seating groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: James M. Southerland, Jr., Curtis N. Barringer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5327802
    Abstract: A combination pliers including a first pliers body consisted of two pivoted blades with insulated grips, a second pliers body consisted of two pivoted blades attached to the pivot joint of the first pliers body, wherein the jaws of the first pliers body move apart from each other and the jaws of the second pliers body come together as the two insulated grips of the first pliers body are squeezed toward each other; the insulated grips of the first pliers body are returned to their former positions by a torsional spring as the inward pressure is released, causing the jaws of the first pliers body to come together and the jaws of the second pliers body to move apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Chin-Yung Yu
  • Patent number: 5315746
    Abstract: A method for inserting an elastic ring having a peripheral opening within a workpiece. The elastic ring is first supplied to a ring receiving member, which then delivers the ring receiving member to an operating position. At the operating position, the diameter of the elastic ring is reduced by engaging portions on the ring receiving member. The diametrically reduced ring is then transferred to a finger member, which holds the ring in its reduced state and inserts the ring within the workpiece. The elastic ring is then released from the finger member and allowed to naturally expand within the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Machino, Shojiro Danmoto
  • Patent number: 5303464
    Abstract: An apparatus for automated replacement of ring travelers on spinning or twisting rings is disclosed comprising generally a housing having two planar support members, parallel to each other. A lift-out device is pivotably supported in a first of the two planar members and a device for the attachment of a new ring traveler is supported in the second plane, parallel to the first plane. The devices function by guide systems, pivotable by eccentric cams, located on a common drive shaft to be able to move the two devices between an operational and an off position. A housing, containing the two devices, is mobile along a ring rail of a spinning machine. The lift-out device lifts out a ring traveler which is to be replaced from the spinning ring on the ring rail. The attachment device subsequently attaches a new ring traveler from a magazine rod onto the spinning ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Bracker AG
    Inventor: Andreas Neff
  • Patent number: 5301407
    Abstract: A snap ring removal/installation tool for removing crescent shaped split snap ring from a snap ring retaining groove in a shaft. The tool comprises a flat, rigid body having a head at one end with an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is comprised of a front section and a rear section. The front section is defined by a pair of spaced apart side walls joined by a curved front wall. The rear section is defined by a pair a spaced apart side walls joined by a curved rear wall opposite the curved front wall. The side walls of the rear section are spaced apart a lesser distance than the side walls of the front section, thereby defining laterally extending shoulders or ledges between said side walls of the rear section and the side walls of the front section. These shoulders serve as abutment members which engage the prongs of the snap ring to force the snap ring out of its retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Masco Building Products Corp.
    Inventor: David D. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5285568
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an expander ring into an inner circumferential groove of a split piston ring includes a first magazine for storing a stack of piston rings; and a second magazine for storing a stack of expander rings. The second magazine has a discharge end and a longitudinal axis coinciding with a longitudinal axis of the expander ring stack. There are further provided a device for displacing a piston ring from the first magazine into axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the second magazine at the discharge end thereof; a spreader device for radially outwardly spreading the piston ring positioned at the discharge end; and a pusher for pushing an expander ring from the second magazine parallel to the longitudinal axis into the piston ring spread-open by the spreader device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Goetze AG
    Inventors: Walter Johann, Reiner Kierst
  • Patent number: 5259109
    Abstract: A machine for automatically distributing piston rings and spacers into the grooves of a piston is disclosed. The machine comprises magazine tubes onto which stacks of the spacers and rails are threaded. The machine further comprises a widened bore in which the piston is seated as rails or spacers are automatically released from the tubes and threaded into the piston grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Floquet Monopole
    Inventors: Michel A. Fefeu, Alfred Schreiber, Donatus O. Nwokoye, Francois G. Charton
  • Patent number: 5212859
    Abstract: A pliers for removing and manipulating a snap ring and like ring devices, wherein the pliers is defined by handles pivotally connected to each other. The handles comprise a pair of integrally formed jaw members that are provided with a positive engaging socket member formed on each of the respective free end portions of the jaw members. The socket members include a convergent socket arranged to lockingly receive the respective open free ends of the snap ring. A pivoting member is positioned intermediate the handles and jaw members with a biasing spring mounted between the oppositely disposed jaw members forwardly of the pivot member, whereby the jaw members are biased in an open position so as to forcibly engage each of the socket members with the respective open ends of the snap ring, thereby preventing the snap ring from being inadvertently removed or disengaged from the convergent sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Willian K. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 5209143
    Abstract: A reversible hose clamp tool for use with double ring spring wire hose clamps comprised of a pair of main members and a pivot which resembles pliers and operates similarly thereto. Each main member is an elongated tool member comprised of a handle section, a pivot section and a jaw section. The handle section is elongated to provide leverage to ease operation and to provide comfort to the user. If desired, it may be patterned, knurled or otherwise treated to provide an improved gripping surface or can be provided with a cushion coating which provides a protective grip for the handle and a more comfortable grip for the user. The pivot section contains a pivot bore through which is placed a pivot pin to pivotally join the pair of main members. The jaw section has a head end and sides. First and second generally rectangular cutouts, are disposed along an inside front edge of head end and laterally through its sides of the jaw sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Paul A. Sweet
  • Patent number: 5182841
    Abstract: The wheel cylinder retainer clip applying tool is a plier-like hand tool with widely spaces angularly related jaws that are oriented perpendicularly to the handles. At the tips of the jaws are opposed cylindrical grippers that are oriented on perpendicular axes. A first jaw is mounted on a spacer which extends outward from a pivot opposite a first handle. A second jaw extends outward from the pivot perpendicularly to a second handle. The second jaw has a semi-cylindrical cradle at its outer end for spporting the wheel cylinder body. The cradle is oriented around an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The first jaw has a high aspect ratio cylinder at the outer end, with a greater length than diameter. The cylinder is oriented at a slight angle outward from a direction parallel with the first handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: James M. Park, Ralph L. Stichter
  • Patent number: 5174177
    Abstract: A hand tool including a pair of levers each including a handle portion, a jaw portion and a boss portion interconnecting the handle and jaw portions, with the levers being pivotally interconnected for normally permanently intended but relatively movable relationship. The lever sections are pivotally interconnected together along the boss portions for manipulation between internal and external tool operating positions. Movement between the internal and external positions is provided by a rotatable eccentric knob. The knob carries a spring biased lock for securing the levers in a selected one of its operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Milbar Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Jeromson, Jr., Richard E. Potesta
  • Patent number: 5146676
    Abstract: A hand-actuated insertion tool includes a handle assembly, an elongated hollow tubular outer support tube, an elongated inner pull rod, and a coupling arrangement. The handle assembly has a first handle member and a second handle member pivotally mounted to the first handle member for movement between unactuated and actuated positions. The outer support tube is attached in a fixed relation to the first handle member. The inner pull rod is mounted within the outer support tube for sliding movement relative thereto between home and retracted positions. The coupling arrangement pivotally connects the inner pull rod to the second handle member such that the inner pull rod will undergo sliding movement from the home position to the retracted positions relative to the outer support tube as the second handle member is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position relative to the first handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Gary W. Cuba
  • Patent number: 5131127
    Abstract: A tool for removing a split washer, such as a brake lever "C" clamp, from a groove in a projection, such as would be found on a brake lever pivot is provided. The tool includes a first lever member; a second lever member pivotally interconnected to the first lever member at a pivotal axis; a gripping component manipulatable by the first lever member; and a cooperating component manipulatable by the second lever member. The distal end of the gripping component and the distal end of the cooperating component are located an equal distance from the pivotal axis to facilitate the gripping component to grip a portion of the washer. The cooperating component may be viewed as a wedge component as it is shaped to progressively increase the distance between the washer legs in correlation to the position of the first lever member relative to the second lever member until the inner geometery of the washer is sufficient to remove the washer from the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Milbar Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Nickerson, Richard E. Potesta
  • Patent number: 5125296
    Abstract: An ergonomic, pneumatically-powered hand tool for installing hose clamps comprises an elongated barrel projecting from a pistol grip housing which pivotally mounts a locking jaw assembly for securely grasping clamps to be installed. A trigger-controlled valve assembly coupled to a source of high pressure air powers the tool. The jaw assembly comprises a pair of identical jaws pivotally coupled together to define a clamp-receptive mouth. Each jaw comprises a plurality of serially interconnected channels defined along the gripping end of each jaw, adapting the mouth to both accommodate clamps of varying sizes and to restrain clamps as they are compressed during installation. The gripping ends project outwardly beyond the barrel, and are spaced apart from the opposing terminal ends. An integral bearing plate is defined between the terminal end and the gripping end. The terminal ends of the jaws are resiliently biased together by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Micro Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny M. Nelson, Carl Ramey
  • Patent number: 5079977
    Abstract: A pair of removable jaws interchangeable between internal and external retaining ring tools, each of the tools including a tool body having a pair of handles pivotally connected together, with bores or openings in the ends of the handles for receipt of stepped cylindrical extensions on the jaws. Preferably, the jaws are made of premium steel, whereas the tool bodies may be either forged using a lesser quality steel or made of even less expensive standard thin wall tubing. Tolerance rings frictionally retain the cylindrical extensions in the bores. The jaws and tool bodies have suitable indicia to index (orient) the jaws relative to the tool handles for both internal and external use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Petrie
  • Patent number: 5077877
    Abstract: A split ring assembly apparatus utilizes a unique combination of three major subassemblies whose interaction is microprocessor controlled to facilitate operator attachment of object to a split ring. A ring delivery and pick-up arm subassembly automatically delivers rings to an operating position where the combined interaction of the clamping/rotating and splitter wheel subassemblies precisely locate and position the ring gap adjacent the operator, open the split in the ring adjacent the gap to enable initial attachment of objects to the ring by the operator, and complete rotation of the ring with respect to the objects resulting in full attachment. Various position sensors monitor and control operation and interaction of the subassemblies to provide reliable, safe and efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Worth Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Eugene G. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 5075944
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for compressing a retainer ring to reduced assembly size and maintaining the compressed ring assembly size at an assembly location by internal containment means. The apparatus typically includes a ring compressing assembly for compressing the ring from the exterior and mandrel means disposed in the compressing means and around which the ring is compressed to assembly size. The mandrel means includes a lug-retaining groove means into which retainer ring lugs having special flats are compressed and retained interiorly of the ring to hold the ring at reduced assembly size. The compressed retainer ring is carried to the assembly location outside the compressing means on the mandrel means and is stripped from the mandrel means for final assembly internally in a part. The ring compressing assembly is carried on a first slide for movement between a ring load position and a ring assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Micro-Precision Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Deryll Liechty
  • Patent number: 5065650
    Abstract: A hand tool including a pair of levers each including a handle portion, a jaw portion and a boss portion interconnecting the handle and jaw portions, with the levers being pivotally interconnected for normally permanently intended but relatively movable relationship. The lever sections are pivotally interconnected together for manipulation between internal and external tool operating positions. Movement between the internal and external positions is provided by work position selection structure positioned on the levers, and including guiding and stopping structure for selectively guiding the tool between operating positions and stopping tool movement in the proper operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Milbar Corporation
    Inventors: J. Edward C. Anderson, James R. Jeromson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5062191
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a pivoted jaw structure is provided, with spaced relatively pivotal mounted support pins for securing a locking type ring in a fixed relationship, the tool includes a fixed lever with a pivoted jaw mounted thereto, wherein the pivot jaw includes a locking and release lever arrangement associated with the pivoted jaw to lock the spaced support pins in a fixed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Luther J. Carr
  • Patent number: 5054794
    Abstract: An expansion band having a spanning member whose free end is provided with a locking tab for cooperation with a locking surface having a plurality of selectable locking slots. A guide channel secured to the band cooperates with the band to define a guideway through which the spanning member extends thereby maintaining the spanning member and hence the free ends of the expansion band in alignment. During expansion of the expansion band the locking tab is free to snap out of each locking slot and into the next. Upon release of the expansion forces, however, the locking tab is prevented from snapping out of the locking slot in which it is presently inserted. A novel expansion unit comprised of a manual hydraulic pump operates a duck-bill type spreader which bears against associated bearing surfaces respectively provided on one end of the spanning member and one end of the guide channel to apply direct expansion forces to the expansion band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: A-LOK Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Westhoff, James A. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5007313
    Abstract: A hand tool including a pair of levers each including a handle portion, a jaw portion and a boss portion interconnecting the handle and jaw portions, with the levers being pivotally interconnected for normally permanently intended but relatively movable relationship. The lever sections are pivotally interconnected together along the boss portions for manipulation between internal and external tool operating positions. Movement between the internal and external positions is provided by work position selection structure positioned on the levers, and including guiding and stopping structure for selectively moving the tool between operating positions and stopping tool movement in the proper operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Milbar Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Jeromson, Jr., J. Edward C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4982484
    Abstract: The apparatus typically includes a ring compressing assembly for compressing the ring from the exterior and mandrel means disposed in the compressing means and around which the ring is compressed to assembly size. The mandrel means includes a lug-retaining groove means into which retainer ring lugs having special flats are compressed and retained interiorly of the ring to hold the ring at reduced assembly size. The ring compressing assembly is carried on a first slide for movement between a ring load position and a ring assembly position. A ring pusher mechanism is carried on a second slide that is operably connected to the first slide for movement in unison therewith as the ring compressing assembly is moved between the ring load position and the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Micro-Precision Operations Inc.
    Inventor: Deryll Liechty
  • Patent number: 4965926
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus for retaining rings has a tensioning arrangement which includes a measuring arrangement for determining the tension force on a retaining ring and a further measuring arrangement for determining the diameter of the retaining ring in the tensioned condition. An assembly arrangement is provided for receiving the tensioned retaining ring and inserting it in a corresponding annular groove. The correct seating can be tested by controlled movement of the assembly head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Seeger-Orbis GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Komlos, Radu Mihalcea
  • Patent number: 4942655
    Abstract: An E clip fastener installing tool for holding and retaining an E clip fastener in a predetermined position prior to installing the fastener. The tool includes a body having first and second end portions and a shank portion extending between the first and second end portions. The first end portion terminates in a pair of blades disposed parallel and in spaced relationship with respect to each other to define a slot therebetween for holding and retaining the E clip fastener therein. The second end portion includes a polygonal shape presenting a plurality of surfaces and which is adapted to be supported by a tool bit holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Robert Buzzelli