To Apply Or Remove A Resilient Article (e.g., Tube, Sleeve, Etc.) Patents (Class 29/235)
  • Patent number: 7478465
    Abstract: A stitching device and method of operating the stitching device to form an embolic protection device is disclosed. The stitching device includes a clamping assembly and an advancing assembly. The clamping assembly holds a restraining member about a filter assembly while the advancing assembly threads or stitches a securing member through the restraining member. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, each having an upper row of teeth and a lower row of teeth divided by a channel. The advancing assembly includes a threading assembly with an engagement member for engaging and advancing the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Hamatake, Daryl R. Edmiston, Karri L. Schlegal, Steven W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7467457
    Abstract: A coupling between a device and a mating part includes an elastic material and perhaps a tensioner coupled to the elastic material. The elastic material is wrapped around at least part of the device. The tensioner or other method is used to stretch the elastic material, thereby reducing the thickness of the elastic material. With the thickness of the elastic material reduced by the stretching, the device is inserted into a hole in a mating part. Then the tension on the elastic material is removed, allowing the elastic material to increase in thickness, so as to fill at least part of the gap between the device and the mating part. The coupling may act as an effective heat transfer device for transmitting (by conduction) heat produced by the heat-producing device, to the mating part, which may act as, or be thermally coupled to, a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Alfred Sorvino, Hilario Tejeda, Randy Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080301924
    Abstract: A combined tamping tool and packing follower, wherein a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded outer surface is threaded through a packing gland for compressing a packing set, wherein each seal ring of the packing set is sequentially pressed into a stuffing box using the sleeve to seat each ring, whereupon the sleeve is fixed to function as a packing follower. The sleeve includes a nose portion for pressing the rings into the stuffing box, an interior seal, drain holes, and wrench engaging apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jeff Jarrett
  • Publication number: 20080301925
    Abstract: A pliers-like hand tool is configured to install rubber or elastomeric components on rigid components and to remove them from rigid components, such as found in milking equipment. Some embodiments of the hand tool include attachment mounts for mounting various attachments used for the installation and/or removal of specific elastomeric components. The hand tool is configured for removal of elastomeric hoses from rigid pipes. The hand tool is also useful for installing an elastomeric inflation of a teat cup assembly within its shell and for removing it therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Rodney L. Showalter, Brian D. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20080289231
    Abstract: An overmolded end form for flexible tubing includes windows that are formed to reduce the thickness of the end form, and increase its flexibility. The windows are spaced from each other to provide an area for display of information, such as a logo or part number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald D. Green, Kurt Klimkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20080279651
    Abstract: A captive fastener generally comprising a receptacle, a bayonet assembly, and a locking assembly for locking the bayonet assembly to the receptacle. The receptacle extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a pair of parallel extending spiral raceways formed in the inner surface of a central opening that extends therethrough, and a keyway formed adjacent its terminus. The bayonet assembly includes a pair of bayonets that are adapted to ride in the raceways and a key positioned at the end of a plunger and is adapted to engage the keyway thereby locking the bayonet assembly in the receptacle. The locking assembly includes the plunger that when manipulated by a tool either engages or disengages the key from the keyway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bulow, Ronald D. Gagnon, Jeramy K. Amidon
  • Publication number: 20080276442
    Abstract: A device for stretching an elastically expandable body, wherein the device includes a stiff tube over which at least part of the elastically expandable body is arranged to be applied when being stretched. The device includes at least one sliding element designed to be located in at least that end of the body where the application of the tube starts, to facilitate the application of the body onto the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Marten Landaeus
  • Publication number: 20080265527
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a grommet assembly to seal and reinforce holes through a cured in place liner for securing a cable. A first grommet base having a centrally located aperture with wedge shaped grooves is positioned on one side of the hole. A barrel having two opposed sets of wedge shaped projections is inserted into the grommet base and a second grommet base is placed on the barrel and pushed towards the liner until the second base firmly contacts the top surface of the liner and compresses the liner against the first base. The wedge shaped projections on the barrel and the complimentary grooves in the central apertures of the grommet bases prevent the barrel from being pulled out of either grommet base. The end of the barrel which projects out above the second base is cut off flush with the top surface. A hydraulic press to install the grommet assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Charles W. Free
  • Publication number: 20080136112
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly includes a plurality of bristles, a joint securing the bristles, and a retaining assembly. Each of the bristles has a first end and a second end. The joint has a first side and a second side and connects the first ends of the bristles. The retaining assembly sandwiches the joint and includes a side plate, a back plate, and a threaded connection. The side plate engages the first side of the joint and the back plate engages the second side of the joint. The threaded connection holds the side plate and the back plate in engagement with the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Addis
  • Patent number: 7380323
    Abstract: A tool and a method for installing a seal in a fitting through which gas is flowing is disclosed. The tool has a sleeve with a first socket that receives and holds the seal, and a second socket, adjacent to the first, that receives the fitting. A shaft is axially movable within the sleeve and has a contact surface at one end engageable with the seal. The shaft has a conduit with an inlet in communication with the fitting and an outlet that vents to the atmosphere. The seal is loaded into the first socket, the second socket is engaged with the fitting, and the shaft is advanced to push the seal from the first socket into the fitting. Gas flowing through the fitting is conducted to the atmosphere by the conduit, preventing gas pressure build-up behind the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Wayne Bussell, Daniel Eric Johnston, Richard Linton Samsal
  • Publication number: 20080122182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a split seal for a progressive cavity pump (PCP) drive head stuffing box. In one embodiment, a mechanical seal assembly for a pump is provided. The mechanical seal assembly includes a seal housing; first and second semi-annular mechanical seals, each at least partially disposed in the seal housing bore, and a seal sleeve rotatable relative to the seal housing; third and fourth semi-annular mechanical seals, each disposed at least partially in the seal sleeve bore, at least one of the third and fourth seals rotationally coupled to the seal sleeve; and one or more biasing members biasing the mechanical seals into engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Charles D. Parker, William C. Lane
  • Publication number: 20080111374
    Abstract: A connector for use in a system for flowing fluid, having at least one cup-shaped female part (1), in which an adapted male part (8) on another connector is intended to be sealingly and securely mounted, wherein the female part (1) has integral longitudinal locking tangs (2) which have their free ends pointing in the direction of insertion of a male part (8) into the female part, the free ends of the locking tangs projecting into the space in the female part for engaging with a male part, and wherein the locking tangs (2) having engaging means (4, 15) which can be used by a tool to urge the locking tangs (2) apart so that the male part (8) and the female part (1) can be disengaged from one another. The engaging means (4, 15) may be holes or recesses, or alternatively projections or lugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Kongsberg Automotive
    Inventors: Egil Pedersen, Kristoffer Dale, Jan E. Sangro
  • Publication number: 20080104821
    Abstract: The device comprises at least one pressing member and an attachment member for attaching it to a wind turbine part, for example, a blade root, which may have a relative movement with regard to a first part, for example, a bearing in a pitch blade mechanism, the first part having a seat into which the joint is to be fitted. Upon relative rotation between the first parts, the pressing member presses the seal into the seat. A method for fitting the seal into the seat is also provided. Operations of maintenance or partial or complete replacement of the seal can be carried out in situ on the wind turbine and also on pitch bearing manufacturing easily and effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Ecotecnia, s.coop.c.I
    Inventors: Daniel G. Erill, Mikel P. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7367098
    Abstract: A tool for removing a protection strip of car comprises mainly a handle, a stem part and a shovel blade; the stem part has an elongate straight rod with a S-shaped plate at one end thereof; the outer end of the S-shaped plate at one end thereof; the outer end of the S-shaped plate has a wider part wided together with the shove blade; the shovel blade is a L-shaped plate including two symmetrical triangle plates; the outer ends of the two triangle plates each has an edge part; when the tool is used for removing a protection strip of a car, the edge part of a plate of the L-shaped angle is set in contact with the protection strip, and is pushed with a pressure; in that case, the adhesive under the protection strip can be cut and removed easily and quickly; simultaneously, the space between the S-shaped plate and the plate part can be used for providing a guide function to the cut pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Double Dynasty Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 7363703
    Abstract: A sleeve-fitter includes a sleeve module, a fitting module, a control and a base module. The fitting module and control are part of the base module. In operation, a centering pin and a round hole cooperate when the sleeve module is in contact with the base module and the sleeve module can be separated from the base module by a lever. The sleeve module includes a sleeve container with a drum, a filling funnel with a cover, a support for accommodating sleeve-specific machine parts and/or tools, and a feeder rail arranged on a linear vibratory feeder. A drive arranged on the base module imparts rotational movement to the drum which then feeds sleeves onto the feeder rail. This sleeve-fitter results in short retooling times and therefore short downtimes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventor: Peter Imgrüt
  • Publication number: 20080085793
    Abstract: An arrow vibration dampening apparatus having a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft is disclosed. The dampening mass may include a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. The apparatus may also comprise a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, with the dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure. In one example, the dampening mass may also include a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. An arrow apparatus and a corresponding method of assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Teddy D. Palomaki, Kenny R. Giles
  • Publication number: 20080034567
    Abstract: A tool for operatively coupling a drive mechanism to a driven component is provided. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft. The tool includes at least two members. Each member includes an inner surface forming an inner lip extending along a first axial edge of each member. The inner lip is positioned within a groove defined within the drive shaft. Each member also includes an outer surface and a channel defined within the outer surface. The outer surface is tapered between the channel and the first axial edge. The tool further includes at least one seal removably coupled to the at least two members. The at least one seal is configured to retain the at least two members about the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick D. Galbreath, Brian Riddle, Paul Louis Cavanaugh, Anthony Leon Braun, James Robert Crowell
  • Publication number: 20080028594
    Abstract: Methods of crimping polymeric stents that simultaneously apply a radial force to the stent to reduce the diameter of the stent and a longitudinal force to elongate of the stent. According to one such method, a stent is inserted into an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage. The tube is pulled to cause stretching of the tube. When the tube is stretched, the inner surface of the tube engages an outer surface of the stent and applies simultaneous longitudinal and radial forces to the outer surface of the stent. The simultaneously applied longitudinal and radial forces simultaneously reduce a radial extent of the stent and increase a longitudinal extent of the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: ARTERIAL REMODELLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Antoine Lafont, Serge Piranda, Patrick Sabaria, Tahmer Sharkawi, Michel Vert
  • Publication number: 20080022504
    Abstract: Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffry S. Melsheimer
  • Publication number: 20080005883
    Abstract: The object of the present application relates to assembling equipment (1) and an assembling method to affix a profiled structure (11) to a pane, in particular to a motor vehicle windshield, said equipment comprising a pane feed device (3) to guide a pane into a first, predetermined assembly position, further a profiled structure's feed device (4) to guide a profiled structure (11) into a second assembly position near the first, also joining means in order to assembly the profiled structure (11) and the pane at a common assembly position, said joining means including elastic, expansive compressive means (12) which, when activated, shall expand their volume in a manner to join the pane and the profiled structure (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Wolfgang Platt
  • Patent number: 7313984
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Daniel D. Lionberg
  • Patent number: 7311308
    Abstract: The tip edge of a second seal lip of an elastic member constituting a seal ring is in sliding contact with an outside face of a slinger. The seal ring and the slinger are pre-assembled and then installed between an inner peripheral surface at an end of an outer ring and the middle of an outer peripheral surface of a rotating shaft. The first and second seal lips are protected by the slinger prior to assembly. As a result, the first and second seal lips constituting the seal ring installed with the slinger can be installed without damage, using an industrial method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Masamichi Iketani
  • Patent number: 7293549
    Abstract: A tubular body sealing mechanism which can easily make a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Kaishio
  • Patent number: 7275318
    Abstract: A spring fixture (1) is provided for quickly installing or uninstalling a coil spring (36) in or from an electrical connector (3). The fixture includes an operation member (11) having a generally cylindrical handle (12) at an end thereof and an action member (16) assembled on an opposite end of the operation member by a screw cap (18). The action member defines a recess (1620) thereby forming a semi-circular bottom wall (1622) and a semi-circular inner wall (1624). During installing or removing the spring, the spring is received in the recess and surrounded by the inner wall. A method of using the fixture to install and remove the spring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Jang Chu, Hsiu-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 7237311
    Abstract: An apparatus 1 for securing a closure 2 in an aperture 3 of a container 4 comprises a securing cap 5 adapted to engage the closure 2 and the container 4 to secure the closure 2, and fittings to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing cap 5 and the closure 2 to move the securing cap 5 into a securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Matcon (R & D) Limited
    Inventor: Edward John Piepereit
  • Patent number: 7197816
    Abstract: Hand-held devices that can be used to quickly install flashover protection covers around energized electrical conductors and equipment are provided. Each device includes a guide assembly that defines a pair of spaced-apart, converging passageways that are configured to slidably receive the elongated edge portions of a flexible panel therethrough. The converging passageways force together the opposite edge portions of a flexible panel being advanced through the guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Edward Frye
  • Patent number: 7191514
    Abstract: A stretch label attaching device for attaching a stretch label on a good, including an adapter supporting the label from the inside thereof and has an opening into which the good is inserted; an adapter support member configured to support a lower portion of the adapter and has an opening into which the good is inserted; and an adapter fixing member configured to fix the lower portion of the adapter together with the adapter support member. A method for attaching a stretch label on a good including setting a stretch label on the adapter mentioned above; inserting the good into the openings of the adapter and adapter support member while extending the label at a ratio not greater than 5 %; and releasing the stretch label attaching device from the good while holding the label, to attach the label to the predetermined position of the good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Kawaguchi, Hideo Ichikawa, Kotaro Koide, Masashi Hasegawa, Toshihide Tomotaka, Tomokazu Saitoh, Masaki Serizawa, Atsushi Inoue, Seiji Terazawa
  • Patent number: 7155800
    Abstract: A automated sealing assembly for rotary machines including: a seal guide assembly, the seal guide assembly aligns and holds a caulk wire and a sealing strip in a rotor groove for peening; a peening tool, the peening tool peens said caulk wire to deform the caulk wire and secure the caulk wire and the sealing strip in the rotor groove; an actuator, the actuator controls a movement and preload force of the peening tool producing a rotor groove seal having a predictable pull out strength; and a base for securing the seal guide assembly, the peening tool, and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Edward Adis, Patrick Gill, Michael Mack
  • Patent number: 7146724
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of assembling a modular internal combustion engine. The modular engine includes a cast crankcase having an open top and a closed bottom, a mid-plate, and an extruded cylinder bore block. A pre-assembled crankshaft with bearings, connecting rods, and pistons with piston rings are all placed through the open top crankcase. The mid-plate partially houses the assembled components over top the crankcase as the connecting rods and pistons extend through and above. Next, the piston rings are simultaneously compressed and the cylinder block is located over the pistons. The pistons with piston rings are inserted into cylinder bores through the bottom surface of the cylinder block and the assembly is completed. This method is performed with the help of a fixture for compressing and positioning the piston rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Millerman
  • Patent number: 7146697
    Abstract: A tool for removing a seal is provided, wherein the seal has a grooved inner peripheral surface. The tool comprises a tubular member and at least two jaws. The tubular member has inner and outer surfaces, and first and second ends and a passage therebetween. First and second slots are formed between the tubular member inner and outer surfaces, and each equally spaced apart from one another about a predetermined axis. First and a second jaws are at least partially slidably disposed in the first and second slots, respectively, and each jaw has an outer peripheral surface having at least one protrusion formed thereon. The protrusion is configured to mate with the grooved inner peripheral surface. Each jaw is configured to selectively radially expand away from and retract toward the predetermined axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joanne T. Chan, Richard S. Stoltz, Jack M. Hurlbut
  • Patent number: 7137181
    Abstract: A tool for mounting a flexible slotted sleeve to hold more than one cable/wire together. The sleeve includes repetitive cuts cooperatively positioned to enhance the flexibility of the sleeve. The tool includes a slotted tubular member with a longitudinal slot through which the wires and cables are passed to be temporarily received within the slotted tubular member. A cylindrical member is mounted to the slotted tubular member, at an angle, with a distal rounded closed end and an open end that coincides into one of the open ends of the slotted tubular member. As the slotted sleeve is brought against the rounded closed end, its slot is opened and travels open towards the open end where the cables are. After leaving the open end of the slotted tubular member, the slotted sleeve is released embracing the cables to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Juan Triola Ifort
  • Patent number: 7127803
    Abstract: A mounting device and process are provided for arranging a protective bellows on a component. The device includes a basic body, a mounting head, which is displaceable at the basic body, an adjusting device for providing an adjusting action and including an electromechanical drive and a position recognition system and gripping elements movable. The gripping elements include gripping arms and clamping fingers movable in relation to the gripping arms. The process includes bringing the gripping arms of the device into contact with the inner surface of a collar of the protective bellows and fixing the collar by the clamping fingers. The collar is expanded in preparation for the mounting and then released by loosening the clamping fingers such that the collar of the protective bellows jumps into a recess provided on the component as a consequence of its intrinsic elasticity after the necessary positioning of the protective bellows in relation to the component to be protected has been established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Hermann Schlöndorf, Michael Jürgens, Werner Wehming, Rolf Husmann
  • Patent number: 7117851
    Abstract: A correction jig is used when installing a resin combustion gas seal in an annular installation groove of a nozzle portion of an injector. The installation groove has an increased diameter portion in a section closer to a body of the injector. When the nozzle portion is caused to pass through the combustion gas seal from a distal end of the nozzle portion to arrange the combustion gas seal at the installation groove, the correction jig receives the combustion gas seal so that the combustion gas seal is prevented from interfering with the increased diameter portion. Thereafter, the correction jig is moved relative to the injector to correct an outer diameter of the combustion gas seal. As a result, the combustion gas seal is optimally installed in the installation groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukiharu Tomita
  • Patent number: 7114234
    Abstract: A conductor torquing system is provided for large diameter threaded conductor casing which comprises a lower chain vise or fixed grip head adapted to grip a first joint of conductor casing, a plurality of movable arms operable to apply a retaining force to a second joint of conductor casing to maintain the latter in rotational contact with a spinning means. The spinning means is operable to rotationally make-up the second joint of conductor casing to the first joint of conductor casing to an initial make-up torque valve. The apparatus also includes an upper chain vise or rotary grip head for gripping the second joint of conductor casing and applying a final make-up torque to the threaded connection. The apparatus will allow a conductor connection to be made-up in a safe and efficient manner and generally assist in reaching the final torque stage more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Penman, Peter John Lovegrove
  • Patent number: 7114235
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and breaking tubular connections at the surface of a well by utilizing a pipe joining system. The pipe joining system includes a movable support frame for supporting and integrating on a rig floor the tools associated with making and breaking the connection between two tubulars. Tools incorporated in the pipe joining system include combinations of a wrenching assembly for gripping the tubulars and applying torque to the connection, a spinner for spinning the joints of the tubulars into connection, a positioning tool for vertically and/or horizontally aligning the tubulars in the system, a cleaning and doping device for cleaning and doping the threads of the tubulars, a stabbing guide for properly aligning the tubulars before joining, a mud bucket for handling mud spillage during the breaking of the tubulars, and a control system that remotely operates the entire automated system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Jansch, Holger Wilschinsky
  • Patent number: 7111389
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a clamp to a hose assembly, preferably automatic or semi-automatic, incorporates precisely located mounting devices for receiving clamp tooling, cooperating hose guiding and positioning tooling which can support a unique hose assembly and locate a predetermined location on such hose assembly properly aligned with a clamp in the clamp tooling. An operator only needs to load a clamp and a hose assembly into tooling, then initiate an automatic cycle which scrubs a small area on the hose, places a predetermined quantity (e.g. drop) of adhesive on that area, then brings the clamp into position and presses the clamp, adhesive, and hose together holding that position for a period sufficient to allow the adhesive to set. The operator then removes the finished part (the hose with attached clamp) and loads another clamp and hose into the tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Ray Cooper, Joseph P. Zakrzewski, Chad A. Fackler
  • Patent number: 7096551
    Abstract: A tool for installing oil or grease seals. The tool includes a cup member with a driving handle at the top thereof. Various sizes of a seal installing member are provided and all have the same upper cylindrical portion with the lower cylindrical portion being of various sizes, depending on the seal with which it is to be used. The tool also includes a pair of extension sleeves, one with an internal rib and the other with an external rib for supporting the cylindrical portions of the sleeve and the installing part when assembled. Each of the second parts and the sleeves include locking pins or slots for receiving the locking pins. The working portion of the tool is the lower annular end face and the cup-like top portion includes a closed face on the top for supporting the tool or one of the extension sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: SKF USA Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Lackowski, II
  • Patent number: 7076852
    Abstract: A conductor torquing system is provided for large diameter threaded conductor casing which comprises a lower chain vise adapted to grip a first joint of conductor casing, a plurality of movable arms operable to apply a retaining force to a second joint of conductor casing to maintain the latter in rotational contact with a spinning means. The spinning means is operable to rotationally make-up the second joint of conductor casing to the first joint of conductor casing to an initial make-up torque value. The apparatus also includes an upper chain vise for gripping the second joint of conductor casing and applying a final make-up torque to the threaded connection. The apparatus will allow a conductor connection to be made-up in a safe and efficient manner and generally assist in reaching the final torque stage more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Penman, Peter John Lovegrove
  • Patent number: 7076849
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for installation of a handgrip on a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. The handgrip is installed on the golf club shaft wrapped in a double-sided water activated tape. The method and apparatus utilizes a minimal amount of water to provide an initial grip strength greater than 18 foot-pounds. The apparatus has a shaft retention device, a grip attachment device and a misting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Alan C. Bettencourt, Leo H. Guerrero, Lowell L. Wickett
  • Patent number: 7069655
    Abstract: A device and process for vertically extracting diffusers from a wastewater treatment tank where the diffusers are attached to a device having a lifting point and a pivot extraction point. The device and diffusers are lifted from the bottom of the tank until there is a clearance between the diffusers and the bottom of the tank, and then a pulling member attached to the pivot extraction point is pulled to pivot the device and the diffusers to align the diffusers with the hole. The diffusers and the device can then be extracted vertically through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Glen D. Lindbo
  • Patent number: 7062827
    Abstract: A simplified tool for removing and inserting a plumbing fixture seal, particularly for use with ball type faucets using a rubber seal engaged by a cylindrical compression spring. The tool comprises an outer housing and an inner member having a tapered end designed to frictionally engage the seal and spring wherein the inner member is reciprocally disposed within the outer housing. The inner member is retracted inside the outer housing by a retraction spring; and the tapered end of the inner member is forced beyond the end of the outer housing to engage the seal and spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Wendell P. Bates
  • Patent number: 7055228
    Abstract: At least one installation plate is mounted on a base frame, every installation plate having at least one movable plate segment and means for changing the position of every movable plate segment. In order to exactly position the sealing strip to be bonded relative to the installation surface of the vehicle door, every movable plate segment is associated with a reference plunger that is mounted on the base frame so as to be displaceable in the axial direction. The reference plunger extends from the base frame in the direction of the movable plate segment and can be locked relative to the base frame. The reference plunger has on one end an adjustable cam that can be brought into the released from engagement with the vehicle part. At a distance from the earn projection, the reference plunger is provided with a stationary stop against which the associated plate segment can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Grohmann Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Thommes, Bernhard Kohlen, Klaus Grohmann
  • Patent number: 7051415
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shirring netting onto a netting tube. A second tube is placed over and coaxially to the netting tube and netting is stretched over the second tube. The two tubes are caused to move in a reciprocating manner through a plurality of spring-loaded fingers, which allow the netting to pass on the downstroke and hold the netting on the upstroke. As the two tubes move, the netting is pulled over the second tube and shirred onto the netting tube. An annular space formed by a tube ring placed between the netting tube and the second tube causes the netting to shir in multiple, neatly aligned layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Pinto, Eggo Haschke
  • Patent number: 7047618
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Whitney Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hunter
  • Patent number: 7047619
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Wambold, Kirk VanAcker, Connie Mroch, Larry Norton
  • Patent number: 7039993
    Abstract: A tool for pulling or removing seals includes an elongate handle having a manual engagement end and a seal hook member attachment end with a seal hook member pivotally attached to the seal hook member attachment end. The seal hook member includes at least one hook element and a mechanism for pivotally adjusting and fixing the pivotal relationship of the seal hook member with the elongate handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Smith, Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 6995313
    Abstract: An insulator bushing wildlife guard having features for easier alignment and installation of the guard on the bushing. The guard has two hinged body sections of insulating material. An outer edge of each body section is provided with a plurality of flexible fingers that allow conductors to pass through from the interior to the exterior of the enclosure when the two portions of the guard are engaged. In one embodiment, the guard is spring biased toward a closed position. A handle on the back has inner grooves to make it easier to grasp and manipulate the guard using a shotgun stick. On a lower front side of each portion of the guard, spaced-apart, curved, horizontal upper and lower flanges help align the guard with the topmost skirt of a bushing. Medial walls having a curved, sloped, concave or otherwise inwardly-directed configuration between the two flanges facilitate forcing the guard open by pushing it against the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Central Moloney, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Darren Barnett, Bobby A. Milner
  • Patent number: 6981310
    Abstract: A pneumatic tool for facilitating the installation and removal of a hollow, elastically extensible handgrip on a tubular portion of a device such as, for example, the handlebar of a bicycle or motorcycle. The tool has a handle portion adapted to be comfortable gripped by the hand. A proximal end of the handle portion is adapted to provide a leak-proof connection to a source of compressed air. The distal (opposing) end of the handle portion has an extension portion extending distally therefrom with a relatively short insertion tip portion having an air injection port extending laterally from a distal end of the extension portion. The insertion tip portion is angled with respect to the axis of the handle portion of the tool and has a convex upper surface and a concave lower surface; the curvature of the lower surface substantially conforming to the curvature of the outer surface of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony M. Sandoval
  • Patent number: 6976296
    Abstract: A CV boot installation and removing device comprising a base having a connection opening for coupling to a CV boot. With this design, there is a handle coupled to the base and a power connection disposed either inside or adjacent to the handle. There is an adjuster, which can be in the form of a substantially cylindrical shaft, for adjusting an opening size of the connection opening for receiving the CV boot. There is also a biasing device coupled to the base, for biasing the connection opening closed against the CV boot wherein the biasing device can be pressed open by said adjuster to form a connection to the CV boot to a point at which said connection opening opens to fit over a CV boot as controlled by the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Astoria 2000 LLC
    Inventor: Joselitho Boudreault
  • Patent number: 6971150
    Abstract: A method of positioning a seal in a groove of a bore in a housing comprising the steps of: placing a cylindrical seal on a plurality of projections that extend from a cylindrical body; radially moving at least one of the projections to deforming the cylindrical seal into a C-shape; inserting the cylindrical body into the bore until in the deformed cylindrical seal is in radial alignment with the groove; and axially retracting at least the one projection to allow the cylindrical seal to radially expand from the C-shape to a circular shape and fill the groove to complete its placement in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ryan Heath