Tube, Sleeve, Or Ferrule Inserting Or Removing Patents (Class 29/255)
  • Patent number: 8562663
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system comprises a cap and a reducing member. The cap has a piston member that seats a prosthesis. The piston member has at least one side wall configured to contact a portion of the side of the prosthesis seated therein. The reducing member has a conical wall, a first open end, and a second open end. The first open end is configured to receive the piston member. The reducing member reduces an external dimension of at least a portion of the prosthesis seated in the piston member as the prosthesis is moved along an inner surface of the conical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Mearns, John Gallagher, Kevin O'Sullivan, Mark Casley, Pat Duane
  • Patent number: 8539657
    Abstract: A press for securing a captive screw assembly within a hole in a panel cover. The press is supported from the panel cover as it is operated and includes a tool for extracting the captive screw assembly from the panel cover hole when the captive screw assembly is no longer functional. The extraction tool engages a bottom end of the captive screw and severs the flare on the ferrule of the captive screw assembly that anchors the assembly to the hole in the panel cover. A captive screw assembly is also described that has a knurled end that anchors the captive screw assembly to a hole in the panel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Paul David Andrews
  • Patent number: 8528176
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing a centrifugal compressor diffuser case from a turbofan gas turbine engine case which may be used while the engine is installed on an aircraft or when the engine has been removed from the aircraft. The tool includes movable gripping members at least one force member for exerting a pushing action on the engine structure on which the diffuser case is mounted the method includes gripping a peripheral portion of the diffuser case and applying an axial pushing force on the case relative to the engine case to thereby overcome an interference fit between the diffuser case and the engine case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Enzo Macchia, Robin Hardstaff, Ian Chandler, Tim Bedard, Geoffrey Henriksen
  • Patent number: 8522412
    Abstract: An extraction tool lifting apparatus having a load bearing coupling capable of being removably connected to an extraction tool; an hydraulic cylinder assembly being operatively connected at a first end to the load bearing coupling; a mounting bracket being operatively connected to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder assembly; three legs, each operatively connected at a first end to the mounting bracket; the load bearing coupling being adapted to be removably connected to an extraction tool having, an elongated base member having first and second ends, and a drill bit being removably attachable to a socket in the first end, the base member having a threaded portion being disposed approximate the first end, the second end being adapted to be removably connected to the load bearing coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Line Walker, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8505264
    Abstract: A tool connects a stud in place to a longitudinal track in a metal stud wall system installation. The tool includes a tool head having an upright slot in which a track flange is received and a pair of rams mounted on the tool head for linear movement transversely of the track. The rams are spaced apart and straddle opposite sides of the stud. The rams have leading tips with cutting edges. An actuator moves the rams into cutting engagement with the track flange in the upright slot to cut hinged tabs in the track flange, and to bend the hinged tabs into frictional engagement with the opposite sides of the upright stud to connect the upright stud in place to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Eyal Glisko
  • Patent number: 8505176
    Abstract: A snap ring attachment includes a guide cylinder (40) defining a guide path (41) having a region of a supply port side of a snap ring exhibiting a circular section and a region of an exit side of the snap ring exhibiting an oval section and continuously varying from the circular section to the oval section, so as to guide the snap ring toward an attachment groove, a posture changing and pressing mechanism (50) provided in the guide cylinder for pressing the snap ring supplied in an upright state vertical to the extending direction of the guide path while being radially contracted, to tiltingly move it, then again erect it, and press it while changing its posture to be pushed into the attachment groove, and a driving mechanism (60) for exerting driving force to generate pressing force in the posture changing and pressing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Michitomo Ueda, Kotaro Takamura, Yukihiro Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8490522
    Abstract: A wheel bearing removal tool system comprising a dome structure, comprising a round bowl portion and a flat lip; a protrusion affixing the dome structure to a power drill, a plurality of recesses on the flat lip, a plurality of tool post, wherein the first post end comprises a complementary screw thread for screwing the tool posts into the plurality of recesses and affixing them to the flat lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Abrie Bryan
  • Patent number: 8468666
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating from a mandrel a shell snugly surrounding the mandrel has a base, a frame fixed on the base, and a holder on the base forward of the frame and adapted to support the shell surrounding the mandrel with an end of the mandrel juxtaposed with the frame. At least two stripper jaws on the frame can move radially of the mandrel of the shell on the frame between outer positions spaced radially outward from the shell and inner positions engageable with the shell. An extractor slide can shift longitudinally on the base rearward of the frame and carries a gripper extendable through the frame to grasp the end of the mandrel. The slide can shift the gripper axially away from the frame to brace the shell axially through the jaws against the frame and pull the mandrel out of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: EHA Spezialmaschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Mike Neubert
  • Patent number: 8458875
    Abstract: A removal tool includes a staking unit configured to deform a circlip located at a bore of an apparatus when the removal tool is pushed into the bore, and a spring fork unit configured to push a ferrule ring located at the bore when the removal tool is pushed into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Kyle Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 8443504
    Abstract: A pin tool assembly for forcibly removing a first type of retaining pin from digging teeth arranged in side-by-side relation across a forward edge of a digging implement. The pin tool assembly includes a tool defining a blind recess laterally disposed to one side of the tool. The tool assembly further includes an elongated extractor pin having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion. Cooperating instrumentalities maintain and position the extractor pin relative the tool such that, when a force is applied to the tool, the free end of the shank portion of the pin engages with and forcibly extracts the retaining pin from the digging tooth. Preferably, the tool further defines a plurality of openings for snugly accommodating a series of retaining pins therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: H&L Tooth Company
    Inventors: Charles Clendenning, Brian L. Launder, Russell N. Drake
  • Patent number: 8438712
    Abstract: An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the nut bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Tappan
  • Patent number: 8371012
    Abstract: A bearing removal tool and method are provided for removing a bearing swaged in a housing with speed and ease of use without damaging the housing, where the bearing removal tool includes a locating fixture having an annular support engaging an outer race of the bearing, with the locating fixture further including a locating mandrel extending axially from a center of the annular support into a center of the bearing locating the bearing outer race relative to the annular support; a cutter head having an axially extending shank extending from one end received in a drill press chuck, with the cutter head having at least one tooth extending axially away from the shank for cutting a swaged lip of the outer race of the bearing on a side of the bearing opposite from the side of the bearing engaged by the annular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Beck
  • Patent number: 8371017
    Abstract: An installation head for use with captive panel fasteners. The head is adapted for mounting onto a conventional fastener installation tool that can apply a predetermined outer axial compressive force distributed about a predetermined inner axial tensile force. The pulling head transfers the outer axial compressive force to an inner axial compressive force delivered to a flaring anvil, while at the same time transferring the inner axial tensile force to an outer axial tensile force delivered to an internally threaded bushing that accommodates the threaded shank of a captive panel fastener. Using the tool and the installation head to apply the predetermined axial tensile and compressive forces, captive panel fasteners can be reliably installed using a single tool stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert E. Nikkel
  • Patent number: 8365379
    Abstract: A bearing dismounting device includes a body, a rod, several clamping arms, a tightening element, and an adjusting element. Each of the clamping arms is pivotally installed around the body. The center of the body has a through hole for the rod to mount therein. One end of the rod has a positioning part, and its other end has an operating part. Each of the clamping arms extends a buckling part. The central position on the outer side of each of the clamping arms has an accommodating part. The tightening element surrounds the accommodating parts of the clamping arms. Both ends of the tightening element have an adjusting element, respectively, for urging against the tightening element, thereby positioning the clamping arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller-Kueps, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 8353091
    Abstract: A stun gun dart acquiring, removing and housing device and method of using this device to remove a dart. The device provides a container, such as a tube, and a slider supported at least partially inside the container and is adapted to grasp a stun gun dart. The user places the slider over the dart, thereby engaging the dart into the distal end of slider and then moves the device away from subject, removing the dart. Then, the user moves the slider rearward into the container to store the dart in a safe location. The dart once locked in place inside the container can now be handled and viewed without concern of inadvertent contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Global Pathogen Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Carson L. Linker
  • Patent number: 8347474
    Abstract: A pulling tool includes a elongated main support body having a plurality of retention holes formed on opposite sides thereof. An actuator stem member is threadably mounted in the support body. A pair of jaw members is slidably mounted on opposite side of the support body. The jaw members have extended hook portions adapted to engage an outer periphery of a wheel element removably mounted on a stationary wheel mounting member. A pair of tubular holders is slidably mounted on opposite sides of the support body, and retained against outer faces of the jaw members to prevent lateral outward movement of the jaw members on the support body and to orient the jaw members substantially perpendicularly to the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: A & E Incorporated
    Inventors: Joshua Oachs, Maximilian N. Knoell
  • Patent number: 8322686
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying or removing rail clips to secure a rail onto a rail tie including a frame, an operator workstation disposed on the frame, at least one workhead assembly constructed and arranged to move relative to the frame, at least one fastener assembly disposed on the workhead assembly, and at least one paddle assembly disposed on the workhead assembly for working in conjunction with the fastener assembly to push a clip in position for holding the rail to the tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nordco Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Irion, William D. Straub
  • Patent number: 8302274
    Abstract: A blade pipe has an exterior end and an interior end with a tube for receiving a lawnmower blade. A locking nut, threadedly received in the tube, retains the blade within the tube. A wrench pipe has an exterior end and an interior end with a recess adapted to receive a wrench. A threaded pivot pin extends radially from the wrench pipe adjacent to the recess. A slide has a blade end and a wrench end, an aperture adjacent to the blade end, and a pivot bolt extending through the aperture and threadedly received in the tube. The slide has a slot slidably receiving the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Dominique Depaz
  • Patent number: 8302273
    Abstract: A joining unit contains a spindle drive in the form of a hollow shaft motor that encloses a spindle. The hollow shaft motor serves to achieve a linear movement of a joining tool for the execution of a joining process. The joining unit contains instruments for the presetting and/or determination of the forces exerted and/or the movement of the joining tool during the joining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Alexander Müller
  • Patent number: 8276252
    Abstract: An exemplary extractor includes a support member, a contact member and a sleeve. The contact member is fixed on an end of the support member. The sleeve is slidably sleeved on the support member. Extraction protrusions are formed on an end of the sleeve, and a handle bar is formed on the other end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhen-Xing Liu
  • Patent number: 8256081
    Abstract: A bearing remover is configured to cooperate with a puller to remove a bearing from an axle. The bearing remover includes a claw that has an opening to receive a portion of the axle, and a lip that can be inserted between the bearing and the wall. The bearing remover also includes a centering component that fits about the axle. The claw and centering component are mechanically coupled to assist in maintaining the claw about the bearing, and to transmit a force to the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Gideon Fridman
  • Patent number: 8214987
    Abstract: A remote vacuum or pressure sealing apparatus and method for making a radiation tolerant, remotely prepared seal that maintains a vacuum or pressure tight seal throughout a wide temperature range. The remote sealing apparatus includes a fixed threaded sealing surface on an isolated system, a gasket, and an insert consisting of a plug with a protruding sample holder. An insert coupling device, provided for inserting samples within the isolated system, includes a threaded fastener for cooperating with the fixed threaded sealing surface on the isolated system. The insert coupling device includes a locating pin for azimuthal orientation, coupling pins, a tooted coaxial socket wrench, and an insert coupling actuator for actuating the coupling pins. The remote aspect of the sealing apparatus maintains the isolation of the system from the user's environment, safely preserving the user and the system from detrimental effect from each respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: James David Brock, Christopher D. Keith
  • Patent number: 8214988
    Abstract: A bearing handling tool is revealed. The bearing handling tool includes a tool body having a fixing member arranged at a middle part thereof. The fixing member is for fixing the tool body to a machine such as engines or transmissions of car models, ship models, airplane models, etc. The tool body further has a connection end on one end and a plurality of locking parts on the other end thereof. The connection end is to handle the bearing near a surface of the machine while the locking part is for handling the bearing in the machine. The handling tool is used depending on the condition and providing convenient assembling and disassembling. Moreover, the attaching and detaching of the bearing have no influence on the machine and with high industrial application value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jyi Fu Tay Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Siang-Ting Lee, Jian-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 8209835
    Abstract: There is provided a splitting tool for use with a pipe defining a longitudinal pipe axis. The pipe includes an outer wall and an inner wall defining a pipe channel. A ferrule is circumferentially disposed about the outer wall. The splitting tool includes a pipe support member defining an outer periphery that is substantially complimentary in shape to the inner wall. The pipe support member is insertable within the pipe channel to extend at least through the ferrule and to provide radial support to the inner wall. The splitting tool additionally includes a splitter member operatively connected to the pipe support member. The splitter member defines a longitudinal splitting axis that is substantially perpendicular to the pipe axis when the pipe support member is inserted within the pipe channel. The splitter member is moveable along the splitting axis to radially engage with and pierce the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian J. Huffer, Emmett J. Ebner
  • Patent number: 8209832
    Abstract: The transmission seal installation kit includes a forward drum seal driver, reverse drum seal driver, a snap ring removal tool, an axle seal installer, and a handle. The tool kit is used for installing and removing a retaining seal that is fitted inside of the forward drum, reverse drum, and axle seal of a transmission, or for the removal of a coast piston from a direct and coast drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Alvin C. Anderson, Selena A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8156625
    Abstract: A method and article for designing dual-mode adapters in a joint press kit. A plurality of ball joints for use with the adapters are selected. An adapter design is created by defining a first variable representative of a physical characteristic of the adapter design; defining a second variable representing a quantity of ball joints that are not compatible with the adapter design in a second operational mode; generating data sets including the first and second variables; and utilizing the data sets to determine a value for a characteristic of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel D. Lionberg
  • Patent number: 8151424
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting surface components having an attachment and installed within a surface. In one embodiment, a tool includes a cross member located between a lifting device and a lift plate having an engagement for engaging the attachment. A lift member extends from the lift plate extending through the cross member so as to engage the lifting device so that the lift member is mounted for tilting displacement with respect to the cross member. In another embodiment, a tool for extracting a surface component includes a cross member engaged by supports extending to the surface, for supporting the ends of the cross member above the surface while supporting the cross member against rotation with respect to the surface. Methods are also disclosed for extracting surface components above a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: John Dimoff, Martin Halm
  • Patent number: 8146223
    Abstract: A fixture for replacing brake spiders on heavy duty vehicle and truck axles includes an assembly with a flat reference surface and two internal bores just slightly larger than the respective inner and outer bearing surfaces on the axle having a damaged brake spider. The fixture may have specifically sized bores or may include a plurality of collars which can be utilized in pairs and mounted and retained within the fixture. The fixture also includes longitudinally adjustable rods or fingers extending therefrom which include blind threaded bores. During attachment of the new brake spider, threaded fasteners are inserted into the blind bores to temporarily and properly position the brake spider on the fixture and axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 8146221
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool for assembling and disassembling components, such as gears, bearings, etc. of a shaft, is capable of performing an external-pulling or an internal-pulling operation as desired for an object to be assembled or disassembled. The hydraulic tool includes an oil pressure assembly having a hand-operated pump, an oil storage member, a control valve, an oil pressure tank, a set of external pulling type clamping jaws, internal pulling type clamping jaws, and a bolt for assembling purpose. The hydraulic tool has high mobility and portability, is capable of performing assembling or disassembling operations at any angle and position, and is considerably enhanced in applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jung-Liang Hung
  • Patent number: 8136230
    Abstract: A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Neal Adams, James Mark Kutsko, Desmond O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8127417
    Abstract: A system and method according to which a bearing assembly is removed from a casing. In several exemplary embodiments, the bearing assembly is removed from a turbine casing such as, for example, a gas-turbine casing in a jet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: American Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Butler, Michael P. Alvey, Bryan Alan Brown
  • Patent number: 8127416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimensions (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tech Group Europe Limited
    Inventor: Stephane Chevallier
  • Patent number: 8096031
    Abstract: A hand tool that can be used to physically engage a release feature on a push-lock fitting so that a tube, hose, or other conduit can be easily inserted into and/or removed from the fitting. This can be particularly useful with industrial machines that have a number of pneumatic fittings installed close together in a tight proximity. According to one embodiment, the hand tool includes an elongated body portion, engagement portions located at opposing ends of the body portion, and transition portions located therebetween. Each engagement portion includes an open pocket for fitting around the tube, and a contact surface for engaging the release feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Randall H. Decker, Martin J. Champ, Ronald Topinka
  • Patent number: 8079123
    Abstract: A puller includes a main body provided with a plurality of support seats, a plurality of clamping members each pivotally and detachably mounted on a respective one of the support seats, a top cover mounted on the main body and provided with a plurality of pressing pieces each pressing a respective one of the clamping members, and a threaded rod extending through the top cover and the main body. Thus, each of the clamping members is pivotable relative to the respective support seat of the main body so as to adjust the inclined angle of each of the clamping members relative to the respective support seat. In addition, each of the clamping members is locked onto and unlocked from the respective support seat easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Arestool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 8069544
    Abstract: A retraction tool for removing the shank of a tool holder from a base block mounting includes an elongate threaded member having a hook threaded on one end thereof. The hook has a hook end for holding to the forward end of a tool holder. A hammer moveable along the length of the elongate member impacts against said stop for pulling said tool holder from said base block mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip A. Sollami
  • Patent number: 8061001
    Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8047086
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8037587
    Abstract: A watercraft anode removal tool and method includes providing a zinc pencil that defines an anode inserted into a watercraft engine. A tool is provided for engaging the zinc pencil. The tool includes a cylinder having a first end, a second end and peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end has a well therein for receiving an end of the zinc pencil. The well is threaded and is threadably couplable to the zinc pencil. The cylinder is threadably coupled to the zinc pencil and the zinc pencil is pulled from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lott
  • Patent number: 8032998
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a foil bearing comprises: a tubular positioning member having a substantially cylindrical wall provided with engagement portions each having a shape corresponding to at least part of a wave-shaped portion of associated one of foil members such that positioning of the foil members can be achieved by engaging the wave-shaped portion of each foil member to the associated engagement portion of the positioning member and inserting the positioning member into an inside of the stationary mount member; and a welding device for welding the foil members to the inner circumferential surface of the stationary mount member, wherein the positioning member is formed with openings in the substantially circumferential wall thereof to allow the welding device to access the foil members from inside the positioning member through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kato, Yoshiki Morishita
  • Patent number: 8033536
    Abstract: A coupling for securing a first element to a second element includes an actuation bolt, a clamping jaw mounted on the first element which comprises a bore having a threaded part which defines a nut that threadedly engages the actuation bolt, and a torque limitation device positioned between the actuation bolt and the bore for transmitting the rotational movement of the actuation bolt directly to the clamping jaw to thereby rotate the clamping jaw about the axis. In operation, when an external force acting on the clamping jaw is greater that the force generated against the bore by the torque limitation device, rotation of the actuation bolt will result in translation of the clamping jaw, and when the external force acting on the clamping jaw is less than the force generated against the bore by the torque limitation device, rotation of the actuation bolt will rotate the clamping jaw about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: FMC Technologies SA
    Inventor: Renaud Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 8015683
    Abstract: A pulley removal system used to remove a pulley attached to an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of puller jaw members adapted to be detachably and radially connected to a hub member. Each jaw member comprises an elongated body having a top surface, an underside surface, and first and second opposed ends. The first end is adapted to be attached to the hub member, and the second end has hooked tip free to grasp a flange of a pulley. The hooked tip has a terminal edge with predetermined dimensions that enable it to fit within different sized recesses in the flange of the different pulleys and an underside arcuate surface extending from the terminal edge and merging with the underside surface to form a bite that receives the flange when the terminal end fits within the recess in the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Schlem Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Hume
  • Patent number: 7996972
    Abstract: A puller driving structure is connected to a fixing module and a propping module for installing or removing a bearing, and the structure connects a hydraulic driving device with a connecting module, and the connecting module is connected to a plurality of slide rods and a plurality of resilient elements of a position resuming module, such that an actuating element is actuated on each slide rod, and the hydraulic driving device presses and moves the actuating element, and each resilient element presses and props the actuating element in an opposite direction to resume its original position, so as to achieve a better balance during the use of the puller driving structure provides a better concentricity for the bearing and the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Chih Kuo Hu
  • Patent number: 7946010
    Abstract: A tool for installing irrigation barb emitters into irrigation tubing including a cradle handle and a punch handle, the cradle handle and the punch handle being arranged in a parallel relation and connected intermediate their ends at a center point. A cradle which receives irrigation tubing is included. A punch pin allows a user to punch holes in irrigation tubing as desired with a spring loaded body which removes the punch pin when it has been driven into irrigation tubing. A barb holder allows a user to install emitter barbs into irrigation tubing as desired. A barb remover allows removal of barbs from irrigation tubing as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: EMC Industries LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Myers, Stephanie DePascal
  • Patent number: 7946013
    Abstract: Provided is a driving jig for a closing cap which makes it possible to drive a closing cap straight into a bolt installation hole (11) formed in a track rail (1) and which allows this driving operation to be quickly repeated on a plurality of bolt installation holes (11). The jig includes a driving piston (73) and a guide holder (72) for maintaining the driving piston (73) in a predetermined attitude with respect to the track rail (1). The driving piston (72) has a pressing portion (75) coming into contact with an upper surface of the closing cap (70), and a hammering portion (74a) to be hammered by a tool. The guide holder has a cylinder (72a) in which the driving piston (73) slides, and has, at an opening at one end of the cylinder, a guide groove (77) into which an upper portion of the track rail is loosely fitted and which is orthogonal to an axial direction of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd, THK GmbH
    Inventor: Masahiro Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7946012
    Abstract: An apparatus and method enhances installation of a waste disposer mounting assembly at a drain-received sink flange. The apparatus comprises a carriage guide, a carriage assembly, and a spring-actuable notch stop. The carriage guide comprises a hooked end, a handled end, and a notched face extending intermediate the hooked and handled ends. The carriage assembly is translatably and cooperably associated with the carriage guide and comprises a centralized rail guide aperture and a plurality of fastener-engaging arm assemblies. The guide aperture is sized and shaped to receive the guide rail and the notch stop engages the notched face for selectively prevent translation of the carriage assembly relative to the carriage guide. The arm assemblies of the carriage assembly carry a mounting assembly via fastener-port engagement to a mount position where a snap ring fastener may be manually installed to prevent downward displacement of the mounting assembly from the mount position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel W. Cox, Kevin M. Schnurstein
  • Patent number: 7926158
    Abstract: A blade changing tool for changing a blade for saws, particular table saws, is provided. The tool includes a body having a face that includes at least one recess for receiving and engaging a saw blade. Typically, the face will include a plurality of axially offset recesses resulting in a stepped face. A blade face abutment surface and a riser extending therefrom combine to form the recesses. The risers may be concave in shape giving the recesses a circular segment shape. The body also includes at least one blade engaging catch that engages teeth of the blade to prevent rotational movement of the blade while it is being loosened or tightened. The tool may be free of undercuts to facilitate straight-pull molding. Also, the stepped face may be an external face to facilitate visually inspecting the engagement between the blade and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nomis LLC
    Inventors: Damian A. Kozina, Edward D. Adkins
  • Patent number: 7921532
    Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Heaton
  • Patent number: 7908728
    Abstract: An improved system and method for removing extrusion screw elements includes a puller assembly for removing at least one screw element from a screw shaft of a screw-type extrusion machine. The at least one screw element includes a sleeve portion received annularly about the screw shaft and at least one flute extending radially outward from the sleeve portion. The puller assembly includes a body having a sleeve portion with an inner diameter sufficiently sized for axially fitting over the at least one screw element on the screw shaft. At least one engaging element is removably secured to the body for enabling the body to be axially installed on the at least one screw element when the at least one engaging element is removed from the body and axially locking the body on the at least one screw element when the at least one engaging element is installed in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ismael Marcial, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7895723
    Abstract: A joint press including a yoke including a first end and a second end. A first adapter attachment member is positioned on the first end. A second adapter attachment member is positioned on the second end. The first adapter attachment member and the second adapter attachment member have the same profile, thereby allowing the same adapter to be removably connected to either the first end or the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald A. Wridt, Daniel D. Lionberg, Thomas J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 7874051
    Abstract: An extractor tool for an ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed. Some system embodiments comprise a bracket configured to couple to a spoolpiece of an ultrasonic flow meter and a tube inserted through and coupled to the bracket. The tube is configured to seal to the spoolpiece and permit a transducer to be selectively installed and removed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Robert Allen