Plier Type Means Patents (Class 29/268)
  • Patent number: 11938599
    Abstract: A tool is provided for relative positioning of a first board and a second board such that the first and second boards can be secured to each other. The tool comprises a base portion including a pair of locking pliers, and grabbing portions respectively secured to jaws of the locking pliers. The grabbing portions are configured to receive the first board therebetween when the grabbing portions are brought toward each other by operation of the pliers. The grabbing portions further have parts disposed to abut a thickness surface of the received first board and projections disposed to embed into opposite side surfaces of the received first board. At least one of the grabbing portions has a forwardly projecting member disposed to be abutted with the second board to position adjacent edges of the received first board and the second board substantially flush with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Wayne R Foss
  • Patent number: 11811357
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a dismantling device configured for a frame of a PV module. The dismantling device includes a connection portion, a first holding portion, and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is connected to the connection portion and configured to press against one of an inner wall and outer wall of the frame. The second holding portion is slidably disposed on the connection portion and movably closer to or away from the first holding portion along a sliding direction. The second holding portion is configured to press against the other one of the inner wall and the outer wall so as to clamp the frame with the first holding portion and to distort the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Teng-Yu Wang, Chih-Lung Lin, Mu-Hsi Sung, Neng-Wen Hsieh, Chin-Yueh Li
  • Patent number: 11794313
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool includes a first handle, a second handle, and a laminated plier jaw assembly coupled to the first handle and the second handle. The laminated plier jaw assembly includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, an inner layer, and a pin. The first outer layer defines a first aperture. The second outer layer defines a second aperture. The inner layer is positioned between and is coupled to the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The inner layer defines a slot having a narrow portion positioned between a first wide portion and a second wide portion. The pin extends at least partially through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the slot. The first outer layer, the second outer layer, and the inner layer cooperate to define a pair of jaws that rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: FISKARS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Grant Bessac, Paul Hallbrook, Eric Moore, Brayden C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11633837
    Abstract: A retrofittable auxiliary pliers handle assembly includes a coupler removably coupled to a grip of a pair of pliers. The coupler is positionable between a free end of the grip and a pivot of the pliers. The coupler includes a receiver positioned laterally away from an exterior lateral surface of the grip. An auxiliary handle is positioned in the receiver such that the auxiliary handle is positioned adjacent to the exterior lateral surface and extends away from the pivot. A finger space is defined between the auxiliary handle and the grip. The auxiliary handle comprises a plate that elongated and has a first end, a second end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, an upper edge and a lower edge. The coupler engages the plate adjacent to the first end such that the first lateral side faces the exterior lateral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Edward Lenart
  • Patent number: 11213904
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for removing and installing slasher teeth in a saw are provided. The apparatus has a first body and a second body having a space formed therebetween, wherein a slasher tooth is positionable within the space. At least one locator pin is connected to at least one of the first and second body, the at least one locator pin contactable to the slasher tooth to locate the first and second body relative to the slasher tooth. At least one engagement device is positioned on one or both of the first and second bodies, the at least one engageable device being actuatable, whereby actuation of the at least one engagement device moves it relative to the first and second bodies and into the space where the at least one engagement device contacts a rivet positioned between the slasher tooth and a saw body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Morette
  • Patent number: 11143579
    Abstract: A bending apparatus for a sample is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a translation mechanism that translates a vertical displacement/force into a horizontal displacement/force for bending. Components of the bending apparatus are fabricated from a strong, radiolucent material. In these ways, the bending apparatus is compatible with micro-CT imaging, and as such, may be used to bend a sample during imaging. In a particular application, the bending apparatus may be used to measure biomechanical properties of a bone, such as bone strength, bone material properties, fracture toughness, and fracture propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Kyle Anthony Bodnyk, Richard T. Hart, Alan S. Litsky
  • Patent number: 10821956
    Abstract: An air-brake adjustment multi-tool having a longitudinally extending handle assembly and a bifurcated pry end releasably fixable to one end of the handle assembly in selected angular positions (e.g., 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees (i.e, linear), 225 degrees and 270 degrees). The pry end includes two spaced-apart tines, each having a thin lip, a curved transition and a wedge face. The handle assembly is reversibly extendible (telescoping). At the end of the handle assembly opposite the pry end, there are: a removeable hand grip/load-strap-ratchet-engager; and a tool mount for releasably attaching a ratcheting socket wrench head and other implements (e.g., fifth-wheel puller attachment/adapter/hook, screw drivers etc.) The multi-tool includes a light releasable attachable to the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Obal
  • Patent number: 10376294
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to surgical instruments for spinal surgery. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bi-planar rod persuader for urging a spinal rod into a screw, and methods regarding the same. The bi-planar rod persuader may include an implant holder, which may also include a holding sleeve. A securing foot may be attached to the distal end of the holding sleeve, and the holding sleeve may also include a threaded opening at the proximal end for receiving a stem that drives the securing foot between a first position and second position. The implant holder may also include a threaded part to engage a reduction knob. A handle assembly may also be provided, which may include two pivotally attached arms. A rod hook may be connected to one of the arms and a guide attached to the other of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Hutchens
  • Patent number: 10278736
    Abstract: Method for performing spinal correction surgery. The method includes creating at least one access opening in a patient, and implanting a plurality of anchor devices through the at least one access opening onto a plurality of corresponding vertebral bodies. Each anchor device has a channel defined therein. The method further includes disposing a tether into the channel of each of the plurality of anchor devices. A first end portion of the tether is secured to a first of the plurality of anchor devices. Additionally, the method includes translating the vertebral body corresponding to the selected anchor device using a pusher tool. Furthermore, the method includes applying a tension to the tether using a tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN
    Inventors: Amer Samdani, Randal R. Betz
  • Patent number: 10195726
    Abstract: A de-mating apparatus includes a first component, a second component and a pair of parallel linear bearings. The first component includes a first pair of arms, each of the first pair of arms including a first lift surface. The second component includes a second pair of arms, each of the second pair of arms including a second lift surface. The second lift surfaces are parallel to the first lift surfaces. The linear bearings connect the first component to the second component such that the first pair of arms may move perpendicularly to the first lift surfaces between at least a first position adjacent to the second pair of arms and a second position apart from the second pair of arms to de-mate an electrical connector assembly. A bearing plane defined by the pair of linear bearings does not intersect the first pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ion Corporation
    Inventors: Chung C. Truong, Thomas P. Jones, II
  • Patent number: 9968361
    Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is provided which includes a jaw mechanism having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is supported on or formed integrally with the distal end of a crimping member which is movably supported within a body portion of the apparatus. The stationary jaw defines a longitudinal axis which forms an angle ? of between about 15 degrees and about 15 degrees and about 75 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. In another embodiment, the stationary jaw includes a clip receiving channel which is configured to at least partially receive a surgical clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Kenneth H. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 9480505
    Abstract: Surgical instruments for spinal surgery. More specifically, a bi-planar rod persuader for urging a spinal rod into a screw, and methods regarding the same. The bi-planar rod persuader may include an implant holder, which may also include a holding sleeve. A securing foot may be attached to the distal end of the holding sleeve, and the holding sleeve may also include a threaded opening at the proximal end for receiving a stem that drives the securing foot between a first position and second position. The implant holder may also include a threaded part to engage a reduction knob. A handle assembly may also be provided, which may include two pivotally attached arms. A rod hook may be connected to one of the arms and a guide attached to the other of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Hutchens
  • Patent number: 9306360
    Abstract: A method and device for eliminating torsion during the servicing of cable heads. The device is a tool with a handle portion and clamping members having an opening and gripping surfaces for receiving and gripping two different cable-heads for servicing, such as attachment or detachment. When the handle portion is squeezed and held, the tool provides a compression force substantially parallel to a common central axis of the cable heads. The arrangement of the tool prevents undesired load on the cable heads, optimizes the efficiency of servicing while preventing damage to the cable-heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne R. Grine, Michael A. Jacobsen, Garrett M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 9168061
    Abstract: A medical clamp for holding a uterus includes a first and second curved plates that capture between them the major exterior walls of the uterus, and an operating handle having pivotally connected first and second actuating arms, each of which has a distal portion and a proximal portion with a grip for a user, whereby the distal portions are moved toward each other when the user moves the grips toward each other to capture the uterus between the plates. Ball-and-socket joints connect the distal handle portions of the actuating arms to respective plates. The ball-and socket joints enable rapid positioning of the clamp on the uterus to arrest emergency postpartum hemorrhaging, assist in exerting pressure on the uterus over the entire extent of the plates, facilitate manipulation of the uterus using the clamp, and permit other surgical interventions to be performed with the clamp in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 9021670
    Abstract: A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Paul Dale, Aaron J. Chalekian, Valerie J. Glazier, Huisun Wang
  • Patent number: 8978226
    Abstract: A tool for the removal of connectors from pipes is disclosed that, in one embodiment, enables the removal of connectors from large pipes and in another embodiment from a size range of pipes. Movable and stationary gripping and pushing elements are affixed to handles to enable a pipe to be firmly gripped between a movable gripping jaw and a stationary gripping jaw and the connector prevented from movement by the movable pusher jaw and the stationary pusher jaw. The handles can compress around a pivot point or slide on a bar. In another embodiment the movable and stationary gripping and pushing elements are removable from the body of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Direct Source International, LLC
    Inventors: Darren Kady, David Lee Showalter
  • Publication number: 20150001315
    Abstract: A clip for holding a pair of nozzle inserts for use with an irrigation sprinkler includes at least two flexible attachment arms, each attachment arm provided with an elongated slot and a retention shoulder on an inside surface thereof, adjacent the elongated slot. Each attachment arm is adapted to be received in an opening in a respective nozzle insert and retained therein by the retention shoulder. A related tool includes a pair of gripper arms and a respective pair of jaws extending from the gripper arms, pivotally secured to one another. One jaw is formed with a pair of parallel prongs, and the other jaw is formed with a flat head projecting toward the pair of prongs. The jaws are adapted to engage the nozzle insert and disengage the retention shoulder to permit removal of the nozzle insert from the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Richard L. Schisler, Barton R. Nelson, Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Meade M. Neal
  • Patent number: 8839506
    Abstract: A tool for pushing a wire termination head holder towards a connector holder, the tool including a first arm and a second arm; a first assembly mechanically coupling the head holder to the first arm, and a second assembly mechanically coupling the head holder to the second arm, wherein a relative movement of the first and second arms causes both of the first and second assemblies to push the head holder towards the connector holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Brett Hoe Slater, Bryce Nicholls
  • Patent number: 8819924
    Abstract: A method and device for eliminating torsion during the servicing of cable heads. The device is a tool with a handle portion and clamping members having an opening and gripping surfaces for receiving and gripping two different cable-heads for servicing, such as attachment or detachment. When the handle portion is squeezed and held, the tool provides a compression force substantially parallel to a common central axis of the cable heads. The arrangement of the tool prevents undesired load on the cable heads, optimizes the efficiency of servicing while preventing damage to the cable-heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne R. Grine, Michael A. Jacobsen, Garrett M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8726713
    Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for coupling a pipe with a connector or fitting. The crimping tool includes a first jaw having an opening on one side. The opening has a first slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of a pipe connector. A second jaw is operably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw having a semi-cylindrical surface on one side with a second slot disposed therein. The semi-cylindrical surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of the pipe connector. The first jaw and second jaw are moveable between a first position and a second position, the semi-cylindrical surface being arranged at least partially within the opening when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rostra Tool Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Steiner, Joseph Krzyzanski
  • Patent number: 8728087
    Abstract: A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping ends are movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping ends of the first and second arms comprise opposed clamping surfaces. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first to the second surface. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Mohamed Soliman, Troy Allen McMillen
  • Patent number: 8713782
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit for reinforcing the distal end of a lateral in an irrigation system, typically in which the distal end of the lateral receives a head with a barbed neck. The method includes placing a crimp ring around the lateral, the crimp ring being large enough to encircle a bulge in the lateral created by insertion of the barbed neck into the end of the lateral. The crimp ring is positioned over the bulge and compressed to sheath and reinforce the bulge. The compression imparts a longitudinally convex profile upon the crimp ring, reducing its inner and outer diameters without increasing its length. This compression may cause projections, made of material from the crimp ring, to form on the outer surface of the crimp ring. A kit includes a crimp tool having a crimp die shaped to impart the longitudinally convex shape upon the crimp ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Beau Ralphs
  • Patent number: 8707538
    Abstract: A clamp tool that has stop edges and ear edges is disclosed. In one embodiment, stop edges close against each other while the ear edges, being cut deeper than the stop edges, do not touch each other and provide a space between which an ear of a clamp is position and closed by the clamp tool without cutting or nicking unnecessarily into the ear of the clamp. The width of the stop edges is predetermined to provide an alignment for proper alignment of the clamp on a hose that obscures features of a fitting that is positioned beneath the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Larry F. Bobenhausen
  • Patent number: 8677603
    Abstract: Tool for forming drop tube connectors for connecting between a sap producing sugar maple tree and a collection conduit by providing for the measurement, cutting and application of fixture fittings within a single unit. The cutting and fixture application features are actuated by a single operating lever. Operation of the tool can be facilitated indoors or out, allowing a single drop to be made in the field or thousands of drops to be made indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Stanley James Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8672307
    Abstract: A clamp mechanism for assisting a bricklayer or mason worker in positioning and aligning a next row of bricks being laid upon a previous row of bricks using an alignment string is provided. One end of the alignment string is secured in a desired position adjacent the previous row of bricks. The clamp mechanism comprises a clamp having a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm. A spring mechanism biases the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm in a general direction toward each other. A string receiving mechanism is associated with the clamp for receiving a portion of the alignment string. Upon the alignment string being secured to the string receiving mechanism and the clamp being positioned upon a brick in the previous row of bricks, the alignment string indicates the proper positioning and alignment of the next row of bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Martin I. Pacheco, Cesar Cruz
  • Patent number: 8656570
    Abstract: The hand tool is used to extract a fastener from a material by preferably gripping the fastener from a horizontal orientation. The hand tool has a head with two pivotally joined halves including at least one pair of gripping jaws. The tool head preferably includes tips that may be used to dig beneath a fastener head that is flush with or set below a surface. The tool includes a pair of handles operable to close the gripping jaws. The handles are preferably offset above the plane of the tool head such that they operate as a lever in cooperation with a fulcrum on the bottom of the tool head to extract the fastener. In one embodiment, the forward jaws of the tool have concave curved gripping surfaces. In one embodiment, the rearward jaws have non-complementary surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Foley
  • Patent number: 8646160
    Abstract: A pair of connector removal pliers includes a first arm and a second arm which is pivotably connected to the first arm by a pin. A positioning member and a pressing member are respectively connected to the first and second arms. The positioning member has a rough surface and the pressing member has a protrusion extending therefrom which extends toward the positioning member. By operating two handles of the first and second arms to position one of two connectors between the positioning member and the pressing member, the technician can easily pull the other connector to separate the two connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Pi-Liang Wu
  • Publication number: 20140000085
    Abstract: A tool for use with a fastener is provided. Another aspect employs a removal tool for use with a photovoltaic fastener. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a photovoltaic module including a peripheral frame, a strut or rail and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. In a further aspect, a tool is rotated to disengage a central tongue of a fastener from a photovoltaic frame. Yet another aspect employs a tool to compress a finger and/or wing to allow fastener removal from a strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: William Teller, Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont, Elio G. Evangelista, Dorian J. Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20130340236
    Abstract: An assembly tool for assembling components of an implant can include a finger assembly, a handle assembly, and a crossbar assembly. The finger assembly can include first and second fingers oriented parallel to each other, and sized and shaped to releasably engage first and second components of the implant during assembly. The handle assembly can include first and second handles pivotally connected to each other and configured to control movement of the first and second fingers. The crossbar assembly can be configured to maintain the first and second fingers substantially parallel to each other during movement of the first and second fingers. The assembly tool can be used for assembling a bearing assembly to an ulnar component of an elbow prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Terry W. Wagner, Matthew L. Mroczkowski
  • Patent number: 8596326
    Abstract: A device is provided for ensuring the sterile integrity of two separate fluid pathways during interconnection of the two pathways with a two-part connector assembly. The two-part connector assembly is of the type which comprises a male portion and a female portion, each portion initially having a port covered and protected by a peel-away strip. The device comprises a base assembly, a connector clamp assembly mounted to the base assembly and configured for securing the two-part connector assembly in position for interconnection of the male and female portions, and a strip withdrawal assembly mounted to the base assembly and configured for simultaneous withdrawal of the peel-away strips from the ports of the male and female portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Grifols Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventor: Larry H. Loy
  • Patent number: 8590133
    Abstract: A tool for placing a shim between a housing and a component biased towards the housing is provided. The tool can include a handle and a pair of spaced-apart tongs extending outwardly from the handle. In addition, a shim support surface can be located between the pair of spaced-apart tongs. The spaced-apart tongs and the shim support surface can be dimensioned for a shim to nest between the tongs on the shim support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Ivor McGuire, Juan Manuel Molina, Christopher Alton Gipson
  • Patent number: 8584334
    Abstract: The invention discloses a widening device and a method for applying label sleeves on objects. The inner diameter of the label sleeve is smaller than a diameter of a perimeter of the objects on which the label sleeve is to be applied. The widening device had four articulated widening jaws which engage an inner surface of the label sleeve. The third widening jaw and the fourth widening jaw are movably arranged between the first widening jaw and the second widening jaw. An articulated support carries the third widening jaw and the fourth widening jaw, wherein the articulated support is made up of a first and a second movable lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Hermann Solleder, Bernd Braatz
  • Patent number: 8584503
    Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for coupling a pipe with a connector or fitting. The crimping tool includes a first jaw having a opening on one side. The opening has a first slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of a pipe connector. A second jaw is operably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw having a semi-cylindrical surface on one side with a second slot disposed therein. The semi-cylindrical surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of the pipe connector. The first jaw and second jaw are moveable between a first position and a second position, the semi-cylindrical surface being arranged at least partially within the opening when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rostra Tool Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Steiner, Joseph Krzyzanski
  • Patent number: 8578589
    Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to a tubing attachment tool. The tubing attachment tool includes first and second frames pivotally joined to one another such that the first and second frames can pivot to an open position and a closed position. Each of the first and second frames have a first handle end and a second end distal to the first handle end with each second end including a tubing grasping element. Each tubing grasping element includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface. When the first and second frames are in a closed position the first curved surfaces of the tubing grasping elements are aligned adjacent to one another and the second curved surfaces of the tubing grasping elements are aligned adjacent to one another such that the first curved surfaces define a first opening capable of housing an open end of tubing for attachment and the second curved surfaces define a second opening capable of grasping a portion of tubing inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: CreatiVasc Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Frank V. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8458877
    Abstract: An air hose removal device for removing a hose from a push-to-connect (quick connect push-in) fitting comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The device comprises a generally planar rigid upper fork located on a second lever arm anterior end having a “V” shaped notch. The device comprises a generally planar rigid lower fork mount located on a second lever arm anterior end having a slot that runs longitudinally with respect to the plane of operation of the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The device comprises a rigid lower fork attachment with a “V” shaped notch and a threaded stud located on a lower fork attachment bottom surface that further comprises a mated internally threaded knob. The lower fork attachment comprises a monolithic “vee” block located on a lower fork attachment top surface having a groove located in the “vee” block top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Edgardo A. Falconette
  • Patent number: 8448318
    Abstract: A tool and a method for removing a cord plate or junction box from a surface of a photovoltaic laminated module, that is to be refitted, scrapped or recycled includes a first and a second arm of a clamp mechanism, that can operate like a claw, positioned on opposing sides of the cord plate, at the interface between the cord plate and the module surface. The arms can be pinched together to bring the moving arm closer towards the fixed arm, to apply an upward pressure that breaks the bond between the cord plate and the module surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8418372
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for use with irrigation systems. The tool may be used for connecting and removing sprinkler fittings for drip systems. The irrigation tubing may be held between the rotatable tool jaws located near the ends of coextensive members of the tool, allowing a user to easily install or uninstall sprinkler fittings from the irrigation tubing. The tool provides a cutter to accurately sheer the irrigation tubing while it is securely held in place in through holes located in the coextensive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: William B. Risley, Sr., Margaret J. Risley
  • Patent number: 8407885
    Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the operation of a hand-held pliers-type crimping tool, including a pair of pivotally connected handles for displacing a pair of crimping dies between open and closed crimping positions, a support seat connected with one of the handles for supporting at least one plug terminal between the crimping dies, a transport tool for transporting a plug terminal to a seated position on the support seat, and a counter arrangement on the transport tool for producing a signal that is a function of the number of displacements of the handles from the open position toward the closed position. The transport tool includes a housing, an electronic circuit including a counter mounted in the housing, a transport pin extending from the housing for insertion within one end of a hollow plug terminal, and a signal transmitting pin parallel with the transport pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Dierks, Guenther Hanning
  • Patent number: 8407875
    Abstract: A tool for fastening fencing material to a post with a staple. The tool includes a base plate; first and second handles; first and second crimping arms, and a cam operatively engaged with the first handle. A slide is operatively engaged with the cam. The first and second handles and the first and second crimping arms are pivotally interconnected and attached to the base plate so that when the first and second handles are pivoted towards one another from an open position, the cam advances the slide, which advances the staple so that the crimping arms may crimp the staple to the fence post. A method for attaching the staple to a fence post is also described and claimed. An inventive staple is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Bryce N. Gray, Dennis L. Wheeler, Vance T. Countryman, Paul A. McBride, Russell R. Myers, Cody S. Curtis, David W. Allan, Ryan A. Lingmann
  • Patent number: 8393063
    Abstract: A tool for spreading disc brake pads and compressing pistons of a disc brake caliper assembly includes a manually operated handle to drive a rod attached to a pusher plate. An arm assembly also connects the back end of the drive rod to the pusher plate. The plates thus extend in cantilever fashion from the drive rod and may be maintained in alignment by the arm assembly which also serves to reinforce the cantilever arrangement of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Hodges, Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 8347471
    Abstract: Snap ring pliers include first and second pivotal levers wherein the first lever has a first jaw and a first handle and the second lever has a second jaw and a second handle; a biasing member interconnecting the handles; and a ratchet mechanism comprising a curved ratchet rack having one end secured to an end of the second handle and the other end proximate an end of the first handle; a sliding member secured to the end of the first handle and comprising a projection at one end, and a channel with the other end of the ratchet rack moveably disposed therein; a lock member having one end pivotably secured to the projection and comprising a protrusion at the other end; and a pawl member on the lock member and having one end secured onto the projection, the pawl member comprising a lock hole with the protrusion locked therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yuan Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20120284983
    Abstract: A hand operated crimping tool comprising a body arranged between a distal end and a proximal end of the crimping tool, a tool head arranged distally on the crimping tool, and handles arranged proximally on the crimping tool, which handles are movably arranged in relation to each other, where at least one handle is movably arranged in relation to the body, where two crimping dies between which at least one workpiece is to be crimped form a die pair, and where the relative movement of the tool handles is connected to the relative movement of crimping dies forming at least one die pair. The crimping tool comprises at least three crimping dies, the crimping dies forming at least two die pairs, where the distances between the respective crimping dies in at least two die pairs are further arranged adjustable independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: John Hutchfield, Niklas Jonasson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120260481
    Abstract: A hand operated crimping tool comprising a body arranged between a distal end and a proximal end of the crimping tool, a tool head arranged distally on the crimping tool, and handles arranged proximally on the crimping tool, where at least one handle is pivotally arranged, and where the relative movement of the tool handles is connected to the relative movement of crimping dies, between which crimping dies at least one workpiece is arranged to be crimped. The tool head comprises a main head part and a pivotable head part, where the movement of the pivotally arranged handle(s) is connected to the movement of the pivotable head part via the body and a mechanism, whereby the pivotable head part of the tool head is movable between an open head position and a closed head position depending on the relative position of the tool handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: John Hutchfield, Lars Olov Persson, Niklas Jonasson
  • Patent number: 8286954
    Abstract: One embodiment of a locking pliers includes a first stationary jaw carrier comprising a first jaw at one end; a second stationary jaw carrier comprising a second jaw at one end; a bent first handle integrally formed with the first stationary jaw carrier; a bent second handle joined the first handle at a spring-actuated pivot joint and engaged with the other end of the second stationary jaw carrier; a self-adjusting locking unit disposed between the first and second handles and comprising a spring-actuated release lever; a locking assembly comprising a slide bar having one end fixedly secured to the other end of the second stationary jaw carrier and the other end inserting into a portion of the second handle between the pivot joint and the other end of the second stationary jaw carrier, and a spring-actuated release lever member lockingly put on the slide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Bo Ren Zheng
  • Patent number: 8266775
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method is provided for installing clamps. The system comprises pliers and an awl. The pliers have a pair of bifurcated jaws, each jaw generally narrow and of substantially equal width and thickness. A first jaw is pivotally mounted in relation to a second jaw such that spaces between furcations of the jaws substantially align as the jaws open and close. The distance between the jaws is adjustable, and the jaws can be releasably locked in position. The clamp is placed around a structure and an elongated shaft of the awl is passed through holes in ears of the clamp. The jaws compress the ears. The shaft is bracketed by the furcations of the jaws. The awl is removed, and a fastener inserted through the holes in the ears and secured to the clamp. At least five clamps can be secured together using just one bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Phillip E. Bentley, Jay J. Stanford
  • Patent number: 8234764
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool that makes prying possible without need of a lever point. The tool comprises a pair of handles pivotally connected at an intermediate pivot joint, each handle comprising a gripping section, an intermediate section and a front tip section all located on a same side of the pivot joint such that movement of the gripping sections towards each other spreads the front tip sections apart. The pivot joint, situated between intermediate handle sections, includes a substantially circular pivot pin on a substantially planar base and a protective cover for situating over the pivot pin and further rotationally joining both handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Wracker
  • Publication number: 20120151770
    Abstract: The present invention provides a truss assembly apparatus and method for coupling truss members. The apparatus comprises a first lever and second lever joined at a joint mechanism. The first lever comprises a handle at one end and a first head at another end. The second lever also comprises a handle at one end and a second head at another end. The second head further comprises a second tip for engaging a head of a truss pin. Additionally, the first head comprises a first tip which is substantially curved in profile and capable of both receiving and supporting the walls of a truss member. The first tip further comprises an opening such as a slot allowing for at least the tip of the pin to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBAL TRUSS AMERICA, LLC
    Inventor: Charles J. Davies
  • Patent number: 8156626
    Abstract: A tab removal device for efficiently and securely removing tabs from objects such as soda or beer cans. The tab removal device generally includes a handle and a trigger member which are pivotally secured to each other in a crossing manner by a pivot member. A bias member is provided which compresses when the trigger member is activated and will act to revert the trigger member to its original position absent force. A horizontal member is attached to the handle by a fastener and acts to house a clamp member, which includes teeth at its second end. The horizontal member will also include a frontal opening for insertion of the tab of a can. The trigger member will generally include teeth at its second end which, when activated, will compress and grip the tab of the can against the teeth of the clamp member and pull the tab off the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dale E. Doty
  • Patent number: RE49586
    Abstract: Method for performing spinal correction surgery. The method includes creating at least one access opening in a patient, and implanting a plurality of anchor devices through the at least one access opening onto a plurality of corresponding vertebral bodies. Each anchor device has a channel defined therein. The method further includes disposing a tether into the channel of each of the plurality of anchor devices. A first end portion of the tether is secured to a first of the plurality of anchor devices. Additionally, the method includes translating the vertebral body corresponding to the selected anchor device using a pusher tool. Furthermore, the method includes applying a tension to the tether using a tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals For Children
    Inventors: Amer Samdani, Randal R. Betz