Means Comprising Hand Manipulatable Tool Patents (Class 29/270)
  • Patent number: 11872677
    Abstract: A device for extracting a deeply embedded helical coil is provided. The device includes a shaft, the shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and a blade coupled to the distal end of the shaft, wherein the blade is configured to traverse into a mounting hole to engage the deeply embedded helical coil free of contact with a side of the mounting hole and wherein the deeply embedded helical coil is at least three to five thread pitches below a surface of the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jordan Leckey
  • Patent number: 11619040
    Abstract: A joist installation assisting device to assist with the installation of a joist on a ledger board or similar device. The joist installation assisting device being constructed of a durable material and being generally u-shaped, such that a pocket is formed for placement of a joist hanger, and then a joist therein. The joist installation assisting device further comprising an upwardly projected point for the quick accurate placement of the device upon the ledger board. The joist installation assisting device having a plurality of openings therethrough for attachment and detachment to the ledger board by anchoring devices. An adjustment mechanism member being positioned in a vertical y-dimensional axis to contact with the lower portion of the joist to allow for precise positioning in the y-dimensional axis prior to securing and installation of said joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Blain Stanke
  • Patent number: 11376997
    Abstract: An extendable safety belt guide with an outer body, an inner body, and a securing mechanism. Methods of guiding a safety belt through a child safety seat with the use of a safety belt guide that attaches to a safety belt and feeds the safety belt through a portion of a child safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Aubreynette Stewart
  • Patent number: 11364961
    Abstract: A method of installing a seat belt buckle that includes inserting the seat belt buckle into a rear end of a seat belt opening, such that an engagement slot of the seat belt buckle faces a front end of the seat belt opening. The method further includes engaging the engagement slot of the seat belt buckle with a seat belt tongue of a seat belt buckle installation jig and translating the seat belt buckle from an embedded position within the seat belt opening to an extended position with the seat belt buckle installation jig, wherein the seat belt buckle is nearer to the rear end of the seat belt opening in the embedded position than in the extended position. The seat belt buckle installation jig comprises a body comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, and the seat belt tongue is coupled to the first distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Britton, Joanna G. Palmerton, John Laden
  • Patent number: 11311976
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade changing apparatus. The blade changing apparatus includes a blade mounting and removal portion, which in turn includes: a holding portion that removably holds a circular base of a cutting blade; a moving support portion that supports the holding portion and moves the holding portion to a removal and mounting position at which an insertion hole in the blade faces a boss of a blade mount; and a coupling mechanism that couples the holding portion with the moving support portion such that the holding portion is freely tiltable with respect to the moving support portion. The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of elastic member pairs, each pair, while tensioning the holding portion in opposite directions, fixing the holding portion to the moving support portion. Forces acting from the elastic member pairs balance each other to thereby support the holding portion tiltably and aerially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuki Terada
  • Patent number: 11179835
    Abstract: In order for hydraulic disk brakes to function properly over time, associated brake pads are changed periodically. In order to exchange old brake pads for replacement brake pads, a disk brake may require pushing back the brake pistons within a brake caliper body in order to make room for installation of replacement pads. Current tools and methods typically require removal of a wheel from a vehicle, removal of a brake rotor from the wheel, and/or removal of the brake caliper body from a rotor. The presently disclosed caliper piston tool allows brake pads to be replaced without dismantling various components of the vehicle, resulting in significant time and cost savings as well as convenience for do-it-yourself and professional mechanics alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: FEEDBACK SPORTS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bretz, Dominic Lovely, William E. Allen, III
  • Patent number: 11084150
    Abstract: A tool for seating a wear liner into a first groove of a fan case of a gas turbine engine includes a body, a handle, and a first guide foot. The body includes a first end and a second end. The handle is connected to and extends from the body. The first guide foot is connected to and extends from the first end of the body. The first guide foot includes a first end connected to the body and a second end opposite from the first end of the first guide foot. The second end of the first guide foot is rounded and includes a chamfered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Freeman, Colin G. Amadon
  • Patent number: 11064648
    Abstract: The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer and improved brackets for mounting the same to a planter. The improved brackets allow for different mechanisms of mounting seed firmers to different locations on a planter. The brackets have portions for attaching and mounting to the planter, and a housing for accepting and securing the firmers. The brackets allow for better positioning of firmers on a planter, ease of mounting and/or replacement of firmers, and improved firmer functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: FloRite, Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Peter
  • Patent number: 11027387
    Abstract: A rotary table (10a) for a milling machine, comprising sensing means (30,32) configured to measure and/or calculate a clearance between two mating components of said rotary table (10a), and transmission means configured to transmit said measured/calculated clearance to a central processing unit. The mating components of the rotary table being a worm screw and a worm wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: NIKKEN KOSAKUSHO EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Rowan Robert Easter-Robinson, Nathan Ray
  • Patent number: 10781593
    Abstract: A metal locking and unlocking tool for conveniently locking and also unlocking in particular sheets of metal such as shingles. The metal locking and unlocking tool includes A rigid sheet of material having a handle and a working end portion for engaging, locking and unlocking an object such as a sheet of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: Tracy Ellingson, Bill Anderson
  • Patent number: 10759088
    Abstract: A cutting blade mounting method of sandwiching both side surfaces of an annular cutting blade by a first flange and a second flange, the first flange being mounted on an end of a spindle and having a suction hole sucking and holding a side surface of the cutting blade to a sandwiching surface of the first flange, includes: a cutting blade provisional holding step of sucking and holding the cutting blade to the first flange by making the cutting blade abut against the sandwiching surface of the first flange at a perfect circle position at which a center of the cutting blade coincides with an axis of the spindle, and making a suction force act on the suction hole; and a fixing step of fixing the cutting blade maintaining the perfect circle position in the cutting blade provisional holding step to the first flange by the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuma Sekiya
  • Patent number: 10710549
    Abstract: A seat belt pull through device for a car seat used in a vehicle. It allows an occupant, a child, to remain comfortably in a semi-erect or upright position while placed in a toddler or infant car safety seat. The device facilitates fast and easy installation of the car seat and connection of the car seat to the existing seat and shoulder belts already with the vehicle. It greatly simplifies the insertion of the vehicle belts through the car seat and removes the cumbersome and tiresome fishing of a limp belt through the tight, small openings in the car seat structure. The device includes an extended sheath with a hook and protector flaps to enable the vehicle belt to be inserted into a seat belt slot of the car seat, pushed through and removably connected to the seat belt system of the entire vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Angela Finney
  • Patent number: 10598020
    Abstract: A spanner nut for a bearing compartment of an engine with a bearing stack on a first shaft that rotates about an engine centerline includes a body, a piloting hook connected to the body, a first threaded portion, and a channel formed by the piloting hook. The piloting hook includes first and second extensions. The first extension is connected to and extends radially inward from the body. The second extension is connected to and extends in an axial direction from the first extension. The second extension includes a radially outward facing surface. The first threaded portion is configured to engage with a second threaded portion on the end of the first shaft. The channel is configured to receive the end of the first shaft. The piloting hook is configured to draw the second extension radially outward as the spanner nut is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Armando Amador
  • Patent number: 10363563
    Abstract: An embodiment described herein provides for a system for removing or installing a grinder plate. The system includes a grinder plate having a disk shaped body which defines a central cylindrical aperture extending therethrough and a first one or more screw threads are defined in the central aperture. The system also includes a plate handling tool having an elongated body defining a second one or more screw threads on an external surface proximate the first end. The first one or more screw threads of the plate are configured to mate with the second one or more screw threads of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Roger Norberg, Ricky Hall, Gary Novak, Nathan Kodesh
  • Patent number: 10190495
    Abstract: A disclosed gas turbine engine includes a compressor section including a first compressor disposed axially forward of a second compressor, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section and a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor. The turbine section includes a first turbine driving the first compressor and a second turbine driving the second compressor. An inner shaft defines a driving link between the second compressor and the second turbine and an outer shaft defines a driving link between the first compressor and the first turbine. The inner shaft and the outer shaft are concentric about a common axis of rotation. A bumper is disposed on the inner shaft within an axial region common to an aft portion of the outer shaft for accommodating interaction between the inner and outer shafts during high load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Pedro Laureano, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 10183386
    Abstract: A blind hole puller kit includes a plurality of different sized collets, a plurality of pins, an adapter, and a pulling device. The pins have differently sized first ends corresponding to the collets, and second ends that include a common mounting interface receivable in the adapter. A pin corresponding to a desired collet is configured to be mounted via it mounting interface into the adapter to form an actuating device. The actuating device, via an external thread of the adapter, is configured to be threaded into an internal thread of the collet to actuate tines of the collet to grip the inner surface of a hole to be pulled. An end of the adapter opposite the pin is configured to be mounted to the pulling device, whereby the pulling device can be operated to pull the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Corday T. Peterson, Erol Zeren, Lonnie Bartsch
  • Patent number: 10118447
    Abstract: A tool is configured to install a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor in a tire rim of a vehicle tire. The tool includes a lever having a rotational movement about a rotational axis; a cam selectively coupled to the lever; and a push pin selectively coupled to the cam. The cam translates the rotational movement of the lever into a liner or translational movement of the push pin. The linear or translational movement is effective to impact or move a roll pin of a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensor disposed at the tool, such that portions of the TPM sensor or pushed through an opening in a tire rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Martin Jankowski
  • Patent number: 10010411
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing a transcatheter heart valve system. The device includes a housing, sealing apparatuses and a port. The housing forms a chamber sized to receive a prosthetic valve and a portion of a delivery device. During use, the prosthesis is seated in the chamber, and the sealing apparatuses operated to seal the chamber about the delivery device. Air bubbles in a liquid delivered through the delivery device and to the chamber are removed from the system via the port, thereby flushing the system. Further, the device is manipulated to permit loading of the prosthesis into the delivery device in an air bubble-free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular Galway
    Inventor: Stephen Peter
  • Patent number: 9981352
    Abstract: The tool is designed to carried out maintenance operations on a bearing assembly comprising a bushing split into at least two shells; the maintenance tool comprises a device arranged to act on and rotate the bushing shells. In particular, the device comprises a slide and a pin; the slide has a hole transversal to its sliding direction and the pin is slidably mounted inside the hole and protrudes from the hole; in a first operating position the pin acts on a shell and in a second operating position the pin does not act on any shell. The method provides to rotate the bushing shells without rotating the supported shaft, and to carry out maintenance operations on a shell at a time while leaving the shaft supported by the other shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Srl
    Inventors: Massimo Bargiacchi, Tommaso Breschi, Leonardo Raugei, Michele Bogazzi
  • Patent number: 9333077
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing a transcatheter heart valve system. The device includes a housing, sealing apparatuses and a port. The housing forms a chamber sized to receive a prosthetic valve and a portion of a delivery device. During use, the prosthesis is seated in the chamber, and the sealing apparatuses operated to seal the chamber about the delivery device. Air bubbles in a liquid delivered through the delivery device and to the chamber are removed from the system via the port, thereby flushing the system. Further, the device is manipulated to permit loading of the prosthesis into the delivery device in an air bubble-free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular Galway Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Peter
  • Patent number: 9248559
    Abstract: Provided is a lens module assembly device for assembling a filter glass into a lens barrel of a lens module. The lens module assembly device includes a clipping element, a receiving element, and a pushing element. The clipping element includes a chamber configured for clipping the lens barrel. The receiving element extends from one end of the clipping element and includes a receiving portion for receiving a number of filter glasses. The receiving portion includes a resisting end received in the chamber and an entrance end away from the resisting end. The pushing element is inserted into the receiving portion through the entrance end until resisting against one of the filter glass. The pushing element pushes one of filter glasses out of the receiving portion into the lens barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chien-Chun Wang
  • Patent number: 9079757
    Abstract: A tool (100) is provided for use in uncapping a plurality of linearly-oriented, spaced-apart tubes; the tubes capped with a unitary closure device comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, linearly-oriented alternating caps and openings, each cap having a cap upper surface and being connected to at least one adjacent cap by at least two connecting structures, each of the at least two connecting structures having a connecting structure upper surface and a connecting structure lower surface, the at least two connecting structures and two adjacent caps forming a boundary of an opening. The tool comprises a body (30) having first portion (42) for engagement by a user and a second portion comprising a base (52) and a plurality of spaced-apart projections (60) extending there-from. Each projection is configured for releasably engaging one of the openings in the unitary closure device. Optionally, the first portion is configured in a non-coplanar relationship with respect to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jason W. Bjork
  • Patent number: 9063506
    Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface. Each prong may include an extension member extending perpendicular to the prongs and the cross-sectional area of the extension members may be less than the cross-sectional area of the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Static Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Dale Lewis, Donald R. Huck
  • Patent number: 9038253
    Abstract: A system for lifting a first casing section relative to a second casing section is disclosed. The system may generally include a guide member configured to be coupled to the second casing section so as to generally extend lengthwise in a lift direction of the first casing section and a sleeve member configured to be coupled to the first casing section. The sleeve member may be movably disposed on the guide member such that the sleeve member is displaced along a length of the guide member as the first casing section is lifted in the lift direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John William Herbold, Randall Stephen Corn, James Bradford Holmes, Charles V. Spanos
  • Patent number: 9021674
    Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Allen Hillukka, Huisun Wang, Valerie J. Glazier, Yousef F. Alkhatib, Jacob John Daly, Ralph Joseph Thomas
  • Patent number: 9021672
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of fasteners. The apparatus comprises a motor, a rotary drive shaft, a striker mechanism operable to convert rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion and a reciprocating shear blade shaped and sized to shear off fasteners or split materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff David Brown
  • Patent number: 9021673
    Abstract: A bayonet-connection-undoing device includes a projection configured for attachment to a hand so as to extend therefrom for depressing a pin to undo a bayonet connection. The device may have a finger ring to which the projection is attached, in which case the attachment to the hand can be made by wearing the ring on the hand, optionally the ring being disposed inside a hand glove, with the projection emerging from the glove. Alternatively or in addition, the device may further include sections of a pipe cleaner, the connection, and the pin which is configured for mutually fixing one of the sections to another. In this case, the depressing is down into a position at which the pin is retracted out of the connection and maintained, without need for the depressing, in a contracted state by relative movement of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Ray
  • Patent number: 9021686
    Abstract: An electrical device removal tool, such as for circuit breakers, that is lightweight, portable, and rugged for providing electrically operated controlled insertion and removal of electrical equipment by an operator from a remote location using a coupling device for engagement with the electrical equipment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Finley Lee Ledbetter, Ashley Sue Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20150113782
    Abstract: A disclosed archery fletching sleeve system and method of application and manufacture includes a fletching sleeve configured to frictionally fit onto an arrow shaft. The fletching sleeve defines glue application holes, slots, slits and channels or cavities on an inner surface thereof adjacent the glue holes to draw an applied glue therein via a capillary effect and/or an accordion bellows pumping effect. Additional slots and/or slits allow the sleeve to elastically stretch like an accordion to fit a wide range of arrow shaft diameters. The system also includes an application tool comprising two or more fingernail-like members configured to have a first end and a second end, the first end configured to have an inside arc and an outside arc orthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof, the outside arc configured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaft slid into the inside arc of the fingernail-like members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ben D. Blosser, Sean E. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9015917
    Abstract: A tool is provided for moving a first clamping or gripping member toward or away from a second facing clamping or gripping member, the tool having a double threaded drive shaft coupled to opposed threaded linkage driving members for causing the threaded linkage driving members to be driven toward or away from each other. As the threaded linkage driving members move closer, the resulting angle of the links becomes steeper, thus increasing the mechanical advantage of the clamping tool, enhancing clamping forces. A beneficial result is a clamping apparatus that requires less manual energy than a traditional clamp. Another beneficial result is provided if the same amount of energy is applied to the driveshaft as in a traditional clamp, the resulting clamping force is significantly higher. If the second clamping member is adjustable, it accommodates wide variations in thickness of an object positioned between the first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel A. Norton
  • Patent number: 8997323
    Abstract: A hand manipulatable tool for removing and replacing sprinkler heads threadably connected to an underground watering system employs a straight metal pipe component having outwardly flared portions at both extremities adapted to grip the sprinkler heads. A straight handle rod interactive with the pipe component facilitates unscrewing and lifting of the gripped sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: James R. Sanders, C. Duane Sanders
  • Patent number: 8984727
    Abstract: Actuator levers, collets and collet tools for use in process control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a tool for installing or removing a collet from an actuator lever. The example tool comprises a tool body and at least one of a plurality of inner-diameter threads, a plurality of outer-diameter threads, or a plate to removably couple the tool to at least one of an actuator lever or a collet. The tool is configured to apply a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the collet, a valve shaft, or an intervening structure to install the collet in or remove the collet from the actuator lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Jason Gene Olberding, Douglas James Boyd, Paul Andrew Day
  • Patent number: 8978223
    Abstract: An apparatus for curing cylindrical shaped elements having a liner, especially a liner of a rocket motor sleeve, where the cylindrical shaped elements are cured during rotation in a horizontal orientation. Horizontal rotation produces a liner with a substantially uniform thickness. The apparatus is mobile, compact, and has built-in robust safety mechanisms not compromised by the heat used to effect a cure. The cylindrical rollers are easily cleaned with minimal cross-contamination of one lot to another. Dripping of elastomeric materials from one assembly of rollers onto a stackable assembly of rollers below is eliminated. Each stackable assembly of rollers is independently controlled where each assembly is driven by its own motor, so rotation of one assemble does not affect another assembly of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Harry L. Archer, Jr., Peter A. Margiotta
  • Patent number: 8973234
    Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Valerie J. Glazier, Huisun Wang
  • Publication number: 20150033531
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an installation device having a plurality of pillars which are constructed and arranged to accept a passenger airbag housing; wherein at least one sensor or switch is attached to the installation device which may physically engage at least one tab during the installation process and which may provide electronic feedback of the installation results. A number of variations may include a method including placing a passenger airbag assembly having at least one lock feature onto an instrument panel chute having at least one tab feature; placing the installation device having at least one sensor or switch attached to it onto the passenger airbag assembly; pressing down on the installation device to engage the at least one lock feature with the at least one tab feature; and wherein the at least one sensor or switch provides electronic feedback of the installation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Kaphengst, Robert J. Scheuerman, Craig A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8944721
    Abstract: A gasket insertion apparatus and method for inserting a gasket between the adjoining faces of a flange assembly are provided. The gasket insertion apparatus includes a frame, a member and a wire. The frame has a first end, a second end and an inner gripping surface. The first and second ends have guides. The member has a first end portion attached to the frame and a second portion extending away from the frame. The wire is anchored to at least one of the frame and the member such that it movably adjusts within the guides and secures the gasket within the inner gripping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Flange Skillets International, LLC
    Inventor: Keith D. Field
  • Patent number: 8931156
    Abstract: A puller for removing a pulley off of the shaft is disclosed. The puller may have proximal and distal plates that are disposable around the pulley so that the pulley is disposed entirely between the proximal and distal plates. These plates are held together by frame members. A push rod is threadably engaged to a proximal plate and operative to be further inserted into the proximal plate so that a distal end of the push rod may push against the shaft and transfer a removing force through the puller to the backside of the pulley for removing the pulley off of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Jason Zimmer, Jason Edelman
  • Patent number: 8931154
    Abstract: The conveyor fastening tool is used for fastening first and second conveyor loop fasteners to each other and comprises first and second channels extending through a main body through which the first and second conveyor loop fasteners will pass. First and second lateral openings in the first and second channels allow the conveyor belt extremity sections to extend therethrough, outwardly of the first and second channels. First and second loop retaining members peripherally spaced about the first and second channels limit movement of the first and second conveyor loop fasteners orthogonally away from the first and second channels including preventing movement of the first and second conveyor loop fasteners out through the first and second lateral openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Lipper International Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Boucher, Andre Corriveau, Richard Drapeau
  • Patent number: 8925165
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oil seal removing tool including a pivotable hooking element and a location portion. The location portion has a slidable structure and an elastic element pressing against the slidable structure. The slidable structure is able to be engaged to the hooking element, and the elastic element pushes the slidable structure toward the hooking element. Moving the slidable structure can fix or release the engagement between the slidable structure and the hooking element. Thus, adjusting the working angle can be much easier and more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Jun Fan Chen
  • Patent number: 8925167
    Abstract: A faucet handle removal device allows a user to repair a faucet without causing damage to the faucet's handle or stem. The device includes a body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall and perimeter wall define an interior of the body. An interior edge of the top wall defines an access opening into the interior. A first void extends into the perimeter wall and a second void extends into the bottom wall. The first void is configured to receive the faucet handle and the second void is configured to receive the faucet stem. A screw is insertable into the access opening. The screw has a bottom end configured for positioning within a base of the handle wherein manipulation of the screw drives the screw downwardly into the handle and removes the handle from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Mannix B. Miller
  • Patent number: 8925364
    Abstract: A crimp cover closing tool is provided with a pair of curved force transmitting members joined at a fulcrum and forming opposed jaws. The jaws each have an angularly offset tip with interiorly disposed opposable spherical forming surfaces, a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm. The overall length of the tool is about 130 mm. The opposable spherical forming surfaces are spaced from the fulcrum by a distance of at least 30 mm. The tip of the forming tool has an angle of offset of about 30°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Nikhil Gupta
  • Patent number: 8918975
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid bladder removal from a support structure through an access opening includes a frame defining a central opening dimensioned to conform to the access opening, the frame having opposed first and second surfaces and adapted to removably mount inside the support structure around the access opening, and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to the first surface around the central opening. The apparatus is connected inside the support structure with the rollers extending away from and surrounding the access opening to facilitate passage of the fluid bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Stemit Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8918977
    Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a blind fastener joining at least two parts. The blind fastener includes, but is not limited to a body situated in the holes provided in the joined parts, with a head at each end thereof, and portions of which protrude above the level of the holes. The method also includes, but is not limited to withdrawing the accessible head of the fastener, and creating a hole that passes through the fastener. An insertion device is configured to restrain the remainder of the fastener in the hole, which has an elongated body having a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the hole and an expandable head at one end thereof The insertion device for restraining the remainder of the fastener being immobilised or capable of only limited movement relative to the joined parts, and expelling the remainder of the fastener from the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frédéric Chelin, Jacques LaLane
  • Patent number: 8904613
    Abstract: A power structure of a hydraulic tool contains a base including an outer thread section, a first passage, a second passage, a first hole, a second hole, and a first groove; a first connecting unit including a first tap, a first adapter, a first joint, and a first check nut; a second connecting unit including a second tap, a second adapter, a second joint, and a second check nut; a cylindrical tube including a receiving space, first external screws, first internal screws, and second internal screws; a first spindle including a first path and a second groove; a second spindle including a second path, two orifices, second external screws, third internal screws, and a third groove; a retaining loop; a fitting loop; a plug; a paw unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jung-Liang Hung
  • Patent number: 8898876
    Abstract: Barbed fittings having elongated bodies defining open ends and an internal fluid carrying passage interconnecting the ends are disclosed herein, with at least one end having a barb with a reduced outer diameter and/or taper angle to reduce the amount of insertion force necessary to install the fittings, thereby making the fittings easier to insert in conduit and/or other fluid carrying components. To also make the fittings easier to install, a barbed fitting insertion tool is disclosed having a body defining a fitting receptacle in a front portion of the body and a handle portion in the rear portion of the body for gripping and inserting fittings located in the fitting receptacle into conduit. The fitting receptacle having a locking mechanism for securing the fittings to the tool and preventing unintentional removal of same from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond P. Feith
  • Patent number: 8881357
    Abstract: A tool peels apart a sample weld between a top sheet and a bottom sheet of metal while the bottom sheet is held in a vise. The tool includes a wheel having a peripheral rim surface. A handle is attached to the wheel so that rotating the handle rotates the wheel. A clamping mechanism is mounted on the wheel and moves between an open position spaced from the peripheral rim surface and a closed position in which the clamping mechanism clamps the top sheet to the peripheral rim surface so that rotation of the wheel by the handle will progressively wrap the top sheet about the peripheral rim of the wheel and thereby forcibly peel the top sheet away from the bottom sheet to pull apart the weld between the top and bottom sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Lendway, IV, Gregory J. Zywicki, Mark D. Gugel, Mark T. Hall
  • Patent number: 8875369
    Abstract: A plug removal and/or installation system 400, which has a structural framework configured to support a removal assembly and that, allows approximately one axis motion of the removal device. The removal device is configured with a plug attachment device that is configured to pass through a lower framework structural opening. The structural framework is configured to movably self align so that the removal device exerts approximately a linear force on a plug 300 along an approximately single axis 335 parallel to a plug central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140318324
    Abstract: An apparatus and system comprises a pole having a top end and a bottom end. The top end is used adjacent a ceiling. The bottom end is used by an installer who is standing on the ground below the ceiling. The present invention is intended to be “modular,” the top and bottom ends being like-configured such that either end can be used as the top end or as the bottom end. Exemplary accessories are shown and described, each of which is disposed in a top end position. There are two types of accessory items contemplated by this invention. First, are fastening tools which are, for the most part, common utilitarian tools used with some sort of specific adapter and/or coupler. Second, there are proprietary accessories, which include offset couplings which can be used to drill and then impact or screw/torque a fastener into an aperture following drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Buchner, J. Reed Felton
  • Patent number: 8869372
    Abstract: A fastening device for preassembling structural members includes a hollow cylindrical body; a bearing ring provided at a proximal end of the hollow body and against which one of the structural members is intended to bear in a fastening position; a pulling threaded rod extending through the hollow body to be inserted into the structural members; a tightening means connected to the pulling threaded rod for maintaining the structural members against each other, the tightening means including a removable tubular end piece for mounting on a proximal threaded end of the pulling threaded rod that can be locally axially compacted under the action of a force applied on the pulling threaded rod in order to form a radial bead for sandwiching the structural members between the latter and the bearing ring; the fastening device including a sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lisi Aerospace
    Inventors: Etienne Luneau, Bastien Bellavia, Philippe Prot
  • Publication number: 20140315481
    Abstract: The present invention discloses adjustable air duct sealing systems for obstructing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Such systems may include an adjustable frame assembly configured to allow changes to a perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Systems may also include an actuator pole connector configured to attach the adjustable air duct sealing system to an actuator pole. Systems may include two or more support arms such that each support arm connects the actuator pole connector to the adjustable frame assembly and each support arm moveably connects to the actuator pole connector to allow the support arms to adjust to changes in the perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Some systems also include a sheet cover configured across the adjustable frame assembly to obstruct airflow through at least a portion of the adjustable frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: RICHARD COREY BREED, KURT HERLOFF PETERSEN