Means Comprising Hand Manipulatable Tool Patents (Class 29/270)
  • Patent number: 7434302
    Abstract: A replacement device for clamping heads comprises a plurality of clamping jaws and is provided with pivoting parts, which are pivotably mounted on a carrier. The pivoting parts extend essentially in the axial direction of the device and can engage in holes on the clamping jaws. A radially active force applying device pushes the pivoting parts outwards, causing the clamping jaws connected thereto to be pressed together. In this way, the clamping head can be used in a housing or a machine-tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Hainbuch GmbH Spannende Technik
    Inventor: Wilhelm Hetschel
  • Patent number: 7409755
    Abstract: A tool useful for engaging and pivoting the rocker arm of an internal combustion engine in order to enable removal of a push rod from the engine by virtue of positioning the rocker arm in a manner that disengages the rocker arm from the push rod includes a pair of bifurcated arms which fit on opposite sides of the rocker arm and further includes cross members connecting the bifurcated arms which engage the rocker arm in a manner that facilitates manual rotation of the tool and the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley T. Smith, Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 7404245
    Abstract: A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, James H. Strickland
  • Publication number: 20080168641
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suspension damper removal tool for removing a shock absorber from a suspension assembly of a vehicle. The removal tool includes a base and a projection. The base includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion has at least one mounting hole for mounting the removal tool to at least one lug bolt of a hub assembly. The projection extends outwardly from the second end portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Cao
  • Patent number: 7373709
    Abstract: A method of installing a threaded fastener from one side of a hole through a substrate. The fastener includes a collar and a bolt having a head, a threaded tail portion and a tool engagement portion extending from the tail. The method includes: (a) engaging the tool engagement portion with a bolt engagement portion of a tool (b) passing the bolt through to the far side of the hole and supporting it there by way of the tool, (c) passing the collar through the hole while supporting it with the tool; (d) assembling the bolt and collar to form the threaded fastener having a head larger than the hole; (e) engaging a nut to tighten the fastener; and (f) detaching the tool from the fastener. Separation of the bolt engagement portion and the tool engagement portion is prevented by a moveable member, which engages both portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: GEF Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Saman Fernando, Jianwen Wang, Hugh Richard Coleman
  • Patent number: 7367098
    Abstract: A tool for removing a protection strip of car comprises mainly a handle, a stem part and a shovel blade; the stem part has an elongate straight rod with a S-shaped plate at one end thereof; the outer end of the S-shaped plate at one end thereof; the outer end of the S-shaped plate has a wider part wided together with the shove blade; the shovel blade is a L-shaped plate including two symmetrical triangle plates; the outer ends of the two triangle plates each has an edge part; when the tool is used for removing a protection strip of a car, the edge part of a plate of the L-shaped angle is set in contact with the protection strip, and is pushed with a pressure; in that case, the adhesive under the protection strip can be cut and removed easily and quickly; simultaneously, the space between the S-shaped plate and the plate part can be used for providing a guide function to the cut pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Double Dynasty Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 7353588
    Abstract: A rotor blade installation tool for coupling a plurality of rotor blades to a rotor disc wherein each rotor blade extends from the rotor disc to a radially outer blade tip is provided. The tool includes a blade engagement end configured to engage the plurality of rotor blades between the rotor disc and the radially outer blade tip where said blade engagement end comprises an engagement top surface, at least one brace coupled to said blade engagement end at a first end of said at least one brace, and a guide end coupled to a second end of said at least one brace where said guide end comprises a body including a guide end top surface positioned above said engagement top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harold Keith Crain, Gregory Edmond Andruskevitch, Daniel Eugene Wieprecht
  • Patent number: 7343658
    Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NTT Infrastructure Network Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Minayoshi, Masato Ushiroyama, Hitoshi Shoji
  • Patent number: 7337515
    Abstract: An device for breaching an outwardly opening door and methods for use thereof. The device combines a serrated blade for penetrating the crevice between a door and a doorjamb and an extendable handle with a ratcheting mechanism allowing the operator to remain out of the line of fire when breaching the door. The device may also be used by a single operator by initially driving the blade between the door and doorjamb via a hammering function involving the retraction of the extendable handle combined with the weighted block and thrusting force applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Breaching Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darron Phillips, Jeff Wright, Craig Staff
  • Patent number: 7338101
    Abstract: A unique, new and useful structure and method is provided for effectively and efficiently engaging and manipulating a crossover tube of a gas turbine. The tool is manipulated to a gripping position in which it securely engages the spring loaded locks of a crossover tube while applying a reaction force to a portion of the burner basket that is associated with the crossover tube, so that manipulating the handle manipulates the crossover tube that is engaged by the tool. A preferred version of the tool has specially designed structure for coupling a handle with the gripper and follower structure such that the tool can effectively and efficiently reach and manipulate crossover tubes that are in particularly difficult to reach areas of a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Mario I. Quiroz
  • Publication number: 20080047124
    Abstract: An apparatus for confining in a fastening member articles resting on a surface including a housing with a cavity for holding an open fastening device and a control arm linked to first and second members, the control arm being movable between a start position and an end position to successively actuate the first and second members. The first member is adapted to contain and lift the article into position to await delivery of the open fastening device and the second member is adapted to deliver the open fastening device to the article and to close the fastening device to confine the article. In one important embodiment, the first member is also adapted to raise the apparatus away from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Peter G. Mangone
  • Patent number: 7322085
    Abstract: A portable hose fitting insertion apparatus and method. The apparatus can be hand held and operated in areas such that hose repairs can be made without removal of the hose. A friction operated ratcheting mechanism is preferably used to drive a shaft forward. A pad is preferably disposed on an end of the shaft and pushes on an outer surface of the fitting. A clamping mechanism is preferably disposed on a terminal portion of the apparatus and holds an end portion of a hose in place while a fitting is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Joel Kent Benson
  • Patent number: 7322088
    Abstract: Tool includes a fixed handle and a movable, lockable handle. A working end of the tool includes an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw. A passage may be provided in one or both of upper and lower jaws. A sealing device may be provided in the upper jaw, the sealing device being disposed adjacent to the passage. Lower jaw may likewise include a passage therein. In use, an elongated object such as a tube may be inserted into the passage in the lower jaw and then into the passage in the upper jaw adjacent the sealing device. When the lower jaw is engaged with the upper jaw, the lower jaw compresses the sealing device and sealingly engages the sealing device, the passage, and the tube disposed therein. In that manner, a seal is achieved. In the case where an opening having a coupling is fluidly connected to the upper jaw, a sealed, fluid connection may be established between the coupling on the upper jaw and the tube engaged by the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Sullivan, Justin Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7310867
    Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during manufacture and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. A special installation tool is used to pull the gasket from an initially deformed, elliptical shape to a normal cylindrical shape. The installation tool uses only one fluid cylinder for power and can be hand installed and operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford G. Corbett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7290305
    Abstract: A cleaning pad insertion tool for facilitating coupling of disposable cleaning wipes onto a head of an electrostatic mop by inserting a portion of the disposable cleaning wipe into a grip assembly of the electrostatic mop, and method of use therefore. The cleaning pad insertion tool includes an elongate member adapted for pressing a portion of a disposable cleaning wipe into at least one grip assembly on a head of an electrostatic mop; a clip portion operationally couplable to a handle of the electrostatic mop for selectively receiving the elongate member when not in use; and a tether member couplable to the elongate member and the a handle of the electrostatic mop for inhibiting loss of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Doreen M. Auchmoody
  • Patent number: 7275318
    Abstract: A spring fixture (1) is provided for quickly installing or uninstalling a coil spring (36) in or from an electrical connector (3). The fixture includes an operation member (11) having a generally cylindrical handle (12) at an end thereof and an action member (16) assembled on an opposite end of the operation member by a screw cap (18). The action member defines a recess (1620) thereby forming a semi-circular bottom wall (1622) and a semi-circular inner wall (1624). During installing or removing the spring, the spring is received in the recess and surrounded by the inner wall. A method of using the fixture to install and remove the spring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Jang Chu, Hsiu-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 7275293
    Abstract: A fuel line assembly tool and method for repairing or creating replacement fuel lines. An exemplary embodiment of this tool uses a squeeze operated plunger to insert a fitting into a length of synthetic flexible tubing by holding the parts and plunger in alignment for accurate and direct insertion. Another exemplary embodiment uses specially adapted fittings assembled in a kit for use in creating replacement fuel lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: S.U.R. & R. Auto Parts Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wathey
  • Publication number: 20070209204
    Abstract: A process for assembling a rigid fitting to a flexible or elastic tube or hose within one of a portable, hand-held and/or mountable assembly device, including the steps of slip-fitting the fitting within a pusher member of the device that includes a torque-producing source capable Of converting input power into linear motion force; b. temporarily restraining a hose open end within the assembly device and; activating the torque-producing source to linearly advance the pusher member and fitting, relative to the restrained hose end, for physically inserting the fitting into the hose open end. Additional steps include: retraction of the pusher member and releasing the now-assemble hose and fitting assembly from the assembly device. Product-by-process claims and article claims, pertaining to the assembly device used in the process for assembling, are also set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel J. Chase, Jeffrey J. Blake, William C. Fisher, Garrett C. Humphrey, Gregory W. Watson, Benjamin M. Trace, Michael R. Swails
  • Patent number: 7263765
    Abstract: A bearing alignment and insertion tool wherein a gimble bearing must be rotatably aligned with a grease fitting during insertion. The tool utilizes an alignment shaft with a cylindrical mounting sleeve slidably positioned thereon. A mounting plate secures the tool to the engine's bell housing allowing incremental advancement of the shaft there against. The shaft is keyed to the cylindrical sleeve advancing same against the bearing for proper insertion and seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas F. Smith, Craig Nentwick
  • Patent number: 7249752
    Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed for extracting a fastener from a material. The hand tool includes a pair of elongate members joined by a pivot to form a pair of jaws and a pair of handles. The pair of jaws are operated by moving the pair of handles relative to one another, and have teeth adapted for gripping a portion of the fastener. Each of the elongate members is curved longitudinally in a plane including an axis of the pivot such that when the fastener is gripped in the pair of jaws, a force applied to the handles tends to extract the fastener from the material while minimizing damage to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Foley
  • Patent number: 7240413
    Abstract: A process for producing a clutch friction plate in which a plurality of friction material segments are bonded to an annular flat face of an annular core plate so that oil channels are formed between the segments, the process including: a step of forming a plurality of strip-shaped friction materials by cutting a band-shaped friction material along its longitudinal direction; a step of aligning and holding portions, corresponding to the segments, of leading edge parts of the materials in positions above the core plate while positioning the portions in the peripheral direction and in the direction along one diameter of the core plate; a step of forming the segments by cutting off the leading edge parts of the materials positioned above the core plate along a cutting-off line that includes at least an arc line that follows the outer periphery of the core plate, and a step of pressing and bonding the segments onto the face coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kensuke Oguri, Tsutomu Tsuboi, Akihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7191504
    Abstract: A universal bushing tool for removing bushings of various diameters from machine assemblies is disclosed. The present tool comprises a handle, a plurality of interchangeable handle extensions, a plurality of sets of interchangeable wedge segments, and a plurality of interchangeable pilot studs which are mechanically attached to the handle extension. In a method of the present invention, a set of wedge segments is selected based on the diameter of bushing to be removed. Next, a handle extension of an appropriate length is selected based on location and access to the bushing. Next, a pilot stud of an appropriate diameter for the size of the wedge segments to be used for removing the bushing is selected. Thereafter, the wedge segments are arranged at 90° intervals about the pilot stud and captured between the pilot stud and the handle extension and tightened retaining the wedge segments in a disc-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Charron
  • Patent number: 7185409
    Abstract: A tool installs barb emitters in irrigation tubing. The tool has a cradle which receives irrigation tubing and a punch mounted opposite the cradle. The punch has a first cylinder and a second cylinder telescopically received within the first cylinder. The first cylinder has a cap at the upper end and an annular ring extending inwardly from to partially occlude the lower end. The second cylinder includes a second cap at the upper end which slidably engages the first cylinder and is resiliently urged by a spring against the annular ring. The cap has a punch holder extending downwardly therefrom. A needle has a sharp tip extending downwardly from the punch holder through the second cap to a point within the second cylinder when the spring is fully extended and beyond the second cylinder when the spring is fully compressed. One of the jaws has a knife blade extending from the other end thereof opposite. The of the jaws defines a semi-circular concave anvil at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Myers
  • Patent number: 7174667
    Abstract: A tool to facilitate the removal of a barrel bushing on a handgun such as the 1911 automatic pistol. The tool has a handle which foldably receives a wrench having an aperture conforming to the shape of bushing. In the extended position, the wrench is provided with ridges or serrations to frictionally engage the fingers or hands of the user. Additional accessory items such as knife blades or other tools may be foldably secured to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Pete Connal
  • Patent number: 7174615
    Abstract: A screw holder for securing a screw having a longitudinal shank and a central axis, a spindle adjoining the front end of the shank and having a bore therethrough flush with a groove, configured and dimensioned for receiving an elastic component to secure a screw into a steady position while turning the screw in or out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Romano Mark, Philipp Büscher
  • Patent number: 7155791
    Abstract: A connecting rod cap separator system comprising a housing having a pair generally side components each with an inside face and an outside faces adapted to fit inside the circular aperture of a connecting rod; a pair of support screws; an activation shaft with a threading and a crank lever; and a pair displacing wedges each having a pair of sloped faces and apertures extending there through. The apertures are adapted to receive the activation shaft such that when the activation shaft is rotated by the crank lever in one direction, threading of a displacing wedge draw the wedges closer together thereby displacing the side components of the housing outwardly to an expanded state, and when the activation shaft is rotated by the crank lever in the opposite direction, threading of a displacing wedge expands the wedges away from each other thereby contracting the side components of the housing inwardly to the contracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Foster
  • Patent number: 7114233
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the separation and removal of an engine cover from a sealing surface on an engine. The engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the deformation of an engine cover during its removal and allows for its potential reuse. In addition, the engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the damage to the sealing surfaces between the engine cover and the engine that may occur during an engine cover removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Lynn Wyrick, Billy Wayne Overman, Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 7065855
    Abstract: The invention provides an installation tool for use with a battery operated drill or a corded electric drill for repetitive installation of caulk-in anchors. The installation tool utilizes the mechanical advantage of a threaded shaft to improve consistency of the holding reliability of the caulk-in anchor and controls the anchor setting process to insure proper installation while reducing installation time. The installation tool does not rely on bottom setting or a hammer strike to set the anchor, but can be set at a depth independent of hole depth. In one embodiment, the tool can be used with a through hole in the substrate and uses a combination of a threaded shaft and a controlled sensing spring to insure a more uniform installation of the anchor within the substrate across the entire length of the sleeve portion of the anchor, along with a visual check of proper setting of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Janusz
  • Patent number: 7039993
    Abstract: A tool for pulling or removing seals includes an elongate handle having a manual engagement end and a seal hook member attachment end with a seal hook member pivotally attached to the seal hook member attachment end. The seal hook member includes at least one hook element and a mechanism for pivotally adjusting and fixing the pivotal relationship of the seal hook member with the elongate handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Smith, Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 6976297
    Abstract: A wrench for an engine clutch of a radio control model includes a handle having a receiving space longitudinally defined in the handle. A control unit is rotatably mounted in the receiving space, and includes a first end formed with a press portion and a second end formed with a hook. The press portion presses a centrifugal lever of the engine clutch when mounting and the hook engages to the centrifugal lever when detaching. A drive unit is pivotally mounted to one end of the handle and corresponds to the press portion. The drive unit includes a hole defined in a free end thereof for receiving an input shaft of the engine clutch. A partition is securely laterally attached to the drive unit and has a separation extending therefrom. The separation is provided for easily detaching/mounting a torsion spring of the engine clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Nai Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 6964092
    Abstract: A cutting edge cart is disclosed that provides an improved means for replacing the replaceable cutting edges on bladed equipment such as road graders and snow plow. The cart allows a single user to retrieve, transport, and position a replacement cutting edge relative to a mold board of the bladed equipment. Generally, the cart contains a frame, two or more transport assemblies attached to the frame, such as wheels, a movable carrier assembly that contains a cutting edge support assembly, and an adjuster. The adjuster is operable to move the carrier assembly between first and second positions relative to the frame allowing the vertical position of a supported cutting edge to be adjusted. The frame and transport assemblies are disposed such that the cart may be rotated or pivoted from a first generally vertical position to a second generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Blade Lift, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Lorenz, Donald W. Quam
  • Patent number: 6957478
    Abstract: A tool for disconnecting the air and electrical connections between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station includes a handle and a forked portion. A spring-mounted push bar extends away from the handle and abuts the electrical connection socket of the trailer. A lifting lug on one of the prongs of the forked portion of the tool lifts the hinged plate away from the trailer's electrical connection. The tool is placed around the electrical connection adjacent the trailer and is pushed upward until it engages the trailer plug. The handle is then pushed towards the trailer, forcing the plug on the motor vehicle away from the socket. Projections extending from the forked portion of the tool can be used to engage the air line connectors between a motor vehicle and a trailer or a utility hookup station to separate the air lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Ontiveros
  • Patent number: 6941628
    Abstract: The invention comprises tools for forming beads on one or more filaments using a malleable material for the bead. The tools exert bead-forming forces radially inward toward the filament and axially along the filament toward the center of the bead. The tools comprise pliers with jaws which meet flush with each other over at least a portion of the jaw face. Aligned cavities are formed in each jaw face wherein each cavity's dimension across the jaw face is less than the width of the jaw face. Grooves, aligned generally transverse to the width of the jaw face provide a filament-receiving channel between the cavity and the edge of the jaw face. Malleable material encompassing the filament is aligned between the aligned cavities and the jaws are closed. The radial force of the cavity walls on the malleable material deforms the malleable material radially and the walls of the cavity exert a force axially to form a bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Josephine Ann Silverfox
  • Patent number: 6941632
    Abstract: There is provided a variable pressure roller system for installing a preform having contact surfaces onto a configuration of a mold surface by applying pressure thereon. The roller system of the present invention comprises a roller carriage. A grasping handle may be mounted to the roller carriage. Moreover, the roller system may further comprise a plurality of rollers, wherein each respective one of the plurality of rollers is defined by a weight to generate a specific pressure corresponding thereto. Furthermore, each respective one of the plurality of rollers may be removably engageable to the roller carriage. Each respective one of the plurality of rollers may be adapted to uniformly distribute the specific pressure corresponding thereto on the contact surfaces for conforming the preform to the configuration of the mold surface when engaged to the roller carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, John Potter, Narciso Gonzales
  • Patent number: 6934972
    Abstract: A removable flat flexible disabling insert is disposed between interengaging members which are provided for registry with one another in opposed displaceable surface portions of adjustable shell portions of an adjustable helmet. The disabling insert prevents interengagement of the interengaging members but permits adjustable displacement of the shell portions. The disabling insert, when removed, permits engagement of the interengaging members. Particularly, but not exclusively, the insert is used with a hockey helmet having front and back adjustable shell portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Itech Sport Products Inc.
    Inventors: André Desjardins, Stephen Goodhand
  • Patent number: 6922888
    Abstract: An attachment for a tool used to attach and remove load break elbows and protective caps from bushings disposed on a transformer is provided. The tool attachment includes an elbow engaging member that is positionable around a load break elbow or cap fixed to a bushing. The engagement member is fixedly secured to a horizontal bar that includes a number of aligned openings extending through the bar. These openings are selectively alignable with a pair of openings disposed on a vertical bar to pivotally attach the vertical and horizontal bars to one another. The vertical bar also includes an opening through which a pulling eye on the elbow or cap can extend when the tool attachment is positioned on the elbow or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Speed Systems Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Barry, Todd K. Knapp
  • Patent number: 6920674
    Abstract: A stent container has a first wall at the proximal end and a second wall at the distal end. The first wall has an opening therethrough sized for receiving an uncrimped stent therethrough. The opening opens into a chamber which is reducible in size from a first enlarged size to a second reduced size. The chamber in the first enlarged size is sized for receiving an uncrimped stent therein. A plurality of bars extend from the first wall to the second wall. The bars are movable between a first position and a second position. The plurality of bars in the first position and the first and second walls define the periphery of the chamber in the enlarged size. The plurality of bars in the second position and the first and second walls define the periphery of the chamber in the reduced size. A stent disposed in the chamber may be reduced in size by reducing the chamber from the first enlarged size to the second reduced size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sally C. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6918179
    Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Curtis Randall, Thomas Stanley Truman, Daniel James Winarski, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 6889968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a general purpose clamping device. It comprises a straight shank with the lower end attached to a short cylindrical sleeve and a movable arm sliding over the shank. Feeding through the free end of the movable arm is a threaded rod with clamping pad and turning handle at the lower end and upper end respectively. The present invention is designed to hold a workpiece tightly, quickly and conveniently on the working surface of a table, workbench or machine tool. And the invention can be relocated easily over the workbench made of wood or metal, or over the working surface of a machine tool. Attachments are provided to enhance the functionality of the invention. A Y-axis attachment assembly is adapted to being slidably mounted on the straight shank to hold a second workpiece along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the vertical clamping direction of the multi-function clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 6880225
    Abstract: A tool for reattaching a leader pin assembly to the data tape of a data tape cartridge utilizes a base that snaps onto the cartridge body. The tool opens the door of the cartridge and the loose leader tape inside the cartridge is laid in an alignment channel. A leader pin is inserted into a set of receptacles over the tape, and a clip is inserted into a pocket within an arm on the tool. The tape is then folded and pulled down over the leader pin and held in the alignment channel with a finger of the user. The arm of the tool, which retains the clip, is then pivoted from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The clip snaps over a center section of the leader pin and the folded tape to form a leader pin assembly, thereby securing the tape in the leader pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. West
  • Patent number: 6857176
    Abstract: A device for assisting in the release of a tandem wheel locking pin from a locking rail of a semi-trailer is disclosed. In a basic embodiment, the device consists of a gripping plate which engages the locking pin release rod of the tandem unit, a helical spring, and a hook plate which engages a frame member of the tandem unit such that tension is maintained on the spring. By locking the brakes of the tandem unit and rocking the trailer, friction between the locking rail and the locking pin is released, and the tension of the spring can pull the pin, at least partially, from the locking rail. An alternate embodiment of the device includes a positioning assist pin which may be placed into the locking rail at the point at which the tandem unit is to be moved to aid in aligning the locking pins at a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: John Machado
  • Patent number: 6836942
    Abstract: A third hand stand also referred to as a tire jack for enabling a single person to position and hold the tire/wheel assembly in the proper position while replacing the tire/wheel assembly on the swing arm or frame a motorcycle. The tire jack comprises a tire support, a lever, a sleeve for connecting the tire support to the lever at a position offset from a longitudinal centerline of the tire support, wherein the tire support is oriented transverse to the lever. The tire jack is operated by positioning the tire support of the tire jack underneath the tire/wheel assembly and moving the lever such that the tire/wheel assembly is elevated and moved laterally until the tire/wheel assembly is properly aligned with the swing arm. The tire/wheel assembly is then attached to the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Oleski
  • Patent number: 6817075
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and/or dismounting hoses onto or from socket pieces (or operations of such a type) comprising a drive producing a linear driving motion including a power supply unit and a control unit for controlling the driving motion, a feed member adapted to be linearly driven by the drive, pivotally supported inserted plier halves the inner lever ends of which facing away from a socket piece are engaged by the feed member in order to pivot the inserted plier halves with their jaws against a hose disposed therebetween during a forward motion of the feed member, a bearing part supporting the inserted plier halves and adapted to be displaced in the direction of the feed member including a stop, and a counterstop connected to the feed member which, after a phase of the forward motion of the feed member required to clamp the hose in place between the jaws, hits upon the stop (13V, 13VI) while carrying along the bearing part through the remaining phase of the forward motion in order to advance the ins
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Kretzschmar
  • Publication number: 20040211047
    Abstract: A seal driving tool for use with sockets or like devices that are used to position seals. The driving tool may have multiple segments including a force receiving member, an extender and an adapter. All, some or one of these items may be used in accordance with the present invention. The seal driving tool affords extended socket life and flexibility of use situations to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Moushon, Gaylan W. Moushon
  • Patent number: 6792663
    Abstract: A biopsy forceps jaw device and method of assembling, comprising pivotally mounting to a single flat support having a single aperture a threaded, self-centering proximal end and a pointed distal end, an integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly having a cutting plane. The integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly pivots about a common axis within the single aperture allowing for rotation of the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly within the cuffing plane. A pair of actuating wires for moving the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly from a closed position to an open position is attached to the integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly. The threaded self-centering proximal end of the single flat support and the pair of actuating wires are inserted into a tubular member. The integrally connected non-metallic jaw assembly and the single flat support are centered within the tubular member through the threaded self-centering proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Jacek Krzyzanowski
  • Patent number: 6763560
    Abstract: A bucket spreading tool is disclosed for separating covers of adjacent turbine buckets, the tool includes: an arm for extending a head of the tool between adjacent turbine wheels and for positioning the head between the adjacent buckets of a wheel, wherein the head includes an attachment to an end of the arm and a forward portion having a front side surface shaped to engage a first bucket of said adjacent buckets, and a rear side surface shaped to engage a second bucket of said adjacent buckets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dwight McGee, Mike Tessier, Gary Senecal, Kiernan Francis Ryan
  • Patent number: 6725534
    Abstract: An extraction tip having first and second extraction segments. The first extraction segment is positioned at a distal end of the extraction tip and the second extraction segment is spaced therefrom. The first extraction segment includes an axial slot for transverse insertion of a stem portion of a pin and the second extraction segment is recessed from the first extraction segment to form a stepped surface between the first and second extraction segments. The second extraction segment is non-expandable to hold a head portion of the pin in abutment with the stepped surface so that the stepped surface pushes against the head portion to eject the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: George A. Schwartzbauer
  • Patent number: 6725533
    Abstract: A cable stripping tool for removing an outer protective jacket of a cable. The cable stripping tool is used to remove a pre-defined amount of the jacket in one rotation of the cable stripping tool. The cable stripping tool allows the rotation of the cable stripping tool by hand during jacket removal in tight areas, where other stripping tools are too difficult to use. The cable stripping tool includes a main body and a cutting blade. The main body includes a blade half and a clamping half. The main body is preferably made from a plastic material to lower production cost, but can be made from marry other types of materials. The blade half and clamping half are binged together by a hinge pin. An inside surface of each half together form a cable receiving area between each other to receive the cable, when the halves are mated and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lemco Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Roger M. Losinger
  • Patent number: 6722007
    Abstract: An electric cord connector kit is adapted for electrically connecting two electric cords together and includes a connector which is made of flexible material and a pinching device. The connector includes an insulating layer, a fastening member, which is enveloped in the insulating layer, having two spaced apart fastening arms adapted for receiving the two electric cords therebetween, and a plurality of protuberances integrally projected from inner peripheries of the fastening arms of the fastening member through the insulating layer. The pinching device is arranged to hold the connector in position and compress the connector in such manner that the protuberances are penetrated through sheaths of the electric cords so as to electrically connect two conducting wires of the electric cords via the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chia Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20040049903
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating element for the engaging and extraction of planar sub-assemblies, with a display element (7) in the operating lever (4), a front element for a planar sub-assembly with operating element and component support for accommodating planar sub-assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Koerber, Kurt Michael Schaffer, Ralf Behrens