Work Gripper, Anvil, Or Element Patents (Class 29/283)
  • Patent number: 12102404
    Abstract: A bending mechanism includes: an elongated support member; a swivel that is pivotably connected to a distal end of the support member; a first link that can transmit a driving force applied at the proximal end, to make the swivel pivot with respect to the support member; a second link that can transmit a driving force applied at the proximal end, to make the swivel pivot with respect to the support member; and a connector that is provided on at least one of the first and second links and that can switch the coupled state of one of the first and second links when a pivoting angle of the swivel exceeds a threshold such that the permissible stress of the one of the links has become less than the permissible stress of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takayama
  • Patent number: 12037862
    Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving equipment from a wellbore of a subterranean well include an overshot housing having a central axis. The overshot housing is a tubular shaped member with a housing bore. An internal sleeve is located within the overshot housing. The internal sleeve is a tubular shaped member with a sleeve bore. The internal sleeve is axially moveable within the overshot housing. A catching net is located radially outward of the internal sleeve, within the overshot housing. The catching net moveable between a contracted position and an extended position. The catching net has a shorter axial length and a wider radial width in the contracted position than in the extended position. An anchoring assembly is located at a downhole end of the catching net. The anchoring assembly is actuable to releasably secure the downhole end of the catching net to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Benton Kelly, III, Ahmed Al-Ramadhan
  • Patent number: 11920347
    Abstract: A joist assembly system that is structured for dynamic retrieval of components, dynamic and precise positioning and location of retrieved components, assembly of the components to form a joist, and delivery of the assembled joist. The joist assembly system has a plurality of material handling systems, a plurality of welding systems, and a rigging table system. The material handling systems are structured to load and position the components such as chords and webs onto the rigging table. The rigging table in turn supports the chords or webs. Subsequently, the plurality of welding systems weld the webs to the chords to form the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Alan Freidenberger, Joseph Patrick Cagle, Christopher Ray Couch, Richard Thomas Erickson, Travis Marshall Fuhrman, John Lyman Hale, Matthew Glenn Hire, Christopher William Martin, James E. Ogburn, III, Jonathan Pressley Poston, Peter Michael Puglisi, Phillip Murray Sylvester, Jr., Adam Taylor Watkins
  • Patent number: 11867291
    Abstract: A tool and an associated process for removing a press-fit component from an associated engine component, wherein the engine component is pushed in a first axial direction while the press-fit component is restrained from axially moving in the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Mariusz Lewandowski, Grzegorz Mokrzyński, Gabriel Cyr-Carrier
  • Patent number: 11725541
    Abstract: A device for removing and/or installing an annular component, which is arranged at a position within a turbine housing, which position is accessible via an access point of the turbine housing. A method for removing and for installing a component of this type by a device of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Müller, Christian Kowalzik
  • Patent number: 11565391
    Abstract: A tool for installing or removing a wire thread insert. This tool includes a spindle body having an actuator which can be moved axially therein. The actuator interacts with an entraining blade. By the axial movement of the actuator, the entraining blade can be extended out of the axial recess and retracted back into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Marxkors, Holger Thommes, Hermann Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11530718
    Abstract: A ball joint press for installation/removal of ball joints or bushings into/from suspension components of vehicles. In general, the press includes first and second frame portions, a spine/shaft coupling the first and second frame portions together, and actuators coupled to one of the first and second frame portions. The actuators are sized and spaced such that combined forces of the actuators minimize a bending moment (and bending stress) about the shaft. The actuators may also share a feed line that provides for equal pressure across both actuators. This reduces an axis of bending of the shaft, and causes the first and second frame portions to remain substantially parallel and the force in line with an axis of motion to install or remove the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott A. Bendorf
  • Patent number: 11224946
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a connecting rod relative to one or more components underlying a cylinder of an engine block, in tandem with assembling a cylinder liner to the cylinder of the engine block. The apparatus has a holder mechanism releasably holding a bottom end of the cylinder liner. A portion of the holder mechanism is configured to extend beyond the bottom end of the cylinder liner to define a groove that is disposed parallel to a circumference of the cylinder liner. A link pivotally connects the cylinder liner to the connecting rod. The link includes a first end defining a pin that is slidably engaged with the groove of the holder mechanism and a second end that defines an opening therethrough. The opening facilitates insertion of a fastener for releasably securing the link to a bottom end of the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo Guisasola
  • Patent number: 10780579
    Abstract: A work robot system including a conveying apparatus that conveys an object in one direction; a robot that performs a predetermined task on a target portion of the object being conveyed by the conveying apparatus, a movement amount detector that sequentially detects the movement amount of the object moved by the conveying apparatus, and a force detector that detects a force generated by contact between a tool supported by the robot and the object. Then, when the predetermined task is performed, a controller performs force control based on a value detected by the force detector while performing control of the robot by use of information about the position of the target portion and a value detected by the movement amount detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masafumi Ooba
  • Patent number: 10493606
    Abstract: A disassembler for an iron sleeve of a drag arm is disclosed. It comprises a top push casing, a bolt nut, a first screw inserted into an iron sleeve of a drag arm and screwed on the top push casing and the bolt nut, a casing for accommodating a bushing, a clamping seat, two positioning elements disposed on the clamping seat for clamping the casing and the bushing and for positioning the casing on the bushing, and a second screw screwed on the casing and contacting the top push casing in the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Gu Siang Tools Develop Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 10358211
    Abstract: A rotor apparatus is provided and includes a first rotor shaft disposed to rotatably support a first rotor, a second rotor shaft disposed to rotatably support a second rotor and first and second bearing elements disposed to support the first rotor shaft within the second rotor shaft and to pre-load the first rotor shaft in one of tension and compression and the second rotor shaft in the other one of tension and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuriy Gmirya
  • Patent number: 10189304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hub for a bicycle, having a hub axle, a hub sleeve which is mounted rotatably on the hub axle via a bearing arrangement, a driver which is mounted rotatably on the hub axle via a bearing arrangement and is coupleable to the at least one hub sleeve in a torque-transmitting manner, wherein the bearing arrangement has at least one axially inner bearing and at least one axially outer bearing. At least one fastening element is provided, which fixes at least the inner bearing of the bearing arrangement in its predetermined position on the hub axle by a local or sectional enlargement of the cross section of the hub axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GMBH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 9989028
    Abstract: A pressure limiting valve for a fuel injection system may include a sleeve, a fixing pin, a spring, a sealing element, and a seat. The sleeve may have a longitudinal axis. The fixing pin protruding through a cavity enclosed by the sleeve. The spring may have a first end supported on the sleeve and a second end supported by the sealing element. The seat may provide a sealing surface for the sealing element to block a fluid flow through the valve when closed position, and allow this flow to pass in other positions. The outer circumference of the sleeve may vary within predefined tolerances along the longitudinal axis. The fixing pin may be shaped to plastically deform by a movement of the fixing pin along the longitudinal axis, in order to press the sleeve into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ulf Steinert, Hans-Joerg Koch
  • Patent number: 9974623
    Abstract: A method for mounting a sheath onto the distal end of a surgical shaft instrument, in particular the tool tip of a dilation instrument. The method makes handling easy and allows the sheath to be fastened on the instrument in a rapid manner sparing of material, characterized by these steps: a) fastening the sheath on an apparatus for mounting a sheath onto the distal end of a surgical shaft instrument; b) radially widening at least the proximal end of the sheath and inserting the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument into the widened sheath c) transferring the sheath from the apparatus to the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument; and d) removing the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument from the apparatus. The invention also relates to an apparatus to perform this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Blocher, Robin Merz
  • Patent number: 9798101
    Abstract: Methods and systems for mounting a lens in a lens cell. The system may include a spindle assembly including a motor and a spindle, which may be an air bearing spindle, a passage within the spindle and an opening at the end of the passage at the surface of the spindle head, a vacuum source connected to the passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening, a stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that a central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle, a micropositioner configured to reposition the lens on the spindle head, and a motion gauge configured to detect eccentric rotation of a lens as lens motion when the lens is positioned on the head of the rotating spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: William Weidner, Daniel Fournier
  • Patent number: 9599191
    Abstract: A ferrule 10 for attachment to an end of a wire rope R is disclosed. The ferrule comprises an open end 12 into which the end of the wire rope can be received for securement in the ferrule. The ferrule also comprises an end 14 that opposes the open end. The ferrule further comprises an axis Ax extending between the open and opposing ends. The ferrule is configured at or around at least one of the open and opposing ends such that the ferrule is able to mate with a corresponding formation of a socket 50 into which the ferrule can be received in use. Also disclosed is a socket 50 adapted to the ferrule, and a mechanism for axially locking the ferrule in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bekaert Wire Ropes Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Morgan, Wilfred de Sain
  • Patent number: 9539710
    Abstract: A plug removal device for removing a plug from an access port located below a deck includes retracting means and a framework supporting the retracting means at an elevated position with respect to the deck. The framework is rigid and has a central axis. The retracting means produces a retracting force along a retracting axis. In response to the retracting means producing the retracting force, the framework moves along the deck to align the retracting axis with the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Darlene M. Heimmer
  • Patent number: 9325226
    Abstract: An electric motor for moving a vehicle part, the electric motor having a stator with a stator housing, a drive shaft rotatable with respect to the stator, a rotor on the drive shaft and having a rotor winding, a commutator on the drive shaft for supplying an electric current to the rotor winding, at least two brushes mounted on the stator housing, the brushes in sliding contact with the commutator for supplying electric current to the rotor winding, a bushing mounted on the drive shaft adjacent to the commutator, and a cone element mounted on the drive shaft adjacent to the bushing on a side of the bushing facing away from the commutator, the cone element having an outer surface which conforms to the shape of a cone concentrical to the drive shaft and having a tip pointing away from the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Wurzburg
    Inventors: Weirong Zhang, Christof Frick, Zhendong Mi, Guoxian Wu
  • Patent number: 9073369
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a tray having a set surface on which a recording medium is set; a recording section performing recording with respect to a region of the recorded matter, which is set on the set surface; and a pulling mechanism which applies a force from the set surface of the recorded matter to a protruding portion in a first direction and capable of pulling the portion of the recording medium, which is set on the set surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yanagishita
  • Patent number: 9009940
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, David Hassan Amirehteshami
  • Publication number: 20150096160
    Abstract: An extraction tool for a tangless spiral coil insert that is simple in structure and is also easy in manufacture and assemble as compared with a conventional tool, accordingly that allows reduction in manufacturing cost and besides that is excellent in operability is provided. An extraction tool 1 for a tangless spiral coil insert of the present invention has, for extracting the tangless spiral coil insert which has been attached to a work from the work, a mandrel 41 a leading end section of which is constituted as a screw shaft 45, and a pivotal claw 80 provided with an actuation section 82 which is a slender member and is provided at one end thereof with a claw section 81 engaging with a notch of an end coil section of the tangless spiral coil insert positioned on a surface side of the work and a support section 83 formed integrally with the actuation section 82.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Fusahide Hondo
  • Patent number: 8997322
    Abstract: A compact and portable hydraulic apparatus for extracting and installing a tight fitting vehicle component may include a main hydraulic cylinder having an open proximal end, a cover attached to the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, a grip holder attached to the main hydraulic cylinder, a plurality of grip members affixed to the grip holder and spaced from the main hydraulic cylinder, and an actuating member statically mated to the main hydraulic cylinder. In this manner, the actuating member is capable of being engaged with an existing shaft of an existing pulley. Advantageously, the actuating member is axially reciprocated through the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, relative to a stationary position of the grip holder and the grip member respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Carl Barquist
  • Patent number: 8991032
    Abstract: A gasket insertion apparatus and method for inserting a fluid sealing gasket between the bolted connection flanges of adjacent underwater pipe line segments is provided. The gasket insertion apparatus includes of a flat frame having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the frame has a plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket is mounted within the frame and is held in place by the plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket insertion apparatus has a handle with an open geometric ring-shaped grip that is configured so that the gasket insertion apparatus may be gripped by a manipulation arm of an underwater remotely operated vehicle and/or by a diver. The apparatus, with gasket attached, is brought to an underwater location and inserted between adjacent flanges of a bolted flange connection by a diver or an underwater remotely operated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Andre M. Vidrine, Steve Struble
  • Patent number: 8959737
    Abstract: A tool or fixture having a locating device for locating the tool or fixture on an article. The locating device is formed from a series of plates laminated together and having a spring element and a catch element where the catch element locates the tool or fixture in a machine bed. The catch element is retractable into the body of the locating device to protect if from damage when the tool of fixture is being stored or transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Paul P. Sweeting
  • Publication number: 20150047170
    Abstract: A scalpel blade remover comprises a housing, and a planar member mounted in the housing with a longitudinal slot therein. A slider is adapted to slide along the planar member, and has an opening for receiving a portion of a tang therein. The slider is movable along the planar member when pressed by the tang being inserted into the opening and moved along the slot, with the blade being located under the slider. Movement of the slider along the planar member causes the planar member to separate the rear end of the blade from the tang. A stop formation on the planar member engages the rear end of the blade after it has been separated from the tang and prevents the blade being withdrawn along the member. Upon withdrawal of the tang, the blade is stripped from the tang.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Neville Henry
  • Publication number: 20150040363
    Abstract: A device for the replacement of modular street light luminaires attached to a lighting column, where the modular street light luminaire comprises a light source, optionally a light transmitting cover, and a first coupling device, and where one end of the lighting column has a second coupling device for the attachment of the street light luminaire using the first coupling device, characterised in that the device for the replacement of the modular street light luminaire comprises a transport unit to which at least one arm is mounted, wherein at least one controllable robot is mounted to the arm, wherein at least one grip device is attached to the arm that is adapted to remove and replace street light luminaires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: STRIHL SCANDINAVIA AB
    Inventor: Rikard Carlén
  • Publication number: 20150033560
    Abstract: A handheld tool facilitates the removal of an aerofoil from an array of aerofoils for an axial flow machine includes a body portion, and first and second jaw members depending from the body portion. The first jaw member is shaped to be insertable between a first aerofoil and an adjacent aerofoil in the array so as to contact a first surface of the first aerofoil. The position of the first and/or second jaw member is adjustable to selectively grip the aerofoil in use. The second jaw member is adapted to contact a further portion as a trailing edge of the first aerofoil. The tool may allow for manual levering and/or impact forces to be applied to the aerofoil. A method of removal of aerofoils is also provided, involving a sequence of manual operations using the tool. The aerofoil array may be a stator vane array for a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Donato BITONDO, Mark BARTLAM, Marcel Ernesto LEON DE PAZ, Peter MACRAE
  • Publication number: 20150026978
    Abstract: A blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The device comprises a first frame which is essentially horizontally aligned in a designated operating position and a second frame which is essentially horizontally aligned in the designated operating position and a blade gripping assembly with a number of blade gripping tools. Thereby, the first frame and the second frame are connected to each other via a swivel or other similar type connection, the connection realized to permit a yawing movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. The first frame comprises a rectangular carrying structure with at least four connectors for connection to a lifting device, which connectors are positioned essentially at the corners of the rectangular structure. Further, the invention concerns a method of operating a blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade of a wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: STEEN MATTRUP HANSEN, JESPER MOELLER, KENNETH HELLIGSOE SVINTH
  • Patent number: 8910358
    Abstract: A handheld jig for placement on a radiator and associated method to repair broken welds of tabs of a radiator mounting cradle used to hold a radiator of a vehicle such as a HMMVE where the tabs may be pressed against angled surfaces of the radiator, the jig having a base, a first arm extending from the base, a second arm extending from the base, and a third arm extending from the base, the first arm, second arm and third arm each capable of holding an adjustable pin to selectively contact a tab of the cradle to press the respective contacted tabs against respective angled surfaces of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Sarah Piepenburg
  • Publication number: 20140331464
    Abstract: An apparatus is for disconnecting an optical fiber connector assembly from an adaptor. The optical fiber connector assembly includes an optical fiber wire set. The apparatus includes an engaging unit and a gripping bar. The engaging unit is configured to detachably engage a connector body of the optical fiber connector assembly, and defines a containing space so as to contain the connector body therein. The gripping bar extends from the engaging unit. The engaging unit includes a base that is configured to abut against a top or bottom surface of the connector body, and a pair of jaws each formed on a respective one of a pair of opposite lateral sides of the base. The containing space is defined cooperatively by the base and the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Amphenol Fiber Optics Technology (Shenzhen)
    Inventors: Bolin JIANG, Songsheng LI, Min CHEN, Linghua ZHU
  • Publication number: 20140325809
    Abstract: In a mounting tool for mounting an injector on a cylinder head of an engine by being engaged with the injector connected to a fuel pipe, and urging the injector toward the cylinder head, a first band portion has a ring shape so as to surround an outer circumference of the injector, and is disconnected in a circumferential direction by a slit. A second band portion has a ring shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the injector, is disconnected in the circumferential direction by a slit, and is arranged adjacent to the first band portion in an axial direction. Plural elastic band portions connect the first band portion and the second band portion in the axial direction. The mounting tool is made of a single metallic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Katsuya Toriumi, Takeshi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20140322026
    Abstract: A nose dome for a turbomachine blower that has a conical exterior surface and a base, which dome includes: a plurality of removal mechanism, a plurality of fasteners created by machining the exterior surface, the fasteners including a first, blind borehole that is capable of forming a bearing surface; an orifice that passes through the bearing surface and is capable of accommodating threaded fasteners. The removal mechanisms are created by machining the boreholes in the fasteners in a direction designed to enable removal in an axial direction of the dome with the aid of a tool that cooperates with the machined arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Emmanuel Houradou
  • Publication number: 20140283350
    Abstract: Tooling for partial disassembly of a bypass turbofan engine wherein the longitudinal axis of the bypass turbofan engine remains generally horizontal during disassembly. The low pressure turbine module is removed with a low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool. An extended bearing nut tool may be supported by a stabilization member and may remove a bearing nut. An extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching tool may stretch a high pressure turbine shaft to release a high pressure turbine shaft nut. An extended bearing pulling tool may be used to pull a bearing while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A modified measurement bridge may be used to measure the position of certain components while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A nozzle jig may be used to assemble nozzles and feather seals to create a nozzle module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Erik C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140283352
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a filament tape utilization device is disclosed, which includes a handle with a first and second surface, where the first surface has treads for assisting a user in releasing the cutting filament from the main web of filament tape. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the filament tape utilization device is disclosed, which includes securing a portion of the filament tape to a surface and leaving a free end of the filament tape not secured to the surface, securing part of the free end of the filament tape on the filament tape utilization device, and applying a force to the free end of the filament tape in a direction away from the filament tape utilization device so as to disengage the cutting filament from the main web of the filament tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Calman, Kathryn S. Calman
  • Publication number: 20140283349
    Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for crimping self-expanding devices. The crimping devices may be useful for crimping a variety of different self-expanding devices (whether such devices are biodegradable or bio-durable). The crimping devices may have crimping members to engage the self-expanding device to reduce the device from an expanding configuration to an unexpanded configuration. The crimping member may comprise or include a suture, wire, ribbon, guiding hoop, pusher, prong, holding bar, balloon, jaws, combinations thereof, or the like. The crimping devices may also include or comprise a holding structure to hold the self-expanding device in an unexpanded or expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony J. ABBATE, Bin HUANG, Gail M. ZALER, David C. GALE, Richard E. KAUFMAN, Vijaykumar RAJASEKHAR
  • Publication number: 20140259621
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods useful for installing a liner and/or a gasket at the base of a tank, e.g., between the horizontal lips of a tank base chime and a tank wall panel. Devices including hollow cylindrical cutters are used to puncture the liner and/or gasket material. In one device, a depressable pedal causes the hollow cylindrical cutters to move upwardly to puncture the liner and/or gasket material. In an alternative device, at least one pneumatic cylinder causes the hollow cylindrical cutters to move downwardly to puncture the liner and/or gasket material. Another device installs bolts through the horizontal lips of the tank base chime and tank wall panel and the punctured liner and/or gasket material there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Eugene Butterfield, IV
  • Patent number: 8819911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing and/or preventatively maintaining a jet pump restrainer assembly used in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), the repair including attaching a bearing plate or plates to a horizontal surface of a jet pump restrainer assembly bracket, the bearing plate or plates acting to supplement and/or replace an existing contact surface between a mixer wedge and the jet pump restrainer assembly bracket of a jet pump restrainer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Robin D. Sprague, Michael S. Defilippis, Mark O. Lenz
  • Patent number: 8793855
    Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Hain, Alexander Schug, Karl Briel, Markus Feierabend, Michael Schneider, Frank Rosemann, Wolfgang Werner, Harald Knetsch
  • Publication number: 20140208558
    Abstract: A rammer tool for installing hardware into pieces of conduit. The rammer tool includes a mounting section to mount the tool into an air hammer or other device. The rammer tool also includes a hardware section with a magnet to prevent hardware from falling off of the tool during the installation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PRODUCTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Gass
  • Publication number: 20140208560
    Abstract: A vacuum device includes a vacuum generator, a guiding pipe, a connection member, and a stand. One end of the guiding pipe is connected to the vacuum generator. One end of the connection member is connected to the other end of the guiding pipe. The other end of the connection member is connected to the stand. The stand includes a top surface, a first sidewall connected to the top surface, and a pressing portion extending outward from the first sidewall. The connection member is supported by the top surface. The stand defines a first hole and a second hole communicating with the first hole. The first hole runs through the top surface and meets the connection member and the guiding pipe. The second hole runs through the first sidewall and the pressing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HAO CHU
  • Publication number: 20140208559
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a detacher. The detacher includes a field source. The field source is arranged to provide a first magnetic field when power is applied to the field source. The detacher further includes a magnet arranged to provide a second magnetic field. The magnet is movable from a non-detach position to a detach position when exposed to the first magnetic field. The second magnetic field is arranged to unlock a security tag when the magnet is at the detach location. The system further includes an activation device. The activation device includes a processor configured to trigger power to be supplied to the field source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Justin STEWART, Ronald B. EASTER
  • Publication number: 20140201962
    Abstract: The spindle removal tool is a device for removing, supporting, and moving an entire spindle assembly from semi trucks. It is easier to perform maintenance on the spindle assembly after removing it from the truck. The apparatus is primarily a flat semicircular plate with openings that match the bolt pattern of a semi truck's hub. The plate is bolted to the rim and the entire spindle assembly is disconnected from the truck's axle. The semicircular plate is attached to a support bar that is raised or lowered with a floor jack. The mechanic can roll the entire spindle assembly from underneath the truck and perform maintenance on the shop floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: William C. Heath
  • Patent number: 8763249
    Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Catacel, Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
  • Patent number: 8763227
    Abstract: A rotation sensor (19) is used for detecting relative rotation between a rotatable member (11, 12) and a non-rotatable member (10) of a bearing unit. The sensor (19) is retained in a sensor carrier body (18) of plastic material and annular shape. An annular supporting insert (17) serves to mount the sensor carrier body (18) onto the non-rotatable member (10) with the sensor operatively facing an impulse ring (15) secured to a rotatable member (12) of the unit. The sensor carrier body (18) and the supporting insert (17) provide a lock and seats (18a, 18c, 18d, 18m, 18n; 17c, 17d, 17m, 17n) for releasably locking the sensor carrier body (18) to the supporting insert (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Raffaele Montagnoni, Andrea Serafini
  • Publication number: 20140165355
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a jig manipulator. The jig manipulator may comprise a crane engagement means that can be configured to engage with a crane such that the jig manipulator is structurally supported by the crane. The jig manipulator may also comprise a jig engagement means that can be configured to engage a component handling jig, such as a large oven door, such that the jig manipulator engaged with the component handling jig can support the component during maintenance, removal and/or replacement of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH TRUCK CRANE & EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Tim Smith, Harrie A. Size, Udo E. Beyersdorff
  • Publication number: 20140157562
    Abstract: An impeller remover with four main components: two legs, a leg holder and a latch. The latch has a locking notch that engages with a locking bolt on one leg to hold the legs parallel when removing an impeller. The impeller remover removes impellers quickly, easily, and without damage to the impeller or pump. In addition, the impeller remover is easy to use and repair, and relatively inexpensive to replace and fabricate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Andrzej Pecherzewski
  • Patent number: 8713777
    Abstract: A piston pin puller adaptor tool, which includes a body, a puller screw attached to the body and a number of interchangeable adaptor sleeves, which attach to the body. The interchangeable adaptor sleeves include at least a short skirt adaptor sleeve and a full skirt adaptor sleeve. Also, an adaptor sleeve for use with a pin puller tool, which has been configured to interface with the contours of a short skirt piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Motion Pro, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Richard Scott
  • Publication number: 20140115857
    Abstract: Provided are a clamping method and a clamping device that enable automatic mount and fixation of a boot to a constant velocity universal joint with a band. A boot band (11) for fixing a boot (10) that is mounted to a constant velocity universal joint (S) is clamped. The boot band (11) and the constant velocity universal joint (S) are aligned in phase with each other in a circumferential direction, and an axial position of a clamping portion (13) of clamping means (12) is thereafter aligned with an axial position of the boot band (11). Then, the boot band (11) is clamped by the clamping means (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hatano, Nao Ishiyama, Shinya Inui, Yuuki Ogata
  • Patent number: 8695190
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece is provided. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, David Hassan Amirehteshami
  • Patent number: 8689599
    Abstract: A system for repairing a pipe including a tool, a programmable logic controller and a patch. The tool includes a clamp base having an opening, a first jaw coupled to the clamp base with a first linkage, a second jaw coupled to the clamp base with a second linkage, an operating mechanism carried by the clamp base and operably coupled to the first and second jaws via one or more adjusting links and a junction box carried by the clamp base and operably connected to the controller, wherein the one or more adjusting links are coupled at a first end to either or both of the first and second jaws and at a second end to the operating mechanism, and wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to move, under force of the adjusting links. Methods of repairing pipes are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Timberline Tool, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Green