Work Gripper, Anvil, Or Element Patents (Class 29/283)
  • Publication number: 20100095503
    Abstract: In a device or method to change a belt in a machine assembly, a gripper is provided with two flat legs. The legs are held at one end and are free at the other ends. The legs are provided with a respective protective film on side surfaces facing towards one another to protect the belt. A first of the two legs facing towards the machine assembly in an exchange of the belt have a sliding film on its outer surface. The legs are designed such that they exert a gripping force over a width of the belt after sliding onto the belt and grip the belt so that the belt can be slid onto or removed from rollers of at least one of the roller types selected from the group consisting of a drive roller and a deflection roller provided in the machine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Vizjak, Hans Winter
  • Publication number: 20100095501
    Abstract: A gripping jig for assembling applies a force to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and as the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and the movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of the molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, if an excessive assembling load is applied, each molded body is guided to move, so that more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko YOSHIOKA, Kazuhi Matsumoto, Koji Kimura, Shinya Yoshida, Takashi Ota
  • Patent number: 7694490
    Abstract: A closing tool assembly for a clip machine, in particular for a sausage clipping machine, containing: at least one first and at least one second tool holder, which can be moved to positions opposite each other and reversibly towards each other, and each of which supports at least one first and at least one second closing tool, wherein the first and second closing tool are each replaceably held on the first and the second tool holder by means of a fixing device. A linear guide contour is further provided on at least one of the two tool holders, and a linear guide counter-contour complementary thereto is further provided on the associated closing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Ebert
  • Publication number: 20100083475
    Abstract: In a strip pack apparatus in which an end portion of a bag being grasped is attached to a tape, a grasper device for grasping the bag holds the end portion from a direction substantially perpendicular to the end portion to be attached to the tape. The grasper device holds the end portion at both sides of an attachment region. In addition, the strip pack apparatus also includes a dewrinkler device for dewrinkling the end portion, and the grasper device grasps the end portion at both sides of the dewrinkler device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iwasaki, Akira Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100078951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device comprising a cylindrical thorn (3), an inner body (5) and an outer body (4) with a plurality of movable arms (2), each arm comprising a claw (10), wherein the thorn (3) and the inner body (5) are directly coupled to one another, wherein a spring (6) adapted to force the extractor device to a first position is positioned in between the inner body (5) and the outer body (4), and wherein the gripping device is adapted to be set in a plurality of other positions by moving the inner body (5) and the outer body (4) relative to each other along the symmetry axis (11). The advantage of the invention is to provide a gripping device for the removal of circular inserts, such as bearings, sleeves, etc. that is easy and reliable to use and that is adapted to grip different sizes of inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Arie Johan Van Os, Hendrik Cornelis Rekers
  • Publication number: 20100077604
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for terminating connectors onto a coaxial cable has an elongated body and an end stop and plunger on the body, the plunger being controlled by a lever arm which will axially advance the plunger toward and away from the end stop to radially compress a portion of the connector into firm crimping engagement with the end of the coaxial cable. To accommodate different lengths of connectors, a plunger permits mounting of different length adapter tips to vary the axial spacing between the adapter tips and the end stop according to the length of connector being terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Randall A. Holliday
  • Publication number: 20100024188
    Abstract: The invention provides a strap removal system and a method of removing straps from a load on a conveyor. The method includes providing an end effector to the side of the conveyor and moving the end effector adjacent a first vertical side of the load. A first strap is detected while moving the end effector across the first vertical side of the load. The first strap is engaged. The first strap is pulled away from the first vertical side of the load while engaged. The first strap is cut at a cut point on the first strap, and the first strap is removed from the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jeff G. Vannice, John K. Knechtel, Robert A. Gabel, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100024190
    Abstract: A framing device (1) and a method are provided for connecting disk-type bodies (6) to a frame (5) by a manipulator (2). A joining device (4) is associated with the manipulator (2), for joining individual frame parts (8, 9, 10, 11) to the disk-type body. The manipulator (2) guides the disk-type body (6) and inserts it into the frame parts (8, 9, 10, 11) provided, the frame parts being pressed against the disk edge (7) at the same time or one after the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Albert Vontz, Thomas Dobkowitz, Elisabeth Schärtl
  • Publication number: 20100011554
    Abstract: A portable windshield installation device capable of removing and installing windshields and/or back glasses by remote control actuators; with the device carrying all the weight and very little manually help from the installer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas Joseph Daigle, SR., Randy Paul Daigle
  • Publication number: 20100016113
    Abstract: A method and device of assembling a driving belt, which can fit a ring into a recess of an element easily, and which can prevent the ring from being damaged when fitting the ring into the recess of the element. A driving belt, in which two rows of endless rings are accommodated parallel to each other in a recess of a plurality of elements interlinked annularly in a manner to situate the recess to open to an outer circumferential side, includes a guide face, which is formed on an end face of a protruding portion for holding the ring to prevent detachment of the ring from the recess. The guide face produces an inward component of a pushing force pushing one of the rings to one of the end faces, and the produced inward component of pushing force is applied to an outer lateral side of the pushed ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090320258
    Abstract: A suspended automobile disassembly line that does not utilize any hydraulically operated equipment is provided. The disassembly line utilizes a plurality of electrically operated lift system to stabilize and suspend an automobile while at various stages of disassembly. Since the automobile is suspended throughout the disassembly line, human handling is reduced and efficiency of the disassembly process is improved. The lift system includes a plurality of grabber arms that provide a wide range of motion adapted to move and tilt a vehicle into various positions during disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Davidyan
  • Publication number: 20090313830
    Abstract: According to the invention, a shell handling carriage (19) is provided with grippers (194) which grip the end edges of a shell (2) made of composite material still fixed to a molding drum (11). An expeller strut (13) prevents the drum (11) from moving while the carriage (19) translating 5 removes the shell (2) from the drum (11). The shell (2) is then transported by the carriage (19) to a working station in which robots rivet the transversal ribs on it. The transversal ribs reach the robot working position orderly arranged on a self-moving rib store, which is inserted in the shell (2) itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Giuseppe Cognome Bisiach, Bruno Cognome Bisiach
  • Patent number: 7634853
    Abstract: Two or more plates, each having a matching alignment hole, are precisely aligned and mated together by an aligning and clamping device that includes: (a) a plurality of movable aligning fingers, retraction means for causing the aligning fingers to move into a retracted state where they occupy a first volumetric space sufficiently small to allow the two or more plates to be moved over the retracted fingers so as to have their respective alignment holes surrounding the retracted aligning fingers; (b) expansion means for use after the plates have been moved over the fingers, the expansion means urging the fingers to expand outwardly to occupy a second volumetric space greater than the first volumetric space such that the fingers begin to contact and begin to improve co-alignment between the surrounding alignment holes; and (d) clamping means for use after the alignment holes of the plates have begun to come into improved co-alignment, the clamping means applying a clamping force for clamping the two or more mate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Precision Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090307888
    Abstract: Provided is a driving jig for a closing cap which makes it possible to drive a closing cap straight into a bolt installation hole (11) formed in a track rail (1) and which allows this driving operation to be quickly repeated on a plurality of bolt installation holes (11). The jig includes a driving piston (73) and a guide holder (72) for maintaining the driving piston (73) in a predetermined attitude with respect to the track rail (1). The driving piston (72) has a pressing portion (75) coming into contact with an upper surface of the closing cap (70), and a hammering portion (74a) to be hammered by a tool. The guide holder has a cylinder (72a) in which the driving piston (73) slides, and has, at an opening at one end of the cylinder, a guide groove (77) into which an upper portion of the track rail is loosely fitted and which is orthogonal to an axial direction of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicants: THK CO., LTD., THK GmbH
    Inventor: Masahiro Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20090288281
    Abstract: A fixture assembly suitable for use in a manufacturing process includes a crowder plate coupled to a datum plate, which is configured to receive a work piece, such as a disc drive system. In some embodiments, the datum plate is configured to gimbal relative to at least a portion of the crowder plate, and substantially maintain a position along first and second directions relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate. The datum plate is also configured to translate in a third direction relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate, where the first, second, and third directions are substantially orthogonal. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a platform coupled to the crowder plate, where the crowder plate may translate in at least one of the first and second directions relative to the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Ruden
  • Publication number: 20090265912
    Abstract: A tool is provided for maintaining the position of a fan during periods in which the retaining nut is applied or removed from the electric motor drive shaft. The tool includes a central portion with an opening to fit over the nut and to act as a fulcrum for the tool. Extending radially outward from each side of the central portion is a torque member that fits against the respective blades to hold them in place during rotation of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott D. Fulmer
  • Publication number: 20090223525
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Publication number: 20090217508
    Abstract: An end-effector is provided for use on a micro/nano manipulation device. The end-effector is comprised of: a micropump fluidly coupled to a microtube; a piezoelectric sensing structure disposed in the microtube; and a processing circuit electrically coupled to the sensing structure for determining the force of the fluid flowing through the microtube. The end-effector is a closed loop control-enabled micro/nano manipulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Ning Xi, Uchechukwu Wejinya, Yantao Shen
  • Patent number: 7565743
    Abstract: A reactor cartridge includes a plurality of spaced-apart monoliths, formed along a tube or other mandrel. Each monolith is formed of a pair of flat and corrugated metal strips, spirally wound around the tube. These strips could be made of solid or screen material. The corrugations are skewed, such that the monolith imparts a swirl to gases flowing through it. The corrugations of the strips in adjacent monoliths are oriented differently, so that successive monoliths impart different swirls to the gases, so as to promote mixing of gases and better heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cartridge. An insertion and removal tool simplifies the procedure for stacking such cartridges in a long pipe, or for removing cartridges from the pipe. The all-metal construction facilitates heat transfer through the entire reactor, and avoids the problems associated with packed ceramic beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Catacel Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randy Bartos
  • Patent number: 7536763
    Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Catalyst Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Henry Offerhaus
  • Publication number: 20090126178
    Abstract: A device for machining components, in particular of a vehicle body has a transport and positioning unit for the component and several machining stations, which are arranged around said unit and to which the component held by a component holder of the transport and positioning unit can be fed in a position ready for machining. To transport the component from one machining station to the other machining stations whilst taking up the smallest possible surface area, the transport and positioning unit includes a rotor and a pivoting arm that is mounted eccentrically on said rotor, driven in opposition to the latter and supports the component holder. The drives of the rotor and the pivoting arm are synchronized in such a way that the component holder is displaced along a closed curved pathcomprising spaces between the neighboring apexes of said path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Thyssenkrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Kipping, Thomas Klemm
  • Patent number: 7523536
    Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Catalyst Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Henry Offerhaus
  • Publication number: 20090100660
    Abstract: A wall support mounting device and method use at least one drive surface that moves in a plane or about an axis contained between the wall hanging and the wall as it couples at least one wall support to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Don W. Klein
  • Publication number: 20090049673
    Abstract: A joining device for shuttering panels which features a clamp, supported by a hollow tubular body, manually operable by means of a lever which is articulately joined to the tubular body by means of an articulated joint, the device being equipped with a regulating system which allows said articulated joint to be moved longitudinally along the interior of the tubular body, which incorporates a closing cover of said tubular body equipped with a central hole; a regulating nut, equipped with an operating head and an internally threaded hollow rod which is inserted into the tubular body through the hole in the closing cover; and a bracing bush which prevents the removal of the hollow rod from the interior of the tubular body, the regulating nut being joined to the closing cover by the outward splaying of the mouth of the hollow rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: INVERAL, S.A.
    Inventor: Pedro Xammar Bove
  • Publication number: 20090025219
    Abstract: A method for handling a wind turbine blade and mounting said blade on a wind turbine hub located at a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower is described. The wind turbine blade is lifted with a lifting system for handling wind turbine blades, in doing so said wind turbine blade is oriented in a substantially horizontal position. The wind turbine blade is fixed in the substantially horizontal position to the wind turbine hub. The lifting device is released from the blade using a remote control unit. The lifting device is further on removed from the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Henrik Lynderup Hansen, Jesper Moeller
  • Publication number: 20090000099
    Abstract: A fast-disassembling device for anti-reversing plates of a cutting base of a table saw includes an assembling base to be installed on a separating plate, which has a pivotal recess cut at the top of its one side and a locking groove with an opening located next the pivotal recess. The assembling base has a restricting shaft fitted in the pivotal recess to form as a rotation pivot, able to keep a blocking shaft facing against the locking groove. The blocking shaft at least includes a releasing portion and a blocking portion. The releasing portion can be moved to pass through the opening to enter the locking groove while pressing the blocking shaft to move axially. And, the blocking portion is moved in the locking groove restricted by the opening while releasing the blocking shaft to move back to its original position automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080178448
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Raffaele Montagnoni, Andrea Serafini
  • Patent number: 7401396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making microstructured laminae for replication and apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to machining V-shaped grooves on individual lamina forming cube-corner microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lars A. Smeenk, Conrad V. Anderson, Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7210219
    Abstract: The fastener to shaft insertion tool is disclosed which consists of a shaft holding member, a fastener insertion member, and force transmitting member. The fastener holding member facilitates the holding of the fastener and the application of forces to the fastener necessary for its proper insertion onto a shaft. Forces are provided to the fastener holding member by way of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. The fasteners are inserted adjacent a ring or gear being coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Thal
  • Patent number: 7127803
    Abstract: A mounting device and process are provided for arranging a protective bellows on a component. The device includes a basic body, a mounting head, which is displaceable at the basic body, an adjusting device for providing an adjusting action and including an electromechanical drive and a position recognition system and gripping elements movable. The gripping elements include gripping arms and clamping fingers movable in relation to the gripping arms. The process includes bringing the gripping arms of the device into contact with the inner surface of a collar of the protective bellows and fixing the collar by the clamping fingers. The collar is expanded in preparation for the mounting and then released by loosening the clamping fingers such that the collar of the protective bellows jumps into a recess provided on the component as a consequence of its intrinsic elasticity after the necessary positioning of the protective bellows in relation to the component to be protected has been established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Hermann Schlöndorf, Michael Jürgens, Werner Wehming, Rolf Husmann
  • Patent number: 7100258
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device (10) for closing wedge simulation to set gap dimensions between a movable flap (5; 5a, 5b) of a vehicle and the surrounding body (1) of the vehicle. The flap (5; 5a, 5b) is initially fitted and held in a roughly adjusted installation position in alignment with the body (1). The flap (5; 5a, 5b) is then finely adjusted such that predeterminable gap dimensions can be met with optimum precision. Finally, the flap (5; 5a, 5b) is movably fixed in the finely adjusted installation position on the body (1). To simplify the closing wedge simulation without losing accuracy for fine adjustment of the flap (5; 5a, 5b), the invention proposes to suction the flap (5; 5a, 5b) against a mechanical stop (15) for fine adjustment using a pneumatic suctioning device (16), wherein the mechanical stop (15) is fixed relative to the surrounding body (1) and is freely pivotable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: inos Automationssoftware GmbH
    Inventors: Charalambos Tassakos, Jan-Thomas Metge
  • Patent number: 7000300
    Abstract: A system and method for accomplishing localized feature forming in a sheet of material and/or the localized joining of multiple sheets of material. The system and method may also be used to attach a secondary component to a sheet of material. The system and method of the present invention employs a die having a shaped cavity for receiving a portion of the sheet material. A projectile is propelled from a projectile firing device to impact the sheet or sheets of material in the area overlying the subjacent die cavity. The projectile forces a portion of the sheet material into the die cavity, imparting a shape thereto. The kinetic energy transferred from the projectile to the sheet material may be used to form a metallurgical bond between multiple sheets of material. The metallurgical bond can be used alone to join the sheets, or may be used in conjunction with an interlocking shape to provide extra strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventor: Glenn S. Daehn
  • Patent number: 6969057
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for positioning an air cap of a pneumatically aided atomizer. The air cap has air horns extending from its face to provide flows of air to aid in atomizing and shaping the atomized particle stream. The method and apparatus contemplate providing a device having at least one first opening adapted to receive the horns and a first level for indicating when the horns received in the at least one first opening are in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Baltz, Brian J. Shull
  • 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: 6892436
    Abstract: A method of holding a dried honeycomb structure 8, which is a honeycomb structure after a drying process and before a firing process, when a ceramic honeycomb structure in which bulkheads forming a number of cells are disposed in the form of a honeycomb is manufactured with a manufacturing method including a extruding process, the drying process, and the firing process. A chuck 1 having a plurality of claws 10 is used and the plurality of claws 10 are allowed to come into contact with an outer periphery 89 of the dried honeycomb structure 8 so that the direction of the pressure F applied to the dried honeycomb structure 8 by the claws is substantially parallel with the bulkheads 81.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Yamaguchi, Hiromi Katou, Yasushi Miyamura
  • Patent number: 6886241
    Abstract: An automatic piston installation apparatus according to the present invention includes a block positioning mechanism for positioning a cylinder block in a working area separated from a conveying line by moving the cylinder block in vertical and horizontal directions and by rotating the cylinder block around the crankshaft, a piston positioning mechanism for positioning the piston at an insertion position by moving the piston to the working area, a piston inserting mechanism for inserting the piston into a cylinder bore from above in the vertical direction, a cap positioning mechanism for positioning the connecting-rod cap by moving the connecting-rod cap to a fastened position in the working area, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the connecting-rod cap from below in the vertical direction. Thereby, the piston can be installed in various engines, such as inline-type and V-type engines, automatically, with a high degree of accuracy, and reliably, and productivity can also be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Tachibana, Toshimitsu Kimura, Hitoshi Moritani, Yuichiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 6883221
    Abstract: A pin removal and placement tool (50) has a body member (52) made of plate steel having a contact surface (52b) and a rear edge (52c). Tool (50) also may have an anvil plate (54) mounted on a striking plate (56), a drive shaft (58), and a handle (70) projecting at a right angle from the body member (52). The striking plate (56) is fixedly mounted to the rear edge (52c) and anvil plate (54) is disposed at a selected angle to the drive shaft (58) to enhance the striking force of drive shaft (58) and to reduce the length of the tool (50) so as to facilitate its insertion between the teeth of buckets, etc. A shoe (62) may be mounted on tool (5) to adjust the clearance between contact surface (52b) and drive shaft (58). The handle (70) may be either removably or fixedly attached to the body member (52) and be dimensioned and mounted to selectively project from a selected side thereof, or from both sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Edward P. Hayes, III
  • Patent number: 6807717
    Abstract: A system and method for accomplishing localized feature forming in a sheet of material and/or the localized joining of multiple sheets of material. The system and method may also be used to attach a secondary component to a sheet of material. The system and method of the present invention employs a die having a shaped cavity for receiving a portion of the sheet material. A projectile is propelled from a projectile firing device to impact the sheet or sheets of material in the area overlying the subjacent die cavity. The projectile forces a portion of the sheet material into the die cavity, imparting a shape thereto. The kinetic energy transferred from the projectile to the sheet material may be used to form a metallurgical bond between multiple sheets of material. The metallurgical bond can be used alone to join the sheets, or may be used in conjunction with an interlocking shape to provide extra strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventor: Glenn S. Daehn
  • Patent number: 6796014
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups and a clamp assembly. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to a first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto a second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. An optional tool may be included to perform a desired operation and an optional conveyance mechanism may be employed to selectively position the tool relative the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 6715194
    Abstract: A blade removing tool for rotary lawn mowers includes a central support assembly forming a guide adapted to be positioned over a bolt holding a rotary lawn mower blade in position and to allow the passage of a socket wrench there through. An elongated handle has an interior end coupled to the support assembly and an exterior end adapted to held by a user. A projection extends downwardly from the lower plate perpendicular to the handle and adapted to be positioned on one side of a blade to contact the blade when a socket wrench tends to turn a bolt and the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin R. Sterling, Laurence E. Holstein
  • Patent number: 6687993
    Abstract: A method for fitting a cylinder assembly into an internal combustion cylinder housing includes the steps of gripping the connected rod-pin-piston assembly with a gripper or clamp and lowering the connected rod-pin-piston assembly, gripped by the gripper or clamp, onto the head surface of the engine cylinder. The connected rod-pin-piston assembly is then inserted into the engine cylinder being thrust by an actuator passing through the gripper or clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Renault
    Inventors: David Bertin, Emmanuelle Bischoffe
  • Patent number: 6684472
    Abstract: A pulling tool (1) of the type used on the end of a shaft (2) to remove a mechanical part (3) that is force-fitted or stuck to the shaft (2). The tool includes a threaded rod (20) and a body (5) to which legs (6) are hinged. A sleeve is designed to be mounted on the threaded rod (20) and to form a bearing member for a member (27) which inhibits rotation of the legs (6) during screwing of the threaded rod. Thus, the sleeve acts as a member for protecting the threaded rod (20) from the rotation-inhibiting member (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Facom
    Inventors: Foued Abdelmoula, Jean-Pierre Vanderdood
  • Patent number: 6668439
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a double-segment overlapping gasket material for the mounting cup of an aerosol container comprising a punch mounted on a reciprocating ram having a central opening for the body of the mounting cup and a nose portion adapted to extend within the channel portion of the mounting cup, said nose portion having a specific shape and the punch having a shoulder in the inside diameter of the punch to urge the gasket material disposed on the body portion of the cup into the channel portion, whereat upon the bottoming of the punch against the gasket, a fold line is formed in the gasket which results in the formation of the overlapping double-segment gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Henry Abplanalp, Robert R. Blake, Timothy O'Toole
  • Publication number: 20030172511
    Abstract: Systems and Methods for extracting concrete blocks or other materials cut from a surface is disclosed. An extraction apparatus typically includes a leveraging device connected to a vacuum cup and vacuum pump. The vacuum cup is placed on the material to be removed. A vacuum is pulled on the vacuum cup. The leveraging device is maneuvered to lift the material. The vacuum can be removed when the material is moved to the desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Commercial Plumbing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6618921
    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: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sally C. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6609701
    Abstract: Devices and methods for releasing an integrated circuit from its container are provided. The devices include a handle portion and a gripping portion. The gripping portion has one or more notches that are used to engage an integrated circuit container pin. In one aspect, the gripping portion is used to engage the container pin, and downward pressure is applied to the handle portion to remove the pin. In another aspect, the gripping portion is used to engage the container pin, and the handle portion is twisted to remove the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Adisorn Kanjanavikat
  • Patent number: 6539600
    Abstract: A pressing machine for joining two workpieces includes a workbench (10), a rigging (30) providing periodical vertical movement, a pair of pressing devices (42) for impacting the workpieces, and a push apparatus (70). A wedge block (40) is secured under the rigging. The wedge block has two first slopes (48). The push apparatus includes a push block (70) with a second slope. A stop screw (26) is secured in the workbench. When the rigging is moved downwardly, the pressing devices impact the workpieces and the first slopes abut against the second slope. The push block is moved toward the workpieces, thereby pushing one workpiece to move relative to the other one. When the wedge block abuts the stop screw, the push block stops pushing the workpiece. The moving workpiece is completely engaged with hooks formed in the stationary workpiece at corresponding openings defined in the moving workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Ling Wu, Ya Qiang He, Lie Qiang Bu
  • Patent number: 6449827
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for securely gripping and holding a microplate or other containers during robotic de-lidding operations. A microplate placed on the apparatus is held by a vacuum drawn through the base thereof, allowing the lid of the microplate to be removed without movement of the plate. Afterwards, the vacuum can be discontinued and the plate removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc
    Inventors: Glenn A. Clarke, Marc N. Feiglin, Gary S. Kath, Gregory W. King
  • Patent number: 6450931
    Abstract: A device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets is provided. Eyelets in textiles or plastics sheets, for example in lorry tarpaulins, wear through in the course of their use and thus have as a rule a significantly shorter service life than the textile or plastics sheet. Thus, it is usual and economically worthwhile to replace the worn-through eyelets with new ones, in order thus to be able to exploit the total service life of the textile or plastics sheet. The removal of eyelets previously has been effected as a rule by hand, which is time consuming and uneconomical. Thus, there is provided a device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets, having a claw head for pressing a beading of the eyelet in the direction of the eyelet center point or in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Frey
  • Patent number: 6397457
    Abstract: For the removal of a connector from a printed circuit board (12, 28) wherein the connector consist of a connector housing (14) including contact pins (16) being of the right angle type (bent at an angle of about 90°), whereby a portion of the contact pins include a compliant attachment (press-fit) area by means of which the connector is attached to the board, and wherein use is generally made of a press with a push ram (10) and a table (11) provided with an anvil, whereby the anvil (20) comprises a base portion (22) and an upper hook-shaped portion which is formed as a comb (24) wherein the openings or slots (26) are in register with the position of the contact pins (16) along the longitudinal direction of the connector (14) and which is introduced into an open side of the connector housing up to the level of the contact pins in order to provide appropriate support to the printed circuit board while the compliant attachment area's of the contact pins are being pushed out of the holes of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventor: Robert A. Wuyts