Means Comprising Hand-manipulatable Implement Patents (Class 29/764)
  • Patent number: 6098276
    Abstract: A tool (34, 144) is provided for extracting a contact (16, 112) from the front end of a connector, which not only has a sleeve (70) to release a locking clip (30) that holds the contact in position, but that also has a highly resilient grasping clip (80) that grasps the contact to pull it out when the tool is withdrawn from the connector. In a tool for a connector which has a barrel (29) lying within the locking clip and that has a smaller diameter location (32) forward of the barrel, the grasping clip (80) with spring fingers (86) lies in the sleeve at a position wherein the spring fingers can grasp the smaller diameter location of the contact to pull out the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hermenegildo Altares Espiritu
  • Patent number: 6094785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap arrangement comprising snap hooks (208) associated with a first housing (200) that snap over corresponding protrusions (111) in a second housing (100). The snap hooks preferably include an inclined portion (212) such that a finger (504) of a certain width of a removal tool (502) will force them apart to the deflection required for disassembly. Once the tool has been inserted beyond the elbow (213), the snap hook is not deflected any further regardless of the motion of the tool. This enables the tool to continue moving the front housing apart from the rear housing without further deflecting the snap hooks. This ensures that the snap hooks are never overstressed, that the front housing comes completely off of the rear housing every time, and that repeated disassembly will only minimally affect the strength of the snaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Douglas Montgomery, Leonardo Diego Moral
  • Patent number: 6085410
    Abstract: A gripping tool for gripping a suspension assembly component of a disc drive includes a first planar gripping member connected to a second planar gripping member. The first and second planar gripping members each have respective first and second gripping surfaces that share common respective edges with respective first and second non-gripping surfaces. The first and second non-gripping surfaces having larger surface areas than the first and second gripping surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eyvand E. Toensing, Patrick T. Brennan
  • Patent number: 6076585
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing an apparatus (210, 510) having tabs (212, 214, 412, 414) for holding and separating semiconductor substrates wherein a first tab (212, 412) is different from a second tab (214, 414), using the first tab (212, 412) to support a semiconductor substrate (224) wherein the second tab (214, 414) does not support the semiconductor substrate (224), and exposing the semiconductor substrate (224) to a chemical to move the semiconductor substrate (224) towards the second tab (214, 414) without removing the semiconductor substrate (224) from the apparatus (210, 510).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Scott Klingbeil, Jr., George C. Chen
  • Patent number: 6067705
    Abstract: A multipin header connector pin extraction tool having a resilient tool head with pin grasping fingers resiliently held in spaced, pin receiving relationship for receipt of a contact pin to be extracted is attached to an elongate tool shank slidingly received within an elongate bore within an elongate tool handle. A pair of opposed cam surfaces and a plurality of detent ball bearings held in associated bearing access openings are carried by the handle. A locking collar slideably moves between a nonlocking position and, when the tool shank has been moved to pin grasping position and a detent groove has been aligned with the access openings, a locking position. The detent ball bearings are held in locking engagement with the detent groove after the tool handle has been pushed against the tool head which is held against the header to cam the fingers into grasping relationship with the object pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Boyde, Bruce Lee Burgholzer
  • Patent number: 6061889
    Abstract: A device for removing a heatspreader from an integrated circuit package (ICP) according to the present invention. The device includes a base piece that is preferably made of a suitably rigid and thermally conductive base material such as tool steel. The base piece defines a base cavity that is adapted to receive and engage the heatspreader. The depth of the base cavity is approximately equal to a thickness of the heatspreader. The device further includes a top piece comprised of a suitable top material such as tool steel. The top piece includes a body portion from which an elongated member or handle extends. The body portion of the top piece defines a top cavity adapted to receive and engage the integrated circuit package. The elongated member is suitable for manipulating the body portion of the top piece to apply a torquing force to the ICP package when it is engaged in the top cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Kristine Griley, Steven Scott, Dan Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6052892
    Abstract: An adaptor tool for mounting components on printed circuit boards. The adaptor tool has two capture members that define an opening sized to receive the component. The capture members are linked together such that the application of torque to the adaptor tool by a torque tool via a connector results in the two capture members frictionally engaging the component and transferring the torque to the component. This allows the component to be mounted to the printed circuit board to a desired degree of torque. The adaptor tool can be sized so as to be able to mount a cylindrical heat sink to a bracket on a printed circuit board to a desired degree of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 6047464
    Abstract: A removal tool is operable for separating components of an assembled electrical connector used for connecting electrical conductors together. The electrical connector includes a tapered connector sleeve having a general "C" cross section with a slot defining a stop ledge and a wedge having a latching ledge which engages the stop ledge when inserted into the slot preventing removal of the wedge. The removal tool with a first block member includes outwardly projecting ears for selective insertion into the slot for engagement with the stop ledge. A second block member includes outwardly projecting slide pins. The first block member is slidably received on the slide pins for movement toward and away from the second block member, a removal blade on the second block member having a tapered nose member projecting toward the first block member and an integral shoulder on the second block member facing the first block member and spaced from the removal blade in a direction away from the first block member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, Raymond G. Lavoie
  • Patent number: 6029730
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hot shear fixture for effectively and efficiently separating components of a device package for low yield analysis. More specifically, the hot shear fixture provides a cavity for receiving the desired device package and a shearing plate. Depending on the thermal properties of the package materials, the fixture, device package and shear plate are heated for a predetermined time before the shear plate is advanced to separate the desired components of the inserted device package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Bradford Gospe, George Chiu
  • Patent number: 6018867
    Abstract: An integrated circuit cartridge extracting tool includes a generally u-shaped frame including a crossbar and first and second legs extending from the crossbar. An upper bar is located adjacent to the crossbar. First and second rods are coupled to the upper bar and extend through the crossbar. Each rod has a dowel extending out from a lower portion thereof for engaging a device to be extracted, such as an integrated circuit cartridge. A cam lever is operatively in contact with the upper bar and the cross bar. The cam lever can be moved from a first position to a second position which causes the upper bar to move away from said crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 6006422
    Abstract: A connector mechanical assist system incorporating a mating tool and a connector configured for being squeezably interfaced with the mating tool. The connector is composed of first and second components having a conventional interlock mechanism, wherein a passage is provided in each of the first and second components which align when the first and second components are initially mated to form a passageway through the connector. The mating tool is composed of a head and two blades pivotally mounted on a common pivot in a cammed and slidable relation to the head. The blades have opposingly oriented hooks at the distal end portions thereof, wherein the hooks are retracted when the blades are mutually parallel. Each blade has a cam surface which interfaces with a respective boss of the head. With the connector pre-staged and the blades parallel, the blades are inserted through the passageway of the connector so that the distal end portions project therefrom at an exit side of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Hickox
  • Patent number: 5987738
    Abstract: An integrated circuit cartridge extracting method includes providing a generally u-shaped frame including a crossbar and first and second legs extending from the crossbar. An upper bar is located adjacent to the crossbar. First and second rods are coupled to the upper bar and extend through the crossbar. Each rod has a dowel extending out from a lower portion thereof for engaging a device to be extracted, such as an integrated circuit cartridge. A cam lever is operatively in contact with the upper bar and the cross bar. The cam lever is moved from a first position to a second position which causes the upper bar to move away from said crossbar and thereby extract a device engaged by the dowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 5979955
    Abstract: An extraction tool for extracting a module that is detachably connected to a mounting substrate includes a fixed plate that is vertically supported over the module to be extracted. A movable plate is arranged below the fixed plate and a screw is inserted in central openings in each of the fixed and movable plates. A pair of vertically extending side panels are connected at one edge by a hinge to opposite sides of the movable plate. The opposite edge of the respective side panels are used to grip the module to be extracted. A spring biases the side panels inwardly. A rotatable handle is arranged above the fixed plate and is connected to the screw. Lateral rotation of the handle causes a corresponding axial rotation of the screw for moving the movable plate in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Jane Krebser, Jeffrey Kaskey, Vernon Bollesen, James Jones
  • Patent number: 5964596
    Abstract: A removable body for an electrical connector assembly. An electrical connector assembly includes a removable body and a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced pins or leads engaged thereto. The removable body includes a pair of oppositely opposed lever arms, biased in a first position, each lever arm including at least one abutment member and a gripping element. The removable body may also include a plurality of struts disposed between the lever arms and rotatably engaged at each end to a respective one of the lever arms. The removable body also includes a tee section diposed between the lever arms. The tee section includes a flange portion supported by the abutment members, and a web portion disposed between the abutment members. The flanges define a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced holes for receiving the pins. The pins are frictionally engaged to the web portion by the abutment members when the lever arms are in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Samtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Vicich, John K. Hynes, David L. Decker
  • Patent number: 5938882
    Abstract: The method of removing an epoxy bonded microelectronic component from a substrate includes the steps of heating a removal tool comprising a blade portion. The heated blade portion engages against the cured epoxy positioned around the edge of the component, and the epoxy is removed. The blade portion is positioned between an edge of the component and an adjacent portion of the substrate to lift the component from the substrate. A screwdriver receiving tip can also be attached to the removal tool. The screwdriver receiving tip includes an orifice that receives a screwdriver shaft that is freely rotatable therein. The removal tool is heated, thereby heating the screwdriver receiving tip and screwdriver shaft so that any screw to be removed is heated and removed. A tool is also disclosed for removing the microelectronic component from a substrate. The tool includes a removal tool comprising a proximal body and a distal heating end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Terry S. Bryant, Donald J. Beck, James B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5926948
    Abstract: A D-type connector unplugging tool comprising two metal arms, a plurality of positioning grooves, a handle, two U-shaped end sections and a push-pin assembly. The metal arms have a front end and a back end. The metal arms are coupled together at a back end and formed a clamp opening at a front end. The positioning grooves are located at corresponding positions on the metal arms between the front end and the back end. The handle is fixed onto the back end of the metal arms. The two U-shaped end sections are extensions secured to the front end of the two metal arms and each having a notch at its tip. The push-pin assembly further includes a main body having two ends locally fastened to the metal arms such that the whole push-pin assembly can slide along the two metal arms between the front end and the back end; also, there is a circular tube fixed to the main body and inside the tube there is a spring having two steel balls placed at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventor: Sing-Song Pong
  • Patent number: 5875544
    Abstract: An IC hand tool is composed of a base, a main body, a press rod, and two holding arms. The base is provided with a receiving space for locating an IC element. The main body is fastened at one end thereof with the base and provided with an axial through hole in which the press rod is located such that a cap of the press rod is located outside the top end of the main body and that a leg block of the press rod is located in the receiving space of the base. The main body is further provided with two protruded portions and a plurality of fastening lugs for fastening the holding arms pivotally. The holding arms are provided respectively at the bottom end thereof with a hooked body for holding securely the IC element which is located in the receiving space of the base. The IC element is handled by mainpulating the press rod with hand of an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Shu Chun Yu Chou
  • Patent number: 5860205
    Abstract: A tool is provided for removal and installation of computer disk drive connectors of various sizes. The tool is a useful, easy to use, inexpensive device. The same device is a useful tool for removing hex head screws commonly used in computers. The apparatus is also lightweight and compact thereby making it easy to transport and store within the computer, and to use with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Gateway 2000, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Davis
  • Patent number: 5842261
    Abstract: A semiconductor package extractor is provided that extracts a semiconductor package from a socket on a circuit board. The extractor has an outer base and an inner base which are attached via a bolt. Turning the bolt raises or lowers the inner base. The inner base has an inner frame with multiple levers that swing freely inward and outward attached to the inner frame. The levers swing outward to surround the semiconductor package as the inner base is lowered onto the inner base and underlying circuit board. The levers swing inward to securely grip the semiconductor package as the outer base is lowered onto the circuit board. As the bolt is turned, the inner base, gripping the semiconductor package, is raised, removing the semiconductor package from the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 5837556
    Abstract: A method of removing a component bonded to a substrate utilizes a fixture having a bore therethrough which is aligned with a bore in the substrate. A screw is advanced in the bore in the fixture to cause a push pin to contact the component and force the component away from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Ostendorf, Donald J. Geralds
  • Patent number: 5784774
    Abstract: An IC socket jig is used in an IC socket pressing and affixing or releasing an electronic component with respect to contact pins by the movement of a slider in substantially a horizontal direction. The slider is moved in substantially a horizontal direction by an inclined portion formed in a cam pin of the jig which can vertically move. When the jig is attached to the IC socket, after a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole, the inclined portion of the cam pin is engaged with a shaft pin of the slider. When the jig is detached from the IC socket, after the engagement between the inclined portion of the cam pin provided in the upper block and the shaft pin of the slider of the IC socket is released, the positioning pin of the lower block is pulled out of the positioning hole of the socket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 5779062
    Abstract: Device for positioning, locking, and extracting mobile equipment with respect to a fixed support, of the type including two slideway elements 1, 2, one 1 of which is secured to the mobile equipment E and the other 2 of which is secured to the fixed support S, these elements 1, 2 being designed to guide the mobile equipment E in sliding on the fixed support S until complementary connectors secured on the one hand to the said equipment E and on the other hand to the said support S have been coupled together.This device is characterized in that it includes removable insertion tooling comprising means 9, 11, 15 for temporarily catching hold of a load-spreading body 10 on the fixed slideway element 2, it being possible for a press screw 16 to be screwed into this load-spreading body 10 so as to exert, via its end 20, a thrust on the mobile slideway element 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eurocopter France
    Inventor: Roger Felix Canonero
  • Patent number: 5735039
    Abstract: A method of removing electrical terminals (14) having a compressible compliant section (16) disposed within a circuit board through-hole (46) in an interference fit, the terminal insertion end (18) projecting from the through-hole (46) and beyond a remote surface (44) thereof when fully inserted. The method includes the steps of: providing a tool (50)having a work surface (54) including an array of work sites (56), each associated with a terminal (14); urging the work surface (54) of the tool (50) against the remote side (44) of the board (40) and performing a work step on the insertion end (18) to at least temporarily alter the insertion end at the through-hole exit thereby reducing the retention force; and pulling the terminal (14) from the through-hole from the insertion side (42) of the board. In one embodiment an aperture (56) in the tool (50) is dimensioned to receive the insertion end and the alternation step includes compressing the outwardly extending portion of the compliant section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Alan Shuey, John Douglas Weary
  • Patent number: 5683292
    Abstract: An abrasive plate for use with a power sanding device having an abrasive surface for performing abrading applications. The plate includes at least two rows of protrusions. The protrusions in each row have an orientation substantially the same as the other protrusions in the respective row. The protrusions in each row have a bottom edge portion oriented at an angle of from about 45.degree. to about 135.degree. with respect to the bottom edge portions of the protrusions in each adjacent row. By providing an abrasive plate having protrusions with the above-noted orientations, the forces transmitted through the plate between a surface being treated and a power sander will be substantially balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Wayne Young
  • Patent number: 5680697
    Abstract: A plier portion includes two arms connected to each other in a crossing manner, each arm having a handle and a grasping end. Removeable tips are attachable to the grasping ends. An uninsulated grounding cable connects the plier portion to a ground connection device in a visually verifiable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Frederick Leo Bever
  • Patent number: 5678292
    Abstract: A hand-held machine tool for a workpiece, comprising a casing having first and second hollows therein, an electric motor enclosed in said first hollow and having a driving shaft, a driving mechanism accommodated in said second hollow and being drivingly connected to said driving shaft. The driving mechanism includes a driven shaft and means for rotating and oscillating the driven shaft. A tool holder is provided on the driven shaft for holding a tool having a working surface adapted for sanding, rasping or filing a workpiece, a handle is fixedly connected to the casing and includes electric power conducting means and a switch for energizing and deenergizing the electric motor, and a guide and support for mounting attached to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Erich Kimbel, Jill Taylor, Gerd Buchter
  • Patent number: 5669808
    Abstract: Combination Shoe Assemblies for Power Straight Line Abrading or Hand Tool having a support rail (10) which either multiples of the grafting file (12) placed end-to-end, or multiples of the sandpaper shoe assembly (14) of common manufacture, placed end-to-end, are attached. The assembled unit is attached to either a power straight line abrading tool (34) or to a handgrip (32) to facilitate use. Multiples of the elongated relief slot (22) as well as both support rail end opening (40) are provided in support rail (10) for necessary expulsion of waste from grafting file (12) while abrading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Frederick Castorf Simons
  • Patent number: 5636436
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus or device for use in ejecting coaxial cable from the connector block cavity located on a cellular telephone circuit pack to remove the specific faulty coaxial cable. This invention pertains to the method of ejection of the coaxial cable from the front side of the cellular telephone circuit panel with the coaxial cable plugged into the connector block cavity located on the back plane of the cellular telephone circuit pack cabinet. The Extended Coaxial Cable Ejection Device is inserted from the front of the cellular telephone circuit panel cabinet into the connector block located on the back plane of the cellular telephone circuit pack of the specific coaxial cable to be removed. The hollow outer ejector tip of the Extended Coaxial Cable Ejection Device is inserted over the tip of the coaxial cable engaging the coaxial cable snap ring. A slight forward pressure is applied to the apparatus to collapse the coaxial cable snap ring in the connector block cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5625943
    Abstract: A generally L-shaped electrical outlet cover remover having a handle and prying shank defined by a tapered end for wedging between the outlet plug and the outlet. The outlet cover remover may also include two handles with opposing prying shanks for removing the outlet cover from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Debra Lyonnais
  • Patent number: 5617628
    Abstract: An integrated circuit extraction tool for extracting sockets or microprocessors having a staggered pin grid array (SPGA) pin arrangement. Such tool includes an elongated base having a first end and a second end, each end forming a set of teeth that permit entry and extension of the teeth, diagonally, through the staggered pins of the socket or microprocessor. In the preferred embodiment, the first end is disposed at ninety degree with respect to the elongated base. Further, the elongated base is formed with a curvature to enhance the leverage action necessary for an extraction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Cyrix Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley D. Harder, Thomas D. Selgas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5606788
    Abstract: An improved tool for pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft or a fan from a shaft, which improved tool is provided with hooked arms that are releasably but securely held at one end in the housing, without the use of retaining clips, so that the arms do not fall off during use or become lost, and so that they do not interfere with the use of the tool when using the securing bolts for pulling off a rotor. The housing of the improved tool of the invention is circular in shape, and in a first version, is provided with a plurality of equally-spaced holes about its circumference, which holes received the hooked ends of the hooked arms, so that various configurations of hooked arms may be provided to best suit the configuration of vanes and type of fan being pulled off a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Rubino, Michael Berg
  • Patent number: 5566445
    Abstract: An IC mounting tool including a substantially arched spring plate having two opposite ends bilaterally horizontally extended outwards and formed into two opposite horizontal bearing sections and then into two opposite vertical tip sections, and two movable pawls inserted through the in vertical sliding slots of the vertical tip sections, wherein when the IC mounting tool is used to install an IC in an IC connector, the movable pawls are forced upwards to receive the keys thereof in respective slots of the horizontal bearing sections; when the IC mounting tool is used to remove an IC from an IC connector, the key of each movable pawl is extended out of the respective vertical tip section and clamped on the bottom side of the IC permitting the IC to be removed out of the IC connector when the IC mounting tool is pulled upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Tseng S. Piao
  • Patent number: 5553374
    Abstract: In a magnetic head carrying device a method and apparatus for removing a magnetic head carrying arm from a support arm wherein ball stake mounting is used to affix the magnetic head carrying arm to the support arm. Tool receiving holes are provided in the magnetic head carrying arm, in a mounting plate, and in the support arm. Raised portions of a first tool may be inserted into the tool receiving holes of the magnetic head carrying arm and of the mounting plate. Raised portions of a second tool may be inserted into the tool receiving hole of the support arm. As the first and second tools are forced together, the ball stake mount is disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Hanks, Dennis R. Nielsen, David D. Koester
  • Patent number: 5553373
    Abstract: A maintenance device for the servicing of overhead modular photoelectric control switches, from ground level. This invention integrates the means to functionally test, remove, and install photoelectric control switch modules, normally associated with outdoor lighting. Alternatively, the device can remove and install high intensity light bulbs. The device comprises a pair of rotatable contracting grips, at one end. The grips respond to rotation of a cam, which also attaches the opposite end of the grips to a flex-head ratchet wrench. The wrench selectively imparts either clockwise or counterclockwise drive to the cam and, therefore, the grips. The opposite, or handle, end of the ratchet wrench is in sequence connected, via a universal attaching head, to a telescopic pole. When the grips are slided over a modular photoelectric control switch, the amount light striking its sensor is reduced, causing a functional module to switch on. If it fails to switch on, the module has malfunctioned and must be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: James M. Sprayberry
  • Patent number: 5551147
    Abstract: An electrical connector is made repairable by providing a front insert which is removable from and retained in the shell by an O-ring. The shell includes an undercut in which the O-ring is mounted, and the insert includes a circumferential elliptical groove. In use, as the insert assembly is inserted into the shell, the O-ring mounted on the undercut of the shell is compressed by the insert until it reaches the groove, whereupon it expands into the groove in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion, which constitutes the major axis of the elliptical profile of the groove, and thus provides positive retention and sealing without the need for additional retention mechanisms. Removal is facilitated by a removal tool which includes hooks extending from a front circumference of a sleeve of the removal tool. The hooks are inserted through slots in the insert and past a collar provided around the mating interface of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Morse, Douglas M. Johnescu
  • Patent number: 5549240
    Abstract: A surface mount device desoldering and removal tool includes a flexible carrier plate and a plurality of heated legs attached to the flexible carrier plate for contacting the leads of an electrical component. The flexible carrier plate is sufficiently flexible so that the flexing of the carrier plate allows the plurality of legs to deflect outward to accommodate electrical components of varying sizes. The plurality of legs are heated by electrical resistance heating elements to melt the solder which connects an electrical component to a circuit board. The legs provide a grip on the leads of the electrical component which allows the removal tool to lift the electrical component from the circuit board when all the solder connections have been melted. The flexible carrier plate is advantageously provided with shoulders which allow the electrical component to be easily removed from the removal tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Urban
  • Patent number: 5537736
    Abstract: A tool for removing a rectangular microchip module from a corresponding pin holding socket gripping a pin lead array extending downwardly from the module is described. The tool comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped prongs positioned around a lower periphery of the tool at intervals corresponding with the position of corners of the module. The prongs, preferably one for each corner of the module, are simultaneously wedgeable between the socket and the corners to lift said module away from the socket upon rotation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Higa
  • Patent number: 5533255
    Abstract: The tool has a frame and a positioner. The frame has top and bottom guide rails that are suitably sized and located to be slidingly received in guide channels of a printed circuit board receiving cage. A locking latch is provided on the frame to stationarily, but removably latch the frame to the receiving cage. The positioner is movably attached to the frame and has a working head receiving area. The working head receiving area is adapted to removably mount any one of a plurality of working heads to the positioner. The positioner is adapted to move an attached working head to a desired location for inserting and/or removing an electrical contact in an electrical connector of the cage, or inserting and/or removing an electrical connector in the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Michael N. Perugini, Thomas I. Crilly, III
  • Patent number: 5502887
    Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for removing an integrated circuit chip from a socket in a printed circuit board without damaging the chip or other components on the circuit board. The tool has a pair of arms slidably attached to a base. The lower ends of each arm have wedge-shaped teeth projecting inwardly toward the base. Components are provided within a cavity in the base for evenly and simultaneously moving the arms and teeth inwardly toward the base. The wedge-shaped teeth are thereby driven between the socket and chip so that the chip is forced away from the socket by the inclined upper surfaces of the teeth until the chip is disengaged from the socket. The even action of the teeth disengages the chip from the socket without bending pins of the chip or otherwise damaging the chip. Further, the tool does not rest upon or press against the circuit board as the chip is removed from the socket, so the tool removes the chip from the socket without damaging other components on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Guadalupe V. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5479669
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for IC including a body having a left portion, a right portion, and an intermediate portion fitted between the left portion and the right portion, a pair of inner arms each pivotally connected with an upper end of the left portion and the right portion, and a pair of outer arms each pivotally connected with an upper end of the left portion and the right portion, whereby the tool can be for straightening the feet of a IC, engaging a IC with a seat, and disengaging a IC from a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Wen S. Chen
  • Patent number: 5479688
    Abstract: An improved tool for pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft or a fan from a shaft, which improved tool is provided with hooked arms that are releasably but securely held at one end in the housing, without the use of retaining clips, so that the arms do not fall off during use or become lost, and so that they do not interfere with the use of the tool when using the securing bolts for pulling off a rotor. The housing of the improved tool of the invention is circular in shape, and in a first version, is provided with a plurality of equally-spaced holes about its circumference, which holes received the hooked ends of the hooked arms, so that various configurations of hooked arms may be provided to best suit the configuration of vanes and type of fan being pulled off a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Sensible Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rubino, Michael Berg
  • Patent number: 5473816
    Abstract: Male and female portions of a multi-pin connector (MPC) are separated and connected using a tool or a method in which the two MPC portions are securely retained in lateral and longitudinal alignment throughout separation and connection, to alleviate the difficulties of breaking, bending, mis-aligning and twisting pins of the male MPC portion relative to sockets of the female MPC portion, which may easily occur during separation and connection. The pins and the sockets in lateral and longitudinal alignment while the MPC portions are moved toward and away from one another. The risk of lead-wire breakage due to fatigue from grasping the lead wires during connection and separation is also avoided, because the only contact is with the body portions, not the lead wires, of even small MPCs. A tool includes a receptacle adapted for receiving the two portions of the MPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Cray Computer Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Harden, Jr., Steven E. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5471740
    Abstract: An electrical connector is made repairable by providing a front insert which is removable from and retained in the shell by an O-ring. The shell includes an undercut in which the O-ring is mounted, and the insert includes a circumferential elliptical groove. In use, as the insert assembly is inserted into the shell, the O-ring mounted on the undercut of the shell is compressed by the insert until it reaches the groove, whereupon it expands into the groove in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion, which constitutes the major axis of the elliptical profile of the groove, and thus provides positive retention and sealing without the need for additional retention mechanisms. Removal is facilitated by a removal tool which includes hooks extending from a front circumference of a sleeve of the removal tool. The hooks are inserted through slots in the insert and past a collar provided around the mating interface of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Morse, Douglas M. Johnescu
  • Patent number: 5469614
    Abstract: A generally L-shaped electrical outlet cover remover having a handle and prying shank defined by a tapered end for wedging between the outlet plug and the outlet. The outlet cover remover may also include two handles with opposing prying shanks for removing the outlet cover from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Debra Lyonnais
  • Patent number: 5444907
    Abstract: A device to provide a quick and safe elimination of the supply of electricity to a building. The device attaches to the protective housing of the electric meter and permits the user to remain at a safe distance while further providing leverage to be applied to the meter to facilitate removal. If arcing of the electricity flowing through the meter occurs, the operator is safe from it harmful effects. It being recognized that during firefighting operations water is being applied in vast quantities and the dangers of arcing are significantly increased when water is present. The elimination of the supply of electricity to a building on fire is necessary to ensure the safety of the firefighters and other emergency personnel. The device is simple to apply and is applicable to all known types and sizes of meters. The extensive use of nonconductive materials, in the design of the device, ensure the safety of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: John Becker
  • Patent number: 5440803
    Abstract: An integrated circuit extraction tool includes an elongated base having a first end and second end. A first set of teeth are provided on the first end and a second set of teeth are provided on the second end. The first set of teeth are spaced at a first spacing distance and the second set of teeth are spaced at a second spacing distance. In the preferred embodiment, the first set of teeth are spaced to correspond with the spacing between pins of a integrated circuit to be extracted and the second set of teeth are spaced at a distance to correspond to the spacing between base portions of a socket's connectors. One or both of the ends may be angled at ninety degrees to allow integrated circuit removal with minimal clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Cyrix Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Selgas, Jr., Sean T. Crowley, Paul J. Pascarelli
  • Patent number: 5425169
    Abstract: A tool for removal and insertion of a backplane or other electrical member with respect to a housing comprises a frame which can be fixed with respect to the housing and a carriage which can be connected to the electrical member. The carriage is guided in floating relation with respect to the frame and is movable in a first direction to remove the electrical member and in a second direction to insert the electrical member. Fixing the frame with respect to the housing prevents movement of the frame away from the housing, thereby enabling application of force to the carriage sufficient to overcome resistance to insertion of the electrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Steinman, Richard A. Lyon, Michael A. Viselli, Robert S. Correll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5402562
    Abstract: A driving slope of a disengaging member of a terminal removing jig is pushed into a gap between an electric contact portion of a metal terminal and a disengaging free end part of a cantilever-like flexible engagement portion of a connector housing so that the engagement part of the flexible engagement portion is pushed up. The jig is then pushed inward further so that a butting surface of a pushing member of the jig is put into contact with the front end of the electric contact portion of the terminal to move it back out of the connector housing. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with pulling out a metal terminal from a connector housing with a hand, to make it easier to remove the terminal from the housing out of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Saito, Akira Kato, Masanori Chiba
  • Patent number: 5390404
    Abstract: An improved tool for pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft or a fan from a shaft, which improved tool is provided with hooked arms that are releasably but securely held at one end in the housing, without the use of retaining clips, so that the arms do not fall off during use or become lost, and so that they do not interfere with the use of the tool when using the securing bolts for pulling off a rotor. The hooked arms of the invention are also hexagonal shaped, and securing bolts are provided with hexagonal-shaped recesses in their heads, so that the hooked arms may themselves be used for rotating the securing bolts when pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Sensible Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rubino, Michael Berg, Michael Rubino, Carol Rubino
  • Patent number: 5375319
    Abstract: A removal tool for removing a component bonded to a printed wiring board. A housing and securing mechanism are provided for securing the printed wiring board to the housing. An adapter holds the component that is to be removed. A variable jaw assembly applies a closing force to the adapter to hold the component. A spanner assembly comprises a variable position slider block for holding the jaw assembly in a vertical orientation, and locking devices for securing it to the housing. A second securing mechanism is provided for locking the slider block to secure the variable jaw assembly. A torque handle assembly is coupled to the jaw assembly that is rotatable to apply torque to the component to break the bond between the component and the printed wiring board. The securing mechanism comprises a support block, an end stop, a swivel block disposed opposite the end stop, and a locking device for supporting and holding the printed wiring board in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Joseph M. Jacobs