By Or With Work-constrainer And/or Manipulated Work-forcer Patents (Class 72/457)
  • Patent number: 11834102
    Abstract: A vehicle roof brace support apparatus includes a support beam with at least two fasteners located on opposite ends of the support beam. The fasteners are configured to couple the support beam to a vehicle roof or vehicle frame so that the support beam is suspended below a roof brace of the vehicle roof. The vehicle roof brace support apparatus further includes a plurality of jacks coupled to the support beam and configured to engage the roof brace in order to stabilize the roof brace when the vehicle roof is being repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Mitch Mundorf
  • Patent number: 11638945
    Abstract: A machine for bending a casted or stamped component into compliance with dimension and tolerance requirements, includes a base and at least one fixed holding device coupled to the base and configured to hold a corresponding datum of the component. The machine further includes at least one bending device coupled to the base and configured to engage a corresponding bending datum of the component, and a control system configured to control the at least one fixed holding device and the at least one bending device during a manipulation routine. The at least one fixed holding device is configured to hold the component in a predetermined spatial orientation relative to the base. The at least one bending device is configured to plastically deform the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Faupel, Craig Feltenbarger
  • Patent number: 11577048
    Abstract: A method and system of bending medical device components for customization to a particular medical procedure and patient while generally maintaining the ideal performance of the component. A medical professional embeds the medical device component into a bending tool. The medical professional then aligns an intended curve region of the medical device component within a bending region of the bending tool and imparts a curve in the bending region. Finally, the medical professional withdraws the medical device component from the bending tool, and utilizes the bent medical device component in the medical procedure. The system may be a kit comprising various medical device components for a particular medical procedure and a suitable bending tool for those components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Argon Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Huggins
  • Patent number: 11420248
    Abstract: An impact-compensating bucking bar and its use to reduce impacts during riveting, where the bucking bar includes a body; a strike surface on a distal portion of the body, a compensating inertial mass coupled to the body by a flexible and resilient mass support, and a handgrip coupled to the body and configured for the user to urge the strike surface of the bucking bar against a tail of a rivet to facilitate upsetting the rivet tail during riveting. A relative movement of the compensating inertial mass of the bucking bar in response to a strike on the rivet head at least partially dissipates energy imparted to the body during riveting, reducing impact stresses on the bucking bar user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven Griffin, Darby Grant Cooper, Naval Kishore Agarwal
  • Patent number: 11364037
    Abstract: Devices and techniques for adjusting an alignment for a first metatarsal may include making a plurality of cuts along the length of the first metatarsal. In different applications of the technique, a plurality of transverse cuts may or may not be made intersecting the longitudinal cuts. In either case, the cuts can separate the first metatarsal into two individual portions and release a removable wedge of bone. The different portions of the metatarsal can be moved relative to each other to adjust an anatomical alignment of one portion relative to another portion, for example in multiple planes. After suitably adjusting the alignment of the different bone portions, the portions can be fixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hissong, Joe W. Ferguson, Lowell Weil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11358199
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correcting a vehicle member, by which twisting or deflection of a vehicle member including a side member of the vehicle, may be corrected, may be disclosed, wherein the apparatus for correcting a vehicle member includes a base extending in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a plurality of correction units disposed on the base to be movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Young Min Won, Dae Weon Kim, Tea Jung Yoon, Yong Baek Suh, Kyung Bum Kim
  • Patent number: 11162365
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for inspecting an airfoil, the apparatus having: a pair of opposing walls connected by a base; a pair of chucks, wherein one of the pair of chucks is secured to one of the pair of opposing walls and the other one of the chucks is secured to the other one of the pair of opposing walls; and a profile gauge supported by the pair of opposing walls and configured to move between the pair of chucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathon T. Pacuk, Ryan Edward LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 10912555
    Abstract: A device for fixing a first and a second tissue part or a tissue part and an implant part to each other is provided, providing a fastener including a thermoplastic material and a fastening instrument. The fastening instrument includes a first instrument component with a first contact surface facing toward a distal side and a second instrument component has a foot with a second contact surface distally of the first contact surface and facing toward a proximal side. The first instrument component and the second instrument component are displaceable with respect to each other, so that the fastener is compressible between the first and second contact surfaces by application of a relative force between the components. The instrument also includes an energy source for coupling mechanical energy into one of the instrument components to soften and/or melt an end portion of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: WOODWELDING AG, SPORTWELDING GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Andrea Müller, Andreas Wenger
  • Patent number: 10773289
    Abstract: An auto body repair assembly for removing dents includes a rotary tool that has a shaft. An extender is operationally couplable to the shaft. A first cylinder, which is weighted, is positioned to insert the extender to slidably couple the first cylinder to the extender. A bit is operationally couplable to the extender distal from the rotary tool. The bit has a first section that is configured to penetrate sheet metal and a second section that is threaded and configured to couple to the sheet metal. The rotary tool is positioned to rotate the bit to penetrate the sheet metal and to couple the bit to the sheet metal. The first cylinder is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user to propel the first cylinder along the extender to the rotary tool to apply force to a dent in the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Adan Fuentes
  • Patent number: 10625799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a checking fixture comprising: a bottom support frame; a metallic support sheet mechanically fixated to the bottom support frame, the metallic support sheet comprising a plurality of through holes arranged in a predetermined layout; a plurality of holder members for holding vehicle component holders or vehicle component measurement devices, the holder members being attached to the metallic support sheet in the through holes and being adapted to extend away from an upper surface of the metallic support sheet; at least one metallic sheet reinforcement structure arranged orthogonally separated from the metallic support sheet, the metallic sheet reinforcement structure being adapted to fixate the relative position of at least two of the holders members. The metallic support sheet and the metallic reinforcement sheet structure are made from laser cut sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Ulf Stanggren
  • Patent number: 10293393
    Abstract: A deck anchor assembly a deck leverage anchor body configured to engage a frame deck and a first coupler yoke configured to couple a second coupler yoke assembly thereto. The second coupler yoke assembly comprises a base portion having second yoke extensions extending therefrom and a swivel post extending from the base portion opposite the second yoke extensions. The swivel post is mounted to the first coupler yoke using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J. Marx
  • Patent number: 10156460
    Abstract: A sensor mounting bracket includes: a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a coupling element coupling the first and second plate portions. When X, Y, and Z axes perpendicular to each other are assumed, a second normal vector normal to a second mounting surface of the second plate portion has Y and Z components greater than 0 in a first state in which the first reference part is aligned with X direction and a first mounting surface of the first plate portion is in XZ plane, and a first normal vector normal to the first mounting surface has Y and Z components greater than 0 in a second state in which the second reference part is aligned with X direction and the second mounting surface is in XZ plane, the first normal vector being oriented differently from the second normal vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamaji, Seiki Ishii, Hiroyuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 9994026
    Abstract: A line inkjet head cleaning apparatus for effectively cleaning a long line inkjet head includes a wiper fixer extending in a longitudinal direction of a line inkjet head as a cleaning target and having a predetermined width in a vertical direction, a cleaning wiper being fixed to an upper end thereof, a cleaning solution tank having a predetermined volume accommodating the wiper fixer and having an opening in an upper surface, and a driver that vertically moves the wiper fixer between a cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank and the line inkjet head as a cleaning target positioned above the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FOR FUTURE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Hideaki Miyano, Yoshikazu Ooba, Yousuke Katou, Koukichi Suzuki, Yuya Daicho
  • Patent number: 9694406
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Allen Cagle
  • Patent number: 9162271
    Abstract: A deck anchor assembly for anchoring a frame loading member to a frame deck according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a deck leverage anchor and a coupler. The deck leverage anchor is configured to engage the frame deck, the deck leverage anchor including a locking mechanism configured to lock the deck leverage anchor relative to the frame deck. The coupler is configured to couple the frame loading member to the deck leverage anchor and is independently moveable relative to the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Marx
  • Patent number: 9149849
    Abstract: A straightening arrangement for straightening a chassis frame, having a plurality of bridges (11). Each bridge has a horizontal beam (12) and a vertical beam (13) whose lower end is fixed to the horizontal beam, a floor anchorage which detachably fastens the bridge to the floor, a device (15) arranged horizontally on the beam construction, and a chain attachment fitting (18). The bridge is locked in at least two directions, perpendicular to one another and also to the chassis frame. The horizontal device is arranged, in the straightening of a chassis frame which is bent in the lateral direction, to apply a horizontally directed force. The chain attachment fitting is arranged in the straightening of a chassis frame, which is bent in the vertical direction or is crooked, to secure a chain that is attached to the chassis frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: JOSAM AB
    Inventor: Franco Giacomini
  • Patent number: 8943867
    Abstract: A transportable straightening beam which makes it possible to straighten deformed potshell sidewalls of different deformation resistance independently of one another is disclosed for use both with potshell carrying structure and potshell sheeting. The beam can extend between two potshell walls lying opposite one another. Each of its two end regions has a straightening jaw with a downwardly open U-profile-shaped orifice through which the straightening beam can be positioned onto the top side of the potshell sidewalls. Each straightening jaws being arranged with at least one hydraulic straightening ram parallel to the potshell bottom, and the straightening rams lying along a line of action, and such that one straightening jaw lies opposite the other straightening jaw which is carrying out the straightening work on a deformed potshell wall while being firmly braced with the top side of the potshell sidewall and serving as a captively fixed counterbearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventor: Hardy Nagel
  • Patent number: 8695395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for straightening dents and irregularities in wheels including a spindle, a platen mounted on the spindle configured such that the wheel can be mounted on the spindle with the spindle projecting through the central hub hole and at least one actuator device positionable between the spindle and a section of the wheel to be straightened, the actuator exerting a straightening force on the rim of the wheel and a mobile device including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8651458
    Abstract: A hand-operated vacuum pulling device includes a shank, over which a backward ram is slidable fit. The shank has a front end to which a suction cup is attached and a rear end to which a handgrip defining a cylinder and having a pressure relief seat is attached. The pressure relief seat forms a ram stop at a joint thereof with the shank. The handgrip has a rear end to which a ring-shaped cover assembly is attached. The piston assembly is manually operable to induce a vacuum inside the cylinder. And then, the ring-shaped cover assembly can be manually operated to pull the piston assembly backward for repeated operation of the piston assembly to thereby make a spring contained in the piston assembly stiffer and increase the suction power of the suction cup. The backward ram can be quickly moved backward to impact the ram stop for improving pulling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Lin Liao
  • Publication number: 20130239646
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Zaloudek
  • Patent number: 8516875
    Abstract: A repairing kit for automotive dents includes a body, a draw bar, a spring, a pull seat, a pull piece, a grab bar, a handle, two foot stands and two foot pieces. The repairing kit can be used to repair automotive dents and restore a smooth surface to an automobile using a DIY method, without damaging the baking finish surface after repairing the automotive dent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 8516873
    Abstract: A puller for automotive dents includes a rod unit, a slide hammer, a first handle, a second handle, at least a pull piece and a pull assembly. A user puts a single pull piece or the pull assembly that is formed by plural pull blocks at an automotive dent and pulls flat an automotive dent by hammering with a DIY method to restore the automotive dent to a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Publication number: 20130140318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a can, such as a paint can, comprising the steps of: i. providing a cylindrical body; ii. arranging piston means in a first opening of the cylindrical body for defining the diameter of the opening; iii. curling a free end of the first opening radially outwardly and axially along the cylindrical body thereby forming a curl, such that the defined diameter of the first opening is substantially circumferentially, dimensionally stable, and to the can and can body made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: IMPRESS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Sybren Ytsma
  • Patent number: 8418522
    Abstract: A hand/pneumatics dual operation vacuum pulling device includes an elongate shank and a slidable backward ram fit to the shank. The shank has an end to which a suction cup is attached. The shank has an upper end to which a handgrip having a pressure relief seat is mounted. A ramp stop section is formed below the pressure relief seat. The handgrip can selectively and switchably couple with a hand-operating pump piston to form a hand-operating vacuum pulling device, or couple with a pneumatic operation seat to form a pneumatically-operating vacuum pulling device. For hand operation or pneumatics operation, the vacuum pulling device is allowed to easily switch between the two modes according to the availability of power supply and the site of use, thereby achieving an excellent device for one device having two ways of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Publication number: 20130086969
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of devices for preparing cables, such as devices for pulling back the shield on an end portion of a coaxial cable to prepare the end portion for attachment to a connector. A coaxial cable, with an exposed central conductor, a dielectric insulator, and a shield (e.g., a metallic shield) can be inserted into a bore of a shield pull-back device configured in accordance with the present disclosure. As the cable is inserted into the bore, one or more gripping members can engage the cable shield and pull it back evenly without damaging the central conductor or the dielectric insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Wilson, Paul Sterkeson
  • Publication number: 20130011186
    Abstract: A metal member coupling structure and a metal member coupling device that can perform high-strength and high-precision coupling are provided. A shaft-like portion of the second metal member is fitted in an annular portion of the first metal member, a restraint ring is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the annular portion of the first metal member, and the annular portion is pressed to be plastically deformed, whereby the annular portion is made to flow into a coupling groove of the shaft-like portion and the first metal member and the second metal member are coupled to each other through mechanical engagement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: KEIHIN SEIMITSU KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kawame, Hiroya Murakami
  • Patent number: 8302453
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching edging to a sheet has two stationary guides at each end, an upper hollow guide (8), a pair of lower guides (5), with a fixed base (4) between the lower guides. A hollow profile (1) is vertically movable, having a binding rail (2) on the underside thereof. The upper guide (8) is placed inside the profile, forming upper and lower spaces (7, 9) between the profile and the upper guide. Upper and lower flexible elements (10, 11) are provided in each space. In use, one element is filled while the other element is emptied, such that when an edging and a sheet is placed between the fixed base (4) and the binding rail, the lower element is filled to force the profile and thus the binding rail down to attach the edging. Then the upper element is filled to release the sheet with the attached edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: TP Holding Hadsund ApS
    Inventor: Tomas Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8302441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (6) and method for repairing an upright profile (2) which has been bent out of an original position, in particular a profile of a warehouse rack upright for mounting of warehouse rack girders (3), wherein an inner space (13) accessible from an open side is defined in the profile. The device comprises an outer template (7) adapted to the form of the outer surface of the profile, an inner template (16,17) adapted to the form of the inner surface, wherein during use the inner template is arranged in the inner space of the profile via the open side, and pressing means for pressing the outer template against the outer side of the profile and pressing the inner template against the inner side of the profile with pressing force such that the upright profile is bent back into its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Reparatie Onderhoud Slavenburg
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelis Slavenburg
  • Publication number: 20120198907
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Zaloudek
  • Patent number: 8181497
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Double Z Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Zaloudek
  • Patent number: 8109484
    Abstract: A subframe support apparatus adapted to engage and support a subframe of a vehicle is provided wherein the subframe support apparatus engages and supports the subframe of the vehicle when the vehicle is either raised on a lift and/or on the ground and when a mechanic is working on components of the vehicle supported by the subframe of the vehicle. The subframe support apparatus includes an elongated housing or elongated support member having first and second subframe engaging assemblies adjustably connected thereto for engaging oppositely disposed portions of the subframe of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Casey B. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8020841
    Abstract: A fastener (12) for a car-body straightening device (10), by means of which fastener (12) a vehicle is fastened to a straightening table (11) of the car-body straightening device (10) for the time of straightening work. The fastener (12) comprises an arm part (21), which provides additional support when during the car-body straightening work a force is applied to the area to be straightened, and a fastening device (24) for fastening the fastener (12) to the car to be straightened. The arm part (21) is movable in the fastener (12) and the fastener (12) can be placed moveably on a beam (13) of the car-body straightening table (11), and locked on said beam in a desired position. the fastener (12) comprises an upper frame part (16) and a lower frame part (17) of a fastener frame (15) and, between them, guides (18) to which an intermediate part (19) is connected floatingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Autorobot Finland Oy
    Inventor: Olavi Venäläinen
  • Publication number: 20110109082
    Abstract: A tool for joining a coupling element, such as a flange to a pipe, wherein the coupling element surrounds the pipe and has grooves facing the pipe to receive a corresponding plurality of beads provided on the pipe. The tool has a plurality of axially separated, radially movable segments. Each segment has a plurality of circle sector formed ridges. The plurality of segments thereby provides circumferentially extending ridges that are capable of deforming a pipe wall by a first pressing action on the inside wall of the pipe to create on the outside of the pipe circumferential beads in the pipe wall and to cause these beads to extend into corresponding grooves in the coupling element. The segments also have circumferentially extending portions located adjacent and between the ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: QUICKFLANGE, AS
    Inventor: Hilberg KAROLIUSSEN
  • Patent number: 7878475
    Abstract: A subframe support apparatus adapted to engage and support a subframe of a vehicle is provided wherein the subframe support apparatus engages and supports the subframe of the vehicle when the vehicle is either raised on a lift and/or on the ground and when a mechanic is working on components of the vehicle supported by the subframe of the vehicle. The subframe support apparatus includes an elongated housing or elongated support member having first and second subframe engaging assemblies adjustably connected thereto for engaging oppositely disposed portions of the subframe of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Casey B. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7856862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, suitable for body shops for correcting damaged vehicle body sheets, but also suitable for saving people trapped in a damaged vehicle and also for other applications that require opposite codirectional forces of high intensity with a rectilinear movement of a movable element, which is practical and independent from external energy sources. The tool (1) uses, as source of rotational movement, a common electric screwer (2) connected in a releasable way within the box (70) of said tool, with its driven shaft connected to a screw mechanism which supports in translational movement a movable element (10). The box of the tool has a front face (8) and a rear face (23), arranged at the lend of the side faces (29, 29?) and the lower face kept together by the four screw pulling elements (28, 28?) tightened by respective four nuts (25). On the front face (8) a fixed element (9) is connected, in which telescopically slides the movable element (17) operated by the screwer (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Dino Sodini
  • Publication number: 20100300174
    Abstract: A step flashing bending device comprises a supporting a lower press block and an upper press block thereon for movement relative to one another for bending blank metal sheets into step flashing therebetween. The press blocks have working surfaces which are elongate in a longitudinal direction extending at a downward inclination from a top end to a bottom end thereof. The frame and the press blocks are open at the bottom end such that the working surfaces are arranged to automatically release the step flashing from the frame between the bottom ends of the upper and lower press blocks under force of gravity when the press blocks are separated into an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph T. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20100192661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: SYNTHES (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Marc Christian Metzger
  • Patent number: 7730758
    Abstract: An apparatus straightens vehicular structure, and comprises a U-shaped main frame, a pair of lift tower assemblies, and a pull tower assembly. The length of the main frame comprises spaced attachment structure for attaching the pull tower assembly. The lift tower assemblies are fastened to the main frame intermediate its length and function to fix the position of the vehicle relative to the main frame. The pull tower assembly is attachable to the main frame at a select attachment site and a tension member is attached to adjacent select vehicular structure. Thereafter tension may be applied to the select vehicular structure based from the attachment site to the main frame. Multiple tower assemblies may work in tandem with one another peripherally to the vehicle; a rear frame member may close the open end of the main frame; and vehicle support cross members may be included to support the framed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: George D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7661287
    Abstract: An auto body decrimping tool assembly for decrimping a panel from a vehicle frame. The decrimping tool assembly includes a hollow housing body member with a first aperture at one end and a second aperture. A decrimping head member is pivotally mounted near an end thereof on a drive shaft member rotatably secured in the body member's second aperture. The decrimping head member includes a base portion having a protruding contact section and an opposed, protruding blade section having a concave, helical surface facing the contact section. The blade section includes a tapered edge at a side of the concave, helical surface opposite the base portion. The decrimping head member is mounted to the drive shaft member at the contact section. The decrimping head member is positioned at an edge of a panel crimped to the frame with the contact section on an edge of the crimped panel and the tapered edge of the blade section between the crimped panel and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Arendt, Tod O. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7640781
    Abstract: A rescue device and a method of using same, for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle, including a door having battle latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: Scot Rose
  • Patent number: 7600408
    Abstract: A trolley (30) for use with a frame-straightening bench (10) and allowing for moving a vehicle into the bench (10) for initial repair; moving the vehicle out of the bench (10) and into holding area to allow for curing or other time-consuming repair processes or operations, thereby making the bench (10) available for other uses; and moving the vehicle back into the bench (10) for additional repair or final confirmation of a previous repair. A repair jig (140) is coupleable with the trolley (30) for facilitating the alignment and otherwise proper positioning of a portion of the vehicle being repaired. The trolley (30) can also be used with a lift (2072) to separate the vehicle's body from its frame (2010).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Chief Automotive Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Gregory Potter, Jeffery A. Hess, Jeffrey L. Dobbins, Richard Keefer, Richard H. Nagorski, Gregory Richards, Randy Gard
  • Patent number: 7549313
    Abstract: A vehicle frame and unibody straightening jig has multiple receivers at each end for connection with pulling tower assemblies on all sides of the vehicle. Multiple pulling towers can be installed side-by-side on the same side or end of a vehicle. Receivers at the end of the jig may be installed in parallel orientation. The receivers are selectively removable. The jig also includes lateral support legs or outriggers pivotable about a 90° arc and foldable against the spine to reduce the width of the jig for storage. Height-adjustable, rotatable clamps are mounted on the outriggers for connecting the jig to a vehicle frame or unibody, The clamps are adjustable along the length of the legs to permit connection of the jig with a wide variety of vehicle frames and unibody structures. The jig also includes a carriage assembly with wheels for easy positioning beneath a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Spider Pulling Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7493792
    Abstract: The inventive crimping tool (1) comprises a pushing head (2) which contact the fold (3) of a sheet (4) and has a front convex contour (5) in a plane view and a guiding seat (6) applicable to the sheet (4), wherein the pushing head (2) and the guiding seat (6) are remote from each other and define therebetween a groove (7) bounded by faces (8, 9) which are opposite in a substantially parallel direction with respect to the pushing head and the seat. The thickness (e) of said groove (7) substantially corresponds to the thickness of parts to be crimped, the front face of the pushing head is convexly connected to said flat face delimiting the groove and the bottom (10) thereof and extends along a convex contour, in particular substantially in a parallel direction with respect to the front face (5) of the pushing head (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Arnaud Bouchoux
  • Publication number: 20080282757
    Abstract: A hydroforming device includes a top die and a bottom die, set between which is a metal element to be formed and which are pressed against one another during a hydroforming process. A relative movement of the two dies between the open condition and the closed condition is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. The opening of the two dies during the hydroforming process, when the forming cavity is filled with liquid at a high pressure, is prevented by applying on the two dies a force generated by means of two wedge-shaped members, which are horizontally mobile, controlled by respective actuator means and having inclined surfaces in contact with corresponding inclined surfaces of a vertically mobile member. The mobile member and the hydraulic cylinder are set operatively in series between one and the same die of the two dies and the base of the hydroforming cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Manuel Lai, Valter Stillio, Rosanna Brun, Marco Colosseo
  • Patent number: 7434444
    Abstract: A frame rail pulling apparatus for realigning a frame rail of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, backing plate, side sway adapter, eye hook and fasteners. The base includes a platform with openings therein, cylinder, and side supports which distribute pressure equally from the cylinder to the openings in the platform. The backing plate has openings therein and is positioned adjacent to a first side of the base. The backing plate distributes pulling pressure over a greater area of the frame rail to prevent additional damage to the rail during realignment. The side sway adapter has a center opening and peripheral/end openings and is positioned adjacent to a second side of the base. The eye hook has a top portion and a shaft, wherein the shaft is positioned through the center opening of the side sway adapter and attaches to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browning
  • Patent number: 7430891
    Abstract: A pneumatic dent removing tool, wherein a sleeve is sheathed onto a vacuum ejector, and the inner screw thread of the sleeve is screwed to the outer screw thread of the vacuum ejector such that the combination of the free space of the vacuum ejector and the sleeve are sealed together. An air tube fitting opening is connected with an air tube which contains a suction cup. A jet faucet fitting opening connects with a jet faucet, and the jet faucet is connected with an air supply hose. The user need only eject the high pressure air into the vacuum ejector to generate suction under the suction cup. This process achieves the function of saving time and effort, increasing user safety, and decreasing the negative impact on the strength of the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
  • Patent number: 7426847
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of securing a vehicle to a conventional vehicle repair frame rack utilizes conventional and readily available T-brackets or angle irons welded to four corners of the base of the vehicle to be repaired. A pair of square crossbeams extending in parallel from side to side, one of them near the vehicle's forward and the other near the aft end, under the base of the vehicle, are removably attached to the clamping tie-down members of the frame rack by sliding insertion through a first pair of aligned sleeves, each sleeve affixed to a bracket clamped by a tie-down member of the frame rack. Each crossbeam is releasably attached to the base of the vehicle by sliding insertion through a second pair of aligned sleeves bearing clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly of the invention being clamped to a T bracket welded onto the rocker panel, or angle iron, as the case may be, welded onto the bottom of the base of full-size-frame vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney Congreaves
  • Patent number: 7347079
    Abstract: WHEEL RECONDITIONING DEVICE, composed of a base (1), from whose upper facing extends a vertical, rear column (2), from which extend forward one upper cross brace (3) and one intermediate cross brace (4), the latter equipped with axles (5) and (6) for the positioning and fixation of the wheel, and which interconnect with the upper cross brace (3) by means of a frontal, vertical and mobile column (11), and additional swinging cross brace (13) connected to the upper cross brace (3), responsible for the fixation of the wheel in the desired position for use of the hydraulic jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Indústria de Màquinas e Ferramentas Carjac Ltda.
    Inventor: Vicente Moreno Moreno
  • Patent number: 7343772
    Abstract: A device for applying an outer skin to an automotive frame. The device comprises at least one member formed from a preselected material and having a predetermined shape and a substantially U-shaped notch formed closely adjacent a first end of the at least one member. There is a tapered portion disposed on one predetermined face of the substantially U-shaped notch for engaging an outer portion of such outer skin and forcing such outer portion to turn down and engage such automotive door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. Shuckhart
  • Patent number: 7343771
    Abstract: A deck leverage anchor for securing an external device has an anchor body that is positioned at least partially within an opening of the deck so that a notch receives the edge of the surface. The anchor body comprises a swivel coupler that extends outward from the opening. The swivel coupler couples to an external device. A swivel plate is disposed opposite the swivel coupler to engage and distribute a load on the surface of the deck opposite the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Marx