Extension Patents (Class 74/544)
  • Patent number: 11913312
    Abstract: An intelligent oil extraction system using an all-metal screw pump includes: the all-metal screw pump, an oil collecting unit (43), and a steam generating unit (45); wherein an internal threaded curve surface and an external threaded curve surface of the all-metal screw pump are both tapered spiral structures with equal tapers; the oil extraction system comprises a lifting mechanism and monitoring and control mechanism; the monitoring and control mechanism comprises: a controller (34), a torque sensor (35), a flow sensor (36), a pressure sensor (39), a liquid level detector (38), and a backup power source (37); the controller (34) is electrically connected to the torque sensor (35), the flow sensor (36), the pressure sensor (39), the liquid level detector (38), the backup power source (37), a drive motor (48), a servo motor (33), a first valve and a second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: WUXI HENGXIN BEISHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haiyang Liang, Guang Zhou, Xuelei Sun, Xueling Sun, Zhihai Zhang
  • Patent number: 11591840
    Abstract: Power window operators, windows including the power window operators, and methods of using the same are described herein. The power window operators may offer the ability to control the timing and/or speed of the lock/unlock motion relative to the open/close motions of the operator arm of the power window operator and, if provided, a sash being driven by the power window operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Plummer, Chad Wernlund, Justin Depew, Matthew Page
  • Patent number: 11465270
    Abstract: A fire hydrant wrench includes a wrench-head able to fasten to the pentagonal interface of a fire-hydrant and a handle able to be selectively extended or retracted by a user. The wrench includes a cylindrical rod which may be contained by and telescopes within a tubular handle. A cap on a handle-end of the tubular handle prevents the cylindrical rod from leaving the handle in one direction, while a collar affixed externally to the cylindrical rod prevents it from leaving the handle in the opposite direction. The tool-head containing the wrench is affixed to a tool-end of the cylindrical rod which protrudes from the tubular handle in all positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Sebastian Fodera
  • Patent number: 11181189
    Abstract: A vehicle shifter mechanism comprises a shift control member configured with an outer threaded portion proximate an upper end, and an inwardly tapered bore proximate the upper end. A shift lever is configured with an outwardly extending annular shoulder proximate a lower end. The annular shoulder has a tapered lower portion configured to register with the tapered bore of the shift control member. A locking nut is configured to fit over the shift lever and to mate with the threaded portion of the shift control member to compress the tapered lower portion of the annular shoulder to the tapered bore to fix the shift control member to the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Ford, Van Walls
  • Patent number: 10514091
    Abstract: A vehicle including a transmission apparatus is provided to distinguish a difference between an automatic shifting operation and a manual shifting operation. The vehicle includes a shift lever that is configured to receive a gear shift command and a transmission apparatus that is configured to perform a gear shifting operation according to the gear shift command received by the shift lever. The shift lever is rotatable to one side and is configured to receive an automatic gear shift command in a laid-down state and to receive a manual shift command in a standing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gi Beom Hong, Seunghyun Woo, Daeyun An
  • Patent number: 9488273
    Abstract: A neutral locking system and method for a vehicle includes a park release shaft and a neutral locking tool. The park release shaft is operatively connected to a transmission of the vehicle such that rotation of the park release shaft in a first rotatable direction places the transmission in a neutral state. The neutral locking includes a fixture element and a rotatable element rotatably received within the fixture element. The rotatable element has one end configured to nonrotatably and removably couple to the park release shaft such that rotation of the rotatable element within the fixture element rotates the park release shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcus E. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8984987
    Abstract: A turn signal adaptor for use with a turn signal lever of a vehicle. The turn signal adaptor includes a mounting member and a crossover signal arm. The crossover signal arm extends from the mounting end at the right side of a steering column of a steering wheel of the vehicle to the free end at the left side of the steering column. At least one height adjustment screw allows leveling of the mounting member and the crossover signal arm relative to the turn signal lever such that the crossover signal arm extends across the steering column of the vehicle while creating no or minimal visibility issues with the driver seeing an instrument cluster panel of the vehicle, allowing a user to activate the turn signal lever with the use of the right hand, without taking hands off the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Wesley C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8567766
    Abstract: An assist device for use with a tensioning bar, the device comprising a pair of surfaces in spaced apart relation affixed to a u-shaped wall, creating an open ended box, and a pair of through bores located along a central vertical axis of each surface. The assist device is removably or permanently coupled to the tensioning bar. The tensioning bar is inserted into a truck winch, and a user facing the assist device and the truck winch, perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the bar, pushes down on an upper surface of the assist device using hands or a foot in a pumping motion, causing the bar to pivot downwards from the winch, and thus tightening or loosening the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Curtis Trump
  • Patent number: 8528444
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest that attaches to zero-radius turning mowers includes a telescoping armrest and a clamping bracket. The armrest provides a horizontal support for an operator's arm and is covered with a layer of foam padding for comfort. The clamping bracket is attachable to a steering handle at a prescribed location. In this manner, after the operator attaches an adjustable armrest on each of the steering handles the forearms and wrists are supported and the armrests pivot with the steering handles in order to preserve the comfortable supportive functioning of the armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald F. Gubin
  • Patent number: 8261414
    Abstract: A holder comprising on the one hand a base designed for fixing on a culinary item, and comprises a use positioning member and a rotary shaft, and on the other hand a handle pivoting on the rotary shaft and a lock mounted in such a way that it can move between a locked position in which it engages with the use positioning member in such a way as to immobilize the handle and a release position in which it allows it to be rotated. The use positioning member is on the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: SEB SA
    Inventor: Olivier Coudurier
  • Patent number: 8205526
    Abstract: A system for pressurizing a hub having a bearing chamber formed from an air-tight sealing arrangement located on each end of a hub to form a closed air system in the interior of the hub or in combination with a second hub. The closed air system fluidly coupled to a pressurized air tank for receiving pressurized air. A pressure gauge provides a visual indication of the air pressure in the closed air system whereby a breached seal condition within the hub can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Henry Dombroski
  • Publication number: 20120125144
    Abstract: Jacks and handle systems for jacks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a jack includes a base, a pivotable handle sleeve, a lifting portion, coupling structure affixed to at least one of the base and the lifting portion, and a first elongate rigid member. The coupling structure defines a passageway extending generally perpendicular to the base and an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The first elongate rigid member has proximal and distal ends, and the distal end of the first elongate rigid member is configured to interact with the pivotable handle sleeve to actuate the lifting portion. The distal end is also configured to pass through the passageway and interact with the opening to operatively couple the first elongate rigid member to the lifting portion apart from the pivotable handle sleeve such that the first elongate rigid member extends generally perpendicularly to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kam Kuen Addy Law, Mark Yueh
  • Publication number: 20120060640
    Abstract: A control handle knob assembly for use with a control handle of a ZTR vehicle. The knob assembly includes a control handle engagement portion having a clamping mechanism configured to fixedly engage the control handle of the ZTR vehicle. The assembly includes an extension portion having a support rod attached to the control handle engagement portion and a user interface portion having a rotating knob attached to the support rod at an end opposite control handle engagement portion. The knob is attached to allow free rotation of the knob about the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: John H. Buford
  • Patent number: 7976548
    Abstract: A surgical tool holder aids a surgeon in controlling the use of a tool during, for example, preparation of a femoral cavity for reception of hip joint prosthesis. The holder has a housing that encloses a mechanism having, at a far end, a tool-engaging interface, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates manipulation of the tool during use in preparing a bone site by the surgeon. The holder enables easy orientation of the tool attached to its end, which is important because control of the tool is critical in order to accurately prepare a recess for reception and installation of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Greatbatch Medical S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Burgi, André Lechot
  • Patent number: 7886628
    Abstract: A shift lever assembly designed to isolate vibrations including an outer can having a bore and an outer wall, an inner can disposed within the bore, a vibration absorbing material positioned within the bore and around the inner can; and a sleeve extending from the outer wall of the outer can. The method of making the shift lever assembly includes positioning an outer can having a bore and an attached sleeve in a mold, positioning an inner can in the mold, within the bore of the outer can, injecting a vibration absorbing material into the mold, thereby filling the space within the bore of the outer can around the inner can, and allowing the vibration absorbing material to cure, thereby securing the inner can within the outer can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: James M. Burns, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7837178
    Abstract: Applicant provides an offset safety winch bar to remove the handle portion of a winch bar from a hazard zone created by the offset angle of the winch bar for safety in winching strap spools attached to flatbed trailers. An offset safety winch bar includes a spool insert insertable into a flatbed trailer winch spool hole; a body connected to said spool insert; and a handle connected to said body, wherein said spool insert is at an offset angle from said body, and said body has one or more compensating angles to intersect a portion of said handle with the longitudinal axis of said spool insert. The compensating angles can place the longitudinal axis of said handle aligned upon the longitudinal axis of the spool insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Westberg Group, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Westberg
  • Publication number: 20100242667
    Abstract: A brake handle adapter for trucks and busses having a dashboard and a shaft with a knob includes: a hand plate; a lifting portion attached to the hand plate, adapted to press the knob away from the dashboard; a depressor portion attached to the lifting portion, adapted to press upon the dashboard to provide leverage; and a resting lever attached to the handle, adapted to rest upon the dashboard when the handle is not being operated When the user pulls on the hand plate, the lifting portion engages with and presses upon the knob so as to pull the shaft away from the dashboard. A resting lever adjacent the hand plate rests upon the dashboard. The device helps absorb the kick from operating the brake, to help prevent pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Peggy Kolowinski, Shirleen Walker
  • Patent number: 7740232
    Abstract: A winch bar for use together with a strap winch to tighten a load-securing strap for a flatbed truck or trailer. In addition to an offset angle, the winch bar also includes one or more compensating angles establishing an obstacle clearance area defined by a laterally offset portion of the winch bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The Westberg Group, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Westberg
  • Patent number: 7389971
    Abstract: A tightening device leverage tool includes a bar member with a bar axis; a first receiver mounted to the bar member, and a second receiver mounted to the bar member and spaced-apart along the bar axis from the first receiver. The first and the second receivers are simultaneously engageable with a respective one of a first ratchet buckle member and a second ratchet buckle member, spaced apart from one another, for pivoting at least one of the first and the second ratchet buckle members about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Sylvain Gaudreault, Jules Savard
  • Patent number: 7334774
    Abstract: An extensible and turnover handle structure for a jack comprises a pivot ear formed at the front end of a base. The pivot ear is provided for a pivot connection with the handle. Moreover, the handle includes an inner pipe inserted in an outer pipe and serves to draw out the inner pipe in use, thus elongating an arm of force relative to the base, and the handle can be turned to a position above a top plate to reduce volume during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent W. Lin
  • Patent number: 7131349
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for actuating a gearbox, in particular controllable by pulse control, the device comprising a housing and a lever mounted oscillating in the housing, and the lever being selectively activated via a knob movable along a first direction between two extreme transitory positions located on either side of a neutral position. The lever is slidably mounted relative to a housing along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the lever selectively adopts an active position wherein it projects outside the housing, and an inactive position wherein it is retracted inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles S.A.
    Inventor: Franck Sauvonnet
  • Patent number: 7100238
    Abstract: A bendable extension arm. A stiffening wire having a first end and a second end is connected at its first end to a wire receptor and at its second end to another wire receptor. A sheath covers the stiffening wire and prevents over bending of the stiffening wire. In a preferred embodiment, attachment devices are connected to the wire receptors. For example, in one embodiment a paint brush is connected to one of the wire receptors and an extension pole is connected to the other wire receptor. In another preferred embodiment, the bendable extension arm is used as a bendable handle. The user can grab the bendable handle at one end and attach an attachment device to the other end of the bendable handle. The bendable handle can be bent as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick McCauley
  • Patent number: 7000498
    Abstract: An adjustable extension lever to be attached to a control lever of a vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle or personal watercraft to extend the lever surface available to be contacted during control of the vehicle and including a bendable lever extension that will bend under a bending force greater than the operating force required to operate the vehicle control lever to insure a comfortably located thumb and/or palm engagement surface on an extender connected to and pivot able with the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Stearns Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D Hancock
  • Patent number: 7000497
    Abstract: An adjustable gearshift assembly (10, 130) for connecting by a bracket (16) to a transmission of a motor vehicle, providing a shifter knob (12, 132) movable to a selected position relative to an elongate member (14, 144). The shifter knob (12, 132) defines an elongate inner recess (26, 146) slidably received on the elongate member (14, 144). A holder connects to the shifter knob (12, 132) to fix the shifter knob (12, 132) in a selected position. The holder selectively releases to allow the shifter knob (12, 132) to be moved to a selected second position. The holder of the first embodiment includes a ball (92) which communicates through a port (90) between one of a plurality of seats in the elongate member (14) and a slot (80) in the actuator (70). The second embodiment provides a spring plunger (158) that maintains the position of the shifter knob (132) relative to the elongate member (144). A method of selectively positioning a gearshift is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Harry Edward Campbell, Robert Edward Campbell
  • Patent number: 6854939
    Abstract: A winch bar has an insertion portion adapted to fit in openings of a winch drum of non-circular cross-section, typically square or hexagonal, whereby the winch bar cannot rotate relative to the openings to present hazards of injury to persons or property which can result with prior art circular drum openings and circular cross-section bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Darryl Im
  • Patent number: 6848872
    Abstract: A device for quickly winding strap around a spool of a ratcheting binder assembly having a longitudinal axis includes a leverage hole engaging mechanism, a longitudinal axis generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the spool, and two generally freely rotatable handles offset from the longitudinal axis spaced 180 degrees apart. An alternate embodiment includes an extended tail end portion adapted to rest within an adjacent ratcheting binder and may include another leverage hole engaging mechanism to turn two adjacent spools coincidently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Thelton Ray Perkins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040173045
    Abstract: An adjustable extension lever to be attached to a control lever of a vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle or personal watercraft to extend the lever surface available to be contacted during control of the vehicle and including a bendable lever extension that will bend under a bending force greater than the operating force required to operate the vehicle control lever to insure a comfortably located thumb and/or palm engagement surface on an extender connected to and pivot able with the control lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffery D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20040099086
    Abstract: A pole for a hand pallet truck comprising a pole bar linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end, the handle being centrally grippable at its rear end, an operating device within the handle, the operating device being attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and being connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension, the operating levers being pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane defined by the handle, wherein both operating levers act on a common displacement element connected to the traction or pushing element such that pulling the operating levers out of a neutral position away from the pole bar causes a lowering operation and pushing the operating levers out of the neutral position towards the pole bar allows a lifting operation of the lifting apparatus, a
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Rogg, Michael Niebuhr
  • Publication number: 20040040406
    Abstract: A tube with a handle that attaches and detaches from a toddlers two wheel bicycle fitted with training wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Walter G. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6698310
    Abstract: A sleeve for a vehicle handbrake lever has a stationary tube (21) adapted to mount on the handbrake with a button and a movable tube (22) rotatably and slidably mounted on the stationary tube (21). The movable tube (22) has a limit block (222) protruding to the stationary tube (21). The stationary tube (21) has an L-shaped cutout (214) composed of a transversal slot (216) and a longitudinal slot (215) to movably receive the limit block (222). By locating the limit block (222) in the longitudinal slot (215) or the transversal slot (216), the movable tube (22) selectively releases or presses the button to keep the handbrake locked or unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chia-Lung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040025623
    Abstract: A device with two arms (10, 12) in spaced-apart relationship for secure attachment to a wheel-barrow. A member (26) extends between the two arms (10, 12) and is engaged by an operator contacting the member (26) with their hip/waist area to assist in propelling the wheel-barrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Barrie Dunbar
  • Patent number: 6675674
    Abstract: A locating/controlling structure for telescopic tube including an elliptic outer tube. A rotary button is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer tube. The rotary button is connected with an elliptic rod passing through the outer tube. An inner tube is telescopically nested in the outer tube. One end of the inner tube fitted in the outer tube is provided with a cock body formed with a central circular hole through which the elliptic rod is passed. The cock body has a stop section protruding from the inner tube. The stop section is formed with two radially opposite receptacles. A movable block is disposed in each of the receptacles. Each movable block has a contacting face complementary to the inner circumference of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kuang Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6663636
    Abstract: A femur rasp fastener has a frame and a linkage. The frame has a chamber for housing the linkage. When a femur rasp is engaged with the frame and a handle of the linkage is moved, an arched and elastic suspension bar will be driven to pull a bucking hear which is engaged with a front end of the suspension bar so that the bucking head will clamp a strut in an indented recess located at one end of the femur rasp. The femur rasp thus will be held securely and continuously by the frame of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: United Orthopedic Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Lin
  • Publication number: 20030015057
    Abstract: An extensible handle includes an elongated inner member and an elongated outer member. The outer member is hollow and telescopically receives the inner member. The inner member includes a section having an expanded width, and the outer member includes a restriction so that when the section having expanded width contacts the restriction, the inner member is prevented from fully passing through the outer member. The extendability of the handle allows the handle to be used with vehicle part jacks and other applications where handles of varying lengths are desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Berdan, James E. Jirele, Brian C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6494113
    Abstract: An extension lever to be attached to a control lever of a vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, or personal watercraft to extend the lever surface available to be contacted during control of the vehicle and particularly to provide a comfortable thumb and/or palm engagement surface on an extender connected to and pivotable with the control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6467371
    Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Ivano Resca, Giancarlo Sola
  • Patent number: 6398470
    Abstract: A strap winding tool includes a bent metal bar with a short elbow which can fit into a borehole opening in a ratchet extension on a strap winder on a flat bed trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Strap Buddy Tool Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Roger G. Mosley
  • Patent number: 6367853
    Abstract: A universal lock handle assembly for multi-point casement windows is provided. The lock handle assembly includes an escutcheon that is mounted to the inside surface of the window frame. The escutcheon includes a slot for receiving a handle. The handle includes a grip portion that is connected to a mid-section which, in turn, is connected to a forked end. The mid-section of the handle is pivotally connected to the escutcheon below or exterior to the inside surface of the window frame. The forked end of the handle includes two spaced-apart legs that define an open slot for slidably receiving a slider. The slider, in turn, is pivotally connected to a tiebar. The slider enables the overall length of the handle to be variable thereby enabling the distance between the tiebar and the escutcheon or the inside surface of the window frame to be variable as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Roto Frank of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Mark Briggs
  • Patent number: 6322302
    Abstract: An improved snap buckle tool for opening and closing a snap buckle of the type used in combination with a flexible strap member to adjust the tension thereof is disclosed. The snap buckle tool comprises an elongated handle member integrally formed with a generally C-shaped head member. An elongated slot divides the terminal end of the head member into a pair of parallel tines which engage a snap buckle to alternately manipulate the snap buckle from a closed condition to an open condition to adjust the tension of the strap. The slot is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle member to facilitate use of the tool against a surface of a shipping container to gain a mechanical advantage in opening and closing the snap buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas E. Horton
  • Patent number: 6205884
    Abstract: A handle assembly (1) has a handle body (4), an arm (8) and a trigger mechanism (6). The handle body (4) has a recess (18) for receiving an instrument to be held by the handle assembly (1). The arm (8) pivots in relation to the handle body (4) and the trigger mechanism (6) holds the arm (8) in two positions relative to the handle body (4). A third position enables the arm (8) to be detached from the handle body (4). In the first position, the arm (8) is locked adjacent the handle body (4) such that a projection (30) from the arm (8) engages the recess (18) in which a neck of an instrument being held can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Foley, Brian Griffiths, Ben Stungo
  • Patent number: 6202504
    Abstract: The combination of an emergency brake system comprising a brake and an elongate hand lever that is vertically movable to a first position to engage the brake and to a second position to release the brake, and an extension handle attached to and angulated with respect to the elongate hand lever of the emergency brake system. The extension handle enables a driver of the vehicle to release or engage the brake without (i) diverting his or her line of vision below the vehicle windshield, and (ii) sustaining muscular or bodily strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Edmund P. Burkle
  • Patent number: 6201252
    Abstract: A manual release apparatus attachable to a fifth wheel of a truck cab for disengaging a king pin on a truck trailer from the fifth wheel, including an elongated, rigid lever arm, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a side of the fifth wheel at a location spaced from the opening through which the release rod extends, a second end of which is spaced away from the fifth wheel extending horizontally from the first end, whereby the lever arm is attached to the release rod, such that a manual movement of the second end of the lever arm will cause the lever arm to be pivoted horizontally about the first end, thereby causing the release rod to be pulled outwardly to disengage the king pin from the fifth wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: William E. Hollis, William E. Hollis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6178848
    Abstract: A hook and jack handle assembly in which the hook is retained within the tubular jack handle during use of the assembly in operating a vehicle jack. To this end, a tubular end portion in a jack handle has inserted therein a hook-shaped end piece having a pre-formed indentation. The tubular wall of the jack handle is displaced within the pre-formed indentation such that the end piece is prevented from slipping out of the jack handle during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Wald LLC
    Inventor: Frank Lowe
  • Patent number: 6139233
    Abstract: A rapid spooling/tightening binding device includes a uniquely designed winch winder mechanism having a rotatable shaft substantially aligned with the center axis of the winch and which is couplable to a drill to rapidly spool the binding strap about a strap spooling reel. In the preferred embodiment, the drill is a cordless drill. The winch winder mechanism is removably coupled to the winch for use with other binding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: James T. Wilsey
  • Patent number: 6116370
    Abstract: A new anti-theft system for permitting removal of the gear selection shaft from a vehicle having a gear selection console with an aperture extending through it that permits external gear selection of a transmission, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a transmission engaging lever that is movably mounted to a transmission. The first end of the transmission engaging lever is insertable into the lower end of a shaft member that extends through the aperture in the console. A release lever extends from the aperture of the shaft member towards the lower end of the shaft member. The second end of the release lever has a flange extending from it that is inserted into a notch in the transmission engaging lever when the release lever is in an engaged position, thereby coupling the shaft member to the transmission engaging lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Fernando Marina Puigbo
  • Patent number: 6102637
    Abstract: A winding tool for a winch is disclosed. The winch is used on flatbed trailers to hold webbing used to strap down loads on the trailer. The winding tool is designed to use the winch bar interface on currently available winches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Mocci
  • Patent number: 6092437
    Abstract: A winch bar is adapted at each end for use with ratcheting winches on truck trailer beds to respectively wind and tighten tie straps for securing cargo on the truck bed. The winch bar is provided with a hooked end member and a handle portion at one end to assist in the rapid winding of a strap secured to the ratcheting winch member. At the other end, the winch bar is provided with an angled end member which may be tapered so as to securely engage the winch member for tightening the strap. The handle portion may be used to provide leverage when tightening the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: David E. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6076424
    Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Wald Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David K. McMurtrey, Dennis P. Pawsat
  • Patent number: 6056488
    Abstract: A locking winch bar having a locking mechanism for securing the winch bar in a winch sprocket so that the bar does not accidentally exit the sprocket. The winch bar has an elongated shaft with a grasping end and a tapering bend at the other end. The shaft includes a groove located at the tapering bend, and within the groove is position a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lock member having a pawl element at one end and a trigger at the other end. The other end of the lock member is pivotally secured within the groove by a pivot pin, and a spring member is positioned within the groove to act upon the lock member by biasing it outwardly, from the groove. A retaining member secured to the shaft across the groove limits the outward extent of the lock member. Upon pressing the trigger, the lock member is forced into the groove against the action of the spring member, which thereby causes the pawl element to become recessed within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Carl R. Depoy
  • Patent number: 5926913
    Abstract: An extension for use with different pneumatically powered tools is provided. The extension comprises an elongated body for coupling the extension to a pneumatic source and a sleeve for coupling a pneumatic tool to the extension, coupling the tool to the source. The extension has a small diameter to enable the extension to be disposed in substantially small workspaces, for enabling facile operation of a pneumatic tool coupled to the extension in such workspaces. The extension is sufficiently long, to enable a tool coupled to the extension to access fasteners located in deep and narrow workspaces. The body has a handle that includes a control switch for controlling activation of a tool coupled thereto, thus remotely controlling activation of the tool. A passageway extends through the body to provide an air flow path therethrough pneumatic air source to the pneumatic tool coupled to the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: J. Manuel Hernandez, M. Elizabeth Harbinson-Moore, Johnny L. Moore, Josephine Cruz Hernandez