Enclosed (e.g., Socket) Patents (Class 81/121.1)
  • Publication number: 20080028896
    Abstract: A tool for use with a as meter shut-off valve having an elongated member with a first end and a second end and a transverse or diagonal section extending between the first and the second end. Both the first end and the second end have a plurality of slots of differing shape and/or size adapted to receive the shut-off valve of the gas meter. The transverse section has a recess cut in both sides leaving a center wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: AME Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Natoli
  • Patent number: 7325468
    Abstract: A hollowed socket comprises a driving portion and an engaging portion; an outer side of the driving portion having a receiving groove; an elastic sheet being installed in the receiving groove; and a free end of the elastic sheet having a positioning block. An inner space of the driving portion is communicated to the receiving groove. The elastic sheet has a shape like “8” and one end of the elastic sheet is a fixing end which is fixed to the receiving groove. The elastic sheet is fixed to the receiving groove by using a fixing unit. The elastic sheet is tightly engaged to the receiving groove. An inner space of the driving portion is communicated to an inner space of the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Da Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7311022
    Abstract: A tool for torquing threaded fasteners includes a socket body having formed therein a fastener-receiving receptacle with an axis of rotation, the receptacle having a plurality of interior faces arranged in a generally polygonal configuration and substantially parallel to the axis, with each of the interior faces having projecting laterally inwardly therefrom a pair of fastener-engaging surfaces with inner and outer ends spaced apart in use substantially axially, each fastener-engaging surface being arcuate and sloping away from the axis from a closed end toward an open end of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon A. Putney, Marco E. DeVecchis, Scott G. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 7311021
    Abstract: A wrench tool is described which comprises an orifice configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances substantially form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis for engagement with the hexagonal work piece. Each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle. The engaging surfaces may be flat, arcuate, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Proprietary Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Macor
  • Patent number: 7299721
    Abstract: A socket for engaging a work piece having at least one wire. The socket includes a body having a closed peripheral side wall, first and second ends and a rotational axis extending between the first and second ends. The socket also includes a first receptacle formed in the first end and defining a drive structure configured for receiving a work piece for driving engagement therewith. A channel is formed in the side wall and opens at and extends laterally from the first end of the body for receiving the at least one wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on INcororated
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis
  • Patent number: 7296501
    Abstract: A limited access building connection for connecting a holding structure and a held structure which includes an anchor member having a threaded end adapted for connection to holding structure. A nut having an inner threaded wall threadably engages the threaded end of anchor member. Nut has a base which engages connector structure. Connector structure is adapted for connection to held structure. A nut rotational member is provided for imparting rotational motion to nut. Connection has dimensional limited access parameters existent between nut and connector structure and held structure. A linear power member is dimensioned and configured to work within the dimensional limited access parameters and is adapted for engaging and imparting rotational energy to nut rotational member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, Gregory S. Powell
  • Patent number: 7290466
    Abstract: A bolt and nut engaging tool includes a loop that has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top side and a bottom side. The inner surface has a size and shape adapted for removably receiving a fastener. Each of a pair of the finger grips is coupled to the loop and extends in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of the finger grips has an outer end extending away from the loop. The fastener may be removably positioned within the loop member so that the loop member engages the fastener and may be rotated by placing rotational force on the finger grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael F. Wadsley
  • Patent number: 7290468
    Abstract: A socket adapter includes a main body having a receiving recess and a slide slot, a drive rod slidably mounted in the slide slot of the main body, and a control member movably mounted in the main body. Thus, the drive rod has a plurality of locking grooves, and the control member has a locking portion, so that when the control member is moved relative to the drive rod, the locking portion of the control member is locked in or detached from the respective locking groove of the drive rod, thereby positioning the drive rod on the main body or releasing the drive rod from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chin Shun Cheng
  • Patent number: 7290467
    Abstract: A socket-wrench socket is provided having a plurality of longitudinally extending members therein mounted within wall circumferential slots of the workpiece-receiving opening of the socket and secured in place by a flexible web. These members have flat surfaces for engaging the workpiece and are biased into engagement with the workpiece by the web. These members and the slots are formed such that rotation of the socket causes the slots to exert radially inward camming force onto the members at the same time that rotational force is applied to the members. The members translate the camming force to flat surfaces of the workpiece for improved gripping, and translate rotational force to the workpiece for manipulation of the workpiece in the direction of that rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Harker
  • Patent number: 7278341
    Abstract: A structural bolt security apparatus includes a security nut forming a threaded central hole for a bolt; the security nut has a groove in an upper surface and/or a side surface. At least one groove is at least partially separated from the threaded central hole by the upper surface. In one embodiment, a security nut has a plurality of electrical contacts, logic electronics configured for monitoring electrical resistance across the electrical contacts, and a transmitter for broadcasting security data generated by the logic electronics. In one embodiment, a structural bolt security apparatus includes a security nut and an outer sleeve. Structural bolt security systems described herein include a security nut, a security socket, and a security wrench. The systems may be equipped with RFID chips for recognition of matched security nuts and security sockets, and/or with GPS transceivers for broadcasting security wrench position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Selective Site Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Hossein A. Novin, J. Lawrence Louk, Michael L. Owens, Terrance Super, Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 7275465
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an enhanced hex key comprises a hex key composed of a first material (e.g., a metal such as steel) and non-marring, protective sleeve composed of a second material fitted onto the hex key bit portion of the hex key. In one embodiment, the sleeve may be comprised of a thermoset material such as, preferably, a glass reinforced thermoset plastic. The sleeve has a hexagonally-shaped inner surface that fits onto the hex key bit, and a hexagonally-shaped outer surface that fits, e.g., into fasteners of a specified size. The sleeve may be connected to the hex key bit by an adhesive. The sleeve may additionally be connected to the hex key bit using a screw such as, e.g., a set screw. Alternatively, the sleeve may be pinned to the hex key bit using a pin such as, e.g., a dowel pin. Tools with non-marring surfaces are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: ProTec Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Maznicki
  • Patent number: 7270033
    Abstract: A specialty wrench includes a socket with a specially shaped handle attached thereto and arranged symmetrically with respect to its attachment to the socket to enable the socket to be placed on a fastener associated with a caster/camber adjustment cam in a left hand or a right hang sense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Williams, Mark Fogelstrom, Jerrel G. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7270034
    Abstract: A tool kit includes a number of wrenches of various sizes and a corresponding number of go-through type sockets. Each wrench includes a handle with a box end. Each wrench further includes a wheel that is rotatably mounted in the box end of the handle and that defines an inner periphery with a nominal size. Each socket includes an engaging portion for engaging with the box end of a corresponding wrench. The engaging portion includes a nominal size the same as that of the corresponding wrench. Each socket further includes a driving portion having a driving hole with a nominal size the same as that of the corresponding wrench. The engaging portion of each socket includes a recessed portion having a plurality of annularly spaced grooves. Each groove has two inclined faces to allow easy removal of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7270032
    Abstract: A fitting hole of a hand tool such as a socket or a wrench for fitting on and wrenching a screwing member. The inner wall of the fitting hole is formed with twelve teeth at equal intervals. The teeth define therebetween twelve recesses at equal intervals. Each tooth has a tip formed with a plane. The plane of the tooth and a tangent of the tooth contain an angle of 15 degrees. A first end of the plane is closer to a center of the fitting hole. A second end of the plane of the tooth is farther from the center of the fitting hole. An arced tooth section is formed on one side of the tooth. The fitting hole can be fitted on various screwing members to wrench the same, and is applicable to both normal and worn screwing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7261020
    Abstract: A clamping device for providing high twisting forces and low damage to a screw device comprises a handle; a driving portion formed with a space; the space including at least two resisting portions and at least two adhesion portions; the resisting portions and adhesion portions being alternatively arranged; each of the connection of the resisting portion and the adhesion portion being formed with a recess for receiving apexes of a screw means so as to prevent the screw means from damage; and each resisting portion having two cambered protrusions at two ends and three sharp teeth between the two cambered protrusions; the apexes of cambered protrusions and sharp teeth being collinear. Furthermore, the driving portion of the present invention can be used to a sleeve so that sleeve has the same function of the driving portion. Thereby it is preferred that there are three resisting portions and three adhesion portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7246542
    Abstract: The present invention includes a driven socket for a female threaded fastener formed from hexagonal steel stock or trilobe, D shaped stock, or round stock with other gripping or holding means. The driven socket also includes six radial lobes located adjacent to one of the hexagon of equal length sides and equidistant from the center of the fastener for loosening and tightening the fastener. A method of the present invention includes the steps for removing or tightening a threaded fastener from a corresponding bolt comprising the steps of: positioning a socket over a washer-nut; positioning a key to align a locking ring having tabs into a slot in the fastener to hold the socket securely to the locking fastener; engaging a lobe on the fastener to place pressure on a leveraging portion of the socket; and wherein rotating the socket removes or tightens the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hytorc, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Karol
  • Publication number: 20070163400
    Abstract: The present invention is an combination drum/percussion hardware wig nut tightening/loosening tool and tuning key. It is comprised of a cylinder body, with two sets of open slots at one end for wing nut adjustments. One end of the cylindrical body comprises protruding socket slots designed to engage wing nuts of various sizes for rapid but sensitive adjustments. The other end of the cylinder tapers down in diameter to a socket style wrench. The socket style wrench end can be used for tuning heads on standard percussion instruments such as congas, bongos, timbales, etc, and for tightening and loosening various nuts and bolts through out the musical industry world. A slidable coupled cross center rod, can be round, oval, hexagon, octagon and others forms, is guided thru the cylinder body midsection, at an angle adjustable for maximum leverage in confined spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Frank D. Parise
  • Patent number: 7241385
    Abstract: An oil filter canister removal tool comprising a cup-shaped plastic body long enough to receive the filter therein and of sufficient diameter as to provide radial clearance between the filter canister and the top rim of the body. A snug fit can be provided by integral flutes or bonded in strips of elastomeric material. In operation the tool is slipped over a canister after the canister has been loosened relative to the engine block. The tool is manually rotated until the canister is free of the engine. The tool can be cleaned up and reused after disposal of the oil filter canister. The tool may also be thrown away with the used filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel B. Cline
  • Patent number: 7228764
    Abstract: A tool device is described which comprises an orifice which has at least one engagement end formed to control the rotation of a work piece. The tool device has a peripheral terminal end at the engagement end. The orifice is defined by an inner wall of alternating recessed regions and engagement regions arranged about an imaginary central axis. The recessed regions and engagement regions extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to the imaginary central axis. And, at least a part of each engagement region extends farther towards the peripheral terminal end of the tool device than at least a part of each recessed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Proprietary Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Macor
  • Patent number: 7219582
    Abstract: A tool for tightening and loosening a security nut and the security nut associated with the aforementioned tool that allow easy tightening of the security nut, makes it difficult to remove the security nut when using ordinary tools, and makes it easy to remove the security nut if the dedicated tool is used. The security-nut tightening tool used for screwing and tightening the conical, trapezoidal security nut onto a bolt comprises a hollow section that covers and seats the tapered outer surface of the security nut, a rotation grip section that protrudes above the hollow section, a head female-thread section that is linked to a hollow space along the axis of the rotation grip section and screws onto the bolt, an inner tapered surface that is fixed to the inner wall surface of the tool and has the same slope angle as the tapered outer surface and an elastic friction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Koyokizai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 7207245
    Abstract: A tool comprises a first handle and a second handle, each handle extending from a gripping end portion to a working end portion, the first handle having first screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a first through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the second handle having second screw threads disposed circumferentially about an inner portion of a second through-hole at the working end portion thereof, the first and second respective through-holes being disposed concentrically about a common axis of the working end portions. First and second screw locks preferably are disposed concentrically with the first and second respective through-holes, the first screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the first screw threads of the first handle, the second screw lock having a plurality of locking/unlocking screw threads for engaging the second screw threads of the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Patent number: 7191687
    Abstract: A bolt and nut engaging tool includes a loop that has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top side and a bottom side. The inner surface has a size and shape adapted for removably receiving a fastener. Each of a pair of the finger grips is coupled to the loop and extends in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of the finger grips has an outer end extending away from the loop. The fastener may be removably positioned within the loop member so that the loop member engages the fastener and may be rotated by placing rotational force on the finger grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael F. Wadsley
  • Patent number: 7174811
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wright Tool Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Patent number: 7168343
    Abstract: A limited access building connection for connecting a holding structure and a held structure which includes an anchor member having a threaded end adapted for connection to holding structure. A nut having an inner threaded wall threadably engages the threaded end of anchor member. Nut has a base which engages connector structure. Connector structure is adapted for connection to held structure. A nut rotational member is provided for imparting rotational motion to nut. Connection has dimensional limited access parameters existent between nut and connector structure and held structure. A linear power member is dimensioned and configured to work within the dimensional limited access parameters and is adapted for engaging and imparting rotational energy to nut rotational member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, Gregory S. Powell
  • Patent number: 7168347
    Abstract: A wrench is cooperated with a fastener. The fastener has a plurality of surfaces jointed with each other at respective corners of the fastener. The wrench has a driving cylindrical member including an enclosed opening formed therein and having six corner spaces and six sides provided therein. Each of the six sides of the driving cylindrical member includes two cambered bulges formed and provided therein for engaging with the surfaces of the fastener, and a recess is formed between said cambered bulges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Chih Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7159492
    Abstract: A wrench tool is described comprising an orifice which has a predetermined geometry for controlling the rotation of a hexagonal work piece. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen longitudinal grooves positioned therein. The grooves form a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis. The grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis for engagement with the work piece. In one embodiment, the protuberances are positioned apart relative to each other and to the imaginary central axis by predetermined dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Proprietary Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Macor
  • Patent number: 7127970
    Abstract: A tool for tightening and loosening a wing nut having several wings that secures a motor vehicle wheel includes has a base element with three detachably attached contact bodies for the individual wings. The bodies serve to transfer the torque needed for tightening and loosening the wing nuts. The end of each contact body facing the wheel is provided with a projection that, for purposes of avoiding axial slippage of the tool off the wing nut in the functional position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, engages behind a wing. The projection in question is dimensioned in such a manner that a slot located between adjacent projections is only slightly larger than the corresponding wing. Each of the contact bodies, which are configured as cleats, has a contact surface that can be placed against the wing during either tightening or loosening. In order to apply the torque, the base element has a receptacle configured as a square opening to receive a commercially available torque tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Kirchgaessler
  • Patent number: 7127969
    Abstract: An anti-rolling socket. One end of the socket is formed with a fitting hole for fitting on a threaded member. An annular rib with a certain angle of arch is formed on a circumference of the socket to form a maximum outer diameter of the socket. A distance from a first end of the socket to the rib is longer than a distance from a second end of the socket to the rib. In the case that the annular rib has a 360 degree arch, when the socket is placed on a plane, the annular rib and the first end of the socket contact with the plane. When the socket rolls, the socket rolls about a circle. In the case that the annular rib has an arch that the angle of which is less than 360 degrees, when the socket rolls, the socket can only roll within a range less than one circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7117766
    Abstract: A wrench assembly includes a plate that has a first side, a second side, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The plate has an end opening therein extending into the first side and outwardly of the second side. The end opening is elongated and has a shape configured for engaging the wing head. The end opening is positioned nearer to the first end edge than the second end edge. A wing head, attached to a drain plug, may be engaged with and rotated by the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Martin L. Boehringer
  • Patent number: 7117763
    Abstract: A tool for installing threaded parts with lock nuts onto a machine is disclosed. The tool includes an outer tube and an inner mechanism that rotate together or independently using cogs. When the outer tube and inner mechanism rotate together, the threaded part is tightened onto a machine. When the outer tube and inner mechanism rotated independently, the lock nut is tightened onto the threaded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: American Soil Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane William Powell, James Anton Miller, Thomas Edward VanVeldhuizen
  • Patent number: 7117769
    Abstract: A socket wrench is provided which performs the functions heretofore carried out by two separate wrenches. To this end, the present invention provides a wrench where each end thereof selectively acts (a) as a receiving end for a nut or other fastener to be rotated by the wrench and of a different size than that to be received by the other end of the wrench and, (b) as the receiving end of a driver member which is to rotate the wrench to turn the nut or other fastener surrounded by the other end of the wrench. Preferably, the same driver member is insertable into either end of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Somers
  • Patent number: 7107879
    Abstract: A box wrench assembly has latch edges and accommodating grooves sequentially disposed around the internal periphery of an operating end of a box wrench, and each accommodating groove is disposed between two latch edges, and a groove is disposed proximate to the middle of a protruded surface of the latch edge to divide a cambered surface into two, so as to fit screw pieces of different shapes when the wrench is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Chin Shun Cheng
  • Patent number: 7107878
    Abstract: A tool for oil and fuel filters includes a generally cylindrical body having an open upper and a closed lower end. The body includes an interior chamber having a plurality of tapered radial projections that extend longitudinally within the interior chamber. The projections include respective tapered gripping surfaces that engage filters having respective diameters at corresponding depths within the chamber. The chamber defines a reservoir for collecting fluid that leaks when the filter is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley Jerantowski
  • Patent number: 7104163
    Abstract: A tool kit includes a number of wrenches of various sizes and a corresponding number of go-through type sockets. Each wrench includes a handle with a box end with a nominal size. Each socket includes an engaging portion for engaging with the box end of a corresponding one of the wrenches. The engaging portion includes a nominal size the same as that of the corresponding one of the wrenches. Each socket further includes a driving portion having a driving hole with a nominal size the same as that of the corresponding one of the wrenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7096766
    Abstract: A sleeve device comprises a sleeve portion, the sleeve portion having a first opening; a first sleeve extending from an upper side of the sleeve portion; the sleeve portion having four sides; two opposite sides of the four sides being suitable for one kind of spanner and the other two opposite sides being suitable for another kind of spanner; a second sleeve; the sleeve portion having four sides; two opposite sides of the four sides being suitable for one kind of spanner and the other two opposite sides being suitable for another kind of spanner; the first sleeve and the second sleeve being formed as a stepped structure; the second sleeve having a second opening. The second sleeve has a shape similar to that of the first sleeve and the size of the second sleeve is smaller than that of the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7077037
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a fastener from an assembly in which the fastener is aligned with a concave end of the apparatus. A socket bit holder has a first end and a second end, with the first end being a concave end, and having a socket bit receptacle. The second end has a socket drive receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Shevela, Richard W. Mills
  • Patent number: 7066058
    Abstract: A spanner with a sleeve having teeth and a smooth portion comprises a spanner body having a sleeve at one end thereof. A lower portion of the sleeve is formed with a resisting portion at a lower end. The resisting portion has a plurality of teeth at an inner periphery thereof. An inner wall of the sleeve below the resisting portion is formed as a smooth portion. An upper side of the sleeve is formed as a retracting portion. An annular recess being formed at a retracting portion; a restoring structure including a C ring, a spring, and a push unit. When the buckling flange of the push unit resists against one end of the resisting portion, the resisting surface of the push unit protrudes out of the resisting portion to slightly protrude from the smooth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Chin-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 7066057
    Abstract: A wrench includes two jaws extending from a head on an end of a handle. Each jaw has an inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the two inclined surfaces define tilt angles relative to a horizontal plane, which are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 7062995
    Abstract: A T-connector holding tool is a tool for immobilizing or applying a torque to a T-connector. The tool has an elongated handle portion and a head portion fixed to the handle portion. The head portion includes a pair of rigid claws, each including an interior surface sized to capture a corresponding one of two aligned nuts of the T-connector. When applying a torque to the third nut of a T-connector, the T-connector is immobilized by capturing the aligned first and second nuts and applying a counteracting torque to the T-connector, the counteracting torque being opposite the torque applied to the third nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy V. Smith, Kayley M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7044027
    Abstract: A wrench compatible for use in limited access areas is made up of two components. A socket with fluted interior walls cooperates with a handle assembly consisting of a head with complementary fluting on its exterior surface attached to one end of a shaft. The head is inserted into the top of the socket and the shaft is rotated as far as the available space permits. The handle assembly is then lifted upward until the head is separated from the socket, the shaft is thereafter returned to the starting point, the head returned to the socket and rotated again. These steps are repeated until the nut or bolt is tightened or removed. The interior fluting permits the rotation of the socket by small or large increments. Additional embodiments include a spring loaded pin that connects the head of the handle assembly to the socket while assisting the head to be raised a sufficient distance for the head of the handle assembly to be rotated and reseated in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Milton Richter
  • Patent number: 7044031
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved tool for driving a threaded fastener, such as a hex-headed sheet metal screw. The driving socket is adapted with an counter-bore in the region of the face of driving end of the socket, sufficient to receive therein the shoulder on the fastener head. In the preferred embodiment the counter-bore is countersunk into the face of the socket, coaxially with the driving recess, and terminates in a boss which receives the shoulder of the fastener when placed in the socket for driving. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes an counter-bore in the driving end of the socket wherein the bore is a conical section, the major diameter of which is larger enough to receive the shoulder of the fastener head while being of limited depth so as to enable the majority of the fastener head to engage the driving sides of the hexagonal socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Mullen
  • Patent number: 7028588
    Abstract: A tool comprises a surface area, the area being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system, and a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area, the numeral having a second color different from the first color of the area for providing a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool. The correct size of the tool thus can be quickly identified. Moreover, a number of embodiments are made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Leo Shih
  • Patent number: 7024968
    Abstract: A tool for aiding the locking of luer-type locks is disclosed. A luer lock connection device includes a cooperating threaded male luer lock connector and a threaded female luer lock connector each with raised portions on their respective exteriors to aid in the rotating of one of the connectors about the other to lock the two together. The disclosed tool includes a ring which surrounds the connector and a slot on the interior of the ring which engages the raised portion on the connector upon which it is disposed. The tool also includes a wing which the user employs to impart force to rotate the connector upon which the tool is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Raudabough, Mark St. Marie
  • Patent number: 7010998
    Abstract: A socket has a dark colored outer surface and a specification rolled in the outer surface of the socket and coated with a brighter colored electroplating. The method for the surface treatment of the socket includes rolling the specification in an outer surface of the socket; electroplating the socket with a light colored layer of electroplating; removing the light colored layer of electroplating from the outer surface of the socket except for the specification and coating a dark colored layer on the outer surface of the large section except for the specification. By the surface treatment, the specification is obvious from the dark colored outer surface of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Peng Ying-Hao
  • Patent number: 7000505
    Abstract: A socket includes a main body including a first cylinder having an outer periphery formed with a plurality of outer teeth, and a second cylinder having an inner periphery formed with a plurality of inner teeth. The inner teeth of the main body and the outer teeth of the main body have the same tooth number and have the corresponding tooth shape. Thus, the sockets can co-operate with each other to increase the working length, and the sockets co-operating with the ratchet wrench can be used in an elongated shallower space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6997085
    Abstract: A threaded fastener capable of being reduced in size and weight. A pair of side wall surfaces of each of six radially outwardly projecting, torque transmitting portions lie on straight lines passing through the center line in a cross section perpendicular to the center line so as to transmit torque through the side wall surface, whereby the direction of a surface orthogonal force N applied to a force-applied point P by a wrenching tool coincides with the direction of an effective wrenching force F. This arrangement reduces an operation force required for rotating the wrenching tool and accordingly the load acting on each of the torque transmitting portions, in comparison with a conventional hexagonal head. That is, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the head portion of the threaded fastener and the size and weight of the head portion, while avoiding deformation of the side wall surfaces through which the torque is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: OSG Corporation
    Inventor: Kouzou Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6978702
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hand tool is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the tool may include a socket body and a shaft arm. The socket body may include a first socket at a first end and a second socket at a second end. The sockets may be differently sized. The shaft arm is connected to the socket body. According to one embodiment, the shaft arm may be a multi-sided key, such as a hex key, for turning female fasteners (i.e., fasteners, such as bolts or screws, with opening for receiving the shaft arm). The socket body may be cylindrical and the shaft arm may extend radially from the socket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Jacob P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6969057
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for positioning an air cap of a pneumatically aided atomizer. The air cap has air horns extending from its face to provide flows of air to aid in atomizing and shaping the atomized particle stream. The method and apparatus contemplate providing a device having at least one first opening adapted to receive the horns and a first level for indicating when the horns received in the at least one first opening are in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Baltz, Brian J. Shull
  • Patent number: 6962100
    Abstract: A polygonal member engaging device includes a box end and a handle connected to the box end. The box end has a hole for receiving an engaging ring therein which has a plurality of ridges and grooves defined in an inner periphery thereof a clamping hole of the engaging ring. The ridges and the grooves are alternatively arranged from each other in the inner periphery of the clamping hole and each ridge has an enlarged portion extending radially outward therefrom and a width “W1” between two adjacent enlarged portions of the ridges is smaller than a width “L1” of a bottom of each groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6962098
    Abstract: A molded tool structure has a non-metallic body and a continuous band of flexible and resilient non-metallic material encompassing the body and bonded to its exterior surface. The body may be a tool or a tool part. Also, the body may have one or more metal inserts insert molded therein, in which case there is a band encompassing each such insert. In one embodiment the body is a socket with inserts at both ends and in another embodiment the body is a driver shank with a double-ended screwdriver bit having a Phillips tip insert molded in the body and a flat-blade tip projecting from the body. The tool structure is molded by placing the flexible and resilient band or bands in a mold cavity, the body material being injected into the cavity so that it flows inside the band or bands and forces each band against the mold at the peripheral of the cavity. Any inserts are positioned in the cavity on suitable fixtures inside the bands so that the material flows between the bands and the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis