With Separate Means For Guiding Or Gripping Work Patents (Class 81/451)
  • Publication number: 20030164075
    Abstract: A tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener. The tool includes a driving portion having a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to form an interface with a fastener. At least one fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion that extends above one or more of the tool surfaces. The fastener engaging member is adapted to form an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener can be releasably retained to the driving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael D. Blackston
  • Publication number: 20030164074
    Abstract: A tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener. The tool includes a driving portion having a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to form an interface with a fastener. At least one fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion that extends above one or more of the tool surfaces. The fastener engaging member forms an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener is releasably retained to the driving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael D. Blackston
  • Patent number: 6602027
    Abstract: A guide to center a screw or drill bit in the center of a hole of a countersink in a member to engage a piece under the member, the countersink having a downwardly tapered wall from the member to the hole. The guide has a body with a through hole and a tapered part that is to rest on the member tapered wall to align the through hole generally perpendicular to the piece. In a preferred embodiment the guide body tapered part is at an end of the body and the body is of frangible material and holds a screw in the through hole which fractures the body as the screw is threaded into the piece beneath the member. At least one slot is formed in the body along at least a part of its length between its top and bottom ends to facilitate the fracture of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Simp'l Products, INC
    Inventors: Richard H. Deaton, Burton Weinstein, Gordon D. Coplein
  • Patent number: 6588300
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely venting or opening a container sealed by a bung. The apparatus comprises a support structure, a means for attachment to the container by a strap, a bung wrench, and means for aligning and rotatably supporting the bung wrench. The alignment means allows the bung wrench to accommodate any deformation of the container face. The bung wrench can include a ratchet for multiple turns of the bung. An extension arm is connected to the bung wrench, and a cable is attachable to the end of the extension arm. The cable is attached to the extension arm, and extended away from the container in a direction whereby pulling the cable sufficient to move the extension arm will produce the desired rotation of the bung, thereby venting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel D. Ford, John S. Gala
  • Patent number: 6578451
    Abstract: Fastener gripping apparatus (10) can be used in connection with a shaft (14) having a driver portion (80) adapted to engage a bolt (3). The apparatus is used to move the bolt between an uninstalled condition, and an installed condition in a structural member (8). The apparatus can include a chassis (12) having a first end (22), a second end (24), and a passage (32) extending therebetween. The shaft can be positioned in the passage with the driver portion extending from the second end. A retainer (16) can be connected to the chassis, having a retaining end (54) adjacent the second end and moveable between a closed position and an open position. A contact surface (64) can be on said retaining end and positioned to hold the fastener in engagement with the driver portion when the retainer is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Kurt R. Graeff
  • Patent number: 6536269
    Abstract: A method of inserting an injector in a test head includes inserting the injector in a puck; aligning the puck beneath the test head; engaging a bottom of the puck with a floating cone assembly; raising the puck upwards towards the test head; and inserting a top portion of the injector into the test head. The floating locator cone assembly includes a floating locator cone mount; a ball thrust bearing assembly inserted in the floating locator cone mount; and a floating locator cone inserted in the floating locator cone mount on top of the ball thrust bearing. Use of the floating locator cone assembly allows the puck to center itself thereby allowing the injector to be properly aligned upon insertion in the test head. Proper alignment of the injector reduces false leak test readings and the consequent rejection of good injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Nemie, Jr., Dennis E. Rooker
  • Patent number: 6530299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint adapter for a power drill screw driver having a driving shaft, a slide socket, a compression spring, a packing ring and a screw driver bit. The driving shaft is provided with an insertion groove and an insertion piece. A neck is located in the middle of the driving shaft. A strong magnet is fixed at the front end of the axial insertion hole. A clamping ring is arranged at a proper place of the axial insertion hole. The compression spring is inserted around the neck of the driving shaft and rests on the clamping ring of the slide socket. The packing ring closely sits at the end of the neck of the driving shaft in a tight state while the compression spring presses against the packing ring so that the compression spring and the slide socket are located in place. A plurality of screw driver bits in a plurality of shapes and sizes each being selectively inserted into the insertion groove of the driving shaft for tightening the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tsai-Fa Liu
  • Patent number: 6526851
    Abstract: A screw has a head portion and a threaded portion. The head portion has an undercut slot extending across it. The slot has a flat floor and sloping sides and the width of the floor of the slot is greater than the width at the top opening of the slot. A matching bit has a shank portion and a flat portion. The flat portion of the bit is not as wide as the top opening of the slot. The flat portion has a foot extending from each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Fuerle
  • Patent number: 6511268
    Abstract: A tool holder comprising an elongated connector means having a first end and a second end, where the elongated connector means has a central longitudinal hole, of a cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of a mounting portion of the tool bit, at the first end, and a tool mount at the second end, and a first sleeve arranged to reciprocally slide over the connector means between a first end position and a second end position, the first sleeve having a third end facing the tool bit and a fourth end facing the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Kailash C. Vasudeva, Maz A. Hasan, Satnam Singh
  • Publication number: 20030000351
    Abstract: An interference fit screw driver has a polygonal driving surface to impart torque to a corresponding surface in a screw. The end of the polygonal driving surface has a frusto-conical shaped gripping member which fits into an aperture in the screw to create a friction fit between the screw and screw driver. This allows the screw to be attached to the screw driver to facilitate installation of the screw. The friction fit is tight enough to hold the screw to the driver, yet allows the driver to be easily disengaged from the screw by pulling the driver away from the screw once the screw is lodged in place. The interference fit screw driver is particularly useful in turning bone screws into the spine of a patient during orthopedic surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ortho Development Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 6499168
    Abstract: A drill adapter includes an elongate support holder and a generally elongate member fixed to one axial end of the support holder configured to be secured in a chuck of a drill to rotate the support holder. A reversible bit carrying member supports the drill bit at one end and a driver bit at the other end, and is receivable within the support holder. A magnet, formed of a permanently magnetized material having a high energy product, preferably equal to at least 7.0×106 gauss-oersteds, which may be in the form of a pill magnet embedded within the support holder or may be in the form of a sleeve of magnetizable material, surrounds at least an axial end portion of the support holder proximate to the end of the support holder that supports the driver bit in its operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6497166
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a screw setting device which is connected to an electric drill and is designed not to release from a screw head until a screw is completely installed. The screw setting device includes a shank, prongs, a collet a driving tip, a sleeve and a collar. The shank attaches to a chuck of the electric drill and is connected to the driving tip and the prongs. The driving tip and prongs are adapted to engage front, rear surfaces and a recess in the screw head. The screw head cannot be released from the driving tip and prongs when the sleeve is slid to the forward position. As the screw becomes completely installed, the sleeve slides rearward, releasing the screw setting device from the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 6488452
    Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber, the tube assembly including a shank adapted to be received within a chuck of a drill. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly, the tool holder having (i) a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof, and (ii) a second tool locking mechanism at a second end portion thereof. The drill and drive apparatus further includes a tube locking mechanism which is configured to releasably lock the tool holder to the tube assembly when the tool holder is at least partially received in the tool chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Hoskins, Kevin M. Ward
  • Publication number: 20020166421
    Abstract: Apparatus for locking a fastening screw to a screw-driving tool and simultaneously aligning the screw with the axis of rotation of the tool is disclosed. The apparatus is at attachment, adapted for mounting on the shank of a screw-driving tool that includes a driving bit to engage the slot, slots or other bit-receiving device in the head of the screw. The mouth of the attachment receives at least the head of the screw, permitting the screw head to engage the driving bit. A selectively operable locking sleeve, when properly positioned, forces one or more tumblers into locking engagement with the screw, maintaining the screw in a position of longitudinal alignment with the axis of the shank of the screw-driving tool. The apparatus may also contain a locking stop that interacts with the shank of the screw driver to provide locked engagement between the driving bit and the screw head to prevent partial or complete disengagement of the bit and the screw head during the driving operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Bowerman
  • Publication number: 20020066340
    Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a handle, a hollow outer sleeve, at least an inner pipe, and a bit. The rear end of the outer sleeve connects to the handle. The inner pipe is inserted in the interior of the outer sleeve via the front opening of the outer sleeve. A magnetic chuck is disposed at the front end of the inner pipe. The magnetic chuck is inserted in the rear portion of the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: ICC Innovative Concepts Corp.
    Inventor: Kuo Zhen Liu
  • Patent number: 6356176
    Abstract: A high energy magnetizer/demagnetizer unit for a magnetizable tool bit for driving the head of a fastening device or the like comprising an elongated permanent magnet having opposed first and second poles arranged on a non-operative portion of the driving tool or the like to permit placement of a magnetizable tool bit on the elongated magnet at the first position associated with the first pole to magnetize the tool bit and also to permit placement of the tool bit at a second position associated with the second pole to demagnetize the tool bit, the second position being at a predetermined distance from the magnet. The elongated magnet defines a holding area to permit placement of at least one fastening device at a third position on the elongated magnet associated with the second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6330841
    Abstract: A screw holder mountable on a drive unit having a tubular passage with two axially-aligned sections, each provided with locking and centering elements, such that a screw inserted into such holder can initially only penetrate until the screw head is reliably held and suspended in the first section by the locking elements. The force of the centering and locking elements upon the screw head is overcome when the apparatus is placed on the screw location and an engagement tool coupled to a drive shaft is brought into driving engagement with the screw head, which driving movement forces the locking elements radially outward in response to the axial load upon the screw head and the passage of the screw head therethrough. After the screw head passes through the first section within the tubular passage, the screw shaft is engaged by the centering elements of the second section. The centering elements of the second section are then also forced back as the head of the screw passes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: SFS Industrie Holding AG
    Inventors: Albert Baumgartner, Richard Sahli, Daniel Gasser, Paul Muller, Walter Untersander
  • Patent number: 6321626
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a barrel and a handle secured to one end of the barrel for rotating the barrel. The barrel includes an engaging opening formed in the other end for engaging with a tool bit and a fastener. A telescopic pipe is engaged in the bore of the barrel and has one end secured to the handle and has a magnetic member secured to the other end for allowing the magnetic member to be extended outward of the barrel to attract and to fetch the fasteners engaged in a deep hole of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: ICC Innovative Concepts Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo Zhen Liu
  • Patent number: 6310532
    Abstract: A magnetizer/demagnetizer which includes an elongated receptacle for slidably receiving an elongated tool therein, irrespective of length. Also, the magnetizer/demagnetizer includes unique accessory items, such as a tube for containment of small parts, and magnetism indicator means for indicating when a tool needs to be re-magnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Gregory L. Henry, Neil R. Alderson
  • Patent number: 6250186
    Abstract: An alignment and depth control fixture is used in combination with a scored screw and a drviing bit in order to direct the scored screw to the proper point while the driving bit can stop driving the screw at the desired depth of the screw threads in the wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: O'Berry Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Brian O'Berry
  • Patent number: 6223373
    Abstract: A pair of pliers with multiple functions is disclosed. The pliers have a pair of shanks pivotally engaged with each other each having a jaw formed at one end thereof, a polygon hole defined in the other end to hold a tool head, a hammer formed on the outside of one of the jaws and a chisel formed on the other. In addition, teeth and a cutting edge are formed on the face of the corresponding jaws or shanks. Consequently, the pair of pliers can be used as a hammer, a chisel or a screwdriver. This can improve the flexibility of the pair of pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Yeh
  • Patent number: 6209426
    Abstract: A magnetically attractive driver bit assembly shows a strong magnetic attraction when applied to a screwing robot arm so that the operating speed of the robot arm can be increased. The magnetically attractive driver bit assembly comprises an iron driver bit having a step, formed at a predetermined distance away from the pointed edge of the tip of the driver bit, from which a larger diameter portion extends in the direction opposite to the tip. A first ring magnet having approximately the same outside diameter as that of the larger diameter portion is firstly fitted around the driver bit and then an iron cylindrical spacer having approximately the same outside diameter as that of the first ring magnet is fitted. Subsequently, a second ring magnet similar to the first ring magnet is fitted to the end of the cylindrical spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6192776
    Abstract: The application relates to a chuck (10) with a coupling and a housing (34) for clamping cap-screws and/or studs having a screw spindle (11), a drive spindle (12) fixed axially in relation to the screw spindle (11) with at least one spring-loaded and axially movable coupling (18) which can be drivably secured to the screw spindle (11) by a counter-component (59) and a spring-loaded, axially movable adjusting sleeve (22) which can render the coupling inoperative. The coupling (18) has at least one projection or recess (6) which can be functionally engaged with a mating recess or projection on the counter-component (59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Optigrip-Werkzeuge
    Inventor: Kajetan Leitner
  • Patent number: 6189419
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile air ratchet wrench with an improved rotor geometry for use in accepting a variety of stem sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are improved stem constructions. The stem constructions employ offset spring biased balls which allow for a better securement between the stem and rotor wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pijanowski
  • Patent number: 6181229
    Abstract: A high energy magnetizer/demagnetizer on a non-operative portion of a tool holder includes a magnetizer/demagnetizer body on the non-operative portion of the tool holder and defining a mounting axis. At least one permanent magnet is formed of a magnetized material having North and South poles defining a magnetic axis and arranged on the body of the tool holder to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element at at least one position along the magnetic axis at a predetermined distance from one of the poles to magnetize the element and placement of the magnetizable element at a selected distance from the other of the magnetic poles greater than the predetermined distance to demagnetize the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6161456
    Abstract: A shielded spike tool for removing and installing spike elements from sports shoes, the shielded spike tool including a tool head with an engagement structure extending from a first surface thereof, and a shank extending from a second surface thereof, opposite the engagement structure. A shield is carried by the shank and encircles the tool head. The shield is movable along the shank between an extended position and a retracted position, with a biasing structure urging the shield into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Don C. Langford
  • Patent number: 6155145
    Abstract: The system generally comprises a nail that engages an assembled screw driving apparatus. The apparatus is typically stored in a ready position and moved to the load position in order to affix the nail to the apparatus. In the ready position, a top section of the bit extends beyond the end of the cylinder. The nail can now be easily fitted with the top section of the screw bit. The nail is fitted with the screw bit, and depressed into the apparatus. The apparatus automatically enters a drill position, in which the nail is locked to the apparatus and drilling begins. The nail will be released from the apparatus at a certain distance from the substrate. The nail is further rotated to drill the nail to a predetermined depth in the substrate. Once screwing is complete, the apparatus is removed from the nail and the apparatus automatically returns to the ready position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Sae Young Oh, Gene Serk Oh
  • Patent number: 6154108
    Abstract: An attracting device may be detachably attached onto a tool and includes a chamber for receiving a magnet which is used for attracting fasteners to the tool. A spring-biased ball is engaged onto the attracting device and biased to engage with the tool by a resilient retaining ring, for detachably securing the attracting device onto the tool. A ferrule is rotatably engaged onto the tool for shielding and protecting the resilient retaining ring. The magnet includes a cavity for receiving a head of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Li Shiu Huang
  • Patent number: 6148699
    Abstract: A screwdriver has a shaft with a bit on one end for engaging a bit receptacle formed on a head of a screw and a screw engaging device coupled to and in surrounding relation to the shaft. The screw engaging device defines a cylindrical void configured to receive and place the head of the screw onto the bit. The inner wall of the screw engaging device defining the cylindrical void has at least one tab extending toward the center of the center of the cylindrical void for engaging the head of the screw. Preferably, there are four tabs disposed evenly space on the inner wall of the screw engaging device. The screw engaging device has a first sleeve defining the cylindrical void and oppositely disposed slots. A second sleeve is coupled to the first sleeve to form the cylindrical void for receiving the shaft therethrough. The shaft has oppositely facing receptacles formed on the outer circumference of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Ki Su Han
  • Patent number: 6145982
    Abstract: An eyeglass screwdriver has a generally cylindrically shaped body having a first end and a second end with a driver head attached to the first end of the body for screwing in and out screws. A swivelable and rotateable head at the second end allows pressure to be transmitted to the body and driver head. The swivelable and rotateable head includes a ball, a retainer, and a cap to affix the head to the body. The preferred embodiment has the cylindrical body with a bore on axis to the body and a bore perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical body located so that it intersects the bore on axis of the cylindrical body and further includes a spherical depression on the opposite end of the cylindrical body. There is also a magnet located in the bore to help hold the driver head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: James M. Hudspeth, Joshua Freilich
  • Patent number: 6138538
    Abstract: A finish-protective tool piece and a finish-protective tool piece collar are made from non-marring materials that circumferentially surround and secure a tool piece for rotating fasteners having driving heads. This collared tool piece or collar substantially protects against the marring and damaging of consumer item finishes during final stages of assembly by tool pieces skipping off the fastener heads during operation onto painted or otherwise finished surfaces. The collared tool piece or collar is being adapted for individual tool piece diameters or styles and rotates with the secured tool piece, said tool piece extending therethrough so as to be able to rotate the fastener. This invention has obvious cost advantages as it can prove useful in practically all aspects of consumer item manufacturing including automobiles, appliances, barbecues, furniture, bicycles, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Eduard Neijndorff
  • Patent number: 6116125
    Abstract: A gripping accessory comprises a body having first and second ends. The first end of the body is connectable to the shaft of a screwdriver at its tip, while the second end of the body is sized to received the head of a screw and has a gripping formation to hold the screw head in place. The portion of the body connected to the shaft of the screwdriver is a spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Alistair McLeod
  • Patent number: 6112623
    Abstract: A tool for driving a screw having two threaded shanks separated by an intermediate portion. The tool includes a rod having a tapped end portion adapted to engage one of the threaded shanks. The tool also includes a cage adapted to receive the intermediate portion of the screw therein. The cage is provided with at least one opening containing a rolling member configured to be applied against a surface of the intermediate portion of the screw. The tool additionally includes a tube surrounding the rod and the cage. The tube includes an inner wall having a profile configured such that as the tube is rotated about the longitudinal axis, the inner surface applies a radial force to the rolling member, causing the rolling member to be radially displaced through the opening in the cage and placing it in abutment with the intermediate portion of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sofamor S.N.C.
    Inventors: Dominique Bigand, Jacques Clauze, Jose Gournay, Jean-Charles Moreau, Jean Saurat
  • Patent number: 6105474
    Abstract: A driver bit tool having an elongate handle that has a central channel through which a predetermined length portion of the bit driver can be inserted. The driver bit is retained within the handle by any suitable means and one or more relatively thin magnets having high energy products are arranged on the side of the handle in close proximity to the driver bit receiving channel for generating a magnetic field which is substantially normal to the handle axis, the field created by the magnet being coupled to the driver bit. The position of the magnets and annular sleeves of magnetizable material are preferably used to optimize coupling of the field to the driver bit to optimize the amount of magnetic field that passes through the accessible operative tip of the driver bit so as to effectively magnetize the exposed driver tip of the bit driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6070313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a locking wrench and tarpaulin replacement method for a truck with a tarpaulin assembly having a spring-biased tarpaulin roller rotatably mounted on a roller shaft and a tarpaulin attached to the roller. The locking wrench comprises a handle portion, a roller-shaft-engaging portion, and an outwardly-projecting stem for engaging a hole provided in the side of the roller when the roller-shaft-engaging portion engages the roller shaft. When the wrench is secured to the roller and the handle portion is released, the bias of the roller causes the roller and the wrench to rotate back until the handle portion comes to rest against part of the tarpaulin assembly or part of the truck, thereby preventing further rotation of the roller and allowing an operator to replace the tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Woody V. O'Brian
  • Patent number: 6060801
    Abstract: A high energy magnetizer/demagnetizer on a nonoperative portion of a housing of a power driving tool includes a magnetizer/demagnetizer body on the nonoperative portion of the power driving tool and defining a mounting axis. At least one permanent magnet is formed of a magnetized material having North and South poles defining a magnetic axis and arranged on the body of the power driving tool to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element at at least one position along the magnetic axis at a predetermined distance from one of the poles to magnetize the element and placement of the magnetizable element at a selected distance from the other of the magnetic poles greater than the predetermined distance to demagnetize the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6053078
    Abstract: A wrench for threading and unthreading soft golf spikes in and out of golf shoes, having a circular body with a first end surface, a second end surface. The includes a plurality of prongs projecting a predetermined length from the second end surface, wherein each of the prongs has a sharp pointed tip for penetrating a soft golf spike. The wrench further includes a cylindrical wall depending from the second end surface for automatically aligning the prongs of the wrench over a soft golf spike to be threaded or unthreaded in or out of a golf shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: PST Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Parker, Jeffrey St. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6048073
    Abstract: A telescopic hand tool includes a hollow drive shaft that extends from a handle member and that has a distal bit-retaining end portion. A telescopic shaft is disposed within the drive shaft, and has a distal end section retractable into and extendible outwardly from the distal bit-retaining end portion of the drive shaft. A connecting member is mounted securely on the distal end section of the telescopic shaft so as to be retractable therewith into the drive shaft. The connecting member includes a tubular body having an external screw thread and an end face formed with a receiving hole, and a magnet disposed securely in the receiving hole. A tool accessory has a coupling portion formed with a cavity for capping on the connecting member. The cavity is confined by an internally threaded surrounding wall for connecting threadedly with the external screw thread of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
  • Patent number: 6047620
    Abstract: A tool for removing conventional one way fasteners is provided, comprising a collar and a shank that can be removably received by the collar, wherein in the shank is configured to engage complementary regions of the fastener head. The collar includes a recess having longitudinal ridges to engage perimeter portions of the fastener head. The shank and collar cooperate to provide additional rotational force to the fastener to thereby extract the fastener, whether the fastener is flush-mounted or counter-sunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventors: Burton Kozak, Ira M. Kozak
  • Patent number: 6032557
    Abstract: A hand-held driving tool kit includes a plurality of hand-held driving tools each having an elongate handle which defines a tool axis and is suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of the user. The driving tool may be in the form of a fixed, precision or other drivers in which the driver members, such as flat blade and Phillips screwdriver tips are mounted at one axial of the handle. The handle defines a driver axis generally coaxially aligned with the tool axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6026718
    Abstract: A magnetizer/demagnetizer for integration with a non-operative portion of a hand-held driving tool or the like includes an elongate handle which defines a tool axis and is suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of the user. The driving tool may be in the form of a fixed, precision or other drivers in which the driver members, such as flat blade and Phillips screwdriver tips are mounted at one axial end of the handle. The handle defines a driver axis generally coaxially aligned with the tool axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6026717
    Abstract: A hand-held driving tool includes an elongate handle which defines a tool axis and is suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of the user. The driving tool may be in the form of a fixed, precision or other drivers in which the driver members, such as flat blade and Phillips screwdriver tips are mounted at one axial of the handle. The handle defines a driver axis generally coaxially aligned with the tool axis. At least one permanent magnet is provided on the handle, the magnet being formed of a magnetized material having north and south poles defining a magnetic axis generally arranged on the handle to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element at at least one position along the magnetic axis at a predetermined distance from one of the poles to magnetize the element and placement of the element a distance greater than such predetermined distance of the other of the poles to demagnetize the element. The magnetic axis is either aligned with or offset from the driver axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 6017177
    Abstract: A multi-tier security fastener in the nature of a nut or bolt having a body with a first tier having a lobed drive surface, and second and third cylindrical tiers on opposite sides of the first tier, with all three tiers having different effective diameters. The second and third cylindrical tiers can have irregularities in the nature of a lobe or a depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Lanham
  • Patent number: 5996452
    Abstract: A chuck device for a power tool includes a follower rotatably and slidably received in a tube and coupled to and driven by a power tool and having a hole for receiving a driving stem. One or more balls are slidably received in the follower and may be forced inward of the follower to engage with the driving stem for allowing the driving stem to be driven by the follower. The balls may be disengaged from the driving stem when the ball is received in the annular recess of the tube for preventing the driving stem from being over-driven by the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Shu Chi Chiang
  • Patent number: 5992274
    Abstract: An installation tool for pre-assembled screw and plate assembles. The tool has magnetic areas in a plastic nose piece that enables the installer to use the tool to pick up a screw and plate assembly by the head and install the fastener. The tool can be used with pre-assembled screw and plate assembles that are laying on an insulation board with head up or down, as well as pre-assembled screw and plate assemblies that have been impaled or stuck into the insulation board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Construction Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Lammers
  • Patent number: 5950508
    Abstract: A sink clip tool includes a working end for manipulating threaded fasteners having either slotted or hexagonal ends, as conventionally used in the installation of sinks and basins in countertops. The tool comprises a solid, elongate shank with a handle end and an opposite working end. The working end includes a screwdriver blade or bit which is recessed within or surrounded by a lateral guard or guards, to prevent the blade from slipping laterally from the slot of a slotted fastener. A hexagonal socket extends beyond the blade and blade guard, for manipulating fasteners having hexagonal heads. The blade guard(s) fit closely to each side or end of the blade, in order to fit closely about the relatively narrow end of the slotted studs used with sink clips. The diameter of the hexagonal socket is somewhat larger than the width of the screwdriver blade and space across the guard(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph T. Rossi
  • Patent number: 5906147
    Abstract: A coupling assembly couples a drive portion of a torque wrench to a bolt ing a head formed with spanner wrench holes in a top thereof and an annular groove therearound. A base engages the annular groove until it is in coaxial alignment with the bolt. Aligning holes in the base are alignable with at least two of the bolt's spanner wrench holes. Each of a plurality of pins sized for sliding engagement with the aligning holes and the spanner wrench holes are fixed in relation to one another by a yoke. The yoke further aligns the pins with the aligning holes. A collar nut engages the base to retain the yoke thereagainst thereby locking the assembly to the head of the bolt. The base is shaped to receive the drive portion of a torque wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Abner B. Price, III
  • Patent number: 5904081
    Abstract: A threaded fastener and mating driver system is used to apply a uniform torque to the entire fastener body and thereby facilitate removal of stuck fasteners. The driver tool is a two stage driver with one stage driving the inner bore of the fastener and the second stage driving the fastener head. The two driver stages are linked via a series of pins, each pin acting as an individual lever, such that the two drivers apply torque equally to the fastener. The entire driver assembly is housed in a block which can be attached to a standard ratchet or driving tool. The fastener is designed to be installed using a single stage screwdriver and normally has a foil seal covering the bore drive portion of the fastener. If the fastener becomes stuck, the foil seal is broken and the two stage drive system, including a bore driver and a screw head driver, is inserted into the fastener to effect additional removal torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Santa Barbara Sensor Technologies
    Inventors: William H. Cushman, John J. Brooks, Craig J. Kent, Allen L. Deforrest, Thomas E. Wolverton
  • Patent number: 5896792
    Abstract: A thin, flexible, plastic holder is formed and placed between a socket extension and the drive end of a socket and/or a bolt or nut and the interior of the socket. The drive end of the socket extension is forced into the drive end of the socket with a first enlarged head of the holder deformed therebetween, while the head of a bolt or a nut is forced into the interior of the socket, with a second enlarged head of the holder deformed therebetween, so as to more securely hold the extension and head of the bolt or the nut in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Jon Hurt
  • Patent number: 5878637
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a barrel and a handle secured to one end of the barrel for rotating the barrel. The barrel includes an engaging opening formed in the other end for engaging with a tool bit and a fastener. A telescopic pipe is engaged in the bore of the barrel and has one end secured to the handle and has a magnetic member secured to the other end for allowing the magnetic member to be extended outward of the barrel to attract and to fetch the fasteners engaged in a deep hole of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo Zhen Liu