Miscellaneous Patents (Class 81/488)
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Patent number: 7290305Abstract: A cleaning pad insertion tool for facilitating coupling of disposable cleaning wipes onto a head of an electrostatic mop by inserting a portion of the disposable cleaning wipe into a grip assembly of the electrostatic mop, and method of use therefore. The cleaning pad insertion tool includes an elongate member adapted for pressing a portion of a disposable cleaning wipe into at least one grip assembly on a head of an electrostatic mop; a clip portion operationally couplable to a handle of the electrostatic mop for selectively receiving the elongate member when not in use; and a tether member couplable to the elongate member and the a handle of the electrostatic mop for inhibiting loss of the elongate member.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Doreen M. Auchmoody
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Patent number: 7281450Abstract: Vehicle unlocking tool for unlocking vehicle doors from the outside of the vehicle comprises at least two rod sections which are coupled together one rod section having a handle for manipulating the overall rod tool and the other rod section having an end portion that is used to push or pull or otherwise manipulate a lock actuator. The first rod section is stiffer than the second rod section which is made to be flexible to avoid scratching the interior of the car, such as the door panels, seats or dash but still has sufficient stiffness to transfer the force necessary to unlock the door. Additional sections may be added to the rod to lengthen its reach as needed by the tool operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Weinraub Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Adam S. Weinraub
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Patent number: 7210743Abstract: A device used for threading a seat belt through a child safety seat includes an elongated, double-ended threader member which is connected to the seat belt tongue and to webbing at a location spaced from the tongue. The webbing is then folded over to cover the threader member and the threader member is employed to push the tongue through a passageway in the child safety seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Matt Dale
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Patent number: 7168343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Simpson Strong-tie Company, Inc.Inventors: William F. Leek, Gregory S. Powell
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Patent number: 7114924Abstract: A blade pin alignment and positioning system for the installation of helicopter blade pins, including an elongated alignment pin and at least one drive member. The drive member is configured to mate with the top end of the alignment pin for use in driving the alignment pin to its initial position in blade installation. Then the drive member is removed from the top of the alignment pin. The exposed top end of the alignment pin is configured to mate with the insertion end of a blade pin. The other end of the alignment pin is tapered for easy operation in alignment of the blade root holes with the holes in the lead lag link portion of the main rotor hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Donald Terryl Munsch
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Patent number: 7082864Abstract: A protective sheath for tools to prevent marring of finished surfaces when the tool is being used. The sheath is integrally formed as a one-piece elastomeric body that is applied to the exterior surface of the tool, with at least one end of the sheath projecting slightly beyond an end of the tool. In one embodiment the sheath projects at both ends beyond the ends of the tool. One of the projecting ends functions to contact the finished surface and prevent contact between the tool and finished surface, and the other projecting end functions to span the coupling between the tool and another tool. The elastomeric body is freely rotatable relative to the tool and fixed axially relative thereto, and provides a non-rotating surface that may be grasped by a user to support and guide the tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: International Paper CompanyInventor: Joseph C Weber
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Patent number: 7073918Abstract: The invention is a compact multiple function tool for use with computer systems made of a housing having a front plate and a back plate and an overall length of less than three inches, separated by interior plates connected by pivots and a unit of numerous implements including a miniature flashlight, a chip puller, a first screwdriver having a small Phillips head with a length less than two inches, a second screwdriver forming a small flat head with a length less than two inches, a continuity tester with a miniature indicator light, a miniature wire stripper, a miniature crimper, and a laptop case cracker, wherein the implements are pivotally coupled to the housing and the miniature flashlight is positioned on the front plate of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Evan George Bauman
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Patent number: 7073411Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning torsion spring, shaft-mounted in association with a spring cone, has a central ratchet assembly with two spaced, cogged ratchet wheels, slotted to allow the assembly to be rotatably positioned over the shaft. The ratchet assembly is connectable to the spring cone so that the spring cone will rotate with the ratchet assembly. The ratchet wheel slots are closed off by cogged bridging elements that create a continuous cogged perimeter around each ratchet wheel. Pawl-equipped levers are positioned over the ratchet wheels with the pawls engageably aligned with the ratchet wheel cogs, and then operated in alternating fashion to rotate the ratchet assembly and spring cone, thus tensioning the spring. Upon achieving a desired spring tension, the spring cone may be secured to the shaft, whereupon the bridging elements may be retracted from the ratchet wheel slots to permit removal of the apparatus from the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventors: Fred Primrose, Emile deChamplain
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Patent number: 7040203Abstract: The latch disengagement tools may be used for disengaging a latch of a closure barrier. A tool may be a bar having a tooth and a heel at a latch end. The tooth may have a sloped front edge.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: George Chistiano
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Patent number: 7032297Abstract: An apparatus for safe and easy installation of wall-mounted electrical switches utilizing a multi-function tool. The tool is provided, in the form of an insulated handle that is detachably engaged with a wall switch. The wall switch device is temporarily attached to a switch fixture using one or more magnets. The tool further includes built-in electrical wire measuring, stripping and bending structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventors: Bryan Cahill, Deborah Unser
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Patent number: 7028594Abstract: A guidance channel radiating from each side of clip holding chamber centered on a flat plate. A prying tool slideably and rotatably held within each guidance channel by a spring strip. A split ring held snugly within the holding chamber. The tool tips are forced between the split ring coils, which are separated further by simultaneous rotation of the prying tool handles 90-degrees in opposite clock directions. A pellet placed inside folded bag material forms a bump. The material with bump is placed between the separated coils into the split ring interior. Reverse 90-degree handle rotation partly closes the coils around the bump. Withdrawing the prying tools completely allows the coils to fully close, capturing the pellet-containing material. Tool stops prevent the tool tips from entering the split ring interior too far into or away from the clip holding chamber. Suspension of the tool and bags facilitates production.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Robert Mentken
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Patent number: 7024745Abstract: A holding tool is adapted to be used in removing and replacing a fan clutch assembly threadably attached and detached relative to a shaft of a hub connected to a pulley on an internal combustion engine of a vehicle by a series of fasteners. The holding tool includes a flat holding plate in which a portion of the bottom edge is provided with arcuate edge adapted to surround a circumferential segment of the hub. The holding plate is formed with a plurality of spaced apart holes adapted to receive certain of the fasteners connecting the hub and pulley together so that the holding plate is attached to the hub. An elongated handle has a proximal end secured to the holding plate and a distal end adapted to rest upon a frame rail of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: A&E IncorporatedInventor: Shawn Mayer
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Patent number: 6931814Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reshaping a butt joint formed by a pair of adjacent butt edges of mounted wallboards. The apparatus has tapering means, which includes a body with a pair of beveled surfaces for contacting and simultaneously tapering the adjacent butt edges. The apparatus also has aligning means, which includes a ridge for aligning the tapering means with the butt joint. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle and the tapering means is a rotatable wheel attached to one end of the handle and having the ridge and beveled surfaces on its circumferential edge. In another embodiment, the tapering means is a semicircular disk that is fixedly attached to one end of the handle and has an outer curved portion with the ridge and beveled surfaces thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Stephen A. Henits
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Patent number: 6928900Abstract: A tool for breaking a shaft includes two aligned tubular elements (20, 22), each having an end portion for receiving a contiguous length of the same shaft (2). Means are provided for locking each end portion against rotation relative to the shaft length received therein, and the elements are adapted for rotation relative to one another with the end portions so locked, to relatively twist the shaft lengths and shear the lengths at the interface between them. The element end portions will normally have juxtaposed faces, and it is preferred that the faces are moved towards each other during the relative rotation and as the shaft lengths are twisted relative to each other. This assists in achieving a substantially planar face at the fracture plane. A compressible washer may be disposed between the juxtaposed faces. This can stabilize the moving parts as the shaft is broken, although normally screw threads on the tubular elements will effect the movement of the element.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: V O Design and Innovation LimitedInventors: Vagn-Erik Dall, David J. Reed, Peter Lawes
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Patent number: 6925787Abstract: A rotary blade blocker for preventing inadvertent harmful firing of the engine of a rotary-type mower during rotary blade removal and reinstallation or during removal of mowing debris from within the mower deck. The blade blocker includes a clamping portion temporarily clampingly securable to a lower edge of the deck and a blocking portion rigidly supported by the clamping portion and positioned within the deck perimeter to make contact with the distal portion of the rotary blade to facilitate safe blade changes and during manual debris removal from within the deck when the blade blocker is temporarily secured to the edge of the deck.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventor: Evan R. Berntson
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Patent number: 6912938Abstract: A pedal depressor for a truck or large vehicle includes adjustable telescoping tubes with a locking plate for locking the tubes in a fixed position. A rubber tip is provided at one end for engaging a pedal and a Y-shaped yoke, which is rotatably adjustable, is provided at the other end of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventor: Scotty R. Kurtz
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Patent number: 6886961Abstract: Power tools (1) may include an electric motor (11) disposed within a housing (5). A lighting device (20) may be mounted on the housing and may serve to illuminate the area around a tool bit and/or a portion of a workpiece (W) that will be machined by the tool bit. An electric light (23) may be connected to a power source circuit (11a) via an electric line that includes electric wires (25). In order to facilitate the wiring operation, a wire guide (22, 122) preferably supports or retains at least a portion of the electric line. The wire guide may be mounted on the housing such that the wire guide extends along an inner surface or an outer surface of the housing. In the alternative, the electric line may be disposed within a recess (31) defined within an inner surface or an outer surface of the housing. In either case, the electrical line can be easily wired or installed and the electric line preferably does not interfere with machining operations during operation of the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Akihito Hara, Atsushi Utsuno
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Patent number: 6837132Abstract: A paper jam removal tool, for use in clearing jammed paper from a paper shredder, constructed of a single length of wire having a first end and a second end. The first end of the tool leads sequentially into a first laterally extending portion, a first u-bend, a second laterally extending portion, a second u-bend, and a third laterally extending portion. The third laterally extending portion terminates at a central loop portion which wraps around the first and second lateral portions, and finally extends away from the laterally extending portions, perpendicularly thereto, forming a poker portion. The laterally extending portions and their associated u-bends form the handle of the tool. The poker portion of the tool extends perpendicularly from the handle portion and is used to push jammed paper through the blades of the paper shredder, thereby allowing for the continued operation of the paper shredder.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Herbert MacDonald
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Patent number: 6810776Abstract: A garbage disposal unjamming device having a vertical shaft 14, a horizontal handle 10 at one end of the shaft, and at the other end of the shaft, a straight horizontal toolbar 16. The toolbar is slidably secured to the shaft through a transverse passage 20 in the shaft. The toolbar's ends 18 are slightly flared to prevent it from slipping out. When the toolbar is moved entirely to one side of the shaft so that one flared end is adjacent to the shaft, the toolbar can be angled into or out of the narrow sink opening of the disposal unit. Inside the unit, the toolbar is tapped to center it on the shaft. In this position it can engage the two opposing cutters on the rotor plate to rotate the plate and unjam the disposal unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Inventor: Ronald Michael Green
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Patent number: 6792634Abstract: A pliable membrane installation tool comprised of a body-base with handle, prongs to provide support for a stay-wheel axle with a stay-wheel, anti-snag wheel and washer-spacer (all with rotational freedom), and a wall guide with a cut-and-tuck member integrated with a means for cutting. A guide wheel and tucking wheel on the wall guide provide for the staying, cutting and tucking of the pliable membrane to be installed in one easy movement along the wall by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventors: Roger Mills, Les Rosenka
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Publication number: 20040173062Abstract: A multifunctional, portable tool has a generally cylindrical elongate body. The body has a male portion at the body first end having a first mating element adjacent the first end. The male portion tapers toward the first end. The body also has a female portion at the body's second end that has an axial bore extending from an opening at the body's second end. A second mating element is positioned within the bore, which is adapted to mate with the first mating element. The bore has a diameter sufficient to admit at least part of the male portion. In one embodiment, the male portion of the first tool is retained within the bore of the second tool by a friction fit. In a second embodiment, the male and female portions mate via a screw thread and groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventor: Leonard J. DeFrancisci
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Publication number: 20040139830Abstract: An article of manufacture for securing a floor covering to a floor with a thin flat piece of metal which slides underneath floor base board trim, and a rounded solid resin piece attached to the metal. The thin flat piece secures the article to the wall by wedging itself between the base board trim and the floor. The resin piece provides pressure to hold the floor covering in place through the metals shape memory. The floor covering is then secured to the floor by inserting the floor covering between the resin piece and the floor. The thin metal piece may be constructed from any other material which will provide the same clamping action. The resin piece may be constructed from any material which provides sufficient hold on the floor covering. The device may also be constructed with a hinge and spring where the spring provides the clamping force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: James Don Knox, Matthew Jay Sampson
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Patent number: 6749382Abstract: A guide for passing a tie-down band underneath a pallet. The guide includes a guide body having a pair of spaced apart slotted holes passing there through. One end of a tie-down band is passed through one of the slotted holes and is looped around and passed through the second slotted hole to securely hold the band within the guide body. An elongated handle is threaded into the back of the guide body. The handle is of sufficient length such that it can be used to pass the guide body underneath a pallet of a given length.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Michael G. Lambie
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Patent number: 6745653Abstract: A throttle pedal depressor for a vehicle includes an adjustable hook and locking plate for maintaining the hook in a fixed position on a shaft. A rubber tip is provided at one end of the shaft for engaging a pedal and a screw assembly is rotatably adjustable to provide fine adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: The Lisle CorporationInventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Kevin L. Tally
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Patent number: 6718852Abstract: A garbage disposal plunger is provided that is designed to push refuse into a standard kitchen sink garbage disposal unit. The plunger apparatus includes four major sections: a knob portion, handle portion, stopper portion, and plunger portion. The knob portion is used to prevent the human hand of the user from slipping while gripping the device; the handle portion acts as a shank between the gripable knob and the plunger and, in conjunction with the knob portion, is designed to aid the human user of the device for maximum gripping capabilities and comfort. The stopper portion manifests a larger diameter which prevents the plunger portion of the device from contacting the blades of the garbage disposal, and prevents the human hand of the user from entering the garbage disposal. The plunger apparatus contains a liquid which can be dispensed through a spout which has a lid.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventors: Harry Mordt Bickel, Eugene L. Timperman
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Publication number: 20040035264Abstract: A pedal depressor for a truck or large vehicle includes adjustable telescoping tubes with a locking plate for locking the tubes in a fixed position. A rubber tip is provided at one end for engaging a pedal and a Y-shaped yoke, which is rotatably adjustable, is provided at the other end of the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: The Lisle CorporationInventor: Scotty R. Kurtz
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Publication number: 20040035265Abstract: A throttle pedal depressor for a vehicle includes an adjustable hook and locking plate for maintaining the hook in a fixed position on a shaft. A rubber tip is provided at one end of the shaft for engaging a pedal and a screw assembly is rotatably adjustable to provide fine adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: The Lisle CorporationInventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Kevin L. Tally
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Patent number: 6662522Abstract: The present invention relates to a gypsum board hanging tool that allows a single workman to hang gypsum board on a conventional or inclined ceiling. Specifically, the gypsum board hanging tool comprises a support housing, a wheel that is rotatably attached to the support housing, and a support strut which is removably attached to at least one extension of the support housing. The support housing also has a means whereby a support strut may be attached. The support housing also has a means an aperture in its upper surface that is capable of receiving, within the support housing, a hanging member, such as a nail or screw, that is first attached to a ceiling or a wall. The hanging member allows the support housing to be suspended from the ceiling and to adjust and swivel about the hanging member.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Mimix, Inc.Inventors: Travis R. Nichols, JaDee B. Moncur, W. Blake Gustafsen
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Patent number: 6647838Abstract: The coupler tool of the present invention includes a ring having oppositely facing radial flat parallel sides and radial outer edges beveled toward one another. Extending axially outwardly from one of the sides is a handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of laterally spaced apart arms extending axially outwardly from diametrically opposite areas of one side of the ring and a hand grip extending between the arms in axially spaced relation from such one side.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: The Lubrizol CorporationInventors: John H. Matthews, Roy A. Miller
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Patent number: 6595090Abstract: A tool fixture for enabling a mechanic to manually rotate an internal combustion engine which comprises an assembly of components which is placed inside a starter motor housing. The assembled combination of the starter motor housing with the present invention is then attached to the engine's bell housing where the starter motor would normally reside. The gear teeth of the engine flywheel engages a gear fixedly mounted on a first end of a rotatable shaft of the present invention. A nut is fixedly mounted on a second end of the rotatable shaft which is accessible to a mechanic's wrench so that torque may appropriately be applied to the rotatable shaft which accordingly permits the fly wheel to be rotated slowly to any desired position as may be required so as to facilitate for the tuning and other adjustment procedures to be performed upon the engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Thomas McQuillin
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Publication number: 20030103751Abstract: An optical fiber winding tool for winding a strip of optical fiber. The optical fiber winding tool having a guiding body defining a guiding recess. A fiber inlet aperture extends into the guiding recess for allowing the slideable insertion of the strip of optical fiber thereinto. The recess peripheral wall is configured and sized such that as the strip of optical fiber is inserted through the fiber inlet aperture, a recess peripheral surface abuttingly guides the optical fiber strip into a generally parabolic configuration that sweeps against the recess peripheral surface while the optical fiber winds into a coil. The optical fiber winding tool is mountable over a flat surface with the peripheral edge of the guiding recess abuttingly contacting the supporting surface. A driving assembly is optionally provided for driving the strip of fiber into the guiding recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Olivier Ross, Jean-Francois Moquin, Stephane Joubert, Pierre Martineau, Christian Dufour
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Patent number: 6557791Abstract: A plant waste disposal system is further includes a wood chipper apparatus having plant waste fragmenting elements and having a plant waste receiving hopper; an elongate push member having a member first end for gripping by hand and having a member second end of at least twice the width of the member first end for abutting and pushing plant waste into the plant waste receiving hopper. The elongate push member preferably is formed of tool material which is biodegradable. The elongate member preferably is constructed to fracture when subjected to tensile force in excess of five pounds, for preventing the elongate member from pulling a worker hand into the plant waste fragmenting elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventors: Brian Mulgrew, Michael M. Anthony
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Patent number: 6519830Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a plate nut into the interior of a closed cavity through one enlarged opening includes an annular insert that is used to fill the enlarged opening once the plate nut is inserted. Once in place the plate nut may be held in position through the other openings while the insert is fitted and compressed by threaded engagement. The plate nut body may be shaped in various forms to fit various structural spaces in each instance insertable through the opening that is later covered by the insert. A hinged tool threadably engaged to the plate nut may be utilized in the course of the installation and thereafter removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Darrel P. Mehan
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Patent number: 6505868Abstract: A device and method for extracting wadded documents from a track of a document processor is provided. The device has a longitudinal body portion with surfaces defining an extraction aperture. The body portion also has ends defining an opening in the extraction aperture and surfaces defining a channel, wherein the channel extends between the ends. The extraction device further includes a tension member disposed within the channel and extending across the opening in the extraction aperture. The body portion further includes a securing member for placing the tension member under a desired tension such that damage to the track is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: Richard Woroniec
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Patent number: 6481097Abstract: A tool (1) to insert a plurality of elongated flexible electric conductors (4) into the slots (3) of an elongated flexible insulating housing (2). The tool (1) has a passage (13) through which the housing (2) and conductors (4) move to have the conductors (4) urged into the slot (3). The passage (13) is bordered by a plurality of ramps (10) which engages the conductors (4) to urge them into the slot (3).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Pupbest Pty Ltd.Inventor: John Ashton Sinclair
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Publication number: 20020157508Abstract: The coupler tool of the present invention includes a ring having oppositely facing radial flat parallel sides and radial outer edges beveled toward one another. Extending axially outwardly from one of the sides is a handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of laterally spaced apart arms extending axially outwardly from diametrically opposite areas of one side of the ring and a hand grip extending between the arms in axially spaced relation from such one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: John H. Matthews, Roy A. Miller
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Patent number: 6453601Abstract: A fish hook remover is described which provides a shank that can include a handle. The shank has a spiral hook engaging flight. The spiral hook engaging flight is generated about an axis with a central hook shank receiving opening. A spiral line guide opening is defined by the flight that spirals into the central hook shank receiving opening such that a fish line engaged laterally by the flight will be guided into the central hook shank receiving opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Franklin R. Duncan
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Patent number: 6397711Abstract: A hand tool for providing increased force and accuracy for a variety of applications comprising a tool head, a first shaft and second shaft is provided. The first and second shaft each have a proximal end and a distal end, the distal ends of the shafts are adapted for connecting to a tool head. A handle having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the handle is attached to the first shaft and the second end of the handle is attached to the second shaft, forming a generally H-shaped configuration. A brace, generally a flexible strap, is attached to the first shaft, near the proximal end of the first shaft, and the second end of the strap is attached to the second shaft, near the proximal end of the second shaft, such that the handle and strap are generally parallel to each other. The flexible strap is adjustable such that the tool user's arm may be aligned with the first and second shafts when the handle is grasped and the tool head is applied to a work application.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventor: Kenneth Irvin Marek
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Patent number: 6389632Abstract: As an article of manufacture a computer mouse cleaning tool is formed by an elongated rod-like body having one converging end portion terminating in a transverse concave radius of a selected dimension. The other end portion of the rod is flattened and bifurcated to form spanner wrench flats for removing the ball retainer and the ball of a computer mouse and cleaning debris off mouse housing components with the radius end portion of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Thomas P. Bergman
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Patent number: 6382060Abstract: Apparatus comprising a plumbing fixture including a channeled body having an open branch way leading to a stem way and a ferrule located in the open branch way and constructed of a first material, and an implement comprising an extension fixed to a handled body and positioned within the open branch way and through the ferrule for bracing the plumbing fixture in response to a force exerted against the handled body, wherein the extension is constructed of a second material that is softer than the first material of the ferrule for preventing the ferrule from becoming damaged in response to contact with the extension.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Alfred Eichinger
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Publication number: 20020040561Abstract: An apparatus for reshaping a butt joint, which is formed by a pair of adjacent butt edges of mounted wallboards. The apparatus has tapering means, which includes a body and a pair of beveled surfaces for contacting and simultaneously tapering the adjacent butt edges, and aligning means, which includes a ridge for aligning the tapering means with the butt joint. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle and the tapering means is a rotatable wheel that is rotatably having the ridge and beveled surfaces on its circumferential edge and being attached to one end of the handle. In another embodiment, the tapering means is a semicircular disk having an outer curved portion with the ridge and beveled surfaces thereon and being non-rotatably attached to one end of the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Stephen A. Henits
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Patent number: 6360637Abstract: A rod having bends to facilitate engaging a vehicle door locking mechanism including at least one flat surface lying in the plane of the bends. To increase efficiency, the portion of the tool engaging the locking mechanism can be gnarled. The cross section of the tool can have two flat sides opposing one another. As the tool is inserted into the door, the flat sides allow for less pressure on the door, seal, and window than other comparable tools having a substantially circular cross section. Furthermore, the rod remains at a sufficient thickness to be manipulated within the door and still transfer the force necessary to unlock the door. The tool is made by a process of cutting a rod to a desired length, grinding at least one side flat, bending the rod to a desired shape in the same plane as the ground side, and heat treating the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Weinraub Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Adam S. Weinraub
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Publication number: 20010035080Abstract: The tool apparatus for holding a lawn mower blade for installation and removal of the blade has an elongated lever arm having a handle on the end thereof. A gripping portion is formed on the other end of the elongated lever arm blade engaging yoke formed thereon with a pair of spaced arms having a space therebetween. Each yoke arm has a blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and each blade engaging member has a lip on the end thereof for engaging one side of the lawn mower blade over the lawn mower blade attaching nut. Each gripping portion has a third blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and spaced from the pair of blade engaging members for engaging the other side of the lawn mower blade so that a lawn mower blade can be held by the tool over the lawn mower blade attaching nut for removing the attaching nut with a wrench.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Adams
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Patent number: 6306051Abstract: A first dart tool 110 having a hollow first housing 112. The first dart tool 110 has a flight straightener 114 securely attached to the first housing 112. The flight straightener 114 has a flight straightener top 114T which has a flight straightener top front 114TA having a flight straightener top front right corner 114TAR and a flight straightener top front left corner 114TAL. The flight straightener 114 further has a flight straightener bottom 114B which has a flight straightener bottom front 114BA having a flight straightener bottom front right corner 114BAR and a flight straightener bottom front left corner 114BAL. A first sharpener 116 is securely positioned within the first housing 112. An alternative embodiment of the dart tool includes a unique combination of flight straighteners, tip sharpener and wrench-type devices for removal of metal and plastic types of several sizes, as well as a device for removal of broken plastic shafts and tips.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Lee Stockhamer
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Patent number: 6302002Abstract: An apparatus for servicing an engine cylinder head of an internal combustion engine includes a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to the engine cylinder head. The apparatus additionally includes a support portion for radially supporting the cam sprocket. The support portion is generally cylindrical in shape and adapted to align with the cam shaft. The apparatus is intended to maintain the radial position of a cam sprocket during removal of the cam shaft. The mounting portion preferably includes a pair of apertures adapted to align with a pair of apertures in the cylinder head. Further, the mounting portion is generally planar and the support portion extends substantially parallel to a plane defined by the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Michael Defer
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Patent number: 6272951Abstract: A hanger installing tool includes a pair of slidably mounted posts and an impact member for the driving of prongs of a joist hanger into a header. Arm members of the tool position the tool vertically on a header side with retainers on the arm members confining the tool in header engagement. Limit stops on the tool position an inserted hanger into place on the tool. A bracket attachable to the tool provides one of multiple limit stops for hangers of various lengths. A shoulder on the tool is abutted by the upper end of a hanger to contribute to proper hanger installation. Opposed surface of the tool are engaged in a biased manner by angular flanges of the hanger providing hanger retention during header attachment. Threaded sockets permit selective attachment of a tool handle to best serve convenient use of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Michael L. Lambson
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Patent number: 6260455Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle access device comprising a pair of sheathed elongated filaments which may have a common sheath, one filament acting in use to flex the other to enable the latter to engage a vehicle door lock release knob, the sheath or sheaths being inherently resiliently flexible.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Twisto CCInventor: Roger K Ferguson
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Patent number: 6250186Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: O'Berry Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Brian O'Berry
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Patent number: 6226824Abstract: A knife with multiple roller wheels comprising an elongate hollow housing adapted to be held and operated by one hand. The housing has a first end with a slot and an opposite second end. A knife blade is provided. A structure is for retractably extending the knife blade from the slot in the first end of the housing to trim a window screen. Two roller wheels are also provided. A facility is for rotatably supporting in spaced apart relationships the two roller wheels. An assembly pivotally connects the supporting facility to one side of the housing adjacent to the second end. A stop member supports the supporting facility in a stationary position, so that one of the roller wheels will extend beyond the second end of the housing to install the window screen in a window screen frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventors: Eric J. Hopson, Tammy Hopson
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Patent number: 6202519Abstract: A brake testing device for a transport vehicle having a brake pedal and a steering wheel, the steering wheel having a rim portion, the device having a shaft member whose length is selected to extend between the brake pedal and the steering wheel; first engagement means mounted on the shaft for engaging the rim portion; second engagement means for engaging the brake pedal, wherein the device is operable to maintain the brake pedal at an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Barry Victor Yandt