Wrench, Screwdriver, Or Driver Therefor Patents (Class 81/52)
  • Publication number: 20080216607
    Abstract: A screw fastening device allows efficient mounting and advancing of screws carried on a screw strip along a guide chute to prevent the screws from impacting a target object and damaging the target object and to precisely move the screw strip forward to precisely set the screws at a desired positioning point in a completely fixed condition and also allows for correcting the orientation of the sharp tip of the screw with a guiding and holding device and stably holding a body of the screw to prevent improper orientation of the screw and incorrect screwing thereby effectively and precisely screw the screw to a target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jun-Xiu XU
  • Publication number: 20080196552
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory H. Petrak
  • Publication number: 20080190245
    Abstract: A tool for removing a spark plug from an internal combustion engine after such ground electrode shield has been broken away from an upper portion of a spark plug. The tool includes: a rod having a first end threaded to an interior portion of the shield; a hollow tube for receiving a portion of the rod between the first end of the rod and a second end of the rod, such tube having a stepped portion for engaging a shoulder of the engine; and an extracting means attached to the second end of the rod for generating a force axially along a longitudinal axis of the shield to remove the shield from the engine as such rod and shield are lifted by the generated force through the hollow region of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Badman, Rudolph J. Makima
  • Publication number: 20080184483
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for affixing a drain assembly in a drain port in plumbing fixture. The drain assembly includes a drain ring affixed to a drain pipe. The drain pipe is positionable through the drain port in a bottom surface of the plumbing fixture, such that the drain sink abuts the upper surface of the plumbing fixture. The drain pipe extends through the drain port, past an underside surface of the plumbing fixture surrounding the drain port. A drain nut is rotatably fastened onto the drain pipe. The drain nut includes a first and second of bore therein. A drain nut driver tool is provided, which includes first and second angular extensions for engaging the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool engages the drain nut by removably positioning the first and second angular extensions about the drain pipe into the first and second of bores of the drain nut. The drain nut driver tool is rotated about the drain pipe to secure the drain nut onto the drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Robert H. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20080106156
    Abstract: The motor includes an E-core stator assembly with a source of alternating current and an armature portion mounted to be responsive to the stator to oscillate back and forth through an arc portion of the personal care appliance and flexure elements are connected between the armature and the mounting member, the flexure elements crossing each other, wherein the crossing point defines a pivot point about which the armature rotates. A workpiece assembly, which includes a mounting arm, is configured so that a skin brush mounted on a free end of the mounting arm has an axis of rotation about the pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: PACIFIC BIOSCIENCE LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Reishus, Stephen M. Meginniss, Kenneth A. Pilcher
  • Publication number: 20080097458
    Abstract: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive the head portions of at least two different dental implants, the head portions of the dental implants being oriented at different angles with respect to the implant body portions. When the head portion of an implant is received within the opening, the drive tool is rotationally locked with respect to the implant. In this position, the body of the drive tool remains oriented so that same is substantially colinear with the body portion of the implant. Although the invention is described in the context of a drive tool used with a dental implant having a body portion and a head portion or abutment portion, the invention is more broadly applicable to drive tools which may be used with other types of orthopedic screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER DENTAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, James I. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080087140
    Abstract: A driving head for an air wrench, connected at the front end of a main body of an air wrench and formed with four equal side surfaces, includes a quadrate stage with a preset length and a front end stage having a neck at its rear end connected with the quadrate stage. Each side surface of the front-end stage is formed as an arc starting from the top to the neck to keep its diagonal distance just fit with the quadrate groove of the working sleeve. Therefore, the driving head can drive the working sleeve to work by either fitting the front end stage and the quadrate stage in the quadrate groove completely or fitting only the front end stage in the quadrate groove with an inclined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Nan-Shin Wang
  • Patent number: 7337697
    Abstract: A depth stop device for a screw driving tool includes an adjusting ring (30), a connection sleeve (22) for rotatably mounting the adjusting ring (30) on the nose member (6) of the screw driving tool housing (4), a substantially sleeve-shaped depth stop (36) displaceable in an axial direction relative the connection sleeve (22) by rotation of the adjusting ring (30), and at least partially elastic locking element (40) engageable in the axial direction with both the adjusting ring (30) and the connection sleeve (22), the locking element being also adapted to secure the adjusting ring (30) on the connection sleeve (22) in a rotational direction (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bader, Matthias Keith
  • Patent number: 7334509
    Abstract: A method for assembling a torque-limiting driver, and the resulting drive. The method comprises the steps of providing a handle having a housing, drive assembly, and a testing assembly. The drive assembly is assembled, inserted into the testing assembly and calibrated. The drive assembly is then removed and inserted into the housing of the handle and secured to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20070283788
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a tool having a threaded member which is characterized by a cylindrical shaft or spindle with a surrounding body or handle. The shaft and body are operably engaged by means of a series of magnets in the spindle and the body, and the operable engagement releases once the torque force on the threaded member exceeds the magnetic force between the body and the spindle. In the method of the present invention, the user can calibrate and adjust the torque limit of the assembly by attaching a calibration bar of predetermined length to the threaded member and then rotating the tool over a scale such that the calibration bar contacts the surface of the scale. The user can then adjust a set screw which alters the length of the shaft and alters the magnetic force between the body and the spindle and correspondingly alters the torque limit of the tool to a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Kolkind
  • Patent number: 7270036
    Abstract: This invention relates to a torque ratchet wrench that comprises a wrench body with a handle at one end and a wrench head at the other end, a driving head would be used for connecting with work pieces, a control device being installed inside the wrench head for using to activate the driving head to run with turning of the wrench in one direction and to void the driving head to run with turning of the wrench in the other direction, a mark plate being implemented on the wrench body with notched torque scales, and an indicator being fixed on the wrench head at one end and extending to above the mark plate at the other end. When the wrench body is driving the driving head rotating, the torque value applied on the wrench driving the work piece can be measured from reading the pointing of the indicator to the notched torque scale on the mark plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7267032
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool. At least one offset driven part is detachably attachable to an input part for accessing a fastener for driving thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Stefan Keller
  • Patent number: 7247815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating a contact tip of a welding device includes a member, e.g., a clutch bearing or other device, that securely grasps the contact tip and minimizes damage thereto. The method and apparatus can be used to install or remove a contact tip into/from a welding device, e.g., without the need to remove the nozzle of the welding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Lajoie
  • Patent number: 7197961
    Abstract: A cordless screwdriver, having a housing (12, 18) equipped with a handle (14), having an in particular permanently installed rechargeable battery (40), and having a transmission (72), is particularly compact, lightweight, and strong because the transmission (72), embodied in the form of a sun-and-planet gear, is simply inserted into a hollow, cylindrical transmission housing (18) and can be secured in position in it by an axial securing plate (62); the transmission housing (18) is also provided with an internal gearing and serves as the sun gear as well as being integrated into the reinforcing structure of the cordless screwdriver (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Kageler, Ginn Yuh Gan, Abdul Aziz Zulfikar
  • Patent number: 7185562
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a driver may include an electric motor coupled to a bit interface. The bit interface may include a generally cylindrical body having first and second hollow portions. The first hollow portion may be on one end of the generally cylindrical body and may define a generally cylindrical hole. The second hollow portion may abut the first hollow portion and define an oblong channel. The oblong channel may be further defined by first and second parallel flat walls. The cylindrical body may also include a first transverse groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: OsteoMed L.P.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Raines, Jr., Shaher A. Ahmad
  • Patent number: 7152380
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repairing nail pops in a wallboard is disclosed. The apparatus can be placed In a first state in which it acts as a cutting tool and can be used to cut a bore hole into a wallboard to separate a popped nail from the wallboard. The apparatus can also be placed in a second state in which it acts as a driving or impact tool and can be used to drive the popped nail which has been separated from the wallboard, into a framing support. The apparatus may be comprised of first and connecting members and a cutting member. The driving member may have an elongated core and may be connected by the connecting member to the cutting member. The driving member may be able to slide with respect to the connecting member to allow the apparatus to change from the first state to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Pendrous, Thomas O. Wiener
  • Patent number: 7134364
    Abstract: A battery-operated screwdriver (10) with a housing (12, 18) with a grip (14), in particular with a fixedly built-in battery (40), and with charging contact tongues (37) for charging the battery (40), is designed as especially compact and lightweight because instead of a boxlike, standard ON/OFF switch, counterpart contacts (34) fixed to the tool are provided, to which a contact plate (32) that is movable by means of an ON/OFF trigger (26) and in the process is coupleable to the counterpart contacts (34) and upon their release is easily releasable, is assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Kageler, Ginn Yuh Gan, Abdul Aziz Zulfikar
  • Patent number: 7117765
    Abstract: A tool kit having at least one ratchet and at least two sets of sockets. Each ratchet having a first color coded indicia indicating the size of the driver on each particular ratchet. The first, and the second set of sockets having on each socket, the first color coded indicia indicating the size of the particular driver hole marked at the drive end of each socket, as well as, having the second color coded indicia for indicating the particular size and point configuration of the nut hole of the particular socket marked at the nut hole end of that particular socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Russell C. Wallden
  • Patent number: 7052128
    Abstract: A pen-shaped spectacles repair kit includes a pen-shaped body having a two-sectioned case and a cap, and a screwdriver. A rear inner end of the case opposite to the cap is formed into a space for holding some spare parts for spectacles; the screwdriver has a middle body having two blades projected from two ends thereof. The screwdriver is fitted in the case by inserting the middle body into a fixing hole provided at a front end of the case, so that the screwdriver turns when the case is turned. The cap closed to the front end of the case completely covers the projected blade, and a clip provided on the cap allows the pen-shaped spectacles repair kit to be clamped on a user's pocket and conveniently portable for tightening screws on the spectacles at any place and any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Su Kung-Ping
  • 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: 7039975
    Abstract: A tool includes a longer handle member having a passage formed in a stem, a cover detachably attached to the longer handle member, a telescopic tool device detachably attached to the cover and engaging through and extendible out of the passage of the stem and having a magnetic element for attracting fasteners. A shorter handle member is detachably attached to the longer handle member, and a ratchet tool mechanism is detachably coupled to the shorter handle member for being driven by the shorter handle member. A magnetic securing device may secure the handle members together. A tool holder may be received in the longer handle member for receiving tool members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Youn Chyuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7040196
    Abstract: An assembly machine includes a support structure having a plurality of selectively moveable support members that facilitate manually manipulating a tool relative to a work piece. A controller continuously gathers position information regarding the support members to determine every position of the tool. The controller includes a teach mode that allows for storing selected tool activation positions in particular sequences for subsequent control of the tool according to necessary procedures for completing a variety of assembly processes. One example machine designed according to this invention includes selectively controlled biasing members that maintain a zero balance on the tool, provide an operator assist to moving the tool or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Automated Solutions
    Inventors: Raymond Ormachea, Robert Bailey
  • Patent number: 7017449
    Abstract: A tool is provided to aid in the insertion and removal of tree steps used with blinds in trees while hunting. The invention takes the form of a “Z”-shaped crank made of flat steel stock. The middle portion of the crank has a hole that is placed over the step on the step portion. The upper portion of the crank, has two slots on either side, one of which is used for installing a tree step, while the other is used to remove the tree step. Finally, the lower portion of the crank forms a handle, which can be padded with a cushion or handle grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Allen E. Ritchings
  • Patent number: 7013764
    Abstract: A device for extracting a drain assembly from a basin, or for extracting joined pipes where there is not an adequate surface to attach a device to disengage the pipes. The device has a shaft with two or more insert pins, a top ring encasing the shaft, a bottom ring encasing the shaft, two or more dowel pins, and two or more wing segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Betty Jean Sutherland
    Inventor: Timothy S. Leatherby
  • Patent number: 7013763
    Abstract: A display device is connected to a head of a wrench including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. A variable electric resistor is connected to a side of the head and electrically connected to the display device. The movable jaw has a contact member which is movably in contact with the variable electric resistor. The changes of the value of electric resistance of the variable electric resistor is transformed into digitals to show the distance between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, that is, the size of an object clamped between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6928900
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: V O Design and Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Vagn-Erik Dall, David J. Reed, Peter Lawes
  • Patent number: 6895838
    Abstract: A strainer lock apparatus for installing and removing a stainer in a sink or tub. A first member having a top end with a locking mechanism that may include a slot is inserted in the apertures of the strainer and rotated thus locking the first member which then hangs freely from the cross members. A second member with a threaded lock attached thereto is placed over the first member. A portion of the bottom end of the first member extends past the bottom end of the second member. An end piece is attached to the extended portion of the first member, thereby preventing the second member from falling from the first member. The second member and lock are brought into contact with the threaded surface of the top retainer section and rotated around the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Stahnke
  • Patent number: 6877401
    Abstract: Apparatus for extraction of nails, screws and other such fasteners from wood or other host materials are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a shank adapted for application at a rotational drive source, a two-part engaging member at one end of the shank having a cavity extending thereinto for receiving therein a fastener to be extracted and openable to release the fastener after extraction. A cutting component is defined at a bottom edge of the engaging member adjacent to an opening to the cavity for cleanly removing host material from around the fastener. A gripping surface formation comprising a spiraling striation is formed at a surface of the cavity for threadably engaging the fastener to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: ReConnX, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon X. Giltner
  • Patent number: 6826983
    Abstract: A light bulb changer method and apparatus that contains components that allows for instantly detecting a burned out light, automatically removing the burned out light, and automatically replacing the burned out light with a replacement bulb. The changer operates without human intervention, and can be assembled from a kit having a light fixture, detecting sensor, removing and replacement hardware. The kit can allow a consumer to assemble the changer for use as a novelty item, and/or also to be used as a working light fixture, such as a table lamp, and the like. The changer can also be used as a retrofit for existing light fixtures so that the existing light fixtures can be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Magdi
  • Patent number: 6792816
    Abstract: A bit adapter for a torque detector enables torque measurement without requiring skill, is highly safe, and has a simple structure. In the bit adapter for torque detection, one end of a threaded shaft, which at the other end is provided with a locking part that detachably engages the output shaft, screws into a shaft pedestal with a screw hole, a flange part is provided on a part of the shaft, adjacently to the locking part, and a thrust bearing and a helical compression spring are interposed between this flange part and the aforesaid shaft pedestal, a shaft position control means that controls the position of the aforesaid shaft is provided by straddling the aforesaid shaft pedestal and a position slightly above the flange part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Publication number: 20040144211
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Vagn-Erik Dall, David J. Reed, Peter Lawes
  • Patent number: 6755002
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repairing nail pops in a wallboard is disclosed. The apparatus can be placed In a first state in which it acts as a cutting tool and can be used to cut a bore hole into a wallboard to separate a popped nail from the wallboard. The apparatus can also be placed in a second state in which it acts as a driving or impact tool and can be used to drive the popped nail which has been separated from the wallboard, into a framing support. The apparatus may be comprised of first and connecting members and a cutting member. The driving member may have an elongated core and may be connected by the connecting member to the cutting member. The driving member may be able to slide with respect to the connecting member to allow the apparatus to change from the first state to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Pendrous, Thomas O. Wiener
  • Publication number: 20040112178
    Abstract: A fastener installation tool for installing fasteners of the type in which a part of the fastener is broken off during installation. The tool is provided with a collection means (21) for collecting broken-off fastener parts during operation of the tool, the collection means being removably connectable to the tool. The tool includes retaining means (28) for retaining the collection means (21) against removal from the tool and the retaining means is air-pressure actuated into the retaining condition. The tool may include resiliently urged shutter means (38) which are held open when the collection means (21) is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Terence Gilbert, Aiden Robert Dear
  • Patent number: 6748832
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a universal lug wrench that can be used by ordinary people to loosen and fasten the lug nuts 12 on automobile tires 14 without undue strain on the users part. This is made possible by a supporting adjustment stand 16 and the longer arm 18 of the wrench 20. The present invention 10 is also easy to disassemble and store and also versatile as the sockets 22, 23 for the lug nuts 12 of different sizes can easily be interchanged. The purpose of the wrench 20 is to exert a torque on a lug nut 12 at the socket 22 end and around the axis by pressing the handle end 21. The improved wrench of the present invention 10 eliminates the unwanted torque generated by a conventional wrench 24. The present invention 10 has an extension 54 for the sockets 22 that are inserted into the adjustable clamp 56 and provides a pivoting point for the wrench 20. Various sockets 22, 23 can be interchangeably used for lug nuts 12 of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Foy Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20040103760
    Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Don W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040045413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for screwing in fastening elements that consist of a plastic retainer (13) and a premounted screw (11). The inventive device is further characterized by a screwing device (6) and a screwdriver (5). The screwing device (6) comprises two tubular elements (58, 59) that are coaxially inserted one into the other. The extent to which they engage with each other can be adjusted and the tubular elements (58, 59) can be interlocked in the adjusted position. The tubular element (58) is further provided with a stop element (62) comprising a stop boss (63′) which interacts with a stop screw (63).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Gasser
  • Patent number: 6681659
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for automatically installing a fastener to a fastener receptacle portion of a work piece. A fastener apparatus comprises a central frame supporting a datum member. The datum member defines a fastener position, and the datum member is operably engageable with a characteristic feature of the work piece. The fastener apparatus further comprises a fastening tool supported by the frame and moveable to the fastener position. The fastener apparatus further comprises a biasing member biasing the work piece characteristic feature in operable engagement with the datum member aligning the fastener receptacle with the fastener position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Shih H. Hoe, Siak S. Leow, Muhammad F. Abdullah, Hua K. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040003683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool which has more than one function. As a first function, the tool is capable of activating a fastening element, either by direct physical contact or by remote activation. As a second function, the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element. The attribute can include position or location of the fastening element, status of the fastening element, identity of the fastening element, environmental factors affecting the fastening element, size of the fastening element, sequence in which the fastening element must be activated, history of the fastening element, authorization requirements in relation to the. fastening element, or activation requirements of the fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dickory Rudduck
  • Publication number: 20030213339
    Abstract: A rod shaped steel tool designed to aid in the installation of t-nuts. The T-Nut Driver has a tip 10 on which a t-nut is placed. There is an end 14 which is inserted into a pneumatic air hammer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: James Vincent Bellanca
  • Patent number: 6581697
    Abstract: A pneumatic tool apparatus, a pneumatic tool, and a method of making and using a pneumatic tool apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an inner torsion bar and an outer tube which has recesses which allow the apparatus to provide more torque in one direction of rotation than in the other direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventor: David A. Giardino
  • Patent number: 6474199
    Abstract: A drain installation apparatus for installing a drain assembly in a drain hole of a plumbing fixture. The drain installation apparatus includes a bridging member for bridging over the drain hole. A support member extends toward the drain hole when the bridging member is positioned over the drain hole. A holding member engages a top of the drain assembly. A handle member is mounted on the support member for being gripped by a hand of a user to rotate the support member. An attachment member is mounted on the bridging member for releasably mounting on an inner surface of the plumbing fixture adjacent to the drain hole. A cup member engages an upper fastener of the drain assembly. A lower handle member is mounted on the cup member for gripping by the hand of the user to produce rotation of the cup member. An engaging member engages a lower fastener of the drain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Andras Szasz
  • Patent number: 6401571
    Abstract: A tool, specifically adapted for inserting a lamp module in a lamp module receptacle and for removal of a lamp module from a receptacle, is provided with a longitudinally extending handle having opposite ends and a lamp removal head at one end of the handle for engaging the head of a lamp tether and disconnecting the tether head from a tether rail, and a lamp insertion head at an opposite end of the handle to facilitate engagement of a lamp tether head with a tether rail in a lamp receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Aerospace & Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schuman
  • Patent number: 6301997
    Abstract: A positioning device for a power tool. A tool, such as a drywall screw gun, is equipped with a projector which projects two light rays, which form a “V.” The axis of a screw driven by the gun lies in the plane of the “V,” as by bisecting the “V.” If the two rays are positioned so that they illuminate a framing member, such as a 2×4 stud, then this axis will intersect that stud. In effect, (1) the stud becomes the horizontal base of a triangle, (2) the legs of the “V” become the sides, and (3) the axis becomes the altitude. The altitude (axis) necessarily intersects the base (stud). This intersection occurs whether or not a sheet of material, such as drywall, covers part of the stud, provided extremeties of the stud are exposed for the illumination described above. Thus, the location of the concealed part of the stud can be determined, despite the fact that a sheet of material obscures that part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory A. Welte
  • Publication number: 20010017066
    Abstract: A power driver includes a motor and a spindle having a distal end thereof opposite the motor. The distal end has an axial bore formed therein. A gear assembly is disposed operatively between the motor and the spindle so that the motor rotationally drives the spindle through the gear assembly. A grip is mounted in the spindle in communication with the axial bore. A driver is mounted about the spindle in operative communication with the grip so that activation of the driver in a closing direction moves the grip radially toward the axis and activation of the driver in an opening direction moves the grip radially away from the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Theodore G. Yaksich, William H. Aultman, Gary L. Young
  • Patent number: 6250182
    Abstract: A socket assembly for an ultrasound-controlled screwing device has a coupling for rotary connection of a screw connection with a screw spindle, an electrical conducting element for electrically conducting connection between the screw connection and the socket, and the electrical contacting element having an electrical conductor which is held in a springy way against the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Veitinger
  • Patent number: 6135607
    Abstract: A lightweight tool extending apparatus comprising an outer member having a lower end structured for interconnection with a drive ratchet, an inner member structured for insertion into the outer member in sliding relation thereto and having an upper end structured for interconnection with a drive head, a universal joint structured to rotate and pivot about its longitudinal axis so that the outer member may be angled relative to the inner member, a light mounted to the inner member structured to generate a focused light beam above the upper end of the inner member, and a depressible button in a side of the inner member structured to protrude through one of a plurality of holes in a corresponding side of the outer member, thereby securing the inner and outer members in place relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Jesse James Cook
  • Patent number: 5875558
    Abstract: A measuring tool having a plurality of templates, each template having a socket opening therein. The size of the socket openings in each template are different from each other. The templates are mounted together with each template having a head portion, a shank portion and a rear-end. The templates are pivotally mounted together adjacent their rear-ends so that the templates are moveable from a folded compact position to an open position. The head portions are wider than the shank portions and are thin and light-weight. Openings are provided in the rear ends so that the templates may be pivotally mounted together at the rear-ends. The templates are of different sizes with the larger nut socket located in the longer template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: John S. Bakke, David C. Bakke
  • Patent number: 5787770
    Abstract: A rotational actuator includes an actuator case, a first rotor supported on the actuator case for rotation about an axis of rotation, a second rotor supported on the actuator case coaxially with the first rotor and for rotation independent of the first rotor, an expandable member having one end secured to the second rotor and the other end secured to the first rotor for relatively rotating the first and second rotors by expansion or contraction thereof, and an expandable member controller for controlling the extent of expansion and contraction of the expandable member. The momentum of the first rotor in the rotational direction thereof when the expandable member is expanded or contracted is set to be higher than the momentum of the second rotor in the rotational direction thereof at this time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyomi Shimada, Nuio Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 5692416
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed which is useful to install and remove bent decorative supply pipes such as are exposed between a water service pipe within a wall and a shower dead. The tool has a cylindrical head which is inserted in one end of the supply pipe, a hilt to stop the pipe at a predetermined length of insertion and an elongate handle to rotate the pipe to turn the threads of the supply pipe relative to the threads of the service pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Wade C. Hamblin
  • Patent number: 5546833
    Abstract: A wrench (10) is disclosed for breaking a threaded connection between first and second pipe sections (14, 16) having wrench flats (18). A first jaw (20) is pivotally secured to a first torque arm (22) and slid over the wrench flats of the first pipe section. A second jaw (54) is pivotally secured to a second torque arm (56) and slid over the wrench flats of the second pipe section (16). A threaded rod (70), with a handle (72) thereon, is threaded between the distal ends of the torque arms so that the distal ends of the torque arms can be brought together by rotating the threaded rod with the handle to break the connection. The jaws (20, 54) are interchangeable and jaws of different size can be used to fit pipe sections of different diameter. Further, the jaws have a plurality of pivot pin apertures (26-38) around their circumference to permit the jaws to be adjusted on the torque arms to position the jaw on the wrench flats of the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Brian Holdeman, Fred H. Kohman, Greg T. Harrison, Bradley W. Hise